[PON] Conflict in Europe - Diplomacy & News Thread

[lukasberger]

The problem is that due to the recent wars, and alliances, the Ottoman Empire stands alone. The only major that could join it is Austria. The rest of us have NAPs (UK, France, US), or are avowidly neutral (Germany), or in/recently out of a war (Italy/Japan). There is no help from the majors. The Ottoman Empire will have to rely on minor powers that would be willing to take it's side (if there are any), who aren't being threatened by a major (that makes for a small list - I can only think of 1 that fits the bill).

The Ottoman player will need great diplomacy skill to get even 1 nation to join it's fight.

Right. But I actually have an NAP with Russia too.

And even if I didn't, I'm not going to engage in a death struggle with a Russian nation that I'm actually friendly with when, given how this game's been going, World War III could break out at any moment.

Of course I wasn't even asked by the Oe for any help in the first place. The only diplomacy that's taken place was nemethand negotiating to keep me out of the war.

In fact given that there are several F10 targets for Austria in the OE and that I'm developing very close ties with Greece, the logical thing would actually be to join the pile that's jumping on the OE. If the OE was ai controlled, I'd do so.

I'm not doing so only out of sympathy for Citizen X, given that I was a past OE player and know what this situation feels like when you're on the receiving end. Plus the Oe has gotten the rawest of deals so far.

I would think Persia would assist, given their alliance with the OE and that it's in their interests to do so. But that would be like bringing two knifes to a gunfight instead of only one.

[Citizen X]

The crisis of 1877-78 was a major upheaval in the real life as well. It was the first of the attempts from the Balkan nations to get their independence. I sincerely ask you to reconsider and think about minimizing the losses as well as making arrangements with other great powers so this war is small and swift. The Ottoman Empire is in a very strategic location and I believe many nations (especially the great powers) will have good reasons to keep it intact and on their side. A "Muslim block" of nations such as Turkey, Egypt, Persia, Oman, etc could be formidable under a crafty Ottoman player. I know it is difficult, but it can be done. You simply need to be patient. I think that the Russian involvement in this war is mainly (as per history) to create the independent state of Bulgaria, I seriously doubt it has more wargoals than that.

Btw, as expected... IC:

Athens, Greece, December 1877

GREECE STANDS BY ITS ORTHODOX BRETHRENS

The Bulgarian cause has aroused many God-fearing men in Greece and united the nation behind the mission to free our claimed lands where many ethnic Greeks have lived for centuries. Greece demands the regions of Epirus and Thessaly from the Sultan, to be annexed to mainland Greece. We also stand behind the Russians for the creation of a free Bulgaria in the provinces ethnic Bulgarians are a majority. It is time for the Porte to respect the Balkan populations and stop abusing them. The King of Greece has signed a general mobilization order and has asked the Ottoman plenipotentiaries to be notified of the coming state of war between our nations

OOC:
I answer nothing here. I made several attempts to write a fitting answer but after all I do want to play (where playing means: having fun) and so I bite on my lips. Just so much: I am absolutly familiar with the historic facts. Please don't give me any wiki quotes. That's an insult. And that: I don't want to have the impression to get invited into a game just to fulfill somebody else's fantasies but which here I clearly have.

IC:
Istanbul, Derâliye, Late November 1877
The Sultan and his ministers agreed that the door to piece with Russia is always open.
But there can never be piece with the warmongering hordes that use their granted independence from the Sublime Porte to bring unprovoked war upon innocent Ottoman subjects, christians and muslims alike.
There will be no negotiations, no taking prisoners and no safe haven as long as a single turkish bartalion can raise its arms.

And that's something that the world can depend on much better then alliances that are not worth the paper they are written on.

[lukasberger]

I don't want to have the impression to get invited into a game just to fulfill somebody else's fantasies but which here I clearly have.

I don't think that was anyone's intent. The war of 1877 is a known, scripted event. I'm pretty sure that folks thought you'd realize that it was going ahead unless you took extraordinary measures to stop it. I apologize if I had any part in making you feel that way. I know what a tough situation you're in with the OE.

A little advice from someone who's been there. You won't be with the Oe forever. Another major nation will open up at some point. So fight hard with the OE and do the best you can under the miserable circs you have to deal with. If you hang in there you'll eventually get to take over a nation that's much more fun and won't get pushed around quite so easily.

[Citizen X]

Of course I wasn't even asked by the Oe for any help in the first place. The only diplomacy that's taken place was nemethand negotiating to keep me out of the war.

I just came here a few days ago and you are plying for years. How should I know the people and the ways. However I wrote several times in the diplomacy thread which most players didnt answer to, only then convincing me that I didnt take the right approach.
Also, allthough being the only possible choice, Áustria is clearly no obvious choice, for the given reasons. Also I can't know the social lineups here, who still has some grudge with someone, who is big friend with someone, whom can I ask and whom should I not. All that, you know? Can I know that you are not est friend with nemethand? And thus only give away positions and get nothing in return? A real possibility, especially after Germany had let me drop like a hot potatoe.
So actually I had no real diplomatic options outside the game. The only allies I still have are Persia which is not the military superpower per say and Egypt which is annihilated. After my failurous attempt on negotiations in the Suez war I saw that negoting here I would need to learn much more about your established way of communicating. And I saw that there would be no way to avoid getting raped by the Russians. So I yelled for peace and international negotiations several times buit the Russians never sendt anybody to the table nor did anybody else. Plus I have no diplomatic options in the game by the way. I can't even suggest peace to an AI-country. I have no diplomats and won't recieve any untill nearly the end of the game because the OE was never designed to for human players and wasn't tuned after getting available and there is this ridicoulous decision that OE won't recieve any scripted one's (I read the discussoin).
So, given the short time and the circumstances I squeezed what was possible out of diplomacy.

[lukasberger]

Sure, I understand. Wasn't criticizing you at all. In fact if you look at the rest of my comments, they're pretty understanding of your situation. It was just a little comment in amongst a lot of stuff.

I'd really, really like to help you out. I just can't find a way to justify doing so.

[lukasberger]

there is this ridicoulous decision that OE won't recieve any scripted one's (I read the discussoin).

That wasn't ever officially decided. Kensai just talked about it being bad to script stuff a lot, as is his custom. I'm pretty sure that if we actually voted you'd get some scripted dips.

[Citizen X]

The war of 1877 is a known, scripted event.

The war is not. The uprising is. Or at least I never had it fire in any of my games as OE.

[lukasberger]

The war is not. The uprising is. Or at least I never had it fire in any of my games as OE.

Huh, maybe I'm wrong. I was certain it was inevitable without drastic action in my (very short) time as an OE player, which is why I made the decision to cozy up to Russia and circumvent the war.

[lukasberger]

A real possibility, especially after Germany had let me drop like a hot potatoe.

Germany has been close, close friends with Russia longer than with the Oe. It's been referred to some around here as the "eternal alliance". bjfagan actually did you a favor by severing ties with you and with Russia, rather than just with you. Doing so exposed Germany to the risk of being jumped by the world's other nations, few of whom love Germany, without the security of his Russian alliance.

So Germany actually did the best they could for you, taking on quite a bit of risk to do so.

[Citizen X]

Germany has been close, close friends with Russia longer than with the Oe. It's been referred to some around here as the "eternal alliance". bjfagan actually did you a favor by severing ties with you and with Russia, rather than just with you. Doing so exposed Germany to the risk of being jumped by the world's other nations, few of whom love Germany, without the security of his Russian alliance.

So Germany actually did the best they could for you, taking on quite a bit of risk to do so.

I thought as much. Referring by the name of the country is understood as IC generally. Well having so great powers as such close friend would make the OE a natural target for forging a grateful alliance, being completely surrounded by both. Thus I am waiting on the other powers diplomatic moves to drive back the one I am at war with.

^^

[lukasberger]

I thought as much. Referring by the name of the country is understood as IC generally. Well having so great powers as such close friend would make the OE a natural target for forging a grateful alliance, being completely surrounded by both. Thus I am waiting on the other powers diplomatic moves to drive back the one I am at war with.

^^

Under normal circumstances that's almost certainly what would happen.

The problem is that all of the other major powers have just been defeated by Germany and Russia in our version of WWII (Which started with that British attack on the Oe and continued to spread. In that war I played the OE as an ally of Germany and Russia) after having previously lost WWI to Germany and Russia too (before my time).

So they are greatly weakened and war weary. France was almost entirely destroyed, losing both the vast majority of their army and much industry. Great Britain lost nearly their entire land army, something like 15000CP! Austria came out pretty well but that's only because I took over when they were on the point of being annihilated and shifted to a policy of friendship with Germany and Russia. But Austria then went straight into a major war with Italy that ended with the entire Italian army being destroyed. Even Germany was badly mauled. Sadly for you, Russia is the only nation that emerged pretty much unscathed.

Everyone is licking their wounds and no one wants to go through that again. The only country that really could help (Austria) values its friendship with Russia too much to do so and would gain no real benefit and receive much harm from assisting the OE.

So the OE is kind of screwed. As a former OE player I feel really bad about it, but don't know what else to say

[Kensai]

In real life, the war did not go well for the Ottomans. Bulgaria eventually gained its independence and Thessalia was annexed by Greece. But this is almost as the current "declared" war goals from Russia and Greece in this alternate reality. Since nobody will ever blame you for jumping into the game just when the scripted event fired, nobody will blame you for doing as good or bad as the O.E. did in real life either. Actually, I believe you can only go better.

Let me say something most players have been hearing from me for ages... this is a disturbingly loooong game. A loss in a war means nothing most of the times. And I did not see any unreasonable outlandish claims beyond what historically happened.

Now, buckle up and good luck!

[Jim-NC]

For the new players, a round up of some of the recent events/rivalries:

1872/1873 - Britain (under a previous administration) attacks the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire fights Britain. Joining the Ottoman Empire are Germany, Russia, Egypt, Italy. War ends with most of Britain's land army destroyed, and 5 year NAPs (non aggression pacts) between Britain and allies. If Britain attacks any ally within 5 years, all get free CB.

1869-1873 - Japan fights Russia/Germany.

1873-1877 - France jumps into war against Germany/Russia (at tail end of Britain's war - see above). Spain switches from being very pro-French to very pro-German, and breaks alliance, attacking France (several nations believe Spain attacked France in back. Spain forced to stop war (Spain may or may not like certain countries for this including Britain and US). US assists France against Spain. Belgium joins war on Germany's side, gets crushed, joins France. Germany uses Belgium territory to invade France. Germany/Russia win. Germany has been publicly hostile towards Belgium since war ended. Austria joins war on France's side, but is overrun. After a change in government, Austria leaves war and gets peace. Italy joins war against Austria, but after Austria stops war with Germany/Russia, Austria crushes Italy, and occupies entire country.

1875/1876? - China fights Russia over Mongolia.

1878 - Japan fights China over Korea (ongoing war).

1878 - Russia declares war on Ottoman Empire (ongoing war).

Recent administration changes (within last 2 years game time):
Britain
France
Ottoman Empire
Austria
China
Italy

There are several friendships/antagonistic relationships in the game, and several NAPs.

[lukasberger]

To add: The ongoing German-Egyptian war originally started when Egypt allied with France during the Franco-German/Russian war as described above and has continued until now.

[Crixdaz]

Thanks for the summary I deduce that Northern Europe and South America have been a peaceful places all the game.

[nemethand]

1) The creation of free Bulgaria. (OOC - dunno why the state was not created, it seems other part of the event fired - Bulgarian army, other Balkan states joining the cause.)

2) The transfer of Kars to Russia.

3) Compliance with Greek requests.

As soon as 1) through 3) are met, the hostilities are over.

****

Acknowledging the public demand for coal, Russian businessmen have doubled their efforts to exploit and will market more and more of this resource on the markets of St Petersburg. Purchasers are welcome.

For the new players, a round up of some of the recent events/rivalries:

1875/1876? - China fights Russia over Mongolia.

Actually, it was Manchuria. Not that it makes much of a difference, though.

[Kensai]

It is my understanding that the scripted event fired perfectly, I saw in the F9 screen that almost all the Balkan states are at war with the Ottomans.
I agree with nemethand's declaration of terms. To write them more technical and two more important:

1) creation of Bulgaria as it is in the 1880 starting date ("core regions")
2) transfer of Kars region to Russia ("objective region")
3) transfer of Epirus and Thessalia to Greece ("claimed regions")
4) independence of Montenegro (should happen automatically when you go to peace with Montenegro as I don't think the 1877 Ottoman Empire has anymore claims on them)
5) annexation of Nish region to Serbia ("claimed region", we need to throw a bone to Serbia for its contribution in this war, remember to respect the AI)

Now, the list may sound long but it is actually quite lenient terms:

- These regions, if stayed Ottoman, would be very troublesome with a constant rebellion risk for the Sultan; moreover they don't have that much of population
- The Ottoman Empire still retains a LAND link to all its European regions, including the important city of Thessaloniki... there is no enclave created in this way
- The Bosnia-Herjegovina, Albania, a Greater Serbia and Greece are prohibiited... I believe it would have been historically accurate for the Austro-Hungarians to be pissed if something like that happened in the Balkans as it might have meant they are coming next (as the other multiethnic empire of Europe!)

Citizen X, you could go on fighting, not all is lost by far... but I think this is a very decent offer for the Slav cause.

PS. To be totally honest: if I were you I would continue on fighting for at least some turns until the situation is clearer, cause defensive wars can give some nasty surprises to the overconfident aggressors... overextended supply lines, thinned units as they move inside your country, your own partisans spawning... it could be interesting!

[Citizen X]

In real life, the war did not go well for the Ottomans. Bulgaria eventually gained its independence and Thessalia was annexed by Greece. But this is almost as the current "declared" war goals from Russia and Greece in this alternate reality. Since nobody will ever blame you for jumping into the game just when the scripted event fired, nobody will blame you for doing as good or bad as the O.E. did in real life either. Actually, I believe you can only go better.

Let me say something most players have been hearing from me for ages... this is a disturbingly loooong game. A loss in a war means nothing most of the times. And I did not see any unreasonable outlandish claims beyond what historically happened.

Now, buckle up and good luck!

I did ask everybody not to molest me with the course of history and real life, which is of relevance for the setiing but should not be of any relevance for the course or outcome of the game. So pleeeeeeeeeeease don't do it again. Ever.

And please don't tell me again that I should be patient and such. In my situation this sounds like offering long term investments to pancreas cancer patient. I know how many turns the game has. I know also how much time it takes to build up this country. I know how much I am going to lose. I know all that. Thank you. Please drive through.

[Citizen X]

1) The creation of free Bulgaria. (OOC - dunno why the state was not created, it seems other part of the event fired - Bulgarian army, other Balkan states joining the cause.)

2) The transfer of Kars to Russia.

3) Compliance with Greek requests.

As soon as 1) through 3) are met, the hostilities are over.

****

Acknowledging the public demand for coal, Russian businessmen have doubled their efforts to exploit and will market more and more of this resource on the markets of St Petersburg. Purchasers are welcome.



Actually, it was Manchuria. Not that it makes much of a difference, though.

1. Bulgaria was created but conquered in the ame round. I consider this part of your claims as done. Just not with the outcome that the Bulgarian anarchists had in mind.

2. Never

3. No Negotiatians with the greek

We are ready to make Bulgaria an autonomous Dominion of our realms and pay a ransom to the Russian crown.
Thats it. There will be no more suggestions on our behalf.

[Citizen X]

It is my understanding that the scripted event fired perfectly, I saw in the F9 screen that almost all the Balkan states are at war with the Ottomans.
I agree with nemethand's declaration of terms. To write them more technical and two more important:

1) creation of Bulgaria as it is in the 1880 starting date ("core regions")
2) transfer of Kars region to Russia ("objective region")
3) transfer of Epirus and Thessalia to Greece ("claimed regions")
4) independence of Montenegro (should happen automatically when you go to peace with Montenegro as I don't think the 1877 Ottoman Empire has anymore claims on them)
5) annexation of Nish region to Serbia ("claimed region", we need to throw a bone to Serbia for its contribution in this war, remember to respect the AI)

Now, the list may sound long but it is actually quite lenient terms:

- These regions, if stayed Ottoman, would be very troublesome with a constant rebellion risk for the Sultan; moreover they don't have that much of population
- The Ottoman Empire still retains a LAND link to all its European regions, including the important city of Thessaloniki... there is no enclave created in this way
- The Bosnia-Herjegovina, Albania, a Greater Serbia and Greece are prohibiited... I believe it would have been historically accurate for the Austro-Hungarians to be pissed if something like that happened in the Balkans as it might have meant they are coming next (as the other multiethnic empire of Europe!)

Citizen X, you could go on fighting, not all is lost by far... but I think this is a very decent offer for the Slav cause.

PS. To be totally honest: if I were you I would continue on fighting for at least some turns until the situation is clearer, cause defensive wars can give some nasty surprises to the overconfident aggressors... overextended supply lines, thinned units as they move inside your country, your own partisans spawning... it could be interesting!

We will hang every "independent" Greek that we can lay our hand on.
Starting with the emmissary who brought this insulting pages into the sight of the Sultan.

[Kensai]

That's the spirit!

[Lindi]

New of Italy

The Italy fallow the Autrichia for the foreign Policy and with that situation the Italy are need to cancel the defence treaty with Ottomen, but because one of army Italy is wait in Ottoman to return in Italy, the Itally keep the treaty of supply and mouvement, and the Italy prevent because is the last army of Italy. If Italy need go to war for save this army he can go in this for move out of Ottomen with the gun.

[Jonathan Pollard]

The Chinese Ministry of Defense has reported that General Ma has broken out of the encirclement at Tientsin and will soon be leading the defense against the Japanese aggressors after he recovers from his wounds, which are not serious. All attempts by the Japanese to advance from Tientsin to Beijing have been repulsed.

Elsewhere, the citizens of Canton are joyously preparing to welcome the imminent arrival of the US Asiatic Fleet which has been invited to a state visit there. The Empress Herself will be present to welcome Admiral John Worden in command of the fleet and to show her appreciation of US willingness to cooperate with the Chinese in their struggle against Japanese aggression.

The mighty French Armee du Orient has already arrived at Canton in order to assure the citizens of Canton that they have no need to fear the Japanese barbarians. Additional French assistance for China is expected to arrive soon.

[Kensai]

Tianjin, China, December 1877

TIANJIN PORT CITY OPENED FOR SUPPLIES

The newly arrived Imperial Guards* from Korea were put to work immediately. Without losing any more time, the Guards mounted an assault on the fortified city of Tianjin** to take this important gateway-city to the capital of China. The breakthrough was important as without this port no new supplies could be ferried from Korea and Japan. The Chinese were already demoralized by the ravaging bombardment of the Japanese Navy and Army, most of the defenders surrendered eventually. Interrogated Chinese officials were also very angry with their leadership as word had spread that Empress Cixi's advisors opted for the recruitment of new army formations instead of reinforcing the existing elements, already in need.

Ganbatte!



*I love the Guards unit, especially as it gets experience... it is really wonderful when going against all odds or in battles where the extra discipline and initiative is needed... wonder if the designers have set a feature as in the Napoleon Campaign's game where the Guards indeed fight with extra vigor
**the screenshot shows another spot for the battle, it is not accurate though, that would have been in Beijing proper

[Sir Garnet]

DIARIO DE JANEIRO Wire Service: Latest Headlines Regarding the China Crisis

Tientsin Bombarded and Ravished! Brazilian Subjects Abused and Slain; Properties Seized or Destroyed

Nationalists: Surprise Invasion and Destruction at Tientsin in Callous Disregard of Brazilian Presence Affronts the Nation – Natural Consequence of Japanese Diplomatic Isolationism Against Brazil and Liberal Obstruction of Permanent Naval Presence in Far East and Naval Modernization

Barbaric Outrages Reported in Wake of Japan’s Invasion - Liberals Call for Concerted Action of Civilized Powers to Expel Japanese from Tientsin and Provide Relief - Conservatives Urge Readying New Brazilian Peacekeeping Force for Return to China

Silk Industry: Chief Aims Must be Immediate Restoration and Restitution of Captured and Destroyed Plantations to Brazilian Ownership and Justice for Casualties

Foreign Minister Pledges to Seek Prompt Resolution of Claims With Japan, Urging Cautious View of Reports Until Confirmed

[Kensai]

Beijing, China, December 1877

THE SIEGE OF BEIJING BEGINS

The Japanese Imperial army under Field Marshal Saigo Tsugumushi has made a breakthrough in the cold winter terrain and reached the town of Baoding, the last town before Beijing: center of power of Empress Cixi herself. We are not certain if the Chinese Empress has left the Forbidden City with her court or still inside directing the defense of her realm from there. The siege of Beijing begins in earnest. This is our last call to the Chinese government to accept the terms proposed, before we assault the city and definitely cut the head of the dragon...

All equipment has been ferried: siege cannons and engineers are in place to undermine the defensive fortifications of the Chinese capital before we call for the final decisive offensive to the Forbidden Palace!

---

Epirus and Thessalia, Greece, December 1877

GREECE FREES ITS LONG LOST TERRITORIES

Hugely enthusiastic crowds greet the Greek Royal Army as it enters both in Janina and Larissa. The battle of Janina was very swift as the Turkish regional defenses retreated without giving battle. In Larissa the heavy artillery had to do the talking before the garrison of the town and the regional militia surrendered. In other positive news, the recently defeated Montenegrins managed to gain two Turkish regions in the North, together with the Bulgarian army which managed to control the town of Sliven. These are very good signs for the fledgling Balkan armies in wait of the big hammer, aka the Russian offensive.

Nonetheless, not all was good, a sizeable Turkish force under Ali Pasha landed from the Ionian Sea to Peloponesos, quickly dispatching the local militia. There is also an Ottoman division landing in the island of Rodi, seat of the local government of Dodecanese. We are not sure if that local militia will hold either.

[Citizen X]

Istanbul, Derâliye, January 1878
War Bulletin No 1

Our gloriuous armies have achieved great victories in Rumelia and il-Arab. Vigorously defending our Empire of Tolerance, our beloved Devlet-i ʿAlīye Osmaniyye, our troops could repell the attack of Bulgarian warmongerer Alexander and his infidel bandits on 28th of December, there killing half of the usurpers with the guns of Ahmed Eyib Pasha.

One day before, Süleyman Pasha, commander of the expedition forces in il-Arab liberated Riyad from the Czar's exploiters, freeing many orthodox islamic women who were about to be sold to St. Petersburg as slaves, there to be thrown to the mercy of the Czar's spittlelickers.

On December, 26th Ali Pasha showed more mercy to the Greek aggressors at Patras as they had deserved, when he assured the remainig defenders of the city free passage and let them disengage in direction to Athens. The entire Peloponnes is under the rightful rule of His Majesty again.

A mercy that the defenders of Larissa couldn't benefit from on December, 24th, the Christian holiday of peace. The pillaging scavengers of Greek general Basilias Giorgois ton Ellinon killed our militia men even after they had surrendered the city. After that the city was let to the troops to plunder. In the effect many innocent were killed, children, women and elderly, christians, muslims, greek, turkish and albanians alike.

We shall not forget these attrocities. It strengthens our declared will, that there cannot be negotiations with the Greek.

We shall not forget that we are at war. Therefore the Sultans war directive were duly carried out, that nothing that enemy of the civilized and peaceful world could possibly use in his efforts to subdue our beloved country, Osmanlı İmparatorluğu, shall be destroyed. Bridges, roads, railroads, orchards, industries. All was dismantled were possible and brought to Anatolia. Forts were broken up where possible, so that we shall know that there is no place to rest our weary heads unless victory is achieved or in the bossom of Al Fattah, Giver of Victory. Let the infidels know, that we have broken all towes and let everything behind that could hinder our dedication to set our minds on fighting untill we seize the strength to lift our very arms. We shall not hide in places and leave the enemy no clue on where we will defend and where we will strike.

La illaha il Allah!

Ibrahim Edhem Pasha,
Vezir-i Azam

[Lindi]

new of Italy

[ATTACH]22811[/ATTACH]

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New of Egypt

The Egypt officially announced its unconditional surrender to the Prussian,

the reason for the policy change. That is our only ally is at war, and now we can no longer expected outside help.

The Egypt announces to the world that folds to the German invaders.

May Allah forgive the egypt.

[Kensai]

Thanks for sharing this Lindi, was under this Galleria only a couple of months ago!
(the one in Naples is almost as good)

[Jonathan Pollard]

The Imperial Defense Ministry reports that a massive assault by Japanese barbarians against the fortified capital of Beijing has been repulsed with severe losses suffered by the Japs. It seems that the Heavens Themselves intervened on the side of the Chinese in the form of a severe snowstorm that obscured the fire of the Jap long range guns. The Defense Ministry is confident that the powerful force defending Beijing will hold out until relief arrives.

Elsewhere, the Empress has personally greeted the arrival of the US Asiatic Fleet in Canton. The US fleet brought with them a pleasant surprise -- a massive US ground force commanded by General Sheridan, who already is experienced in fighting against those who would enslave others. The Defense Ministry hopes that the willingness to assist China by the USA and France, which also has sent a powerful ground force to Canton, should be sufficient to bring the Japanese aggressors to their senses and make peace, but it is not optimistic.

In honor of the arrival of the international forces in Canton, the Empress has temporarily transferred the capital of China to Canton. The impossibility for her to return to Beijing due to its encirclement by Japanese barbarians has caused her to invite the US and French forces in Canton to assist in her return to Beijing.