The Democritus Gazette (approved participants only)

[Fregantes Empire]

Archives of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey
2nd Closed Meeting
20th of August 1920
1st Session
Started: 09:00
Chairman — Reisisâni Celâlettin Arif Bey
Clerks : Haydar B.
Index:
1. Resumé of the Previous Closed Session
2. Statement
a. His Excellency the Prime Minister Mustafa Kemal Pasha’s Statement
3. Subject of Discussion
a. The policy of the GNA Government towards Ethem the Circassian and the Kuva-yi Seyyare

CHAIRMAN – I hereby open the closed meeting.

1. RESUME OF THE PREVIOUS CLOSED SESSION

CHAIRMAN – In the previous session, His Excellency the Prime Minister has disclosed developments from the National Struggle and other related topics. It was then decided that the GNA Government must maintain the mask of ambivalence towards the Sultan-Caliph, but at the same time undermine the authority of the Istanbul Government. Does anyone disagree with the Resumé? Does everyone agree with the Resumé? .... The Resumé is then accepted unanimously.

2. STATEMENT

a. His Excellency the Prime Minister Mustafa Kemal Pasha’s Statement

CHAIRMAN – Your Excellency, the floor is yours.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRIME MINISTER - Thank you. Gentlemen, I came here with good news. As you have witnessed in the Assembly, we have succesfully prevented a possible Greek seizure of formerly Allied occupied territories, and we are establishing a coherent frontline in Western Anatolia. As announced, Ismet Pasha will assume the overall command of the front. We have decided against any split in command, and Ismet Pasha will be the ultimate military authority of the front. We have started to make defensive preparations in Kütahya and other cities that will be our strong-points.

These, you have heard in tha halls of the Assembly. What you haven't heard is the formation of a special branch of the armed forces. Made up of the remnants of the Special Organisation and the National Defense Society. Many of you present here would know the organisation called as the Karakol society, and may inquire why they are not included in this effort to create our own intelligence-security organisation. The truth is simple: They have refused to come under the authority of the GNA and defiantly continued to operate clandestinely. After the British stormed the Parliament, many of the Karakol figureheads were exiled to Malta. Some have fled to here to take part in our assembly, others followed Enver Pasha and perished alongside him. We should actaully send a note of gratitude to the Central Asian Soviets for that one.

Anyways, the new Security Agency of the Grand National Assembly has been actively neutralising agents from the Istanbul Government, disrupting loyalist activities, and eliminating potential rebel figureheads. If you have ever asked why some aghas, tribal leaders and imams are mysteriously turning up dead, there is your answer. Any traitor they don't eliminate, they have been turning in to the new courts we have been establishing.

On those courts, the "Freedom Courts", they have been established in all of the provinces under our control. They have authority over local-provincial courts, and their objective is to root out and punish rebellions. As of now, they have tried a considerable number of traitors attempting to incite revolt against our government. Only a handful are hanged, most of them are impromised. You might find these measures to be harsh, I wouldn't disagree with you, but we are in the middle of an existential conflict. Such methods are therefore necessary. Until the conclusion of the war and the following period of stabilization, these courts will remain.

On a happier note, our intelligence units have managed to infiltrate the Greek forces. Interestingly enough, some Ionian Greeks are more loyal to land they have lived in rather than the idea of a far-away "nation-state". We know now their troop consentrations, their supply points, their strongholds. This data will prove to be important. However, this also shows that we might have Ionian Greek infiltrators within us. Counter-intelligence operations have been authorized to determine whether our intelligence is compromised or not. I don't wish this development to create any anti-Ionian sentiment though, they have been our neighbours and friends for centuries, and they will remain so. We will not tolerate any act of ethnic cleansing. One shameful catastrophy is enough, we cannot afford another one.

Lastly gentlemen, I think all of you are ready to hear the driving idea behind our struggle: Turkey will become a Republic. A secular, democratic, modernised, and forward-thinking Republic. We cannot be tied to the Middle Ages by arbitrary institutions such as the Sultanate and the Caliphate. We cannot be hold back by a regime of Imams and Aghas. We cannot have the remaining Ayan as a nobility, we cannot accept that the Turkish nation be denied of the fruits of reason and modern science.

Gentlemen, we will build a republic free of religion and tradition in this room. The necessary work to do so must begin at once. We must be able to declare the Republic immediately after the conclusion of the war. To this end, we must lay the groundwork. We must eliminate the power of the Aghas and the Ayan. We must reign in the imams. We must make sure that conservative circles of the assembly are kept away from holding any meaningful power. We must gather the intelligentsia to discuss how to establish certain institutions and how to manage certain projects. We must protect the already fragile middle class, and equally protect the farmers.

What I am laying before you here, is not a democratic reform proposal like the two constitutional monarchies we had. No, I am telling you that we need to destroy the rotten construct of this society, and rebuild it anew using science, reason, laicism, and democracy. I am talking about a revolution.

As you can agree, if such a modern “Republic of Citizens” is to replace the “the Sovereign and the Subject” model, we cannot tolerate any element of feudalism. The Ayan class was crushed in the Balkan Wars, yet the Aghas remain. The imams remain. The ideas of an ancient Arab Sheikh continue to poison our lives. And now, we have the epitome of a warlord before us. Ethem the Circassian.

3. SUBJECT OF DISCUSSION
a. The policy of the GNA Government towards Ethem the Circassian and the Kuva-yi Seyyare

CHAIRMAN – Thank you, Your Excellency. We now move to the debate. Anyone wishing to speak? Deputy from Istanbul Bekir Salih Efendi, you may proceed.

BEKIR SALIH EFENDI – Gentlemen, while Ethem and his irregulars may be irritatingly autonomous from our authority, they have achieved victory after victory against the Greeks and loyalist forces. Shouldn’t these successes be enough to prove that they are effective and loyal to our cause?

I say that we need to trust the Kuva-yi Seyyare, and give them what they need: support, and as much autonomy as they need. They are indispensable for our war effort! We cannot afford to alienate him and his irregulars!
Curator’s Note: While not written, latter accounts claim that at this moment Mustafa Kemal Pasha silently called for an aid and whispered something to his ear. It might explain why Bekir Salih Efendi was under surveillance until the whole Ethem the Circassian affair would be resolved. Interestingly enough, he would be invited to the next closed meetings. Some sources suggest that this was due to his useful input on other matters, and the fact that the Prime Minister could tolerate differences in opinion better than anticipated
CHAIRMAN – Thank you. Deputy from Sivas Kızıl Mahmud Efendi, by all means proceed.

KIZIL MAHMUD EFENDI – We cannot trust a rural warlord, gentlemen. He is not even Turkish to begin with, he is Circassian! His bandits are all Circassians and Abkhazians, they can even be Bolshevik agents! Non-Turks cannot be trusted! We need to be eliminate him!

Curator’s Note: Kızıl Mahmud Efendi’s xenophobia obviously disturbed the Prime Minister, yet he was a useful ally for getting rid of Ethem. As such, he had remained a part of the closed meetings until a few months after the conclusive resolution of the affair. The moment he conveniently lost his position as a deputy, he was charged with plotting against the assembly and being a Turanist CUP spy. He was later hanged.

CHAIRMAN – Thank you for the… warm… words, deputy. Chief of Staff Mustafa Fevzi Pasha, you have the floor.

MUSTAFA FEVZI PASHA I cannot deny the effectiveness of the Kuva-yi Seyyare. They have proved successful against enemy units that were more numerous, better trained, better organized and better armed. They excel in guerilla warfare, but that’s it. We cannot win this war with guerillas. It was the XV. Army Corps that liberated the Eastern Provinces. A disciplined, distinguished fighting force. In the South, we wore the French down, not defeated them. It is clear as day that we need a fully functional regular army to fight against the Greeks.

Yet here is this warlord, claiming that the “era of armies” is over! What nonsense is that? He is needlessly creating a division in the public opinion when we cannot afford it. He is a danger to unity of the Motherland. He is a danger to the National Struggle, and a traitor. Yes, you heard me right, a traitor. We have intercepted his telegrams to the Greeks, pledging his support if we force him to join the regular army. We have also intercepted telegrams informing the Istanbul Government about troop deployments.

Gentlemen, we need to get rid of him. He will clearly revolt if we act too late. We need to crush him.

CHAIRMAN – Deputy from Sinop Eflatun Murat Efendi.

EFLATUN MURAT EFENDI – I agree with you, Fevzi Pasha, yet how do you suggest we get rid of him? Does anyone here have any concrete idea? We cannot assassinate him, his men are absolutely loyal to him and protect him day and night. Crushing him with the regular forces will be a waste of lives and munitions, not to mention a potential weakness in the front.

Mustafa Kemal Pasha interrupts

HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRIME MINISTER – Assuming I have the support of a majority of the individuals present here, I have already concocted a plan for that. As Eflatun Murat Efendi wisely said, assassination won’t work, and crushing him outright will be a waste of precious resources and lives.

We need to ask ourselves, “what is the one think Anatolian aghas and ayans hate the most?” The answer is simple: Each other. We need to guide the other irregular commanders into thinking that Ethem is gaining to much power, and that he should be stopped. Let local feudal lords fight against each other, let them kill each other and leave the future to us. Of course, if they inflict wrath upon innocent civilians, then we will cleanse this country of them the moment they least expect.

Simply put, let feudalism kill itself. Is anybody against this plan? No? Good.

[Arvento]

Concerns over the National Food Market prices

Prime Minister Luigi Factini, at a meeting with the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Leonardo Navarre, announced the deteriorating situation in the global food market. The record rise in prices on a number of goods in the country has led to an increase in demands for more tax cuts in the Italian Kingdom for the working class. However, the government has taken a number of steps to stabilize the cost of sugar and sunflower oil in the domestic market. According to Navarre, last month, the authorities plan to launch a special project designed to curb wheat prices. The minister also told the prime minister that the Italian economy coped well with the impact of the global conflict on the financial sector significantly better than many other countries. Moreover, despite the tensions in the world still being high, the Kingdom of Italy was able to increase the volume of non-commodity exports to Libya.

The government is in process of preparing a bill which would subsidize certain farmers as well as giving out grants to various charity organizations throughout Italy.

[Nowa Polonie]

The Polish Flapper
The Women of Europe's Young Republic



Like the Republic to which they belong, the Polish woman is embodies the ideals of youth, new emancipation and boundless ambition - the old world, in which she and her country were subjugated is no more, and to her, a man who wishes to command her has as much authority as the old Russian tsars - none whatsoever.

The transformation of Poland's culture is being felt nowhere so strongly as among her fairer citizens - the country's most recent constitution, put into place near the start of the year, is beginning to bear its fruits - Poland's daughters are to stand shoulder to shoulder with Poland's sons, with the rights to vote, to pursue divorce, to live free lives, and to pursue their own dreams and destinies. It was once remarked by Marx that the position of a working-class women was to be the slave of a slave, all but indentured in servitude to her husband. Josef Pilsudski may no longer identify himself strongly with his Socialist past, but the lessons and truths he learned from it are self-evident - for Poland to succeed, she cannot do so while half of her population are second-class citizens.

But as the rotten old world dies away, and the new world struggles to emerge, in the few months that they have had to enjoy their new freedom, the Polish woman has begun to express it as if it had always been hers. Where once cafes, bars and cabarets had been the domain of the masculine, women now go to relax and unwind. Where once the students of Poland's universities had been young boys, now young women attend courses to become engineers, doctors - some have even begun to petition the government to allow female participation in Poland's armed forces, citing the long tradition of ALL of Poland's children serving in the defense of their mother country, when the time for war rears its head.

The Polish Woman is now a smoker, and a drinker - a dancer and a musician - she learns the languages of France, England and Russia, and makes conversation with the many travellers who come through her country, heading one way or the other through Europe. There is of course, great disqueit among some sections of society about this so-called 'moral decay' among women, but Pilsudski and his camarilla have been masterful in asserting that these reforms and changes are perfectly necessary and natural - and that any accusations leveled against the behaviour of Poland's women is an 'insult to the honour of Poland's mother's and daughters.'. What member of the right-wing opposition can do much to combat this argument, when so many of them now have sisters, daughters and even wives who are beginning to pursue an education, a career and a life outside of the family home? The reality for those rank misogynists in politics is sobering - the women of Poland are following the ideals upon which their Republic is founded. And newly enfranchised, any politician who does not wish to join the Russian Empire in the dustbin of history keeps his cards close to his chest on these most recent developments. But of course, even among Poland's political class, many women now find themselves in the forefront - the leader of the Polish Socialist Party, Rosa Luxemburg, has been jubilant, and though they are rivals, her praise for President Pilsudski where the rights of women are concerned has been resounding - ''Women's freedom is the sign of social freedom.”, she once said, and though Poland's democracy may still be a project unfinished, the fruits of the March Constitution have galvanized support behind Pilsudski across the political spectrum (with the far-left and far-right being the few to begin rattling their sabers against it, though for different reasons). He may not have been the President that they chose at the ballot-box, but most can say that if they had the chance, they would stand behind ''The Marshal'' - the old pragmatist captain at Poland's helm, who now at long last, brings aboard the country's daughters to serve as crew.

[Nowa Polonie]

Promethea - Defanging the Russian Tiger, and Poland's Role
By Tadeusz Schaetzel de Merxhausen



At twenty-five years of age, Schaetzel, author 'Promethea' has achieved the rank of Colonel, and a position as Head of Intelligence on Russia in the Commander-in-Chief's Staff (the staff of Marshal Pilsudki) - he has previously served as a deputy leader of the Kievan branch of Poland's underground forces operating throughout the First World War. He is among the new school of Poland's intelligence officers, operating chiefly from Modlin Fortress. Schaetzel has been the first however, to break ranks by pursuing a public profile. He has done this by authoring what he has described as a 'geo-strategic blueprint' for a Prometheist Poland to secure her independence, the independence of the 'Promethean Peoples of the Former Russian Empire' and to guarantee their continued prosperity.

Printing houses in Poland have been busy recently, with the publishing of a controversial new book authored by an intelligence officer of the Polish Army, Tadeusz Schaetzel de Merxhausen, dubbed ''Promethea'', with a post-amble ''Defanging the Russian Tiger, and Poland's Role''. While the text of the book itself is presented in an almost Spartan manner, with little in the way of literary flourish by the author, the ideas presented within have captured the attention and imagination of much of Poland's intelligentsia, and by many overseas and abroad among the Polish diaspora, as well as those interested in the ongoing political dramas emerging in post-War Europe.

In his 'blueprint' (as the author has described the work), Schaetzel describes Poland as a 'torch-bearing nation', whose primary diplomatic role and aim are inextricably linked - to liberate and enlighten the 'indentured nations' of non-Russians within the former territories of the Russian Empire. Schaetzel states further that 'Poland's role and attitude must be purely anti-Imperialistic, and without notions of exceptionalism or supremacism', and further, ' 'Retro-nationalist' ideals must ultimately be subsumed within a Prometheist ideal - this must include the Polish nation.'. Schaetzel further expresses further futurist notions, envisioning a 'reformed' (read: Enlightened) neo-Commonwealth, where the 'stain' of 'Retro-Nationalist Chauvanism' enables a more perfect union.

This by itself would be enough to send the intelligentsia of the nation into a flurry of discussion and debate, were it not to what end Schaetzel states this 'neo-Commonwealth' is necessary for: maintaining continued independence from Russia for the constituent nations. In 1917–20, according to Schaetzel, as the nations of the Baltic, Black and Caspian Sea basins were freeing themselves from Russia's imperium, Poland was the only country that worked actively together with those peoples. In these efforts, Poland met with cooperation from the western coalition; the latter backed the Poles in their endeavor to rebuild the Polish front against Germany. At the same time, according to Schaetzel, Germany, with her occupation forces, strengthened her influences in Lithuania and Latvia, manipulated Ukraine's Lt. Gen. Pavlo Skoropadsky toward Ukrainian federation with a possible future non-Bolshevik Russia, and attempted a German hegemony in the Caucasus against the political interests of Germany's ally, Turkey. Germany's true intentions were at last made manifest in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, concluded with the Bolsheviks in 1918. Likewise, Schaetzel further underlines Poland's continued support for national liberation movements in the Soviet Union, which Schaetzel dismisses as a 'Great-Russian chauvanist project', dismissing Bolshevism in particular as 'Russian Imperialism, cloaked with Socialism, but no less Russian - and no less Imperialist.'.

Schaetzel further underlines that while Germany is not Poland's primary national antagonist - dismissing anti-German sentiment as a manifestation of Polish 'chauvanism', and describing further anti-German politics as 'petty... beneath Polish honour' - it could eclipse Russia in this role eventually, should a Prometheist coalition fail to galvanize. In that eventuality, Schaetzel states that as they did throughout the war, the Germans would simply replace Russia in the role of imperialist over Eastern Europe, though how it does this, Schaetzel leaves to speculation, either through military or economic force, Schaetzel describes either eventuality as 'equally terrible'.

While Schaetzel has stated, both within the book, and in public, that the ideas and opinions expressed in his work are his own, and they in no way reflect the policy of the Polish state or military, past or present, it has caused something of a stir. Schaetzel is an active member of Poland's military intelligence, and a devoted follower of Marshal Pilsudski (though, as most have noted, belonging to a younger generation). The content of the book is certainly provocative - of Germany and Russia, Schaetzel speaks almost entirely negatively (though it must be noted that Schaetzel does believe that friendly and equal diplomacy between Germany and a 'Prometheist project-state' is possible, both through the formation of said Prometheist state, and a 'social reformation' of the German national character). Naturally, many Russian emigres within Poland have described the book as 'offensive'. Schaetzel states that while the Western Entente may be relied upon as an ally in good faith, that their positions geographically, and their predisposition to 'positions of diplomatic comfort' mean that Poland must be prepared to take 'the sober diplomatic steps of a state more privileged by the experience and stability of longetivity.' - that is, Poland must be prepared to act as a nation much older than she truly is, and to be both bold and daring, and shrewd and conservative in equal measures.

Schaetzel has stated his indifference to profits generated, and has stated that the lion's share of revenue will simply be donated to the Prometheist organisations existent within Polish - of both Polish character, and the national chapters of Poland's substantial emigre population. To this end, it has found widespread adoption, particularly among the younger, more 'radical' members of the Prometheist movement, and marks what some consider to be a 'generational shift' in the ideals of the movement - among the older generations, following the ideas of Marshal Pilsudski (who, regardless of tendency, is regarded as the de facto founder and leader of the movement) and its distinctly pragmatic character, and among the younger members of the movement, who have begun to rapidly adopt Futurist ideals, envisioning a 'post-Nationalist' Eastern Europe, united in cause and purpose, and comprised of a coalition of co-equal 'Prometheist' peoples.

[Orostan]

REPUBLIC OF IRAN DECLARED, RED ARMY GOES SOUTH
July 29th, 1920

With the support of the Red Army, which is now entering the country, Iranian revolutionaries have declared a Republic in the city of Rasht. The revolutionaries requested the support of the USSR in their national liberation struggle against the puppet shah of the British in Tehran and the request was granted by the Central Executive Committee on the same day that it was submitted. Red Army troops entered the country from Transcaucasia and have advanced down the railroad from Jolfa on the Soviet border to the northern city of Tabriz. The Iranian Republican government has announced its intention to bring "all national liberation" forces together including religious leaders and the middle class. The Iranian Republic's primary economic demands are full Iranian ownership of oil resources in the country and significant land reform for the rural population. Political demands include the establishment of a representative republic and the complete abolition of the monarchy.

In the USSR Lenin, Zinoviev, and others have thrown their support behind the Iranian Republic while Trotsky's group has been much more reserved, and Trotsky himself has criticized Soviet support for a movement that does not call itself socialist and instead is only in favor of "national liberation" - which is liberation only for the local ruling class, if you agree with Trotsky. However due to Iran's importance and proximity to the USSR Trotsky has so far not made any actual political efforts to oppose the invasion and has instead carried out his duties as Commissar of War. The preparing Red Army troops in Baku can attest to that.

[Ikh Tal]

---

August 21, 1920 - Price ₮2

---

---

Industrialization in Ikh Tal

---

Over the past few months, Ikh Tal has been rapidly industrializing and urbanizing its economy. The Modernization Through Industrialization Act has spurred massive investment in consumer goods factories, as well a massive mining operations. A new development in the northwest is expected to become a major source of Lead and Iron. There is also news of a bullet and shell factory being opened in near that development, presumably to take advantage of the close proximity to resources. A new steelworks is also being built in the east, with an expected average production of 1,000,000 tonnes of steel per year.
The main recipient of these new surplus goods will most likely be the USSR, while Japan could also be a major customer. The Khan has also offered to sign a trade deal with the Chinese, emphasizing a status of cooperation between the two. That being said, The Khan's desire to see the Mongolian people reunited still stands, meaning that the annexation of Sinkiang and Inner Mongolia is still possible in the future.
Alongside these new developments comes the opening of the Ulaanbaatar University. The University is part of a new system of government education, which aims to provide public education to every child in Ikh Tal. The University is employing over twenty foreign teachers. A short walk away from the University can be found the State Armaments Company (SAC) Research Centre. The SAC is a new government-run company tasked with the design, procurement, and production of new weapons and vehicles for the Zevsegt-Ord, and eventually the development of airborne vehicles for a possible future Agaaryn-Ord. It has been confirmed that the SAC is currently designing new armoured motorcycle and armoured car models, for use by the Zevsegt-Ord, as well as basic weapons such as rifles and machine guns.
The industrialization of Ikh Tal is expected to continue far into the future. The Khan has his eyes set on a Greater Ikh Tal, and industrialization is just one part of his plan for the nation.

[United Kingdom of Syria and Palestine]

King Jean-Pierre invites Turkey to discuss long-term solution to border disputations

4/22/1920

---

Recently, the head of state of Turkey - Mustafa Kemal Pasha, has been sent a written letter by King Jean-Pierre - inviting either him or a representative to Damascus to work out a deal for both Mosul and Hatay - stating, "Although I much respect the integrity and will of the Turkish people, their fight for national liberation and their willingness to stand up for their own people, I must highlight the importance of the Antioch region to the Christian faith - especially that of the Maronite Church," Stating, that "Christianity is the faith of the Syriac people, an integrated piece of their identity, and as their King, am obligated to defend their well-being and interests." And elaborates on Mosul, "Mosul too, houses a significant number of Christians, and Kurds that have shown loyalty to our cause of national liberation." With the complexities in mind, he formally "invites representatives from the Turkish government to discuss fair resolutions to disputes in Hatay and Mosul."

So far, the Hatay region - referred to as "Antioch" throughout Syria-Palestine, sits in a state of militarization. Royal Army troops remain stationed there, protecting and overseeing the region remains secure, and protecting local Turkish populations from "reprisals."

---

Industrialization Efforts revamped: French & Pacifican construction companies, French materials.

5/11/1920

---

Recently, the royal family, along with Syrian and Palestinian nobility and other rich families residing in Syria-Palestine has began an elaborate plan, using their own money to buy French material for both building and agriculture, and hire French and Pacifican companies to commence the King's "Industrialization, Urbanization, and Infrastructure" projects. Current plans are many-fold, but most prominently they plan to expand communities throughout the Levant, by means of constructing roads, connecting communities throughout Jordan and Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, to each other, and increasing the commerce power, infrastructure and industrialization of some of the largest cities, including Damascus, Aleppo, Jerusalem and Beirut.

Roads interconnecting towns, cities and what otherwise could be profitable areas to each other are well underway and have been the primary focus of Levantine efforts. Next to it, agriculture has been another major focus, as most of the economy is agricultural. Efforts and policies on a national level have been enacted by the King and his Nobility to subsidize farmers and other such land owners to hire more employees, buy up more land, and to expand their operations, from storage to production. Inside the cities, large areas have been carved out for the construction of what will soon be factories, warehouses, and housing blocks.

Not much progress has been made as of yet, but within due time, the Levant will be a place of sophisticated industry and self-sufficiency.

---

IN OTHER NEWS:
N/A

[Fregantes Empire]

Hakimiyet-i Milliye

Date: 23/11/1920

Ethem the Circassian Turns Traitor, Crushed by other Irregulars and Hanged

---

In a rather shocking turn of events, intelligence provided by the Security Agency of the Grand National Assembly last month revealed that the infamous irregular commander Ethem the Circassian has indeed been in secret contact with the Constantinople Government and elements of the Greek Army. It has been proven without a doubt that he was leaking vital information to the enemy, and giving bargaining chips to the corrupt and treasonous government in Constantinople. Mesmerized, the deputies of the GNA called for a trial, and Ethem the Circassian was charged with high treason by the newly established Ankara Prosecutor's Office.

Refusing to be present before the Independence Court which summoned him for the aforementioned charges, Ethem was found guilty and sentenced to be shot, in absentia. Ethem refused to recognise the verdict, and rose up in revolt with his irregulars. Expecting this, the GNA aligned irregulars, fearing the warlord might become too powerful at their expense and fully backed by the GNA and the Regular Army, attacked the Circassian's host before it was ready to fight. Caught off guard, the group was decimated, and Ethem was captured. High ranking members of Ethem's irregulars were all shot on the spot.

Ethem himself was taken to Ankara as a prisoner. His charges were read again, and the judge stated that his execution would be in the gallows and not by rifles. He was hanged on the 22nd of November.

Turkish Delegation Sent to Syria-Palestine

---

It is now confirmed that the GNA has sent a delegation to Syria to resolve the border dispute concerning Hatay and Mosul.

During the first days of the Assembly, it has been agreed upon that the territories mentioned in the National Oath were all parts of an indivisible Turkish Motherland, and that it was the sacred mission of the Ankara Government to bring the Motherland under one banner. These claims naturally include the provinces of Hatay and Mosul, where Turks and Kurds enjoy a demographic majority over Arabs and Christians. While that might be the case, these provinces are controlled by the Kingdom of Syria-Palestine. Born out of a Christian paramilitary mafia organisation expelling the already crumbling Ottoman administration from the region, Syria-Palestine has seized these provinces as the empire collapsed.

The letter sent by the Syrian-Palestinian King Jean-Pierre was received by the Prime Minister, was read to the deputies of the Grand National Assembly as well. Aware and thankful that the Turkish population in the disputed territories are protected by the Syrian Royal Army, the deputies were welcoming of this diplomatic overture. “It would not be appropriate of us to refuse a show of goodwill and an opportunity to prevent further bloodshed.” said the Prime Minister “We appreciate and accept the invitation. A delegation will be sent to Damascus to discuss with the Syrian government to hopefully resolve this border dispute”.

Today, 23rd of November, it has been confirmed that the delegation has crossed the border into Syria and making its way towards Damascus.

Other News:

---

- The Regular Army reaches 86,000 soldiers.
- The whereabouts of Ethem the Circassian’s personal fortune is unknown.
- Army deployments to the defensive positions in Western Anatolia continues.
- XV. Army Corps successfully pacifies the East.

[United Kingdom of Syria and Palestine]

Hatay Border Disputations Resolved!

11/25/1920

---

Recently, the Turkish government has sent a delegation to Damascus, and with King Jean Pierre, hashed out a deal over the border disputes in the Antioch region. The region had been occupied for well over a year by Royal forces, with the area of Iskenderun being a particular point of contention over the Syria-Palestinian occupation of the region. Iskenderun is both a location full of Turkish Muslims, and a location that is relatively important to Turkish state. The land had been occupied by Royalist forces, protected from any overzealous militias or mobs that may wish to conduct reprisals upon the Turkish community following the end of the Great War. The two countries came to the agreement that Iskenderun would be ceded to Turkey, and in exchange, Turkey would recognize Syria-Palestinian claims to Antioch, an area deemed important by the Christian Kingdom for its religious significance.

The agreement has shown that both nations, despite what initially appeared to be conflicting goals. The meeting had only confirmed both nation's commitment to asserting peace and stability in the Middle East, and the new orders established and built from the ashes of the Great War.

---

Establishment of Kurdistan in Mosul!

11/25/1920

---

The region of Mosul, following the end of the Great War had fallen under occupation of the Kingdom of Syria-Palestine, in what was an organized offensive to protect Christians in the region by Syrian nobility and their militia armies, during the closing days of the Great War. The invasion had ended successfully, and with the region fully under Syria-Palestinian Royal Army occupation. However, the region is one of the few that isn't majority Christian, and is in fact, not even part of the Levant proper, leaving it in a confused state as to what is to be done with it. However, thanks to the recent meeting between the Turkish delegation, and King Jean Pierre, the question of what is to be done with Mosul has finally been answered.

A point was made during the meeting that the state is neither majority Christian nor majority Turkish, but is in fact overwhelmingly inhabited by the Kurdish peoples. This would place both Turkey and Syria-Palestine in an unfavorable position should either attempt direct control. Instead, a consensus was reached to established a Kurdish state, which would be a protectorate of both Turkey and Syria-Palestine, as to offer both nations the ability to defend their interests in the region, and to allow the new region to stabilize. About four regiments of the Syria-Palestinian Royal Army will remain around Mosul, and around other larger towns throughout the region, to both protect the new state, and to protect Syria-Palestinian's interest in protecting the local Christian populations, but has otherwise granted the Kurdish tribes the authority to rule themselves. Syria-Palestine has suggested it plans to assist in arming and developing the young nation in the near future, as per its plans to modernize the Middle East.

---

IN OTHER NEWS:
Industrialization efforts move relatively smoothly; progress report to be reviewed every 2 years [OCT 2ND]
Royalist Army & Air-Force budgets to be increased in the coming Months [OCT 5TH]
Nobility to increase subsidies for aspiring local farmers [OCT 11TH]

A couple of men, with dark-tan skin, black hair and brown eyes, and standing at an average height, made their way through Medina, riding, and leading along with them camels, about four of them total, to be exact. It was relatively late into the evening, when they arrived at a small structure. It was someone's home. Quietly, the men got off of their camels, hitching them, and removed a box from one of the camels. One of the men knocked at the front door. After a moment, the door creaked open, and the man motioned him to enter. "Come in." He said to them, in a quiet, inviting tone. The two entered, carrying inside a relatively large box.

The space they entered was well-lit with candles. There was a small living space, with a table and some chairs next to a fireplace. Through an archway was a kitchen, and to the right, there was a hall with three rooms, two bedrooms and what can only be assumed to be some kind of storage. "Nobody is home?" Asked one of the two men. The homeowner responded, "My wife and children are in the back." The homeowner motioned for the two men to set down the crates onto the table, and they did so. The home owner opened the crate, revealing its contents. It contained a few Lebel Model 1886 rifles, and 8×50mmR to go with them. He removed a rifle from the crate, brandishing it, and examining its quality. "Looks well-maintained." He comments. One of the two men nodded, "We'd only give our mutuals the best we have." He assured. "So, can you do it?" The homeowner nodded. "I'll have them taken to Jabal Shammar." One of the men nodded. "God's speed, friend."

This was merely one of many contacts that Syrian and Palestinian black markets had in Hejaz. They sold weapons to mutuals in Hejaz, who in turn sold them to Jabal Shammar in large quantity. Arabia was undoubtedly going to be rife with contact, and as far as arms dealers, and soon enough, mercenaries, there was nothing wrong with making a long-term investment in the region. Jabal Shammar was merely one possible destination, however. There were tribes further to the east that needed the same kind of assistance; the Khaliji had their own dialect, their own identity, their own struggle.

[Anxiety Cafe]

---

 FOUNDED 1857

CAPE TOWN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1920

PRICE 3c 

---

 

NATIVE EMIGRATION NO MORE


Minister Malan initiates new restrictions
By Adriaan van Wyk

D.F. Malan, Minister of Interior Affairs, has put a decisive end to the previously unrestricted emigration of the native peoples to the neighboring East African Commonwealth. Categorized as "refugees" by that government, black groups frequently crossed the Zambezi River in makeshift boats to enter that nation, betraying the South African Confederation and selfishly betraying the fatherland. A widely-publicised photograph of a makeshift sailing vessel capsizing in the turbid stream brought national attention to the issue. And now, Minister Malan declares that no more of these defections will occur.

He has enacted a strict anti-emigration programme for the natives, building on earlier legislature concerning the pass system and reserves. Natives will no longer be able to roam freely, instead being restricted to the reserves and their place of work. The border with the EAC will be closed and guarded to prevent its crossing by native groups. Associated with these new regulations is an expansion of the pass laws to female natives, who thus far had remained exempt due to refusal to follow these laws. Attempting to leave the nation in violation of these laws will result in years of imprisonment.

Minister Malan commented that "the desire of the native to abandon his home, his family, and his country is a testament to his inferiority," reiterating that such emigration and movement restrictions are "necessary for continued prosperity and growth of South Africa." With these new laws, natives are expected to complete the appropriate schooling for work in the mines of the Witwatersrand, not desert the nation that provided them with such opportunities. Minister Malan is reported to have said that "the East African Commonwealth indoctrinates the natives in hopes of bringing about the downfall of South Africa," although he later claimed that he was misquoted.
 

[Ikh Tal]

---

December 15, 1920 - Price ₮2

---

---

Khan Announces "Open Door" Immigration Policy

---

During a address to the nation this morning, the Khan has announced a new Open Door Immigration Act, to be signed into law by the Great Khural later this day. The Act will create a streamlined process for any foreigner to become a citizen of Ikh Tal within a month of immigration, as well as a system for the relocation of new immigrants to parts of the country requiring labour.
The following is an excerpt from the speech: "I look over the border, and what do I see? I see millions of working-class people, many of Mongol origin, being oppressed by petty warlords. In an ideal world, I would be able to take those evil men out of power and free the people of China directly, but as of now Ikh Tal does not posses the military capabilities to do so. Therefore, I welcome any Chinese citizen who wishes to immigrate. I am personally promising that every immigrant will receive a home, a job, and adequate sustenance for them and their family. All children will receive an education, all the way from Elementary through Post-Secondary. Leave behind the oppression and toil of China, which is no longer a nation but a region of chaos, and come help us build a better Ikh Tal!"
This news has massive connotations for the future of Ikh Tal. It is very likely that hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Chinese will migrate to Ikh Tal over the next year because of this policy. It is an amazing opportunity for growth, but if handled badly it could destabilize the nation. We will be watching the situation closely as immigrants begin to stream into the country.

[Lendenburgh]

20th December, 1920

Berlin's Fantasy
In the capital of the Reich, the newfound peace has not been met with caution or hesitant optimism, but instead outright artistic cacophony. In the shops lining the high streets, high-cut dresses with modern silhouettes fill the windows, accompanied by new American, cotton suits made to look like wool tweed. Among the trendiest of high society, formal gowns have been replaced by practical clothes ripped and pierced with false adornments.
Though the Christmas markets have their stalls set up across the town, it is the young party-goers, frequenting new modern art exhibits, music shows, and the sort that are driving forward the energy of the city. The work of Hannah Hoch has made an especially large splash on the art scene in Berlin recently- her “Dadaist” works depict totally abstract scenes made up of symbols from everyday life and pop culture. Drawing her influence from wartime exhibits across the country, but especially at the Cabaret Voltaire in Geneva, Hoch undoubtedly is the most popular young artist in Germany at the moment. Her newest piece “Die Schone Madchen” will be displayed at the national gallery starting next month.


Similarly, in the world of music, modern revelations have reached the entrenched Berlin schools- with cabaret performances beginning to import the influences of a brand new American music style called “Jazz”. The softly-lit clubs of the Berlin music scene are now filled with raspy voices and the handiwork of Adolph Sax, crooning the new sounds of the 20s.

In the world of cinema, the directors of Berlin are quickly outstripping their global counterparts. Robert Weine’s “The Cabinet of Dr. Cagliari” premiered last month to international praise. It’s eerie atmosphere and crazed protagonist were called “echoes of the War in our popular consciousness, “ by a film critic, “never was there a more appropriately cathartic film release, something to affix our crying eyes on, and be scared by something other than man.” Critics from New York and Paris alike called the surrealist horror film the “quintessential moment in German cinema”. The film will be the first German production to be globally exported, and is expected to open to huge success abroad.

Max Weber dies at 56 in Munich

Widely regarded academic and professor of history, political economy, and so-called father of Sociology, Max Weber, passed away in his Munich home. His contributions to the social sciences are totally unmatched by others in this generation. Rejecting Durkheim’s positivist views of the social sciences, Weber’s work will undoubtedly be some of the most influential in all inquiries into the social sciences for the next century.
His investigations were uncommonly varied and widespread, and it is difficult to say what field was his chief domain; for this versatile, keenly interested spirit attacked with the same intensity all the problems which occupied his attention. He shunned no labor needed to penetrate even into neighboring science.

It can only be hoped that the future generation of German academics is able to carry the mantle constructed by Weber’s esteemed departments at the Universities of Munich, Heidelberg, and Friedrich Wilhelm University.
KPD party leader Karl Liebknecht, a personal friend and collaborator of Weber, lauded the historian on the floor of the Reichstag for providing “invaluable political insight to the democratic parties of Germany, certainly the Republic as it exists today would not have been possible if not for Weber’s input to our parties’ platforms in Frankfurt.” Referencing Weber’s heavy involvement in the founding of both the KPD and SPD and the Frankfurt school of thought.

Claude Debussy and Carl Orff to headline festival in Strasborg

On New Year's Day in Strasborg, the German and French governments are jointly sponsoring a lavish exhibition. Over the first week of January, the culture of the Rhineland and Alsace will be celebrated with some of the finest work from the region, as well as from Germany and France as a whole. Debussy's Nocturnes will be followed by Austrian composer Carl Orff's world debut of "Tonal Music". Prominent Alsatian artists, and veterans of the Great War, Charles Spindler and Leo Schnug. The rising Berlin Kabarett star, Marlene Dietrich, is also rumored to be making an appearance at the festival, and perhaps performing in one of the exhibits.

This event will be the first time since the Great War that Germans and Frenchmen have come together, not as enemies, but as fellow men admiring art and culture. Doubtlessly, for the population of Alsace, this will be a welcome return to normalcy for their homeland.

[Lendenburgh]

Opinion: Against Putschism and Soviets

Paul Levi advocates the KPD's
departure from the Third International

Bolsheviks believe themselves capable of skipping over disharmony between the classes, to be able to master it, because they brought the both of them, so to speak, into the soviets. Now these errors are totally incomprehensible for politicians educated in the school of Karl Marx: there are absolutely no state forms which can cancel out the existing class contradictions. If there were, then it would be incomprehensible why one could not also accomplish such witchcraft with a coalition government.

‘Solidarity’ between worker and peasant is the real kernel of so-called Leninism; it is that which Leninism believed that it had developed beyond Marxism. But, in reality one can only grant Lenin one thing – which is indeed no small thing: that he recognized the particular conditions of the seizure of power in Russia, and raised the concept “Dictatorship of the Proletariat”. Yet, just as the Germans came unstuck with the canonization of Schleiffen's doctrine, so too do the Bolsheviks with Lenin's tactic from 1917. Lenin remains, but Leninism is the past. Where he believed he had developed Marx he has failed. We have to say: nowhere has the correctness of Marxism been more alarmingly proved than in the end Leninism is undergoing. The function of the party in Russia, and by extension the Third International, is clear. For the Russian masses everything is still concealed events, perhaps most egregiously in the case of the invasion of Iran.

In Russia, whoever gave the peasants land had their support. Yet, the German Communists have not as yet found a way to even approach these middle strata. An agrarian program is not sufficient, as the peasants and farm-workers are not decisive here as they were in Russia. Nor is it enough to assure the artisans that their death as a class is certain from the laws of the capitalist economy; for even if someone is going to die, you don’t win them as a friend by prophesying their death each day.

The “abolition” of the nation is not the object of a decree, still less of a party resolution, it is rather a process; today there are comrades who, because they are internationalists, refuse to see parliaments now, or want nothing to do with politics. And, for this reason alone, it should be the task of Communists to come out, at the most critical moments for the national question, with slogans that signify to those middle strata a solution of their national pains.

The slogan of alliance with Soviet Russia would have been such a slogan, and should have been given out as a national slogan under which the Communists, and proletarians in general, would act together with those middle strata in a struggle against the junkers and the bourgeoisie, negotiating with the Western bourgeoisie to hand over portions of German territory to France (the Rhineland) or deliberately fragmenting the country (Bavaria and the Rhur); by this demand, we would've furthered the proletarian struggle.

If the Communist Party is not to come to grief at the very beginning, it will thus have to offer a slogan that brings a solution for these middle strata, if only a temporary one, by recognizing the parliaments.

Rozalia Luksenburg calls for participation in elections

Luksenburg advocates KPD
participation in elections

“Order prevails in Warsaw!” declared Minister Sebastiani to the Paris Chamber of Deputies in 1831, when after having stormed the suburb of Praga, Paskevich’s marauding troops invaded the Polish capital to begin their butchery of the rebels.

“Order prevails in Berlin!” So proclaims the bourgeois press triumphantly, so proclaim Ebert and Noske. The glory and honor of German arms have been vindicated before world history. Those who were routed in Flanders and the Argonne have restored their reputation with a brilliant victory.

Who is not reminded of that drunken celebration by the “law and order” mob in Paris, that Bacchanal of the bourgeoisie celebrated over the corpses of the Communards?
“Order prevails in Warsaw!” “Order prevails in Paris!” “Order prevails in Berlin!”

Every half-century that is what the bulletins from the guardians of “order” proclaim from one center of the world-historic struggle to the next. And the jubilant “victors” fail to notice that any “order” that needs to be regularly maintained through bloody slaughter heads inexorably toward its historic destiny; its own demise.

The time has come to wipe out Ebert's counter-revolutionary plan, to thwart this action of the capitalist defence troops with a revolutionary action of the masses. Just as we exploited the infamous Prussian three-class franchise to fight against the three-class parliament in the three-class parliament, so we will utilize the elections to the National Assembly to fight against the National Assembly.

Here, of course, the analogy stops. We are in the middle of the revolution and the National Assembly is a counter-revolutionary stronghold erected against the revolutionary proletariat. The gentlemen around Ebert and Haase, the Junkers, capitalists and their hangers-on, would be very well pleased if they could be left to themselves. The time has come, then, to assault and demolish this stronghold. The elections, the tribune of the National Assembly, must be utilized to mobilize the masses against the National Assembly and to rally them to the most exacting struggle. Our participation in the elections is necessary not in order to collaborate with the bourgeoisie and its shield-bearers in making laws, but to cast out the bourgeoisie and its shield-bearers from the temple, to storm the fortress of the
counter-revolution, and to raise above it the victorious banner of the proletarian revolution.

“Order prevails in Berlin!” You foolish lackeys! Your “order” is built on sand. Tomorrow the revolution will “rise up again, clashing its weapons,” and to your horror it will proclaim with trumpets blazing:

I was, I am, I shall be!

[Nowa Polonie]

Soviet Belarus, Polish-Soviet Frontier, Checkpoint 19, Minsk Oblast...

Fyodor Dmitrovich's boots crunched in the January snow - the worst of the Winter storms had passed earlier in the month, and through December, and now the snow took on an almost unearthly beauty under the clear morning sky, resting in low drifts ankle-deep over the long-frozen ground. The day was breathless, and only the slight swaying of snow-bound pine trees betrayed any notion that the wind was blowing, and besides the smell of snow, the only other smell was the faint must of tobaco. Cheap tobacco too, the kind grown in Kazakhstan, rather than in Turkey or the Americas, the kind Russia had long grown used too over the last ten years, just as they had grown used to cheap tea, cheap clothing - he paused for a moment, stopping in the snow to think; when had the last time he had had coffee been? He was happy to leave the answer he came to in vague terms - a few months, perhaps.

The 'checkpoint' was a small dacha, formerly the property of a local kulak or somesuch. Its location, overlooking a section of the frontier with Poland, made it ideal to serve in a military fashion as a checkpoint and observation post, until something more appropriate could be build to serve the same role - this task had been 'in committee', perhaps for as long as it had been since his last cup of real coffee. The same was always true of most things - new equipment was handed to the military committees, to seek new housing, one placed their faith in the housing committees, and so on. Mercifully, at least, Fyodor's posting was where it was - the peasant's dacha was cold, certainly, but it was far superior to far Siberia, where death stalked men with the cold, just as he did with bomb, shell and bullet. Worse still was Persia, where it was said entire platoons were swallowed by avalanches along mountain passes, where cholera, and the anger of the country itself at its invaders laid low far more than its inhabitants did. No, Belarus would do well indeed - there was some small comfort here, peasants to exchange rations of tea and tobacco for sausages, cheese, even beer and vodka.

Stepping inside, Fyodor was hit immediately with the wall of greasy, acrid smoke that clung in a haze just below the low ceiling. Giving their own greetings, he would recieve a few grunts of acknowledgement of the four men who held this post, and one would rise to leave, patting Fyodor on the shoulder wordlessly as he left - the state of the dacha was somewhat squalid - the soldiers made no effort to maintain it against the elements, and finding no use for many of the things that had once decorated the small holiday home, had given them to the fire long ago. As a result, in spite of the constant presence of a small fire, the one-room building felt perpetually cold and lonely, and the light that passed through its windows was at once pale and baleful, giving little light or warmth, less still than if one were outside. It was no surprise then to find his comrades engrossed around a circle of cards, with a nearby bottle of vodka having its own little circle of glasses. The sergeant present, Yeshevsky, was an old bull - unlike Dmitry, he was not a conscript, and had been inherited, a last artifact of the old Imperial Army. Despite the state of the Dacha, and the utterly unprofessional manner of the men inside it, the presence of Yeshevsky was enough to ensure that the Dacha at least was filled with soldiers - rather than just men playing cards. On meeting Fyodor's eye, Yeshevsky would greet him, and offer a freshly filled glass, which Fyodor would take gratefully, draining at once, and taking a place by a window to the West. It was late January, and the mornings not so sluggish, and despite the dank conditions of the dacha, the sun outside was almost blazing - at least, for a January. He lowered his gaze from the sky, and covered his brow with his hand to shield his eyes - his gaze fell naturally on the edge of some nearby pines, and the hairs on his neck would raise on end - greeting his gaze, he would see the two tell-tale pin-prick lights of binoculars, falling on him, and the sight of the dark lines of soldiers emerging from the woods.

Polish Belarus, Polish-Soviet Frontier, Front Sector 22, Nowogrodek Voivodeship

Lt. Janusz Lewandowska Nowak wiped beads of moisture from the tip of his nose, and put the handkerchief into his pocket. He had spent Christmas at the frontier, and had recieved a parcel three weeks ago from his sister - a pair of doeskin gloves. The morning was cold and beautiful, and his mind almost lost its focus and gave way to thoughts of home, but matters were too serious, far far too serious, to allow that quite yet. His boots crunched through the patches of snow that had found purchase on the forest floor, and behind him his men followed in an arrowhead wedge, scanning constantly with their weapons - due to state secrecy, most of the rank and file had been unaware of the plans made up until only yesterday. Janusz himself was only informed four days ago. He had known in his heart it was coming, but the order still rang in his ears like a thunderbolt, and had done the same to his men - they were much like their rifles; made up, and ready to go off at any moment. They were to fire the first shots, and strike the first blows in war. Janusz gave a last thought to his sister, and thanked her under his breath for the doeskin gloves once more.

At the forest's edge, he would have his men halt - the trees began to thin out ahead, and the snow would rise, if his men were caught in the open, they'd be caught like rats in a ring if unfriendly eyes found them. He raised his pair of binoculars and scanned ahead - the ground ahead rose along a dike, and resting at its top he saw an old dacha, logged by snow. He took a breath - smoke from the chimney. After a few moments, he spotted a figure walking up, and stepping inside, and a different figure walking out. ''They're changing sentries.. that's a military post..'', Janusz would order one of his corporals to take four men, and set up the machinegun within the trees, facing the dacha. His sergeant would take a further six men around the dike, to surround the Dacha. As they began to cut through the snow ahead, Janusz would raise his binoculars - a man was in the window of the dacha, he seemed to be looking up at the sky until-

The hairs on his neck stood on end - he's spotted me. He looked away from the sun, and the bastard spotted me. Janusz spat a curse, and lowered his binoculars, and drew his pistol. ''With me lads - keep their heads down for us, Corporal Zielinski!''. Janusz start into the snow, joined by his men, while over their heads like a swarm of baleful insects, lead would begin to fly into the walls of the dacha, tearing great clods of water-bound timber out of its walls. As they drew close enough to throw grenades, Janusz and his men would take to their bellies, a few tossing handbombs - one would land by the outer facing of the buildings chimney, and after exploding, the chimney would collapse, dragging down with it a great section of the ceiling, and the entire wall of that side of the now utterly pitiful building. Janusz ordered a ceasefire, and shouted down behind him, for the benefit of the machinegun crew - silence. Janusz would shout out, ''Lower your weapons and approach -'', first in Polish, and then for the benefit of the men he was shouting at, in Russian. Not a soul answered - Janusz would rise, pistol drawn, and after a dozen steps, came to the wall of the dacha. A stone's throw away he could see his sergeant, approaching from the other side, his men arrayed around the building in a similar fashion to his own - rifles raised, and their owners prone in the snow.

The dacha was empty - almost empty. The gutted remains of a vodka bottle, since exploded with the assistance of a bullet, sat on a stool. Beside it, the slumped remains of a single Russian. The fire had been burning when the newest sentry had arrived, there must have been more than one man here, surely. He drew closer to the body - Janusz turned it over. An older man, the corpse was so fresh that Janusz could see the telltale red bloom in his cheeks, imparted by vodka. A few moments of search and he had the man's paybook - his eyes glazed over at the sight of the Cryllic letters, but he began to translate each letter in his head, and slowly sounded out the man's name, ''S-e-r-z-e-a-n-t.. Y-e-s-e-v-s-k-y..''. Janusz looked down at this man's body, and softly left the paybook resting on his breast. He'd make the sign of the cross over the fellow's body, and came to the correct conclusion that this fellow had been hit first, and with that, his men had immediately fled the dacha. He and his men would continue to advance. ''Advance until serious resistance is encountered.'' - he'd turn to his Sergeant, and remark, ''I wonder when we'll meet this 'Serious Resistance' fellow, he seems to be late to the party.''. His sergeant would grin, and the section of Poles would continue to advance through the snow.

Such were the scenes across the entirety of the Polish border with Belarus on the morning of January 31st, 1921.



Polish officers have received orders that all captured political and intelligence officers, such as members of the notorious Cheka organisation, are exempted from the usual rules of war, and are to be treat in the same capacity as spies. The interpretation of these orders is universal - committed Bolshevik military apparatchiks captured with their men are executed out of hand.

[Nowa Polonie]

Zaslauje, Minsk Oblast, 20km North of Minsk

The Polish cavalrymen had arrived in the afternoon that day - the news was spreading from village to village that the Polish had crossed the frontier. Many began to whisper about what this might mean. Immediately in Zaslauje however, many came to a similar answer - the town had always had a large Jewish population, and many began to take this chance to engage in the tradition of the pogrom - to take this chance to seize property and inflict terror on the Jewish population, and to remind them of their place.

By the evening, as the sun began to wane in the East, the men of the town who had committed themselves to such a plan would begin to form a mob, and making their way toward the Jewish quarter of the town, they would find their path blocked - the Poles had put sentries in place. The mob of peasants would begin to curse, and from their ranks, a spokesman would go to speak with the Poles, explaining their intentions. The Poles are resolute, and the mob begrudgingly disperses.

There shall be no pogrom in Zaslauje today.

[Ikh Tal]

---

February 1, 1921 - Price ₮2

---

---

Expeditionary Forces Being Sent to the USSR

---

In an address to the nation this morning, the Khan denounced the warmongering Polish Republic and announced that the 1st Cavalry Division "Aldart Khuvi Tavilan" would be sent as expeditionary forces to the USSR in order to support Soviet troops defending against the Polish onslaught. Included below is a part of his speech, transcripted.

"

Citizens of Ikh Tal, a treacherous event has occurred! The Polish Republic has launched an unjustifiable invasion of our allies in the USSR. We cannot sit idly by while our comrades are run to the ground by the dishonourable Poles. Already I have dispatched the 1st Cavalry Division "Aldart Khuvi Tavilan" as an expeditionary force, but that is not enough to ensure victory. That is why I am beginning a mass mobilization. I call on every young man - and woman - in Ikh Tal to go to their nearest recruiting centre, and join the Zevsegt-Ord. Bring honour to you and your family, while defending our brothers and sisters in the USSR. Like our ancestors, we sill descend upon our enemies with a fury and vengeance only the Mongols can!

"

The 1st Cavalry Division, under the command of Major General Tömörbaatar, is trained in guerrilla-style fast attacks and is adept at conducting operations behind enemy lines. The troops are trained to be self-sufficient, living off the land and salvaging weaponry and ammunition. They are to be stationed in the steppe of southern Ukraine to help soviet troops in delaying the Polish advance.
As for the Khan's inclusion of women in his call for recruits, he later gave this statement to the press for clarification: "It is my belief - and the belief of many in the Altan Legion - that men and women are inherently equal. I look into the past, and I see many female leaders, Mongolian ones at that, and I realize that they are just as capable as men. So, I have made an executive decision; Ikh Tal will work towards becoming a nation of true equality between men and women, and that starts with allowing them in the military."
The first female recruits are expected to have finished training within the next few months, alongside their male counterparts. It is unknown to what capacity they will be participating in combat operations, or whether they will see combat at all. But this is a revolutionary gesture by the Khan; this is the first time that women will be serving as soldiers in a modern nation.
Already production has ramped up on military equipment. Although massive parts of the workforce are joining the military, these losses are expected to be offset by the huge influx of Chinese immigrants from the surrounding regions, who will be given jobs immediately by the government. The State Armaments Company unveiled a new rifle model, the Khyars-I Rifle, as well as a new machine gun model, the Argali-I Machine Gun. Factories are being retooled to manufacture these new, homegrown weapons. Although they will not be used by the 1st Cavalry Division, all new units will be equipped with these weapons.
Ikh Tal has begun a mass mobilization. No matter the outcome of the current conflict, Ikh Tal will be poised to pursue its military goals closer to home once the war is over.

[Lendenburgh]

Code: Select all

Reichstag
------------------------------------
The Reichstag was in session today from 10am, called into order by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Beamten (hon.) Herr BOCH.


The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will please read a communication to the Reichstag from the President pro tempore (Herr Boch).
The senior assistant legislative clerk read the following letter:

                                            Deutsche Reichstag,
                                        President pro tempore,

                                   Berlin, Kapitalprovinz, February 1, 1921.
     To the Reichstag:
       Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, of the
     Standing Rules of the Reichstag, I hereby appoint the Honorable
     Helmann Boch, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, to perform
     the duties of the Chair.
                                                 Johann M. Beamer,
                                            President pro tempore.

 Herr BOCH thereupon assumed the Chair as Acting President pro
tempore.

The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Seine Exzellenz, Reichsprasident Adenauer is recognized by the chair.

PRAS. ADEN: The dark cloud of conflict descends over Europe once again. The Poles send their armies into Belorussia as we speak, and so, it is imperative that the Reichstag act swiftly to ensure national security. In the measures put before the parliament (RE: RS 10-103 § 5.1b) there are provisions for the immediate activation of ceratain Reichswehr reserves, and a request for Parliamentary approval to reneg on the Oder Pact with Poland, as well as to reach out to the French for strategic military support. Upon consulting with the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and my own cabinet, the following measures were drafted under intense scrutiny for both the domestic and international sensitivities of the German situation, and such, I urge the members of the parliament to vote in the affirmative.

The PRESIDENT concedes his time to the CHAIR. The CHAIR opens the floor for comment.

The CHAIR recognizes Herr Leibknecht, chairman of the Minority coalition.

LEIBKNECHT: Sirs, the threat of Polish aggression against the German nation will not be solved by diplomatic games with imperialist powers to the West, nor can we outmaneuver the conflict which has arisen to our East. I propose an amendment to the legislation under debate to provide material support to the Soviet Union in the course of their conflict. It is only through hedging our diplomatic contacts with the Imperialists that we can be truly secure in our position, and today, I implore the members of this body, what use do we have for the guns left from the great war? Would they not be better used against our enemies than rotting in warehouses in the Rhur? Sirs, even if you do not support the Communist cause in any way, do you not still want to see the Poles bleed for their crimes?

The CHAIR recognizes the amendment put forward.

A motion for a vote is successful, and at a count of 214-199 with 28 abstentions, the motion and the amendment are adopted.


February 2, 1921


Poland Invades Russia!
With the shocking news of Polish troops charging over the Soviet border, without a formal declaration of war, and beginning to indiscriminately slaughter prisoners, the Reichstag met yesterday to take swift action. In terms of trade sanctions, the Reichstag has fully reneged on the Oder Pact, and instituted a full embargo on trade with Poland. Further, a formal request has been forwarded to Warsaw to withdraw the 1,000 troops allowed in Silesia under the treaty. President Adenauer has also announced that talks are in progress with the French government to sign a mutual defense pact, in order to ensure that the Polish troops do not turn the attention of their conquest to our recently weakened Eastern flank. The agreement with the French should also secure the supply of food and other essential materials for the duration of the conflict, which may see imports from the Soviet Union drop due to supply and trade concerns caused by the war.



Contingents of the Reichswehr have been mobilized, with 10,000 soldiers ready to enter Silesia should the Polish government not withdraw their occupying forces. In addition to this legislation, however, the KPD was able to include a rider amendment to provide material support of surplus weapons from the Great War to the Soviet Union. Container ships are already leaving the port of Bremen bound for Russia stocked with thousands of rifles and machine guns just recently confiscated from the Freikorps put down in Western Germany and other demobilizing units. The amendment included a clause to lease the production of (up to) 10 U-19 class submarines, and unlimited production of the finest German aircraft, the Fokker D.VIII fighter, and Fokker E.I reconnaissance aircraft.

[Arela]

World - Andea - Politics - Business - Opinion - Tech - Science - Health - Sports - Other

---

The Tartus Question

Far from the revolutionary zeal of the independence wars, the Andean military now lays without must prestige or funding. Less than a year ago, the military was sent to save to Transcaucasia. The expedition went miserably, leaving behind on Tartus Base. To many, the military base symbolizes the growing deficit spending under the Herrera administration. The Conservative Party, in addition to a small but growing pacifist movement, has demanded for a full withdrawal from Tartus Base.

Under pressure, the Ministry of Defense has announced the withdrawal of Andean naval forces from Tartus. Set to begin in March, only two Andean destroyers and auxiliary ships will remain. Some political observers believe that Herrera might change his mind last minute, which is why the withdrawal is to start after a month-long gap. The withdrawal will also not affect the the Andean division at Tartus - leading some to believe that the Andean military may attempt an Iranian expedition.

Recently, Iran has suffered under a Bolshevik invasion. However, Iran is a unique case, as in that the country is already occupied by Entente forces. While the aggressive expansionism of the Russian horde have left many Andeans at unease, there's almost zero public support to defense a European colony. The idea of military expeditions has also become increasingly unpopular. "Why waste money abroad when Andeans are without food at home?" many ask.

February 2nd, 1921

[Nowa Polonie]

February 2nd, Poland Declares ''State of Hostility'' with Moscow - Pilsudski promises Belarussian & Ukrainian Freedom



Appearing publicly beside Symon Petliura, President-in-Exile of the Ukrainian People's Republic, Marshal Pilsudski takes part in the inspection of the 1st. Battalion of the Army of the Ukrainian People's Army - composed of nearly 22,000 men, armed primarily with surplus Russian equipment passed out of Polish use in advancing standardization efforts on the German Mauser-types, and imported French artillery. Virtually all of these men had previously fought previously in Ukraine, but had sought refuge in Poland. Reorganized under Polish supervision, and now mobilized, it is hoped the organisation will form the basis for an expanded Polish-aligned Ukrainian force.

Speaking over the radio from Warsaw today, and being sent through diplomatic channels to virtually all major European diplomatic channels, Marshal Pilsudski, the President and acting leader of the Polish Republic, announced with a steady voice;

''I announce - with the greatest sense of regret, both for our own diplomatic failures, and for the diplomatic failures of the nation that we now consider our adversary, that as of today, February 2nd., the policy of this government towards the Moscow government of Soviets is one of war. Acting on my orders, hostilities began on the morning of the 31st. of January. The decision to commit to such a path was not one easily taken; the cause of anti-imperialism, however, demands immediate action. The [sic:Soviet] butchers have walked over the fields of corpses they have made in Siberia, in Transcaucasia, and now anew in Persia. We in Poland host many thousands who have fled, deprived of their rights to pursue liberty, to own property, and to their very lives. From the conception of our republic, Ukrainians and Belarussians have fought side by side in the pursuit of liberty - for our liberty. We now repay that debt of honour and friendship. Only the sword now carries any weight in the balance for the destiny of those nations - liberty, or tyranny. I wish to express the Polish people's continued commitment to the ideals of peace, justice, and universal friendship between all men - but where peace cannot exist, where injustice exists, and where the state is built upon the war of the classes, their only honourable response can be action taken in righteous indignation. I wish to sooth doubts and fears our neighbours may have, and I wish in particular to appeal to the German people, and their government; I categorically state the Polish people have no ill will for their German neighbours, and that we are committed to creating a new partnership with our German counterparts on terms of friendship, fairness, and respect. With this in mind, I wish to announce the immediate withdrawal of Polish forces currently stationed with the province of Silesia, and we ask our German counterparts to abide by its commitments to the Rhine Compact (sic: Rhine Pact) in the spirit of good faith.

To the people under the red cloak of the Soviet terror-state, we express our warmest friendship. To the butchers of Moscow, we offer simple terms - immediate withdrawal from the territories of Ukraine and Belarus, and the recognition of the perpetual right of these nations to self-determine their own destinies. Should these terms be met, there may once again be peace.

May the Polish people, her gallant allies in Belarus and Ukraine, and all the peoples of the world live in happiness and prosperity, and may we be victorious for all time in winning the fight for our freedom, and yours.''

WAR THREAD: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=501727

The Polish Fleet deploys to the Baltic Sea - Blockade imposed

With a formal declaration of war in place, the Polish Fleet has been deployed to the Baltic Sea. With the ORP Piast, formerly the battleship SMS Schleswig-Holstein, at the head of local forces, the fleet will operate between the islands of Gottland, Oland and the Gulf of Riga. The Polish Navy has stated that it intends to respect the exclusive naval territory of its neighbours on the Baltic Sea. However, it has stated its intention to prevent any ships bound for Soviet ports from reaching their intended destinion. The Polish Navy has also taken this opportunity, with the assistance of its existing copies of Tsarist-era seamine maps, to deploy its flotilla of minesweepers under the protection of the Polish surface fleet, to begin clearing existing ordnance, and to increase the safety of its operations.



Boasting the potential to fire fearsome broadsides, and manned by a disciplined, motivated and experienced crew, is the pride of the new Polish Navy. Its potential to allow Poland an unprecedented ability to project power across the Baltic Sea is one appreciated by Naval Command. This first deployment, while in truth unsuited for a ship of the Piast's size, will be to establish early projection of Polish naval power in the Baltic, and to discourage any similar early sorties by their Russian counterparts. With a single Russian battleship as its counterpart in the Baltic, many young naval officers speak in bated breath - a showdown between two tigers in the Baltic Sea.

[Fregantes Empire]

Constantinople, the Dolmabahçe Palace, 03:00

Lieutenant Colonel Ahmet Hüsnü was uneasy. Three years ago, what they are about to do right now would be unthinkable. Perhaps.

"Having doubts, Lieutenant?" asked the man walking beside him. Wearing a fine suit with a black manteau over it, Deputy from Constantinople Salih Bey had a nervous but understanding smile. "You might be thinking that what we are about to do is high treason, but remember, His Majesty the Padishah has betrayed this nation first. Plus, Sultan Abdulaziz I, Sultan Murad V and Sultan Abdulhamid II, all of them were dethroned, in a span of two generations. Don't you remember how the Third and the Second Armies stormed the capital in 1909? What we are about to do is not unprecedented, and not even of similar severity". Somewhat soothed by the Deputy's words, the Lieutenant realised that they have arrived. The Palace gates used to be guarded by a disciplined force, yet no scene of that was present, and an-excuse-of-a-guard young peasant armed with a rusty sword greeted them.

"What is your purpose?" asked the guard, fear rushing through his eyes. "We require an urgent audiance with His Majesty the Padishah" answered the Lieutenant "The gentleman with me is a Deputy from the Assembly. He has a message for His Majesty". "Then why do you have 500 or so soldiers with you?" inquired the guard, shaking, pointing to the batallion behind them. Lieutenant, with a sigh, simply replied "My boy, don't ask the question if you don't want to hear the answer. Go home, the security of the Sultan will be handled by us from now on.". The guard lost his nerve, cast his sword away and started to run back to the city.

As the two men entered the main palace building, the battalion set about to secure the perimeter of the palace, telling other "guards" to leave. The palace was secured by the time the two man had arrived at the study of the Sultan.

"His Majesty the Padishah Sultan Mehmed VI Vahdeddin", an announcement neither of them actually heard before in person, a testament to the diminishing power of the Ottoman Dynasty.

Upon entering, they saw the Sultan working on some documents, with an apparent hopelessness in every fiber of his being.

-"Welcome gentlemen, may I ask why you have come here at such an hour?"

-"Your Majesty, I am the Deputy from Constantinople Salih Karazade, and an envoy from the Assembly in Ankara. I am instructed to deliver you a letter from Mustafa Kemal Pasha himself, and to explain your situation from now on".

Having handed the letter, the Sultan asked the Deputy to continue.

-"You are hereby under the protection of the Assembly. Lieutenant Colonel Ahmet Hüsnü is the head of the security force that was detached from our forces participating in the joint defense of the Straits. He is also tasked with relaying anything you may wish to communicate with the Assembly. This precaution is taken for your own safety, as the Assembly deemed a conflict with the Greeks to be imminent. Should your safety here might not be guaranteed by the forces present, which is unlikely, you will be escorted to Ankara. Do you require any further clarifications?"

The Sultan finished reading the letter as the Deputy concluded his explanation.

-"So, I am effectively a prisoner at the hands of your Assembly?"

The Deputy stood silent, not wanting to make an impolitic remark. The Sultan being officially designated as a prisoner could spark divisions in the Assembly. the Lieutenant Colonel intervened, much to the surprise of everyone.

-"I am a simple military man, and I don't have much political concerns like the Deputy here." then turning to the Sultan "Your Majesty, I will make sure that you will be safe from any threat to your life, or to the lives of the members of the royal family as a whole. Indeed, you will be a prisoner, and you or the members of the royal family will not be permitted to leave the palace grounds, but this is necessary for your safety. I hope we will get along just fine. Don't worry, you will not end up like the Russian Tsar".

-"Very well then, Lieutenant Colonel. I guess I have no choice but to accept your 'protection'. I entrust the safety of my dynasty into your hands”

Before leaving, Ahmet heard the Sultan murmuring “He was just an aide-de-camp…”

After occupying a mediocre room in the lower quarters, the Lieutenant Colonel looked at the Bosporus from his window. He could see the silhouettes of boats, dimly illuminated by the moonlight shining across the black waters of the Bosporus. "Just on time" he thought.

As he got into the bed for a much needed sleep, he gazed at the ceiling and muttered, "Who knows what will happen to this nation?".

Constantinople, the Bosporus, 03:00

"Hey, Tevfik! Look towards the Palace! The battalion is already there!"

Moving his head, Tevfik indeed saw a group of some 500 or so men securing the premises. He couldn't see clearly though, the night was concealing their movements, and the moonlight shining from the sea was obscuring their vision a bit as well. Tevfik signaled the other boats to move faster, they had to cross the Bosporus undetected as soon as possible.

-"Do you have any idea what we are supposed to do after we land on the European side, Jemal?"

-"Our orders are to meet with the contact who will be waiting for us. Then we will deliver the cargo to him"

The cargo in question was guns and ammunition, in amounts sufficient to arm around 500 people. They have been delivering such a cargo every week now, and Tevfik already forgot the amount of guns he has smuggled through the Bosporus. All he knew that these weapons came from Ankara, and were being sent to towns in Eastern Thrace. How? He didn't know much about that either, as per the policy of the intelligence agency and the spy network.

They crossed the Bosporus in 30 minutes, rather impressive given the current, and delivered the cargo to the contact, who was waiting there next to some carts and a car.

-"Thank you for your efforts brothers, I am happy to tell you that this was the last cargo you had to deliver. You can go back to Izmit and resume your regular duties...or..." as he prodcued a paper from his coat "... you can join us in our journey to Edirne. The Lieutenant Colonel was impressed in your efficacy and secrecy, and determined that you could be very useful for what is next to come".

The two men eagerly accepted the offer, just like the rest of the boat crews, and boarded on the carts.

Edirne/Adrianople, Inside a Taberna, 07:00

Tevfik and Jemal could sleep for only four hours, and they were lucky to do so. Their contact, Sami Süha Bey, explained in detail how they had to take the side roads as the Greek soldiers had patrols on the main roads. Nevertheless, they had made into the city. Inside a local taberna, they were greeted by other comrades, and were given something to eat.

-"We have to act fast, today is the day. Other cells in Keşan, Tekirdağ, Kırklareli and Lüleburgaz are ordered to proceed to the next stage as well. This has to be well coordinated."

Tevfik was not sure what the "next stage" of the plan was. Süha Bey would explain it briefly.

-"There is not much to tell, we have to incite a simultaneous revolt against the Greek occupation. Our orders are to coordinate with the other cells in Eastern Thrace, but the same thing is being planned-"

A messenger dashed in, yelling,

-"Süha Bey! The revolt in Izmir has started! I have just received a telegram! Other cities and towns in the Aegean are also revolting! We have to go now!"

-"ALRGIHT PEOPLE! MOVE IT! GET YOUR RIFLES AND FOLLOW ME!"

As the group moved with haste, Tevfik also grabbed a rifle and went out of the taberna with the others. People on the streets looked in shock as a group of people, men and women were marching with rifles and a Turkish flag at hand, walked through them. Süha Bey, in front of the group, started shouting.

"EY AHALİ! Aren't you tired of these Greek invaders? Aren't you tired of seeing your food stolen, your hard earned coins filling the pockets of Greek officers? Aren't you tired of seeing our nation being mutilated? Join us, join us as we march towards the mansion of the Greek Governor and BURN IT TO THE GROUND! FOR THE STAR AND THE CRESCENT, FOR OUR NATION, FOR MUSTAFA KEMAL PASHA, FOR LONG AWAITED FREEDOM!"

The Turkish townsfolk joined the mob one by one, and in a matter of minutes nearly the entire city was up in arms. Some had Soviet rifles, some had Imperial German Mausers from the Great War, some were only armed with clubs. Nevertheless, an ever-growing mob started marching towards the residence of the Greek Governor and the Greek HQ in the city from all sides, chanting slogans of national liberation.

As the mob got close to the mansion, Tevfik could see the Greek soldiers waiting in formation, rifles aimed and ready to fire. There was an order in a broken Turkish calling the mob to disperse. The mob simply chanted more furiously. Tevfik took a deep breath, aimed his rifle, and uttered “Who knows what will happen to this nation?" just before taking a shot, killing one Greek soldier.

Ankara, Military Headquarters, 14:00

Mustafa Kemal Pasha was discussing troop deployments with Chief of Staff Fevzi Chakmak Pasha. Ismet Pasha was in the West, in command of the troops in the Aegean Defenses, but the numbers of that front have grown significantly since his appointment, with the majority of the Turkish Army, counting somewhere around 90,000, facing the Greek occupied zone.

An aide rushed into the meeting and delivered a note to Kemal Pasha. Kemal Pasha had a smile on his lips. Fevzi Pasha was surprised.

-“What happened, Kemal Pasha?”

-“The dominoes have started to fall. Izmir (Smyrna) and Edirne have erupted in open revolt and the Aegean and Thracian countryside folk are joining them. The Kuva-yi Milliye Irregulars, as instructed, have taken command of the revolts in the Aegean hinterland, turning the mobs into irregular guerilla fighters, positioned behind the enemy lines. The Greek Occupation is starting to bleed, and fast, Fevzi Pasha. And with Europe in chaos, nothing can stop us.”

-“Excellent news. We should immediately order Ismet Pasha to attack.”

-“No. Not yet at least. Order Ismet Pasha to stand ready to march West but tell him to wait for an explicit order from me. We must see how the Greek Army will react first. Also, send three divisions immediately to the capital to cross the Bosporus and start marching towards Thrace. This group must immediately secure the revolting towns in Thrace. Send the telegrams at once!”

-“As you wish, Kemal Pasha”.

As Fevzi Pasha took his leave, Mustafa Kemal sat back onto his chair, and started gazing towards an apple tree.

-“I know what will happen to this nation, my vision is its destiny.”

Mosul, An unknown newly built building, 17:00

Mesut was not used to this much heat. He was from the Black Sea coast, where it rained the whole year, and the weather was cool in general. He and the delegation were waiting for their Syrian counterparts.
The door was knocked, and three men introduced themselves. The man in the center was wearing a nice suit, hard to acquire in the Middle East these days, with a Syriac Cross embroidery on it. The man to left was more average, with a grey suit and a misbahah in his hands, a Muslim from Damascus. Lastly, a man with a top hat, probably some European from Palestine.

They sat down. The Muslim man tried to open up the discussion in Arabic, but unfortunately nobody in the Turkish delegation spoke a word of the language except for religious purposes, and Mesut discovered rather rapidly that nobody in the Syrian delegation knew a word of Turkish as well. As such, French was agreed upon as the working language.

Mesut opened the discussion: “Gentlemen, thanking you for coming. We are here today to create a cornerstone for the joint protectorate of our two nations. Kurdistan, and its pearl Mosul, will become a profitable state within our hands, delivering us more than we could ever have through direct control, and relieving us from the problems of revolt. We are here today to found a jointly owned and managed company. The Turkish-Syrian Petroleum Company of Mosul/ La Société Pétrolière Turco-Syrienne de Mossoul, TSPCM or PCM for short. It will take investments from our nations and extract the Kurdish oil for our use.”

The Syriac rose, “It is a great pleasure to work with you, but for this company to succeed, we must determine how it will interact with the local politics and where its place will be in this new state. I think I have the support of my fellow delegates in saying that introducing ideas like self-governance in these lands might be premature.”

Mesut agreed. “The PCM will control the local politics behind the scenes, and most of the confederate Kurdish tribal leaders will be on our pay roll. The framework of the Kurdish state will be determined by our nations, conveniently resulting in a byzantine set of rules to determine a head of state amongst the tribal leaders. Essentially any possible leader will be already loyal to us. As for the place the PCM will have in the society, it is simple. It will extract oil, but also build infrastructure and operate its own security force, mostly provided by our nations at first but then a loyal Kurdish force in the future. It won’t just be a monopoly, but a force that will reconstruct the Kurdish society in the image of our interests. Soon, the PCM forces won’t be occupiers or protection forces but local police/gendarme forces, still loyal to the company of course.”

The Damascene interjected, “What about foreign investment?”

Mesut was prepared for the question, “The PCM will accept foreign investment, and in fact, legally, it will be the only medium through which one can invest in Kurdistan. We see the consolidation of foreign investment as crucial for you as well, and both financial and material investment for the Kurdish oil can help revive interest for the port in Tarsus and increase the importance of Alexandretta as well.”

With the Syrian delegation satisfied, Mesut declared “Gentlemen, we will build a country through this company. Mosul will become a beacon of wealth. For us, at least. Cheers!”

After the meeting, Mesut sent a telegram to Ankara, indicating that everything was proceeding as well. Indeed, the Kurdish oil would be one of the fuels of the Turkish Modernisation.

[Fregantes Empire]

Hakimiyet-i Milliye

Date: 08/02/1921
To the war thread

---

The Great Revolt



Some had Russian rifles, some German Mausers. Some were armed with rifles from the old army, some could only find clubs or sticks. Yet armed themselves they did, not just with weapons, but a desire for liberty and protecting their rights.

Yesterday on the 7th of February, the Aegean Region and Eastern Thrace have erupted. Millions of townsfolk, villagers, peasants, old army officers and soldiers, academics, craftsmen, and more are marching with a fury unmatched to hinder the occupying Greek forces and to liberate the Motherland. So far, Izmir, Edirne, Tekirdağ, Manisa and Aydın have reported such revolts. In all the cities and towns, the local population rose up, occupied the streets, marched to the quarters of the occupying soldiers. Deaths are already being confirmed, but the fire of the revolt is yet to be extinguished.

According to local sources, the revolts started simultaneously and in most of them, with people coming out of tabernas with guns at hand, chanting and handing people rifles and pistols. Within minutes, a considerable armed crowd would emerge and march to burn the local Greek HQ to the ground. Fortunately, no considerable damage to the Armenian and Ionian Greek quarters of the revolting cities was inflicted, and the Turkish spies have even had helped some members of the Orthodox clergy to escape just before the revolts started

The GNA Government has welcomed the news, with the Prime Minister openly addressing the townsfolk of the revolting cities and encouraging them to fight on.

“My brothers and sisters, you have lit our struggle for independence in the Western portions of our country anew. Fear not, for salvation is near. Your cries have been heard, and you must make sure to keep it alive. Continue to resist, make the invaders curse every single day they occupy our country. The entire Turkish nation is behind you, ready to join you in the fight.”

Some sources from the government and some deputies have confirmed that the simultaneity of the revolts was not a coincidence. The rebels have been organized and armed by the Turkish intelligence and the associated spy network, in close coordination with the armed forces. Even still, Kuva-yi Milliye Irregulars have crossed over to the occupied zone, and have organised the mob in the countryside into guerilla fighters behind the enemy lines, attacking enemy infrastructure and supply lines.

As the plan is bearing fruit, the Regular Army is on the move. While the details are not exactly known, it seems the bulk of the forces facing the Aegean Region are on standby, while three divisions are confirmed to have crossed the Bosporus and are marching rapidly towards Eastern Thrace at the time of writing.

To ensure the safety of Sultan Mehmed VI, a battalion has been dispatched to the Dolmabahçe Palace from the Turkish section of the Joint Defensive Forces of the Straits.

Joint Company for the Joint Protectorate

Rather obscured by the Great Revolt in the west, Turkish and Syrian diplomats and businessmen have taken the partnership of the two countries to the next stage. The Turkish-Syrian Petroleum Company of Mosul/ La Société Pétrolière Turco-Syrienne de Mossoul is a jointly owned and managed oil company. Aside from the expected oil drilling activities, the PCM will equally undertake the construction of infrastructure in Kurdistan.

“All things considered, our primary objective is to bring prosperity and activity to Kurdistan” said Pashazade Mesut Bey, a board member speaking for the company “We wish to reinvigorate the region and ensure that Turkey, Syria-Palestine and Kurdistan jointly prosper.”

When asked about whether the PCM will have political influence or not, Mesut Bey rejected any possibility of such circumstances, and claimed that the PCM will remain essentially as an economic force, not interfering with the politics of the land. However, the company will become the sole medium through which foreigners can invest in Kurdistan.

Time will show how the fruits of Turkish and Syrian labour will shape Mosul and Kurdistan as a whole.


The HQ of the PCM in Mosul

[Lendenburgh]

February 4th, 09:00
Operation Schwarze Taube (Operation Black Dove)
8km South of Breslau, Silesia - Smolec Airfield
As the sun steadily rose further in the horizon, the workmen neared the end of mowing the airstrip. Not used since the great war, four like it were being prepared over the length of the Silesian province. Massive bomber aircraft, some with the side doors ripped off, were landing every fifteen minutes, and joining an ever growing line of the largest planes the Reich had to offer. From across the nation, the conversion of military aircraft to civilian use, by way of welding the bomb-bay doors shut and bolting in seats to the massive airframes, had been stopped and the immediate delivery of all late-model bomber aircraft from the Great War was ordered to the designated airstrips.

The Smolec Airfield was chosen to be the center of the main thrust of the operation. Dozens of Rumpler G.IIIs and Freidrichshaven G.IVs lined the side of the grassy runway, their brand new Mercedes D.IVa engines glistening in the early morning light. Being the first engine engineered not to lose horsepower at high altitude without the use of an expensive and complex supercharger, the upraded engine would allow the Great War airframes to be even more deadly than they were in the final days of 1918 over France. Though only a few of each model had seen service, they were fast, high flying, and long range, with decent bomb capacity to boot, and would wreak havoc on behalf of the Red Army. That is, once they were refitted for combat service. With only around 30 preserved in total fighting condition, the Soviets would doubtlessly need to spend months bringing the full flotilla of aircraft into service. By which time, German scientists in Moscow would likely have developed a more advanced model anyway.




But, the massive airwing of tactical bombers was nothing compared to the masterpieces of the German Airforce. The 16th iteration of the Zepplin-Staaken Riesenfluzeug Super Bomber, though there were only two of them, stood unparalelled with its nearly 50 meter wingspan. It's eight engines had been recently retrofitted to the D.IVa, giving it 800km of range when it was fully loaded with 2000kgs of bombs.

The larger, slower flying super-bombers would be escorted by a squadron of 12 Fokker D.VIIIF fighters, outfitted with BMWIIIa engines, unarguably the most capable fighters in the world. They would fly southwards over the rocky Galician moutains towards Zhytomyr in the Ukranian SSR, where they would refuel before being turned over to the Red Army.

The main flight of tactical bombers, however, would take off to the South, and make a climbing turn to pass 2,000m as they crossed the Polish border. Their flightpath of 1,100km to the Belorussian city of Mogilev would take them directly over Warsaw, Lodz, and Minsk. Though they had no bombs to drop on their ferry flight. The message to the citizens of the heart of Poland was to be clear as the rumbling of the planes passed 6500m overhead: they were not safe.

After refueling in Belarus, they would continue on to Moscow, where they would be turned over to the Red Army's Airforce for use against the Poles, or conversion back into military aircraft. Each of the four airfields in Silesia will be able to launch 20 aircraft for transport to the Soviet Union every day, making the full force of 243 aircraft deliverable in just 3 days.

11:58, Skies over Warsaw, Poland
60 in all, the flotilla of massive planes could be heard for miles as the citizens of Warsaw enjoyed their lunches. Though the pilots couldn't make anything out through the small gaps in the clouds to the city, 21,000ft below, the massive wings of the aircraft probably drew attention from people walking down the avenues of the capital.

15:15, Skies over the Polish-Russian front
Towards the end of the afternoon, the pilots could begin to hear the crack of large artillery guns from far below. Their height prevented them from seeing any concrete details, but it was clear the Polish were driving further and further over the frozen ground of Belarus. Only an hour or so away from their destination, suddenly, the engines of one of the Rumpler bombers sputtered to a halt. The plane banked sharply to the right, as its left engine ripped through the bottom of the wing. The whistle of the brittle, cold air could be heard through the holes in the fabric as it plunged towards the outskirts of some Belorussian hamlet. Such was the life of an airman.

[Arela]

World - Andea - Politics - Business - Opinion - Science - Health - Sports - Other

---

The Devolution Act of 1921

In 1824, nearly a century ago, the Republic of Andea was founded. A centralist union was created, with Bogota hosting the seat of power. Yet, the issue of centralization was always a contentious issue. Simon Bolivar was keen on modeling Andea after the British Empire - with a dictatorship and a hereditary senate. This was based on the idea that South America wasn't ready for democracy, and that a firm hand would be needed to keep the system from imploding. However, Peru refused to join a non-democratic union, and Bolivar was ultimately forced to acquiesce to Peru's demands. However, despite this, Andea would become extremely centralized nonetheless. Andea was divided into numerous departments, with them being ruled by a locally elected official, and another official appointed from the capital. Just two years after Andea's creation, angered Venezuelans would launch a failed revolt. And while the revolt may have been quelled, pressure from federalists and secessionists never went away.

The election of 1920 broke decades of uncontested Conservative hegemony, with Herrera and the Liberal Party coming to power. Herrera promised to decentralize the union. After nearly a year of negotiation, the Devolution Act of 1921 was passed, which will pass sweeping changes to the union:

As per the bill, Andea will now be constituted of six federal states: Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Hispaniola, Peru, and Bolivia. The system of appointing officials from the capital shall be abolished, and each republic will have the sovereignty to run its internal affairs. Issues such as healthcare, police, education, infrastructure, and social programs will now be primarily handled by the states rather than the national government. States will also have the authority to levy their own taxes, although state governments will be barred from carrying out any deficit spending. The complete transfer of fiscal responsibilities to the state is expected to take until the end of Herrera's term.

Despite the major devolution of power, the national government will still retain the authority to run its own programs within state borders. For example, while the national government will transfer the majority of the universities it operates to the states, it will still continue operating a national university in each state. However, Herrera clearly hopes to offload most responsibilities to the state. Herrera has stated that each state is different and that no single cookie-cutter solution will work across all of Andea.

Decentralization has met some opposition, however. People from poorer states, such as Hispaniola and Bolivia, have stated that decentralization will leave their areas short of funding. Herrera has pledged to provide the two states with federal funding to ease the transition, but how long this funding will last is unknown. Within Hispaniola, Dominican groups have called for Hispaniola to be split, stating that subsidizing Haiti will be an "intolerable" tax burden on them. Opposition to devolution has also come from Indian groups, who fear that the states will infringe their property and livelihoods. No legal guarantees for Indian groups has been passed with the Devolution Act.

The fact that state governments aren't allowed to raise debt is also another major issue regarding decentralization. Devolutionists claim that this provision will make independently funding infrastructure projects inaccessible to states, and that states will still be forced to kowtow on the national government for funding. Devolutionist advocates have been clamoring for the Devolution Act to be amended, but as for now, the bill will pass unchanged. Meanwhile, centralists have been completely sidelined by the bill. "The Liberals have killed Andea," one Conservative Senator claimed. "Today it's devolution, tomorrow it will be sedition and secession."

February 24, 1921

[Orostan]

[quote="Orostan";p="38340481"]

POLAND ATTACKS USSR
February 1st, 1921

The vanguard of European reaction in Europe, Poland, has attacked the USSR across its border with the Belorussian and Ukrainian SSRs. Fighting is reported at all important locations across the border and the Red Army has offered a stiff resistance to the Polish attack. The Red Army of only a year ago was significantly less coordinated, less supplied, and less motivated. Poland is entering a Russia very different from the empire it left several years ago, and the victories the Germans enjoyed in their invasion of the Russian Empire will not be mirrored.

The Red Army has dug in at important locations to defend Ukraine such as Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia on the approaches to Kiev. In Belarus where the city of Minsk is at risk delaying actions are being taken while the Red Army moves backwards to more defensible positions and all rail infrastructure in the city is destroyed. The Red Army is split roughly evenly across the front with roughly one million men in the Ukranian and Belorussian SSRs each, with a further million men on the way to the front after the Japanese withdrawal from Siberia. On the internal front, supplies for a number of the GOLESO projects and other economic development initiatives has been suspended and rationing has been reintroduced in most cities and towns. Grain taxes have been raised on the peasantry again to war levels and the Red Army has begun increasing its numbers in the west once again.

The new war has also forced the Red Army to begin creating new communications codes and taking measures to otherwise improve its organizational situation. The large number of former tsarist officers that compose the Red Army's leadership do not have their loyalty seriously questioned for the conflict with Poland, but the long running issues concerning the Red Army's communication and coordination systems must be corrected. To do this, the Central Executive Committee has approved a series of military reforms to be implemented over the coming months which includes the issuing of radios to more artillery and infantry units and better organized logistics division.

[Nowa Polonie]

Poland Publishes 'Incontrovertible evidence' of German breach in Versailles Treaty



Speaking at the Sejm today, Foreign Minister Ignacy Paderewski made a formal statement on behalf of the Polish Government to her foreign partners in the League for Peace.

In a statement issued on the 5th. of February, 1921, Foreign Minister Jan Paderewski revealed to the Polish Sejm, and to the world at large, that the Polish State had collected 'incontrovertible evidence' of a German breach in its commitments to the Versailles Treaty - specifically clauses it was beholden to restricting the use of 'strategic bomber' aircraft. In a document presented to the Sejm, Paderewski read testimonies from eye-witnesses, both military and civilian, including several amateur photographs, which have since been sold to many Polish newspapers. The photographs are grainy and unprofessionally shot, but the subject of the photos are clear - heavy aircraft. Paderewski went further, and stated that it was the belief of the Polish Government, corroborated by these testimonies, that this flight was bound for the Soviet Union. Through diplomatic channels, unknown to the public, Poland has provided to co-signatory nations of the Versailles Pact evidence acquired through its intelligence networks active in both Germany and the Soviet Union, in the form of shipment manifests from Germany provided by Polish contacts within Germany's rail workers, and statements provided by Polish sympathises within the Soviet Union confirming German assistance.

To this end, Minister Paderewski has stated that it is the wish of the Polish Government that an immediate summit be held at the League of Peace to address both the crisis presented by its war with the Soviet Union, and the crisis posed by a German breach in the Versailles Treaty. In an appeal to his German counterparts, Minister Paderewski has asked for his German counterparts to 'engage with Warsaw', and to normalize its diplomatic and economic relations with Poland, and to reliably abide by its diplomatic commitments.