AMW News Centre

[Chrinthanium]

[Chrinthanium]

RTR BREAKING NEWS

CAESAR HADRIAN II ASSASSINATED IN ITALICA

"..... reports are sketchy at best, but according to eye witnesses who've spoken with RTR News at the scene, while Emperor Hadrian II was concluding his remarks dedicating the Italica Roman Heritage Site, a gunman or gunmen shot Caesar through the heart. According to reports from the Praetorian Guard, Caesar has died........ there are no words to express the horror and sadness of this day....."

[Chemaki]

ϗףðɞðϧ ɂʋðף - KHABAR UMMAH


Friends or Money? Lucrative Japanese Deal Could "Change the Course of History"

A trade deal touted as a 'once in a lifetime' investment into the Ummah's future is being presented to President Dagarzai after an extraordinarily quick passage through the Federal Council. As the rarely quick gears of Federal beaureucracy work into overtime, an immediate meeting is being called for the States' relevant leaders to discuss the proposal with the Federal Council. Already this trade deal, far from the cut-and-dry import deals that the Dagarzai's Islamic Socialist and the previous Social Democrat governments have instigated, is attracting nationwide controversy. Kurdistan's Sheikh Kaveh has already stated that his government, a coalition between the Islamic Socialists and the local Kurdish Unionists, is opposed, but Dagarzai's promise to "negotiate the deal on the Ummah's terms" has won widespread support with the Free House, whom he is relying on to pass the agreement.

Critics say that although the deal would open up the Ummah's vast oil reserves for export and improve thawing relations with Indus, the very nature of the proposal hints at the Easterners' true motives. Taroon Saqarzai, advisor in the Federal Council and detractor of the deal, explains: "The Japanese have always held an Imperial mindset, and much like our nation's patriotism, the Easterners have a drive to take advantage and work on their own terms. The deal, aimed at forcing weaker nations to unlock their abundant resources, is a misguided grab at our nation's power, and until we negotiate as equals, it is an insult to the FIS and to the Islamic community at large.". Whilst the other nations involved in the Pacific Trade Organizations are considerably weaker than their Japanese overseer, the FIS is, in many cases, the economic and social doppelganger of this mysterious Eastern nation, leading many to question what, exactly, is being offered to the Ummah. General Arash Firdaus, Assets Organizer for the Samartian Army, representing a quarter of the nation's oil and a sixth of the nation's copper reserves, says that although "Japanese Technology holds a great prestige", there is little demand for military new equipment and the long-term economic cost of opening up oil and gas reserves could be "insufferable". Concerns are also being raised as to the viability of holding a (potentially) volatile reserve currency, and whilst the Federal Bank holds a small store of Walmington Pounds, the Ummah's fiscal policy has always rested on the 200-year old True Standard, using the unshakable Rial to conduct transactions. The Samartian Army is already lobbying for a counter-proposal, which would see unused gas fields under its ownership sold to the Imperial government at a reduced rate, opening up gas production to the international market. With gas production only carried out on a domestic scale by private companies, such a sale could net the nation several billion Rial and see Japan's thirst sated for decades.

Dagarzai, flustered by this backlash from other political seniors, admitted that the 3.8% growth last year was lower than expected, it was not a time to be foolhardy about economic decisions of such magnitude. In his open letter to the Diet, Dagarzai emphasized that the Ummah has more to offer than natural resources; joint technological endeavours, similar to the fruitful military and space programs that the FIS and the Byzantine Empire have embarked on in the past; business deals to allow for both nations' transnationals to expand even further, and mutual advice and expertise, particularly in inspiring Japan's blooming Socialist system. In a more personal letter to Japanese Prime Minister Kiichirō, the President highlighted his admiration for the National Alliance party, and mentioned the likewise respect that the Samartian Army felt for the Imperial Japanese Army, both for its formidable strength and political involvement. Whilst there have been no official mention of bilateral trade deals with Indus, The Gulf States and Anahuac, the Federal Council anticipates that this deal, on the correct terms, could see the a new era of economic and cultural growth for the Ummah.




Other news:
- As Ramadan draws to a close, Dagarzai honors Baha'i fundraiser for Gallaga refugees
- Investigation into Kulob checkpoint massacre begins; death toll 12, including four militia
- Joint military exercises between Indus and Ummah planned in Baltistan
- "Why our nation will run on oil", Sani Parvuz' opinion on future exports
- Envision the East: is Japan our cultural cousin?
- Striker Ali Tahmid caught with Greek mistress during Ramadan, Dubai manager Ikbal Akadi considers sacking

[Iansisle]

Trending in the blogosphere...

Japanese Proposal Catches Presidio Hill by Surprise

With the shock of the Council's ruling still reverberating around the halls of parliament, Foreign Office reports of activities in Tokyo. New Prime Minister Alberto Padrigo (PSC) was apparently just as shocked to learn of Japan's proposal for a Pacific trade pact – one that notably excluded established economies such as California, Walmington, and Chrinthanium– as was the general public.

As no party or coalition of parties currently possess a definite mandate from the voters and as elections are not scheduled until late August, the Japanese proposal seems perfectly timed to take advantage of California's political crisis.

Pressed for comment, Prime Minister Padrigo would only say that he was about to attend a briefing on the Japanese proposal and that California remained committed to its bilateral economic relations with both Japan and several of the proposed 'Pacific' partners.

He refused to answer questions relating to military technology and the Gulf States or Anahuac, stating only that no Japanese official had yet proposed any sharing program and that California's strenuous objections to such a policy were well known.




Garcia y Coswell Confirms Candidacy

Julia Garcia y Coswell, former Prime Minister of California, was seen entering the Ventura electoral office early Monday morning. She took questions from a small crowd of reporters who had been staking out the office, confirming that she has accepted the Freedom Party request to run for Senate in the Ventura District.

Garcia – a Green Party fixture for more than three decades – announced that, as a native of the central Californian coast, she had long been a supporter of the moderate Freedom Party and its long-standing defense of local issues. She was born in Pasadena, slightly more than a hundred kilometers away and lived in Oxnard while working for CalRail for several years after collecting her masters of city planning degree.

Jenny Whitaker (GPC), the former Minister of Finance and current leader of the opposition, characterized Garcia's candidacy as “built on a foundation of bitterness” and the result of the Green Party's decision to drop her from the list following the Mandate Council's invalidation of the 2012 elections.

Early polling indicates Garcia running third, just barely in double digits, behind two-term Socialist incumbent Eduardo Huertes (48%) and Green party challenger Peter Machado (34%). The Communist Party of California (Igovian) is also running a candidate, Evelyn Tierney (6%). If no candidate is able to win a majority in the general election, the two top vote candidates will enter a run-off election two weeks after the general. Since Hank Ellsbury was elected for Sacramento in 1978, no one from outside the Green or Socialist parties has been elected to the California Senate.





Foreign Office Mulls Intervention in Anahuac

A major victory by the Kurosite People's Revolutionary Party of Mesoamerica (PRPM) against government forces near the city of Coatzacoalcos on the eastern coast has left the future of that country in doubt and the Californian government reeling.

The political crisis in San Diego has left the Foreign Office without a decided policy for the central American state, located between the Gulf States and Zion. While there is certainly little love for the military junta currently ruling Anahuac, many on Presidio Hill worry about the revolutionaries ties to Drapol and the implications to relations with Walmington in any major support of Kursoite forces.

Involvement in the conflict could also lead to a confrontation between California and the Gulf States, possibly resulting in the first major flare up since the end of the Pueblo Wars in the 1960s. With elections drawing near and fears over the war in Europe dominating public polling, no one in the present government seems to be willing to risk a possible military conflagration that could claim dozens or hundreds of Californian lives.




Other News
Roman Emperor Assassinated
Manhunt continues across Hispania
San Diego shut out ...again
Baseball in the nation's capital continues to embarrass
CalFire warns of dangerous conditions
Unseasonably dry winter results in lots of dry brush for fire season
The latest from the war in Europe
Our own correspondent in the besieged city of Vess

[Chrinthanium]

RTR BREAKING NEWS

Marcus X Hailed as New Roman Emperor
ROMA, Italia - While the nation mourns the assassination of Hadrian II, an heir to the Laurel Crown has been found. He was presented at the Quirinal Palace today to the press corps. His full regal name is Imperator Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Germanicus Augustus (Decimus). The new emperor is the great-grandson of Emperor Julian VI (1936-1956). He will address the empire later tonight, which you can watch live on RTR News and online at rtrnews.co.re.

[Chrinthanium]

Emperor Marcus X Addresses Nation
An RTR Report

Source: Social Media

ROMA, Italia - The 169th Roman Emperor addressed the nation earlier this evening in a short, but poignant, introductory message. The address was received well overall with political pundits around the empire with most of the criticism coming from the conservative factions of the government. In his first official address to the Roman people, Caesar Marcus X spoke to the tragedy in Italica, goals for the empire, and, in particular, going forward with plans already stated by Consul-General Election Juan Diego Alvarez regarding the Commonwealth of Socialist Republics.

"Fellow citizens, it is in this dark moment in our national history that I come to you today. I would personally like to extend my condolences to the family of Caesar Hadrian II and I join in as we pray for his friends and family. This was a premeditated, heinous act of terror against our nation. It is my solemn oath that the people responsible for this horrific crime will be found and brought to swift justice." Caesar stated as he opened up his address.

Caesar Marcus X then spoke on the future of the nation. "I plan to work closely with Consul-General Alvarez in creating a better tomorrow for our people. I've already spoken with him earlier this evening in a very fruitful and candid discussion regarding initiatives to increase educational standards, to expand the National Heath Plan to include those less fortunate who may have been left out in the cold by previous executive action, and to continue to promote the economic expansion of the South of Italia and Sicilia where the poorest in our nation live below the levels that any Roman citizen of right aught to live." He added, "and I have spoken to the incoming Senate and Plebian Council leadership to begin what I believe will be a beneficial relationship built on trust and respect."

Then Caesar shifted to foreign policy. Specifically, he outlined what he said was the Alvarez Plan. "Consul-General Alvarez and I believe that the Commonwealth of Socialist Republics should continue to be brought into full diplomatic relations with the Roman Empire, greater Europe, and the world. We believe the Celtic people are a proud and mighty people who have been for far too long the target of hatred from this government. Such a diplomatic stance cannot endure. In the modern world there is absolutely no reason why we cannot work together to build a better Europe with every nation including our Celtic neighbors. It is also my hope that the CSR will allow me to visit, to speak with their leadership at a place and time of their choosing to discuss how we great and ancient nations can build a friendly and neighborly relationship and repair the centuries of abuse and mistrust that have defined our relations."

Reaction Across The Empire

The leader of the Roman Values Party, Constantino Berutti, commented on his blog, "While I applaud the new emperor's plan to bring the Celtic people into the general discourse of Europe, it has been proven time and time again that they cannot be trusted when it comes to building a working relationship with the Roman Empire. In fact, his statement proves he does not understand all the dynamics of this relationship. The Celtic people do not hate us because they're jealous. They hate us because our ancestors stole their land and they want it back. If he were a true scholar of history--or at least held a basic understanding of it--he would know that anything short of giving the land back is unacceptable to the Celtic people and no discussions will ever change their mind." Mr. Berutti added a few paragraphs later, "this is what happens when you have no clear-cut heir and quite literally have to pull someone off of the street to fill the vacancy."

Consul-General Elect Juan Diego Alvarez said in a brief message, "I think we're seeing a new way for the Roman people. It doesn't have to be us or them. It can be us and them. I am confident after speaking with Caesar Marcus X that we will have a close working relationship and that we see eye-to-eye on a multitude of topics."

Fabrizio Scaramella, Jr, Mayor of Rome sent out a brief message over social media, "As the husband to a beautiful Celtic woman, I applaud the words of Caesar Marcus X! Hail, Caesar!"

Hispania Praefectus Rafael Avila said on his social media account, "Common sense in Roma? Now that's refeshing! Hail, Caesar!"

Who is Caesar Marcus X?

The Quirinal Palace sent out a press release before introducing Caesar to the nation. In the press release, the detailed his family line and the exhaustive search to find the rightful heir to the Crown. Beyond the preliminaries establishing his legitimacy, they also gave a few background notes on the newest Roman Emperor.

He was born 9 July 1980 at 17:44 in Mediolanum. He is 32 years old and a bachelor. His mother is half Hispanic, half Italian and his father his fully Italian and the grandson of Julian VI. When he was 7, the family moved to Monacum when his father was made Vice-President of Monacum Industries, an industrial firm that is licensed to build FIAT sedans and SUVs. He is an accomplished swimmer having won the Germania National Title three times while at the University of Monacum. He is fluent in Roman German, Italian, Spanish, and Latin. He is a fan of classical and pop music, noting his favorite group is Il Divo. According to the palace, it took quite a bit of convincing for him to realize this wasn't a joke.

There have been reports since he was first presented to the people that he may have been a club hound, particularly fond of the ladies, and may have entertained the use of recreational drugs. The palace has so far not denied these rumors, but briefly glanced over them in the press release saying, "he was your typical young Roman citizen during his youth."

[Nova Gaul]

読売新聞
Yomiuri Shimbun

Deputy Prime Minister Katō Komei arrives in Saidpur to sign premier Pacific Trade Organization membership pact with the Grand Republic of the Indus—next stop: the Federated Islamic States
SAIDPUR, Grand Republic of the Indus

The first ever state visit by a Japanese executive to the Indus occurred this afternoon as Deputy Prime Minister Komei arrived in Saidpur. Beaming with joy and escorted by a bevy of Japanese financial and military officials, the Deputy Prime Minister announced he “ready to get to work” and “was simply ecstatic that the Grand Republic and the Empire, which have had such profitable relations in the past, are now paving the way towards indefatigable future triumphs.”

“I bring with me the optimism and tireless industry of Japan,” Komei declared, “to secure for our two great nations a future more hopeful than either might attain singularly. On behalf of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, of the Prime Minister, of the entire Yamato people, I extend my sincerest thanks to the Primus and the Great Assembly for their adroit and visionary actions.”

While all in Saidpur was fêting and mutual congratulations, it is clear Komei-san has a much more difficult task ahead in wooing the Federation of Islamic States. Katō Komei took the opportunity of his arrival ceremony on the tarmac of Saidpur’s international airport to address the second, and more difficult, aspect of his trip to South Asia.

“As with our esteemed and ever-closer ally the Grand Republic, the Empire of Japan has always respected and admired the traditions, economy, and culture of the Federation of Islamic States. It is my task to ensure that our colleagues in the F.I.S. understand that Japan seeks friends—moreover strong partners—for future endeavors, protracted endeavors. The Pacific Trade Organization is a long-term alliance that will bring equilateral benefits to all members equally, and it is not a get-rich-quick scheme by the Empire that would occur at the expense of associated members. The Empire of Japan would be, will be, delighted to engage in disparate technological projects with the F.I.S.—indeed with all member nations—and it is well known that Japan has one of the most advanced space launch and exploration programs on earth. While I understand a certain hesitation by the Federation to embrace such a comprehensive and, dare I say unlooked for, agreement I intend to present to the honorable President Dagarzai and to his supporters and ideological opposites in the Free House concrete and absolute assurances that the Ummah will benefit immensely by membership in the Pacific Trade Organization. Likewise, it is my intention to bolster their faith in the rising Japanese Yen, back by the most diverse and productive economy in the world, which has in its entire history suffered neither deflation nor devaluation.”

“All options are on the table,” declared the Deputy Prime Minister before departing to meet with Primus Delem Brahma. “But I cannot state strongly enough that the goal of the Pacific Trade Organization is not merely a fiduciary mechanism for short-term financial gain. It is a ‘game-changing’ economic alliance that will fundamentally transform the monetary topography and trans-national financial system of Asia and create the strongest single trading block in the history of the world. It is, in a word, the future.”

In other news…
Front Page: Imperial Family dispatches condolences to the Western Roman Empire at assassination of Emperor Hadrian II, expresses congratulations on the ascension of Marcus X to the throne. Sources close to Emperor Ōtomo relate His Imperial Majesty’s sense of simultaneous ‘sorrow and hope’ at these momentous events…
Front Page: 5 reasons why the Japanese Yen (¥) is destined to replace the Walmingtonian Pound Sterling (£) as the world’s reserve currency…
Business Page: Ministry of Commerce to California: ‘No Hard Feelings.' Trade and amity not affected between ‘our two great states’ at all by the formation of the Pacific Trade Organzation, California simply does not meet ‘certain parameters’ required for candidacy…
Business Page: Toyota Motor Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitsui Group, releases several new luxury ‘Lexus’ (レクサス Rekusasu) car models at a discounted price in an attempt to overtake Nibelung competitors’ Mercedes and Bavarian Motor Works in the world’s high-end car market. “Chaos in Europe” an ideal time for world 'to realize the simultaneous magnificence and economy’ of Japanese automobiles…
Opinion Page: The Second Great War has already begun in Europe, and at its core it is a conflict between the Federal Republic of Nibelunc and the Principality of Gandvik over the rich mineral resources of a tottering Gull Flag Republic…
Entertainment Page: Japanese Animation or ‘anime’ finds unlikely new enthusiasts among the youth of The United Gulf States, ‘Dragon Ball’ a smash hit…

[Chrinthanium]

The Gold Standard

News and Notes

Tragedy in Hispania
Emperor Nathaniel IV conveyed condolances to the Western Roman Empire earlier today via the Chrinthani Ambassador offering assistance to Roman officials and vowing to 'apprehend and extradite any suspects who attempt to enter the empire.' Furthermore, he conveyed good wishes to the newly ascended Marcus X.

War in Europe
The Gandvian military has appeared to open military operations into the Gull Flag Republic. Reports from the region indicate the GFR fighting for its very survival and Nibelung military personnel have been dispatched to assist the fledgling nation.

Indus, FIS to join Pacific Trade Organization
Reports indicate that both Indus and FIS will agree to join the Japanese Pacific Trade Organization.

Tasmania Votes for Independence
The vote has been tallied in Hobbart. Tasmanians declare independence from Chrinthanium. Emperor Nathaniel, Chrinthani Legislature refuse to recognize.

'The Castle' Entered Into Chrinthani Film Preservation Society
The blockbuster comedy The Castle was selected this year to be preserved in perpetuity by the CFPS

In Other News
Japan to California: You don't fit the profile we're looking for regarding the Pacific Trade Organization
OPINION: California 'doesn't cut the mustard' owing to higher standard of living, safety regulations
Chrinthani lawmakers pass 'Porn Industry Standards Act' requiring actors in pornographic movies to wear condoms, get regular STD screenings
New mining permits issued by Imperial Government, Chrinthani resource exportation expected to increase 25% in 5 years.

[Nova Gaul]

読売新聞
Yomiuri Shimbun

Imperial Diet passes Security, Law, Order, and Commerce Act or ‘S.L.O.R.C.A.’ in special convocation
TOKYO, Japan

Following a confidential meeting with the Imperial Privy Council in the early hours of the morning—which His Imperial Majesty the Heavenly Sovereign Ōtomo reportedly attended—Prime Minister Hiranuma Kiichirō called an emergency or ‘Midnight’ joint-session of the Diet. Although the Diet met in a closed session sources close to the Yomiuri Shimbun attest that in a “brief and heated” debate parliament passed by a comfortable majority (across all party lines) the Prime Minister’s proposed Security, Law, Order, and Commerce Act. Under the fairly harsh acronym of ‘S.L.O.R.C.A.’ the new legislation contains four major provisions.

Firstly and primarily, the act authorizes the Empire of Japan to sell weapons and military accessories, as well as provide for ‘whatever military assistance is required’, to all member states of the Pacific Trade Organization. Secondly, the act requires the Imperial Japanese Navy to recall several dozen warships from retirement, mainly older destroyers and destroyer escorts, and “with all speed” modernize and equip them for enduring, contemporary operations. Thirdly, the act specifically grants the navy funding for a third Izumo-class light carrier, and directs construction to occur “with all possible dispatch”. Lastly, and perhaps most notably given the recent entrance of Anahuac into the Pacific Trade Organization, the act permits the Imperial Japanese Military to engage in direct support and combat operations in the troubled Mesoamerican state.

A statement released by the Prime Minister’s office followed the act’s approval.

“The Empire of Japan will absolutely stand by its allies in the Pacific Trade Organization, whether assisting them in building their economies or in preventing unlawful and radical terrorist groups from holding their citizens hostage. Currently an ultra-violent terrorist organization known as the ‘PRPM’ is attempting to overthrow the legitimate government of Anahuac. Over one thousand Japanese citizens currently reside in Anahuac for business reasons, and with Anahuac’s joining of the Pacific Trade Organization more are set to reside there…in addition to billions of Yen worth of assets spread throughout the nation. To safeguard both our citizens and investments, and in a very real and humanitarian sense the people of Anahuac, the Imperial Government has authorized limited and temporary combat operations by the Japanese military in a supportive capacity to the Anahuac Defense Forces to crush this terrorist organization. This is not an act of aggression to our neighbors, but an act of support toward an ally in desperate need.”

Following the closed session, the Diet officially petitioned the Emperor to convene the Imperial General Headquarters (IGHQ), a mere formality. The Imperial General Headquarters (IGHQ) is an ad-hoc body consisting of the chief and vice chief of the Army General Staff, the minister of war, the chief and vice chief of the Naval General Staff, the inspector general of military aviation, and the inspector general of military training normally only called together during wartime or national emergencies. The last time the body was convened was during the Great War. The emperor immediately granted his assent. Speaking through the President of the Imperial Privy Council Field Marshal Prince Yamagata Aritomo, the emperor has declared that “in times of duress and international instability it is the duty of the Empire to provide its citizens with all appropriate security measures.”

In other news…
Front Page: Anahuac joins the growing ranks of the Pacific Trade Organization, following confirmed member the Grand Republic of Indus and likely member the Federated Islamic States. With the news sending the Nikkei Index into new highs, many ask if the Trade Organization has in fact become the world’s premier economic bloc…
Political Page: Prime Minister Hiranuma Kiichirō garners record approval rating at 86%, supporters cite his centrism, sound economic maneuvers and visionary foreign policy (nicknamed the Kiichirō Doctrine) as the reasons…
Economic Page: Military contracts and record exports beat unemployment down to .9%, the lowest in the history of Japan. Kiichirō Government promises ‘zero domestic unemployment’ within the year…
Economic Page: A Message of Hope: Japanese corporations will provide jobs for troubled workers in Anahuac—economists predict good jobs will dissuade radicals from joining the ranks of the Kurosite PRPM…
Opinion Page: Why won’t the United Gulf States join the Pacific Trade Organization? Continued entreaties seem to be ignored, ready why Taka Inarii believes racial tensions crippling the Gulf States’ government could be to blame…
Society Page: Controversy in schools: left-wing teachers union members decry mandatory new Ministry of Education ‘music video’—replete with hypnotic and some suggest subliminal messages—千本桜 or Senbonzakura, “Thousand-Cherry Blossoms”—as ‘a blatant attempt to militarize the youth of Japan’ with lyrics such as ‘our ICBM’s pierce heaven and our drills plumb the depths, the Thousand-Cherry Blossom Youth has the divine mission to bring Japan to the Eight Roofs of the world’…

[Chrinthanium]

BREAKING NEWS....

Chrinthani Cable News Wire

Emperor Nathaniel to Japanese Ambassador: 'In My Office Within 24 Hours To Explain'
SYDNEY -- Emperor Nathaniel has ordered the Japanese Ambassador to Chrinthanium in his office within 24 hours to explain the recent militarization of the Japanese Empire. According to the Imperial Palace, failure to comply would result in the potential end of diplomatic relations between the two nations. His Imperial Majesty stated in a brief press conference that, "the recent actions by the Empire of Japan constitute a grave threat to peace in the Pacific and that Japan owes Us an explanation of its current actions and its broader plans to ensure that peace can remain between our two nations." The emperor further stated, "....Japan is not acting like a nation interested in building a simple economic partnership between nations, but is acting more like a nation bound and determined to control the Pacific." It is yet unclear whether the Japanese Ambassador will heed the emperor's request.

His Imperial Majesty added, "It would be unwise for Japan to test the resolve of Chrinthanium for if we must, we shall defend ourselves and our interests to the best of our ability."

[Nova Gaul]

読売新聞
Yomiuri Shimbun

BREAKING NEWS: TWO JAPANESE AIRCRAFT, ONE A MILITARY TRANSPORT AND THE OTHER CIVILIAN JAPAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 12, SHOT DOWN IN INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE OFF THE CALIFORNIA COAST
A STUNNED NATION WEEPS; CRIES FOR REVENGE
TOKYO, Japan

While the specifics are still in question, the Japanese Aeronautical Administration has confirmed that two Yamato aircraft, Japan Airlines Flight 12 and Military Transport 003, were fired upon and destroyed, with all souls presumed lost, several hundred kilometers off the California coast. More than four hundred and fifty Japanese citizens are currently missing and presumed dead.

The government has not released the identity of the belligerent aircraft, although given the flurry of social media pictures from passengers aboard doomed Flight 12 showing California CAT attack aircraft Yomiuri Shimbun can only conclude that the Republic of California is behind this unspeakable work. And although the government has declined to comment at this time on the specifics, Prime Minister Hiranuma Kiichirō has declared a national state of emergency and is meeting at this moment with the staff of the Imperial General Headquarters.

A special joint-session of the Imperial Diet, the second in as many weeks, has been scheduled to meet in twenty-four hours. His Imperial Majesty the Heavenly Sovereign Ōtomo will preside over the convocation, the first time an Emperor of Japan has done so in over two centuries.

The Prime Minister’s Office did release the following statement:

The destruction of Japan Airlines Flight 12 and Imperial Japanese Army Airforce Flight 003 in legally recognized international airspace constitute the most egregious act of wanton aggression not only in the history of Japan, but in the entire recent history of this modern world. If it is true that the Republic of California did commit this dastardly deed not only is a direct, de jure declaration of war on the Empire of Japan, totally unprovoked, but it is an act of terrorism, a bloody war crime, on an unprecedented level.

A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s office further elucidated in a brief meeting that whatever conceivable excuse California might give for an attack would be, if California was intent of preventing Japanese aid to the government of Anahuac it could have done so ‘in theatre’. “What just occurred,” the aide concluded, “if it was done by the Republic of California, was an outrageous act of terrorism and war and will be met, again if true, in kind by the Empire.”

Meanwhile, the news has caused an uproar of unprecedented levels on the streets of Tokyo. Hundreds of thousands of normally placid Japanese citizens have taken to marching with placards demanding justice, and roughly several thousand have surrounded the California Embassy, forming a human chain about it. Metropolitan police are for the moment keeping them at bay, but the sight of the victims’ families calling for justice, bereaved, before the gates of their relatives’ likely murderers is one of the saddest and most heart wrenching pieces of news this publication has even had to report upon.

[The United Gulf States]

Times of Fredonia

National Service Act Rushed Through Squabbling Parliament

Perhaps in part hopeful that a decisive show-down between warring factions within both Constitution and American parties might force some to concede defeat to a majority consensus, PM Ravenshaw today brought a bill intending to bring about the National Service Act, drafted by a cross-party working group, before ministers this morning.

The opposition split heavily over the issue, doubtless to Ravenshaw's added delight, as 17% of its ministers abstained and 36% voted against the bill, while 47% -lead by the controversial Mr. Hughes- provided it with some of its most enthusiastic support. Lead by the Prime Minister's convincing assertions that the seriously ill President Clarke had often intimated to his friend that he would support an act of this sort, the American Party was more amenable, with 73% on the government benches lending their support to the bill, and 9% abstaining, while only 18% opposed its passage.

Passed with unprecedented haste, the National Service Act is to be implemented at a similar pace as 'Red Panic' grips the Federacy. Severe measures to redirect and increase defence spending outlined in the act will be immediately undertaken, leading to some disquiet amongst the officer corps, but an outspoken Mr. Hughes insists that the military is overwhelmingly supportive of moves intended to strategically enhance its over-all capability, and further integrate it with the cultural and commercial life of the nation.

White men and women will henceforth be eligible for conscription to the FDF, though an individual may be excused service based upon one or more of several outlined reasons, while Coloured, Native and Asian citizens may decline the call to service, and Blacks will not be called upon under the auspices of the NSA, but may still serve in certain roles under special conditions. Significant reserve obligations are outlined in the act, lasting into middle-age.

Some of those currently under the previously existing reserve obligation will be recalled to service in the short term as manpower expansion begins, and are likely to take part in works to improve existing infrastructure and establish new facilities while fresh conscripts are gradually raised. The act aims to increase active manpower to almost 250,000 in the Ground Forces, over 60,000 in the Air Force, and more than 17,000 in the Naval Forces. Meanwhile the Ready Reserve is expected to reach strengths of over 700,000, 100,000, and 18,000 respectively, though this seems likely to take several years to achieve.

The significant economic implications of the National Service Act are to be addressed in a new government report due to be made public later this week [cont.]

More Breaking Stories
*Next at vote: Anahuac Police Action, first proposal of its type since 1960s

*Gulfer architects issue proposals for new Indus capital; cite experience in creating modern planned cities across Federacy and Protectorates which old-world firms can not match

*Clarke latest: President rumoured to be in 'induced coma'

*LRAC terrorists exchange fire with police in attempted hijacking on New Legio coastal highway

[Iansisle]

Final Election Returns
First Hung Parliament since 1971

AUGUST 29th -- Final returns show that no party achieved an absolute majority in voting on Friday and that, for the first time in history, Californians will be represented by four parties in Parliament. Voter turn out was extremely low, around 61%, with exit polls showing that many were disgusted by the protracted fight over David Juan Ewaa's divorce. The crisis in Anahuac and the drought were the most important issue to voters, with the economic slowdown and the Ewaa scandal falling third and fourth.

The Communist Party vaulted into third place after strong showings around the bay area, with many voters expressing a favorable impression of the CSR. The Freedom Party also cracked into parliament for the first time since the 1930s, picking up primarily voters disenchanted with the crisis in Anahuac and unwilling to vote for either the Greens or the Socialists, both of whom have expressed strong pro-intervention sentiments. In a heartbreaking shortfall for their voters, he Bear Party, represented in parliament for only two years, missed the 5% cutoff for representation by less than ten thousand votes.

As soon as the results were formalized, Alberto Padrigo and Jenny Whitaker, the leaders of the Socialists and the Greens respectively, held a joint press conference to announce a 'government of national unity' to remain in place for the duration of the crisis in Anahuac. Whitaker, speaking for the pair, refused to speculate on how long 'the duration' would be. Padrigo will continue as Prime Minister, with Whitaker taking the Foreign Office she vacated just after the Ewaa crisis. Whitaker said that the Communist and Freedom Parties had been invited to join the government but that the refused. The Socialists would be able to form a government in coalition with either the Igovians or the Alvaros; the Greens would need both. During the crisis, the Igovians will likely form the official opposition.

In the Senate, little has been decided yet as seventeen seats remained without a majority candidate and will go to runoffs in two weeks. The current make up of the Senate is 18 Socialists and 15 Greens, although there are more Green candidates remaining than Socialists. Ventura is the most interesting of the runoffs, as former Prime Minister Julia Garcia y Coswell ran just a few points over incumbent Eduardo Huertes (PSC) and will face front-runner Peter Machado (PVC) for the seat.

Socialist Party of California: 11,246,951 (42.9%, 197 seats)
Green Party of California: 8,119,303 (30.97%, 142 seats)
Communist Party (Igovian): 2,949,375 (11.25%, 52 seats)
Freedom Party: 1,628,055 (6.21%, 29 seats)
Bear Party: 1,302,968 (4.97%, 0 seats)

Other News

Protesters boo as more fighters arrive at Los Cabos
8th Hunter Squadron, equipped with Crótalo aircraft, was trasferred from FAC Luke 'to bolster southern defenses' according to Air Force sources.
Whitaker plans trip
For her first foreign act of the new government, incoming Foreign Minister plans to visit Great Walmington, Ballyston, Rome, Akink, looking to shore up relations with key partners during Anahuac crisis

[Chrinthanium]

Tropical Paradise Rattled, Citizen Protests Begin

MORUROA, Magellanus Insulae - The quite, serene paradise that is the Magellanus Insulae was abruptly and forever fractured today as the Roman Army detonated its first-ever nuclear weapon. In the highly-secretive military operation, code named "Mars", a low-yield nuclear device was detonated underground according to the Quirinal Palace. The exact nature of the device tested and its yield were not released at this time. According to Caesar Marcus X, "the empire has entered the nuclear age to protect itself from those who would use such weapons against our great nation."

Just where the government obtained the information and products with which to produce such weapons remains classified, according to Caesar. "At this time, we cannot speak to the question of where the technology was received and from whom the technology was received." Caesar's comments continued to shed little light on when this information would become declassified. "Such information is considered highly classified as a matter of national security and, for the immediate future, will not be divulged." Caesar's comment finished on what seemed to be a comment that raised more questions than provided answers as to why the government invested in this technology, "..recent events of the last several years have prompted the Roman State to come to a grave and serious conclusion: we can no longer afford to believe that nations with which we've had hostile relations are without this technology. While many in our great empire will object to this development, it is the protection of our citizens that has given rise to the need to acquire these weapons." He did not speak to just how many weapons were created, though military experts believe anywhere from 5-20 bombs may have been built or are in the process of being built of varying degrees of efficacy.

Protesters Take to the Streets

In Roma, and Matritensis, as well as other major Roman cities, shortly after the news broke, thousands of Romans flooded the streets to protest this test. In Papaetae, capital of the Magellanus Insulae, near riot conditions were reported by local police in response to the test. Protesters cite the secretive nature of the government regarding this test as well as potential environmental impacts from such a test. Placard-waving citizens with mottos such as "Say No Nukes!" and "Warmonger!" were waved around in front of government buildings in the empires largest cities. Protesters are curious about government intentions now that it seems to have nuclear technology. The foremost being, just who will be in charge of the order to use such weapons. Protesters also demanded the government immediately and forever cease nuclear testing.

"The government continues to keep the citizens in the dark," claimed Mario D'Amato, 35 of Roma, "how can we trust a government that feels the need to keep such secrets from its people?" D'Amato is a haberdasher who served with the 2nd Legion during his National Service. "We have been a capable, powerful military for many years without having any need for such disastrous weapons. What happens if something goes wrong with one of these bombs? What happens if one explodes unexpectedly in a major city during transportation," he asked RTR news. "The government doesn't care about the dangers to the environment or the citizen."

"I blame Scaramella," said Carmen Zapata, 49 of Matritensis, "he was a sneak, and this is right up his alley. Our new Consul-General should have stopped this program once he took office. But, no. All politicians are alike. They only care about spending money on ridiculous things like nuclear weapons. How many kids could go to school for the cost of one of these bombs? Or how many low-income citizens could have gotten a bit of a helping hand from a government program for the cost of these things? Can Alvarez answer that?"

"The biggest question is: now that the empire has the ability to build these weapons, what next," asked Professor Ruben Mahler, 57, of the University of Monacum, "are we to become a nation where the threat of war brings a strike-first approach? Or will we use these weapons the way in which they're best suited--to prevent others from using them against us? Those are the questions we must now face in this dark chapter of Roman history."

[Nova Gaul]

読売新聞
Yomiuri Shimbun

Prime Minister Hiranuma Kiichirō: “Unilateral Japanese involvement in the Anahuac Crisis unsustainable”; calls for international support on beleaguered Anahuac City government
TOKYO, Japan

After two weeks of confused maneuvering in Central America and extremely limited logistical and economic support, the Prime Minister has announced that the Empire of Japan will be ending its direct support of Anahuac and withdrawing all civilian and military personnel from the troubled nation. Claiming that the Empire of Japan has “done everything possible given the situation” to support the recent Pacific Trade Organization member Baron Kiichirō declared “following the Californian sneak attack, with wide sympathy among several progressive states for the rebels, there is no longer any reasonable way for Japan to act as a player in this crisis.”

“The Empire of Japan always keeps its word, to its friends or to associated states. We do not abandon allies because a situation is difficult. What seemed at first to be an insurgency by domestic and foreign radicals is now revealed as a semi-orchestrated rebellion which has the potential to become a regional conflict. This government is not willing to take this nation to war on the other side of the world, a war without a definable objective and therefore a clear requisite of victory. Such a task is simply impossible and fraught with the gravest danger. To provide aid to the government of Anahuac, which remains our ally, is one matter, to fight a war tens of thousands of kilometers away against an unknown number of foes, without any friendly nation or ally in theatre, is another. We will do whatever we can to support the government of Anahuac and its new leader Colonel Iorwerth Glodrydd.”

In a brief question & answer following the announcement, the Prime Minister was evasive when responding to a report's query about what steps, specifically, Japan would take in reprisal for California's attack.

“I am not at liberty to comment of specifics at this time, beyond stating that the Empire of Japan will do everything necessary to protect its interests and citizens. However, I can say that, even more disconcerting that this brazen criminality by a so-called respectable country is the deafening lack of condemnation towards this act by the international community. Several nations,” pointedly remarked the Prime Minister, “have not been shy about criticizing Japanese business practices, pontificating about where Japan should and should not trade, even making veiled threats under the pretense of rather patronizing admonitions. Yet when a Japanese aircraft carrying military supplies to an open ally for the purposes of holding a troubled state together and aiding a threatened people, in acknowledged international territory no less, is summarily blown from the sky, there is not a word, not so much as a peep, of criticism. Nor has there been, I might observe, so much as a word of condolence from those nations which are, apparently, so eager to defend the rights of those they judge as being wronged day in and day out.”

“The Empire of Japan can no longer provide assistance to millions of endangered innocents in Anahuac. I would ask the international community therefore to carefully consider these innocents, currently protected by an ailing government, which is beyond doubt the official and legitimate government of Anahuac, before blindly supporting a rebel force simply because it is not the government. The rebels cloak themselves in romanticism and pleasant soundbites to conceal their true desire, to transform the economy of Anahuac according to their own designs and to rob that country of any chance of a prosperous future. The utter economic and political destabilization of Anahuac, while it may be ideologically pleasing to a cadre of radicals in San Diego, is not in the interest of the Americas or the world. And while the victor in the Anahuac Civil War may not at this point be certain, the loser is blatantly clear: the people of Anahuac.

Empire of Japan declares Republic of California a 'Terrorist State' and 'Rogue Regime'; diplomatic relations severed, ambassador recalled
TOKYO, Japan

In response to the surprise attack by California fighter aircraft on an Imperial Japanese Army Airforce M-100 Transport 003 bound for Anahuac in international airspace, which resulted in the loss of the aircraft and over one hundred Japanese soldiers, the Empire of Japan has officially branded the Republic of California a 'terrorist state'. Although both the Prime Minister and the Imperial Privy Council have the power constitutionally to issue such a ban, the Kiichirō government sent the proposed order to the Diet—where it was passed almost unanimously after California's unforgivable sneak attack—to give the order popular approval and backing.

“California's actions are those not of a law-abiding nation,” stated Prime Minister Hiranuma Kiichirō, “but those of an illegal regime bent on terrorism and murder to accomplish their ideological agenda. The Empire of Japan has never, nor will it ever, entertain relations with such a polity. As a consequence, I have ordered that all formal diplomatic relations with California be ended. From this point on all Californian vehicles, whether they be encountered in Japanese or international territory, will be treated under Japanese law as terrorist and pirate entities and treated by imperial forces accordingly.”

Ambassador Murase and her staff have already abandoned the embassy in San Diego and are returning to Tokyo. Japanese nationals in California, from businessmen to Disneyland tourists, totaling some thirteen hundred individuals according to the Foreign Ministry, are returning to Japan after the government issued a twenty-four hour deadline to leave the rogue American state. The ambassador from California and embassy staff in Tokyo have been given six hours to leave Japan after which time warrants will be issued for their detention. Other California nationals, citizens and residents, have been given twenty-four hours to leave Japan before they too have detention warrants issued. A travel ban is also set to be issued in twenty-four hours, henceforth any Californian trying to pass through Japanese territory will be detained, searched, and subject to arrest.

Recent public opinion polls taken after the downing of IJAAF Flight 003 reflect a growing apprehension on the part of Japanese citizens toward California. 86% of those polled now believe California represents the greatest threat in the world to Japan’s physical and economic security; one in three people believe that the attack on the military transport was premeditated, and that California is the principle architect of the Anahuac Crisis. Another survey revealed that although the Japanese people view California with hostility (39% extremely hostile and 51% somewhat hostile) this hostility is directed at Prime Minister Alberto Padrigo (who 55% believe is the worst war criminal the empire has ever encountered) and not towards the people of California en masse.

Despite the uncharacteristic outburst of rage from the Japanese people towards California public opinion seems to strongly support the government's decision to withdraw from the Anahuac crisis. 43% of those polled believed the empire 'had significant interests in Anahuac', and 72% believed that Anahuac's entry into the Pacific Trade Organization was 'good for Japan'—but 58% were 'firmly opposed' to large scale Japanese military involvement in the crisis and only 22% believed that Japanese involvement in any actual war would 'decisively impact the outcome.'

Prime Minister Hiranuma Kiichirō himself has seen a decline in popularity, unsurprisingly taking the largest loss in public perception of his handling of foreign policy. Only 35% of those polled believe that the Prime Minister 'correctly' managed the situation in Anahuac, even though a remarkable 80% remain 'strongly supportive' of the Pacific Trade Organization, the hallmark foreign policy of the Kiichirō government. Domestically the Prime Minister maintains fairly high numbers, with 74% stating they were 'very satisfied' with his performance, most specifically his decision not to privatize Japan Post, the empire's national mail system and one of the country's largest insurance and savings providers.

Protests outside Californian Embassy continue—metropolitan police disrupt assault and prevent students from storming the building
CHIYODA DISTRICT, TOKYO, Japan

Protests ongoing for weeks now escalated the other evening outside the Californian Embassy in the upscale Chiyoda District of Tokyo. The number of protesters has fluctuated ever since the downing of an Imperial Japanese Army Airforce M-100, reaching highs of over ten thousand and lows in the hundreds. At one stage, protesters formed a human chain outside the embassy and speeches were given by relatives of Japan Airlines Flight 0012 crew and passengers, before it was discovered that the flight was only fired upon but now destroyed.

But last night, shortly after 8:00 pm, a group of the ultra-nationalistic university students of the Black Dragon Society from Waseda University lobbed patrol bombs over the embassy's gates, setting fire to portions of the garden and several ambassadorial vehicles. The fuel bombs also set fire to the guard kiosk in the embassy's courtyard. At one point the enraged students looked to be preparing to scale the two meter stone walls and storm the embassy itself, but reinforcements of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and a detachment of mounted units quickly secured the scene. Within minutes the students were ushered back into the designated protest zone and a fire engine moved in to put out fires on the embassy grounds. Two cars, the guard kiosk, and a large section of the formal garden were severely damaged by the fires.

No arrests were made.

According to live reports the number of protesters has been increasing, no doubt following the government's announcement that the Californian ambassador and staff have only six hours to vacate the embassy. The human chain has reformed outside the embassy once more, with eyewitnesses reporting dozens of Black Dragon Society members still in attendance. Current estimates put protesters from about five to seven thousand people.

First provisions of the Security, Law, Order, and Commerce Act or 'S.L.O.R.C.A.' are put into effect, Defense Minister “initial steps of major changes”
KURE SPECIAL CITY, Japan

Defense Minister Yoshiro Koike has confirmed that the Diet's recently passed Security, Law, Order, and Commerce Act or 'S.L.O.R.C.A.' has been implemented and the first stages enacted. Under the guidance of the Imperial General Headquarters (or IGHQ...an ad-hoc body consisting of the chief and vice chief of the Army General Staff, the minister of defense himself, the chief and vice chief of the Naval General Staff, the inspector general of military aviation, and the inspector general of military training) which was itself reconvened by S.L.O.R.C.A. the Minister of Defense reported that “the first retired vessels of the Imperial Japanese Navy slated for refurbishment have been brought out of Reserve Fleet storage at Kure Naval Base, Hiroshima.

“At this point IJN engineers, in conjunction with Yasuda Heavy Shipworks Ltd. personnel, now have twelve ships and four boats in drydock,” said Mr. Koike. “These vessels include six Yamagumo-class destroyer escorts, two Harukaze-class heavy destroyers, and three Tachikaze-class, one Amatsukaze-class guided missile destroyers. We also are working on four Yūshio-class attack submarines. Obviously we are not just returning these venerable vessels to active service, but additional modifications will be undertaken so that these older ships can benefit from modern systems and equipment. The first of these initial naval refurbishments authorized by S.L.O.R.C.A. will be ready within the month, and we believe that that vast majority of the empire's Reserve Fleet can be made seaworthy before the year is out. Once repairs and modifications have concluded, the refurbished vessels will have increased the size of the Imperial Navy's fleet by nearly 30%.”

Hundreds of kilometers away in Tokyo Bay spokesman for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (principal builder of Japan's newest and most lethal warship, the Izumo-class light carrier) Soemu Hara further addressed the progress of S.L.O.R.C.A. when he took several media correspondents on a tour of his company's huge docks at Yokohama. He pointed out to the media members that sections of a large hull which were just becoming recognizable as a construction were in fact the very first pieces of the future IJS Zuihō, an Izumo-class light carrier. The third Izumo-class light carrier would differ from her two sister-ships in that, rather than relying on conventional power, the third would utilize a nuclear reactor. It would be the Empire of Japan's first nuclear powered ship, though at the current rate of construction it would be a full two years before she took to the sea.

The annual military budget was increased by the Diet, by means of S.L.O.R.C.A., from ¥5.36 to ¥8.11 trillion. Imperial General Headquarters also disclosed how the military would be adding personnel, both to provide crews for the supplemented naval forces and to meet the required growth goals as outlined by a further amendment to the Security, Law, Order, and Commerce Act. Both the Imperial Army and Imperial Navy are to be expanded from the current total of 281,000 active troops and 91,800 reserve troops to 400,000 active troops and 100,000 reserve. Major General Hiyao Ugako, Inspector General for Military Training, has addressed how the empire's armed forces would proceed to grow.

“It's a simply plan, really. There has, for the last several decades, been far more applicants to the volunteer for the Imperial Army and Navy than there have been available positions. With the expansion of the military under the the Security, Law, Order, and Commerce Act we are simply expanding the number of positions. Even at this early stage of increase, slated to occur over the next several years, both branches of the military service have more men wanting to join than they are able to accept, and these are top notch applicants I might say: as a rule the military only reviews applications submitted by students from the top third of their secondary school and university classes. We are also working diligently to expand billeting at the academies. ”

“There are many reasons people are so eager to sign up. Of course there is the extension of suffrage provision. And companies are always eager to hire on veterans because of their unparalleled technical experience. And a career with the Armed Forces offers benefits as comprehensive and a salary comparable to most private sector positions. But an upsurge in patriotism, a willingness to serve both the emperor and our people, this I think is the real reason we have so much more interest than room. This is indeed the 'Thousand Cherry Blossom' generation.”

Deputy Prime Minister begins surprise visit to Socialist Federation of the Kongo amid intense speculation
KINSHASA, Kongo

Fresh from his dual mission to Pacific Trade Organization signatory the Grand Republic of the Indus and Pacific Trade Organization hopeful the Federated Islamic States Deputy Prime Minister Katō Komei has just arrived in Kinshasa, Socialist Federation of the Congo. The diplomatic mission, which Tokyo has just revealed is the culmination of months of secret talks, will focus on growing the volume of trade between the two disparate nations. The Empire of Japan and the Socialist Federation of the Congo have been infrequent trading partners over the past several decades and the general trend has seen trade increase. As a leading buyer of the Congo's abundant mineral resources, there have been rumors for months now that Japan is seeking to persuade the Congo to increase exports, and there have been fairly substantial rumors than several Japanese companies are interested in gaining mining rights in the province of Katanga, one of the world's richest (in natural terms) geographies.

Deputy Prime Minister Komei seemed in high spirits as he greeted various Congolese officials at the welcoming ceremony at Kinshasa International Airport, despite the growing crisis in Anahuac.

“For myself, it is a profound pleasure to at last visit this great land. It is Japan's profound pleasure to have a growing relationship with this great and ancient country,” remarked the Deputy Prime Minister at a brief question and answer session on the airport's tarmac. Standing shoulder to shoulder with several Congolese officials, Komei continued on: “The Empire of Japan does not select its allies and partners on the basis of an ideology, or even political likemindedness. Nor do we judge and criticize our partners' domestic policies, because we know that different circumstances dictate different behaviors. We are not interested in beliefs so much as action, trust, and a honorable history of interaction. So it is an honor to speak to you all here, today, because it is my hope this visit will result in greater trust between Japan and the Congo. Our nations, though far apart, have grown so much over the last few decades. It is our hope that, in the next few decades, our two great countries will grow closer together.”

Although he was scant on specifics, the Deputy Prime Minister's itinerary includes a private conference with Premier Dawoud Nkandu, a tour of Katanga with the Congolese Minister of the Interior, a joint meeting with a dozen functionaries associated with the Socialist Federation's state-run mining board, and attending a native cultural exhibition in Kinshasa. Based on this, popular conjecture imagines the Empire of Japan seeking a new and more comprehensive trade alliance with the Socialist Federation. There is, at this point, no hard evidence that Japan wishes to entice the Congo into the Pacific Trade Organization (if this was a possibility certainly the trading bloc would need a new name), nor is it clear the price Congo will ask for Japan's desire of expanded trade.

Yet even at this very early stage, talks between the Congo and Japan illustrate that far from being daunted by an apparently failed alliance with Anahuac the Empire of Japan and the Kiichirō administration are continuing on with their plan to grow trade and expand Japan's economic reach.

“In the past the Congo and Japan have traded as friends,” concluded the Deputy Prime Minister, “my task today is to make real the idea of an alliance. Hand in hand, each nation drawing on its strengths and balancing out the other's weakness, I know that together there is nothing we cannot accomplish.”

In other news...
Front Page: Tohoku Electric Power Company brings Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant online in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. Completion of the three unit, 2475 megawatt facility raises total nuclear power generation in the Empire of Japan to 63,130 megawatts and makes Japan the world-leader in nuclear share of electricity production at 70.84%. Minister for Land, Infrastructure and Transport Akinori Amari: “The Empire of Japan cannot depend on the vicissitudes of the oil market for its energy needs, and nuclear power is able to provide a stable and reliable source of energy. It is the goal of this government to, in a ten year timeline, allow the Empire of Japan to function entirely on electricity generated from nuclear power.” Anti-nuclear activists have experienced a sharp decline in numbers as cost of power rises...
Front Page: A LONG flight home...Passengers and crew of Japan Airlines Flight 0012 return to Japan after stopover in Natsumeku Islands, tearful reunion with anxious families...
International Page: Crisis in Anahuac escalates as General Tenoch is assassinated and rebels consolidate gains...analysts credit rebel victories to covert Californian organization and support...
International Page: Who else knew? Japanese military intelligence works with Foreign Ministry to determine if other countries, organizations abetted Californian massacre of IJAAF Flight 003...
Economic Page: Nikkei Stock Average levels out, but avoids dip, on speculation of corporate losses and investments in Anahuac post-withdrawal; bullish optimism for growth opportunities in Grand Republic of the Indus unaffected by chaos in the Americas...
Opinion Page: What does the Japanese withdrawal from Anahuac mean for future foreign policy? Yomiuri Shimbun hopes for a more pragmatic approach, more focus on Asia...
Opinion Page: Violent, expansionist idealism masked as progressive democracy—the REAL goal of California's socialist government revealed by recent militarism...

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

Greek News Network

New Western Government "soft on Celtic aggression"

Representatives of the Peloponnese to the Emperor have organized street protests to generate a reaction to the new policies in Rome. The change in policy has not received much attention in Constantinople, the Imperial government seemingly not knowing how to react to the change in policy in the West.

Street protests have met no opposition from security forces in the Peloponnese, Heraklion, Patra, Kalamata, Corinth and Chalcis have all seen protests numbering tens of thousands of people demanding annexation to the Empire. A protestor in Kalamata said that "the Empire should be committed to greater greek reunification, and we should take steps to reunify the Peloponnese and the Empire with Ionia and the rest of Greece." Polls in the Peloponnese show support for reunification is highest in Euboea and the peninsula, at 80% support, and lowest in Crete, with only 45% support for reunification.

As of yet, the Imperial government has replied that "We seek not to antagonize the Celtic republics, although we affirm the Empire's commitment to keeping Ionia independent, nevertheless refuse the unification of the Empire and the Peloponnese. These protesters would have the Empire deliberately endanger its population.The Imperial government looks forward to cooperate with the new Western Imperial government in security matters, as we are of course, the two largest countries on the Mediterranean."

Japanese Government evacuates citizens from California, Pacific Trade Organization expanding

In response to the downing of a Japanese military aircraft, the Japanese government has recalled its ambassador from California, labeled it a rogue state, and ordered Japanese citizens to leave California. Tokyo has seen major protests outside of the Californian embassy. The Imperial government has condemned Japanese militarization and there are concerns in the government over the expansion of the Pacific Trade Organization.

Of particular concern is the inclusion to the Organization of the Grand Republic of Indus, causing concern in the Associated State of Kutch. Other commentators have warned that if the Federation of Islamic States acceded to the organization, it could put strain on relations with the two countries and leave the Empire isolated. Public sentiment advocates for closer links between the Empire and the West, as well as a close relationship with the FIS. The Empire was not considered for membership in the PTO. Although the Empire is not in the position to invest as much as the Japanese in the FIS, sources from within the government claim that "the Imperial Government is in support of negotiations for full free trade and automatic visas for FIS citizens employed in the Empire, as well as increased military and space cooperation. It seems as though the last thing that the Imperial government wants is the Japanese sphere of influence to reach its borders."

News from our offices in Bhuj, Kutch
Kutch Associated State concerned about involvement of Japan in Indus

The Prime Minister of Kutch released a statement evoking concern of the inclusion of Indus in the PTO, citing growing concerns of isolation and poor relations. "Kutch, being an independent state with close relations to the Eastern Empire as well as the FIS, is increasingly isolated from Indus. It is telling that relations are hitting a new low - our small nation is a unique blend of greek, islamic, sindhi and kutchi culture and the involvement of Japan is cause for concern. It is likely Kutch has been overlooked as a member of the PTO because of our close ties to the Eastern Empire and more importantly, our lack of large amounts of natural resources. It is clear that the Japanese are only interested in resources, not good relations."

The Prime Minister's office has motioned in parliament for an act that would close the Kandla port, the largest port in Kutch, as well as one of the largest in the region, to ships with Japanese registry if the country does not guarantee its independence and stop providing military assistance to the current government in Indus. The port in Kandla, of course, is the main gateway through which exports, including oil, from the Eastern Empire, transfer through. The government in Kutch has been one of many voices criticizing the PTO, calling it "a colonial organization aimed at tying the economies of those countries in it to Japan's by forcing them to invest in the Yen as their primary reserve currency. The states who agree to this theft would be forever tied to Japan's fortunes and the whims of its rulers." The Government in Kutch also voiced concerns that citizens of Indus might attempt to flee to Kutch if the pact, as expected, decreases the standard of living of the poorest in Indus further, the government having already called recent slum removals in Saidpur a 'calamity'.

[Chrinthanium]

News From Chrinthanium

'Grand Bargain' in Tasmanian Independence?

As the empire pushes ever forward into a constitutional crisis, Emperor Nathaniel offered an olive branch. In what many are calling the Grand Bargain, the Emperor, with the consent of the Chrinthani Congress, have extended to Hobart a compromise deal where powers would be devolved to Tasmania. This would allow a greater autonomy for the province while keeping it within the greater empire. In effect, the Tasmanian provincial legislature would function more like a national congress. Tasmania would still be allowed to send members to the Chrinthani Congress to vote on empire-wide legislation. The empire would remain in charge of the defense of the province.

There is a caveat to the deal. According to the Emperor, "should the Tasmanians reject this deal, and should independence be attained, the bonds between Sydney and Hobart would be irrevocably severed. They would be, as far as we are concerned, a totally independent entity from the Empire of Chrinthanium responsible for themselves including defense."

[Nova Gaul]

読売新聞
Yomiuri Shimbun

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Ōtomo elicits zealous reaction from recruits in his first ever public military review
TOKYO, Imperial Palace, Japan

It was an unprecedented event.

For the first time in his forty-three year reign His Imperial Majesty the Emperor conducted a public review of 5,000 new recruits of the Imperial Japanese Army. In the spacious forecourt of the Imperial Palace’s Chōwaden Reception Hall Emperor Ōtomo, dressed in the uniform of a general of the Imperial Guard Brigade, astride his white Arabian horse Hatsu Shimo, proudly viewed company after company of new recruits into the Imperial Japanese Army.

The very sight of the emperor, who has only appeared several times in public during his entire reign, inspired a dramatic response from both the marching soldiers and their families. Eyes glistening with nationalistic pride, the recruits could be heard repeatedly shouting Tennouheika Banzai! (“Long live His Majesty the Emperor!”) for kilometers around as they beheld His Imperial Majesty, the divine fountainhead of the Japanese nation and the Yamato people. At the height of the ceremony the Emperor deigned to speak, solemnly saluting the news recruits with the statement: ‘Glory to the Army of Japan!’ This in turn elicited a solid five-minute round of cheers from the enthusiastic soldiers. The review concluded with a bombastic rendition of Senyu, "Comrade in Arms", the unofficial anthem of the Imperial Military.

Various voices in the government have been calling for the mobilization of Japan’s new generation, poetically titled Senbonzakura, or “Thousand-Cherry Blossoms”, to rise up and take the empire to new heights. Commensurate with the State Law, Order, and Commerce Act recently passed by the Diet this call has resulted in tens of thousands of young Japanese secondary school graduates flocking to enlistment centers in a heretofore unseen wave of fervent patriotism.

Approximately 17,800 youths have enlisted with the Imperial Army and Navy over the past several weeks. The Imperial General Headquarters’ Vice-Chief of Staff for the Army, Lieutenant General Hajime Sugiyama, has informed this publication that “the Imperial Military is well on its way in expanding from the current total of 281,000 active troops and 91,800 reserve troops to 400,000 active troops and 100,000 reserve troops. Indeed, our enlistment posts have been inundated with prospective recruits and, in many cases, they have had to turn potentials away. Special measures are being taken to meet recruitment goals, such as recruiting posts being supplemented with additional staff and operating on a twenty-four hour basis.

“The Imperial General Headquarters has no doubt that it will be able to meet the Diet’s timeline for recruitment, according to the parameters set out in State Law, Order, and Commerce Act.”

First major troop deployment in over 50 years underway
NAGASAKI, Japan

In the first significant ground deployment since the Great War, and in terms of men the largest single military deployment since the Great War, the Imperial General Headquarters has mobilized 10th Division of the Imperial Japanese Army. According to a brief statement from the Ministry of Defense, the 7,200 strong division is being deployed to Natsumeku Islands “strictly for training purposes.”

It was an emotional scene at the Sasebo Naval Arsenal in Nagasaki as the first of the division’s troops, including the 10th Signal Battalion and the 33rd Infantry Regiment, set sail for the strategic southern Pacific Islands on the Ōsumi-class landing ship IJS Shimokita. Dockside families were jubilant, waving the Rising Sun military flag and cheering as their husbands, sons, and brothers set sail on what is expected to be a ten-month deployment.

In other news…
Science and Technology Page: It’s Official: Ministry of Defense officials in conjunction with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries acknowledge rumors that the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force has a working stealth fighter prototype, dubbed the Mitsubishi ATD-X. The fifth-generation air-superiority fighter, according to the acknowledgement, is intended to become a ‘game-changer’ in Imperial Pacific Defense Policy…
Opinion Page: The Empire of Japan must take substantial steps to deny the hostile Republic of California access to Pacific maritime lanes. In the judgment of this publication, it is high time that this vicious nation is put in its place…

[Walmington on Sea]

The Standard WORLD'S SECOND STEALTH FIGHTER ENTERS RAF SERVICE
Wychwood Welkin takes flight

For some years it has been California, with her Campeón (aptly, 'champion'), that has held an ace in the sky. Though the RAF may remain the world's most far-reaching and generally capable air force, nothing in its inventory has represented a technological match for the bleeding-edge of Californian design.

With reports of Japan having begun work on a 5th Generation fighter and Gandvik presumed to be following suite, the Empire's single-engine light-fighters and cumbersome interceptors have begun to appear dated, and critics have fretted over the lack of a replacement programme.

But photographs leaked today show that a 'low-observability' (stealth) aircraft fitted with thrust-vectoring engine outlets (providing super-manoeuvrability) has already been constructed. Moreover, the Air Ministry has chosen, in light of the leak and public fears over tensions in the Gulf and relating to Japan's fighter programme, to admit that a 5th Generation fighter has been approved for service and will soon be patrolling British skies -if it is not already!


A Welkin prototype in transit was recently photographed by keen amateur aerospace enthusiasts

Developed under the code-name 'Replica', the Welkin is reputed to be every bit so advanced as the Northrop Campeón, and likely superior to impending aircraft likely to be produced by hostile states such as Japan and even western states such as Byzantium, Geletia, and Gandvik.

From The Bugle
*New fighter 'cost billions'
Hodges criticises over-spend on 'vanity project'
*'Not carrier-capable'
Admiralty expresses doubts as to practicality of, 'admittedly wonderful machine'
*Ape Man steals crisps from tourist
Nibelung teen claims to have been robbed of ready-salted, shoved rudely, outside Tunbridge Wells

[Iansisle]

From a popular blog on military policy

With all the press surrounding the recent public admissions of the Japanese ATD-X (bizarrely, an English-language acronym) and the English Welkin, the notion is taking hold that these aircraft represent a “game-changer” in aerospace policy. Questions are scheduled in parliament, pundits can be found on every channel, and defense forums are exploding with speculation. While I don't want to preempt the Air Force, I can venture a guess that their presentation to the Senate Committee on Defense will consist of assurances that they're doing everything they can to keep us safe and if parliament would just reactivate the Campeón-based medium bomber project, take up Lockheed's 'Advanced Light Fighter,' and double spending on the Next Generation Bomber and Advanced Unmanned Fighter concepts, we'd all be fine.

What I propose here is a sober look at the issue from three different perspectives. We will investigate the technical comparisons of the relevant aircraft (with the Arnan and late-mark VL-39s thrown in for good measure). We will speculate on general strategic aerospace policy. And we will investigate the socioeconomic climate surrounding the new fighters.

Part I – Specifications

So, obviously there is no conclusive data available to civilians or the FAC on the exact performance of the Welken or the ATD-X, but there are a few basic things we know:

Both the Welkin and the ATD-X, like the Arnan and the proposed VL-39M/N variants, will feature integral thrust-vectoring. The Campeón, alone amongst recent designs, does not.

The Campeón, Welkin, and the VL-39 are of a similar size, about third again larger than the Arnan and half again the size of the ATD-X.

While both the Arnan and the VL-39 have reduced radar cross-section, neither was designed with true stealth in mind, as the ATD-X and the Welkin were. The Campeón, meanwhile, despite being a larger aircraft, likely has a smaller radar cross section than any of the others and has far greater infrared protection.

While its lack of thrust-vectoring makes it less maneuverable than any of the others, the Campeón is faster, both at supercruise and with afterburners, than the Arnan or the VL-39, and likely faster than the new aircraft.

These key differences derive from a fundamentally different mission parameters. Which leads us nicely into:

Part II – Geopolitics and Aerospace Policy

Gandvik, Walmington, and Nibelunc (as well as Valendia with their Rafale) operate under one set of strategic conditions, while California and to a lesser degree Japan operate under another.

In Europe, a large number of economically advanced states are wedged into a tight, geographically constrained area. As we are seeing in the Gandvian-Nibelung conflict, this has borne out predictions of large, immediate clashes between Air Forces of roughly equal capability. The massive desire for thrust-vectoring and performance, often at the expense of stealth features, was born out of this strategic situation.

By contrast, in North America, the difficulty is more guerrilla-style air defense networks, resilient to SEAD operations and difficult to displace with ground operations, across wide open distances. It is in this realm where the high speed, long range, and all-aspect stealth performance of the Campeón makes its biggest difference.

With these global assumptions, the clear exception is the Japanese ATD-X, a plane seemingly optimized for a European battlefield – having more in common with the JL-39 or the Arnan than with the Campeón – and yet existing in a strategic situation more similar to North America. It is more than 3,000 kilometers from southern Japan to northern Borneo. 4,500 kilometers to Singapore. 5,000 kilometers to Darwin. 6,500 kilometers from mainland Japan to Haváís. 9,000 kilometers from mainland Japan to San Diego. Even from the Summer Islands it is 4,000 kilometers to Brisbane or Honolulu; 8,500 kilometers to Cabo San Lucas. It seems unlikely, given what we know now, that the ATD-X is intended for carrier operations, especially aboard the smaller ships now in favor in the Imperial Navy.

Perhaps, then, the ATD-X is meant primarily for defense of the homeland. Here, the primary foes would be American carrier-launched Peregrines and Californian or English long-range bombers. In both cases, however, long-range standoff ordnance – the Milenrama cruise missile for California, the Tomahawk for America – would likely be launched from outside the combat radius of the ATD-X, assuming that Japan was even able to track the incoming Bandido raid. The fact remains that, with or without the ATD-X, Walmington, America, and California can all individually or in combination strike Japan with conventional weapons, while Japan cannot strike conventionally (or potentially at all) at any of those countries.

The most likely explanation of the ATD-X's intended role is to create an aerospace situation more broadly similar to that found in Europe, most likely through the stationing of combat forces as part of the current neo-colonialist streak fashionable in Tokyo. In this context, it is almost certain that the Pacific Trade Organization (AP style note: Pacific Trade Organization is always spelled just how it is pronounced, in italics) is just a front for the aggressive military expansion of Japanese power.

It is likely that their proposed intervention in Anahuac sought to establish a base in the Americas from which they could threaten California, America, and even the Gulf States if Fredonia proved unwilling to negotiate. In that case, Padrigo's strict aversion to the extension of the Pacific Trade Organization in North America makes a lot more sense.

Having explored two of the three ways how the ATD-X is no game-changer, we now come to:

Part III – Socioeconomics

From what little we have been able to see, the technology demonstrated so far on the ATD-X is far from revolutionary and seems roughly equivalent to Californian designs on the 1980s. That Japanese aerospace engineering lags about a generation behind California should be nothing of a surprise to most western observers, as it is fundamentally rooted in social and economic differences between the two countries.

First, the economic structures of the countries are primarily bent to different goals: in Japan, wealth is primarily concentrated in the hands of a few plutocrats. There is little to no focus on the common worker as an individual or a consumer, resulting in a top-heavy model needing constant, rapid overseas expansion to feed itself (see: Pacific Trade Organization. A failing model's dying gasp?) while discouraging the sort of dissent and free trade of ideas that makes innovation possible.

Secondly, the entire educational apparatus of the state is geared towards squelching individualism and innovation. Despite spending half the time in the classroom as their Japanese counterparts, Californian students routinely perform as well as or better than their East Asian counterparts in the international rankings. The Californian model, which is consistent in its results across economic, racial, and geographic barriers, also tends to produce thinkers more apt to radical solutions, if not as disciplined in implementing them.

Thirdly, once children reach secondary education, they are more likely to succeed in California. Risk-taking and research have always been the primary focus of universities in the country, while the prospect of free secondary education at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world just for establishing Californian citizenship has been a powerful force pulling the best and the brightest from overseas to the Golden Coast. The Japanese system, meanwhile, is cannibalizing itself at its Prime Minister's behest, with many recent graduates being shoved directly into military careers where they cannot exert a multiplicative effect on technological research.

That, fundamentally, is the reason why, over the past few decades, the Japanese aerospace industry has been entirely derivative of Californian (and, to a lesser extent) American designs. It is a well accepted fact that the Type 99 is a virtual copy of the Crótalo heavy fighter, just as the Hein derives from the Fredonian Falcon, the Hayate from the Phantom, the C-1 from the Tormenta, and so forth. In that, I suppose, the ATD-X is a departure for Japanese firms in that it does appear to be a more-or-less domestic design. Whether or not Mitsubishi has the technological background to effect such a project is currently unknowable (there has been some suggestion that the fundamentals of the Japanese stealth technology date back to the Amapola shot down over Geletia) although most experts place the introduction of the production ATD-X at 2027 or later – at which point the Campeón will have been almost a quarter century in service.

In conclusion, kiddos, the ATD-X in no way, shape, or form represents a “game-changer.” I do not believe it will alter the Pacific balance of power at all. Look forward to the comments, though! Don't forget to uprate this article.

Elsewhere in the blogosphere:

Senator from San Bernardino moves water appropriation bill
Prime Minister calls maneuver “ill-timed”
Day closes with fourth straight major decline on the LASE
Despite positive economic figures, investors remain jittery amongst uncertain international situation
CalFire Report: 'Progress Being Made”
Massive King Fire has burned more than 375 sqkm, now 38% contained

[Chrinthanium]

Sound Bites from Emperor Nathaniel Regarding Japan

".....the Empire of Japan continues to act in a defensive manner to questions which we believe are the right of every government to ask.........."

".....the Japanese claim the reason for their increased militarization is they've too many volunteers and not enough positions--a reason we find laughable......"

".....the Japanese Prime Minister resorted to a veiled threat of war against Chrinthanium if we did not cease and desist from our current line of questioning........"

".....we have decided the only course of action at this time is to cut off our trade from the Empire of Japan, to recall our diplomatic staff, to recall our citizens from Japan and have them return home, and to send the Japanese diplomatic mission and their citizens back home to Tokyo......."

"......and we are in contact with California, America, Walmington, and Rome to attempt to acquire military assistance should the situation arise that Japan's intentions are, as we believe, less-than-honorable in their current endeavors....."

".....any Japanese in Chrinthanium wishing to return home to Japan during this time are asked to do so expeditiously......."

[United Kongo]

Ukweli Wafanyakazi – The Workers Truth

NEW JAPANESE NAVAL BASE ANNOUNCED ALONG ATLANTIC COAST

At a ceremony attended to by Premier Dawoud Nkandu and the Japanese envoy to The Socialist Federation,-, the Premier announced the intention of the Government to lease to the Japanese Navy a Naval facility on a yet unspecified location in either the Kwanza or Atlantiki Republics. This announcement follows up the increased Congolese-Japanese relations which has seen the military aid from our Japanese comrades increase since the signing of the Japan-Congo accord.

Citing the need to protect the highly beneficial trade of Congolese raw exports to Japan from aggressive actions of hostile states, a very real threat as demonstrated by the vicious Californian attack on Japanese airlines in the Pacific, Chief Premier Nkandu spoke of the facilities benefits. Both the Congolese and Japanese economy would be able to function more securely in the knowledge that an increased naval presence would be protecting the flow of minerals. Chief Premier Nkandu also highlighted the benefits this would also have on protecting the maritime sovereignty of the Socialist Federation and the benefit that the facility would have on the local economy of the host republic. With the creation of such a base, the power dynamic in the African continent will be changed more irreversibly to the favour of our enlightened state against the deprivations of more hostile nations.

ASSASSINATION ROCKS M'BANZA-KONGO

The inhabitants of the ancient city of M'banza-Kongo were shocked yesterday when a Bomb blast was detonated amongst the residential areas of the city. At least 7 were confirmed dead by Local police, who were quickly able to identify many of the targets as Key members of the Congolese Mujahideen movement, which has established a large presence along the Muslim communities of the West Coast. The nature of the victims, as well as the location itself ,with numerous weapons and ammo crates found, leading authorities to quickly deduce the attack was just the latest in a line of violence caused by the rupture of Violent Fundamentalist group.

Although previous clashes had resulted in shoot outs amongst the Mujahidden and the radical Neo-Kwarajites that are rebelling against the religious leadership, with small numbers of wounded and dead on either side, this recent attack represents a new phase in the split. Firstly, it has occurred outside of the Luanda where all previous attacks had been, suggesting perhaps the growing confidence of the Neo-Kwarajites. Secondly, the success of the attack in killing so many key members of the Mujahideen leadership suggests a weakening of the terrorist organisation, which can no longer even protect it's inner circle members.

Arrests have been conducted in M'banza-Kongo and citizens are encouraged to stay calm as despite the religious rhetoric, both sides remain little more then self-glorifying Gangsters of whom will promptly deal with.

[Walmington on Sea]

The Standard Task Force To South Atlantic For 'Intensive Manoeuvres'
Warning-shot across Japanese bow?

With the Lion Class battleship HMS Queen Mavis I heading a training squadron bound for patrol between St. Thomas and the Skeleton Coast, Defence Minister Jack Jones issued today a firm rebuke to the government of Congo.

Asking the House, “When does Kyoto... Tokyo... ah, suppose that its sea-trade with Congo has ever been interdicted by hostile powers, even once?” Jones suggested that Japan's recently-declared intention to establish a military base in the Atlantic has absolutely no defensive or peaceful connotations and can only be an expression of hostile intent in the western hemisphere.

Officially no more than a major training operation, the deployment of one of the Navy's two remaining battleships as flagship of a squadron featuring also the Harrier-equipped light carrier Iansisle and the Type 42 destroyers Manchester and Allenstone as well as the frigate Nicholas Ridley and the recently refitted sloop HMS Frenzy is a formidable undertaking unlikely to be purely coincidental with the recent announcement of Japanese expansionism in the region.

Kinshasa has apparently been advised by the Foreign Office to weigh seriously the cost-benefit ratio as pertains to a military entanglement with an aggressively expansionist Japan in a hemisphere across which Tokyo can never realistically hope to project effective strategic force.

From The Bugle
*Fireland rocks Ceyloba with first-innings lead
Tourists post 317/7 dec. in reply to hosts' 201/ao in Vollumbo
*Ape remains elusive
Crisp-thief slips noose as constables baffled, tourists ruffled
*Changing of the Guard
Naysayers worry over reliability of heroic Brigade of Trocmi as Ceyloban Gaulish unit replaces King's Liverpool Regiment on Ionia post- for kith or king?

[Chrinthanium]

Japanese Base in Congo 'Hilariously Illogical'

ROME - Caesar Marcus X surprised the Quirinal Press Corps when he took to the podium himself. Rather than use the time to address Caesar's agenda for the day, the press conference became a directive from Rome to Tokyo and Kinshasa.

"Considering that Japanese trade has remained unmolested in the Atlantic basic since history can remember, the theory behind the need for a military base in the Congo is hilariously illogical. Just what trade has been attacked, intercepted, inspected, or otherwise violated between Congo and Japan? Can anyone in this room answer that question because, quite simply, we cannot." Caesar's question remained unanswered after approximately 3 minutes of silence. It was one point in a small list that highlighted Caesar's comments.

"If Tokyo thinks we're idiots, they're completely wrong," he stated. "This cannot be a simple precautionary move on their part to protect against the slim potential of any Atlantic power wreaking havoc upon shipping between Congo and Japan."

"It would be wise for Japan to rethink this current agreement and decide whether or not their potential naval base in Congo is worth loosing trading status with the Roman Empire. Furthermore, if Japan continues to push forward with this deal, we shall consider it a clear and present threat to Rome and act accordingly. Their military presence is simply unacceptable, unwarranted, and unwelcome in the Atlantic basin."

"It would also be wise for Congo to rescind the offer. There is, again, no threat to their trade routes nor is there likely to be. However, like Japan, should Congo continue to press forward with this deal, there will be economic repercussions."

"Japan has no business with military assets in the Atlantic basin. It's nothing more than a childish stunt by an empire that thinks itself far more important than it could ever hope to be."

Caesar did not open the floor for questions.

Other News

Nuclear Testing Continues
Consul-General Alvarez submits to Chrinthani government, Magellanus Insulae Provincial Government information pertaining to 'a more powerful nuclear test soon.'

Bombs Not Only Thing On Nuclear Agenda
Could the empire be heading for a nuclear-powered navy? Recent talk from the Defense Consulship seems to confirm.

Chrinthani Emperor to Visit Rome
Emperor Nathaniel IV to visit the Eternal City to meet with Consul-General Alvarez, Caesar Marcus X in late October.

[Kyr Shorn]

सच क्षेत्र


Truth Sphere

Headlines from Indus

Japan's New 'Special Envoy' to be Welcomed in Lavish Ceremony

At the Palace of the Primus, the Japanese Empire sent a nephew of their Emperor to Indus to serve as 'Special Envoy', a major step up from an Ambassadorship and a clear sign that Japan views Indus as an important part of it's new economic bloc. The corrupt nobility of the so-called 'Grand Republic' have plans to welcome this new agent of Imperialism... Oh sorry! we mean 'important person'! <wink> With an obscenely lavish ceremony in the Palace of the Primus in the heart of the 'old city' of Saidpur, and in true Indusi fashion it's been leaked to us that the servants in the palace have been threatened with horrible deaths if they make any mistakes that might 'upset' the Special Envoy.


Tensions Between Indus and Kutch Rise

The ever tense relations between the 'Grand Republic' and Kutch have grown more complicated in recent months since the ascension of Indus to Japan's Pacific Trade Organization
with Kutch having threatened to seal off it's ports to Japanese ships. Several representatives of the Primus and other trading concerns in Indus condemned the 'latest in Kutch passive aggression against their motherland'. Anything beyond snarling words from Saidpur is unlikely at the moment, especially since Indus does have it's own ports and isn't dependent on Kutch. However it is believed that such a closing would annoy Japan, so backroom talks on the issue are suspect to be occurring at the moment, but there is no confirmation of this.


A New Wife for the Primus?

Rumors that have swirled in certain, rarified and inbred circles that the Primus is planning to marry a new Mahārājñī. Long a widower since the death of his first and only official wife, the Mahārājñī Radha Brahma it is known that Delem has kept a large harem of women and girls and fathered a grand total of 27 sons and an unconfirmed number of daughters. However in California where one of the known daughters, Princess Pushpa Brahma was on a shopping trip, the local paparazzi caught up with her and while refusing to give an interview, did answer a single question. The question being her father's marital status. "He's planning on finding his wife soon." she stated before stepping into a car worth more money than most in Indus will ever see and being driven away. The identity of the unfortunate victim to become Delem's new wife is unknown.


Prince Ravi Brahma Studying at a Japanese University Reports Claim

A number of reports and circumstantial evidence has suggested that Prince Ravi Brahma, the youngest known of Delem's sons is studying at the University of Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan. Like the vast majority of Indusi Nobility, the Brahma's have taken their higher education abroad since the local university system is considered subpar outside of the three major universities in Saidpur. In the past the Brahma clan has favored places like Chrinthanium or even Rome, a current example is Ravi's older brother, Prince Ram who has been studying at a university in Chrinthanium. While a few noble families have started sending their children to Japan for their educating in recent years, this marks the first time that a Brahma has started their university education in an Asian nation.

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IC Information:

Truth Sphere: A news site owned and operated by the Indus Democracy Front, the largest organization of the Indus exile community. Officially dedicated to providing real information from within Indus itself, though at times with questionable accuracy. The Truth Sphere is banned within Indus for obvious reasons, and is blocked by the government. However enforcement of this is sporadic, but due to internet access being inaccessible to the vast majority of society, the Truth Sphere tends to be more geared for an international crowd.