The Sword of Damocles (Gameplay Thread) (Early 1930)

[Lumine]

Turn Three: Early 1928

Li Dazhao, head of the Communist insurgency in China

USA:

1.- Thread carefully, General. Rumours of plots are spreading across the National Security Council, many charging you with being negligent towards the ongoing fiscal hardships and due to the desegregation orders. General Pershing does what he can in the South with the military, but reports of militia units firing on federal troops are already a reality. Many fear an insurgency in the South, or something worse, imminent.

2.- Your trade missions to Laitn America have mostly resulted in failure, as the governments south of the USA are strongly against the blockade of Cuba and the beginning of famine there. The Havana government refuses to yield, forcing the Chiefs of Staff to present you with three choices: You can continue to blockade to starve Cuba, with the subsequent damage to the USA's international standing. You can invade Cuba and hope for a swfit downfall of the regimes in Havana or Guantanamo, or attempt to broker a deal.

3.- 1928 has arrived, which places the NSC in a very odd position. The election is still scheduled to be held in 1928, but the Democratic Party has been suspended and the alternative parties supporting the NSC are very divided. Still, Roosevelt, Hoover and the civilian side of the NSC insist that elections must be held to elect President, Senate and House. What will you decree?

Spain:

1.- The Alfonsists have been all but crushed after the past offensives, but the escalation in Northern Spain has reached brutal levels. The Carlists fight fiercely, and with the revolution crushed in Portugal and France looking more and more threatening, there's genuine fears of full-scale invasion against the People's Republic. Can you spare your government from such a situation?

2.- The moblization of a full army has had its drawbacks as many recruits prove disloyal, although the force fielded is a very large one (meaning Spain won't be able to field a lot more divisions in the forseeable time). Some have suggested to add "political officers" to the army, in the style of the "Commissars" of the People's Republic of Achangelsk. The officer corps, on the other hand, believes that to create such officers would only undermine the tactical efficiency of the SPA.

3.- As other revoluionary movements and governments fight across the world, calls for aid have arrived to Spain. The more desperate ones, like the Portuguese Communists and the People's Republic of Archangelsk, urgently request asistance of any kind to prevent collapse. The other, represented by the Chinese Communist Party, wishes to forge closer ties to Madrid, begin a full diplomatic relationship and trade technology, officers and info.

Romania:

1.- The partial nationalization of oil in Romania is taking place at a decent pace, although the move has been severely critiziced by foreign nations, particularly Greece, the Magyar Republic, Czechia and even the German vassals and the German business community.

2.- Despite moves to boslter your popularity, the Romanian public remains unconvinced both of your intentions regarding the investigation on Prince Carol and the prospect of invading Bulgaria, that last move bringing concern in the Government as well. Several roads to popularity have been suggested by your private advisers, including using the Romanian nationalists, beginning to aggresively influence the press, or even rely on a potentially successful conflict with Bulgaria as a possible plus.

Japan:

1.- It's been two years since the last General Election, Prince Saionji. Electoral experts believe that with a stronger economy in Japan and the prospect of conflict in China serving to bolster the government, an early election at the end of the year could turn Parliament more to your side, with few dissenting voices. Will Japan have a new election?

2.- Investment in the Nicaragua Canal Project has begun to notable confidence and success, stocks looking positive in the world stock market for the time being. This, coupled with some clever moves on trade and the shocking decrease in Chinese tariffs (which massively benefits Japan) leads some to believe a major surge is incoming. Think wisely on what to spend in.

3.- While things have quieted down regarding the Home Rule Commission (although two more deputies were shot at, they survived), the Military Police has confirmed that there is still a decent level of dissent across the army, with a particular group led by General Jinzaburō Masaki (renowned and prestigious officer in the War Minister) as the prime subject of the attack on the deputies.

[Lumine]

France:

1.- Economists have expressed concern over the current economic path the government is taking, funding a large military surge along with heavy spending projects. The Economy Ministry warns that such an approach is not sustainable in the long term, and expresses his belief that it might be wise to cut down in spending in some areas.

2.- The Carlists continue to fight along side thousands of French volunteers, and your moves to support Portugal have been succesful as well, the Alfonsists being the negative result as their areas of influence were far more vulnerable. And yet, King Alfonso requests permission to fly to Morocco and aid from the French fleet to break the blockade, just as King Jaime wishes for the French army to finally intervene in Spain. Can you risk war?

China:

1.- Red alert, Prime Minister! Red alert! Despite blocking the advance of the Communists into Nanjing, the Government is in a critical situation, several issues having reached the point of no return. Unless drastic action is taken, your administration might reach a swift end. Due to ill-advised economic moves and the propaganda campaign in favor of Japan Parliament has called for an immediate Vote of No Confidence with likely support from the Emperor, which could mean your discharge from office.

2.- In attention to the last part, the move to install a loyal secret police proved the most successful one, led by the resourceful Dai Li. Dai and several ICA officers remain strongly loyal, and insist that Parliamentary government in times of a war against the Communists can only undermine the war effort. Although it hasn't been spoke out loud, they seem to be pressing for a military coup to take place on your orders.

3.- The blockade of Hong Kong brings cheers from the population of Southern China, but the move has scared the Hong Kong Governor enough to send a warning to London. The British Government is demanding an immediate end of the blockade.

Ottoman Empire:

1.- Research onto the existing Hejaz railway has expressed that the current state and service of the railways is beyond negative, currently incapable of moving troops efficiently. Some government officers believe this could be a good investment, but the local government worries about the prospect of sabotage from the Saudis, who have been more than hostile lately in some unconfirmed raids in Hejaz.

2.- Although Bulgaria denounces the recent attack on the Empire as a flase flag operation, the public in Istanbul is outraged. Crowds fill the streets demanding revenge against the Bulgarians, offering their blood if needed be. Indeed, it seems some Bulgarian nationals have even been attacked by a few mobs. Should the police or the military take action?

3.- Current initiatives in Beirut and Palestine are successful in increasing the government's popularity, although in Palestine this has led to some very violent manifestations against resident Jews, who are attempting to voice their concerns in London either to the government or to Zionist organizations. It is feared racial conflict could return to the area.

Germany:

1.- Several complains have been lodged by German companies regarding moves to nationalize oil in Romania, complaining that even with the current trade deal this could damage German business. The more vocal opponents to this include Thyssen and Krupp, and with them the Conservatives in the Reichstag.

2.- Von Papen has proven ruthless in his investigation on the corruption ring in the Reichstag, results will be sent to your office privately. Von Schleicher, on the other hand, reports through unofficial channels that there has been recent concern in the local Parliaments of the German vassals, with demands for further autonomy experiencing a sudden and unexpected rise.

3.- Many congratulations on your Nobel Peace Prize, Chancellor, it is an historic day for Germany. That said, the SPD has been slightly critical of the award, as peace in Spain is far from a reality. Will you accept this award?

Russia:

1.- Despite complains from several neutral countries on Russia's lack of warning before attacking Kamenev and his Archangelsk regime, the revolutionary units are being crushed by Wrangel's forces due to the surprise, but they are expected to make a stronger stance as your troops draw closer to Archangelsk. General Kutepov has proven receptive to an alliance, and provided military aid is included in the arrangement he is prepared to strike at Kamenev.

2.- Unconfirmed reports state that the Siberian armies of Admiral Kolchak are in a state of mobilization, as it is believe the Admiral plans to strike at one of his rivals. His particular target has not yet been identified.

Crimea:

1.- Your new Japanese destroyers cross the Dardanelles to arrive in Sebastopol at last, the core of the new Crimean Navy. It will take time for the new sailors and officers to get used to their ships, but this will at least increase the range of defence of your wild capital.

2.- The situation in Bulgaria is most concerning, and Ukraine and other countries have approached you to express their worries about a large war in the Balkans. What stance will Crimea take on this crisis?

[Lumine]

WAR RESTRICTIONS:

-War declarations are hereby ALLOWED. That said, this still requires my authorization, and I reserve the right to cancel war declarations if the Casus Belli is not sufficient or if Parliament or Congress would not vote for that war. If a war erupts involving France or Italy then France is granted control over the Italian military and its foreign policy, while domestic affairs rest with me. If a war erupts involving the United Kingdom, I will handle that nation as an NPC.

WAR MOVES:

-Currently, we need moves for Russia, China and Spain on their respective civil wars. These moves are due in by Monday Night. Not sending any moves places your military forces in a purely defensive mode.

[Lumine]

Romanian/Ottoman war declaration on Bulgaria accepted. There will be foreign reactions (and I need to reply to Germany about an NPC country).

[Lumine]

Meanwhile, in London:

"This is BBC Radio News, reporting this evening on the ongoing Balkan crisis. Following the war declaration of the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Romania against Bulgaria, several Balkan nations have expressed their concern. Whereas Bosnia and Albania openly denounce the Bulgarian Tsar as an aggressor and a threat to peace in the Balkans, the Magyar Republic, Serbia and even Czechia have denounced the Ottomans instead as the aggressor, and warned that an invasion of Bulgaria would be unacceptable. The Kingdom of Greece has taken more drastic steps, ordering a partial mobilization of its armed forces and demanding Istanbul and Bucharest to enter the negotiation table or risk escalation of the current war."

More to follow.

[Lumine]

A Guide to the Balkans:

Or, I curse the day I broke up Austria-Hungary

Main States:

Austria, Galicia and what now is German: The once proud nation crumbled and collapsed in ethnic strife after the failure of the Ausgleich, the death of Charles I and the attempted Socialist revolution, which forced the German Government to send in the cavalry. Galicia and Austria were captured or annexed rapidly (the second with actual support from the population), the first given to Poland and the other a new German state. The armies of the Reich wanted to go deeper towards Prague and Belgrade, but a combination of the UK, France, Italy and other powers vetoed further German gains.

Czechia: Germany was not a fan of the idea, but forced to accept the existence of a Czech state (while taking for itself some parts of the Sudetenland), Czechia was born from the ashes of Austria-Hungary, led initially by Tomas Masaryk, the "Liberator". Whereas Masaryk's intention was to lead Czechia into democracy, he was shot down by a leftist agitator in the early 1920's. After the Czech Army step in a coup to restore order, Czechia is now ruled by a surprisingly popular military-aristocratic government in form of a council, currently led by General Jan Syrovy and Prince Karl von Schwarzenberg. It is at times at odds with the Magyars, but fears Germany more.

Magyar Republic:  The Hungarians were beyond tired of the Empire by the time the 1917 Ausgleich went by, and when Charles was murdered and the military government in Vienna blamed a group of Hungarian nationalists, a revolution was on the making. The Magyar Republic was formed in Budapest and soon grew to incorporate Slovakia, having to stop there due to the German intervention (which they deeply resented) and the war with Romania over Transylvania. Having broken their ties to the Habsburgs, the Magyar Republic (initially a soft-conservative semi-democracy) is a nationalistic, militaristic dictatorship led by the charismatic Gyula Gombos and his Deputy Pal Teleki, both men defending "magyar imperialism" and denouncing foreign powers for meddling in the Balkans, which brings them some support and tolerance in other countries.

Bulgaria: Utterly humiliated by the Ottomans in 1903 and forced to a Treaty that the nation hated, the Bulgarians waited for their moment carefully, even as their nation was mistrated by occupation forces. When the 1915-1916 crisis developed in the Ottoman Empire, the Bulgarian Resistance Army rose revolt, seconded by the surprise coup of the Bulgarian Tsar in Sofia. With the Bulgarians crushing the occupation forces and marching on Istanbul, the Young Turks signed a treaty giving Bulgaria its independence back. A stable yet autocratic government rules the nation with sporadic elections, led by Tsar Ferdinand the Liberator and Prime Minister Kimon Georgiev, with Prince Boris handling several government matters as well.

Serbia: Serbia rose in revolt against its King in 1905 and also in anger at the Austrians, placing Peter I as the new Serbian King. Serbia would prove a constant source of trouble for the military government of the Empire, tension that finally broke out when the Balkan Crisis erupted and Serbia gained its full independence from the Empire. With attempts to introduce parliamentary rule due to the early death of Peter (1908) and the disastrous reign of George (1908-1913) failing due to constant meddling by the Austrians, after the Balkan Crisis Serbia turned to autocracy by the grace of King Alexander I, popular and capable. While Serbia has guarded itself from being a source of conflict despite its ambitions, Alexander has spent a long time building up the Serbian military and economy, and has built strong ties to Greece and.

Greece: Living in peace as an Italian influenced vassal, the history of Greece proved uncontroversial for the most part, even if after the death of George I the ambition of King Constantine proved rather dangerous for the balance of power. Indeed, it has always been suspected (not confirmed) that the Bulgarian Liberation Army was funded by Greece, who could not enter the war directly on the instructions of Rome. When Italy itself turned to civil war Athens stopped being an Italian vassal, although the relationship with Rome remained surprisingly cordial. General Ioannis Metaxas rules the country, King George II his puppet.

Other: No need for me to give greater detail on the others. All that's needed (I think), is to know that Slovenia exists as a demand of the great powers to Germany (as a neutral buffer), that Bosnia and Albania remain very much linked towards the Ottomans, that Croatia has been perhaps the most unstable country in the area and as a result has to deal with the nationalistic government often influenced from Rome, and that Montenegro remains fairly neutral and peaceful. Romania you know from the backstory.

[Lumine]

Spanish Civil War: January-March 1928

War Info:

People's Republic of Spain:
-Spanish Army: 56 divisions (31 inf, 7 cav, 18 mil)
-Spanish Navy: 2 BB, 7 CR, 18 DD, 11 SUB
-Spanish Airforce: 5 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings, 2 Transport Wings.

Carlist Spain:
-Carlist Army: 24 divisions (9 inf, 15 mil) - Includes remnants of the Catholic Army
-Carlist Navy: None.
-Carlist Airforce: 2 Fighter Wing, 2 Bombing Wing.

Alfonsist Spain:
-Alfonsist Army: 4 divisions (2 inf, 2 mil)
-Alfonsist Navy: None.
-Alfonsist Air Force: None.

[Lumine]

Chinese Civil War: January-March 1928

War Info:

Chinese Empire:

-Chinese Army: 51 divisions (42 inf, 10 cav)
-Chinese Navy: 2 BB, 4 CR, 10 DD, 4 SUB
-Chinese Airforce: 6 Fighter Wings, 5 Bombing Wings, 4 Transport Wings.

Communist China:

-Communist Army: 31 divisions (12 inf, 2 cav, 17 militia)
-Communist Navy: No navy.
-Communist  Airforce: 4 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

[Lumine]

Russian Civil War: January-March 1928

War Info:

Provisional Government of Russia:

-Russian Army: 49 divisions (34 inf, 10 cav, 5 mil)
-Russian Navy: 1 BB, 3 CR, 4 DD
-Russian Airforce: 6 Fighter Wings, 2 Bombing Wings, 2 Transport Wings.

People's Republic of Archangelsk:

-Archangelsk Army: 13 divisions (9 inf, 2 cav, 2 militia)
-Archangelsk Navy: No navy.
-Archangelsk Airforce: 2 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

[Lumine]

Second Balkan War: January-March 1928

War Info:

Ottoman Empire:

-Ottoman Army: 43 divisions (35 inf, 7 cav, 1 mar)
-Ottoman Navy: 4 BB, 8 CR, 17 DD, 10 SUB
-Ottoman Airforce: 10 Fighter Wings, 4 Bombing Wings, 5 Transport Wings.

Kingdom of Romania:

-Romanian Army: 22 divisions (19 inf, 3 cav)
-Romanian Navy: 1 CR, 4 DD
-Romanian Airforce: 2 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

Tsardom of Bulgaria:

-Bulgarian Army: 26 divisions (21 inf, 5 cav)
-Bulgarian Navy: 2 DD
-Bulgarian Airforce: 2 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

[Lumine]

Permission granted on French and Italian declaration of war on Spain. Windjammer, you are hereby granted control of the Carlist, Alfonsist and Italian armies too, and you can mobilize Italy and handle its foreign police for the time being (assuming Southern Gothic does not return). Domestic Italian affairs are off the table though, you do not control the Government itself or the Pope.

The BBC will be radioing another news reports tonight.

[Lumine]

Russian Civil War: April-June 1928

Overall:

With the condemnation of several Governments against the People's Republic of Archangelsk making it hard for Kamenev's case to be pressed across the world. While some foreign countries have managed to send currency to the People's Republic, their future looks bleak. The end of winter left Northern Russia as a hard terrain to move in, which meant that on the first months of 1928 Wrangel was mostly busy in reorganizing his supply lines and bleeding the leftists out (destroying an entire division in the main Archangelsk front). With the arrival of the spring, many believe the time for a decisive push to the capital is now.

War Info:

Provisional Government of Russia:

-Russian Army: 49 divisions (34 inf, 10 cav, 5 mil)
-Russian Navy: 1 BB, 3 CR, 4 DD
-Russian Airforce: 6 Fighter Wings, 2 Bombing Wings, 2 Transport Wings.

People's Republic of Archangelsk:

-Archangelsk Army: 12 divisions (8 inf, 2 cav, 2 militia)
-Archangelsk Navy: No navy.
-Archangelsk Airforce: 2 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

[Lumine]

Chinese Civil War: April-June 1928

Overall:

The die had been cast as the Chinese Communist began their "march to the sea", an operation that if successful could place their rebellion in control of an outstanding number of resources. Focused mostly on the Nanjing front under Zhang Xueliang, the ICA had few forces to spare, forcing Chiang to send naval units to reinforce the city of Guangdong. It seemed a Communist victory was a possibility, until a surprise announcement from Tokyo saw a "volunteer force" of more than six divisions led by the renowned Jinzaburō Masaki, set to defend the South with Chiang's blessing. As the Communists finally reached the sea to the East, Lt. General Masaki wasted no time and recklessly launched a counter-offensive, using his well-equipped and professional forces to break through the militia and blunt their attack by creating a salient of his own. His move was followed by the ICA forces in the North, blunting the moves toward Nanjing as well.

Even as more and more smaller revolts rose in the countryside, the Imperial Chinese Army was working it's way through the main Soviets, crushing an entire enemy army despite the heavy losses from desertion and attrition. Alas, Chiang heavily misread the mood at Beijing and even among some in his officer corps, many seeing the "volunteer force" and the landing of Japanese troops in Southern China as a betrayal of the nation. With Chiang away to visit the frontlines, gunfire erupted across Beijing a day in late March, all communications seemingly cut. It is rumoured that the Emperor, the Legislature or even a fanatical group within the military may have attempted a coup in China's capital.

War Info:

Chinese Empire:

-Chinese Army: 48 divisions (39 inf, 9 cav)
-Chinese Navy: 2 BB, 4 CR, 10 DD, 4 SUB
-Chinese Airforce: 5 Fighter Wings, 4 Bombing Wings, 4 Transport Wings.
-Volunteer Force: 6 divisions (5 inf, 1 mar)

Communist China:

-Communist Army: 27 divisions (12 inf, 2 cav, 13 militia)
-Communist Navy: No navy.
-Communist  Airforce: 3 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

[Lumine]

Second Balkan War: April-June 1928

Overall:

With the Bulgarian Army mobilized to fight despite it's evident disadvantage, it seemed as if the ambitious plans set by the Romanian and Ottoman General Staff would result in a swift victory like in 1903. Alas, it was not to be. Despite geographical disadvantages Bulgaria divided it's forces to allow for a slight numerical superiority in both fronts, protecting itself against the Romanians on the Danube and against the Ottomans with the Balkan Mountains and several fortified lines set in case of a "rematch-war". As the air battles raged across Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Air Force sustained heavy casualties, the crossing of the Danube proved a long and bloody affair for the Romanians, with sustained battles in attempts to establish bridgeheads and Bulgarian counteroffensives. The bloody battle of the Danube is still ongoing by late March, although the Romanian Army now has four bridgeheads established.

The Ottoman army did not fare better, often being pushed back in counterattacks by the action of the civil population, that often ambushed Ottoman units as insurgent militia attacked the supply lines. In the end, effort and the use of the Ottoman Airforce forced victory across the frontline and destroyed some retreating Bulgarian units. The Black Sea has been fully blockaded by Ottoman/Romanian forces, although large amounts of war material (even from European powers) have crossed into the land border.

War Info:

Ottoman Empire:

-Ottoman Army: 43 divisions (35 inf, 7 cav, 1 mar)
-Ottoman Navy: 4 BB, 8 CR, 17 DD, 10 SUB
-Ottoman Airforce: 10 Fighter Wings, 4 Bombing Wings, 5 Transport Wings.

Kingdom of Romania:

-Romanian Army: 21 divisions (18 inf, 3 cav)
-Romanian Navy: 1 CR, 4 DD
-Romanian Airforce: 2 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

Tsardom of Bulgaria:

-Bulgarian Army: 27 divisions (19 inf, 5 cav, 3 mil)
-Bulgarian Navy: 2 DD
-Bulgarian Airforce: 1 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

[Lumine]

Spanish Civil War: April-June 1928

[

Overall:

War had broken out completely in Western Europe, and it would be felt strongly. Italy and France send their full force to break the rising People's Republic of Spain, and it was a match to behold. This one got more complex than the other wars, so I'll give you a breakdown part by part:

Domestic Terrorism: The People's Republic wasted no time to make contact with various lefistt and anarchist groups across France, openly sponsoring acts of sabotage that often led to more of a loss of life than actual harm to the French military. Indeed, Paris was stunned when on early April the Palace of Versailles was victim of an intense bombing attack that led to the historic monument being burned almost to the ground, a horrible loss for history. The news has galvanized the French into supporting the war in Spain (basically demanding Besteiro's head) and volunteering for the army, many experts recommending to the President that he enacts a mobilization of the reserves rather than just use the professional army.

War on the Mediterranean: Another front where Spain attempted to seize the initative, leaving some naval units for the Atlantic and the Canary Islands while deploying the bulk of their fleet to the Mediterranean as they tried to mine whenever possible and engage in submarine war against French and Italian convoys (to the protest of several neutral nations). Alas, a large part of the combined French and Italian fleet had been deployed to operations in the Atlantic, leading to the large Battle of Ibiza in the Balearic Islands. Despited a spirited fight, the Spanish navy was utterly crushed, and the French commanders occupied the islands as a staging point afterwards.

Morocco and the Sahara: Fresh from victory, the French used their fleet to cross the strait of Gibraltar and capture all Spanish bases on Moroccan ground. The Spanish, in the meantime, had staged a successful landing against the Alfonsist forces of Africa, forcing them to fall back. Alas, French units landed as well in Spanish Morocco, encircling the enemy force and turning the tables on the offensive.

Mainland Spain: With the main Spanish forces crushing most of the Alfonsist revolts and moving onto the siege of Seville, large forces were deployed towards Galicia and particularly the Carlist forces bordering France. Alas, the Spanish Army underestimated the size of the French and Italian forces that were marching onto support King Jaime, with as little as 16 Spanish divisions facing off against more than 50 enemy divisions. With their offensives soon broken by February, all the way until March the pro-Monarchy forces advanced swiftly and captured several revolutionary units, flooding Northern Spain and breaking the Spanish line of defence.

With Portugal having crushed its own rebels and sponsoring Alfonsist militias in Southern Spain, it is expected they could enter the conflict too. General Secretary Besteiro still has a large force and many opportunities for defence, but with the loss of most of his fleet and the collapse of his defences in Northern Spain the situation is critical.

War Info:

People's Republic of Spain:
-Spanish Army: 51 divisions (29 inf, 7 cav, 15 mil)
-Spanish Navy: 1 BB, 3 CR, 8 DD, 2 SUB
-Spanish Airforce: 5 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings, 2 Transport Wings.

French Republic:
-French Army: 65 divisions (50 inf, 10 cav, 5 mil)
-French Navy: 11 BB, 23 CR, 75 DD, 40 SUB
-French Airforce: 32 Fighter Wings, 12 Bombing Wings, 42 Transport Wings.

Kingdom of Italy:
-Italian Army: 72 divisions (53 inf, 12 cav, 7 mil)
-Italian Navy: 12 BB, 16 CR, 33 DD, 14 SUB
-Italian Airforce: 14 Fighter Wings, 4 Bombing Wings, 5 Transport Wings.

Carlist Spain:
-Carlist Army: 26 divisions (9 inf, 16 mil)
-Carlist Navy: None.
-Carlist Airforce: 2 Fighter Wing, 2 Bombing Wing.

Alfonsist Spain:
-Alfonsist Army: 5 divisions (2 inf, 3 mil)
-Alfonsist Navy: None.
-Alfonsist Air Force: None.

[Lumine]

"This is BBC Radio News, reporting this evening once again on the ongoing Balkan crisis.

With war raging across the Balkans and the Bulgarian Army making a stand, the crisis has turned far more serious. A joint declaration was signed today in Athens by the Kingdom of Greece and the Kingdom of Serbia, which denounces the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Romania as aggressors in the so called "Second Balkan War". Inviting the Bulgarian Tsar for the signature of a temporary defence alliance, Greece and Serbia are now at war with Romania and the Ottomans. The Magyar Republic has partially mobilized its military as well, and warns that unless Istanbul and Bucharest agree to an immediate truce and go to the negotiating table, Budapest will join the Athens Pact.

A reply was soon to come, as Bosnia and Albania both have declared war on the Athens Pact and expressed their interest in crushing once and for all the Bulgarian threat to peace. Croatia, Montenegro and the other nations have refrained from an official stance, but are taking consultations. As we speak, foreign support arrives in Bulgaria, and Athens Pact troops are entering allied territory to support the defence of..."

[Lumine]

"This is BBC Radio News, with reports from our correspondents in Berlin, Athens, Budapest and Oslo, among others.

The declaration of war from Germany to the Athens Pact with claims to Greece and Serbia planning their expansion on the Balkans has led to a harsh response from Athens, charging Germany and the Ottoman Empire from trying to fully annex and divide Bulgaria, along with alleged offers from Chancellor Marx to give Bulgarian territory to Greece and "allow" Serbia to expand. Pro-German states have supported Marx in his denunciation of the Athens Pact, while many neutral nations have denounced Berlin for "giving a free reign to Ottoman and Romanian aggression in the Balkans".

Despite the SPD threatening to pull out of the Government in response to the war declaration, it seems a large degree of behind the scenes intrigue has taken place in the Reichstag, which approved the declaration of war by a small margin with several government deputies voting against. Unconfirmed reports place the merit to the Government's victory to Deputy Franz von Papen forcing Zentrum's almost unanimous approval, while compensating for SPD votes with the votes of the German right. Most German allies and vassals have followed suit in denouncing Athens.

Two of the harsher responses against Berlin have taken place in Budapest and Oslo. The Magyar Republic has expressed its belief that the deployment of German troops in the Balkans would be intolerable for peace in the region and would warrant their intervention. The pro-British Norwegian government and the Nobel Committee have also attacked Chancellor Marx over the claims of the Athens Pact, many calling on him to forfeit his recent Nobel Peace Prize on account of his sudden declaration of war against Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia.

In other news, the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, has announced..."

[Lumine]

Headlines:

May 1928:

GEORGE V DEAD
Eighteen year rule ends with the sudden death of the King

THE KING DIES:
His hand clasped by the Queen, cries out for late Prince George

OUR LAD, EDWARD
Long live the King!

TENSION RISES IN THE UNITED STATES
Militia units engage federal troops in Alabama and Mississippi, dozens dead

June 1928:

LOVERS TO THE KING?
Lurid adventures of the new King in France? Hear the shocking tales!

MILITARY MOVES IN WASHINGTON DC
National Security Council claims military excercise, MacArthur not seen in public since

THE PEOPLE'S KING
King Edward met with cries of support on first public appearance, coronation expected for December

EYES SET ON NEW YORK CITY
Pershing, Hoover and Roosevelt to make an announcement, where's MacArthur?

[Lumine]

Seven hours left!

[Lumine]

Amusing as it is, gentlemen, talk about skirts goes in the other thread, xD

An hour and a half and I close the turn, and get to calculating.

[Lumine]

Russian Civil War: June 1928

Overall:

As the snows melted and the troops of the Provisional Government massed across the Northern border, only a miracle could have spared Lev Kamenev's revolutionaries from the vengeance of their foes in St. Petersburg. That miracle was not to come. Taking full advantage of the railroad and supported by cavalry and heavy artillery, the poorly armed enemy divisions were encircled of crushed through attrition, the Government taking swift action to ensure public support for the Tsar could be rallied in form of volunteers or even deserting units from Kamenev's Red Army. By the time June went by and with the climate better than ever for an offensive, General Wrangel began bombardment previous to the siege as the blockade made itself felt in full force. Separated from its best troops, Kamenev's government went down in a counter-coup by his own Red Army officers, forcing the collapse of his regime and the surrender of Archangelsk to the Russian Army. Although several units remain fighting in what promises to be costly guerrilla operations, the revolutionary cause in Russia has suffered and utterly crushing blow, and Kerensky and the Tsar are hailed in the streets in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

War Info:

Provisional Government of Russia:

-Russian Army: 51 divisions (34 inf, 10 cav, 7 mil)
-Russian Navy: 1 BB, 3 CR, 4 DD
-Russian Airforce: 6 Fighter Wings, 2 Bombing Wings, 2 Transport Wings.

[Lumine]

Chinese Civil War: June 1928

Overall:

The quagmire of the Chinese Civil War would only deepen as the middle of 1928 approached.

April could be considered one of the most eventful months of current Chinese history, as the capital of Beijing became a war zone for a few days as no less than three different coups and countercoups took place. With the vote of no-confidence pending on Premier Chiang Kai Shek, it fell to the Imperial Legislature to make the first move, convincing General Duan Qirui to place his troops to protect the legislature as the vote to depose Chiang was passed, forcing Qirui to try and capture Kuomintang officers and their loyalist cadres within the capital. The Chiang Government had planned a coup of their own as well, with Deputy Prime Minister Wang Jingwei and troops loyal to Chiang from outside the capital forcing a march on Beijing bitterly resisted by the legislature and Qirui's troops. As parliament was being bombed, the third coup took place. The Emperor, who had been planning a move of his own, stepped in with the help of Prince Chun and his own loyal forces, forcing defections from Wang Jingwei's ranks and joining forces with Parliament to cast the pro-Chiang forces out of the capital.

As May and June stepped forward and the new pro-imperial forces took control of Manchuria and the Northern provinces under a new administration, most of the formerly imperial territory remained loyal to Chiang, in no small measure due to the hold of the Kuomintang and the increaingly powerful secret police apparatus the Premier had set. Bled almost dry on their March to the Sea, the Communist movement fared badly on the spring and the beginning of the summer, suffering further defeats against the Japanese Expeditionary Force (and losing their hard fought access to the sea, cutting off a supply route) even as they continued to inch towards Nanjing. Some of their minor Soviets were destroyed too, with others insisting on a resistance to the very end. As the first days of July 1928 came by, China had become a three-way war zone, now split between Li Dazhao's communist soviets, the Kuomintang held areas under Field Marshal Chiang, and the Imperial backed territory.

Who would emerge as the winner?

War Info:

Kuomintang:

-Chinese Army: 44 divisions (32 inf, 8 cav, 4 militia)
-Chinese Navy: 2 BB, 3 CR, 8 DD, 4 SUB
-Chinese Airforce: 4 Fighter Wings, 3 Bombing Wings, 4 Transport Wings.
-Volunteer Force: 6 divisions (5 inf, 1 mar)

Communist China:

-Communist Army: 24 divisions (11 inf, 2 cav, 11 militia)
-Communist Navy: No navy.
-Communist Airforce: 3 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

Imperial China:

-Imperial Army: 11 divisions (7 inf, 1 cav, 3 militia)
-Imperial Navy: 1 CR, 1 DD.
-Imperial Airforce: 1 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

[Lumine]

Second Balkan War: June 1928

Overall:

Due to the massive expansion of the war across the Balkans, the Athens Pact of Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia had to face enemies in all fronts with key opponents in the Ottoman Empire and Romania, and less powerful foes in Albania and Bosnia. Both sides decided to take the initiative in different fronts, with mixed results in the greater sense. What prevailed across April 1928 was a series of large air battles across the Balkans, with the German Airforce leading countless missions from across Romania along with allied units in the attempt to crush the significantly weaker Athens Pact airforces. Alas, the Athens Pact fought on their own land (lessening pilot casualties), and aided by significant amounts of foreign equipment they forced the Germans into an unexpected war of attrition. By early May the airforces of the Athens Pact were badly bled and had conceded the skies to the enemy, at the prize of dozens of the most skilled German pilots and veterans.

The Athens Pact focused its offensive efforts into knocking Albania and Bosnia out of the war, with the initial moves of the Serbian Army into Bosnia resulting in a series of inconclusive skirmishes and tactical victories that yielded little gain. On the other hand, Albania proved ill-prepared for war, suffering key defeats at the outset against King Alexander's general staff. With panic having set in Tirana as the Albanian Army melts away, it is believe the country faces imminent collapse. The drawback to this, of course, was the need to play defensive in Bulgaria and Northern Greece, with both luck and disaster. Whereas a naval campaign by the Ottomans to secure the Aegean turned into a bloody statemate of island fighting (badly damaging their marine units), the push of the mobilized Ottoman Army proved very successful in repelling the Greeks and the Bulgarians by pushing further into Europe and onwards to Sofia. Due to the large amount of skirmishes and trench war rather than large scale battles casualties proved light on both sides, but Sofia is prepared for an eventual siege.

As June ends, German troops are beginning to reach the frontier in Romania, just as colonial troops and Polish units (despite their unwillingness to take part in the war) arrive as well. While the international community has criticized the Athens Pact for its invasion of Albania, the Romanian Government has been denounced as taking part in war crimes by ordering the intensive bombing of the capital of Sofia for more than a week. Not only thousands have died, but members of the Bulgarian Parliament and even parts of the Royal Family have perished as well, including Tsar Ferdinand's youngest daughter: Princess Nadezhda. With the Tsar deciding to stay in Sofia regardless of the consequences Bulgarians are galvanized to resist, and the crisis continues to deteriorate.

War Info:

Ottoman/German/Romanian Alliance

Ottoman Empire:

-Ottoman Army: 72 divisions (54 inf, 17 cav, 1 mar)
-Ottoman Navy: 4 BB, 8 CR, 17 DD, 10 SUB
-Ottoman Airforce: 10 Fighter Wings, 4 Bombing Wings, 5 Transport Wings.

Kingdom of Romania:

-Romanian Army: 24 divisions (21 inf, 3 cav)
-Romanian Navy: 1 CR, 4 DD
-Romanian Airforce: 2 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

German Empire:

-German Army: 54 divisions (42 inf, 9 cav, 3 colonial)
-German Navy: 27 BB, 42 CR, 150 DD, 60 SUB
-German Airforce: 33 Fighter Wings, 16 Bombing Wings, 41 Transport Wings.

Albania:

-Albanian Army: 6 divisions (2 inf, 4 mil)
-Albanian Navy: No navy.
-Albanian Airforce: No airforce.

Bosnia:

-Bosnian Army: 11 divisions (6 inf, 1 cav, 4 mil)
-Bosnian Navy: No navy.
-Bosnian Airforce: No airforce.

Crimea:

-Crimean Army: 6 divisions (3 inf, 3 cav)
-Crimean Navy: 4 DD
-Crimean Airforce: 1 Fighter Wing.

Athens Pact

Tsardom of Bulgaria:

-Bulgarian Army: 28 divisions (19 inf, 5 cav, 4 mil)
-Bulgarian Navy: 2 DD
-Bulgarian Airforce: 1 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wing.

Kingdom of Greece:

-Greek Army: 32 divisions (26 inf, 6 cav)
-Greek Navy: 1 BB, 3 CR, 10 DD, 6 SUB
-Greek Airforce: 2 Fighter Wings, 2 Bombing Wings.

Kingdom of Serbia:

-Serbian Army: 21 divisions (17 inf, 4 cav)
-Serbian Navy: No navy.
-Serbian Airforce: 1 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

[Lumine]

Spanish Civil War: June 1928

Overall:

Despite foreign support in terms of currency and particularly weaponry, the People's Republic of Spain faced the hardest months of the war yet as the French Republic mobilized its forces and Pope Alexander IX redoubled its calls to crush the Spanish Revolution, pitting the Spanish Revolutionaries in a war that had them outnumbered and outgunned by far, having to fight two of the largest powers in Europe. While ambitious plans had called for a large part of the army to be shipped into the Sahara for an offensive, new events quickly changed the strategic picture. On one hand, the entrance of Portugal to the war in full support of King Alfonso XIII's claims, giving the Alfonsists a fighting change in Southern Spain. On the other, the remnants of the Spanish navy ambushed the Catholic naval forces near Gibraltar (appropiately, on Trafalgar), managing to sink a French battleship and inflict some significant damage at the cost of most of their own fleet. Lacking the means to invade the Sahara and losing units in the naval blockade, the Madrid Government had to see the Portugese seize the Canary Islands and the Alfonsists ambush and destroy the remnants of their Sahara forces.

In the mainland, the Spanish Army sustained a tough campaign as it tried to handle an overly long front against Alfonsist, Carlist, Portuguese, Italian, Catholic Volunteer and French divisions, leading to the overall collapse of the front in a costly set of pitched attrition battles that caused much harm to the international coalition while ripping Besteiro's army to shreds. Having freed Seville with help of the Portuguese, King Alfonso flew to mainland Spain as the Alfonsist/Portguese troops expanded through the South, just as the Carlist front saw the encirclement of Catalonia and the virtual hold of the North for King Jaime III. Alas, not all was bright for the Monarchist forces in their struggle ahead. Large as their positions seemed now, they were filled with countless guerrilla units installed by the General Secretary, making their logistical situation poor and leaving their flanks open. To make matters more complicated, Alfonso XIII was murdered by a sniper while attending mass, with Alfonsist General Jose Sanjurjo denouncing the Spanish Revolutionary Party and Besteiro as the responsibles. In response, the Alfonsist nobles, generals and politicians convened in Seville to proclaim a new King.

With Madrid ready for a large and bloody defence and the Carlist and Alfonsist forces having possibly overextended, the Spanish Civil War enters its decisive phase.

War Info:

People's Republic of Spain:
-Spanish Army: 41 divisions (24 inf, 6 cav, 11 mil)
-Spanish Navy: 1 CR, 3 DD, 1 SUB
-Spanish Airforce: 4 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings, 1 Transport Wings.

French Republic:
-French Army: 117 divisions (92 inf, 20 cav, 5 mil)
-French Navy: 10 BB, 22 CR, 71 DD, 40 SUB
-French Airforce: 32 Fighter Wings, 12 Bombing Wings, 42 Transport Wings.

Kingdom of Italy:
-Italian Army: 72 divisions (53 inf, 12 cav, 7 mil)
-Italian Navy: 12 BB, 14 CR, 31 DD, 14 SUB
-Italian Airforce: 14 Fighter Wings, 4 Bombing Wings, 5 Transport Wings.

Kingdom of Portugal:
-Portuguese Army: 13 divisions (10 inf, 3 cav)
-Portuguese Navy: 2 CR, 6 DD, 3 SUB
-Portuguese Air Force: 3 Fighter Wing, 2 Bombing Wing.

Carlist Spain:
-Carlist Army: 29 divisions (9 inf, 19 mil)
-Carlist Navy: None.
-Carlist Airforce: 2 Fighter Wing, 2 Bombing Wing.

Alfonsist Spain:
-Alfonsist Army: 10 divisions (3 inf, 7 mil)
-Alfonsist Navy: None.
-Alfonsist Air Force: None.

[Lumine]

End of Early 1928:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

In the News:

MacArthur deposed in coup, Roosevelt takes over!

With General MacArthur's administration growing unpopular due to their bad handling of the fragile American economy, the ongoing standoff with Cuba and the mounting revolt across the South against martial law and the rule of the National Security Council, the reign of the General was cut short. An alliance between the civilian factions of the NSC and most of the military leadership led to a coup in Washington DC and the imprisonment and deposition of MacArthur to the Presidency. Days afterwards, coup leaders Herbert Hoover, John G. Pershing, George van Horn Moseley and Franklin Delano Roosevelt appeared at a rally in New York City, confirming that a new administration was to take office under Roosevelt himself as the new President selected by the NSC.

1928 Summer Olympics in danger:

While the Winter Olympics of this year in Switzerland proved a moderate success, growing concerns about the Summer Olympics of Amsterdam continue to prove a headache to the Dutch government, as several nations are unwilling to participate due to war or internal conflicts. The Athens Pact has threatened not to attend if the Ottoman Empire and Romania are included, and the Olympic Committee has refused attempts by the Alfonsist and Carlist Governments in Spain to participate.

Lev Kamenev caught in Scotland!

Having initially escaped the chaos of the final days of the People's Republic of Archangelsk, former General Secretary Lev Kamenev has been caught by the British authorities as the merchant ship he was travelling in (the vessel "Sybil") arrived in Scotland to restock before continuing its supposed trip to Spain. Kamenev managed to burn his paperwork before being arrested by MI5 agents, but he is currently on a secret location as the Government has to decide its fate. Unconfirmed reports state that Kamenev may have written Prime Minister Churchill and King Edward asking for asylum in the Empire.

New Imperial Government in Beijing!

Following the April coups and countercoups in the Chinese capital and as forces loyal to the Legislature and Emperor Guangxu capture Manchuria, a new government has been formally established for the Beijing regime. As a compromise and while the legislature considers an increase on the powers of the Emperor and Prince Chun (now Minister without Portfolio), the Imperial Legislature has appointed Emperor loyalist Xu Shichang as the new Prime Minister, with General Duan Qurui as the Commander in Chief of the Chinese Imperial Forces (or the few units that have not declared for the Kuomintang). It is believe the Schichang Government is currently trying to seize Chinese embassies across the world, and it has been a worldwide appeal to be recognized as the lawful government against Chiang and Dazhao.

Kolchak and Yudenich in war!

The Russian Civil War has opened yet another front as Admiral Alexander Kolchak and his Siberian regime have declared war on the Kazakh/Warlord regime of General Nikolai Yudenich, recognized as the third most powerful force in Russia after Kolchak himself and the Kerensky Government. It is believed "Siberian" units have scored initial success in their drive west, with speculation on a series of non-aggression pacts the Admiral might have signed with other warlords becoming widespread.

Alfonso XIV crowned in Seville:

After the assassination of King Alfonso XIII by (supposedly) a revolutionary infiltrator, General Sanjurjo, the Portuguese representatives and the Alfonsist elite have gathered in Seville to form a new government. General Sanjurjo has assumed full control of the new Alfonsist Regime, crowning Alfonso's first born, the Prince of Asturias, as King Alfonso XIV. The new and young King, barely 18 years old, promised to lead the pro-monarchy and pro-catholic forces to victory and gave his first radio broadcast today, seconding Pope Alexander's calls for a war against the Spanish Revolution.

Wars, Economy and Popularity:

Ongoing Wars:

Russian Civil War:
(Various Russian states)
Archangelsk falls to Kerensky, Kolchak and Yudenich in war.

Chinese Civil War:
(Chinese Empire v. Kuomintang v. Chinese Communist Party)
Three way war, still confusing.

Spanish Civil War:
(People's Republic of Spain v. Carlist and Alfonsist Rebels, France, Italy and Portugal)
Revolutionary Government facing collapse.

Second Balkan War:
(Athens Pact v. Ottoman/German/Romanian alliance)
Stalemate across the Balkans, Bulgaria prepared to resist to the end.

Popularity Ratings:

Prime Minister Alexander Kerensky: Very High
President Francois de la Rocque: High
Chancellor Wilhelm Marx: Medium
Prince Saionji Kinmochi: Medium
Prime Minister Winston Churchill: Medium
Minister of War Enver Pasha: Medium
Tsar Nicholas I of Romania: Low
Emperor Victor Emmanuel III: Low
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Medium
General Secretary Julian Besteiro: Low
Prime Minister Chiang Kai Shek: Very Low

Economic Ratings:

German Empire: Strong
United Kingdom: Strong
Japanese Empire: Strong
Republic of France: Moderate
Kingdom of Italy: Moderate
Ottoman Empire:  Moderate
Kingdom of Romania: Moderate
United States of America: Weak
People's Republic of Spain: Weak
Provisional Government of Russia: Weak
Chinese Empire: Very Weak