The Burning Sun: A Kaiserreich Cold War Roleplay(AH/IC)

[Deblar]

News from Haiti

Government Willing to Negotiate with Germany!

In wake of the riots, as well as Germany announcing their intention to withdraw, President Thomas Lambert, who had remained largely silent since his last message, announced from his residence via radio that he would be willing to negotiate peace with Germany to the Haitian public. Reactions from whoever in his Cabinet is still in Haiti, as some were evacuated to Havana, Cuba, have been mixed, but the news has been met relatively positively by the populace. The Office of the President further made it clear that the intention was to secure the Germans’ withdrawal and negotiate compensation to the German corporations for nationalized assets.

Protests in Occupied Areas Intensify, Partisans Skirmish With Withdrawing German Troops!

Meanwhile, despite the news of German withdrawal, protests in occupied areas of Haiti have only intensified, switching from a “get out” mentality to a “stay out” one. As protests have grown across the occupied countryside, partisan militias that have formed up in resistance to the Germans and in support of the People’s Republic have popped up in greater numbers. A few of these militias that formed merged into one, called the People’s Guard. The new, larger militia has begun to occupy villages and towns in central and southern Haiti, such as Vallières, Marche, Fond Parisien, and Mirebalais in the name of the People’s Republic with lax German resistance, as troops that were occupying the towns were more focused on withdrawing with as few casualties as possible than they were with defending. So for the government has made no endorsement of armed resistance, but it also hasn’t condemned it either, though this may change as they focus on securing peace.

Fear Spreads after News of German Atomic Bomb!

After news reached Haiti of a successful test of a nuclear weapon by Germany, panic began to spread. Some fear that the Germans could double cross the People’s Republic, who was now seeking peace after news of Germany’s planned withdrawal, and use this weapon to destroy the rebelling Haitians, then establishing their own twisted puppet regime out of the ashes. While this particular conspiracy theory hasn’t taken off - yet - some begin to question just how committed the Germans truly are to peace.

[Arvenia]

Известия
October XX, 1946

German Family Massacred In Saratov
SARATOV - A griesly discovery has been made in the city of Saratov. A Russian mailman was delivering letters and other mail to various homes when he came across a badly vandalized house in the outskirts of the city. He went a bit closer to the home just to discover it has broken into and went inside to see. What he saw was something straight out of a horror novel. Furniture has been thrown around and there were some people found dead on the floor. The mailman saw a dead woman and two dead children. They have all been brutally stabbed, beaten and shot. Blood has poured out of the corpses, but has since dried up. The mailman was terrified and ran out of the house, but then noticed there were bloody footprints that led out of the house. He followed the footprints and came across a brutally slain man far away from the house. He saw that the man have been brutally beaten up before running out of the house and then being probably gunned down. The mailman had enough and quickly ran to alert law enforcement.

Some hours later, police arrived at the scene. The dead victims were placed outside and hidden under blankets before they were taken to a morgue in Saratov. The police collected witness testimonies from both the mailman and some people who resided in the outskirts. The police shut off the scene and were probably disgusted by the sight. There were a bloody message written on the walls inside the house. The message said: "DEATH TO ALL GERMANS!!!"

The victims were eventually recognized as being a German family since some factory workers from the city identified the husband as their boss. The husband, Heinrich Rossel, apparently owned a textile factory in Saratov and also contributed to urban development in the city following the Second World War. The workers have also described Heinrich as a kind man who isn't a capitalist scumbag that Russian nationalists makes him out to be. This brutal crime, coupled with the bloody message, has the police feared that the massacre was a hate crime and began a manhunt for the perpetrators, who are obviously believed to be Russian ultranationalists. The Mayor of Saratov condemned the massacre and promises justice for the slain family. The massacre has also caused outrage across Russia, with the Rejuvenation League (LO) blaming it on the recent anti-German protests and President Vasily Boldyrev promising swift justice for the family. There was also backlash directed at the Greater Russian National Front (BRNF), whom people believed organized the massacre, although Roman Zakhaev has vehemently denied that his party was involved in the crime and blamed it on Savinkovists. Meanwhile, many residents in Saratov has been holding a vigil outside the crime scene, which has been described by law enforcement as a rare case of ethnic solidarity between Russians and Germans. Factory workers from the husband's workplace joined the vigil and flowers were left outside the home.

Roman Zakhaev Fights Off Criticism
MOSCOW - A verbal exchange is currently taking place in the Russian Parliament. Roman Zakhaev, the head of the Greater Russian National Front (BRNF), has been arguing vehemently with both Pyotr Krasnov, the head of the Rejuvenation League (LO), and other MPs since anti-German protests began to severly impact infrastructure, agriculture and economic growth in Russia. After a German family was found murdered in the outskirts of Saratov, the BRNF has been facing severe backlash from both the LO and other organizations due to the party's suspected involvement in the massacre. Roman has started to fight off said backlash through numerous arguments. He claims that the German family in Saratov were murdered by Savinkovists and that his party has nothing to do with the crime. He also said tha there is no fair competition between Germans and Russians, mostly due to German businesses flourishing in Russia while Russia businesses weren't doing well after the Second World War. He said that Russia should rather receive aid from the Co-Prosperity Sphere and that Germans troops better withdraw from Haiti. He accuses Germany of causing famine in Russia, Finland and Eastern Europe. Pyotr Krasnov, on the other hand, blames Roman and his supporters for worsening the economic situation in Russia by burning down German businesses and even murdering German families. Roman countered Pyotr by saying that Russia is better off without any competition from "Germanic parasites", while claiming that his supporters aren't engaging in deadly attacks against Germans. So far, the Russian government is still trying to end famine in the country and revitalize agriculture.

Pro-German Counter-Protests Across Russia
RUSSIA - Because anti-German protests had greatly slowed down economic growth in Russia and even resulted in the murder of a German family in Saratov, both the Rejuvenation League (LO) and the National Association for the Liberation of Oppressed Groups (NAOUG) have started to organize pro-German counter-protests across the country. The counter-protesters are marching throughout cities and protecting the few German businesses that have yet been attacked by the anti-German mobs. The counter-protesters also seeks to protect the country's German embassy from a possible attack. Their goal is to protect infrastructure, agriculture and German businesses from ultranationalist violence, as well as prevent ethnic massacres. As a result, violent clashes have broken out between counter-protesters and anti-German mobs in cities such as Petrograd, Tsaritsyn and Pokrovsk. The Russian government has been thinking about sending the Russian Army to crack down on both groups. Meanwhile, counter-protesters are planning a so-called "solidarity march" in Saratov, which would be similar to the civil rihts march that the NAOUG held in Kazan during last year's presidential election.

[Welfresio]

The Sa'dabad Complex was a majestic piece of architecture built by the Qajar monarch, a series of palaces surrounded by a wall located to the north of the capital. Now the residence of the presidency, its Neoclassical style accompanied by its pristine gardens was a symbol of westernization and prosperity in Persia. Now, it only served as a reminder of what was once a time of opportunity for the country. Taqizadeh puffed a cigarette in the dim room, its orange light briefly illuminating the paper before him. Pressing what was left of the tobacco into an ashtray, the President silently listened as the Minister of Internal Affairs spoke in a worried tone. “The situation in Persian Azerbaijan is deteriorating. This report says the ALF has already done considerable damage to several highways and have stretched the local authorities thin.”

Much to the disregard of external pressure demanding a more obliging government to be formed by the Ottomans, the government is staffed with loyalists and those who harbor anti-Ottoman sentiments. Enacting several emergency degrees and giving powers to the president when the shock of defeat swept through the country, democracy died strangled by the crescent. However, the president was determined to revive it once more, and the Azeri situation was an opportunity to do so. The Minister of Defence, Sadaq Safavi, was a lanky man, his round glasses pushed up every so often. “President, what you are proposing may incur the suspicion of the Ottoman garrison. They are already wary of us.”

“The Sword of Damocles.” the president thought. Located merely a dozen kilometers west of Tehran lay a substantial foreign deployment, ostensibly to protect the strategic town. Although, everyone knew its true purpose, a leash. Taqizadeh spoke dismissively, waving his hand, “They know we prefer not to grovel for their help. If we were to increase expenditure and the size of the military, it is justified with the current situation.”
Taqizadeh looked at his ministers with a look of steel, “We all know what we are fighting for. The revolution may be faltering in these trying times, but little by little, we are taking steps in order to recover from this disaster. I need your faith in my decisions. This meeting is over. For the revolution!” The president hailed.

“For the revolution!”




Persian soldiers assembling to be redeployed. 2nd Infantry Division, 5th Battalion, 1st Rifle Company

If the Persian military four years ago was akin to a lion, it could be now compared to a sick rabbit. In practical shambles as the bludgeoned army disarmed itself according to treaty stipulations, Taqizadeh’s government had already drafted plans for secret rearmament, planning to disguise the financing of its program through promissory notes and therefore conceal its activities from the Ottomans. Staffed with disgruntled veterans and doe-eyed reservists, the average soldier was equipped with what was left of Persia’s supply depots consisting of a mix of Austrian, German imports, and overpriced Ottoman T55 rifles. Grossly underfunded, divisions of the Persian military only numbered a few thousand, and what armor and aircraft the Persians had were at least a few generations behind, its more modern units confiscated as reparations at the end of the war.

Acting upon the order to mobilize and increase security within Persian Azerbaijan, hundreds of soldiers deployed into known hotspots of ALF activity, setting up checkpoints and generally cooperating with the police to coordinate military-civilian relations. Though quiet in the first few weeks of deployment, its relatively inexperienced grunts had another thing coming for them when bullets flew over their heads. Ducking into the safety of a heap of sandbags, Private Amir Kardan racked the bolt on his rifle and peeked out to fire at a seemingly invisible enemy. Clutching his helmet, he could only stay pinned as his peers scrambled to respond with their heavy weaponry.

He screamed over the rattle of the MG-34 that boomed beside him, seemingly to anyone that could hear him over the sound of battle. This was supposed to be a quiet trip back to base. “Where the fuck are they?!” A soldier haphazardly pointed towards the forest, where tracers seemed to zip through with no indication of origin. Incidents like these began to pile up across the area, and with little to no progress being made to stamp the ALF out, the military had to adapt, lest it be left bruised and battered.

[Exalted Inquellian State]

Reporter-Alexander Sigmund, Station 3
Various nations flock to buy atomic bomb!

Various countries have noticed the German Empire's nuclear development with enthusiasm, with the first to announce it being Bulgaria, which asked to buy blueprints to the nuke with full distributive rights to sell it as they wish, though Tsar Ferdinand states he believed other countries have already made their offers. Even after Bulgaria's One Billion dollar offer, India and the Ottomans asked for it as well under similar prices of Two and a half billion dollars. Many are unsure whether the spread of the knowledge of the bomb is a good idea. Some believe Austria asked as well, though there is no proof. Responses in Germany are generally apolitical as of now, with more paranoid members wanting to keep the bomb.

Reporter-Joshua Philter, Station 9
Haiti accepts negotiations with Germany, partisans begun occupying towns!

The government of Haiti has announced it is willing to negotiate over German withdrawal and company profits. While his position would've been bad given Port-Au Prince is only fine thanks to Cuban occupation, partisans have begun occupying several towns in the nations center. They had occupied towns in the south, but this was met with a new conflict-rabid nationalists have begun attacking them. The movement calls itself the Cacos, after an old resistance movement that fought against the US' occupation. They have not spared the Germans or old republicans, however, claiming Haiti made itself weak by not having an executive president. Their views on democracy appear to be mixed, however. In addition, the protests in Haiti have begun dying out.

Reporter-Mann Hewton, Station 24
German family killed in Russia, divide grows on German corporations

A German business owner, Heinrich Rossel, was found dead today in Saratov, alongside his family. The mans two children were, sadly, not sparred of the attackers wrath. Rossel was a factory owner who assisted in the rebuilding of Saratov, making him a respected figure in the city, as well as the fact he was kind to his employees. A march of solidarity is being planned, with many in Saratov supporting the move and even socialists agreeing to join in, with many seeing Rossel's death and/or the Russian nationalists behind it as a disgrace. Roman Zakhaev has said he had nothing to do with the attack, though given the village is right on the edge of areas with high Savinkovist activity, it makes it less likely they did it. Some have considered, however, that Zakhaev may be properly paranoid, and an investigation into Savinkovist locations nearby is warranted. His criticisms of German businesses were also taken well, with many of the Kadets admitting they were ruining the Russian free market with unfair foreign influenced monopolies. Zakhaev was slightly critisized, however, for wanting to trade with the Co-Prosperity Sphere, especially due to the Far Eastern Republic's existence. President Diterikhs apparently caught word and said the Far Eastern Republic would have nothing to do with "that treasonous, heretical, anti-Tsarist pseudo-populist warmonger."

Reporter-Bob Holmes, Station 5
Reformist doctrines proposed in Iranian army

Persia has long grappled with the hardship of being a weak puppet state. The ALF's activities have simply contributed to the hardship, as many attacks have caused significant infrastructure damage, including to oil pipelines. Many see this as an example of old, outdated military doctrines. While the government has reformed military doctrines, many do not see the reforms as going far enough. Cooperating with the police to manage relations with the public was successful and allowed for more rebel outposts to be found, but many in the public have now grown distrustful of the police. In Tabriz, crime has seen a rapid rise and many anarchists have begun cooperating with the non-anarchist ALF due to their common hatred of the police. The doctrines have all been of various propositions. Various suggestions have been floated around, most focusing on having troops centralize to one area, either by supplies or local recruitment.

However, these reforms would seem to be in need of quick implementation. ALF attacks have ramped up over the past several weeks, and hit the climax yesterday. A piece of the Persian pipeline in Tabriz was bombed, killing many workers. One of the survivors claimed he heard a man exclaim "freedom to the Azeri". The ALF attacker survived, for he was no suicidal bomber, and was recaptured. He revealed he indeed planted the bomb, but was shot through the window. An investigation revealed he sent a signal to the rest of his command to kill him. This has at least she'd some light in the difficulty to come in interrogating ALF agents.

Reporter-Lewis Joson, Station 12
Khivan Conservatives Win

Khiva has finished its first presidential elections. The Conservative Party has won the presidency, and is seeking to ally with the centrist faction in parliament, even as those results have not come in yet. The parties goals are the defense of small businesses against large monopolies, as well as protecting farmers from having their farms taken by large corporations and being able to sell their own produce. The parties small business platform pits them against the business backed nationalists and monarchists, both of whom wield strong influence. In foreign policy, the party supports strong relations with the Reichspakt, but less economic cooperation with Germany.

[Hypron]

November 3, 1946

All across the Kingdom of England, citizens of the once mighty nation take to the streets to elect their next Prime Minister. Earlier in the week, Churchill announced that the government would dissolve and allow the elections to progress smoothly. Birmingham, what was 2 months ago the sight of chaos, was almost calm if not for the energetic spirit of the voters. The Conservative Party and the Liberal Union continued to do minor campaigns from their bases in London, but they knew that they have done all they could.

At first, the liberals had the lead, with a 1.2% advantage. However, the Conservatives strength came from the nationalists and the socialists, and they turned out in droves. Over 83% of the English population that can vote turned out to vote. In the end, the Conservative and Unionist Party of England gained 274 seats, the English Liberal Union gained 219 seats, and 40 seats went to independents. George VI asked Anthony Eden to form a new government.

November 7, 1946, 10 Downing Street, London, England

"Alright people, we have work to do. We have the support of the people, and we need to use it. Mr. MacMillan, what do we have for the national rebuilding program?" "Well, London, Birmingham, Dover, and Manchester are mostly rebuilt, besides minor areas of rubble in the factory areas and lack of road repairs. I already have established a 15 million pound reconstruction program to rebuild the roads and factories across the Kingdom of England, however that's just the start of my plans. I also am attempting to encourage philanthropy among the wealthy Lords to help rebuild England, mostly by providing tax cuts for lords that assist us."

"Good, now we need to address the republicans. Mr. Churchill, call for a constitutional convention that will happen in early 1946. It will consists of Conservative Party members, Liberal Union members, English republicans, and lords across the nation. We will use the Magna Carta as a basis, but we need to do this to solidify the monarchy's position in the Kingdom. Now then, dismissed.

(HOG changed from Winston Churchill to Anthony Eden)

[Exalted Inquellian State]

Reporter-Alexander Sigmund, Station 3
England begins final public works construction, orders constitutional convention!

England has begun the final stages of reconstruction. Involving clearing factory ruble and repaving roads, the program costs 15 million pounds, or roughly 41 Million dollars. The program has been praised, though the Republicans have opposed it, claiming the government was wasting unneccesary money in a short period when Reichspakt aid could provide so much more in the long term. This has led to more tension as the constitutional convention approaches, with many of the republican delegation taking an all in stance, even as many suggested to instead focus on mild reforms. The republicans, led by Robert Brand and Lord Halifax, generally favor a strong president, though one's who support a dominant parliament over the Prime Minister and President, supporters of a US style system, and supporters of a Swiss style government exist. The government also lowered taxes on the lords, which has somewhat alienated their socialist rivals, but was expected from conservatives.

Reporter-John Banes, Station 8
Norway sends Russia aid

The syndicalist Norway may seem unlikely to be cooperating with the Reichspakt. However, the syndicalist nation has begun sending Russia aid and small loans to improve infrastructure and farms. The country requests they be paid back in a year, and the leader of Norway said he did this out of humanity, not out of any ideological comradery with the reichspakt.

Reporter-Meyer Berger, Station 15
Masons attempt coup in Liberia, fail miserably!

It seemed President William Tubman relied on his masonic allies a bit to much, as they attempted to coup his government. Fortunately for Tubman and not so fortunately for them, the coup failed and ensured a government crackdown. Many have already begun fleeing, whether to French or German Africa, though the officials there have detained many of them, and some are considering the Mason headleaders back to Liberia, where they will almost certainly face prison or death.

[The Democratic Republic of Nytoa]

Berlin, Germany

Kaiser Wilhelm III is in the palace garden with his wife Cecile, who is the current Empress of the German Empire, and his 6 children. He took his oldest son and the Crown Prince Wilhelm off to the side so that they may talk politics with the Kaiser starting out, "While I am happy the previous English King was removed from power, the way the English went about it was completely wrong."

The Crown Prince nodded, "Your right father, the English who committed the coup should be punished. Now on to Eastern Europe, we need to help our Eastern European allies by sending food to them." The Kaiser nodded then sent out a press release.

The Official Press Release of the Imperial German Government

It has come to the attention of the Kaiser, Deutscher Bundestag and the Prime Minister that Charles III was forcibly and illegally removed from the Throne of England along with his Prime Minister. The new English government is hereby be declared illegal and illegitimate by the Kaiser, the Deutscher Bundestag, and the Prime Minister. The Kaiser after a lengthy discussion with his advisers and ministers has decided to completely withdraw from Haiti though the process will take time due to the amount of troops in Haiti. On July 15th, 1946, Germany made history by detonating its first atomic bomb on one of its islands in the Pacific. The bomb was dropped by an He-120 Heavy Bomber modified to carry the bomb.

SIC: Austria is very interested in the bomb and offers to buy the plans for the bomb for 2 billion dollars
With the leader demanding military reforms and generals believe this is how to do it.

SIC: with the Austrians being beaten by the ottomans they offer 3 and a half billion for the blueprints for the bomb.

[Exalted Inquellian State]

Reporter-Alexander Sigmund, Station 3
Ottomans reveal Austria also wishes to buy bomb, raise offer

The Ottomans have revealed the Austrians are also looking to buy the bomb. The Ottomans have stated they have raised the offer to an equivalent of 4 Billion dollars. The Bulgarians, on the other hand, downsized their offer, lowering it to a meek half a billion, in exchange for not getting distribution rights to sell it to others. Lastly, White Ruthenia has stated it will help Germany build nuclear weapons in its territory in exchange for blueprints. Ukraine offered the same deal after accusing White Ruthenia of attempting to sell weapons off to foreign enemies and leave the Reichspakt, which, due to White Ruthenia's landlocked nature making it incredibly unbeneficial to be surrounded by enemies, has caused the Ukrainian government to be derided bu many.

Hawaiian Communique to Japanese government
Encryption: Medium

To the Emperor and his loyal government,

I and my government have planned this letter for months now, and we wish to say that we want to trade with your nation. While we believe the Germans to be our primary allies and know you have territorial disputes with them and the Dutch, we are a free and sovereign nation, and they have not bought many of our products, focusing instead on other policy. Hawaii has many supplies of coal and fish, alongside the possibility we can build oil refineries for the oil you have retrieved in Indonesia. We should warn you to try and hide your activities, given the German response to other countries hurting their interests.

Best regards, Queen Lydia of Hawaii and Her Loyal Government

Reporter-Leonard Popkins, Station 28
Adam Efede-Nissen opposes aid to Russia

The mildly influential Adam Efede-Nissen, a Norwegian totalitarian socialist, who has long supported an alliance with America, has declared that Norway's aid to Russia is a horrid thing. He has said the Reichspakt will exploit Norway and take advantage of his kindness, while giving them nothing in return and shunning them. He has also claimed the German corporations in Russia will simply exploit the aid Norway will give them to clamp down on their workers even further and strengthen Russia, enforcing capitalism there. Many have said the trade unionist has made good points, and with his younger assistants, Emil Løvlien's, backing, even non-totalist members of the Norwegian legislature have begun supporting him.

[Arvenia]

Известия
November XX, 1946

Norwegians To The Rescue!!!
NORWAY - It has been confirmed that Russia will be receiving aid and small loans from Norway. It is said the aid would help improve infrastructure and agriculture in Russia, while Norway is expecting Russia to pay back in a year. The Norwegian leader seems to do it out of humanity rather than ideology. However, Adam Efede-Nissen and other radical socialists in Norway have opposed the move, describing it as an opportunity for the Reichspakt to exploit Norway. He also claimed that German cooperation would allow Russian companies to clam down on trade unions and strengthen capitalist interests. He has since received support from non-totalist legislators in Norway.

Solidarity March Attacked In Saratov
SARATOV - Both the Rejuvenation League (LO) and the National Association for the Liberation of Oppressed Groups (NAOUG) have organized a solidarity march in Saratov. It was organized in solidarity with the German community following the brutal murder of a German family in the outskirts of the city. The organizers marched through the city alongside other residents, including workers from the murdered husband's factory. Halfway there, the march was suddenly attacked by a natioanlist mob. The mob attacked the march with knives, axes, batons, rocks, bricks and bottles. The marchers fought back with any item they got. The attack led to the deaths of 10 marches, including three factory workers. The police eventually intervened and broke up the fight. Many people were arrested and the Mayor of Saratov demanded action against further breaches of the peace. Due to further clashes between anti-German protesters and pro-German counter-protesters acrosss Russia, President Vasily Boldyrev might implement martial law in order to quell the clashes and continue the fight against famine.

[Welfresio]

Marshal Karim Buzarjomehri scanned the officers and staff members that surrounded the mahogany oval table. A few familiar faces, old grizzled veterans of the war, met the general’s gaze, their rough look attributed to the stress of command. He saw fresh ones as well, graduated from either the Theresianische Militarakademie or Tehran’s very own Imam Ali Officer’s Academy, a sight always welcome. Those that venture to re-evaluate how the military thinks was a necessary cycle that contributed to modernization, looking back on its past mistakes and successes to find a future. While some may disagree with the appointment of such people to some of the highest positions in the military, none could argue that the military was in a sorry state of affairs.

Promoted to a Field Marshal in the aftermath of the war simply because any other members were either dead or too old, Karim had to figure out how to put back the dismembered remains of the National Republican Army. Piece by piece, strand by strand if he had to. Over the past year, he has made substantial progress in reorganizing the remnant units into cohesive formations, but it was still a shadow of its former self. Slowed down by disorganization and having to build from the ground up, the recent debacle in Azerbajian has simmered tensions within the military on what sort of major reforms it should undergo, and what direction it should go towards. Culminating into the first strategic meeting between the staffs, Karim could only hope for the best.

Breaking the silence, the aging Marshal spoke. “Now, I gathered you all today to discuss the military’s next step in its strategic planning. The recent string of failures in Azerbaijan has not only highlighted our military’s issues but has also exacerbated it.” Wordlessly nodding to an adjutant nearby, files were passed around the table in dossiers, detailing the inefficiencies and problems highlighted by the Revolutionary Military Committee. A body of independent military and intelligence figures recently established in 1945 by Karim, it was responsible for advising the military in an unbiased manner, a fruit of the Marshal’s never-ending work.

“Our current doctrine is the same one we utilized during the war, conducting both offensive and defensive operations through pre-planning and disciplining our formations to ensure prompt and efficient execution. However, if you would turn to page number four.” Giving pause, the sound of ruffling interrupted the Marshal before continuing onward. “No amount of planning survived when we suffered our first defeat in Baghdad and Mosul. Our defensive action was flawed and was bypassed by the Ottomans, and ultimately knocked us out from the Tigris River in Humiliation of Sulaymaniyah.”

“To my knowledge, this table is divided into two, none supporting our current doctrine.” The Marshal looked around. “One supports the professionalization, modernization, and decentralization of the military to counter large militaries, backed up by extensive civil participation through people’s militias. One supports the opposite, relying on a competent officer core and a centralized structure to lead legions of mobilized divisions, with the best equipment being focused on frontline divisions, stratifying divisions in terms of quality. If I had to gander, the former are new graduates from the Austrian and Tehran academies, and the latter are from the Old Guard.” The officers on the left and right side of the oval nodded, with the Marshal acknowledging them. “I want to know why I should even consider your ideas.”

The debate went on for hours, with the Marshal listening intently and asking questions when necessary. While both sides almost came to verbal blows, it was mostly civil thanks to the presence of the Marshal. Finally, after every point and every piece of evidence was exhausted onto the table, Karim sat thinking, considering his options. In a process that lasted only minutes but felt like years, the Marshal stood up. “I have made a decision.” In the end, the reform faction won the day, much to the chagrin of the more conservative officers. Dubbed as “Plan 1946”, a wide swath of policies and reforms was publicly announced as a response to the Azerbaijan insurgency, setting the stage for an upsizing of the military.

Beginning in November, the government has taken strides to renew its relationship with the Austrian Gemeinsame Armee, formally requesting military advisors as well as production licenses for arms from Steyr Iran and Zbrojovka Brno. Consolidating divisions into a European-style triangular, the regiments under these divisions were ordered to be allocated with automatic weaponry in an attempt to enforce the first few steps of Plan 1946. Using the promissory notes system devised by the Taqizadeh cabinet to mask its violation of treaty stipulations limiting firepower, the mixture of old imports was planned to be replaced by locally produced Steyr self-loading rifles and submachine guns. Local industries were to be contracted to fully motorize the military, a process left stagnant after the war.



“What is this?” A stunned sergeant walked over to a row of body bags, his cigarette dripping ash as he observed the soldiers stack them in the nearby truck.

The grim-faced subordinate beside him replied, casting a long stare. “Civilians.”

“Fuck.”


Persian soldiers prepare to advance down a street, 57km west of Tabriz

Whether it was to the inexperience of the military or the underestimated popular support by the Azeri public, several “counter-bandit” operations meant to disperse the ALF into more manageable areas descended into bloody, stretched-out firefights, with the night ambiance being disturbed by the incessant noise of battle. Small hamlets would become fortresses in several hours, with soldiers pummelling homes with fire, ordering even an armored car detachment stationed nearby to accompany subsequent missions. While the military took steps in recanting its focus in destroying ALF caches to hamper its attack power, it has caused collateral damage, including innocent lives caught in the crossfire.


Persian lePzW M.39 "Csaba" armored car, somewhere in Maragheh

Owing to the rough terrain of Azerbaijan and the fluid-like movement of the insurgents, the military has committed to trying to maintain and salvage its image to the public, reconciling the affected through rebuilding affected areas with military engineers and financial compensation. In response to Tabriz’s growing instability, what Government Gendarmerie units were stationed in the region were ordered to be reinforced with more men and weaponry, particularly hand-me-downs as the military slowly modernized. Proposals to escalate the conflict against the ALF by involving the Persian Air Force were also passed on, but such drastic decisions would be predicted to push the conflict to new heights, something the military is wary of doing as it drags its feet.

[Exalted Inquellian State]

Reporter-Alexander Sigmund, Station 3
Russian Duma issues official condemnation of the Saratov attack!

The March in Saratov was interrupted, to the sadness of many, by a nationalist mob, killing ten in a chaotic battle. Following the Mayor of Saratov demanding action, the Duma took upon it themselves to do so, voting by 56% to issue an official condemnation of the deed and urging Boldyrev to do something. Indeed, of the ones who voted for the proclamation, half have revealed they signed a petition for the declaration of martial law by Boldyrev, with many ordinary Russians signing as well. In fact, many of those that signed the first petition have already signed another calling for the ban of the BRNF. At this point, the BRNF has received many attacks, and it culminated in the leader of the Samara chapter having his home ransacked, being beaten, and dragged by a group of monarchists, NAOUG members, and socialists, who were already on the brink of turning on each, to be hung in the street. With this, both nationalists and socialists have seen an influx of support and members, further threatening Russian security.

Reporter-Richard Peppereti, Station 23
Military Reforms initiated by Persia!

Persia has officially begun a reform plan of its military. The reforms have mostly been focused on making the military more modern and cohesive with civilians, allowing it to better track, fight, root out, and defeat rebels while keeping civilians mostly secure and content. To continue pleasing civilians, the military has also begun rebuilding several towns damaged in the fights with the ALF. The implementation of people's militias, however, is predicted to help in rooting the ALF out of the cities. With that, citizens have also begun cooperating to put out fires. The ALF has been disgraced by the start of the fires, though the Persian army has not been without verbal attack either. Many locals in the tiny villages typically harassed by the ALF have taken matters into their own hands and begun hitting the ALF themselves. With this, many are urging the Persian government to allow people to own their own firearms.

Following the increasing displeasure against them, ALF attacks have begun increasing in number. What they gained in quantity, however, the organization lost in quality. Many of these attacks are poorly coordinated, and have angered local workers. Criminals have also used the now far more chaotic and sometimes arson-heavy attacks to run around, whether in small villages or large cities, and cause chaos. The police have generally had a good enough job dealing with them, but many citizens have begun trying to take matters into their own hands, forming nightwatches and sometimes personally intervening.

Reporter-Howard Philter, Station 9
Dominican Republic finishes election

The Dominican Republic, which was going through elections since the revolution in Haiti, has finally finished. Hèctor Trujilo, brother of the former president, has secured a victory, and the Dominican Party similarly took the legislature. This was criticized by many as a sham, especially given the fact Trujilo still retains the Vice Presidency and two ministries. A new amendment is also being added, changing the term to five years with two consecutive terms. Hèctor Trujilo said in an interview he plans to ensure Haitian quality of life by getting small loans from other countries to build more factories and secure more supplies for farmers and the poor, though with who these deals are made remains to be seen.

Reporter-Bob Holmes, Station 5
The Yucatan begins arming on the border

The Yucatan, which has remained neutral in the Second Phase of the Mexican Civil War, has begun arming on the border. This is likely due to many more nationalists and socialist radicals arising in Zapatista territory. However, the republic has not made an official intervention...yet.

[Arvenia]

Известия
November XX, 1946

LO Members Lynched In Orenburg
ORENBURG - Following the lynching of a high-ranking BRNF member in Samara, the Greater Russian National Front (BRNF) retaliates against the Rejuvenation League (LO), the National Association for the Liberation of Oppressed Groups (NAOUG) and various socialist parties across Russia. In one instance, three high-ranking LO members were lynched by BRNF supporters in Orenburg. The three members were meeting with other LO members from the Orenburg chapter when their location were attacked by BRNF supporters. Many LO members fled, but the three high-ranking members were stopped, beaten, dragged and then hanged by the BRNF supporters in the street. The lynching is seen as retaliation for what happened in Samara. Meanwhile, many NAOUG members and Russian socialists were also lynched by BRNF members in other Russian cities.

Roman Zakhaev Deflects Further Criticism
MOSCOW - The Greater Russian National Front (BRNF) has recently been hit with criticism from opponents due to the recent attack on a solidarity march in Saratov and the subsequent lynchings of political rivals. Roman Zakhaev continues to fight his critics through numerous claims. He says that the solidarity march was attacked by Savinkovists, not members of his own party. As people wants the BRNF to be banned, Roman calls for the Rejuvenation League (LO) to be banned as well. On the other hand, internal conflict is brewing within the BRNF between radicals and moderates. Many moderate members of the party accuses Roman of being paranoid and insane, while the radical members accuses the moderate ones of committing treason by criticizing Roman and his ideological beliefs. The moderate members are threatening to form a new party in the Russian Parliament in order to save Russian nationalism.

President Vasily Boldyrev Declares Martial Law
RUSSIA - As lynchings and clashes increases in numbers, President Vasily Boldyrev officially declares martial law in Russia. He immediately sends the Russian Army to secure and patrol major cities. Many Russian soldiers were sent to cities, completely armed with the newly-produced Mikhtim rifles. They began patrolling in major cities such as Saratov, Petrograd, Orenburg, Tsaritsyn, Samara and Arkhangelsk, as well as breaking up numerous clashes and arresting those who participated in said clashes. The Russian Army also took action against those who participated in subsequent lynchings, arresting many LO supporters, BRNF supporters, NAOUG supporters and radical socialists. General Anton Denikin, who is in charge of the recent executive order, sent a clear warning to the LO, the BRNF, the NAOUG and other political groups who participated in violent clashes and public lynchings. He said that neither he nor Vasily would tolerate any kind of political violence in Russia from this moment on. He made it clear that further political violence would result in either imprisonment or even execution. Vasily fully calls for national unity and public order in Russia. He also wants to end famine in Russia as quick as possible.

[Exalted Inquellian State]

Reporter-Alexander Sigmund, Station 3
Russia declares Martial Law, Split in BRNF!

Following the lynching of the head of the BRNF's Samara chapter, three high ranking LO members were lynched, and that was not counting many other anti-BRNF party members who were lynched. This has dried up any sympathy for the BRNF and increased support both for centrists and radicals, with many claiming the BRNF was completely disproportionate in its retribution. This extended to even other BRNF members, who began leaving the Party en masse on December 12th. By that point, many Russians were happy when Boldyrev send in the army to crush radicals across Russia, even as the socialists, LO, and NAOUG members declared they had been disproportionally punished. By this point, calls to ban the BRNF have grown, even if calls to ban the LO increase as well. The Communist Party of Russia saw an influx of Browderite Totalists and Nationalist Totalists, the Socialist Revolutionaries experienced a growth in anarchists with a heavy dose of syndicalists, the LO alongside the Kadets experienced an influx of Romanov supporters wishing for Vladimir Kirillovich Romanov back on the throne, and NAOUG experienced a high growth in woman's rights activists.

Reporter-Hubert Parsons, Station 27
Totalist attack in Florence, Prime Minister killed!

The Tuscan Prime Minister, alongside the Grand Duke, were giving a speech announcing the governments efforts to rebuild the countryside. As this was happening, however, a bomb was thrown into the Prime Ministers box. The Grand Duke ducked as the bomb exploded, killing the prime minister. The Grand Duke and everyone else on the top row survived unscathed, but those on the bottom one sustained injuries. The totalist was captured by the local citizens and arrested by the Police and royal guard, the later quickly rushing down. The identity of the attacker hasn't been revealed, but this has caused many socialists in the countryside to begin burning the crops and leaving the farms. As the chaos spreads to the cities, some are asking for a government crackdown on socialists. In the meantime, Giorgio La Pira was appointed as Prime Minister.

Reporter-Jones Graham, Station 2
Mücke declares the Statthalter will be selected by local parliament!

Hellmuth von Mücke, Statthalter of German East Asia, declared that the colony will follow Mittelafrika's footsteps and make their Statthalter be selected by the Parliament, even if ultimately the colony will still have to comply by German laws, constitution, and taxes. With the parliament near fully dominated by autonomist parties, this likely means the new Statthalter will, in fact, be a local. Mücke has issued no information about stepping down, but many do believe he will be removed soon enough, unless the population feels indebted.

[Romaniche]

The Christmas Coup

The people were tired, some of the army was tired. The decision Francois of De La Rocque cost the chance France to become Democratic, he broke the promise of Mordacq, the Algiers Agreement, brought to fight the FLN insurgency who for now had no significant results, a bogged down front. General Maurice Gamelin together with the former Mordacq Military-Wing and the most influential Pro-Democracy Movements organized a coup since the end of 1945, after the death of the Dictator and the coming of Jean Mermoz at power. He knew Charles De Gaulle was the man really in charge and he commanded much loyalty within the Military, so Gamelin really had some time to convince them to join his Coup. Until the End of 1946, the Coup was pretty much prepared, with the perpetrators ready to storm Champ Elysee and take the power, to finally restore Democracy to France under the Fourth Republic. After much deliberation and discussions, it was decided to take place in the Christmas, a gift worthy to the people, their freedom back. The OAS informed De Gaulle so far that a Coup might take place, but in the next year. What has followed came to a shocker for all the people. In the Dawn of Christmas, the Gamelin Loyalists stormed Champ Elysee arresting the weak Jean Mermoz. Forcing him to step down and let Maurice Gamelin take place as Transitional Marshall until Democratic Elections will take place, this time, no more delays or excuses. General and Head of now the former Government Charles De Gaulle was angered by this decision, but also got arrested by carefully planted agents. Most Pro-Democracy forces joined in and rejoiced the news, singing French Revolution songs, and waving the Old French Republic Flag. What followed was the quick disarmament of Pro-De Gaulle forces and the arrest of influential officers. Thousands of people gathered outside of Elysee Palace to listen to the Marshall's speech and announcements.

December, 25th, 1946, Elysee Palace, Paris
"Bonjour et Joeux Novel! As you may know from the agitation right here, a Coup d'Etat took place, a righteous one against the Dictatorship of Jean Mermoz. Democracy shall return once again in France!"
*the crowd cheers and applauds
"Currently, there will be a Transitionary Period before Elections will be called, but don't be afraid. Things will be relaxed. I will hunt the remaining opposition and make sure that the Elections won't be disrupted by incidents. Talks and negotiations with various political parties are already planned and will proceed. The candidates will soon announce themselves. Until then rejoice in this gift given to you, people of France. The Fourth Republic shall be established. Vive France Libre!!!"
"Vive France Libre!!!" shouts the crowd back

Despite the appearance of a Merry Transition to Democracy, already the remaining influential Pro-Dictatorship Figures are planning a Counter-Coup, but the Marshall knows this and is working on making sure that it will never become reality. He already tries to improve his legitimacy to the French People, hunt and arrest the Opposition. He has to move quickly, the FLN is already taking their chances, profiting out of the sudden French Chaos caused by this Coup d'Etat. Oranist Units will try to hold steadfast until France will stabilize back and send reinforcements.

[Hanovereich]

Milan
November 1946

"Sir."

President Ivanoe Bonomi turned around and nodded in acknowledgement. It was Marshal Giovanni Messe, the commander of the Italian Army.

"Giovanni." the President returned the salute. "This may be of interest to you."

He walked past the general and picked up some reports lying on the table. They were entitled- 'Tuscan Situation Report'. After scanning the paper, Ivanoe looked back at the officer.

"It looks like our dreams of a reunited Italy will soon come true, Marshal." Ivanoe said softly, smiling. He stayed silent for a while, offering a pipe to Giovanni, whilst he continued to read the paper. Then he looked at his marshal and thrust the paper into the distinguished general's hands. He read it, and acknowledged it with a slow nod.

"And you want me to invade Tuscany?"

"Yes. Give them everything you have. Tanks, aircraft, artillery... if you need it, send me a note and I'll arrange it. Our factories are few but efficient. Start making plans, Marshal."

"Sir." the Marshal saluted again, turned around, and marched out of the President's study with the precision of a military officer.

[Saralonia]

The News from México

November offensive
As the civil war progresses, rifts between the liberty absolutists of the Magonistas & Anarchists begin to rift against the comparatively less libertarian ways of the Communards, the Zapatistas meanwhile has planned a November offensive North into the territory of the communards with the strategic goal of capturing the coastal regions, and with the objective of capturing the developing naval industry of the Communards, though the communards have an ace up their sleeve, the factories of Mexico, arguably the most industrially developed area of the country, the Communards compared to the Zapatistas and Magonistas hold the most industry, and the Communards have gone ham in producing armored trucks with the purposes of rushing in the defense of the republic, meanwhile, contingents of the famous Magonista cavalry are arriving South now, though, it is expected that by predictions in Mexico City that the Zapatistas will have their advances reversed along the city of Catemanco in Veracruz, and the City of Oaxaca, the Zapatistas have also begun an offensive in march towards the state capital of Oaxaca, the city of Oaxaca, but before such attack can be made, a battle is predicted will happen in the port city of Salina Cruz, the city has been fortified, and is prepared for a Zapatista attack, the Zapatistas march towards there with an army of 5021 men & women, while the port city is defended by approximately 3000 men and women, alongside the population of the city which had resisted prior Zapatista involvement by going on mass strike as the factories of the area used to go directly to aid the war efforts of the Zapatistas in Guatemala before the country divided itsel.

The Truce of Día de Muertos

Although embroiled in civil war, the People's Republic of Mexico had a truce from the 1st to the 2nd of November to hold the día de muertos festivities, to both mourn those who died, and to celebrate their memories as well, ofrendas, small parties, and even folk songs being shared amongst sides who had been fighting before, areas, where fighting was occurring, had agreed on ceasefires, in which the dead were collected, and given a proper burial, alongside with a remembrance of the memories with them, the country, even if briefly, for those two days had united again briefly... the sounds of deafening rifles, and of artillery could be heard in the morning after, the grim reaper, she has a lot of work still to be done.

[Hypron]

10 Downing Street, London, England, December 26, 1946

"Um sir, we have a slight situation. The French Government in Paris was just couped.'" Eden shoots a look at Minister of Defense Richard Powell. "Well, this could be an issue. Who started a revolution this time?" "A group of pro-democracy military leaders under Marshal Gamelin, with support from civilians across Paris." "Well, this is a positive note. French democratic elements have been friendly to us in the past. So we will let things run their course." "Is the meeting still going to go ahead as planned?" "Hopefully, once the French have sorted out their political mess. But we have another thing to worry about. The Coronation is about to begin."

Westminster Abbey, London, England

While George VI was the King of the Kingdom of England, a coronation of a member of the House of Windsor hasn't yet occurred on the British Isles for 21 years. This changed on December 26, 1946. George VI walks into Westminster Abbey in normal royal attire, walking forward with Lords flanking him on the left and the right. Flags of the Kingdom of England, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Dominion of Canada flew over the grand church.

After normal coronation proceedings, the Archbishop of Canterbury asks the English Monarch what title he will take. He responds; "I am, by the Grace of God, King George VI, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, and His other Realms and Territories King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith! The crowd cheered, as well as the millions of English citizens and unionists across the isles.

[Exalted Inquellian State]

Reporter-Alexander Sigmund, Station 3
French coup occurs, chaos in Algiers and a new party result!

With De La Rocque's death, his weak successor, Mermoz, had to contend with severe republican build-up in support, as he was viewed to be unpopular. Marshall Maurice Gamelin, a pro-social democracy general, organized a coup on Christmas, deposing Mermoz and likely de Gaulle, who many viewed as a puppet master of the President. Elections were called, but the remaining supporters of Mermoz who didn't turn to violence ditched him and founded a new party, dedicated to De La Rocque's more democratic ideas, even if Mermoz no loner leads them. Units in Algeria and the other colonies swiftly recognized the French government, bar Chad and the occupied Sierra Leone, who took until new year. The Algerian Units, however, began to be swiftly dispatched by the FLN insurgency, which reached Algiers, inciting riots across the coast and even into Tunisia, with the local Bey requesting permission to deal with the rioters how he pleases. Many believe the Bey may try to negotiate with the protestors instead, however, and some worry he is looking to gain independence.

Reporter-Joshua Philter, Station 9
Tuscany negotiates with rebels, sends troops to the border!

The Tuscan government has announced it will be reworking articles of the constitution, as well as adding some guaranteed rights like freedom of speech, and protecting local interests. This has appeased many in the country, who worried of Florence's dominance. However, this may have partially been caused by Tuscan worries that the Italian Republic wishes to invade them. Reports of military maneuvers were reported on the border between the two states, something a man living on the mountains in Fiumalbo clearly took personally. Accusing the Tuscan units of trespassing on his farm, the man, named Giovanni Todione, demanded an apology and payment in money, which quickly turned to payment in blood after the soldiers refused. After managing to evade them through the crevices and somehow destroying a tank while killing two of them, a Sicilian tank leased to Tuscany shot at the farmer, who somehow survived and fled.After journeying to Milan, where word spread of his story, the farmer asked to speak to the Italian parliament, demanding compensation from Tuscany for rebelling from Italy, as the republic does not recognize it, sending tanks into incorporated territory, shooting at him, and trampling his land, even though there's only proof of the first and third occurring.

Reporter-Joshua Houston, Station 29
Zapatistas stalemate as Yucatan pushes in!

Using an excuse of provoking nationalists in its territory, the Yucatan has declared war on the Zapatistas. Despite being utterly surrounded and expected to loose, the Zapatistas have surprised many by not loosing much ground in their offensive and holding Guatemala, even gaining some land. In fact, they are pushing against the Yucatan. Despite this, many see the Zapatistas as in desperate danger, due to them having to fight on two fronts.

Reporter-Barbara Houston, Station 11
George VI crowned as King of the UK!

George VI has finally received a proper coronation at Westminster Abbey. What many have had an averse reaction to, however, was him being crowned as King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, and all the other dominions. This has been condemned by many of the nations which reign over the territories the King now claims. Wales and Scotland have stated they will defend themselves from England together, Ireland said it will not budge to English jingoism, the USSA has stated that the British are looking to take back Canada under their thumb, though Browder's statement of calling the nation Britain shows he may recognize their other claims, Australasia and India have claimed it violates their sovereignty, even Mücke accused the King of being no better a colonizer than the Australasians. This was, however, well received in England, who see themselves as united against practically the whole world.

Reporter-Richard Peppereti, Station 23
Ottomans directly intervene in Egypt!

The Ottomans, who had been tacitly supporting their puppets in their civil wars, have staged a full scale intervention in Egypt. However, even as their divisions in Libya push to Cairo, the Egyptian rebels have actually somewhat crossed the Suez and began pushing the Ottomans back. Still, it now seems far less likely a truly free Egypt will prevail.

Reporter-Howard Lovecraft, Station 13
President of Turkestan nearly killed

The President of Turkestan was nearly killed yesterday by a Russian Savinkovist. The attacker thankfully failed, but this promoted a resurgence in the violence in all Central Asian states except Khiva.

[Hanovereich]

Republic of Italy
or, the Italian Republic. Make up your mind.

---

Statement by the Italian Republic

The Italian Republic condemns the rebels in the region of Tuscany for their actions on the farms in Fiumalbo. The Italian Parliament has approved a resolution demanding payment of 125,000 lire to the farmer and 100 million lire to the Italian government.

In order for the so-called Tuscan 'government' to pay, Italian soldiers will be deployed to the border. The ultimatum- payment or war- will last until [next news report] before the Tuscan rebels will be dealt with once and for all, and will be replaced with the legitimate free state in the name of the Italian Republic.

Signed,
President Ivanoe Bonomi

[Saralonia]

The News from México

The Communard War Economy

As the Communards' industry picks up pace, their territories have enacted wartime measures against the Zapatistas, alongside a controversial move towards food rationing as the agriculture of the Magonistas & Communards is currently not enough to avoid starvation, the Magonistas for their part are assembling more cavalry divisions who gallop South, many of these divisions carrying the black and red flag of the Free Territory of Baja California to move alongside fresh motorized divisions of the Communards.

"Tierra & Libertad!"

A slogan which represents the revolution, one cried out by both sides, Land & Liberty, the revolution extended into civil war, the Communards and their industry, the Zapatistas and the farmers, and the Magonistas with the free men and women of the North, all three fighting for the same goal, and yet, the Zapatistas, the ones who arguably started it all with the revolution of 1910 now had betrayed the revolution in the eyes of most, and the Magonistas & Communards now clashed, rifts began to form, but the focus, for now, is to focus on the Zapatistas.

[Romaniche]

Aftermath of the Coup

The Christmas is over, the Coup has passed, and the New Year has come, signaling the New Age of a New France, although it's only the Old coming Anew. Marshall Gamelin invited the Pro-democratic Leaders and Politicians to create the Constitution of the Fourth Republic. After that, it will be decided when the elections will be held. Some want the next month, some want it in the Spring when the waters have calmed. It will be up to the gathering when it will happen. In the meanwhile, the Marshall will have to deal with the FLN and the requests for reinforcements from the French Units stationed there. So far, only the Oranists can cope. The FLN threatens both Algiers and Tunisia. Weapon shipments and an additional 3 divisions will be sent as reinforcements, comprising only French Troops and France-loyal Algerians. They will land in Oran, Algiers, and Tunisia from which it will thrust in the rest of Algeria.

The Meeting

As it was promised, Marshall Gamelin gathered multiple Pro-Democracy Leaders and Politicians to create the Constitution of the Fourth Republic and other aspects regarding the election. The meetings will take place in the Élysée Palace. The Fate of the New Republic will be decided here and now.

January 1947, Élysée Palace, Paris

"Good afternoon gentlemen and welcome! As many of you know, we are gonna have a lot of work, but it will be worth it. First of all, we will need to create the Constitution of the Fourth Republic. We will have multiple days to also discuss many things. Do all the Parties involved agree that the Constitution shall be in the benefit of the principles of Freedom and Democracy, in the beenfit of the French people and all citizens within the Republic."
*The majority agreed to this statement.
"Ok. Let's talk about when the elections will take place. What do you say?"
The more Conservative politicians are suggesting for the waters to calm down and launch them in March, while the Liberal politicians pressure for the next month. Obviously, the majority although smaller agreed for next-month elections. Next it was the subject of allowing the Syndicalists to partiale the elections, although the Opposition won and interdicted the decision, much tot the dismay of the Non-Syndicalist SFIO. After a few hours of discusing other subject, the meeting was ended. Now, the paperwork will begin, for a Free France.

[Exalted Inquellian State]

Reporter-Alexander Sigmund, Station 3
Tuscan government rejects demands, temporarily moved army away from border!

During the border crisis with the Italian Republic, a group of totalists, syndicalists, and anarchists lobbied the government to negotiate with them. The government refused, which led to an attempted coup a week ago. Most of the army was moved from the border to suppress the coup and scatter, which, combined with the government issuing a standardized work day and a standardized living wage improved its standing and ruined socialist support. In the chaos, however, the government is just starting to move the army back to the border, while having issued a reply to the Italian Republic their demands have been rejected.

Reporter-Peter Janus, Station 32
Clashes between Communards and Magonistas reported

In Dolores Hidalgo, two members, one from the Communard militia and one from the Magonista militia, got into a fight. This escalated into their respective militia commanders heckling at each other, before eventually not arguing just about the soldiers fighting, but about politics. In the end, both opened fire, and their respective militia rushed into the city, causing chaos and culminating in a battle where the local residents got involved. Members of both of the factions urge them to stop fighting, as the Zapatistas are strong, and many troops on the frontlines support the move, but the civilians, especially communard ones who do not have access to the same agricultural base as the Magonista's, reject this, with many heckling the other side as only opportunistically siding against the Zapatistas.

Reporter-Pete Jameson, Station 12
French elections called for this month or next, parties assemble

A meeting of top French officials confirmed elections would be held in either late February or early March, with most assuming the later. Many members of previous parties have joined together to survive in the new climate. As for the Algerian crisis, while protestors tried to stop French ships from entering their ports, they have failed, and the French troops quickly defeated a good chunk of the FLN. However, many FLN members have hidden out in the cities, and begun attacking French troops or distracting the French by setting fires to people's homes, which has caused more Algerians to not support the FLN and instead call for gradual reform, or, if siding with some local elites and native soldiers, just autonomy.

Reporter-Lewis Norton, Station 16
Ottoman Empire Invades Armenia!

Following the breakdown of talks over Armenia's compensation for local skirmishes, the Ottoman Emperor said it was a mistake "negotiating with the jingoist separatists", and the Ottomans invaded the country. Currently, the Ottomans are winning, and some believe Azerbaijan may intervene.

Reporter-Mann Hewton, Station 24
Democratic Parties win in Far Eastern Republic!

In a surprising turn of events, the branches of the Russian Republics parties, such as the Far Eastern Kadets or Mensheviks, won the most seats, coming in at an astounding 85%. This was in spite, or perhaps because of, Diterikhs' Holy Russian Party, Taboritsky's National Defense Union, Kazembek's Union of Mladorossi, and Sternberg's People's Monarchist Party to suppress them. The parties are highly republican, severely endangering both Diterikh's monarchist ambitions and Japan's alliance with the Far Eastern Republic. Diterikhs, however, has not done anything like dissolving parliament or banning the parties, for now at least. Taboritsky was sacked after his party got no seats, and replaced by Boris Shepunov.

[Hanovereich]

Republic of Italy
or, the Italian Republic. Make up your mind.

---

Tens of thousands of soldiers marched through the flat countryside of northern Italy. They were surrounded by Lince scout cars and L3/35 tankettes, and protected by dozens of Caproni Ca.309 light reconnaissance aircraft and Caproni Ca.135 bombers. They had marched for a few hours now, leaving their bases as soon as the orders had been given- deploy to the border and begin invasion of Tuscany.

To transport them, thousands of trucks were now on the move across the Italian Republic. On top of that, dozens of transport aircraft carrying paratroopers were being moved, supported by interceptors and fighters, and marines were being loaded into ships ready for any naval operations. This was Operation Taurinense, one of the largest operations in the history of the Italian Republic.

By nightfall they had arrived at their positions along the border. Altogether, 20,000 soldiers- infantry, motorised and mechanised- were ready for the attack. Theplan was that there would be an initial assault and push into the north of Tuscany, supported by aircraft and artillery. It relied on speed and surprise to achieve its target- reach Lucca in a week. This operation also included the taking over of socialist movements in the area, which could prove a threat to the Italians. Within a week, this operation would have (if all went well) ended, and the Tuscans on the defensive. That would be the plan in [the time before the next news post].

---

Republic of Italy
or, the Italian Republic. Make up your mind.

Statement by the Italian Republic

The following requirements are to be met by January 1948.

15,000 more soldiers, bringing the total to 55,000

30,000 more Carcano M1891s, bringing the total to 100,000

5,000 more Breda 30s, bringing the total to 25,000

300 more Cannone da 47/32 M35s, bringing the total to 500

500 more Cannone da 65/17 modello 13s, bring the total to 800

60 more Cannone da 90/53s, bringing the total to 160

20 more L3/33s, bringing the total to 70

25 more L3/35s, bringing the total to 120

40 more L3/35s, bringing the total to 80

30 more M13/40s, bringing the total to 50

100 more Autoblindo 40s, bringing the total to 150

Statement by the Italian Republic

The Tuscan rebellious state has once again proven their intent- they want war. When they were lobbied to negotiate with the peaceful Italian Republic, they refused, and even resorted to violence.

The official Italian position shall be that the government started the coup. That is our final decision.

Signed,
Alberto Cianca
Foreign Minister

[Romaniche]

First Elections of the Fourth Republic

The Constitution of the Fourth French Republic has been made, elections called, people are now ready to go to the voting polls to decide the future and the course that this newly born Republic will take. As soon as the new President will be chosen, Marshall Gamelin will step down and enact the Consitution. There are many political parties who will participate in these elections, but not Syndicalist, Jacobin, or too radical political parties. Although some Communards are angered by the taken decision, the support of the population for the elections is generally high, and so will be the voting participation. The political parties participating in the elections will be the following:

Radical Socialism:
Party: SFIO
Leader: Guy Mollet
Formed by Non-Syndicalist, Socialists, and former Syndicalists and less radical Jacobins, the SFIO is reformed as a Socialist Political Party, led by Guy Mollet. They are Pro-Welfare, Workers and People's Rights and Equality, Greater Representation of Trade Unions, Democratic Socialism, reducing Social Inequality, and Total Decolonization from Africa.

Social Democracy:
Party: SFIO-Democratic
Leader: Léon Blum
Léon Blum is currently leading the Social Democratic Wing of SFIO, made by Social Democrats, and other Centre-Left figures. They have Welfare common with Mollet-SFIO, Protection for Workers, Extended Rights to the Citizens and Minorities alike, Humanizing Liberal Capitalism, and Peaceful Decolonization from Africa.

Social Liberalism:
Party: Parti Radical
Leader: Henri Queuille
A weird breed between Market Liberals and Social Democrats, the Party Radical with Henri Queuille as the leader, they're the Centre of the French Politics. Combining Social Programs with Laissez-Faire Economics, creating an Equilibrium between Employee and Employer, More freedom for Citizens and Minorities, and as for Africa, they're for the Status-Quo.

Market Liberalism:
Party: Parti Républicain Démocrate
Leader: Henri Frenay
The PRD is registered by the polls as the prime choice for the French Voters, with Henri Frenay, representing the Market Liberals. Laissez-Faire Economics, Greater Freedoms, and Democracy for the State of France and its citizens, Pro-Private Ownership and Industry, generally low on Social Spendings, against Trade Unions, Syndicates and other Socialist Representation. Their view on Africa is in common with the Social Liberals, as French Businessmen need their resources from there.

Social Conservatism:
Party: Parti Social Français
Leader: Georges Pompidou
Originally made by Francois De La Rocque's Ideas, now Georges Pompidou gathered all the PSF politicians to form a Nationalist, Anti-Socialist, Conservative and Catholic Political Party, with also Republican Ideas. Still, they support ideas of Welfare, State-Controlled Trade Unions, A more Centralized Capitalist System, and Generally Pro-Democratic despite their founder's Autocratic Precedence. As for Africa, they pursue Integration of Algeria and keep the rest of the Colony under a Status-Quo.

National Populism:
Party: Action Française
Leader: Charles Mauras
The only party who advocates for the Restoration of Monarchy and Abolition of Republicanism, Charles Mauras is still torn for the Republican Parties, but it's also the least popular of all of them. They share some values with the PSF Party, but they're anti-trade Unions and for an Authoritarian Absolute Monarchy. As for Africa, they want to keep the Social Hierarchy and make the Native Population learn its place. They're currently divided between Orelianists and Bonapartists.

Results:

Parti Républicain Démocrate: 31%
SFIO-Democratic: 27%
Parti Social Français: 22%
SFIO: 10%
Parti Radical: 6%
Action Française: 4%

Henri Frenay is sworn as the First President of the Fourth French Republic. The PRD is consulting with the other parties to form a Coalition.

[Exalted Inquellian State]

Reporter-Alexander Sigmund, Station 3
Italy and Two Sicilies fall into conflict

The Italian Republic launched an offensive against Tuscany, seeking to capture Lucca. As Lucca was lost, however, Ferdinand III of Two Sicilies declared war o0n the Italian Republic for their warmongering on Tuscany, which most foreign observers acknowledge as a Sicilian puppet. The Sicilian Army marched through the Papal States, which itself declared war the next day. Currently, their main objective is reinforcing Tuscany. Tuscan republicans have begun collaborating with the Italian Republic, and given their support is up to a third of Tuscany's population, they just might succeed. A mass recruitment program was launched by the Italian Republic, with 1500 or so troops signing up to the army. An increase in military factory build-up was also noticed. Many companies from Austria have offered the Italian government a deal of assistance, seeing the factory growth, and offering a lease of factories. However, some companies have offered a lease based on a monthly payment of ten thousand dollars per factory used, while others have offered a 50,000 per factory plan over a five year loan payment.

Reporter-John Banes, Station 1
France finishes elections, right wing coalition expected!

Following the overthrow of Jean Mermoz, France has held its elections, in late February as decided. The Action Francaise, blamed by many democrats and some supporters of de la Rocque as the instigators of the authoritarian period, alongside generally being authoritarian in nature, have failed and gotten 4% of the vote, and due to the proportional representation of France, 4% of the seats. The Parti Radical and the socialist branch of the SFIO did poorly, likely due to both containing disjointed leadership and, in the SFIO's case, due to being seen as affiliated with the previous totalist regime, even if many of them are opposed to the later government of the French Commune. In the end, the market liberal party of Henri Frenay, who is mostly for Africa remaining in the same situation as it is now and in support of more rights of individuals and businesses. Behind him came the democratic SFIO, much more united under generally social democrats, and the Parti Social Français, supporting de la Rocque's ideas in a more democratic light. With Henri Frenay and the parliament taking power near immediately, coalition talks are beginning, and with the leading Party behind the PRD being the SFIO, many believe the Parti Social Français will take power. With this, the SFIO is preparing to go into opposition, likely having to ally with the Parti Radical.

Reporter-Mann Hewton, Station 24
Mileston established in Australasia!

The Australasian project to terraform the outback has now showed its first result, as an outback city has been founded. Currently populated by the 5,000 engineers who build it and their rapidly growing families, the Australasians are moving people there. However, the way they relocated people to Mileston, which is the cities name, is controversial, as it involves ordering people to move there in exchange for arguably meager profits. The Americans and Cubans praised it, but El Salvadors official government has said the action is most certainly inhumane, and many other civil societies derided the movement as government sponsored human trafficking, due to many doubting the city is sustainable, especially for the governments planned 50,000 figure to be moved to Mileston.

Reporter-Richard Peppereti, Station 23
Russian famine mostly subsides

Following various measures taken by Boldyrev, the famine has mostly begun subsiding. German companies have focused hard on rebuilding farms in the last months, and as of now, the famine is restricted to a few dozen villages in the Caucasus or near the Alash Orda. It seems the worst is over.

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