[PON] Conflict in Europe - Diplomacy & News Thread

[Kensai]

Greece, January 1878

BATTLES FOR THE HOMELAND

The Ottomans have taken Dodecanese, but suffered a serious setback in Peloponesos as General Soutsos attacked with ferociousness and courage. News come in that the Ottomans have demolished the industrial capacity of the city of Patras, while also destroying the farms in the countryside. The barbarous revanchist actions of Ali Pasha remind us of the destructing campaign of the Egyptian Ibrahim Pasha in the 1821 liberation war. We should remind the Porte than all these destructions will be required as war reparations when we will prevail...





---

Tiajing, China, January 1877

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SINO-JAPANESE WAR

Assault by Chinese army stopped in its tracks amidst a terrible storm. The Imperial Guards again showed superior decisiveness under their commander. Our reconnaissance has confirmed the US landing of troops. We warn the US government not throw away years of friendly relations to save the decadent Chinese regime. More troops are being ferried in mainland China to bounce the inevitable offensive. Our scientists have moved Japan further forward in the tech race, as they have discovered the alternative current. It is now a matter of time to create working AC motors.

[Jonathan Pollard]

時事月報 (Current Affair Monthly) January 1878

CHINESE VICTORY NEAR TIANJIN!

The Ministry of Defense has reported a major victory in a raid led by the intrepid General Liu against the Jap invaders that have occupied the Tianjin area. The Japanese barbarians suffered nearly 17,000 casualties at a cost of only 11,000 Chinese. The Ministry of Defense attributes a significant contributor toward this victory to the release of modern weapons to our troops which until now have been held in our strategic reserve, including the deadly Gatling gun and mitrailleuse.

[ATTACH]22812[/ATTACH]

[OOC - The Japs lost over 16,000 men versus a loss of under 12,000 Chinese, yet the battle screen shows more hits being taken by the Chinese. What is the explanation for this?]

The distribution of Gatling guns and mitrailleuses to the forces defending Beijing is believed to be the reason the Japanese have refrained from conducting any suicidal attacks against the fortress for over two weeks, instead cowering in their trenches.

Chinese officers examine a mitrailleuse.

It is believed by foreign military observers and experts that the distribution of modern weaponry from China's strategic reserve to its troops may be the decisive factor in turning the tide of the war against Japanese aggression.

[ATTACH]22815[/ATTACH]
Wanzhong yixin shimie Wokou (万众一心誓灭倭寇
Millions of people all of one mind vow to exterminate the Japanese enemy

[nemethand]

Strikes in St Petersburg!

When our sons and husbands prepare to free their Slavic brothers in the Balkan, unfaithful and ungrateful radicals, no doubt convinced and supported by Ottoman gold, goes on strike.

[ATTACH]22816[/ATTACH]

(red text event)

[Jim-NC]

British Open Letter to Greece

We believe that war is never the answer to what can be solved diplomatically. Having seen war, Britain knows that it's terrible consequences are generally not worth the gains. Pursuant to this policy, we call on Greece to stop it's war of aggression against the Ottoman Empire. We believe that the issues should be solved in open negotiations, not at the point of a sword.

Regarding this thought process, we ask Greece to stop the war it has started. At this time, we will give the Greek nation 1 month (until Feb 28th) to agree to an armistice with the OE, and return to status quo ante. Failure to stop this war will cause it to spiral out of control, causing untold death and destruction. Once again we call on Greece as the aggressors to stop the war they started.

For HM Government
The Marquess of Hartington

[Kensai]

We are shocked by the ultimatum of our supposed old "protector" which instead of trying to help us achieve the unification of the Greek lands, wants us small and unworthy. It is more astonishing that the British target specifically us (a power they can easily annihilate) instead of another major power. Why is Britain not standing by the fledgling Bulgarian nation? Wasn't the United Kingdom the moral compass of the world? If yes, and there is still some dignity in Queen Victoria's deeds, they should instead side with the rightful Balkan cause and demand from the Ottomans to yield in the limited claims the Balkan nations make. The Sultan has failed to protect the Christian minorities of the Slavs and has condemned the Greek-ethnic regions of Epirus and Thessalia in a backward state of affairs.

Greece will ask for the protection of other major powers to sustain its goals.

Prime Minister Koumoundouros

[Citizen X]

Istanbul, Derâliye, January 1878

Januarius A. MacGahan, correspondent to the Daily News records the rare occasion of a public appearance made by Sultan Abdülhamit II.. Following is part of a speech held in front cadets at the old Ottoman capital Bursa. This is referred to in Turcish papers as "The Vow of Bursa"

"... And now to the matters that you, the finest turcish youth, concerns you most. Our great struggle for the survival of our beloved country, our Devlet-i alliye-i Osmaniyye, for the survival of our mothers and daughters, our fathers and sons, our culture and the very survival of the holy religion, which we have sworn to protect. In the name of Al Mu'izz, the Giver of Honor, I declare that this struggle will continue untill we are all dead or we have prevailed.
(He lifts a newspaper) NOW! NOW! Now the Greek papers have the sad face to speek of atrocities in Patras because we had given them the medicine that they had given us in abundance. Where were those when our people were slaughtered? They jubilated! (Lifts another paper). Where were they then, when in the past we had been slaughtered and plundered and pillaged and disgraced and tread upon and spit upon in these last 20 years. Nowhere!! Indeed they praised our brutalizers for their deeds. We had this medicine in abundance. Now let THEM swallow it. For there is something good in all our sufferings, by the mercy of Allah. We are hardened by the events. And we have nothing to lose anymore. They have already taken everything. Have they thought we wouldn't mean it, when we said, we had dismantled everything in our balcan possessions, so to liberate us from all obligations? Let me be clear in this point: we meant it.
Now let them come. What can they take more? A few sheep that we own and which are bewildered, because we can't maintain their shepards fee. Not even that. So now they want to talk us into reason. Huh? Them? We are to sign treaties and put the Sultans Firman under papers that bind our hands and let theirs free.

Let me do this vow instead which I invite you, the finest crop of the fields of Al Matin, the Staedfast, of Al Wali, the Protecting Friend, to repeat and confirm in front of me.

When in the future I feel obliged to carry my sword by my own justice into another man's house, I will be as Al Latif, the Subtle and careful as Al Karim, the Bountiful. No harm shall be cast outside the battle and what is Sacred to them is Sacred to me, there temples and churches, their women and children, their cattle and houses, their mills and yards, all shall be spared from the wrath of our swift weapons, because this is the way of Islam, the exalted and merciful believe.
But then again, when it is them who once more bring havoc to our havens, I shall have no mercy. I will come on them like Al Hakam and Al 'Adl, the Judge, the Utterly Just. I shall spare no one, I will be Al Mumit, the Destroyer for them. I shall destroy everything in my path and kill and slaughter their brethren and their realms shall be void.

This I confess and confirm.

La illaha il Allah"

Observers take it as a rather good sign, that neither bulgarians nor Russians were mentioned by name in this speech, indicating that diplomatic efforts were still be made in the background.
Also encouraging was, that the speech wasn't proceded by martial spectacle but rather a merry festivity.

[video=youtube;U5Bc-Ug7Gu4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5Bc-Ug7Gu4[/video]

[bjfagan]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Germany will once again suspend military operations in Egypt. As soon as Egyptian ministers arrive in Suez to finalize a peace treaty, German forces will vacate the occupied areas of Egypt. The one and only German demand is the immediate annexation of the province of Suez.

[Kensai]

There is a problem with this demand, Brian, unless it is a Prussian objective (or claimed) area, annexing a national region of another nation is too much (given we don't play with extended claims). If you do it for the Suez Canal functionality, then perhaps we can abstract this in a different way. I haven't exactly understood what's the bug with Suez, but if it opens for traffic only for someone who has passage rights, then the region might be returned to Egypt, the canal structure to Germany and script passage rights exclusively for Germany. If only Egypt and Germany have passage rights, only Egypt and Germany will be able to pass it.

All this while we wait for late summer for Pocus to have some more time (after AACW2 gets released) to work again on potential PON fixes.

[bjfagan]

There is a problem with this demand, Brian, unless it is a Prussian objective (or claimed) area, annexing a national region of another nation is too much (given we don't play with extended claims). If you do it for the Suez Canal functionality, then perhaps we can abstract this in a different way. I haven't exactly understood what's the bug with Suez, but if it opens for traffic only for someone who has passage rights, then the region might be returned to Egypt, the canal structure to Germany and script passage rights exclusively for Germany. If only Egypt and Germany have passage rights, only Egypt and Germany will be able to pass it.

All this while we wait for late summer for Pocus to have some more time (after AACW2 gets released) to work again on potential PON fixes.

Considering that Egypt is not a major power, there should be no reason a national province cannot be annexed. No issue was raised prior to this when it was mentioned several times. Germany has a huge warscore by now. I will look it up next turn.

[lukasberger]

Considering that Egypt is not a major power, there should be no reason a national province cannot be annexed. No issue was raised prior to this when it was mentioned several times. Germany has a huge warscore by now. I will look it up next turn.

Considering that GB essentially annexed all of Egypt around this time period irl I don't see any reason that the GB of our reality, Germany, shouldn't we allowed to annex one province.

[Baris]

Cool writing I like 'nihavend longa'
Cheers.
This roleplaying urge me to join.

[Jonathan Pollard]

時事月報 (Current Affair Monthly) February 1878

[color="#00FFFF"]RELIEF FORCE ENTERS BEIJING![/color]

Zhang Shushang's Army together with Wang Debang's Corps have marched to the relief of Zuo Zongtang's forces in Beijing and found that the expected Japanese encirclement of Beijing was in fact incomplete, with the southwestern approaches to the city completely unguarded. [OOC - I did not even order Zhang and Wang to go to Beijing, they did it on his own initiative. No combat was reported in the Beijing area with the exception of the siege of Beijing progressing by 5 hits. And even though the besieged icon still appears on the map, I am now able to transfer units between Zhang Shushang and Zuo Zongtang. The attached screenshot now shows the 1 supply wagon that I transferred from Zhang to Zuo [Chinese Force (1 unit)]because it seems that according to the manual besieged forces without a supply wagon are very susceptible to surrender even though there already is a big depot there.]
[ATTACH]22827[/ATTACH]

Elsewhere, heavy fighting was reported on the Tianjin front with heavy casualties on both sides and little change in the front lines. The traitorous Taiping rebels, no doubt hoping that the Japanese invasion will weaken Chinese resolve to crush their rebellion, suffered several severe defeats.

[Kensai]

(heh, technically what happened was that your force retreated in Baoding after being defeated in Tianjin... if this was a lucky or unlucky retreat, I do not know... it will much depend future moves and engagements)

[Citizen X]

There is a problem with this demand, Brian, unless it is a Prussian objective (or claimed) area, annexing a national region of another nation is too much (given we don't play with extended claims). If you do it for the Suez Canal functionality, then perhaps we can abstract this in a different way. I haven't exactly understood what's the bug with Suez, but if it opens for traffic only for someone who has passage rights, then the region might be returned to Egypt, the canal structure to Germany and script passage rights exclusively for Germany. If only Egypt and Germany have passage rights, only Egypt and Germany will be able to pass it.

All this while we wait for late summer for Pocus to have some more time (after AACW2 gets released) to work again on potential PON fixes.

Partly ooc: Actually the Sublime Porte believes, that it should be the other way around. THE superpower of our times wants a fortified grip on the canal (understandibly), thus the annexation of Suez. The passageright however should be given to all nations (if ever possible by script), except those that said power is at war with, or who ever has Suez.

[Citizen X]

Istanbul, Derâliye, February 1878

War Bulletin No 2

The Sublime Porte advises the public, that his Imperial Majesty, Sultan Abdulhamt II., and His Royal Highness Alexander I. have come to terms. They negotiated immediate peace. Alexander I. shall be allowed to govern Sofia as Viceroy of the Ottoman Empire and may carry the title as King of Bulgaria and be free to governe the city of Sofia as he so pleases. In return he will pay a lease of £ 3 per year. He declares himself saturated, thus no other cities are given under his rule.
King Alexander and Sultan Abdulhamit equally ask the Russians to seize hostilities, as the main wargoal has now been reached.

Indeed the Sublime Porte has sent several emmissaries to the Russian side, with reasonable suggestions, none of which had been graced with an answer.

The evacuation of Patras went as planned and unhindered by enemy forces. Ali Pasha's command has been transfered to other theatres. Ottoman forces have freed most of inner Arabia from the infidels. After his successful campaign Süleyman Pasha has been transferred to other theatres. The defences of Istanbul have been strengthend with more heavy guns.

The Russian bear has not been able, with all his forces to come any further than Varna.

We express our humble appreciation towards the new government of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, which has started measures to undo the damage that has been done to us by former governments and help us in our war efforts.

With the help of god we shall prevail in this war.

La illaha il Allah.

[loki100]

just to say, really enjoying the new style of updates being adopted by some players, with special note to Citizen X

this remains a must read resource for anyone interested in PoN

[Kensai]

Partly ooc: Actually the Sublime Porte believes, that it should be the other way around. THE superpower of our times wants a fortified grip on the canal (understandibly), thus the annexation of Suez. The passageright however should be given to all nations (if ever possible by script), except those that said power is at war with, or who ever has Suez.

This is not how it works, this is not Europa Universalis where you can paint the map your color and be done with it. We play without extended claims, meaning: unless a region is a claimed area or an objective region it cannot be claimed permanently. This is to avoid gamey demands that severely damage the historical core* map and to be similar to the realism of the era, where it was impossible to ask to annex regions where one nation has no reason to be there. We have allowed temporary occupations in the past, things that included a Prussian Crete and a Russian Bulgaria, but these were temporary and honestly should be avoided without a really good reason.

If the problem is the Suez channel functionality, we should strive to correct that alone, not introduce another issue. Exceptions of course can be always made, but there should be a really good playability reason to do so.

*colonial regions are obviously open game for all, after all they appear in the F9 barter screen anyway

[Lindi]

This is not how it works, this is not Europa Universalis where you can paint the map your color and be done with it. We play without extended claims, meaning: unless a region is a claimed area or an objective region it cannot be claimed permanently. This is to avoid gamey demands that severely damage the historical core* map and to be similar to the realism of the era, where it was impossible to ask to annex regions where one nation has no reason to be there. We have allowed temporary occupations in the past, things that included a Prussian Crete and a Russian Bulgaria, but these were temporary and honestly should be avoided without a really good reason.

If the problem is the Suez channel functionality, we should strive to correct that alone, not introduce another issue. Exceptions of course can be always made, but there should be a really good playability reason to do so.

*colonial regions are obviously open game for all, after all they appear in the F9 barter screen anyway

You said that after many claim of Germany about only Suez...

So Germany have use many mony for 1 objectif, a not hiding objectif and now he can't go do that?

For me Suez because is real importance about all big country, I thing is realistic if Germany take Suez.

Also Egypt is a protectora of Birtish in 1914, so can Egypt go to protectora to Germany?

[Kensai]

Baoding, China, February 1878

HEAVY FIGHTING AMIDST THE BLIZZARD

Despite the extremely adverse weather situation, the two Asian armies clashed in the fields and towns around Beijing. The battles were ruthless between exceedingly larger forces. The Japanese forces prevailed in all of them, except one stalemate, but we would be lying if we said we didn't feel the toll in casualties. The Home Lord will pass an emergency act to partially mobilize the reserves and refit the battle-wary elements of the Expeditionary Army. The casualties on the Chinese side are really impressive, the national morale of their nation is falling apart, making each battle uphill. Japan already holds an astonishing number of prisoners: 380000. More to come?

It is a shame Empress Cixi does not come to her senses.

[Jonathan Pollard]

時事月報 (Current Affairs Monthly) February 1878

[color="#00FFFF"]JAPS STALEMATED AT BEIJING[/color]

Enraged at the breaking of the siege of Beijing, the Jap General Arimoto in desperation frontally assaulted the modern impregnable fortifications of the city. This banzai charge was beaten back with heavy losses.

[ATTACH]22829[/ATTACH]

Elsewhere, despite heavy enemy resistance the valiant and now well-equipped Chinese forces already have taken back control of half of Baodong province. Although losses have been heavy on our side as well as the Japs, new recruits from all parts of China continue to answer the call to defend their motherland and undoubtedly the tide against Japanese aggression will soon be turned. Indeed the turning point may have already been reached, but it is expected that the stubborn Japs will need to be wiped out to the last man in order to remove their tentacles from China.

[Kensai]

(haha, love the propaganda-styled press releases by both of us... I never assaulted Beijing, it was you all along trying to get ground, in the end successfully...)

Aritomo, the highest Field Marshal of the Japanese Imperial Army has indeed landed on mainland China, but his contribution in this battle was simply that of Commander-in-Chief and (possibly) marching-at-the-sound-of-guns.

[Citizen X]

This is not how it works, this is not Europa Universalis where you can paint the map your color and be done with it. We play without extended claims, meaning: unless a region is a claimed area or an objective region it cannot be claimed permanently. This is to avoid gamey demands that severely damage the historical core* map and to be similar to the realism of the era, where it was impossible to ask to annex regions where one nation has no reason to be there. We have allowed temporary occupations in the past, things that included a Prussian Crete and a Russian Bulgaria, but these were temporary and honestly should be avoided without a really good reason.

If the problem is the Suez channel functionality, we should strive to correct that alone, not introduce another issue. Exceptions of course can be always made, but there should be a really good playability reason to do so.

*colonial regions are obviously open game for all, after all they appear in the F9 barter screen anyway

I am all with you there. I checked the houserules in advance. Had it been else, I wouldn't even have joined.
I beleive though, that there are very few exceptions, like Suez, where any imperial power has good reason to be at any time. How else can we determine the functionality of the canal as by the possession of Suez?
The way it currently is leaves someone who wants to controll the canal with no option as staying in eternal war with the locals.

Anyway, just wanted to help.

[Jim-NC]

British Open Letter to Greece

We believe that war is never the answer to what can be solved diplomatically. Having seen war, Britain knows that it's terrible consequences are generally not worth the gains. Pursuant to this policy, we call on Greece to stop it's war of aggression against the Ottoman Empire. We believe that the issues should be solved in open negotiations, not at the point of a sword.

Regarding this thought process, we ask Greece to stop the war it has started. At this time, we will give the Greek nation 1 month (until Feb 28th) to agree to an armistice with the OE, and return to status quo ante. Failure to stop this war will cause it to spiral out of control, causing untold death and destruction. Once again we call on Greece as the aggressors to stop the war they started.

For HM Government
The Marquess of Hartington

To the nations of the world: Please re-read our announcement.

Britain has had no intention of attacking Greece, and will not attack them at this point. However, we stand by our statements that "Failure to stop this war will cause it to spiral out of control, causing untold death and destruction". They are free to choose their own path, but they must abide by the consequences of what they have done. We are stating the obvious that the Greek leadership is unable to see for themselves. It will be a shame to see Athens burnt to the ground, and the monuments to western civilization destroyed.

We further state that we are not attacking, or declaring war on any power in regards to this war.

For HM Government
The Marquess of Huntington

[Kensai]

The way it currently is leaves someone who wants to controll the canal with no option as staying in eternal war with the locals.

Ideally, it should be easy for Pocus to fix. The owner of the "canal structure" (not the region!) should decide when it is open or closed according to the activation of the structure. This will work for all nations. When the owner-country is at war, it should not allow passage of its enemies. These two simple rules are more than enough to cover all situations.

This way, everyone is always allowed unless at war with the owner or the structure is shut down. Ownership of the region should not play a role, unless the region owner is at war with the canal owner or another nation is at war with both of them and conquers the region, thus changing the ownership of the structure as well. Honestly, I do not understand why it wasn't like that in the first place...

---

Athens, Greece, February 1878

THIS WAS NOT A WAR GREECE STARTED

It was a war started by the Ottoman forces which didn't respect the Christian minorities in the Balkans. We jumped into this war last, only to protect our own population, why the preferential bashing? Greece is willing to stop this war, but the Porte has to allow the minorities breathing and living space, we have already stated our demands in accordance to the Russian ones. Add to this reparations for the unwarranted industrial and agricultural destruction the Turkish invasion army did at Peloponesos and we are ready to sign the peace treaty. Actually, Great Britain, as a voice of reason, should put pressure on Istanbul to let them understand there are no alternatives. It is time for the Ottoman Empire to let the Balkans loose.

Last, the Greek government wishes to congratulate King Umberto of Italy for succeeding its late father!

[Citizen X]

Istanbul, Derâliye, February 1878

Januarius A. MacGahan, correspondent to the Daily News, interviews an aide to the Ottoman secretary of state.

Januarius A. MacGahan:
What will you answer to the latest approach of the Greek side?

Ottoman aide:
We made it clear that there will be no negotiations with the Greek. We have reasonable diplomatic talks to everybody in the region even with the Russians. We came to terms with the Viceroy, King Alexander in Sofia. We are talking with everybody over everything. But it was them, the Greeks, who stopped talking and tipped the table.

JM:
They made some grave accusations in their latest note.

OA:
(Smiles sardonically) We invited the world to a conference over that matter. We invited international inspectors. We offered compensation to the innocently hurt. No one came. No one answered. No oneasserted justified claims. One day we invited the world, the next we were swallowed by war.

JM:
How about Patras?

OA:
They wanted war, they got war. That's what the Vow of Bursa was about. We are a weak country after all those years of menace. Our only defence is the promise to hit hard and relentles, regardless of consequence, so making it a risky thing to wage war against us.

JM:
They claim reparations.

OA:
Bullshit!

JM:
What about the British involvement. Will we see an escalation.

OA:
The current government of Her Majesty are reasonable people. We wish the British folk no harm nor trouble. But it is good to hear a voice against barbary. The Ottoman rule meant hundreds of years of exalted culture, peace and prosperity for the Balcans. The Greek want to gun us all back into the Dark Ages.

JM:
A last comment?

OA:
Remember. Bashing continues untill reason improves.

[Jonathan Pollard]

時事月報 (Current Affairs Monthly) March 1878

[color="#00FFFF"]CHINESE FORCES CONTINUE TO GAIN GROUND[/color]

Chinese forces in the vicinity of Beijing, that now overwhelmingly outnumber the Japanese, continued to make gains. Nearly 60% of Baoding province is now free from Jap vermin.

Elsewhere, significant progress has been made in the suppression of the Taiping fanatics. Chinese sailors and naval officers are receiving training aboard the ships of the US Asiatic Fleet in Canton. The Ministry of Armaments has reported that production has begun of a new model of steel breech-loading artillery.

[Jonathan Pollard]

時事月報 (Current Affairs Monthly) March 1878

Chinese sailors and naval officers are receiving training aboard the ships of the US Asiatic Fleet in Canton. The Ministry of Armaments has reported that production has begun of a new model of steel breech-loading artillery.

img

[Jonathan Pollard]

時事月報 (Current Affairs Monthly) March 1878

Chinese sailors and naval officers are receiving training aboard the ships of the US Asiatic Fleet in Canton. The Ministry of Armaments has reported that production has begun of a new model of steel breech-loading artillery.

[ATTACH]22836[/ATTACH]

[Kensai]

The Japanese HQ is satisfied with the current state of affairs, as the pressure on the Chinese mainland is significant and there to stay. When time is right, we shall act.

[Kensai]

Outskirts of Beijing, early days of March, 1878

EPIC SCALE BATTLES FOR THE DRAGON'S HEAD: THE CHINESE PREVAIL

The battles around the Chinese capital were of scale and proportions probably never seen in the Far East for decades, in not centuries. Almost half a million troops were ready to clash in the beginning of the March conflict. Two battles ended in Chinese victory, two in Japanese. In the end, though, as more Chinese troops were amassing to the fortified ring of Beijing-Baoding from the endless Asian plains, Saigo Togumichi gave the command for a strategic retreat to the fortified positions of Tianjin. No losses were reported during the retreat. The number of casualties for both sides were high, but as always for the Chinese 3-4x more than ours. They are lucky they have so many men as midwinter cannon fodder. But will it help them in the long run?