The Raging Storm - Gameplay Thread

[NewYorkExpress]

Spain shall make an initial payment to Britain totaling the equivalent of one hundred million pounds, and shall continue to do so annually until all war damages done in Gibraltar have been paid off, or until the British Government notifies them that they no longer are required to pay.

[NewYorkExpress]

The Kingdom of Spain shall send a full delegation to the Latin Games, taking place in Rome and Marseilles.

Generalissimo Franco will attend events in Marseilles and will be on hand to personally congratulate any Spanish winners there.

[DKrol]

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*

[DKrol]

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.

[windjammer]

The Quiet Man speaks in the defense of Chancellor Hugenberg.

I don’t have time to make many speeches as Poland is facing a war of survival. However, I believe it is necessary that I make a stand regarding the various smears Chancellor Hugenberg is being accused of.

As president of Poland, I’m being extremely wary of any kind of imperialism. Poland got divided in its past between imperialist countries. And I can guarantee Chancellor Hugenberg is not one of them. Since he came to power, Poland and Germany’s relations gradually improved, settling peacefully and diplomatically our various political disagreements.  When the red Napoleon, Tukhachewsky, proposed to Chancellor Hugenberg to divide Poland between the USSR and Germany, Chancellor Hugenberg immediately informed me about the USSR threat.

 This is in the USSR where imperialism is today. These so called « revolutionary communists » are simply a new form of the old autocratic russian empire. They are ravaging Europe, killing and raping civilians, destroying many cities in the account of their permanent lust for destruction. Poland is proud to stand with Germany and Chancellor Hugenberg against this foe. And we do it willingly, enthusiastically and without any kind of second thought.

 I understand if some of you may have reservations regarding Chancellor Hugenberg, but he is our most important defender against these hordes of communist savages, defending Europe that they are trying to eradicate with their godless ideology. Any attempts to undermine Hugenberg, whether politically  or economically, is  aiding the Communist war on freedom.

Join us in this fight to preserve what we cherish the most : our god, our civilization and the people we love.
  

[GoTfan]

Statement from Canberra

It is amusing to hear a man sing the praises of the mad  chancellor, who in 1899 called for the-and I quote-annihilation of the Polish population.

[windjammer]

Statement from Canberra

It is amusing to hear a man sing the praises of the mad  chancellor, who in 1899 called for the-and I quote-annihilation of the Polish population.

This is on actions I judge a man, not on some rumors about things being said more than 30 years ago

[NewYorkExpress]

The Spanish Government has announced legislation that would set the order of inheritance for the monarchy as oldest child to youngest child of the current monarch, irrespective of gender, followed by siblings of the monarch and their children, irrespective of gender.

Generalissimo Francisco Franco

[NewYorkExpress]

Following the failure of the proposed convention to establish the powers of the monarch, the Spanish Government announces a constitutional referendum that shall establish a constitutional monarchy, based on the United Kingdom.

This referendum will take place on July 1, 1941.

[windjammer]

The Spanish Government has announced legislation that would set the order of inheritance for the monarchy as oldest child to youngest child of the current monarch, irrespective of gender, followed by siblings of the monarch and their children, irrespective of gender.

Generalissimo Francisco Franco

Does that mean that Beatriz de Borbon is now the heiress of the Spanish throne given her older brother renunced his rights to the throne?

[NewYorkExpress]

The Spanish Government has announced legislation that would set the order of inheritance for the monarchy as oldest child to youngest child of the current monarch, irrespective of gender, followed by siblings of the monarch and their children, irrespective of gender.

Generalissimo Francisco Franco

Does that mean that Beatriz de Borbon is now the heiress of the Spanish throne given her older brother renunced his rights to the throne?

I believe so, yes.

[DKrol]

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.

[OBD]

Franco-Bulgarian Treaty of Friendship

In the spirit of friendship and fraternity, the nation of France and the Tsardom of Bulgaria hereby agree to the following terms:

i) The nation of France and the Tsardom of Bulgaria declare their mutual intent to adopt policies of non-aggression towards each other. Neither party to this treaty will initiate war against the other for a minimum period of 10 years.

ii) The nation of France and the Tsardom of Bulgaria declare their mutual intent to pursue friendly policies towards each other, to foster friendship between their peoples, and to collaborate closely in the interest of peace and prosperity on the European continent.

iii) The nation of France and the Tsardom of Bulgaria agree to forgo tariff increases on domestic goods produced and exported by the other. Furthermore, the parties to this treaty agree in principle to future tariff reductions and further policy changes to facilitate free, unencumbered, and mutually beneficial trade, economic growth, and development.

x Tsar Boris III

[YPestis25]

Franco-Bulgarian Treaty of Friendship

In the spirit of friendship and fraternity, the nation of France and the Tsardom of Bulgaria hereby agree to the following terms:

i) The nation of France and the Tsardom of Bulgaria declare their mutual intent to adopt policies of non-aggression towards each other. Neither party to this treaty will initiate war against the other for a minimum period of 10 years.

ii) The nation of France and the Tsardom of Bulgaria declare their mutual intent to pursue friendly policies towards each other, to foster friendship between their peoples, and to collaborate closely in the interest of peace and prosperity on the European continent.

iii) The nation of France and the Tsardom of Bulgaria agree to forgo tariff increases on domestic goods produced and exported by the other. Furthermore, the parties to this treaty agree in principle to future tariff reductions and further policy changes to facilitate free, unencumbered, and mutually beneficial trade, economic growth, and development.

x Tsar Boris III

Charles Maurras

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

The Greek-German Alliance Against Foreign Aggression

Recognizing the need for all nations to set aside their differences and stand united against Communist aggression, the nation of Greece and German Reich hereby agree that effective immediately:

i) The nation of Greece shall issue an immediate declaration of war upon the Soviet Union and contribute troops to the ant-communist war effort in the east;

ii) The German Reich shall come to the defense of Greece should it ever find itself under attack from a foreign power.

iii) The German Reich may use Greek airspace and air force bases for refueling purposes.

iv) The nation of Greece and the German Reich agree to forgo tariff increases on domestic goods produced and exported by the other. Furthermore, the parties to this treaty agree in principle to future tariff reductions and further policy changes to facilitate free, unencumbered, and mutually beneficial trade, economic growth, and development.  

X Alfred Hugenberg, Chancellor of the German Reich

[S019]

Germany-United States Agreement

1. The United States and Germany have reached the following statement of mutual understanding, the United States shall make the following concessions:

1. The United States shall return and unfreeze all German assets.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Germany-United States Agreement

1. Germany agrees not to use Bio-weapons on England contingent upon the British not using them on Germany.  

2. Germany will not deliberately target British civilians with WMDs contingent upon Britain not using them on German civilians.  

3. Germany will agree to end terror bombing of civilians if - and only if - Britain ends its blockade of German waters.

[Lumine]

EVENT

An Indian Prime Minister

Jinnah becomes first elected leader of the new Dominion of India,
Viceroy Amery patches up unlikely coalition, Muslims swing behind London,
Bose gains a second wind among Hindu nationalists, Hindutva to lead opposition

FOR: BRITISH EMPIRE, JAPANESE EMPIRE

The scene at the Parliament House in New Delhi was considered unthinkable only a few years ago, particularly after Ramsay MacDonald's plans for Indian self-government led the National Government to implosion in the House of Commons. Against the odds, and amidst - and perhaps because of - a dangerous revolt and a Japanese invasion, the old Imperial Legislative Council, a relic of colonial rule, was replaced with the Indian House of Commons and the Indian House of Lords, the new institutions of the British Empire's newest Dominion. Presiding over the session was Viceroy Amery, who is to surrender a number of his previously unlimited powers to the new Indian government. At the center of the ceremony sat Muhammad Ali Jinnah, leader of the All-India Muslim League, who after a brief but intense debate submitted his plans to lead the next government and sought a vote of confidence. Amidst cries of betrayal from a number of Hindu Mahasabha deputies, he narrowly obtained it.

By and large, political observers believe London has made the absolute gamble after the shock decision to entrust Jinnah to become the first Indian Prime Minister. With the Muslim League having dangerously danced around outright separatism and demands for a new nation for Muslim Indians, and with Jinnah under severe pressure to join said struggle, his appointment is the ultimate test of Hindu–Muslim unity: if a Muslim can successfully lead a government - with Britain taking advantage of Jinnah's ambition -, those advocating a united India might be proven right in their goals. Should this unprecedented experiment succeed, the nation could well descend into ethnic and religious civil war, and partition might become the only way to avoid mass casualties. Princely States power broker Manubhai Mehta (Hindu) and Unionist leader Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan (Muslim) are expected to serve as Deputy Prime Ministers.

For now, Viceroy Amery has proved himself a priceless piece in the complex game of Chess, bringing the Unionist Party and the Princely States appointees - amidst accusations of patronage in the case of the latter - to give Jinnah a majority, and ensuring the designation of a friendly and pro-British House of Lords. Within the Parliament, the small Communist grouping is expected to lobby violently for outright independence, and the Hindu Mahasabha movement, alienated by the appointment of a Muslim Premier, has promised to be a brutal and relentless - if still pro-British for now - opposition to Jinnah. On the bright side for London, this gamble has had the effect of bringing Muslims are the forefront and perhaps solidify their loyalty to the Union, or at the very least, negate any potential inroads from Subhas Chandra Bose in that community. The response among Hindus, however, remains very much to be seen.

Thus far, the Indian National Congress, which boycotted the elections, appears to be sliding further into the pro-Bose camp, with Gandhi and Nehru increasingly at odds with each other and with more radical factions. All in all, whether this provides Bose with an opening after recent defeats, or whether Jinnah can prove a unifying figure in this historic moment, remains an open question.

EVENT

Second Spanish Civil War

Outrage after controversial decisions leads to failed Carlist coup,
Carlist, Catalonian and Socialist rebellions take place, splitting Spain,
Franco holds onto Madrid, but can he patch up his coalition again?

FOR: KINGDOM OF SPAIN, PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC

In many ways, the signing of the Treaty of Bilbao had been a bitter event for the bulk of the right-wing establishment in Madrid. Although, on the bright side, Gibraltar was finally back on Spanish hands and the hated British blockade was over, Franco's decision to pay reparations and, most importantly, to suddenly swing Spain into the Allied camp was too much of a drastic shift for many to accept, reminiscent of the events that had led to Hirohito being sidelined by the Japanese militarists. A decision to move ahead with a constitutional monarchy, while a very pleasant surprise for moderate centrist and right-wing parliamentarians, was also a further insult to conservatives. The straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak, was the decision to change the laws of succession - the first time in 100 years after the Pragmatic Sanction of 1830 - to establish absolute cognatic primogeniture, a notion unheard of even in the most progressive-minded monarchy.

Plots began to be made. The race to try and topple the hated Generalissimo was won by the Carlists. Disappointed by Franco's decision to stick with Alfonso XIII, absolute cognatic primogeniture was an insult to their century-long cause. Having gained substantial foreign support and weaponry, they struck, trying to provoke a general uprising by staging a coup. They failed. Despite great conservative resentment against Franco, a Carlist coup could only be directed at changing the dynasty, forcing the ailing King and the Alfonsist generals to - for now - stand behind their man. After several hours of fighting, General Emilio Mola put down the revolt in Madrid, securing the capital. Navarre, however, rose violently in support for Javier de Borbón-Parma, the designated Carlist claimant after the main Carlist line died out in 1936.

Despite the failure to seize power, the Carlists had ample support and the revolt - ably managed by General José Sanjurjo - seized control over most of northern Spain, from Galicia to the Basque Country. The weakness of the regime in Madrid was also seized upon by its left-wing rivals: in Catalonia, election-winner Lluis Nicolau d'Olwer and the moderate Republican Catalan Action used control over the new Generalitat to declare Catalonian independence, hoping to achieve what Esquerra had failed to do against Lerroux in 1935. The exiled former President of the Generalitat, Lluis Companys, is expected to be allowed to return to Barcelona alongside left-wing exiles to assist the new uprising, with Companys appealing to left-wing democratic regimes for support. In Andalucia and Asturias, new Soviets have been formed with the PSOE and PCE cadres that had been hiding from Franco, in the hopes of proclaiming a third Republic.

Spain, it is clear, is headed for round two of its civil war. It remains to be seen whether General Franco can rebuild a winning coalition - and whether he fully commits for moderate constitutionalism, whether he tries to win over the right, and whether he corrects course on the Alfonsist succession -, how foreign nations (and particularly Britain and Germany) will react, and crucially: what General Salazar will do from Portugal now that his neighbor has erupted in flames.

EVENT

Trouble in Latin America?

Fascism takes hold in Chile and Peru, democracy is on the retreat,
Peru and Ecuador go to war over territorial claims, fears of Chaco War 2.0,
As Mexico and Bolivia swing left, is Washington's influence on the decline?

FOR: ALL PLAYERS

In what is becoming an increasingly common sight for Latin America, non-competitive electoral contests took place in the Republic of Chile, featuring unopposed runs by the large, pro-fascist Popular Freedom Alliance that sustains the rule of two-time dictator General Carlos Ibañez del Campo. Ibañez's loyalists thus remade the dissolved Congress in their own image, with the Chilean Fascist Party capturing well over 40% of the seats despite accusations of fraud from outside the country. Ibañez, previously openly pro-Franco and pro-Atatürk - and now looking for new role models - is becoming an archetype o the new Latin American dictator: disdainful of democracy, a believer in protectionism, and more than prepared to pursue his goals by force.

Perhaps following his example, the pro-Fascist Revolutionary Union was able to prevail against the ruling conservative military regime in a coup d'etat, bringing Mussolini admirer Luis Alberto Flores to the Presidency. Despite the historic rivalry between Chile and Peru, Flores and Ibañez could well prove to be a new centerstage for Fascism to take hold in Latin America, particularly after Vargas' Brazil has seemingly moderated into an Atatürk-style regime. Flores wasted no time in seeking immediate popularity, following the example of Bolivia in its ill-fated invasion of Paraguay (the Chaco War) by having the Peruvian Army invade Ecuador to enforce Peruvian claims over its southern provinces. Due to the difficult terrain, many observers fear a repeat of the deadly Chaco War - the fallout of which destroyed the FDR presidency -, but is yet to be seen whether the Peruvians can outdo the Bolivians.

In Bolivia proper, revanchism and militarism have truly taken hold, but in the complete ideological opposite of Chile and Peru. Despite his youth and inexperience, socialist war hero General German Busch - who seized power in a coup in 1937' - has managed to survive various conservative and establishment plots, enacting a new Constitution based upon the relatively new idelogy of Military Socialism, a Bolivian-concept which Busch has filled with Tukachevsky-inspired ideals. This key leftwing stronghold has been further bolstered by developments in Mexico, as President Cardenas was able to - in near unprecedented fashion - "peacefully" hand over power to his designated successor after completing his six year term. Despite temptations to pick a more centrist nominee, Cardenas and his new PRI party chose minister and left-wing firebrand Francisco Jose Mugica, who went on to win a landslide amidst accusations of electoral fraud.

Mugica, a radical who may well be Mexico's most left-wing President in its history, has vowed to continue Cardenas' legacy and "not give an inch" to US and oil company-led sanctions as a result of Mexico nationalizing its oil industry. Critics already speak in fear of a "Soviet Mexico" - a claim Mugica dismisses as "imperialistic exaggeration" - as the continent moves further away from democracy, both towards the left and the right.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Speech by Hajime Sugiyama

Citizens of the glorious Empire of Japan, esteemed guests, and our brothers and sisters in Asia and beyond, today, I stand before you not as a conqueror, not as an overlord, but as a beacon of a new dawn, the dawn of a world where the oppressed rise, where the silenced speak, and where the subjugated reclaim their destiny.

For centuries, we have witnessed the once-majestic land of India bowed under the yoke of foreign dominance. A land of ancient wisdom, of unparalleled riches, of breathtaking beauty, has been tarnished, exploited, and held captive by powers that have shown little respect for its proud history and indomitable spirit. The British Empire, with its insatiable hunger for land, power, and resources, has subjected our Indian brothers and sisters to untold misery, degradation, and humiliation.

But no longer!

Today, as the winds of change blow across the vast landscapes of Asia, they carry with them a message - a message of hope, of unity, and of resurgence. Our vision is clear and uncompromising. We envisage an Asia where every nation, irrespective of its size or power, stands tall, independent, and proud. An Asia where the shadows of colonialism are banished forever.

In this grand scheme, India holds a special place. For how can Asia rise if the very heart of it remains chained? The tales of valor, of Lord Rama, of Arjuna, of Ashoka, must not be tales of the past but inspirations for the present. This spirit is embodied in the stalwarts of the Indian freedom struggle, led by the indomitable General Bose and the spirited warriors of the Indian National Congress.

The Empire of Japan recognizes the sanctity of India's quest. We see in India, not a land to be exploited but a brother to be embraced. We voice our unwavering support for an independent Indian state. A state where the tricolor flies high, where the verses of Tagore echo in every alley, where the dreams of every child are untouched by the horrors of subjugation.

Our pledge is unyielding. Once the dawn of Indian independence rises, Japan will be its steadfast partner. We vow to recognize its sovereignty, to honor its autonomy, and to collaborate for a shared prosperous future.

To those who still harbor illusions of colonial grandeur, hear this: The age of empires, of dominance, of oppression is over. Asia is awakening, and it will not be silenced. Britain, with its legacy of aggression, must introspect. For every act of cruelty, every policy of exploitation, every moment of arrogance has but fueled the flames of resistance.

Together, as brothers and sisters of this vast continent, we will chart a course of mutual respect, of shared prosperity, and of everlasting peace. The revival of India is not just an Indian dream but an Asian dream, a global dream. And today, I assure you, that dream is closer to reality than ever before.

May the bonds of friendship and unity light our path. Long live the spirit of Asia! Long live the independent India of our dreams!

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Official Communique from the Empire of Japan regarding the situation in Iberia

The Empire of Japan has been closely observing the unfolding events in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly the tumultuous circumstances surrounding the Spanish Civil War. We are deeply concerned about the potential ramifications this conflict may have on the stability of the entire region and the safety of the neighboring Portuguese people.

Given our dedication to preserving peace, security, and the integrity of sovereign nations, we hereby express our unwavering support for the Portuguese state. It is our sincere hope that the Portuguese people remain safeguarded against any fallout or spillover of the aforementioned conflict.

We urge all involved parties in the Spanish Civil War to exercise restraint, prioritize diplomatic channels, and work towards a peaceful resolution. Concurrently, we emphasize the importance of ensuring the security and sovereignty of the Portuguese state, respecting its borders and its people's desire for peace.

The Empire of Japan stands ready to offer any necessary assistance to ensure stability, peace, and prosperity in the region. We remain hopeful that diplomacy and dialogue will prevail in the face of adversity.

[Lumine]

MID YEAR NEWS - with Radio Crusader

"Wilhelm II dead at age 82. The long deposed Kaiser lived long enough to see the German Reich avenging the Treaty of Versailles, and Kaiser Wilhelm III - who has been in power for almost seven years - was the first to pay tribute to his controversial father..."

"Turmoil continues on Wall Street after executives discover the sudden withdrawal of unfrozen German assets back to the German Reich. In what has been described as a "brilliant financial maneuver", Deutsche Bank and the Reichsbank have successfully extricated key resources..."

"As fear remains high, Italians rush to answer to the Duce's call for a general mobilization to fight the Soviet invasion. Despite previous disagreements with Mussolini's regime, the Pope has issued a new call for international anti-communist volunteers..."

"New US-based pressure group ADEC ("Association against the Destruction of Europe by the Communists") stages major anti-Soviet and pro-Polish rally in Chicago, calling on the White House to immediately declare war on the Soviet Union..."

"Controversial former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain dead today at age 71 after a brief battle with cancer. Mr. Chamberlain was deposed by his own party after signing the Treaty of Istanbul, a move that greatly expanded the influence of the Eurasian Alliance in the Middle East..."

"Anger in Capitol Hill as Democratic House and Senate leaders denounce German-US agreement, Speaker Sumners and Minority Leader Harrison demanded the resignation of Secretary of State Hanford MacNider, and claimed President Borah had been "duped" by Berlin..."

"In Jakarta, the Indonesian National Party - with full backing of the Japanese military occupation - has proclaimed the dissolution of the Dutch East Indies and the independence of a new Republic of Indonesia, with local revolutionary Sukarno at its head as the new President. Sukarno has urged collaboration with Tokyo and the Imperial war effort..."

"At a press conference in New York City, Governor Kennedy and Senator Lindbergh offered praise by recent overtures by the President to Berlin, describing it as "a first step to peace and to an end to the horror"..."

"In another defiant radio speech, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands has pledged never to recognize Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies, calling it "blatant, unprovoked aggression." The usual acts of having Alfred Hugenberg ritualistically burn in effigy in non-flooded parts of Amsterdam are now said to include effigies of Marshal Sugiyama as well..."

[Lumine]

The Greek-German Alliance Against Foreign Aggression

Recognizing the need for all nations to set aside their differences and stand united against Communist aggression, the nation of Greece and German Reich hereby agree that effective immediately:

i) The nation of Greece shall issue an immediate declaration of war upon the Soviet Union and contribute troops to the ant-communist war effort in the east;

ii) The German Reich shall come to the defense of Greece should it ever find itself under attack from a foreign power.

iii) The German Reich may use Greek airspace and air force bases for refueling purposes.

iv) The nation of Greece and the German Reich agree to forgo tariff increases on domestic goods produced and exported by the other. Furthermore, the parties to this treaty agree in principle to future tariff reductions and further policy changes to facilitate free, unencumbered, and mutually beneficial trade, economic growth, and development.  

X Alfred Hugenberg, Chancellor of the German Reich

x General Ioannis Metaxas, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Greece

[KaiserDave]

IL DUCE: IT IS NOW TIME FOR TOTAL WAR

Given in the evening over the Radio to the entire nation and Empire, immediately after the Soviet invasion of the Empire. SALUTO AL DUCE!

Men and Women of Italy. Soldiers and sailors of the Regio Esercito, and of the Regia Aeronautica, and the Regia Marina across the Kingdom and in the overseas territories and dependencies. I, your Duce, come to you live from Rome, heart of Italy, and mother of civilization. I come to you with the blackest news in the history of our civilization.

The Red Army of the degenerate police torturer Genrikh Yagoda has smashed into the Hungarian fortifications with overwhelming force. Despite the heroic efforts of the Hungarian soldiery, and the determination of her people to resist the invader Budapest has fallen. However, Hungarian resistance continues. Now the Red Army marches towards Slovenia and with the intention to destroy Italy. I will not hide from you, my people, the entire truth. The Red Army intends to conquer Italy, destroy fascism, and wipe out Latin civilization. They are in league with terrorists in the Balkans, spies in our own country, and enemies of Italy across the world.

I asked you not long ago to join with me in entering a state of siege. I told you that Italy was under attack by enemies, that they were hiding in the shadows. I now tell you that the enemies have revealed themselves. It is our eternal enemy, the barbarian hordes from the Orient. It was once the Huns, the Vandals, now it is the Red Army with the banner of Marxism, and now instead of Atilla their chief if Yagoda, a diminutive effeminate fool. But nonetheless he is a fool with millions of men at his back, and he is determined to wipe us out.

Italians! Our enemy is out in the open! He is here, teeth bared, blood of our comrades dripping from his lips and teeth, preparing to slaughter us all! But we will not be slaughtered! We will fight, fight like we have never fought before, fight for our survival as as nation, as a civilization, fight like fascists, fight like patriots and heroes! Now, I ask you to let loose your passions, if they were restrained before, our hatred of the reds and of the Soviets, I ask you to let loose, storm forwards, now we are at war! Yes, war! The Kingdom of Italy is at war with the Soviet Union. I conferred with His Majesty today, and he tells me, his first servant, that Italy must fight, and I tell you, Italy will fight like it has never fought before!

Savages! Savages and barbarians threaten to destroy us, this is a life or death struggle. The stakes of this war are higher than all previous wars we have fought. In 1915 the Germanic plutocrats threatened to repeal the Risorgimento, but now, the Red Army desires nothing less than the total annihilation of our people. Should the Red Army be victorious, Italians will be dragged out of their homes and shot. Women will be violated, corpses of your sons will be piled up in the streets, the Coliseum and St. Peter's Basilica will be destroyed, vineyards will be burned, Venice and Florence will be sacked and bombed out, the Italian language will be banned, prayer and faith will be made a crime, and our civilization will be erased from the face of the Earth. Italian women will be married to Russian soldiers in Marxist ceremonies, and their children will be raised as loyal communists who hate their own culture. Italy will be gone, forever! We either win, or we die!

So Italians, I ask you now. Are you prepared to fight? Are you prepared to die? Your Duce asks you, will you fight for Italy? Are you a coward! No! We are a people of strength, and we will fight! Fight like lions, like everything depends on our struggle, because it does! Don't let the enemy into Italy, throw them out, out, leave nobody alive! To throw the enemy out of Italy, to save Italian civilization, are you ready to sacrifice? Do you believe with your Duce and your King in the final total victory of the Italian people? Are you and the Italian people willing to work, if your Duce orders, 10, 12 and if necessary 14 hours a day and to give everything for victory? Do you want guerra totale? If necessary, do you want a war more total and radical than anything that we can even imagine today?

Yes! Yes! Total War! It is now time for Total War! War that is more comprehensive and emotive than any struggle in the history of humanity. Italy is ready! Italy's sons are ready to die! I have ordered the general mobilization so that Italy will be victorious.

I now speak to the world. Italy, mother of you all, is under attack. If you believe in us, if you care for life, you must aid our cause. We are selflessly committed to the destruction of the enemy, unlike anyone else, and we will do our utmost to be victorious.

People of Italy, I have told you many unfortunate things. It is my dearest wish we could live in peace in our land, but the enemy has forced war upon us. But I will tell you now, I believe in victory. If I did not believe in victory, I would not ask you for these sacrifices, but the enemy can be defeated, and if necessary, if it takes all of us, we will do it. Italy will win, will win in the air, on the land, and at sea! The victory of the Italian people is inevitable! Now is the time for heroism and sacrifice, for the greatest victory of our people!

Long live Italy! Long live the King! Long live Fascism!

The radio speech is followed by the playing of E. A. Mario's "La Leggenda del Piave"

[PPT Spiral]

The Frunze Address

Flanked by a number of senior NKVD/Red Army loyalists, along with prominent Trotskyite and Tukhachevist delegates, Chairman Yagoda provided the following remarks to newly trained troops ready for deployment at Frunze Military Academy in Moscow:

Men and women of our Soviet Armed Forces, you have proved yourselves of valor and fortitude through the rigorous training all of you have plunged into for the service of our Motherland. Now, as you leave these halls and take on the frontlines of battle, you will demonstrate how the Soviet state continues to shine as the mighty bear of the world never to be reckoned with!

There is much I see when I look into your eyes: fury, resilience, even hope. All these feelings are justified as we have witnessed the progression of this war. Already the Axis forces under the crook Hugenberg have resorted to poison bombardment of our plains, believing that to be the only way of ravaging our home and breaking the revolutionary spirit. Masked in these poison gasses, comrades, is a profound stench of desperation more apparent by the day.

We have much to be proud of in our advances, growing stronger with each footstep forward. Watch as the Western pigs weep over the loss of their precious Hungarian poodle! The forces of evil in Budapest have fled, hoping on their false gods of Hugenberg and Mussolini to enact retribution. Now that the people of Hungary have been liberated, the only retribution from this point on shall be for the torment and imprisonment the fascists have inflicted over the past decade. Be it the Dutch, the Czechs, or the many peoples of former Yugoslavia, the workers of Europe shall all be free!

Comrades, I believe in each and every one of you to carry out your duties with unbelievable ability. We are facing a War of Revolution just as we are a War of Survival. There is no separation between the two, for socialism is to thrive as socialism is to grow. Our families and our communities, no matter where your origins lie in the USSR, are all counting on us for relentless victory. We shall not fail!

Long live the Revolution! Long live our Soviet Republics! Fight with might for the Motherland and for all oppressed peoples of the world!

[OBD]

The German-Bulgarian Alliance Against Soviet Imperialism

Recognizing the need for all nations to set aside their differences and stand united against Communist aggression, the Tsardom of Bulgaria and the German Reich hereby agree that effective immediately:

i) The Tsardom of Bulgaria shall issue an immediate declaration of war upon the Soviet Union;

ii) The German Reich shall come to the defense of the Tsardom of Bulgaria should it ever find itself subject to unprovoked foreign aggression.  The Tsardom of Bulgaria shall henceforth be deemed under German protection.

iii) The German Reich may use Bulgarian airspace and air force bases, as well as any Bulgarian ports and naval bases for the duration of the war on Communism.

iv) The Tsardom of Bulgaria and the German Reich agree to forgo tariff increases on domestic goods produced and exported by the other. Furthermore, the parties to this treaty agree in principle to future tariff reductions and further policy changes to facilitate free, unencumbered, and mutually beneficial trade, economic growth, and development.

x Tsar Boris III