[PON] Conflict in Europe - Diplomacy & News Thread

[Ech Heftag]

1. Spain give orders to maintain positions to his armies and cancel new offensive.

2. We await the USA reply to give orders of retreat to our armies.

3. Can France tell us if he is going to accept our peace?

I cannot speak for France, but Italy will accept your proposal. I would recommend to send Vezina a peace proposal next turn, then you will see if he accepts it or not (if you don't get a notification through other channels prior to this). You will also have enough time to adjust your orders if the USA are unwilling to accept your proposal.

[Sir Garnet]

1. Spain give orders to maintain positions to his armies and cancel new offensive.

2. We await the USA reply to give orders of retreat to our armies.

3. Can France tell us if he is going to accept our peace?

We are confident that the peaces will be accepted, but that does take weeks to implement. In the meanwhile, this current fortnight and the following, note that a siege is offensive action so that Spanish forces "maintaining position" in the current regions is acceptable so long as the sieges of Bearn, Provence and Lyon are immediately discontinued - i.e., the besiegers must be put on passive posture or moved out of the current region to another Spanish-controlled region on defensive posture. From Brazil's perspective, exchanging the occupants of adjoining regions for this purpose would seem reasonable, though a return home is safer. Any siege resolution activity will reveal breach of the cessation of hostilities. Conversely, we expect the French and US forces to similarly refrain from offensive action. A breach of the peace of such kind would escalate the matter to an affront.

We cannot have this honorable resolution stained by dastardy.

[Ojodeaguila]

1. I am not going to declare an unilateral truce, I stop the assaults of fortifications but I am not going to give anything more before USA reply my offer.

2. I cant move back my troops if I dont know if France or the USA are attacking my positions.

Edit:

3. If they really want peace they must communicate it.

Second Edit:

4. USA have 11 hours to reply, in good faith stop the assaults if the best than I can give to someone who dont reply me.

[Ojodeaguila]

We are confident that the peaces will be accepted, but that does take weeks to implement. In the meanwhile, this current fortnight and the following, note that a siege is offensive action so that Spanish forces "maintaining position" in the current regions is acceptable so long as the sieges of Bearn, Provence and Lyon are immediately discontinued - i.e., the besiegers must be put on passive posture or moved out of the current region to another Spanish-controlled region on defensive posture. From Brazil's perspective, exchanging the occupants of adjoining regions for this purpose would seem reasonable, though a return home is safer. Any siege resolution activity will reveal breach of the cessation of hostilities. Conversely, we expect the French and US forces to similarly refrain from offensive action. A breach of the peace of such kind would escalate the matter to an affront.

We cannot have this honorable resolution stained by dastardy.

1. I do not have any communication of a cessation of hostilities from USA or France, I am awaiting for it to change my orders an order a retreat.

2. I only can suppose that they could be preparing a counter attack right now using you and the UK to delay my operations.

3. A cessation of hostilities did not be signed I only declare the stop of the Spanish advance.

[Sir Garnet]

IMPERIO DO BRASIL

Spain can most certainly withdraw defensively the armies in Provence and Lyons to concentrate at Languedoc and swap forces into Bearn to avoid incident. If Spain really wants peace (with Brazil), it won't continue capturing any towns or cities.

[coolbean]

U.S. State Department
[HR][/HR]
Washington, D.C.


The United States of America will accept a ceasefire with Spain, provided the following conditions are met:

[INDENT]1.) Spain agrees to not plunder any territory from France.[/INDENT]

[INDENT]2.) Spain cancels its plans to invade sovereign nations in the Western Hemisphere.[/INDENT]

If either of the two conditions are violated, it will be considered a void of the agreement and a termination of the ceasefire.
[i.e; I will request a script for the resumption of the state of war.]

[Ojodeaguila]

The Spanish army will begin the retreat this turn, I request to France and USA to no move troops in the zone to avoid battles.

[coolbean]

THE NEW YORK TIMES
[HR][/HR]
Nov. 16, 1873
Editorials, Page 1
[HR][/HR]

THE AMERICAN EPOCH, PART I

It is hard to believe that just over ten years ago, this Nation, this Great Republic, was tearing itself apart. No American will ever forget the valor showed by the Army of the Chesapeake as they stormed the Richmond barricades, all while they were being ripped to shreds by the withering counter-fire. Nor will they forget the brave stand of the Army of the Carolinas, fighting until the last man, behind every brick and piece of rubble in the ruins of Savannah. With one million dead and wounded, it seemed the only thing that the War Between the States solved was slavery. Bitterness and distrust were never more evident in the history of this country.

After the war, the economy was in shambles. The release of the draftees from active service only had the effect of increasing unemployment. Wages and domestic consumption plummeted. The entire Southern economy was suffering massive shocks from the transformation of a labor-intensive export focused economy to something which – was simply not yet known. This isn’t even to mention the massive social problems racking the country. In the South, Negroes were blamed for the war and were readily rounded up and hanged. Meanwhile in Boston, it was not uncommon for any man on the street with a Southern accent to be jumped and beaten within an inch of his life. These were dark times indeed. What the war didn’t finish, Americans were about to finish on their own.

But there was one man who saved us. President Lincoln didn’t ask for Americans to come back together. He demanded it. Retooling the massive industry of the Nation from wartime production to other manufactured wares, the country was able to boost exports to higher levels than ever before. A part of the funds pouring back into the country were used to invest in the Southern economy. It hurt. We all hurt. The unemployment problem hadn’t dissipated, and the New Englanders complained loudly of the continuation of wartime taxes. During the elections of 1864, the President asked us to give him another chance to right our country. His re-election was a landslide, considering most of the Southern states were still in a “military transition” phase and hadn’t received back their full rights as States.

Then the pieces slowly started falling together. Domestic consumption continually picked back up. Unemployment dropped off. Massive technological shifts were bringing prosperity to every American. More and more Citizens were flooding into the cities to find high paying work in factories. Slowly, the wounds were beginning to heal. As more information was released concerning atrocities committed under slavery, middle class Southern whites were beginning to despise the small class of former rich slaveholders who previously held so much of the wealth and power in Southern politics. The middle-class Southern whites began to view them as the reason for the war in the first place. Then the unthinkable happened, an attempted assassination of our President, while he was entertaining a delegation of citizens from Alabama. President Lincoln’s approval shot up, even in the Southern states. This surge in popular opinion led to the landslide victory of Gen. Grant to the office of President of the United States of America in the elections of 1868.

To be continued.

-John 'Biggie' Smalls




President Lincoln's second inaugural address.
"On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to the ongoing civil war. All dreaded it—all sought to bring it to conclusion. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it—seeking to dissolve the Union, and divide effects, by negotiation... Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes his aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered—that of neither has been answered fully."

[Vezina]

3. If they really want peace they must communicate it.

Second Edit:

4. USA have 11 hours to reply, in good faith stop the assaults if the best than I can give to someone who dont reply me.

France will accept a cessation of hostilities if it is offered by the Spanish government.

[Vezina]

Reports from the Front

A German incursion into the Grand Duchy was repulsed after a short encounter. The French chose not to pursue the retreating armies.

[Sir Garnet]

Have peaces been sent and troops withdrawn in good order, so that this affair may be said to have been concluded?

[Lindi]

Great new for Egypt!


After the retraite, defeat and the destroy of Almost all of the Egyptian armed in Cairo capital of Egypte, Loring Pasha, great general of Egypt, rebuilt army and with help of Allah he finish before the prussia army go to fight with him for permanently destroy the army of Egypt .

[ATTACH]21633[/ATTACH]

So in Alexandria, after build defence, rebuilt army, the general Loring Pasha give a chance of Egypt to win war, on Islam territory with that victory!!!

[Ojodeaguila]

Have peaces been sent and troops withdrawn in good order, so that this affair may be said to have been concluded?

Sorry I do not have diplomats and my peace offers are not valid, can France and USA send me PO?

[Kensai]

Thankfully for you, Lindi, Loring Pasha had a nice defense ability.

A more general OOC remark: I might have given you the impression that I personally dislike complex peace solutions or arrangements. Not true, I simply care about balancing and historical events (realism) firing. Feel always free to express your personal opinion of how a matter should be settled and let's get the opinion of all players before implementing.

[unclejoe]

Great new for Egypt!


After the retraite, defeat and the destroy of Almost all of the Egyptian armed in Cairo capital of Egypte, Loring Pasha, great general of Egypt, rebuilt army and with help of Allah he finish before the prussia army go to fight with him for permanently destroy the army of Egypt .

[ATTACH]21633[/ATTACH]

So in Alexandria, after build defence, rebuilt army, the general Loring Pasha give a chance of Egypt to win war, on Islam territory with that victory!!!

OOC: Congratulations Egypt and Loring Pasha!

[nemethand]

Late Dec, 1873

The remnants of von John's army are destroyed:

[Lindi]

New of Egypt

Loring Pasha said : "great day for Egypt but not for this victory, but because the people of Egypt is now motivated to continu the war!"

new in all country, many revolt are begin after this victory, all people take weapon and go to war, one sentence is said everywhere : "Loring Pash for the win and for Allah!!!"

The prussia army are destroyed industry in cairo, capital of egypt, the people starving and the prussia army annihilated the job for people of Egypt, they have only one objectif destroy the country for keep Sudan and never fight again with the army of Egypt who can win against Prussia army in inferior number

[ATTACH]21642[/ATTACH]

[Soulstrider]

Belgium announcement

Belgium government is currently having high-level talks with the French-Italian alliances regarding capitulation.

This short war was a disaster for Belgium, an inquiry commission as been organized to investigate the causes of such an easy debacle, so far we could ascertain that the lack of military experience caused by the long period of peace and the problems between communication of the several armies are the prime causes of the defeat.

[Kensai]

Tokyo, Japan, December 1873

RUSSIAN POLICY AGAINST AUSTRIA

The Russian Empire has honored its alliance with Germany against Austria. Austria has paid the price of attacking Russia's ally in an offensive war started by Austria itself. This was the reason the Island Empire of Japan decided to abort its defensive arrangement with Austria; it was not defensive anymore. However, we are quite puzzled by the war goals of the Czar. Where and when will his aggression stop? We still consider the Austrians our friends (if not at arms!) and their downfall may potentially disturb our commercial arrangements. If the Russians desire friendly relations with Nippon they should put a halt to their offensive. They proved their point. Otherwise, we warn the Czar, that he may jeopardize the peaceful coexistence with our own nation and the soon-to-be-signed non-aggressive pact between our countries.

the Japanese government

[Ech Heftag]

Italy announces its acceptance of the Belgian wish to return to peace. We wholeheartedly regret that this war had to happen, and hope that our mutual relations will improve in a quick and lasting manner.

Italy is also pleased to see that its economic capacity and production has increased in such a way as to improve its ranking to the 11th most industrialized country (improved from 14th place in 1871). Encouraged by this, the Italian ministry of agriculture, industry and commerce has announced its determination to further stimulate the growth of the Italian manufacturing abilities, with the stated aim of advancing into the top 10 of the world's industrial countries.

In other news, with the looming possibility of the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, Italian police forces have been charged with maintaining and upholding law and order in Venezia. We wish to strengthen the point that this is by no means an offensive war or even a war at all, it is merely a peace-keeping mission to protect Italian citizens and interests.

[Vezina]

Reports from the Front

((A fight from Early December's turn))

The armies under the Marshals of France fully evicted the Germans from Belgium in bloody action near Liege.




Statement from the French Foreign Ministry

Dignitaries from Belgium, Italy and France spent the recent days frantically working on a mutually acceptable treaty to end hostilities without further bloodshed. We are pleased to announce that the following treaty has ended hostilities between Belgium and France (and allies) in time for Christmas, signed December 16th, 1873:

Treaty of Maubeuge, 1873:

-Belgium admits fault and bad faith in its attack of France.
-War reparations paid in the sum of 250 state funds to the Kingdom of Italy to compensate for war materiel expended.
-Belgium will make every effort to improve relations between France and Belgium and align strategic policies indefinitely to the mutual benefit of Belgium and France.
-In return, France will continue to guarantee Belgium's independence and the union between Flanders and Wallonia and will attempt to normalize relations as soon as possible between France and a unified Belgium.

[nemethand]

Tokyo, Japan, December 1873

RUSSIAN POLICY AGAINST AUSTRIA

The Russian Empire has honored its alliance with Germany against Austria. Austria has paid the price of attacking Russia's ally in an offensive war started by Austria itself. This was the reason the Island Empire of Japan decided to abort its defensive arrangement with Austria; it was not defensive anymore. However, we are quite puzzled by the war goals of the Czar. Where and when will his aggression stop? We still consider the Austrians our friends (if not at arms!) and their downfall may potentially disturb our commercial arrangements. If the Russians desire friendly relations with Nippon they should put a halt to their offensive. They proved their point. Otherwise, we warn the Czar, that he may jeopardize the peaceful coexistence with our own nation and the soon-to-be-signed non-aggressive pact between our countries.

the Japanese government

St Petersburg, Late December 1874

We simply fail to see the reason for this communication, other than throw a stone in still water. Nevertheless, we hereby publicly answer the Japanese government's concerns.

One issue is the war goal of Russian actions against Austria. The answer is simple. The war goal is, like in basically every war, is peace. As long as peace is not reached, Russia will not step or back down.

We believe every war lasts until peace is made. It has been the case in the wars initiated by Japan against Russia and Prussia; these wars lasted until peace was made. But one thing must be certain: Russia does not take war lightly. When we declared war, when Russia is at war, she commits everything she reasonably can to make peace as fast as it is possible.

Otherwise, what is the reason and purpose of a war?

If Japan were kind to elaborate and let us know: what does it exactly want? Because, should we know, it would be much easier to decide whether to comply with it. Should Russia stop its advance? Should Russia retreat? Should Russia make a separate peace with Austria? Should Russia offer anything to Austria? What is the exact view of Japan Russia should do? Or, to put it that way, what would Japan do when coming to the aid of an ally, who has been victim of premeditated agression?

Or is this simply about Japan searching for a pretext to abandon peace in the Far East?

We are really interested to hear about Japanese ideas.

[Kensai]

Japan would not abandon peace in the Far East. Peace is good for business and prosperity. But we cannot not protest about the Russian advance in the Austrian homeland. So yes, we officially ask the Russian Empire to stop its advance and consolidate on what they have already seized until peace is done. We need all commercial partners: Austrian, German, Russians. War is bad for our transactions.

Okubo Tochimichi,
Home Lord of the Empire of Japan

[nemethand]

Peace is good for business and prosperity.

We completely and wholeheartedly agree.

So yes, we officially ask the Russian Empire to stop its advance and consolidate on what they have already seized until peace is done.

Our views differ here. We seriously doubt if peace can be achieved if we halt. However, in order to show our committment to achieve peace as soon as possible, and given that the beginning of a New Year should be celebrated with champagne rather then with gunfire; here's Russia's message:

Austria has exactly two weeks to publicly, bindingly and unconditionally ask for a truce and start retreating from Germany. Until the deadline, Russian forces will not advance.

Austria must know that a total defeat is imminent; Russian and Ottoman forces are approaching Wien. If she admits the inevitable and lay down arms, the capital, as well as thousands of lives will be saved. In all other cases, by spring there will be no land over which Franz Joseph may rule. His rule was once saved by the Russians. If anyone, he should be aware the might of our army.

[Jim-NC]

Request for Prisoner Return

As the war between Britain and the Alliance is now over, Britain formally asks for a return of prisoners from the last war.

Signed
Lord Gladstone, for HM Government

(OOC - I will write the script, I just need to know how many British Prisoners the alliance currently holds - as of 1/1/74 - if you could give me the numbers in hundreds, so I have 4,000 Italian prisoners, which equals 40 companies, I will do the rest.

I have 40 Italian, 365 Russian, 588 Ottoman, and 149 Egyptian companies of prisoners currently).

[nemethand]

Request for Prisoner Return

As the war between Britain and the Alliance is now over, Britain formally asks for a return of prisoners from the last war.

Signed
Lord Gladstone, for HM Government

Here are the numbers of PoWs currently being held in Russia from some time ago. We think the return of Japanese PoWs should also take place.

[bjfagan]

Since none of the small tribal nations have been cleared out of the POW display, there are no British POW's are visible. So, I do not know how many Germany may have, although it would have to be very many due to the losses at Jerusalem and Aqaba.

[Kensai]

Tokyo, Japan, January 1874

VETERANS FINALLY RETURNED TO THEIR WIVES AND CHILDREN

After almost 5 years of warfare, two mobilization orders, and a great fear for the total demise of the Empire, the Japanese reserve soldiers have been asked to demobilize and head to their homes. Nonetheless a huge pool of them still desires to be employed in the armed forces as they provide some of the most well-paid jobs in the islands.


---
OOC: wow, after demobilization Japan is so weak again...

[Jim-NC]

Since none of the small tribal nations have been cleared out of the POW display, there are no British POW's are visible. So, I do not know how many Germany may have, although it would have to be very many due to the losses at Jerusalem and Aqaba.

If you send me a list of the minors, I can write a script that will remove them. Then maybe the British will appear again (you would need to run this script on a previous turn - like late Dec 1873, which should allow you to see British Prisoners in early Jan 1874).

[nemethand]

Since no reply was received from the Austrian, the fightings continued in Buda:



Having experienced the horros of war, fighting against well trained armies, War Minister Dmitry_Milyutin has convinced the Czar of the need for military reforms. Therefore, the Russian army has undergone major changes.