The Raging Storm - Gameplay Thread

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Statement from No. 10 Downing Street

Following his meeting with His Majesty The King, the Prime Minister met with the leaders of the major parties of Parliament. The Prime Minister, Mr. Sinclair, and Mr. Cripps have reached an agreement to form a Government in the best interests of the British people and the Empire, which will command an overwhelming, absolute majority in the House of Commons.

Mr. Inskip, Leader of the House of Commons, will introduce a bill, the Parliament (1940) Act, at the next sitting of the House which will extend the life of the Parliament elected in 1936 for an additional two years. The Prime Minister acknowledges the extraordinary action but believes it is in the best interest of the British people to avoid having a divisive, and perhaps indecisive, General Election during a battle for the survival of the Empire.

The First Churchill Ministry
Senior Ministers

The Prime Minister Winston Churchill - Con.
Deputy Prime Minister Archibald Sinclair - Prog.
Minister of Defense Winston Churchill - Con.
Lord Chancellor Viscount Simon - Con.
Foreign Secretary Stafford Cripps - Lab.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Kingsley Wood - Con.
Home Secretary John Anderson - Con.

Minister of Labour Herbert Morrison - Prog.
First Lord of the Admiralty David Lloyd George - Prog.
Minister of Supply George Lloyd - Con.
Minister for Administrative Services Anthony Eden - Con.
Secretary of State for the Empire Lord Halifax - Con.
Minister for Food William Jowitt - Prog.

Leader of the House of Commons Thomas Inskip - Con.
Leader of the House of Lords Walter Guinness, Baron Moyne - Con.
Chief Whip James Stuart - Con.
Deputy Chief Whip Arthur Greenwood - Lab.

[DKrol]

Statement from No. 10 Downing Street

The Prime Minister today has confirmed that the elections called for under the Government of India Act scheduled for June 1, 1940 will go ahead as scheduled. Despite opposing the Act in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister believes that it is important for the Government to stand up and honor its promises - the Indian people have been promised a democratically elected lower House and the Prime Minister intends to follow through. The Prime Minister has spoken to the Viceroy, the Marquess of Linlithgow, and confirmed the polling date of June 1. The Prime Minister has also instructed that all parties should be allowed to stand candidates without fear of repercussion or persecution. The election must be an accurate reflection of the will of the mass of the Indian people.

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Statement from No. 10 Downing Street

His Majesty the King has named Leo Amery, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Sparkbrook, as Governor-General and Viceroy of India on the advice of the Prime Minister. Mr. Amery, born in India to British parents, is familiar with the Indian people and provides a fresh face that may be better able to address the ongoing demands of the office. The transfer of power will take place before the June 1 election date.

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Statement from No. 10 Downing Street

Today, the Prime Minister and Sir George Courthope, Bt, Secretary of State for Broadcasting and Culture, made a series of three announcements.

First, the film "The Great Dictators" will be allowed to be shown freely and without censor in the British Empire.

Second, the Ministry of Broadcasting and Culture will arrange the return of professional football to the British Isles for the first time since the European War began. Localized leagues will be sanctioned across the country, with a prohibition on traveling more than 45 miles for a matchday in order to conserve fuel and rubber. Crowd sizes will also be limited, to prevent the growth of targets for enemy attacks, in a manner determined by the Football Association. Further, all matches must be played during the daylight, to avoid the usage of large floodlights.

Third, the Football Association is ordered to review its prohibition on women's football. The Prime Minister believes that if women have been contributing to the war effort, at home and abroad, then they should be allowed to play football if they so wish.

The Prime Minister thanks the British people for their ongoing support and loyalty and hopes that these policies will bring some needed joy to their lives.

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Treaty of Bilbao
1. Gibraltar is recognized as Spanish territory.
2. A joint Anglo-Spanish Naval Base shall be established on the Spanish territory of The Rock.
3. The Spanish Kingdom shall compensate the British Empire for damages incurred as a result of the Battle for Gibraltar.
4. The Spanish Kingdom shall enter the European War no later than December 31, 1941.
5. Both the British Empire and the Spanish Kingdom acknowledge and respect the importance of peaceful, unencumbered commerce through the Straight of Gibraltar and will support efforts to that effect.

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Winston Churchill

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Wikimedia Commons

Address to the Commons by the Prime Minister Following the Signing of the Treaty of Bilbao

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to announce a new era in the European War has begun. I have met with General Franco and have signed the Treaty of Bilbao. Today, the great men and women of Spain will link arms with the British, and the Australian, the South African, the Canadian, the New Zealander, the Free Belgians, and many Africans, and take up arms against the German menace!

*cheers from the benches*

I am certain that there are terms in the Treaty of Bilbao that some on the Government benches do not like. I do concede to them the loss of Gibraltar as sovereign British territory is a terrible moment. For the first time since the 1700s the Union Jack does not govern Gibraltar. The terms of the Treaty, however, secure several significant British interests without the loss of more British life or the expenditure of more British resources.

Firstly, the Royal Navy will continue to base at Gibraltar. This is critical to fueling, transportation, and intelligence operations. Secondly, the Straight of Gibraltar is still subject to British authority, as is the Mediterranean at-large, thanks to our critical bases in Tunisia, Malta, Alexandria, and the Near East. And thirdly, Mr. Speaker, the Iberian Peace will turn the tide of the European War. Without the Gibraltar Exchange, I do believe that the British forces would have been too divided to effectively wage the war that is needed. I truly believe that the Treaty of Bilbao is in the best, long-term interests of the British people.

*cheers from the benches*

But, Mr. Speaker, the boys who gave their lives on the Rock did not do so in vein. No, they gave their lives in acts of unrestrained heroism, fighting for their Empire, their King, and their countrymen. I have written to His Majesty the King and recommended that every sailor, soldier, and airman who gave his life in defense of Gibraltar be made Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, in recognition of their awesome sacrifice. This extraordinary action is an unprecedented award of the Order but, Mr. Speaker, I believe it is the least that we can do to commemorate those lads from Ipswich, and Hartlepool, and Leeds, and Glasgow, who did their ultimate duty for their country.

*cheers from the benches*

This is a day of celebration, for the gaining of a new ally in the European War, and for the end of the Iberian conflict. But this is also a day of mourning, for those who gave their lives in Gibraltar, and those who continue to lose their lives in battles against the Chancellor's bombs across Europe, and the Emperor's torpedoes in Asia. We must press on and make good on the memory of those brave Brits. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

*cheers from the benches*

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Statement from No. 10 Downing Street

Today, the Prime Minister spoke with Governor-General Amery to review and discuss the election results from India’s first elections as a Dominion. The Prime Minister has instructed the Governor-General to offer Mr. Jinnah and the All-India Muslim League the opportunity to form a Government in His Majesty’s name. This decision is in-line with the democratic principles of self-governance and Home Rule; Mr. Jinnah’s party holds the most seats, legitimately won in a free and open election, and he should be given the first chance to form a Government. The Prime Minister also condemns Mr. Gandhi and Mr. Nehru for spurning the chance to take part in historic free and fair elections, denying a segment of the Indian population the opportunity to have their voices heard at the ballot box.

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Statement from No. 10 Downing Street

The Prime Minister applauds General Franco’s decision to hold a referendum on the introduction of a free and fair liberal democratic Constitutional Monarchy in Spain, modeled on the British Empire. The Prime Minister extends an invitation to General Franco for a visit to London to experience British democracy first-hand, and for British legal experts to travel to Spain to assist with the crafting of their formal constitutional documents.

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Anglo-Egyptian-Hellenic Agreement
The undersigned parties agree to the following:

1. The German attack on the Suez Canal was an affront to the national sovereignty of both the Kingdom of Greece and the Kingdom of Egypt and the Sudan.
2. The British Empire, the Kingdom of Greece, and the Kingdom of Egypt and the Sudan stand opposed to the War of German Expansion.
3. The British Empire will serve as a guarantor for the safe passage of Greek and Egyptian vessels in the Mediterranean.
4. British bases in Malta, Tunisia, and Alexandria shall be open and provide safe harbor to Greek and Egyptian vessels, as well as provide fueling and supply support.
5. The Kingdom of Greece and the Kingdom of Egypt and the Sudan pledge to uphold the ongoing embargo of the German Reich.
6. The British Empire will serve as a guarantor of the independent sovereignty of the Kingdom of Greece and the Kingdom of Egypt and the Sudan.

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Winston Churchill

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Treaty of Canberra

1. Japan withdraws entirely from India & Ceylon, to the east of the Padma & Brahmaputra river, and recognizes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of the Indian Dominion.
2. Britain recognises Burma, Malaya, Singapore, & Indonesia (including Borneo) as part of the Japanese sphere of influence.
3. Japan recognises Hong Kong as part of the British Empire, on the condition the port won't be used to aid the Chinese in the Japanese-Chinese War.
4. Japan withdraws from the Solomon Islands.
5. Japan apologizes for the bombing of Port Cairns and Darwin. Japan will aid in the reconstruction of those two ports.
6. Britain apologizes for Operation Mikado. Britain will provide financial aid in the reconstruction of Tokyo, as well as providing advice to deal with the aftermath of the anthrax attack. Both nations will cooperate on the development of a human vaccine for anthrax.
7. Britain will cease providing aid to the Chinese nation.
8. An update on the Washington Naval Treaty will be signed elevating Japan as a Tier 1 naval power.
9. The British Empire, the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Japanese Empire stand opposed to the War of German Expansion.
10. The island of New Guinea, including both Western New Guinea and Papua New Guinea, is recognized as an independent state in the Australian sphere of influence.
11. The Aru Islands are recognized as part of the British Empire.

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Winston Churchill

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Wikimedia Commons

Address to the Commons by the Prime Minister Following the Signing of the Treaty of Canberra

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to announce an end to the war in the Pacific.

*cheers from the benches*

The Japanese, having seen the awesome power of the British Empire, have laid down their arms for the last time. With the historic deployment of the anthrax bomb, the British Empire has shown just a small sliver of the fury she can bring down on her enemies. Any peoples across the globe who plot against Britain need only look at the cherry blossoms of Tokyo to know that my Government will stop at no bounds to defend our Empire!

*cheers from the benches*

For several years now, our bravest sons have given their livelihood and their lives in the defense of our Empire. They have fought with honor on land, on sea, and in the air. The Treaty of Canberra preserves their sacrifice while ensuring that not one more drop of British blood needs to be spilled to the depth of that dark ocean to blunt the spear of Japanese expansion. We have snapped the shaft of the Japanese spear!

*cheers from the benches*

I have secured for our great British Empire security in India, in Hong Kong, in Ceylon, and in Australia, and in the many Pacific Islands. These territories are now firmly, and in perpetuity, part of the British family. No more will they live in fear of the Japanese Emperor's reign of terror. The Union Jack is flying high, and flying proud.

Tomorrow we begin the process of rebuilding. Tomorrow we remind ourselves of the German Reich, sitting just miles off our shores and ready to strike. But today we celebrate that the War in Pacific is over.

*cheers from the benches*

[DKrol]

Treaty of Geneva

1. The German Reich apologizes for the destructive flooding of the Netherlands and for its involvement in the poisoning of Belgium.
2. The British blockade of the North Sea and all economic sanctions placed on the German Reich are lifted immediately.
3. The Belgian region of Wallonia is recognized as part of the French State.
4. The Belgian region of Flanders is recognized as part of the German Reich.
5. The City of Brussels is recognized as an independent Free City-State, guaranteed by the British Empire.
6. The regions of Alsace and Lorraine are recognized as part of the French State.
7. Denmark and the Netherlands are recognized as part of the German sphere of influence.
8.The African continent will be divided [as the map says]. The British Empire shall maintain and enjoy basing and movement rights in the Cape Bon region of Tunisia.
9. The British Empire, German Reich, and French State acknowledge the awesome destructive power of biological and chemical weapons and resolve to take all efforts to limit their usage.
10. All prisoners of war held by the British Empire, the German Reich, and the French State shall be released and returned to their homeland immediately.

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Winston Churchill

[DKrol]

Wikimedia Commons

Address to the Commons by the Prime Minister Following the Signing of the Treaty of Geneva

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to announce an end to the War in Europe.

*cheers from the benches*

Let us remember, first, where Britain has been. Only a few short years ago, we stood alone in the world, attacked and surrounded by enemies on all sides. The Germans, the French, the Japanese, the traitors of India, the Spanish, and on and on. London was battered, our resolve shaken. Those were dark, dark days.

*moans from the benches*

But Britain stood tall. Thanks to the unyielding support of the British people, we rose from the shadows. Britannia ruled the seas from Europe, across Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific. We secured our shores in a way never before seen. We secured many notable victories along the way, but we also lost many young men. Too many young men. Too many families missing a key figure. Too many empty chairs at the supper table, never to be filled.

*moans from the benches*

It is for those families that, after displaying the awesome might of the British Empire in Tokyo, I accepted German calls for peace. The Kaiser came to me on bended knee, begging to stop the bleeding. He knew that, despite his brutal tactics in Belgium, and the Netherlands, and across Europe, he knew that the British would fight on, to the last man, to the last breath, if we had to.

*cheers from the benches*

The Kaiser knew that we would not withhold any weapon from our arsenal in the battle for victory. In order to spare the peoples of Europe from the desolation unleashed on Tokyo, we pursued peace. And the Kaiser bent and bowed to our negotiators. This is not a German peace, or a French peace, but a British peace. We ensured no German presence in the Mediterranean. We ensured no people in Europe will suffer the same fate as the Dutch. We secured British bases in Tunisia. Importantly, we ensured our POWs will get home safely.

*cheers from the benches*

After nearly a decade, the German threat has been neutered. New trade routes have been opened. An independent Belgian City-State has been secured - I hope to personally see King Leopold and his Government return there soon. British Africa and the British presence in the Mediterranean have been consolidated and strengthened. The British realms from Canada to Australia are safe and prosperous. I can stand before you today and say, as has been said for generations, the Sun never sets on the British Empire.

*cheers from the benches*

Now comes a new era for Britain. The Britain we wake up in today is far stronger than the Britain of yesterday. We can go forward knowing that when we faced the ultimate test, Britain stood tall and answered the call.

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Statement from No. 10 Downing Street

Today, the Prime Minister has announced he will undertake a nationwide tour to celebrate the end of the wars in Europe and the Pacific and to welcome home returning troops. The Prime Minister and senior Cabinet officials will make visits in:

Dover;
Portsmouth;
Exeter;
Newham, Tower Hamlets, Kensington and Chelsea, and Richmond upon Thames in London;
Cardiff;
Birmingham;
Colchester;
Norwich;
Nottingham;
Sheffield;
Liverpool;
Manchester;
Leeds;
York;
Newcastle upon Tyne;
Berwick-upon-Tweed;
Edinburgh;
Glasgow;
Inverness;
Londonderry;
Omagh;
Portadown;
Belfast.

All visits will include meeting with local veterans organizations, business and industry leaders, hospitals and health care workers, and teachers and school children. The Prime Minister will applaud the British people for their strength and perseverance during a time of unprecedented challenges and thank the British people for their continued support and loyalty. The visits will promote the Treaties of Canberra and Geneva as the best deal for Britain, ending what would have been many more years of suffering and loss at home and abroad.

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Statement from No. 10 Downing Street

Today, the Prime Minister released the following personal statement:

The treachery of the Japanese knows no bounds. The slaughter of thousands of British prisoners of war is inexcusable. There is no excuse for allowing alleged rogue military officers to run rampant and torture, brutalize, and kill thousands of British subjects. I have also been informed that the Japanese withdrawal from India has been designed to obstruct the transfer of power to Mr. Jinnah and the Dominion and to support Mr. Bose. It is now clear that the Treaty of Canberra was not negotiated in good faith and is now null.

The civil servants who negotiated and advised the Prime Minister on the Treaty of Canberra have been terminated with immediate effect.