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BBC WORLD NEWS SERVICE -- 31.05.2004 -- TOBAGO FULLY RESTORED IN AFTERMATH OF WAR
PORT OF SPAIN, COUNTY TRINIDAD -- History will long remember the Florida War as the force of great liberation for the peoples of the Caribbean. It was the defining moment of the decade when the region's countries came together to end the grip of Flordia-Caribbea on the colonies, provinces and counties that comprise the dozens of islands in these seas. What history will probably forget all about is the second war of liberation fought in these islands, not against the Floridian invaders, but against, of all people, the Latvian invaders.
Tobago was first settled by the English 1616, where they built a fort and town at Scarborough, but the Carib natives drove them away in 1628. In 1632, the Batavians took the island, settling also at Scarborough and rebuilding its fortifications. Two decades later, the Latvians were able to secure a permanent settlement of the island, thought to be near Charlotteville. Many years of fighting led, in 1698, to a Latvian victory in Tobago and the Batavians were forced to flee to Guyana. Throughout the 18th century, English and Kemrese privateers harried Latvian shipping in the region, making Tobago a money drain for the Latvian treasury. Four times, in 1702, 1714-16, 1777 and 1813, English forces landed and held various parts of the island, often with the assistance of the Batavian minority. When Latvia was conquered by Russia in 1867, English forces immediately landed at Scarborough, seizing the Latvian fleet and properties in the city. With the help of Batavian settlers, the English conquered the remainder of the island. Since that time, Tobago has been a crown colony, part of the colony of Trinidad & Tobago and now an English overseas county along with its neighbour, Trinidad.
In the last stages of the Florida War, Latvia saw an opportunity to sneak their invading forces into Tobago while Federated forces were busy elsewhere. March 31 of this year saw a ready-made Latvian government of occupation land at Scarborough and, in spite of there being County officials in town, proclaimed the "Union of Latvia and Tobago", citing their ancient claims over the island and also a "power vacuum" created by no nation "being interested in the island". When County officials tried to intervene, several hundred Latvian troops landed and secured the city. Happily, this was done without loss of life; but County officials were imprisoned without charges being made.
England sent many diplomatic envoys to Latvia, hoping to resolve the impasse without having to resort to war or violence. Latvia never answered those envoys, except to say that the Union of Latvia and Tobago "picks up where our nation left off in 1867".
At last, on April 20th, Federated forces landed at Charlotteville and Speyside, quickly moving through the Tobago Forest Preserve national park. On the 23rd, County officials arrived at Roxbury to set up an interim government and continue to help the locals settle post-war affairs. By the 30th, Federated forces and the local militia had secured the island and surrounded Scarborough.
By May 4th, talks between English crown envoys and government of occupation officials ended in stalemate. The Latvians continued to press their claim that the "Union" was now in effect and that the English are considered the invaders and occupiers.
At last, on the 12th of May, irate civilian milias from around the County rose up and marched on Scarborough, demanding that the Lativans leave peacefully. A Latvian cruise ship The Courland, filled with "colonists" was discovered and held at sea by Federated forces. On the 14th, citizens seized the radio station and post office. The next day, Federated forces entered Scarborough and seized the County offices. There, they captured the Latvian officials, various documents and bales of Tobagan "talers" (presumably the currency of the supposed Union), weapons stashes and some 250 remaining Latvian forces of occupation. Released from confinement, the County officials declared Tobago to be liberated from both Florida-Caribbea and Latvia all in one go.
On the 16th of May, the remaining Latvians were all airlifted out to the Courland and there released. County officials refused to press charges with the County magistracy, in stead opting as a sign of peace to release the officials, citing that undoubtedly they will be in enough trouble at home, and Latvia itself will have to pay reparations to England for the trouble caused.
The Courland was seen steaming for home that evening, accompanied by a detachment of Federated detachment of airship and cruiser. On the 31st, reports from Latvia noted the arrival in Riga of the Courland, where hundreds of "colonists" and ousted occupiers alike had to disembark.[PB]
THE STAR, GEORGETOWN -- 12.05.2004 -- THE INVADERS HAVE ARRIVED!!
GEORGETOWN -- After 17 years of juvenile hibernation, living amongst the roots of our trees and bushes, the 17 year cicadas begun making their grand entrance foreyesternight. While cicadas, or locusts as many call them, in fact appear each Summer in our region, every seventeen years a vast horde of these winged invaders awakens in their millions.
Though these green bodied and red eyed cicadas eat very little and do not sting or bite, many people have expressed fear of these harmless, bumbling insects. In fact, the only damage they cause is to the thin twigs in which they will soon lay their eggs; and to out door wedding receptions scheduled in the next month. The affected branches will soon die, leaving the eggs to hatch and drop their cargo of young larvae to the ground into which they will burrow and begin the cycle anew.
While the first cicadas were sighted on the tenth in the countryside around Georgetown, yesterday marked the true invasion date. Many hundreds could be seen crawling out of the earth, up poles, tree trunks and the sides of buildings. Once in place, their dull brown shells split open and a milk white insect with red eyes and two dark patches behind its head emerges, its wings
crumpled and folded up. Within a matter of an hour, these young cicadas may be seen hanging from their shells, waiting for their wings to expand and dry. Within the space of two or three hours, their wings are fully extended and their bodies are turning green. Local musicologist Stephan Loeb states that the cicadas whirring call is of C pitch.
Soon, we will be witness to one of the true miracles of nature: squillions of bumbling, buzzing bugs going about their amatory business. After about three fortnights, the excitement shall have died down and we'll be left only with our memories -- and millions of dead bugs to sweep up! Happy Summer, Georgetown![PB]
RADIO WRW1 via BBC RADIO ARCHIVES -- 25.04.2004, 12:30
[JINGLE] "Good afternoon, dear listeners, it is 12:30. While enjoying this
beautiful, sunny Sunday, please stay tuned for 'The World in Half an
Hour'. Your humble servant is, as always, Waldemar Fiorarz."
"Next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the leaders of the Baltic League
will convene in Skuoda. The main issues will of course be the
expected enlargement of the League. We speak about this with the
director of the Institute for International Relations of the WiLASz
[Academy of Sciences, ed.], professor Onute Staniszkiene."
WF: "Welcome to our studio, professor. It's always a pleasure having
you here."
OS: "Thank you."
WF: "Professor, may I ask your prognosis for the outcome of the
summit? Will Belarus and the Republic of Petrograd and Novgorod be
allowed into the Baltic League?"
OS: "If you had asked me the same question one year ago, the answer
would simply be 'No'. But a lot of things have changed since then.
You know, Mr. Fiorarz, it used to be like this: a decision of the
Sejm [the RTC's parliament, ed.] was almost automatically a decision
of the League. It was simple as that. But now, other League members
seem to have become much more aware of their own rights. They feel
entitled to have their own point of view and defend it, even if that
means opposing the RTC. I'm afraid the days of our dominance over the
League are over, and me must learn to cope with that. Not that that
is necessarily a bad thing, though."
WF: "How do you explain this change?"
OS: "First of all, because the world has changed. At an earlier
point, smaller league members like Estonia, Latvia and Skuodia were
still fresh after their snorist past, and under the mother wing of
the RTC they wouldn't even have dared to challenge us. But now, these
countries have grown self-conscious. They are on an equal footage
with us now, and as a result we have not the absolute majority
anymore. Another thing that doubtlessly contributed is the Floridian
war. While I still believe our participation in the war was
justified, I must admit that we made a few capital mistakes in the
beginning. You know, this whole stupid thing with general Aldendorf,
and our own government pretending more or less that it was actually
us who won the war... All this made us loose our face in front of the
whole world, and we enraged some of our best allies."
WF: "I see. But you still haven't answered my first question. Do you
think Belarus and the Republic of Petrograd and Novgorod will be
admitted as new League members?"
OS: "Well, in a way I díd answer that question, because... You know
my own point of view: as I've pointed out here before, I am opposed
in both cases. Now, I admit that Mr. Kotau is doing a wonderful job
in Belarus, but we all know that Belarus is far from ready for League
membership. It may become so perhaps after ten years, but to achieve
that Mr. Kotau and his associates need to remain in charge for a long
stretch of time. Please don't misunderstand me. I am not at all
against close cooperation with Belarus. In fact, that's what we are
doing already. But league membership has other requirements too:
harmonisation of currencies and prices and all that. From that point
of view, Belarus has a long way to go. People seem to believe that
membership of the Baltic League is the only way to achieve
cooperation, which is of course very untrue..."
WF: "But that's your opinion, professor. Does our government share
it?"
OS: "You interrupted me. Yes, that's what I was going to say. Our
government shares that opinion, although I'm not entirely confident
it is going to defend it fiercely enough. With its current
preoccupation Southeast Florida, its attention in other matters has
rather weakened... And then, we have this weird application of the
Republic of Petrograd and Novgorod. Of course, it's too ridiculous
for words! Have you any idea what that would mean for the League?
That country is still so completely embedded in post-snorist Russia's
structures, that frankly, I can't imagine what would happen. But
nevertheless some of our fellow league members seem to support that
application, too. Latvia welcomed it immediately, and both the Nash
and the Skuodians are going to support it, too. Similar sounds come
from Estonia. Their logic seems to be that it would be unfair to
accept one candidate member and turn down the other. And that, Mr.
Fiorarz, is exactly what I believe Arapov [the RPN's president, ed.]
was playing at."
WF: "So they will become League members?"
OS: "I don't know. But I'm sure it will be tough. Much depends on the
stance of the Scandinavian League members. If Sweden, Finland, Rygen
and Slesvig-Holstein are going to support Belarus and the RPN as
well, then we are lost. Otherwise, we are simply divided. It might
even come to a vote, which would be unprecedented, since the League
has always operated on a baseof consensus."
WF: "Would all this affect the status of Ukraine as well, professor?"
OS: "Hard to tell. Currently, Ukraine is a candidate member and may
or may not be raised to the status of full membership. Ukraine's
progress will be assessed during the next few days. Of course I
cannot predict the outcome, but personally I don't see any problem
here. Basically, Ukraine fulfills all the requirements to become a
full member, except one: it is not a Baltic Sea state. From that
point of view, allowing Ukraine to become a full member would mean a
far-reaching redefinition of the League's very fundaments. What if
the next application for membership comes from, say, Georgia, Greece
or Montrei?"
WF: "One last question, professor. What is your opinion about the
recent developments in Latvia?"
OS: "Ah, Mr. Fiorarz, better don't ask, because it is painful even to
think about it. You remember that one month ago, during the Floridian
war, several prominent members of the Latvian opposition were
arrested, including former prime minister Osvalds Talmanis? Well,
last week they were formally indicted. Talmanis himself is charged
with the most idiotic accusations... from corruption, stealing
millions of talars from the state and spying for foreign powers, to
raping his secretary and insulting the government. And no doubt they
will produce enough fabricated evidence to find him guilty!... Let me
tell you one thing, Mr. Fiorarz: I know Talmanis very well, and I bet
my head that he has never stolen a single dzienarz!... The worst is,
they intend to give him the death penalty for all that nonsense,
although officially the death penalty was reintroduced in Latvia only
last December. No, Latvia is getting from bad to worse. We can safely
state, that now Latvia is not a democracy anymore."
WF: "Isn't that to be expected if a country reelects its own former
dictator?"
OS: "Perhaps, perhaps not. I have never been a great fan of Mr.
Alksnis [Latvia's prime minister, ed.], but I must admit that I am
surprised. After all, under snorist rule he was a relatively mild
dictator, who quite successfully guided Latvia towards democracy. The
very fact that he managed to survive a decade of desnorisation seemed
to prove that he would be able to exist within a democratic
constellation. Unfortunately, I was wrong about that, and so were the
Latvians who now pay the price."
WF: "Can we expect some actions on the part of the Baltic League
against Latvia during the next few days?"
OS: "Bah, no. We are much too occupied with other things. After all,
we keep telling ourselves that it was Latvia's own democratic choice,
and so on, and so on. I'm afraid our government will do what it
always did in such cases: nothing! Only Estonia seems to care, but
they simply do not have the power to change anything..."
WF: "But Latvia's short-lived attempt to recolonise Tobago was met
with strong international protests, no?"
OS: "Short-lived, why? From what I hear, Tobago is still firmly in
the hands of its Latvian-controlled government. British and Venezôlan
troups have indeed landed there, but as far as I know they haven't
managed to occupy anything else than a few tropical beaches. What's
more, thousands of Latvian civilians are being shipped to Tobago as
colonists. No, I think Alksnis was right in his calculations... of
course, there were some international protests against Latvia's
behaviour, but that won't hurt him at all. What counts is that he has
it his way."
WF: "Thank you very much, professor. It was enlightning as always.
And now, time for some music! Maestro, what do we have for our
listeneres today?"[JvS]
[END TRANSCRIPT]
Asahi Ximbun -- Friday 23 April, 2004 (Saisei 53) -- HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY LEAVES ON GRAND TOUR
TAIAN -- His Majesty the Emperor left the Imperial palace in Quiòto this morning on a grand tour of the Empire's former colonies, in honor of the 50th
anniversary of the Releasing of Colonies. He will be traveling in the
Imperial Zeppelin, the Nixxi. His Majesty will first visit Naha, in the
Kingdom of Lùquiù. He will visit with the King of Lùquiù, and tour the
Kingdom and give speeches. He will spend 2 days there. He will then
travel to Corea, where he will tour the nation for 2 days, staying at
the Royal Palace the first day. Afterwards, he will leave for the
Republic of Alaska, spending 2 days there, before heading south for
Meidji-xi (Roshiya). He will spend 2 days in Roshiya, visiting with the local elite. He will then head to Kanawiki to spend 3 days there, and the final day
touring the Line Islands. Afterwards, he will return to Quiòto. As of
the time of publication, he has landed in Naha, and is meeting with the
King of Lùquiù.
During his absence, his granddaughter, Crown Princess Aico will be
given authority to take the regency in the event of an emergency.
This tour has been in planning for almost 2 years now, and the Emperor's
itinerary is very carefully laid-out, but, by the request of His
Imperial Majesty's bodyguards, specific details remain secret ... (article continues with historical background)
*****
PRO-IMPERIALIST DEMONSTRATIONS AT ÒSACA UNIVERSITY
Members of the Yamato Party and their supporters held a rally today at
Òsaca University in celebration of His Imperial Majesty's tour of former
colonies. The demonstrators showed their support for the proposal by
Canada Aqui, president of the Yamato Party, to work towards
reintegrating the former colonies into the Empire.
"We have no wish to conquer these former colonies, or in any way force them back to the benevolent leadership of His Majesty the Emperor, but
we do feel that His Imperial Majesty should use this tour as an
opportunity to show our former brothers and sisters the economic
opportunities they could have as part of the Empire." Said one student
"These colonies drifted away from us during the chaos of the Civil War.
They should at least be given the opportunity to consider whether that
was really best for them." Another added
Not everyone at the rally was in favor of Canada-san's proposal.
"Why should we worry about lands far away from Yamato? Why do we care
what happens in the Americas, or in the middle of the Pacific Ocean?
We're better off without those burdens. Let Alta California deal with
Meidji-xi. Let the Kanawikians deal with their own problems. They'd
do a better job than some bureaucrats half an ocean away, anyway," a
counter-demonstrator stated.
His Majesty the Emperor has once again reiterated his position that "if
those former colonies so desire, they will be welcomed back with open
arms, but if they desire continued independence, they will be given
that, too. Any change in the status of a condominium shall not be
determined without negotiations with the co-holder" [What is the term
for the parties involved in a condominium?]
Elsewhere, demonstrations were not so peaceful. In Soccaitxi, in the
condominium capital of Vladivostock, violence erupted between
pro-Japanese, pro-Primoryan, pro-Independence, and pro-Condominium
demonstrators. No one died, but dozens were injured. Both the Japanese
and the Primoryan governor of the territory have urged their people to
remain calm.
*****
GOSSIP: CROWN PRINCESS RUMORED TO BE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH MOLISATÒ
Rumors are flying of an intimate relationship between Her Imperial
Highness, the Crown Princess, and world-famous musician Molisatò
Hidequi. The two were seen together after Molisatò's concert in
Sapporo, Ezo. One witness claimed to have seen the musician whispering
something in the Crown Princess' ear. Her Imperial Highness the Crown
Princess has denied these claims. "I enjoy Hidequi's music just as much
as the next girl," she told a reporter for the Ezo-based Hoccaiqui, "but
he, as an individual, would never appeal to me romantically. We are
just friends." However, one servant of the Imperial Household, speaking
on condition of absolute anonymity, claims that the young musician has
visited her, unsupervised, in her wing of the Imperial Palace. A
spokesman for the Imperial Household Ministry strongly denies that
Molisatò-san has ever even visited the Imperial Palace, much less spent
time alone with the Crown Princess.[NT]
BBC WORLD NEWS SERVICE, AMERICA DESK -- 10.04.2004 -- Commonwealth Forces Oust Spurious Latvian Occupation
KINGSTON -- "Intolerable! Utterly and astoundingly ridiculous!!" That was the response of Admiral Sir Waughnsley Pickwick, commander of Commonwealth Naval Forces in the Caribbean last week in response to the news that Tobago had been claimed and invaded by Latvians. "We have just gotten done with one bunch of looney tunes in this part of the world, and now it appears we must deal with yet another little penny-hapenny berk suffering from delusions of grandure."
Venezolan military leadership offered similar in response to our agents questioning. The island nation, once a colony of Courland (and hence the one and only leg upon which Latvias claim rests), was transfered variously to Castile and England. Since the late 19th century, Tobago has been jointly administered by Venezola and England, attaining independence within the Commonwealth in 1955. Though Florida attempted to conquer the island, joint British and Venezolan forces repulsed their attacks.
Most of the British and Venezolan garrisons were redirected out East or else to other local islands after the Atomic bomb blast was detected in the Cruzans, and it is thought that Latvian agents entered Tobago at this time. These forces which captured the Town Hall and set up their own queen were largely ignored by the populace and seem to have been dealt with returning Coalition forces.
No official declaration of war has been issued against Latvia, though the English ambassadors to Latvia and the Baltic League have issued the strongest protests against that baltic land.
FLORIDA IS NO MORE
KINGSTON -- The Republic of Florida-Caribbea has ceased to exist. of course, Occupation Forces are settling into Florida proper and are working, with varying levels of success, at rebuilding that part of the country. In the northern American Zone, the NAL is busy reordering the local political structures and instituting a democratic government. The Americans have established a reformed system of ridings, townships and local councils, based largely on their own local structures. As far as the American press is concerned, while the Scandinavians and Weneds have been busy either burning everything down, looting everthing or holding needlessly extravagant parades, the Americans have gone about educating the Floridians in proper self government, Life, Liberty, how to properly throw a Tea Party and all that.
In general, the NAL do not support a return of Florida to colonial status. That's out of the question. An independent Florida within the Castillian Commonwealth would be acceptable; but fears that South Florida will not be properly prepared by the Weneds must be addressed before any move in that direction can be entertained. And they certainly fear and are not afraid of saying it: that the SR have left a very nasty and bitter taste in the mouths of all South Floridians.
Parliment, at the North American city of Philadelphia, are considering a Plan that will divide Florida into North (the American Zone) and South
(the European Zone); set up some national elections in the North immediately and get them integrated into Castille as soon as practical, perhaps as a condominium. There seems to be some support behind joining up with the NAL in portions of North Florida. If they wish to petition Philadelphia for provincehood, say sources, they may "approach the Council Fire and state their case". We don't know what a Council Fire is, but the Americans and Floridians seem to be serious about it.
South Florida will remain in the hands of the RTC and Irish occupation armies until they can figure out what they're actually going to do.
As to Cuba and Porto Rico, the Agreement made between the Federated
Admiralty and the President of the Republic of Cuba and the President of the Republic of Porto Rico y las Franceses calls for separate extradiction of all Bush administration higher ups and any junta thugs that might have escaped
from Florida proper. Mr Bush, being an American citizen still, he can be dealth with individually.
Clearly, these last months have been very tricky, as no one outside Florida was aware of a military coup abrewing. Though one could easily expect it, as Bush was steaming at full towards reforms that the entrenched Armed Forces leadership did not want to go.
Pandits are up in arms that Bush will face no real punishment. Junta
leaders will probably face some strict punishment, perhaps gaol, but will almost certainly not meet with Jack Ketch.
Both Cuba and Porto Rico y las Franceses have planned to desuspend their own National Constitutions and basically pick up where they left off when integrated into Florida-Caribbea. Porto Rico y las Franceses is composed of Porto Rico, Guadaloupe and Martinique.
To recap which Caribbean Islands belong where, the following is a list of current affiliations:
Turcs and Caicos is a dependency of Canada (NAL) El Pais -- 01.04.2004 -- GREAT OPPOSITION FOR REANNEXATION OF FLORIDA
Valladolid -- According to recent polls, the Castilians do not want Florida back in any sort of relationship. The opposition is stronger in Spain (78%) than in New Granada (67%) and Central America (65%).
Most people think, however, that Castile has a duty to take an active role
in the reconstruction of Florida into a friendly country under the Castilian
Commonwealth.
Goverment has been highly criticized for the rather passive possition during
the recent Florida-Caribbean crisis. Despite being part of the coalition, and having voted in the league of nations favouring military action in Florida-Caribbea, government barely commited a small Central American garrison to San Andres.
"We did not did anything important to free the Florida people, the Cubans,
the Portorricans, to get rid of the warlords in Florida, but now we are getting in the hell of administrating the mess the Scandinavians made" said
Francisco Mendoza, a school teacher in Toledo, reflecting the general
concern of the Castilian people.
"For the last one hundred years Florida had been bulling Castilian interests, in the name of a so-called Castilian Destiny, and now we are
supposed to admit them as fellow country men", Sara Lopez, a housewife in
Cadiz La Nova pointed, "We should had been more energetic to fight them, now
they expect we take them as sibblings".
The Cortes had not yet taking a decision into taking control of Florida for
Castile-Leon; but the most probably outcome will be to accept the offer made
by Scandinavia and take administration of Florida for a limited period, in
which a working form of government should be restored to Florida and their
people. Most discutions are based on the level of involvement and the
length of the time period.[CT]
WITA WARSINY -- 1.04.2004 -- RTC INVADED BY MARTIANS?
TOMASZU LUBLINIK (WSAP) - Hundreds of reports are coming in from people who
claim to have seen a flying saucer landing in the woods near Tomaszu Lublinik.
"It was enormous", a farmer said. "At least half a stadz long. And there were
lights everywhere." A woman said: "Really huge, and covered with thousands of
little lights. It moved so fast that it was gone before you realised that it
had been there!"
This is not the first time that UFOs have been seen. Observations like this one are made frequently, in the RTC as well as in other countries. In most cases these observations can be explained easily, and the so-called UFOs always turn out to be weather balloons, airships, meteorogical phenomena, or the products of someone's fertile imagination. However, what is unique about this case is not only the huge number of people who saw it, but also the fact that they all claim to have seen exactly the same. What makes it even more interesting: the ship is reported to have landed, although officially no one has actually seen it yet.
"This is the most exciting day of my life," an old man said. "Tomorrow we'll
probably know whether they have come to kill us all or to cure our diseases,
and most importantly, whether they can speak Wenedyk."
"Everybody here knows they come from Mars!", a local said. "Whatever those
so-called scientists want to make us believe," he added, referring to the
current opinion among astronomers that life on Mars is improbable, if not
impossible.
The exact location where the ship is supposed to have landed is unknown or has not been disclosed, but the army has sealed off a large area around it.
Unconfirmed sources claim that chancellor Sacz has left the Sejm and that he is
on his way to Tomaszu. It is not known which ministery will be responsible for
the contact with the Martians: the ministery of interior, the ministery of
foreign affairs, or the ministery of national defense.
*****
TOBAGO UNITES WITH LATVIA
SCARBOROUGH, Tobago (WSAP) - The provisional government that yesterday seized power on the small Caribbean island Tobago, has declared itself part of a "Union of Latvia and Tobago". Yesterday evening at 21:20 the regular program of the local television was interrupted by images of Tobago's self-proclaimed
prime minister, Vassel Birko, surrounded by a mix of armed locals and officers
of the Latvian navy who had just arrived to Tobago, speaking from the town hall
of Scarborough:
"Liberty has finally come upon us! Thanks to our friends here [Birko pats one of the Latvian officers on the shoulder], centuries of foreign occupation have come to an end. No more oppression! No more slavery! [...] We are happy to tell you that Tobago can finally return to... under the mother-wing of Latvia. But not as a colony, oh no. Nor as a province, for that matter. No, my friends, we will be equals. Latvia's queen will be our queen as well, but our government will pursue its own course. My friend Viktors Alksnis has assured me that Latvia will support us, not exploit us. [...] Our friends here [points at the Latvian officers] are not here to colonise us. They are here because we have kindly asked them to, and they will help us defend ourselves against the
imperialists from Florida, the NAL and Venezôla. [...] Oh yes, and from now on
the name of this town will be 'Skarspils', remember that. Hail to queen
Valentina! Hail to Latvia's great leader Alksnis!"[JvS]
Pobal na hÉireann, Déardaoin -- 01.04.2004 (1 Aibreán 2004) -- "Haytian Envoy Proposes Compromise" BY: Maire Ní Shúilleabháin
Newly arrived Envoy to Hayti, Gearoinn Ó Connail, yesterday proposed an
alternative arrangement that would accomodate both Republican and Monarchists
on the island: A President for Life.
"To take a lesson from pre-dominion Ireland, a compromise position I believe
both sides would accept would be to have a President for Life in place of a
King or Emperor. [DieuDonné] would, of course, be the first President. A
presidency could be terminated by either a Popular Referendum for a new
president, essentially a presidential election, or by Death."[KG]
NOTICIAS -- 31.03.2004 -- DUI BIDS FOND FAREWELL TO THEIR MAJESTIES
DUI -- It has been confirmed that King Pedr V, his partner Mrs. Sarah Pomhui, and their daughter Bewdrig have left Meddlan in Dui for permanent residence in the Tyrdyr. The home in which they lived in Meddlan has been sold
confidentially with the Terruin's express wish that it remain a private
residence and not be promoted as an historical landmark, in his own words, "a
bloody shrine to the monarchy!" The new occupants, said to be owners of a
trucking firm in Aberddui, are reported to be happy with their new lifestyle
farm and plan to preserve it as a home to raise their growing family. It was
sold at below market value and we understand there is already a van on cinder blocks in the back field.
The royal family visited the country town, a satellite of Aberddui, between
Shrove Tuesday and Calen Marth. They were farewelled at a community function that was widely attended by the locals. It was described as a bittersweet occasion with tears and laughter shared by all. No members of the media were present. The 'Paderns' lived in Meddlan for three years, after then-prince Pedr moved to Dui to study the foot and mouth disease outbreak at close range to compare it with a similar outbreak in Dûnein.
The Terruin has announced that princess Bewdrig will be henceforth known as
the Duchess of Aberddui. "She likes the ponies", he observed.[AS]
WITA WARSINY -- 31.03.2004
WARSINA (WSAP) - Heated discussions in the Sejm during the last few days. The Sejm convened yesterday and on Monday to discuss the government's policies in Florida and the crisis in the relations with the Scandinavian Realm. The
government was under heavy attack from both sides of the opposition. According
to analysts, a government crisis is far from excluded.
"What business do we have being in Florida anyway?", KRN[1] leader Wójt Kramar exclaimed. "Since the end of the Second Great War, we have always lived in peace. Until our government deemed it necessary to meddle with somebody else's wars. And look what happened: we are stuck in some remote banana republic and we have become the laughing stock of the whole world. I say, ladies and gentlemen, we have no business being there at all! I therefore propose we withdraw all our troops from Florida at once."
Other parliamentarians expressed their concern with the costs of the Floridian operation. WPP[2] leader Waldemar Pawlin asked: "Has our esteemed chancellor ever wondered who will pay for all this?" The promise of minister Piniatyk that other coalition members will carry part of the expenses, while Florida itself will pay back some of the expenses in a later stage, could not satisfy him. "Our peasants are facing a difficult year again. Instead of spending millions of talars on a military adventure overseas that nobody here is waiting for, we better spend them on the people who actually worked for them, who need them desperately, and who deserve the fruits of their labour." Pawlin added: "May I assume that our beloved chancellor is unable to tell us how much the Scandinavian sportsmen have left for us in Florida's musea?"
The camp of critics of the Republic's presence in Florida was joined by one of the nine coalition parties. Kazimierz Leonik, caucus chairman of the WUPS[3], said: "We are not happy at all with this military enterprise. Had we been
consulted before the government decided to send the army to Florida, we would
have blocked that proposal immediately. With all due respect to our
Scandinavian friends, it was them who started this war in the first place. What
if Latvia starts a war with the NAL or Venezôla? Would that mean that we need
to declare war on them as well? Besides, has it ever occurred to any of my
esteemed colleagues that the Scandinavian Realm as such is nót a member of the
Baltic League at all? It might have been a different story if Sweden or Finland
had been invaded, but in this case we were not bound by any obligations related
to our League membership." Leonik continued: "We are a neutral country, and I
wish to make clear that we cannot support a government that participates in
wars at the other end of the globe." Whether the WUPS will effectuate this
threat by withdrawing its ministers from the government is not known yet, but
if this happens, the LSDDP[4] is likely to follow. This would mean that the
government loses its parliamentary majority and may be forced to resign.
Severe criticism came also from the right, both Catholic and nationalist,
mainly on the government's "weak defense" against the attack earlier this week
from Scandinavia's foreign minister Bernstorff. "Since when", ND[5] leader
Marczó³ ¯owanu asked, "do we obey Scandinavia's orders in our foreign politics?
How can we be proud of our country, if we allow other countries to belittle us?
And, most importantly, how can we respect a government that lets this all
happen?" ¯owanu's rage was mainly directed at the dismissal of general
Aldendorf as commander-in-chief of the occupational forces in Florida:
"Unforgiveable! Each country brings forth a genius every once in a while, a
person who helps distinguish his nation from other nations. The RTC has many of
such remarkable people, and general Aldendorf is one of them. We should be
proud of a man like that, instead of setting him aside because one of our
so-called allies cannot appreciate him. Did you know that the Scandinavians
even have a word for such behaviour? They call it 'Jante's Law'! And the worst
is, it seems to have caught on in our beloved country, too... the leftist press
even had the guts to accuse him of 'visiting several musea in Miami with less
than honourable intentions'!"
Zowanu is also furious with interior minister Branik for closing down the
drafting bureaus for emigration to Florida. "What kind of a country is this?",
he asked. "How can a government calling itself 'democratic' use brutal police
force against a perfectly legitimate example of private initiative? Only
because foreign powers wanted us to!" He concluded: "All in all, a government
that allows these things to happen does not deserve our confidence. Therefore,
this chancellor and his ministers must go!"
Several proposals have been submitted in the Sejm for the dismissal of the entire government, for the dismissal of individual ministers, and for the withdrawal of the Republic's armed forces from Florida. The deliberations continue, and the vote will probably take place tomorrow or the day after.
*****
COUP IN TOBAGO
SCARBOROUGH, Tobago (WSAP) - The small, tropical island of Tobago has been the
scene of a coup this morning. A small group of armed civilians, who called
themselves the "National Unity Front of Tobago", occupied the town hall of the
capital Scarborough, hanged twelve officers from the NAL, took several others
as hostages, and proclaimed the independence of the island.
In the vacuum that emerged after the fall of Florida-Caribbea, the future of
the Caribbean islands has become uncertain. The most likely solution seems to
be the Scandinavian proposal of transferring Florida-Caribbea to Castille-Leon,
an idea not every islander is happy with. But Tobago, having no common history
with Castille-Leon at all, has found another candidate, namely Latvia. Although
Latvia's claim, going back to the 17th century, is weak and little convincing,
it seems at least to provide a small contingent of the islands populace, who speak a Latvian-English-French-Native American creole, with a reasonable alternative. With the Floridian governor and his staff gone, and only a small contingent of Commonwealth military presence on the island, all conditions seemed to be fulfilled for a Latvian take-over.
The leader of the NUFT, Vassel Birko, has not issued an official statement yet, but it is expected that he will call upon the two Latvian cruisers that are on their way to Tobago for military back-up. It is unknown what kind of future relationship with Latvia he has in mind.
*****
BATAVIAN QUEEN BURIED IN DELFT
DELFT, Batavian Kingdom (WSAP) - The former Batavian queen Julienne d'Orange, who died last week at the age of 94, has been laid to rest yesterday in the family grave of the Oranges in the town of Delft. Julienne, who was queen in the years 1948-1980, made herself very popular among the Batavians for her unorthodox approach to protocol; she was commonly known as "the queen on the bike". Among those who attended the funeral ceremony were king Witold and queen Helena.[JvS]
[1] Confederation for an Independent Republic WITA WARSINY -- 30.03.2004
WARSINA (WSAP) - Chancellor Sacz has accepted the apologies of his Scandinavian colleague Høgh-Guldberg for the attack of the latter's foreign minister Bernstorff on the RTC's policies in Florida. "Mr. Bernstorff's attack was of course unfounded", Sacz told the press, "although we have never been after his head. Anyway, I'm glad this most unfortunate incident has been settled now."
"I have also explained Mr. Høgh-Guldberg that no official representative of
the RTC has ever tried to depict the Scandinavians as monsters, as he calls it,
nor that any official representative of the RTC has ever accused them of
robbing musea, stealing gold, or harassing Floridian civilians. If any of our
newspapers should have misreported the Scandinavian liberation of Florida, that
is very unfortunate, but as we are a country with a free press, our government
can do very little about that."
"I also wish to point out," Sacz continued, "that it has by no means been our intention to overstate our own role in the liberation of Florida or to
understate Scandinavia's role in it. We did it together, and that is that. To
show our goodwill, a statue of Scandinavia's national composer Edvard Grieg
will be erected on the Plaza del Pueblo in Miami. I also urge the Scandinavian
Realm to reopen its embassy in Miami, and the Baltic League to reopen its
office there."
*****
WARSINA (WSAP) - The commander-in-chief of the Republic's occupational forces in Southeast Florida, general Marek Aldendorf, will not return to Miami.
Although officially he resigned for health reasons, it is suspected that the
government needed to dispose of Aldendorf, whose autocratic behaviour had
offended the rest of the coalition and almost caused a split in the Baltic
league.
Upon his arrival at Warsina's aerodrome "Wniastra Wenedy", Aldendorf announced that he will leave the army. When asked what his future plans are, Aldendorf answered enigmatically: "The options are many. If nothing else works out, I can always become chancellor."
Aldendorf will be succeeded by colonel Stasys Lozoraitis, who will respond both to the minister of defense, Edmund Mielć, and the government plenipotentiary, former ambassador Katarzyna Prowana.[JvS]
IBAP -- 11 Germinal, CCXII (March 30, 2004)
PORT-AU-PRINCE -- With the arrival of DieuDonné III in Port-Au-Prince the situation in Hayti is quickly polarizing as people choose which side they will
support, the restitution of the Imperium or a renewed Democratic Republic.
While there was an impromptu parade held in DieuDonné III's honor, a
protest began in the eastern quarter of the city, demanding a
referendum, that the people might choose for themselves, rather than
having the choice forced upon them.
The Louisiannan Peacekeeping forces quickly moved into the area to
quell the uprising, promising that Louisianne would do all it could to
ensure self-determination for the Haytian peoples.
Grand Mareshal Albert Marsden of the Armée de l'Air was interviewed
for an official response.
"We will support the Haytian people if they choose to restore the
Dessaline Family to power, but we wish for them to be able to choose.
This people has been so put upon by other's wishes...it's time for
them to speak out for themselves."
Marsden later went on to say that he anticipates the situation to have
calmed sufficiently by early summer so a referendum can take place.
When questioned about the peacekeeping force of Louisiannans occupying
the southern half of Hayti, Marsden would say they were there to
ensure law and order.
His Imperial Highness DieuDonné III was not reportedly available for
comment at press time.
Analysts of the situation say that it seems very likely that the
Haytians will choose the Imperium, but there was strong showings of
rifting between the royalist north, held by NeoFrancien troops and the
south, held by Louisiannan Troops.[DH]
NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN BUREAU OF ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC STUDIES -- 30.03.2004 -- FIRST EVER SOUTH ATLANTIC FURACANO IS DOCUMENTED
Georgetown -- The first verified South Atlantic furacano known to science struck the coast of Brasil near the town of Porto Alegre. It seems to have developped from a storm that went to sea from the land on 19 March, then on 21 March was declared a tropical storm and given the unique designation "SATS#1", South Atlantic Tropical Storm #1, for the season. On the 23rd, the storm reversed its course and headed back towards land. On the 26th, a short way off shore, the storm was upgraded to "SAS#1", as the winds of 75 to 80 mph warranted the title "Class A Furacano". The storm came ashore at the small town of Santa Catarina, leaving 1500 persons homeless and, fortunately, only 2 dead.
The unique nature of the storm comes as a blow to the Brasilians, who claim that the storm was no furacano at all. The photographic evidence, obtained by crews of both Scandinavian and Commonwealth airships, demonstrate quite the opposite. The unique clockwise turn of this southern hemisphere storm serves only to add weight to the argument, against the Brasilian detractors who claim that the photographic evidence was faked. The Bureau is convinced that, indeed, a furacano can develop in the South Atlantic, contrary to previous scientific thought on the matter. The Bureau has called upon the various weather bureaus of the Commonwealth to ally with their Scandinavian and South American collegues to be on the lookout for future storms in the region.[PB]
OMNIPRESSE -- 29.03.2004
PORT-AU-PRINCE -- Flanked by the Imperial Banner of Saint-Domingue and the current flag of hayti, His imperial Highness DieuDonné III, Current Head of the House of Dessaline, shared today with the press his views about the
current situation in Hayti.
"Finaly" he said "a nightmare has ended for our people. We may now
move forward into an era of peace, freed of the warmongering of the
preceeding decades. With the help of our allies from other nations,
we shall rebuilt hayti into the beacon of prosperity it once were."
Born in exile after the 1957 coup d'état, HIH has spent his entire
life moving around with his family until the death of his father in
Ville-Marie (NF) 17 years ago. An accomplished historian and peace
advocate, his most recent book "Hayti et le défi des Caraibes" was
released to critical acclaim. It contain what he refers to as "a road
map to peace", a plan which include transforming Hayti into a
Consultative-Empire where power would be held by the emperor advised
by an elected council.
The idea of a return to monarchy is one that has gained a lot of
empetus in the last decade as Hayti economy continued to sag. Many
also blame the nationalist-republican in power since the revolution
for the isolation of the country from other neighbouring countries.
After delaying his arrival twice for security reason, HIH was flown
in this morning on a Air Intendance flight chartered by the New
Francy government. Tho they are the one paying for his transport and
security, the Intendancy claim that its actions should not be seen as
interference but simply as a goodwill gesture.
"Taking the Almighty as a witness," he said to the assemble press "We
declare that we, the Dessaline Dynasty, have no love but that for
Hayti, and no zeal but that for the dignity of Haytians; recognise no
duty but that of serving our nation and our people; So as we are
their monarch, we are also their servant. May God grant all of us
strentgh and wisdom in this time of need."[MP]
Radio Skuoda Transcript via BBC RADIO ARCHIVES -- 29.03.2004 15h00
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
[JINGLE]
[Presenter:] Hello, the Town Hall clock has struck three in Skuoda and
it's time for the news. I am Heliena Pustuova, and we start with today's
press conference given by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Aliesandare
Voldimiruove. Paule T'iernuove reports from the Palata Urienda [the
Skuodian government's residence.
[Correspondent: ] Today Mr. Voldimiruove gave his first press conference
since the Baltic League started its involvement in the Caribbean affairs
with the 21 March Danzig resolution. He levelled what some will see as
sharp criticism against both Scandinvia and the RTC, who seem to be
breaking up in a row. His opinion was delivered in Mr. Voldimiruove's
familiar buoyant manner, which many see as not diplomatic enough.
[Unidentified voice: ] Yesterday's press release from your Ministry
claimed that recent happenings in Florida jeopardize the very existence
of the Baltic League. What did you mean exactly?
[Voldimiruove: ] Yes, it is true that the Baltic League has the
potential to be much more than an economic union. However, if things go
as they go, we might be left with no economic union - and no Baltic
League. Scandinavia is furious becase the RTC is not doing what they
have done: well, they could have refrained from letting them in in the
first place. The RTC is reacting sharply - they should show restraint.
Skuodia is not going Latvia's way, and we have very few ties with
Caribbean - except that our citizens, of course, like to spend the
holidays there. [general laughter] What is important for us is that the
League continues its existence. We sympathize with the Floridians, and
we commiserate with the Scandinavians - but with all due Florida is not
a matter that should split the League.
[Another voice, speaking English with an accent: ] Mindaugas Melnikas,
Vilnius. Mr. Voldimiruove, Skuoda is hosting the next summit of the
League in April. Will Skuodia be proposing something there?
[Voldimiruove: ] Yes, definitely. We are already with starting
negotiations with Estonia - who will be chairing - to draft a joint
resolution. We are urging restraint for all sides. The downfall of a
petty banana dictator is too small a matter for age-old friends to
quarrel over. The horrible destruction of Charlotte Amalie is a
catastrophe that must unite our peoples, not divide them.
[Correspondent: ] Mr. Voldimiruove was obviously refering to tomorrow's
nationwide mourning declared as a sign of solidarity with the
Scandinavian people. Mr. Voldimiruove also mentioned other matters that
will be discussed at the summit.
[Voldimiruove: ] We must not forget about other matters. There is the
possible enlargement: we will review Ukraine's progress, and consider
whether the process of admitting Belarus and the Republic of Petrograd
and Novgorod should be started. It is our opinion that it should. We are
also being increasingly worried at the situation in Latvia, and we have
quite a few questions for Mr. Alksnis.
[Presenter: ] Thank you, Paule, and now for internal matters...
[END TRANSCRIPT][PI]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- 29.03.2004 -- BERNSTORFF REPRIMANDED
GJØTEBORG - Several members of the Rigsråd were enraged by Bernstorff's verbal attack on the RTC last Saturday. Venstre opposition leader, Arne Melchior, called Bernstorff's words "the worst form of Jante's Law ever seen in foreign politics. Jante's Law has no place in foreign policy. In a time when we need friends, not enemies, we cannot and must not let our misfortunes
dictate how we feel about the fortunes of other countries, let alone a coalition partner and a fellow neutralist state like the RTC." He also
stressed that "Bernstorff alone has no right to raise the Øresund Tax and spite our neighbours. Only the Queen can do that with the consultation and
approval of the Rigsråd and the Kancelli."
Chancellor Høgh-Guldberg has consequently reprimanded foreign minister
Bernstorff by demoting him to position as vice-foreign minister, promoted Karl Leskinen to foreign minister, and has sent an official letter of apology to the RTC.
But in it, he has also stressed that he also wished that the RTC presented the facts about Scandinavia's involvement in the coalition truthfully. "As RTC's very own professor Onute Staniszkiene has stated herself about the future stability of the Caribbean, 'it is a matter of psychology'. Security for the Cruzan islanders will only succeed if we together can manage to convince the Caribbean hispanics that Scandinavians are not monsters. However, General Aldendorf's position in Florida is unfortunate, because he has given
the Floridians and other hispanics a bad impression of the SR. The SR did not steal Florida's gold, rob musea, harass the Floridians, nor do we want to
sell Florida to Castille-Leon. We hope the RTC government will reprimand General Aldendorf (as we have done with Bernstorff), and help bring the SR in better light among the hispanics."
*****
TYSK-SKANDINAVISK RUM COMPAGNIE READY FOR TESTS
AKRA - Gadangmeland has been selected as the base of operations for the Tysk-Skandinavisk Rum Compagnie [The German-Scandinavian Space Agency, ed.] (TSRC). TSRC intends use the same principle that the Louisiannians have used in their attempts by launching a rocket from an airship. However, Gadangmeland's proximity to the equator will allow the TSRC to fully exploit the momentum of the earth's rotation. The TSRC intends to fly an airship to the equator directly south of Gadangmeland, then fly east in the direction of
the earth's rotation, and finally launch a rocket. Tests are expected to begin next month.[KJ]
WRW1 RADIO TRANScRIPT via BBC RADIO ARCHIVES -- 29.03.2004, 20h00
[RADIO TRANSCRIPT]
[JINGLE] "It is 8:00 PM, here is the news at WRW1. Foreign minister Piniatyk is furious with his Scandinavian colleague Bernstorff, who yesterday criticised the RTC's Floridian policy in harsh words. In an interview with WRW1 earlier his morning, the minister said:
"Mr. Bernstorff says the RTC intends to annex Florida. If Mr. Bernstorff would have cared to ask me personally, I would have explained him what everybody knows already: that we have no such intent. Our job in Florida is to return order, to prepare the country for freedom and democracy, and to leave once our mission has been accomplished. That, and nothing else, is the goal of our presence in Florida. Mr. Bernstorff's words are a direct insult to our
efforts."
"Mr. Bernstorff says we are imposing our culture in Southeast Florida. I would certainly like to know where he got that information. We do not rob musea, we do not steal Florida's gold, we do not harass people. Unlike some of our allies, we treat the population with respect. After all, they were victims of Florida's dictatorial regime even more than we were."
"But what is even more insulting is that Mr. Bernstorff accuses us of abusing his goodwill. May I remind Mr. Bernstorff that it was the Scandinavians who first invaded Florida and then elected to leave? And that subsequently we were called in to clean up their mess? Now, if Scandinavia does not want to take its responsibility because the costs are too high, that's fine! But we áre prepared to take ours, and we would prefer to do it without this kind of narrow-minded criticism from the sideline."
"Our long-term objective is to help Florida flourish again as a free,
democratic, independent state. This is in the best interest of not only the
Floridians themselves, but also of the countries surrounding it. Unlike the
Scandinavians, who plan to sell Florida to Castille-Leon, we are not motivated
by self-interest."
"And now, as a gesture of gratitude for our support to Scandinavia's war
effort, Mr. Bernstorff demands we leave Florida. He even dares to abuse the
Øresund Tax, once the cradle of our flourishing Baltic League, as a means to
blackmail us. Needless to say that this is unacceptable to us."
Minister Piniatyk has filed an official protest to the Scandinavian ambassador Østerbjerg. Later today the Sejm will convene in an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis in the relationship with Scandinavia.
Further news. The commander-in-chief of the Republic's armed forces in
Southeast Florida, general Aldendorf, has unexpectedly been recalled to Warsina
for reasons unknown. He will be temporarily replaced by colonel Stasys
Lozoraitis.
Several of the newly founded drafting bureaus for emigration to Florida have
closed their doors after an urgent request from interior minister Branik. The
minister argues that he understands that they are private enterprises that are
not subject to decisions on the part of the government, but that this may
change when state security is involved. It is not known what will happen to the
remaining bureaus, but the minister explicitly does not exclude the possibility
of interference by the state police.
[END TRANSCRIPT][JvS]
WRW1 RADIO TRANSCRIPT via BBC RADIO ARCHIVE -- 28.03.2004, 12h30
BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
[JINGLE]
"Good afternoon to you on this cloudy Sunday, dear listeners. It is 12:30. Time for 'The World in Half an Hour', I am as always Waldemar Fiorarz."
"Great things are happening in Florida-Caribbea. I will speak with Professor
Onute Staniszkiene, director of the Institute for International Relations of
the WiLASz [Academy of Sciences, ed.], hoping that she can cast some light on
most recent developments there."
WF: "Welcome, professor. We have been meeting quite often, really. You are
becoming one of our regulars! Shouldn't I start calling you 'Nusia' by now?"
OS: "Call me anything you like, Mr. Fiorarz, or should I say 'Wally'? But
please don't tell you listeners!"
[laughter]
WF: "Well. Professor, your name was frequently mentioned as the possible head of our temporary administration in Southeast Florida. How come you are still sitting here talking to me?"
OS: "You know, Mr. Fiorarz, I have no idea why, but the press always puts me in such positions. Three years ago it was written that I would 'almost certainly become the new foreign minister'. Last year they wrote that I would 'almost certainly become the new secretary-general of the Baltic League'. I don't know where they get this information, but let me tell you one thing: it's nonsense! The only job that I've been really offered is ambassador to Kiev. That was three years ago, and I turned it down. I am a scientist, Mr. Fiorarz, not a politician. I am perfectly happy with what I am doing now - teaching, writing, advising, training young diplomats, giving my opinion to whoever asks for it...and sitting here with you, of course."
WF: [laughter] "But if you had been proposed the job, would you have done it?"
OS: "I don't think that's the issue here. Besides, I know little more about
Florida than any other person who reads the newspapers carefully. Plus some
additional knowledge about international politics in general, of course. But my
field of expertise are post-snorist societies, and their transition to more
democratic models. What I think ís important, though, is that the process of
rebuilding Florida should not be the exclusive domain of the military. With all
due respect to Mr. Aldendorf and his crew, I think they should not start
behaving like politicians. That's why I am very glad that Mrs. Prowana has gone
there too...
WF: The former RTC ambassador to Miami?
OS: Yes. She has a very healthy mind. She knows the country from within,
understands it, speaks the language, etc. The army should do what it was meant
for: fight battles when necessary and maintain order. From this point of view,
I think Aldendorf's show-off in Miami was not the luckiest choice."
WF: "Our allies seem to agree with that. An Irish newspaper wrote yesterday, I quote: 'The recent actions of the RTC go beyond liberation. They are nothing more than colonialism.' May I ask your opinion about this kind of criticism of our conduct in Florida?"
OS: "They surely have point, although in my opinion they exaggerate it a bit. You see, Mr. Fiorarz, it is also a matter of psychology. Of course we were not the only ones who liberated Florida! Maybe we don't like to be reminded, but it was in fact the Scandinavians who did the job, not us. When we arrived, our bed was already made for us. The question is only: does it matter? To the average Floridian, we and the Scandinavians are basically the same thing. Our uniforms look alike. The only difference is that our flag is a red cross on white and theirs a white cross on red. They probably haven't even noticed the difference! Of course, the Scandinavians were slightly more, let's put it gently, emotional in their behaviour than we are... My point being, that if wé are the true liberators in the eyes of the Floridians, that will only make our mission easier to accomplish. This is all about reality, Mr. Fiorarz, not about rewriting history."
WF: "But they also accuse us of colonising Florida!"
OS: "You surely mean those drafting bureaus? No, I disagree. Look, people have always been emigrating to Florida, as well as to many other countries in the new world. Now they suddenly start calling that 'colonisation'. Furthermore, we need a lot of qualified workers there. That is, if we take our job of rebuilding Florida seriously."
WF: "How long do you think the RTC will stay in Florida? I've heard several
politicians say that they want us to stay there for a very long time."
OS: "Honestly, I have no idea. Quite a while, I think. You know, transforming a totalitarian society into a democracy takes years, many years. I don't say we'll need to administrate the country for so long, but at least we'll need to guide the Floridians in the process. Much depends also on what the other members of the Coalition intend to do. Høgh-Guldberg wants to return Florida to Castille-Leon as a colony! I am very much opposed to that idea, and I think we should do anything we can to prevent that from happening. It wouldn't solve the problem on the longer term... it would just make it worse.
WF: "Do you think we - a neutral state after all - should have participated in that war at all?"
OS: "Ah, that's a tricky question. Well, the answer is simple: yes. I believe our neutrality had lost most of its meaning anyway. Not only because it was imposed on us, but also because the world is not divided in two camps anymore. If we would have stayed neutral... well, that would only be because we got used to it. No, we definitely did the right thing. A member of the Baltic League was attacked, so we decided to act. I think this is very important, because it shows where we stand, and that despite our overcomplicated political system we are still capable of acting. It also shows that the League has some potential for becoming more than just a body for economic cooperation. I must admit that from this point of view I'm a bit disappointed with some of the other members of the League. Especially from Estonia I would have expected a more daring attitude."
WF: "But at least Danzig and Latvia joined the Coalition. Doesn't that count, professor?"
OS: "It counts, it counts, of course it counts. Though personally, I have my
doubts regarding Latvia's motives. Don't forget that Mr. Alksnis was a personal
friend of Jaime Bush. Look what happened: on the very last moment, when the
battles are over and this madman Silva has already been captured, Latvia joins
the coalition. And at the very same moment, several important members of the
opposition disappear. Even ex-premier Talmanis. You think that is a
coincidence? Of course not! Our papers were so busy writing about our own
heroic acts in Florida that they hardly even mentioned Latvia! No, to me it is
quite clear that Alksnis has a hidden agenda behind everything he is doing,
including this!"
WF: "Yet, Latvia seems more successful than one would have expected. It
declared war on an already defeated Florida, subsequently claimed Tobago and
sent out some war cruisers to secure it. And the world is letting it all
happen."
OS: "Latvia's claim on Tobago is of course too ridiculous for words! Did you
know that it is all based on two short periods in the 17th century? The
Batavians claiming back the NAL or the Turks claiming back Hungary would be
more legitimate than this! And what surprises me most is that both the
Coalition and the Baltic League are just letting it happen. It seems like every
Coalition member has got his own hot cake in the oven. This is all about
interests! And what is Tobago after all? A small island, quite far away from
where it all happens, with only 45,000 inhabitants and no significant natural
resources. Simply not worth the effort. Well, perhaps Venezôla is going to act
up, but even there I have my doubts. And the worst is, this is not about Tobago
at all! Alksnis just needs a success abroad to cover up his interior failures.
You see, the Latvians have already come to regret the choice they made half a
year ago. Since that moment, successful reforms have been turned back,
censorship has been reintroduced, members of the opposition are constantly
being harassed, the army is everywhere... No, I feel genuinely sorry for the
Latvians, although of course they inflicted it upon themselves. I wonder if our
own government is going to say something about all this, at last. Because if we
won't act, who will?"
WF: "Thank you for this conversation, professor. It was enlightening as always. Let me just use the occasion for some shameless advertising: professor
Staniszkiene's latest book, 'Skuodia 1989-2004, from snorism to snobism', about
its transformation from a small snorist country into the 'Jervaine of the
Baltic' will make its entrance into the bookshops tomorrow, where it can be
purchased for 2 talary, 20 groszy and 55 dzienarzy. Believe me, people, it is
certainly worth the expense!"
OS: "Thank you very much, Mr. Fiorarz."
WF: "And now, time for some music. Let's listen to Maja Nazala, piano, playing Frydryk Chopin's Vénédaise in G flat minor opus 322."
[END TRANSCRIPT][JvS]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- 28.03.2004 -- SR PROTESTS RTC BEHAVIOUR IN FLORIDA
GJØTEBORG - Foreign minister Bernstorff has expressed his disgust over the recent behaviour of the RTC occupying forces that took over the SR's former occupation zone in southeast Florida.
"The liberation of Florida was not the work of any one member of the
coalition, and the RTC cannot in any way call itself the liberator of Florida, since they arrived after the Caribbean was liberated by the British Commonwealth, the Scandinavian Realm, and Ireland.
"The recent behaviour of the RTC in southeast Florida is an insult to the SR, who afterall entrusted the RTC with the SR's former occupation zone in Southeast Florida. Now we see that the RTC intends to impose its culture in Southeast Florida. The coalition was started to stop exactly this kind of behaviour committed by Florida on the Cruzan Islands.
"It seems that the RTC intends to annex Florida. But only Castille-Leon has that right, because of the shared culture and history between them. We do not propose that Florida become a colony of Castille-Leon. Instead, we propose that it become an equal part of Castille-Leon.
"Since the RTC has clearly misunderstood the reason why the coalition
got together, and has abused the goodwill that the SR has given it, we request that the RTC steps back immediately and allow the SR to reoccupy Southeast Florida once again despite the costs. If the RTC does not step back now, we will be raising the Øresund Tax 100% on all RTC surface and air shipping.
*****
QUEEN THANKS THE COALITION
KJØBENHAVN - Queen Margrethe II spoke to the coalition on television yesterday, where in she expressed her gratitude to the swift action taken by the coalition to liberate her Cruzan subjects against Floridian aggression. She also expressed her deepest appreciation that so many countries around the world had expressed their sympathies to the Cruzan people, both before and after the war. Finally, she gave her condolensces to those who have lost loved
ones in the war, and especially to the Cruzan people, who have lost a large percentage of their entire population.
*****
DANNEBROG TURNS BLACK
GJØTEBORG - Will the Dannebrog turn permanently black? That is what
foreigners seems to be asking these days. But the truth is, the whole Rigsfælleskab is in mourning after Charlotte Amalie's destruction, and the grief is so great that, in an unprecedented sign of solidarity, all SR ships, both state and civil vessels, are flying the black mourning Dannebrog, even in foreign waters and airspaces.[KJ]
Gníomhaireacht Nuachta Fánach - Saturday 27.03.2004 (27 Marta 2004) -- "Chief of Staff Expresses Reservations on RTC" BY: Aine Ní Ceallaigh
AN CURRACH: Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Commandant Pól Óg D'Arcy has
expressed reservations at the recent procession by The RTC Armed Forces in
Miami today.
"The liberation of Florida was not the work of any one member of the
coalition. No one of us alone can call ourselves the Florida's liberators.
Nor does any coalition member have the right to impose its culture upon
the Floridians. The recent actions of the RTC go beyond liberation. They are
nothing more than colonialism.
"This war was started to stop this kind of action. The coalition's mandate was to affirm the right of the Cruzados to self-determination. That the RTC is
taking the opportunity to take this right away from Florida cannot be
tolerated."
The Oireachtas is currently debating what action to take in response to the
RTC's actions.[KG]
WITA WARSINY -- 27.03.2004 -- TRIUMPHAL PROCESSION IN MIAMI
MIAMI (WSAP) - One day after his arrival to Florida, general Marek Aldendorf, commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the RTC in the occupation zone Southeast Florida, has made a ceremonial procession through the city of Miami. Under the cheers of thousands, Aldendorf made his round in an armed, black limousine, previously property of ex-president Bush. For reasons of security, the general could only wave his hand to the enthousiastic crowd from within his car.
"That must have been disappointing for the people of Florida," Aldendorf's
security chief, colonel Marcinu told us. "I'm sure they wanted to see more of
the man who liberated them from the yoke of those usurpers. But unfortunately,
we cannot afford such risks. Behind every friendly, smiling face, a terrorist
may be hidden, and we have reasons enough to believe that at every single point
of his route at least twenty guns were pointed to his limo, eagerly waiting for
the general to come out."
Nevertheless, the Republic's occupational force in Florida has made significant progress on its first day. Marcinu: "The attitude of the local population towards us is extremely friendly. In fact, the warmth with which we were welcomed is overwhelming. Not without a reason, of course. Due to our presence in the streets of Miami, most fightings and raids have been stopped. Thanks to us, people feel safe again. Until now, about 800 criminals have been arrested. Those elements that still try to disrupt order better watch their steps!"
In the meantime, the process of "de-Bushification" has already started. The
enormous, 27 Venedic feet high statue of former president Jaime Bush has been
taken down and crushed into the pieces; the remnants will be used for a bronze
statue of Frydryk Chopin, 32 Venedic feet high, which will be erected already
in the second half of April. All pictures and paintings of Bush have been
removed and burnt. The Avenida Presidente Bush has been renamed "Avenida Rey
Witold IV"; the direction of the famous Hotel Jaime has decided to rename it
"the Aldendorf Hotel".
The success in Florida can also be felt in the RTC itself. The Sejm has
appointed a special commission to investigate whether the Venedic language
should become an obligatory subject in Floridian schools or merely a
facultative one, and in all major cities of the Republic drafting bureaus have
been opened, where people can gain information about the possibilities of a new
life at the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, or even apply for immediate
emigration.[JvS]
WRW1 RADIO TRANSCRIPT via BBC RADIO ARCHIVES -- 26.03.2004, 16h00
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
[JINGLE]
"It is 16:00 hours, time for the latest news at WRW1. The war with Florida is facing its final hours now. The last remnants of resistance against the Coalition seem to have broken. There has not been an official capitulation yet, but this is merely due to the fact that there is no central authority left who could sign it. Nothing is known yet about the whereabouts of former Floridian president Jaime Bush. In the meantime, total anarchy has broken out in the Floridian cities. Despite the curfew imposed by the Scandinavian leadership, former representatives of the Bush administration are being lynched to death by angry crowds, shops are plundered, cars, telephone booths and other properties are vandalised, and public buildings are emptied and burnt down. The Scandinavian authorities claim to have everything under control; however, other sources claim that members of the Scandinavian military have again started emptying musea and harassing Floridian civilians.
For the Republic of the Two Crowns, the war has become one of the greatest
successes in its history. Addressing the Sejm this morning, chancellor Jan Sacz
said:
"We have all reason to be proud of ourselves. Could we have known the war would be so short, and our victory so complete? No! We expected months of heavy
fightings, hundreds or thousands of casualties, and the sad duty of telling
wives, parents and children that they had died for a just cause. Yet, we took
our responsibility, not for our own sake, but for a better future of the entire
world. Could we have known that we could finish the task without one single
shot? Again, ladies and gentlemen, the answer is: no! But we did it anyway.
Thanks to our efforts and those of our allies, a total victory over
Florida-Caribbea has become a matter of days. Our brave soldiers have done a
fantasic job, and I am confident they will do an even greater job during the
months or years ahead of us."
The Republic of the Two Crowns will play an important part in the future of
Florida. Chancellor Sacz said:
"After long deliberations with my Scandinavian colleague Høgh-Guldberg, we have come to the following conclusions: as soon as general Aldendorf and his staff arrive in Miami, the administration of the Scandinavian occupation zone in Southeast Florida will be handed over to them. The Scandinavian Realm itself
has chosen to retreat from Florida as soon as possible, and to concentrate
itself on the rebuilding of Charlotte Amalie instead. We respect their wishes,
and I am convinced that we have the knowledge and the resources to make this a
success."
It is not clear yet what the future of Florida-Caribbea on the longer term
should look like. Høgh-Guldberg suggested that the country could be returned to
Castille-Leon as a colony, but the Coalition has not reached any concensus yet
regarding this proposal, nor has there been a reaction from Castille-Leon
itself. Sacz: "All options are open to us."
General Aldendorf's airship has arrived in Miami two hours ago. Upon arrival, he held a short speech:
"I am both saddened by what I see here and happy that at least we have the
opportunity to change it for the better. It is time to return this country to
order! For the time being, the curfew must remain intact, but I promise that
all civilians will be treated respectfully, and that those who engage in any
crimes against them will be severly punished. I urge every Floridian to remain
calm, to let our soldiers to their work, to go do their jobs, to make love, to
watch the television... in short, to live a normal life. But let all those
guilty of war crimes be warned, because we will hunt them down. Sooner or later, we will find them, and eventually we will make sure that they will pay
for their crimes."
"Our intention is to rule this country with dignity. We shall make an inventory of the damages done by the Bush administration, the junta, and the liberating forces. We will provide or find all the experts and labourers needed to rebuild this poor country. Of course, we will also make sure every single artefact end up there where it belongs."
"Among the Floridians, we will look out for those who enclose freedom and
democracy in their hearts. As soon as we make out who is who in this country,
the Floridians will be allowed a free, self-elected, democratic government. We
shall provide them all the guidance needed. And eventually we will leave
Florida, as soon as we convince ourselves that our mission has been completed."
Subsequently, a black limousine escorted by army jeeps and motorcycles brought Aldendorf to the smoking remnants of the national library, where he intends to establish his headquarters.
At roughtly the same time, an impressive view was presented in Danzig, when no less than sixty huge zeppelins of the type Wenedyk Hindenburg P-20 from the
Republican Airforce took off for Florida. "The sky was dark with zeppelins.
They were everywhere. Amazing!", an observer stated. Their purpose: to bring
9,000 soldiers from Danzig, Veneda and Lithuania to Miami. "I am proud of these
fine young men," their commanding officer, colonel Statys Lozoraitis, said.
"and of the mission they will fulfill. Together, we will write history."
Some reactions from the soldiers who will share in the honour: Other news has reached us from Latvia. Prime minister Alksnis has claimed the island of Tobago, not far from Venezôla in South America and previously part of Florida-Caribbea, for his country. His claim is based on the fact, that back in the 18th century Tobago was a colony of Courland for a while and still has a population that speaks a Latvian-Spanish-Native American creole, alongside the more commonly heard English and Castilian. Although Latvia has joined the Coalition against Florida-Caribbea on the very last moment, Alksnis considers himself one of the victors, entitled to come for his share. To effectuate his claim, Alksnis sent out two war cruisers to Tobago, and he appointed colonel Ziedonis Malevics in the function of Minister of Colonies. Tobago is also claimed by the Commonwealth in condominium with Venezola, and the island was apparently liberated by their forces also.
Finally, here's the weather for tonight [...]"
[END TRANSCRIPT][JvS]
IBAP -- March 26, 2004 (7 Germinal CCXII) -- Atomic Thunder Over Louisianne, Tehas.
Yesterday's prevailing winds from the Southeast have pushed the contaminated water vapor over Louisianne, and a polluted rain is falling over large areas of St. Onge, and parts of Tejas.
The actual RAD count has yet to be determined by scientists, but it must be said that the effect on the land will be much different than if the Floridian bomb had landed on Louisiannan soil. President Marie Gildersleeve has been in communications with the SR Representatives to negotiate a settlement of damages for those affected in St. Onge.
The evacuation effort of the last few days was touted as a large success, and similar systems are being modeled for the other Departements of the country, with the cooperation of CFL and Air Louisianne.
In related news, President Jean-Francois Young spoke with the press during a break in session at the League of Nations, and spoke his condolences to the affected peoples of St. Onge. He related that his argument for an international peace-keeping force in Hayti was being well received, but no decision had yet been made.[DH]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- Friday 23.03.2004 -- MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE VICTIMS TODAY
GJØTEBORG - It has been a week since the destruction of Charlotte Amalie. Memorial services are being held today throughout the Rigsfælleskab to commemorate the victims, and mourning flags will be flying at every flagpole. Her Majesty, Queen Magrethe II, will be attending the memorial service at the Copenhagen Cathedral together with other royal dignitaries and government
officials. Crown Prince Frederik has apparently seen action in Vestindien. He will be attending the services at the Evangelic Lutheran Church in Christiansted together with his Irish colleagues and the Cruzan government.
*****
FLORIDA OFFERED TO CASTILLE-LEON
GJØTEBORG - The Kancelli has been discussing for the past three days about what to do with Florida, and a decision has now been made. Last night, at a press conference inside the Kancellihus, Chancellor Høgh-Guldberg made the following statement:
"The Kancelli has decided on our proposal on what to do with Florida.
"First of all, let me stress that the Rigsfælleskab does not intend to stay in Florida long as this would be costly and the Kancelli feels that the Rigsfælleskab has already sustained enough expenses from this war and Florida's more than fifty years of misconduct towards the Cruzan people culminating in the nuclear blasting of Charlotte Amalie and its residents.
"Secondly, we recognize that the Floridians are unfortunately completely incapable of governing themselves without endangering the neighbouring countries in Vestindien.
"Finally, we feel that the partners of the coalition has already achieved their goals, which were the liberation of former condominium territories from Florida, and the containment of the Floridian threat itself.
"The Kancelli therefore intends to pass on the administration and sovereignty of Florida to capable hands as soon as possible. The Rigsfælleskab will not accept an independent Florida.
"Given the aforementioned considerations, we intend to hand over our occupation zone of Southeast Florida to the Republic of the Two Crowns as soon as their fleet arrives. But most importantly, we propose the return of Florida to Castille-Leon. Although Castille-Leon did not contribute to the coalition, we recognize the cultural and historical ties between Castille-Leon and Florida, and we are willing to accept that Castille-Leon takes control of Florida as is: war ravaged and bankrupt. The Rigsfælleskab will have no part in Florida's rebuilding."
*****
CUBA ON THE VERGE OF STATE BANKRUPTCY
CHRISTIANSTED - Economic experts agree that Cuba and its allies, who
together form the surviving remnant of the former republic of Florida-Caribbea, must be on the verge of state bankruptcy after the silver and gold reserves in Miami were confiscated by the SR last Tuesday, 23/03/04, despite protests from Cuba. The Cuban currency, the peso, was once backed by the metal reserves in the former Banco Nacional in Miami. But the only thing backing the
currency today are the few bars of silver found in the Habana branch of the former Banco Nacional. The confidence in the peso has consequently dropped, and
foreign currency like the pound and the rigsdaler is being used instead. A barter based economy has also been reported.[KJ]
From a letter forwarded by BBC agents in La Habana (CUBA) to Federated Admiral Sir Waughnsley Pickwick, Commander, Commonwealth Naval Forces in the
Caribbean:
"... please understand that Cuba is not and has not declared war on your ravening allies! We have heard of the rapes and pillaging in the Scandinavian Zone of Florida. We will never allow Scandinavians to land here! We had severed all political and military ties with Florida: after the Coupe, the leaders of the junta became enraged - we had nothing to do with their lack of
judgement in the Cruzadas and the planned attaque on Louisiana.
Since the junta we are defending ourselves against is now defeated, we do not see any reason to continue with the fighting. In accord with the Military Governor of Puerto Rico, Guadaloupe and Martinique; we hereby seek an Armistice with the Coalition...
...the Scandinavians my do what they will with Florida, but they must know and we can not trust any other power in the world than that of the great Commonwealth of Nations to tell them, that we are not their enemy! We urge you to relay this message to the Scandinavians before we too are overrun!"
"PS: We do not know where the FLORIDIAN Presidente has gone. He was an American; perhaps he has gone home, after all?"
"PPS: Please let them know also that 450 persons, former inhabitants of their city of Carlota Amalia are currently guests of the interrim President of Cuba. At your earliest convenience, please arrange for an ENGLISH transport ship to come to Guantanamo on 28 March. The reports were true that these people were to be used as human shields against threatened Scandinavian atomic
weapons. Cuba and Puerto Rico beleive we need have no fear of such an attaque and will happily repatriate these Scandinavians without further delay. We suggest the 28th, since a transport is expected to La Habana with a further 68
Scandinavians from Puerto Rico."[PB]
WRW1 RADIO TRANSCRIPT via BBC RADIO ARCHIVES -- 25.03.2004, 13h00
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
[JINGLE] "It is 13:00 hours, here is the latest news at WRW1. The war with Florida seems to have come almost to an end. The armed forces of the Coalition have successfully secured most of the Floridian mainland, including all major cities and the entire sea shore. Cuba, the last stronghold of resistance against the coalition, is still defending itself, but it expected that Cuba will fall within a few days, too. Unconfirmed sources claim that the Floridian ex-president Bush has left the country in an airship, after his efforts to reclaim power by building up a resistance in Cuba have failed. His destination is unknown.
The RTC will not leave the coalition. Earlier reports about the supposed
misbehaviour of Scandinavian individuals in Florida have proven gravely
exaggerated, and foreign minister Piniatyk has taken the explanations of
ambassador ¨sterbjerg of the SR for satisfactory. "The Floridian population is
being treated respectfully", Piniatyk said, "and the Scandinavian government
cannot be held responsible for the actions of individuals. We have been assured
that those who made themselves guilty of excesses will be punished properly.
Therefore, the government sees absolutely no reason to return from its decision
to join forces with the Coalition."
Now that the war is almost over, questions have been raised about the necessity of the Republic's presence in Florida. Several members of the opposition have demanded a retreat of our armed forces. "Florida has lost the war, and I can't think of any reason why our troops should be going there", KRN leader Wójt Kramar. "The RTC has no business there anyway." However, defense minister Mielcz said: "Our ships will continue their course to the Caribbean. With Cuba still firmly in the claws of Florida's former government, Florida continues to be a threat to world peace. The risk of further terrorist actions is far from imaginary. Unlike some of our opponents suggest, the war is not over yet. At this time, it would be a mistake to abort our mission."
Chancellor Sacz has called upon the Baltic League to arrange another emergency meeting within two days. "Given the latest developments, Baltic League resolution no. 1664 condemning the acts of Florida has become obsolete. Before any misunderstandigs arise, we should once more coordinate our policies." Until now, the RTC and Danzig are the only non-Scandinavian League members who effectively declared war on Florida-Caribbea, although the Latvian government has yesterday ratified the resolution and pledged its full support to the Coalition. The government of Nashina on the other hand has explicitly stated that it will not enter the war as long as Nashic territory is not under attack, and that adheres solely to the diplomatic path as proposed by Russia.
In the meantime, the coalition is busy discussing the future status of
Florida-Caribbea. The various Coalition governments seem to lean towards the
establishment of an international consortium, supported by the League of
Nations and consisting of representatives of democratic nations from both
inside and outside the Coalition, that should take over the administration of
Florida until the country is ripe for a democratic, self-elected government. It
is said that the RTC will play a major role in this consortium, whose main
mandate will be the rebuilding of the devastated country. Frequently mentioned
names in this context are those of Katarzyna Prowana, long-time ambassador of
the RTC to Florida-Caribbea, general Marek Aldendorf from the Republican
Airforce, and professor Onute Staniszkiene from the WiLASz, an important
advisor of the foreign minister, as possible commissioners.
Further news. It has now been officially revealed that Latvia's former prime
minister and current opposition leader Osvalds Talmanis has been arrested by
members of the Latvian state police. Talmanis disappeared four days ago, along
with seventeen other leading members of the Latvian opposition, including
several former members of his government. It is unknown on what charges
Talmanis, a vehement opponent of the government of ex-junta leader Alksnis, was
arrested; minister of justice Petersons has refused to give any further
explanation.
And now the weather. [...]"
[END TRANSCRIPT][JvS]
IBAP -- 25.03.2004 (6 Germinal CCXII) -- Second Horrific Blast in Caribbean Destroys Brave Solders of VOLTAIRE, Valiant Disarming Attempt Fails!
The few citizens of Vienne-le-Port who remained in their homes were jolted awake this morning to a sonic boom and an incredible flash of light.
The threatened Floridian bomb had been intercepted approximately twenty miles off-shore at 4:37 AM, LST. The Louisiannan Navy ship Voltaire had intercepted the rusty, leaking boat that was trying to run the barricade, and had boarded, only to find a lone Floridian at the controls, his hand clenched around a deadman's switch.
Preliminary reports made by Capt. Jean-Marc Breboeuf before the explosion stated that the man was dressed in the remains of a Floridian military uniform of some sort, and that the Voltaire crew were trying to disarm the bomb. Obviously, their valiant attempts were not successful.
The resulting explosion vaporised a large section of the Gulf, sending
radioactive water vapor into the upper atmosphere, which is and will be descending as rain, expected to fall over southern Louisianne and the NAL. All persons along the Gulf Coast are encouraged to stay in their homes until authorities can evacuate the affected areas.[DH]
WITA WARSINY -- 25.03.2004 -- SCANDINAVIAN AMBASSADOR REASSURES PINIATYK
WARSINA (WSAP) - The Scandinavian ambassador, Annika Østerbjerg, has confirmed to foreign minister Piniatyk that on the day after the invasion of Florida, a curfew was imposed on the population, Floridas entire gold and silver reserves was confiscated, and that Scandinavian soldiers, in a brief emotional state of berserkness and grief, destroyed numerous cultural artifacts.
However, Østerbjerg assured Piniatyk that, although it will take a long time for the grief to heal, Scandinavian soldiers have now calmed down from their frenzied rage, and that what is left of Florida's cultural treasures are being safeguarded by the coalition. Moveable treasures are being sent to Gjøteborg and safeguarded there until such time Florida can satisfactorily
compensate for the pulverization of Charlotte Amalie and its population, and for the after effects of the nuclear blast. Scandinavia sees the confiscation
of Florida's entire gold and silver reserves as part of this compensation. This compensation must cover the expenses of the war, the rebuilding of Charlotte Amalie, the loss of priceless cultural treasures lost in the blast, the clean-up and ecological recovery of Skt.Thomas harbour and its immediate
surroundings, the burial of the dead, medical costs to survivors of the blast,
medical costs to the descendants of these survivors for generations to come, compensation to the families of the blast victims, and compensation to businesses that operated in Charlotte Amalie.
Østerbjerg also pointed out that the curfew is still in effect in Florida, not "to batter innocent civilians" as Piniatyk puts it, but to protect them and to impose some order in what is clearly chaotic times. The curfew will be lifted as soon as the coalition is sure that Florida is stable. The Scandinavian Realm does not intend to stay in Florida long as this would be costly and the Scandinavian Realm feels that it has already sustained enough expenses from Florida's more than fifty years of misconduct towards the Cruzan
people culminating in the nuclear blasting of Charlotte Amalie and its
residents. The Scandinavian Realm therefore intends to pass on the administration and perhaps even the sovereignty of Florida to capable hands as soon as possible. The Kancelli of the Scandinavian Realm is currently discussing who this might be.[KJ]
RR WORLD SERVICE - 24/03/04 00:00 PMT
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
[JINGLE] "This is the RR World Service! Its midnight PMT. First an update on the developments in Vestindien.
Coalition forces have secured Northern Florida and the Floridian coasts, including the capital of Miami. There are reports of some resistance still holding out in the swamplands of inland Florida and in Orlando, but the Coalition considers these areas nothing more than places for mopping up operations.
General Silva-Gonzales has been captured along with a number of officers in his staff. Although some of them, including Silva-Gonzales himself, are severely wounded, they apparently survived the missile attack on the Presidential Palace last night. They are being flown to Bolama where they will be tried. If found guilty of the crime committed against the Cruzan people, they will be dumped in what Chancellor Høgh-Guldberg calls "the SR version of
hell" - this being on a nunatak somewhere in the middle of Antarctica where they will be marooned with nothing more than sporadic supply drops of food to keep them alive.
The Floridian civilian population are being kept in their homes by a curfew, and nobody is allowed to approach government buildings which Coalition forces are emptying and destroying.
In Miami, for instance, SR marines are in the progress of emptying the
Floridian Reserve Bank of all of its valuables, including all of Florida's gold and silver reserves. These are being loaded onto naval airships to be flown and escorted directly to Gjøteborg.
"We are taking Florida's bank reserves to help compensate for the damage inflicted upon the Cruzan people. Nothing, however, can ever fully compensate for Florida's horrendous act. Florida will be paying for this act for the next hundred years. This is just the beginning."
...says a naval spokesperson on the scene.
Coalition forces have also considered it appropriate to destroy Florida's cultural treasures. The national archives, the national museum, and all the government buildings are being reduced to rubble and their contents burnt. This is seen as payback for the Cruzan cultural treasures that have been pulverized when Charlotte Amalie was nuked by Florida.
The former Floridian bases of Pensacola, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, and Fort Lauderdale, however, are being spared. These are now being used by the Coalition as their bases of operations in Florida.
In the Cruzan Islands, the Grønkors personnel and Irish medics are assisting the few scores of survivors of the atomic blast in Charlotte Amalie. Most of these survivors were government officials, like Cruzan Statesminister Turnbull, who had openly defied Florida. They were being hidden in rainwater cisterns by the resistance when the blast occured.
"The most acute problem we have right now is water. We're afraid that all the cisterns may be severely contaminated by radioactivity. We are bringing in water from other parts of the archipelago."
...says a Grønkors volunteer at the scene. Rainwater cisterns are the only reliable source of water in the Cruzan Islands.
Meanwhile, mopping up operations are being carried out in Culebra and Crab Islands, while the SR and Irish navies are patrolling the sound between Porto Rico and the Cruzan Islands. Enemy forces in the rest of the Cruzan archipelago have surrendered. The officers are being shipped to Bolama where they await trial together with General Silva-Gonzales.
[END TRANSCRIPT][KJ]
Našemo, Sedigord -- 24.3.2004 (Našemo, 24. berzenec 2004)
"We are deeply sorrowed with what we see is going on Florida-
Carribea. Yes, we are shocked. And, honestly, taken aback.", said
the Nashina Defense Minister. "As members of Baltic League,
we fully support its communiqué to the situation. As a strictly
neutral country, we all the time insist on diplomatic solutions,
since weapons bring doom and doom brings only new doom. It seems,
that communauté international failed the mission, as well as
individual governments involved. Let it be our main goal for the
future to reconstitute them into a functional system on a platform of
good will and cooperation. Use of nuclear weapons is irresponcible
under any circumstances. We call both sides to négociations.
Responcibility towards the citizens, and justice to the cause."
According to the Nashina Constitution, the Nashina armed forced cannot act
on territory of another sovereign country, until it declares war on
Nashina. Our activities will go along with other diplomatic activities,
as those proposed by the president of the Russian Federation. The
peculiar situation, in which Nashina was railroaded as a neutral
country with strong antimilitaristic tradition and close economical
ties to the Scandinavian Union, seems to make our goverment and also
the citizens anxiously anticipating the situation. As till yet, Nashina is not directly touched with the current events, we expect nothing more than some rhetoric. As what we heard out of record from the Foreign Affairs Minister, Nashina is going to strictly follow the communiqués of the Baltic League and will undertake only strongly supported diplomatic actions.[JH]
WITA WARSINY, 24.03.2004 -- SCANDINAVIAN MISBEHAVIOUR IN F-C; PINIATYK DEMANDS EXPLANATION
WARSINA (WSAP) - The war with Florida-Caribbea seems to have come to an end
before our military even had the time to get there. The Cruzan Islands have
been liberated by the Scandinavians, the Floridian junta of general
Silva-Gonzales has been captured, and currently the Coalition is firmly in
control of most of the country. However, alarming news is coming in about the
misbehaviour of Scandinavian troops in Florida: a curfew has been imposed on
the population, Florida's entire gold and silver reserve has been confisquated
by Scandinavia, and Scandinavian soldiers are reportedly mass-destroying
Floridian monuments, musea and other cultural treasures. The high king of
Dumnonia (Kemr) even deemed it necessary to address the Coalition in person and
ask them to refrain from what he called "wanton destruction".
This places the RTC, only one day upon entering the war at the side of the
Scandinavian Realm, in an awkward position. "This is no behaviour for a
civilised country", foreign minister Piniatyk said. "We understand the
Scandinavians' anger and grief about the tragedy on the Cruzan Islands very
well, and we sympathise deeply. But no tragedy can justify the battering of
innocent civilians or the destruction of works of art. Soon they are going to
tell us that Scandinavian soldiers are also plundering shops, raping women and
killing children. I very much would like not to believe these stories, and I
certainly hope that they are at least gravely exaggerated. But if all this is
true, we must seriously reconsider our support for Scandinavia in this war."
Piniatyk has summoned the Scandinavian ambassador, Mrs. Annika Østerbjerg, to
his office and demanded an explanation.[JvS]
Journal de Ville-Marie (via Omnipresse) -- 24.03.2004
VILLE-MARIE -- When asked to comment on the accusions by Louisiana's President Young that the Intendancy had some ulterior motives for sending aids
to Hayti, Minister for Safety Perrat (appearing on the morning talk show "Salut, Bonjour") replied that "Mister Young should take care of his timber before looking for other people's twig"
The minister is thought to be refering to an article published yesterday in our newspaper in which the author (JdVM's own Laurent Tremblay) claimed that the invasion of Hayti by the louisianais was due in great part to a desire to hide their own past misdeed.
Based on confidential papers obtained through an anonymous source, the author write that for years the government of Louisiana has turned a blind eye to weapons sales by some of its national arms manufacturer to countries in open conflicts or under dictatorships.
Beside the well known case during the Tejas/alta california conflict, Tremblay maintain that an unnamed company, will full consent from the higher echeleons of the republic, provided large amount of military hardware to florida-caribea. Many of these subsequantly ended up in the hands of the pro-FC militia that terrorised the Haytian population.
On a related news, the newly arrived contingent of Neofrancians troops has started its duty today in the northern part of the country and a section of the Capital's suburbs, most of the capital being under Louisianais control. Tho not entirely friendly, the relationship between LA and NF troops is still calm and no incident of consequences have been reported.[MP]
WWL-TV -- BREAKING NEWS -- 24.03.2004 (5 Germinal, CCXII)
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
[The entire transcript is narrated by Angelique Hill, anchor of
WWL-TV, Nouvelle Orleans]
"An unnamed source called to the Council offices at 10:05, Louisianne
Standard Time, and declared themselves to be a member of the now capitulating Floridian Military government. He went on to say, "A small boat left Tampa Monday heading west. Will Louisianne find it before Skt. Tomas is repeated?" cackling in villainous laughter before hanging up.
Top military officials are treating this as a true threat and the Nouvelle Cournouaillian Armee de L'Air detachment that was en route to Hayti has been rerouted to fly a search pattern over the Northern Gulf to locate any unidentified boats.
All Citizens are asked to remain calm. There is no certainty as to the validity of the claims by the telephone informant, and the measures I will now explain are a cautionary move by the government.
All members of the Home Guard are called to active duty and will report to their activations centres immediately. I repeat, ALL MEMBERS of the HOME GUARD are called to active duty IMMEDIATELY and will report to their activation centres IMMEDIATELY. The Police National will verify your identity as you leave your place of employment or home and once again in the activation centres.
All Citizens of St. Onge are requested to remain in their homes or places of buisness until directed to evacuate by Police Nationale. Parents are encouraged not to worry for their children; all schools are being systematically evacuated with their neighborhood.
All Citizens are being evacuated to Le Caillou, where a tent city is being erected. Schools in Le Caillou have been closed for the day and students are sent home. Citizens of Le Caillou are under curfew after 5:00 pm. This curfew covers the entire Departement of St. Onge as well as some cities in the lower half of Departement St. Louis.
Citizens in coastal areas are ordered to pack a minimal amount of clothing; any amount exceeding 5 kilos per person will not be taken on the evacuatory transports.
Les Gendarmes de Mer have also been mobilized in full force to a five mile radius surrounding Biloxi et Mobile and the coast of St. Onge, with many smaller Navy Clippers pulled in from Shipping-Lane patrol to boulster the numbers. A search pattern has already begun with a Navy detachment, but is felt to be insufficient without air support.
The Nouvelle Orleans Port Authority have placed a moratorium on traffic along the Mississippi and is supported in this venture by the Port Authority of Vienne-le-Port at the terminus of the river on the gulf. A blockade of the river mouth is in effect.
The Police Nationale are mobilized along with local police forces. Bus fleets and CFL trains have been commandeered to help evacuate coastal areas in anticipation of a failure in the safety net, although many citizens are resisting relocation.
[A peice of paper is held onscreen by unidentified staff; Hill takes
it and reads:]
And this just reported: Despite the activation of the Home Guard and Police National, looting has broken out in Hammond and La Salle, but Police National and local police and Gendarmes are moving on the areas in riot gear.
President Gildersleeve is expected to make an address to the people of St. Onge later this morning. We'll keep you posted as to events as they continue to come forth. May God have mercy on us.
[END TRANSCRIPT][DH]
RR WORLD SERVICE - 24/03/04 15:00 PMT
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
[JINGLE]This is the RR World Service! Its 15:00 PMT, the 24th of March, 2004.
First an update on the developments in Vestindien.
Its morning now in Florida and the whole peninsula is now secured and under naval administration after the last of any resistance inland has been neutralized by coalition forces. Admiral Odum Kofisen Tesie of the SR Guinea-West Indian Command will lead the administration.
Coalition forces have ceased their activities against Florida's cultural treasures after the High King of the FK recently appealed to the coalition to stop. Instead, SR troops are now loading what is left of effects from the Floridian National Museum and the National Archives, including such priceless effects as Florida's original draft of its declaration of independence from
Castille-Leon, onto airships that will then fly and escorted directly to Gjøteborg.
"The Dumnonian High King had a point there. I'm afraid we went berserk.
Instead of destroying a lot of this junk, we should have confiscated them from the start. The SR can then sell them back to Florida at a later time if they want these junk back, to pay for what they have done to our Cruzan brethrens."
...says one SR soldier at the scene.
Others, especially those of Guinea-West Indian descent, are not as complaisant. One told us, "Bah! This High King... what does he know of what
we feel? Besides, he is not our king, so why should we listen to him? These kakerlakers living here deserve nothing after what they have done to us! They
should all be exterminated with insecticide like the kakerlakers they are."
The anger and hatred felt by many Guinea-West Indian marines is colossal. A group was caught earlier today at dawn bulldozering and defecating in the tombs at the Miami Cemetary. Despite the earlier destruction of Florida's cultural treasures, the destruction of cemetaries was specifically forbidden. The group has been disciplined for disturbing the gravepeace.
Floridians, have expressed some concern with the selection of Admiral
Tesie, a Scandinavian Guinea-West Indian himself, as the head of the
naval administration of Florida. They fear that he too will unleash
the same kind of rage that his Guinea-West Indian brethrens have. But
he has given his assurance to the Floridian people and the coalition
partners that "only the guilty shall be punished".
Meanwhile, licensed SR privateers have arrived and are helping themselves to the goods stored in Florida's ports and to what remains of Florida's merchant fleet before the war is officially declared over. Unlicensed privateers are being forbidden from entering Florida's ports by the coalition. Mærsk and the East Asiatic Compagnie has announced that all of their earnings on privateering will go to rebuilding Charlotte Amalie.
In the Cruzan Islands, life is returning to some degree of normalsy,
except for Charlotte Amalie, which is now being abandoned and the survivors are being ferried to Christiansted on the island of Skt.Croix. Christiansted is now the temporary capital of the CruzanIslands, and the government is establishing itself in Von Scholtens Palace which will now be the venue for the Cruzan parliament.
[END TRANSCRIPT][KJ]
DAGAT CUZOT -- Jerusalem -- 24.03.2004 (2 Nisan, 5764)
A flurry of press releases and televized statements have come from the
usually reticent governments of a number of Middle-Eastern nations over the past few days. It seems like the detonation of the Floridian nuclear bomb has shaken them out of their region-centric slumber.
The first to respond was the lugal of Al-Basra. At a televized press conference in the Garden of Creation near Basra City, Lugal Taliiq ibn Ash-Shams read a statement prepared and signed by himself and every member of the national council. In it, the "Government and People of the Ecotopic Arab Republic of Al-Basra pledge[d] any and all humanitarian and ecological recovery aid needed to heal the wounds of the Cruzan Islands and their inhabitants," as well as condemned the use of atomic wepons in all situations. A number of Al-Basra's "scientist heroes" of the young nation's post-secession cleanup effort have already sent information from their works on ecological recovery while waiting for travel permission from Scandinavian and Coalition military authorities. This was Ibn Ash-Shams's biggest press
conference since the one thanking the countries which contributed forces to the defense of Al-Basra at the time of the fall of `Iraaq's Saddaam Hussayn.
In a joint statement, the governments of Judea, Lebanon and the Hijaaz,
while praising the swift action taken by Coalition forces, expressed dismay at the reports of the destruction of Floridian cultural treasures, archives and institutes. "War is fought between people," they said, "not between objects. The destruction of artifacts is the destruction of human history, and the destruction of history is the rewriting of history - and the rewriting of history is a step into dark ignorance. If you have come to the conclusion that the government of Florida, based on its record of human matters, is also an untrustworthy guardian of its cultural history, it would be understandable to remove those treasures from its hands. What is not understandable is grinding them into dust." Aside from this one issue, though, the statement was overwhelmingly positive, and offered whatever humanitarian aid is needed to the war-ravaged Caribbean.
A number of other countries have unofficially pledged aid, and formal
statements from them are expected as the week continues...[SB]
IBAP -- 5 Germinal, CCXII (24 March, 2004)
In an early morning press address from the Paris-sur-Mizouri Aerodrome, President Jean-Francois Young spoke out against Nouvelle Francien Minister of Safety Perrat's commentary on Louisiannan motives.
"Louisianne has announced our intentions with the military and civilian support to Hayti. We've stated a time frame within which we intend to get Hayti back on its feet and moving forward. We plan on holding general elections once peace is restored wherein all persons of Hayti may select electors to represent them in a constitutional convention, held under League of Nations auspices. We want a free, autonomous and self-determined, self-governed Hayti.
"In our analysis of events we are lead to a dark conclusion, that the motives of Nouvelle Francie are not support for Hayti, but colonization. One simply has to look at the distance from Nouvelle Francie to Hayti to realize that their fleet had departed many days before the Lousiannan convoy. It is my fear that the Nouvelle Francien government has made this move to boulster its own royalist ends.
"I fear that Minister Perrat's commentary was a move to cover his derriere, seeking to shift the blame that would likely fall on his country for this bold move. I am leaving this morning to the League of Nations headquarters to demand a unilateral peace-keeping force be sent to Hayti to ensure the right of self-determination for that poor, abused people.
"It is my hope that the people of our world will see the risk in allowing Nouvelle Francie to occupy parts of Hayti when their motives are questionable. This is not a matter of sibling rivalry, nor is it divisiveness over the issue of republican versus royalist government. This is a matter of people being able to decide for themselves how they will be governed.
"If I am wrong in my supposition, which is based on the facts of these last few days, then I urge the Nouvelle Francien government to declare its intentions with their occupying force in Hayti, to explain why there was no communication between our two governments as to a plan of action with Hayti. If Nouvelle Francie's intentions are truly honorable, then I apologize d'avance. If not, I urge them to withdraw and allow this people a choice of sovereignty."
In related news, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, based in Zarahemla, Nouvelle Cournouaille, has begun to send large amounts of food, clothing and medicine to Hayti, as well as specialized personnel to help train and rebuild the infrastructure.
When asked about this move, President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "They are our brothers. They are our sisters. How can we look at the abundance the Lord has placed before us and not share with them?"
When questioned about the personnel, he said, "We have called these people who are even now travelling to Hayti to serve in a service mission capacity. They will train, they will teach, they will heal this people who has so long been abused. Most will only remain there for a year or 18 months. Others may or may not replace them depending on the stability of the region and the need for more support. They are not sent to indoctrinate the Haytian people. They
are not there to agitate for any form of politics, and we will recall them if they do so. They are there to serve, to bless a trodden upon people. It is my prayer that the Haytian people will have a time of peace and respite, that they will be able to live their lives in happiness, as God intended."[DH]
WITA WARSINY -- 23.03.2004 -- RTC JOINS THE WAR
WARSINA (WSAP) – The Republic of the Two Crowns has declared war on
Florida-Caribbea. Yesterday evening, at 22:50 hours, all programs on radio and
television were interrupted for a live transmission of chancellor Jan Sacz, who
spoke directly to the nation.
"As we know by now, my fellow countrymen, the regime of Florida-Caribbea has
set off an atomic bomb in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the Cruzan Islands.
Thousands of harmless, innocent civilians – men, women and children – were
murdered in the largest act of terrorism since the beginning of human history,
and all this for no other reason than to intimidate Scandinavia and the North
American League."
"We have always successfully pursued a neutral course", Sacz continued. "But in this case we should not hesitate, my fellow countrymen, because our own safety is at stake as well as the safety of our allies. Do no underestimate Florida-Caribbea, for it is not a simple banana republic; it is a bandit state capable of destroying more than we all can concieve. Therefore, the government has decided to join forces with the coalition of democratic nations. I have just informed my Scandinavian colleague H¸gh-Guldberg of this decision, and assure him our full support in the war, both morally and militarily. In other words, the Republic is now officially at war with Florida-Caribbea!"
He then handed over the microphone to defense minister Edmund Mielã, who said: "To be precise, we have sent eight frigates to the Caribbean, as well as
twenty-four airships and sixteen Spretu fighters from our Air Force and Navy,
under the joint command of general Marek Aldendorf. Of course we can disclose
neither the exact place nor the scheduled time of arrival; all I can tell you
now is that they will join the forces of Scandinavia, Ireland and the NAL soon.
We hope of course that we will not get involved into any direct fightings, but
the Floridians must know that we are there, that we are prepared to fight when
necessary, and most of all, that we are determined not to rest until the regime
of Silva-Gonzales is wiped out."[JvS]
BBC RADIO-3 -- 23.03.2004 -- "Latenight Esca"
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
...It seems no one is sleeping the night: Cruzans are awake and sorting through the remains of their land for survivors, Floridians are awake and wondering what will happen to them next, the Scandinavians are awake and seeking those who have destroyed the Cruzan Islands. Earlier the night, we heard that the forces of the Grand Coalition have invaded Florida and have made a quick sweep of it. In less than two days, all the major ports and cities have been siezed, leaving only pockets of any strong resistance by loyalist troops. Damage reports from the Cruzan Islands keep comming in. Now, the Scandinavians have come in to see for themselves what only our Navy had
seen previously: the total destruction of Charlotte Amalie and the ruin of the Scandinavian Caribbean jewel. Remaining Floridian forces, which apparently moved back into the ruined city after the atomic blast, fired upon our scout
vessels, but with heavily armed SR and Irish forces arriving thereafer, those islands have now been secured.
In light of the horrific toll inflicted upon the Scandinavian people, our High King has broken his silence on the War at last and is defending of all people the Floridians! Here's the speech just released to the press and you are hearing it here first on BBC-3:
"People of the Commonwealth! We have heard at long last that our brave warriors are advancing, in step with our Scandinavian and Irish allies, upon the nation of Florida. In these last days we have heard what will undoubtedly be a mere tithe of the horrors inflicted upon the Cruzan people by the usurper General Silva-Gonzales, leading up to the detonation of the horror of our Age: an atomic bomb. Twice before in War has this devil of the physicists been unleashed on innocent people; and the Cruzadoes, perhaps least of all, deserved that fate, for it seems that the General gave the order in order to snub his nose at the Scandinavian Realm. Perhaps he's saying 'if I can't have those lands after this war, then by all the gods, you shall not have them either!'
Now, we hear this night that the Floridians are being kept in their homes during curfew - fine. It is important to impose order in such a chaotic
situation. We also hear the the Scandinavians are emptying the vaults of the Banks of their valuables - fine. To the victor goes the spoils; and the Cruzan islands will be an expensive mess for the Realm to clear up.
But we also hear that "Coalition Forces" are seeing fit to wantonly destroy the cultural treasures of Florida - and that is not fine! We must punish Florida for its recent crimes, but we must be wary of punishing the other victims of those crimes: innocent Floridians. While the Grand Coalition will almost certainly be victorious in its War against Florida, we must take care not to let the victory get away from us! Reducing the cultural treasures of Florida will serve no purposes other than demoralising the Floridian nation; it will almost certainly turn them against us in future; and our behaviour
shall not speak well of our rightfully noble part in this action to future generations.
I therefore call upon His Majesty, the King, and all His Majesty's ministers of war and all those in authority over Commonwealth forces to refrain
from such wanton destruction! Unless we are prepared to annex Florida as a colony or province of America, she shall ever be our next door neighbour. We can not afford to make a belligerent neighbour into an actively hostile and spiteful neighbour.
Let all us Britons together call for a sane and moderate policy of subduing the machine of Florida's governance - let us not subjugate the Floridian people and destroy what is good in their culture!"
[END TRANSSCRIPT][PB]
BBC WORLD NEWS SERVICE -- 23.03.2004 -- HAYTI FIGHTS FLORIDA FLEES!!!
KINGSTON -- "Nou rêmê Fwansi Nouvo yo!" Haytians are certainly appreciative of the copious assistance given them by the New French. Not only has the Intendant sent militiamen, but has also sent materiel, food, medicines, good will and that all important necessity for a country so terribly worn down: money, and lajâ is certainly something the new governing council of Hayti will
need in times to come.
At last the Big Push has come to a shove. And it looks like General Silva's hastily drafted and gathered troops have mostly fallen like so many dominoes when faced by the fury of SR troops avanging their fallen Westindian bretheren. The "Cuban Traitors" - it is still uncertain whether or not Mr Bush is in residence at La Habana - seem to have secured their own island, plus those of Porto Rico, Guadaloupe and Martinique. Dominica seems to have come out the worst for wear, as local warlords have seized control of various parts of the country, while now leaderless Floridian troops wander about the land
seizing what they may.
Soon to be former presidente Silva of Florida-Caribbea recently called our Scandinavian allies "savage vikings", and it appears that they are now howling for bloody vengeance. Will the Commonwealths leadership be able to curb the
understandable berserk of the North as they ravage the coasts of Florida, lest the Grand Coalition be sucked into the bloodbath initiated by Generalisimo Silva?[PB]
IBAP -- 4 Germinal, CCXII (23 March, 2004)
Le Caillou, Osage -- Albert Cassin, a renowned government analyst spoke out today against the influx of Nouvelle Francy troups in Hayti.
"I'm deeply bothered by the quote from Minister Perrat. What is the most bothersome is that the Nouvelle Franciens would have been welcome to contribute to the effort of restoring Hayti to an autonomous, self-selected government, but they instead chose not to contact the Louisiannan government, and sent troops.
"It would seem to me that Minister Perrat is not so deeply concerned with the intent of Louisianne, but rather with securing another royalist support for their country.
"If I were on the Council, I would make heavy petition to the League of Nations to send in a peacekeeping force made up of representative nations. This has all the feeling of a great political snafu in the making. It makes me cringe."
M. Cassin is expected to be called into special hearings with the Council later today.[DH]
RR WORLD SERVICE - 23/03/04 12:00 PMT
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
[JINGLE] "This is the RR World Service! Its 12 noon PMT. We have just recieved word that mainland Florida has been attacked by Coalition forces during the Vestindisk night. Details are still scanty, but it appears that the Coalition has successfully executed a pincer tactical move on Florida.
"Early in the evening, NAL forces crossed the border north of Florida and secured northern Florida. Resistance is reported to have been minimal.
"Later that evening, a number of ballistic missiles each fired from one of our aircraft-carrying subs hit selected targets in Miami. Among the targets were the Presidential Palace, the War Department Building, and the Cortes Building. Skarven aeroplanes launched from these same subs have also bombed the naval docks in Fort Lauderdale, just north of Miami.
"The naval industrial yards in Tampa Bay, on the opposite side of Florida was also attacked by a similar submarine attack of ballistic missiles followed by an air raid of Skarvens.
"The submarine attacks on Miami and Tampa was followed by coalition forces landing in and around the Miami and Tampa. They were supported by heavy espingol shelling of Floridian positions from naval surface and air ships. By morning, Floridian troops are said to have retreated to the swamps inland and where they now engage with the NAL forces that entered northern Florida earlier. Reports say that Miami is now under the control of the coalition and that Tampa Bay Naval Base has been reduced to rubble. We do not yet have reports on casualties, nor do we know what has happened to General Silva-Gonzales and his junta.
"On the other end of the Caribbean, the beleaguered Cruzan naval base of Kraal Baai was still holding out against Floridian forces when SR marines and Irish rangers came to their aid and landed in Skt.Thomas, Skt.Jan, and Tortola. They were supported by the SR and Irish navies. Reports say that that islands are as good as liberated and what remains is mopping-up operations in the other Cruzan Islands."
[END TRANSCRIPT][KJ]
RIGETS TIDENDE - Tirsdag, 23.03.2004 -- INTELLIGENCE REPORTS POINT TO GENERAL SILVA-GONZALES
GJØTEBORG - Rigets Efterretningstjeneste (RET) reports that the atomic attack on Charlotte Amalie was the work of general Silva-Gonzales's junta in Florida. According to an anonymous source working in RET headquarters, "It appears that the junta wants to increase the anymosity between the SR and the
exiled Floridian government in Cuba in order to provoke an all out war against the exiled government. Cuba, unfortunately, has taken the bait and has accused the SR of this dispicable act."
*****
RIGSFÆLLESKABET SER RØDT! COALITIONEN KLART!
GJØTEBORG - Blood red. That is what the Rigsfælleskab sees after the FKRN made a quick pass last Sunday by the Cruzan Islands to assess the situation, discovered to their horror that Charlotte Amalie is no more, and confirmed through geiger readings that a small atomic device was detonated near the city, killing 1/5 of the Cruzan population. Everyone is shocked, and everyone in the Rigsråd wants revenge, even the opposition.
Three minutes of silence was observed after Chancellor Høgh-Guldberg
announced the news of Charlotte Amalie's destruction in the Rigsråd yesterday. Afterwards, the Chancellor summarized the RET report, which indicated that the people responsible for Charlotte Amalie's destruction was the junta in Florida. (See previous article). In an emotional speech, the Chancellor said, "I, nor anyone in the Kancelli, has resorted to name calling. But frankly, the Floridian junta is worse than satan. Nobody has the right to
deliberately target civilians. Nobody has the right to wipe out a fifth of a nations population. Nobody! Not even Satan himself!
"Friday, the 19th of March, will be a date that will live on in infamy. A date when a Floridian junta decided to wipe out a fifth of the Cruzan population in order to secure itself. An act done when the coalition was merely acting defensively within the confines of the former condominiums. An act done when there were no coalition troops outside the condominium territories to interfere with Floridian affairs. There are no coalition troops in Hayti. But if Floridians insists on playing rough, then we'll play rough.
"The Guinea-West Indian Command has reported to me that the Grand Coalition consisting of SR, FK, NAL, and Irish forces have gathered and have now assumed their positions at key locations around the Caribbean. I'm granting Defense Minister Kalkenskjold whatever he and the Coalition needs to sink Florida, General Silva-Gonzales, and all those Hispanic little satans in his junta. Its
time to rumble. They'll pay for what they have done to the Queen's Vestindisk Hovedstad."[KJ]
WITA WARSINY -- 22.03.2004 -- BALTIC LEAGUE CONVENES IN DANZIG
DANZIG (WSAP) - In response to the recent events in the West Indies and to
rumours about the explosion of a nuclear weapon on or near the Cruzan Islands,
the leaders of the Baltic League have convened yesterday at an emergency
meeting in Danzig. It was called by prince Timotieje II of Skuodia. Purpose of
the summit, which lasted less than four hours, was to discuss the League's
stance in the conflict between Scandinavia and Florida-Caribbea, and if
possible to issue a joint statement. The following resolution was adopted and
read aloud by Danzig's upper mayor, Holger Bolle:
"The Baltic League, convened in the Free City of Danzig, on March 21, 2004,
represented here by the prince of Skuodia, the upper mayor of Danzig, the
chancellor of the Republic of the Two Crowns, and the prime ministers of
Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Mecklenburg, Nashina, Preimern, Rygen, and Sweden, as
well the president of Ukraine, (1) SHARPLY CONDEMNS all acts of violence undertaken by Florida-Caribbea
against the population of the Cruzan Islands;
(2) DEMANDS the immediate withdrawal of the Floridian military from the Cruzan
Islands;
(3) STRONGLY URGES the Floridian government to respect the outcome of a
democratically held referendum regarding the status of the Cruzan Islands;
(4) URGES its members to terminate their relations, both diplomatic and
commercial, with Florida-Caribbea until the conditions as formulated in this
resolution have been met;
(5) ALSO DECIDES to close down its office in Miami, effective immediately,
until the same conditions have been met;
(6) REAFFIRMS that any act of violence against the Scandinavian Realm will be
treated as an act of violence against the Baltic League;
(7) SPEAKS OUT ITS HOPE that the conflict will not further escalate, and that it can be settled peacefully."
The resolution was signed by the representatives of all League members except Latvia. Prime minister Alksnis, a personal friend of the Floridian-Caribbean dictator Bush, refused to take a stance in the war as long as it has not been decisively proven that an atomic bomb was indeed used, and if so, that it was the Scandinavians themselves who set it off.
In the meantime, the explosion of an atomic bomb on the island of Sankt Thomas has been confirmed officially, although it is not yet clear who is responsible for it. The governments of Florida-Caribbea and Scandinavia accuse each other mutually, although most observers are convinced that it was the new Floridian junta, led by general Silva-Gonzales, who set off the bomb as a demonstration of its power.[JvS]
WITA WARSINY -- 22.03.2004 -- RUSSIA OFFERS TO MEDIATE
MOSCOW (WSAP) – President Igor Arensky of the Russian Federation, reelected
last week, has offered to act as an intermediary in peace talks between
Florida-Caribbea and the Scandinavian Realm. "This entire conflict is
unnecessary," he said. "If not one country after another had started to meddle
with what basically still is a Floridian internal matter, this whole thing
would never have escalated into what seems like the beginning of a nuclear war
between different states." Arensky called both parties for calmth and wisdom,
and said: "What we need now is not a coalition of countries that hope to gain
profit from Florida's defeat; what we really need is a strong, neutral state
that can mediate in the conflict and help settle it peacefully."
To effectuate his proposal, Arensky has sent his foreign minister, Valentin
Kugelman, to Gjøteborg and Miami to discuss it with both governments.
LA VOZ DE LA NACION -- 22.03.2004
MIAMI -- At last the Scandinavians show their true colors! It is clear from that worst kind of lying dog, Defense Minister Kalkenskjold, that contrary to his words, Scandinavia has in fact detonated an atomic bomb in Sovereign Floridian territory. They made a clear threat and have now carried out that base threat! We must demand of the League of Nations sactions against these
vicious savages! ...
Louisianan invaders have at last made good on their threat to invade the province of Dominica. They shall be repulsed with the utmost of vigour! Our valiant soldiers are, even now, driving them into the sea at Puerto del Principe. ...
Rebels in Cuba and Puerto Rico must be made to pay for their Treason! All able bodied men between the ages of 17 and 45 are to be called up to active duty in order to defend our borders from further American violence on our northern frontiers and to restore order amongst the discontented in the provinces. ...
Our valiant Presidente has been seen rallying the People and his troops with the most gallant caballerismo. It is practically assured that victory shall be ours in the end and that our enemies shall flee before our vengeful swords! ...[PB]
OMNIPRESSE -- 22.03.2004 -- AIRSHIP CARYING FINAL SHIPMENT OF TROOPS ARRIVED IN HAYTI
QUEBEC (Omnipresse) - The final group of militiamen from the Territorial Guard to be deployed to Hayti left this morning for Port-Au-Prince.
These men will join up with the other ground forces already in the Haitian capital, mainly in the tent city that has sprouted near the city and which contain thousands of civilians fleeing the fighting.
Maréchal de Camps Raymond de Ramzay told his troop that this mission was important for the dignity of New-Francy, but but even more so for the people of Hayti.
One of the soldier interviewed by an omnipresse journalist before departure said he looking forward to the deployment.
"The people are friendly and we're friendly to them," he said, adding that he can speak creole, the local French dialect. "The people there trust us Neofrancians because of our common history"
Minister for Safety Perrat said that although the troops will continue to liaise and cooperate with the newly arrived Lousianais, he hope that its republican government will not used the current crisis as a mean to further their political agenda.
"We are there to help the haytian people and we are there for the long run" he said "I sincerely wish our help with be limited to policing and community development"
The minister refused to elaborate on his last comment.[MP]
IBAP -- 3 Germinal, CCXII (March 22, 2004)
Port-au-Prince, HAYTI -- Amidst heated skirmishes the Louisiannan Peace Keeping force arrived into battle scarred Port-au-Prince. What was left of the Floridian puppet governer, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, was handed over to
authorities, persumbably for an ignominious burial.
Spretu Fighers are patrolling Haytian airspace while the Army and Navy
work to secure land and sea borders, quelling hot-spots of Floridian resistance.
The Louisiannan force is not treating the Floridians heavy-handedly, but rather offers clemency and is prepping boats to return the Floridians to their Patria.
Croix-Rouge personnel, with Louisiannan Army Aide are setting up distribution centers to help the war ravaged people with distribution of bedding, food and clothing. Further efforts are planned to help these people become self-sufficient by restoring the economy of the shattered republic.
In a private interview, Grand Mareshal Albert Marsden of the Armée de l'Air said, 'We are pleased with the versatility of the spretu fighters and will be ordering more from our fine colleagues, the Dalmatians. We esteem this operation to be well in hand, and look forward to a peaceful occupation while the Haytians rebuild and prepare for their own autonomy."[DH]
BBC WORLD NEWS SERVICE -- 21.03.2004 -- RN TESTS CONFIRM ATOMIC BLAST
KINGSTON -- After last Fridays reports of a "tree shaped cloud" over Charlotte Amalie in the Cruzans, RN marines from Bahamas Province toured the region and discovered a tradgedy in the small island of St. Thomas (CI). Indeed it appears from geiger readings that a smallish atomic device was
smuggled into the harbour and detonated there - vapourising the town and the center of Cruzan resistance in the Islands.
Furthermore, marines discovered that, contrary to the new presidentes statements, Floridian troopers have not left Charlotte Amalie. Many corpses were seen dangling from the quays, and batteries from within the city fired upon the RN vessels.
It is clear now that the Scandinavians are not responsible for the atomic weapons detonation in St. Thomas, though their silence in light of earlier threats had many wondering. We hear that the Floridians are keeping up with the
anti-Scandinavian rhetoric, calling Defense Minister Kalkenskjold "the worst kind of lying dog" and insisting that the League of Nations lay down its
severest sanctions against the whole of the SR.
Meanwhile, it appears that Porto Rico, Martinique and Guadaloupe have joined with Cuba in its revolt against Florida. The fates of Governor Juanita Zapateros (Guad.) and Jean Marie d' Armour (Mart.) are unknown but have apparently been removed. Porto Rico has set the Floridian governor, José Matamoros, afloat from St. John's City in a small barca with his staff and what
appears to be, according to the crew of the Kemrese vessel HMS Pensang, a crate of Norwgian kippered salmon.[PB]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- Mandag, 21.03.2004 -- COULD NOT HAVE BEEN US
GJØTEBORG - The weekends report of an atomic bomb exploding in Vestindien has led some of amongst the public to ask whether or not the Navy was responsible for its detonation. Defense Minister Kalkenskjold said in a press conference yesterday:
"First of all, we do not know for a fact that a nuclear bomb went off in Vestindien. But its ridiculous to accuse the SR of detonating it. Do the math! Check the facts! Use your common sense! If one did went off, then it could not have been us.
"Our submarine fleet only left Bolama last Sunday evening [14/03/04]. It takes more than a week for subs to cross the Atlantic over to West India, even at top speeds of 20 knots. Do the math! By Friday, when the bomb is said to have gone off, the sub fleet would have only just made it halfway across the Atlantic. Our subs could not have been in the vicinity to fire their ballistic missiles with any precision.
"Also, the coalition in North America is only just gathering. As I said not more than two days ago, that it will take at least two weeks to get organized. We have also made promises to the Irish contingent that we would not use the bomb. Besides, I have never ever threatened the use of atomic weapons. Never! Just because I suggested its use to the Chancellor, that does not mean the government has threatened to use it.
"Finally, but not least, why on earth would we want to nuke Skt.Thomas!!?? Our own citizens!!?? Please! Don't insult me! If Skt.Thomas was indeed attacked by the bomb, then whoever is responsible for it will pay hell!"
*****
SILENCE IN KRAAL BAAI
BOLAMA - We have not heard from Kraal Baai the entire weekend. After the reported use of a nuclear bomb near Skt.Thomas, people are speculating that perhaps it was the neighbouring island of Skt.Jan, where Kraal Baai is located, that was nuked by the Floridian military in an attempt to end its resistance.
Last we heard, which was last Thursday, before the reports of a bomb, all the Cruzan Islands were still in Republican control. Only Skt.Jan was resisting.[KJ]
BBC WORLD NEWS SERVICE, NORTH AMERICA DESK -- 19.03.2004 -- I SAY, WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?
KINGSTON -- A curious transcript arrived in our wire services device this afternoon, from the office of the Floridian president. In part it reads: "...the despicable, deplorable actions of the Scandinavian Realm of Thugs is beyond all comprehension! The world must know how low will they stoop in their desire to destroy us and stifle our actions in our own territory! Not only do they threaten innocent Floridian lives, but they sacrifice their own people - or those they claim are their own - in their blind ambition to destroy us. The League of Nations must persue their roguerie; sanctions must be applied before they menace anyone else! We shall apply all our efforts to the League of Nations and to the Commonwealth to help curb the excesses of the
these Viking marauders!"
Quite. This in curious contrast to the following item out of Radio Havana at about 3pm o'clock today: "...We hereby declare invalid the junta of the Partida de le Patria in the territories of Cuba. All ties with Florida are hereby renounced and severed. We have successfully invaded Miami and have recovered thirteen of our fifteen members of the old Cortes; 67 congressmen and 2 justices. We have no knowledge on the whereabouts of the former president.
"Regarding the reported use of an atomic weapon over San Tomás this morning: we repudiate this as the action of unstable tacticians. Whether such a
hideous weapon was detonated by the Scandinavians as they threatened, or whether it was in fact detonated by the Floridian military, the transitional government of Cuba condemns the use and the users of such a weapon..."
Indeed, Scandinavian scout vessels reported sighting a small fleet of airships with fighter aeroplane escort head north in the early morning, and back south again in the early afternoon. However, our agents in Havana, speaking with reliable sources on condition of anonymity have discovered that former President Bush may well be in Havana. It remains to be seen whether he will seek (or be allowed to seek) a return to power in Florida via Cuba or whether he will be deported to his native America.
The news from Dominica is somewhat brighter, for it seems that the Haytians have heard rumours of Louisianan aid in their cause and have risen once again. We hear from our agents in what is left of Porte au Prince that the struggle is being prosecuted with all due patriotic vim. We also hear that Floridian forces are, for the moment, disoriented and incapacitated from recent events.
However, we are sure that this situation will not long last and hereby pass along word to notres amis in North America that the Haytians can not long last on patriotic vim alone!
Whatever the case, the situation in Florida is surely spiralling, and the grand coalition have not even made more than tentative initial steps towards stabilising the region.[PB]
Valley Radio, Early Morning Anguila -- 19.03.2004
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
...we've had a number of strange reports from fishing boats early this morning, who report a loud sustained rumble from the vicinity of St. Thomas Island. Guess the Floridian army is partying, ya?
Just a mo, folks. Wow. In all my time on Valley Radio, I've never had to say it, but THIS JUST IN!:
It seems that either the whole fishing fleet is drunk or they're all halucinating the same thing! It's right here from the Beeb: it seems every
police and guard station in the Bahamas and Leeward Islands is being bombarded with reports of some strange tree shaped cloud over St. Thomas Island this morning. What that could be, I have no idea. Could it be the Scandinavians set off one their long touted atomic weapons over the Floridian invaders? I guess that's one way of dealing with the Bushwhackers - or this Silva idiot that seems to have taken over last night...
[END TRANSCRIPT][PB]
FROM BBC NEWS SERVICE ARCHIVES, Courtesy of IBAP -- 18.03.2004 (30 Ventôse CCXII) at 08h00 local time, Nouvelle Orléans, St. Onge
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
[Lights illuminating podium, quiet murmuring of press associates; SQUEAL of Microphone as Rear Admiral Louis Mareshal Odequirk adjusts it]
[ODEQUIRK:] Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, Representatives from the League of Nations. With the discovery of the retreat of Floridian Occupation forces the Louisiannan Army, Navy and Air Force are even as we speak moving into position in the Caribbean to offer support to the governments of Hayti and Martinique during this renewed transitional time. We will willingly consult with other nations seeking support.
[UNNAMED REPORTER:] How do you explain this move towards imperialism by the Council?
[ODEQUIRK:] It is decidedly not a move towards imperialism or colonialism. Our military forces will support the local police infrastructures until such time as these countries elect a stable national government. Our operations will be consistently monitored by League Officials.
[MAX TANNENBAUM, KLOZ, ZARAHEMLA:] Is there a time frame for this, or will this be a de facto colonisation?
[ODEQUIRK:] I repeat this is not colonisation, and at this time there is no time frame. We will be working with the respective governments of these islands and it is my unofficial opinion that Louisiannan forces will withdraw before the end of next year. Thank you.
[Steps down from the podium amidst flashes of cameras and shouted questions, and disappears behind the curtains.
[END TRANSCRIPT][DH]
TELEMUNDO RADIO TRANSCRIPT -- 18.03.2004
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
[...STATIC; hazy video of seated military officers, one of whom rises to a microphone]
Peoples of Florida: We are informing you, on this television estaciones that Jorge Bush is no longer presidente of las Flordias. The Partida del Patria now declares the dissolución of the Cortes and Courts, suspensión of constitución ridiculosa, arrest and detention of key members of old govierno. La junta, led by General Silva-Gonzales here, va a restaurar el orden a la
república - will restore order to Florida after so much troubles.
[brandishes pistol, all shout] Viva! Viva! Viva!
[General Silva-Gonzales speaks] I am ordering all chief members of the old government, congressmen, members of the Cortes and all chief Justices of the old court to report to the police station nearest them, where they will be transported to Miami for interrogation and processing. We have support of all Floridian military and policia. This coup was accomplished in a bloodless
fashion; I hope not to needlessly spill any FLORIDIAN blood in the days to come.
To General Moderator of Norteamerica: the old government, how do you say?, chewed too much. Why do we need lousy Jamaicans? Florida does not need to conquer them. You already have your islands back. Go home now. To King of England: you go home too. You have your islands. To King of Normans: you want Cruzadas? We leave by morning. Ahaha! [indistinct voice: Si nosoros salimos, no
ellos! muffled shout Callate!] You take what's left by noon, no? Ahaha! Si lo que resta! Ahaha!
You, Alberto Franco, mujercito. Keep my Cuba safe for us until we come to La Habana to clean your clocks for you!
Viva la república! [general shouting and gunshots]
[END TRANSCRIPT][PB]
IBAP -- 17.03.2004 (28 Ventôse CCXII)
La Salle, St. Onge -- In this fine bay city, Suburb of Nouvelle Orléans there has been a flury of activity lately, as many Scandinavian descent Louisiannans come in every day on the trains, ready to participate in the
Privateering operations. While Louisianne does not condone this action, and is seeking to prevent it with patrols of the Caribbean, it allows these young men and women to leave on vessels bound for foreign ports where they most likely join the SR Privateering Fleet.
"No Privateers are permitted to dock here," Karl Maginot, dockmaster of La Salle said on Tuesday, "We don't permit them to dock here, and if they do, their vessels are seized. We don't want to become a target of Floridian ire. Bad for business."
The Principautés Lointains, Biloxi et Mobile, are taking a different tack, which causes great concern in the halls of the National Assembly and the Council chambers. Rumor runs rampant that the gun runners that helped the resistance during the occupation of these cities have resurfaced and are beginning in earnest to ferry supplies to the embattled Kraal Baai Naval Base.
Any dockmaster asked for comment politely refused, and the reporters
seeking the comments were shown politely to a waiting cab and asked not to return. Government officials have yet to actually send an official investigator, though a visit is promised some time later today. An un-named source, who spoke on condition of anonymity was credited as saying, "Of course we are going to turn a blind eye to this. It's the same principle we operated under during the years with Alta California and Tejas. We keep both sides embattled and funded, and they leave us the hell alone."
Political analysts disagree, stating that the government may be turning a blind eye for the near term in hopes that the conflict will rupture, and the SR and coalition will achieve their freedom. All sources would agree that a freed and independent Caribbean would be much better than the powderkeg it currently is.
- Henri Vankrikonge, IBAP[DH]
Omnipresse - 17.03.2004
QUEBEC - The Intendant has today reiterated that military force, wether
atomic or conventional, should only be used as a last resort and then only "under a clear mandate from the League of Nations".
He went on to say that a military intervention as planed could only lead to an untold amount of civilian death and thus should be avoided at all cost.
After the Intendants press statement, Security Minister Perrat announced that a detachement of gendarmes and territorial guards would be sent as a stabilisation force to Hayti to prevent blood letting between pro Floridian forces and freedom fighters.[MP]
RIGETS TIDENDE - Odinsdag, 17.03.2004 - COALITION FORCES GATHERING IN NORTH AMERICA
GJØTEBORG - Support for a coalition against Florida has been recieved from the Commonwealth of Nations, which includes the Federated Kingdoms and their colonies, the North American League, and Australasia. Ireland has also pledged forces on the condition that atomic weapons not be used.
Coalition forces from these nations are now gathering in an unspecified location in the North American League together with the SR's Guinea-West Indian Naval Command, who is coordinating the campaign against Florida. Unfortunately, it will take at least a week or two before the forces are gathered. Longer, if they have to wait for forces from Australasia.
Other countries have shown their moral support for the Cruzan cause, but have not committed forces to a coalition yet. Many, however, committed themselves as peacekeepers to the Caribbean should they be needed. This includes a few Baltic League countries and the Intendency of New France.
*****
GJEBALAND ON HIGH ALERT
BOLAMA - With all this naval activity and the war just across the Atlantic, citizens in Gjebaland are concerned that their county will be the target of Floridian bombardment. The Gjebaland Army Fleet is on high alert and is patrolling the coastlines of Gjebaland for any Floridian vessel.
Gadangmeland has sent three patrol vessels from its own army fleet to help patrol the Gjebaland coast.
Privateers, however, are complaining about the increased vigilance of the army fleet. They fear that the army fleet vessels may take Floridian vessels as prize, leaving the privateers with nothing to capture.
*****
KRAAL BAAI STILL HOLDING OUT
BOLAMA - All the islands in the Cruzans Islands have been conquered by
republican forces except for one. Only Sankt Jan, with its rough terrain and a very defendable Kraal Baai Naval Base, is holding out against all odds. But time is running out. Food and water is plentiful yet, but ammunitions are running out.
Some brave souls have flown flying fuselages to the beleaguered island with troop reinforcements and supplies. However, it is just as dangerous flying out again, and those that made it in don't dare fly out. We therefore have very little information on what exactly is going on at the island.[KJ]
BBC WORLD NEWS SERVICE -- 16.03.2004 -- THE FLORIDIAN QUESTION DEEPENS
KINGSTON -- It appears that the fate of hundreds of Cruzan civilians is now clear: human shields. After the threat of atomic weapons use on the part of the Scandinavian Realm, Floridian military officials rounded up no fewer than five hundred defenseless civilians and transported them to various cities around the Caribbean. We have heard from Scandinavia that a list of names was made by the military and forwarded as a warning of who would die should an atomic weapon be set off within Florida-Caribbea.
We have also heard that thirty more civilians were flogged and lynched this forenoon in front of the Post Office at Charlotte Amalie in "protest" of the threat of atomic weapons use against Florida.
The information blackout continues for the fourth day. The usually open Floridian press has been suppressed and no information is comming from the central government. Unresolved are questions concerning President Bush's health, in light of a curious message purportedly written by General Alvo Silva-Gonzales: "Qn pnsen ql Pdte y v..." The paper is torn and seems to indicate something about the President. There are also the curious troop movements in every part of Florida-Caribbea, including reports of strange movements in the Cruzans themselves; and finally the massive arming of Cuba by little known General Alberto Franco.
With the Irish joining up and the Louisianans getting into gear as well the situation could well explode most violently in the very near future.
Military historian Maj. Constance Lledew of the Annapolis Academy in Ter Mair (NAL) states that the recent bizarre activity in Florida indicates deep turmoil. "Florida has a terrible reputation of being a strongman operated banana viceroyalty that has gotten too big for its breeks. It has also the reputation of being a considerably underrated country. Let's look at recent history: they have managed not only to stage military victories over every single Commonwealth nation in the region, but have also successfully occupied two American provinces, Scandinavian states and Batavian colonies. Furthermore, they seem to have managed to hoodwink world powers with their 'Caribbean Plan', whereby they manage to keep their ill gotten gains firmly under their own control whilst offering a carrot on a stick to the FK, the SR and the NAL known as the 'Condominium'."
When asked about events of the last few days, Lledew seemed much less certain. "Well, one thing we have always relied upon is the surprisingly open and free press that has existed in Florida. The Scandinavians have never appreciated this fact. They've always decried it as being a puppet of the government and that every report they make is little more than machinated propaganda. And we [the NAL] have had a little better opinion. Nevertheless, almost every major story released by the Floridian press has been factually correct, if heavily slanted in their own favour and often eliding some facts that undermine their position. The fact remains that on the whole, their press has done more for us than the Particulars have been able to do, informationwise. The recent news blackout is therefore very disturbing. From a military standpoint, it makes good sense. A free press will naturally gob on about every little thing that happens; but now, we have had no real Floridian information since the weekend. What information has come from the Beeb out of Kingston has been less than 22 carat quality and is often contradictory. This can not spell anything but trouble."
Lledew's final comments: "The fact is, Florida must certainly be experiencing some internal turmoil. All the signs are there, and though the Consejo de Cinco, the council of their top generals, meets regularly, one can see much more tension between the members than there was even a fortnight ago. Yet all the chief players in this war are ignoring them. One can only hope that it works out for the best."[PB]
IBAP -- 16.03.2004 (26 Ventôse, CCXII)
Paris-sur-Mizouri -- In a public press conference, President Jean-Francois Young and the entire council stood on the steps of the Legislature and expressed their most sincere apologies to families who have lost loved ones in the violence executed by the Floridian Troups.
While there has not yet been a public acknowledgement of the
overtures made by the Rigsfellskab Ambassador, rumor lays rich upon
the capitol city, suggesting heated discussions behind closed doors.
An unidentified government staffer suggests that the council could
make a public statement regarding Louisianne's participation in a
coalition.
Neu Gjøteborg, Nouvelle Cournouaille, Louisianne
Tensions ran high, and police were deployed to contain a raucus
demonstration by Scandinavian descendents decrying the blatant
aggression of Florida-Caribbea. The demonstrators ranged in age from
20-30 roughly.
While the demonstration was relatively peacefully ended, concern rose
again among police as large lines grew in front of the SR Foreign
Legion, however these citizens were peaceable and waited calmly for
their turn to aid their ancestral homeland.[DH]
Gníomhaireacht Nuachta Fánach -- Monday, 15.03.2004 -- DAIL CONDEMNS FLORIDA, PLEDGES SUPPORT
CILL CHAINNIGH: Yesterday the Oireachtas and the members of Dail Éireann and
Coiste Cónascach together issued a statement deploring the behaviour of the
Floridian government towards the Cruzan people, and pledged their support to
the proposed alliance.
Uacharain Rae said, "The Cruzan people have asserted their right to
self-determination. The Floridians must accept this, or have their hand
forced."
However, the government also issued a warning to the Scandinavians that it
does not support the use of Atomic weaponry and that support will be withdrawn
if used.
The Defence Ministry has already dispatched Ranger teams and other forces to
meet with Scandinavian forces. (Copyright (c) An Gúm/Gníomhaireacht Nuachta Fánach, 2004)[KG]
BBC WORLD NEWS SERVICE -- 15.03.2004
KINGSTON -- Reports from our agents in Charlotte Amalie indicate a drastic change in the demeanour of the Floridian armed forces and the general
character of the fighting. Gone is the daily round af antirebel propaganda being broadcast over the captured airwaves of the Eastern Caribbean region; gone is the almost carefree and polite manner thus far exhibited by Floridian
troopers.
With the announcement that Scandinavian upper echelons are talking about using their atomic weapons in Florida or perhaps Cuba and that such a weapon is most likely already on the way, the Floridian military has cracked down on the Cruzan Islands like gaolers after an uprising.
We heard early this morning that more than three hundred civilians from all parts of the Cruzans were rounded up and sent away towards the northwest in military transport vessels. Their fate is unknown for the now; however the fates of thirty others was sealed on television this forenoon.
Our agents report that at 11:45am, thirty Cruzado civilians - representing all ages, sexes and nationalities in the locality - were stripped, beaten and lynched by military officers in downtown Charlotte Amalie. The announcer read a
statement, signed by General Alvo Silva-Gonzales: "Your threats of atomic weapons are meaningless. Cease your threats, or more rebels will die like these pigs. Know this: if you use your atomic weapons, not only will you be destroying your countrimen, but we will retaliate with the utmost force possible. Kalkenskjold: you are henceforth responsible for the fates of every civilian in this wretched island! Know this also: we have captured four high ranking Danish naval officers. They have been tortured per spec and their
confessions have yielded valuable information. Leave peacefully or suffer the consequences."
*****
BBC WORLD NEWS SERVICE -- 15.03.2004
KINGSTON -- President Bush of Florida-Caribbea is reported to have fallen ill this weekend and was unable to attend to his usual duties of addressing the nation in his accustomed manner. No further details were made available, as a national security information blackout in Miami this weekend prevents dissemination of any news.
FROM THE WIRE -- Scuttlebut from the Home Office indicates that the FK may soon take concerted action in the Caribbean region, much of the territory of which consists of Commonwealth countries. Rumors from various English islands
indicate the movements of marine commandoes in those islands; and several small fleets of pirateers have been sighted dogging and harassing Floridian forces in several locations.
*****
THIS JUST IN!!! 15.03.2004
KINGSTON -- Remaining Floridian armed forces are on the move all around Jamaica. "Where are they going and what are they up to?" is the question
on many lips on radio talk programmes around the province this morning. The answer, from Major Charles Lothrop, commanding officer of the local NAL militia corps, seems to be: "They're leaving the island - that's all we know. We are not being informed as to their destination or assignments, only that we are now left in sole control of Jamaica province."
The trend is of great interest as we have received word from the Batavian Antilles and Aruba that Floridian forces, never strong in numbers there, have been reduced by half in those islands. No one is being told anything and the
Government has not said anything official since Saturday. Something is brewing in these here islands, we have just to wait and find out what.[PB]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- Monday, 15.03.2004 -- KALKENSKJOLD WANTS TO USE THE BOMB
GJØTEBORG -- Defence Minister Kalkenskjold said yesterday in a press conference that he will be willing to use the atomic bomb.
"Chancellor Høgh-Guldberg has informed me the other day that he is not
interested in another fifty years of war with Florida. We discussed ways in which we could end this war as quickly as possible. I suggested using Niels Bohr's dynamite [the atomic bomb, ed.]. But the Chancellor, as you all know, only consider its used as a weapon of last resort. That's all I have to say about it. I'm not at liberty to discuss what we have decided."
The Chancellor was not available to comment.
*****
MESSAGE FROM THE RIGETS TIDENDE'S EDITORIAL OFFICE IN CHARLOTTE AMALIE
BOLAMA -- This is to inform our readers of Rigets Tidende that our
editorial office in Charlotte Amalie has been closed by the Floridian
authorities. All news from the Cruzan Islands will therefore be edited by the Bolama office while hostilities are in progress.
*****
FORCES HOLDING OUT IN KRAAL BAAI, BOLAMA SENDING REINFORCEMENTS
BOLAMA -- It has been reported that SR forces in the Kraal Baai naval base are holding out. Several republican vessels have been dissabled
or captured, and the rest have fled to Skt.Thomas Harbour outside
Charlotte Amalie where republican forces have control.
Mærsk and the East Asiatic Compagnie were among the first shipping
companies to apply for privateering licenses here in Bolama. Their
ships are being refitted with guns and/or espingols as we speak. When
ready, they will be sailing to the Caribbean to confiscate merchant
ships under Floridian registration. Accompanying some of them will be
a number of corvettes.
A number of aircraft-carrying submarines have already left Bolama
yesterday following the ultimatum, which Florida failed to comply
with. Each of them carries a squadron of five Skarven amphibuous jet
fighters, several torpedoes, four deck-mounted espingols, and one
ballistic missile. After Defense Minister Kalkenskjold's revelation
yesterday of his willingness to use the atomic bomb, it is rumoured
that at least one of the ballistic missiles contains a nuclear missile head.
Sailing with the aircraft-carrying subs were also a number of transport subs. We are not at liberty to say where they will be landing or what they are transporting.
We have also recieved reports that a number of SR ships have joined a
fleet of NAL or FK ships leaving from the NAL. But this has yet to be confirmed and detailed at press time.[KJ]
ILL SUL -- Sunday, 14 March 2004 -- KEMRESE CITIZENS SPEAK OUT ON CRUZAN ISLANDS QUESTION
CASTRELEON -- The leaders of the Free Cruzan Movement expressed satisfaction after a mass demonstration in Castreleon drew an estimated 50
000 people onto the streets at the weekend. "Under Gereint and Gion there
was no progress for a fair and just freedom for the Cruzan people," one organiser said, refering to the late king and the Toisag, Mr Gion Boibont.
"With one gone, we may see some progress. We are sending a message to Gwent
House: the Comroig nation supports the aspirations of all freedom loving people, world-wide."
Demonstrators marched under the banners of Cruzan Independence. The Gwardd di'll Tyrdyr reported that the demonstration was peaceable and only ten arrests were made for disturbing the peace.[PB]
Omnipresse -- 14.03.2004
QUEBEC -- The Intendant's Minister for Security has announced today that he would authorise the deployement of a force of militiamen from the Territorial Guards to the cruzan islands as a stabilisation force if a request is made by the League of Leagues.
"They will help to bring back a sense of safety to the afflicted Cruzan people who have been the victims of Republican terror" said Minister Perrat
Anonymous sources have claim that the statement was delayed by a few
days while the Safety Ministry was considering wether it actualy had enough men and equipment to send oversea, a large part of the force being already deployed as "Security Advising Team" in other parts of the world.
"Beside the safety element, we will also offer our expertise in other fields once the crisis is over. Areas such as justice system, policing, parliementary laws, etc..."
In the past, The intendance as made several overture to ethnic groups in that part of the world that formely belonged to the French Empire of the Ancient Régime. The Intendance strongly deny any hidden agenda behind the current offer.[MP]
LA VOZ DE LA NACION -- 13.03.2004
CIUDAD de CARLOTA AMALIA -- Fighting between rebel forces and the Army of Liberation intensified as cavalry units punched through to the downtown sections of the city this morning. The old Greenhouse, lair of the most perfidious traitors the Republic has seen in decades, now stands partly ruined and its denizens fled into surrounding neighbourhoods where rebel collaborators are offering them aid.
Seven traitors, members of the illegally constituted Cruzan "parliament", were captured and impaled upon the remaining Greenhouse walls after their confessions of treason were broadcast by radio and television. Thirteen rebel soldiers, upon confessing their treason, were hanged at the Post Office.
President Bush addressed the Nation at 6 pm in response to the treacherous threats of our false allies, the Scandinavians.
"It has become ever more clear that the devious Scandinavians shall break faith with us and the condominium we worked so hard to forge together. Let it be known that any violent action taken by Foreign Powers within the territorial waters of the Republic shall constitute an act of war and shall be repsoned to with the utmost vim. This provincial revolt is an internal Floridian affair and is no longer of concern to the Scandinavian Realm, which has seen fit to abrogate its agreements made with the Republic of Florida."
KINGSTON DAILY JOURNAL -- 13.03.2004
KINGSTON -- Commonwealth Ministers meeting in Kingston this week issued a joint decree supporting the Scandinavian Realm in its struggle over the Cruzan Islands. James Lord Baltimore, representing the North American League, recalled
the Commonwealths attempts to peacefully regain territories taken by Florida: "It seems clear that Florida-Caribbea have taken steps from which
they may not now step back. They have crossed the line and it is now our duty to use means other than those usual for peaceful nations to assay in an attempt to bring this unhappy conflict to some satisfactory resolution." The resolution did not call for the dissolution of Florida; but does stipulate the return of all Commonwealth possessions. It also provides for the return of
Scandinavian and Batavian possessions; and the liberation of Hayti. Agreement could not be reached on the status of Guadaloupe and Martinique, French possessions legally sold to Florida decades ago; though some Ministers supported the idea of either placing them under League of Nations mandate or else transferring the island groups to Hayti.
RADIO FREE BARBADOES -- 13.03.2004
Transcript No 101434A
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
"...Big things happenin in the Islands this day folks! See them dark shapes skappin about the dark lanes and empty lots? Them ain't burglers or stray dogs so don't shoot em! - them's Her Majestys finest come to see to them Bushwhackers up Bridgetown way!"
[END TRANSCRIPT][PB]
Agient'ija Nuovino [News Agency] of Skuoda -- 14.03.2004
SKUODIA -- Today, on behalf of the Principality of Skuodia, Prince Timotieje II has filed a request that the Baltic League Heads of State convene as soon as possible to resolve the League's position on the situation in the Cruzan Islands.
'We are worried that the SR is taking action which can cause destabilization without consent from the League', reads the press realise, 'Even though Skuodia is not exactly sympathetic with the Floridian stance, we think that the League must act together. The Cruzan Islands issue touches rather closely a number of the League's members, it is important that it is not bypassed in such a dire situation'.
Rumours are rife: one analyst at the Ministry of Defense, who preferred
not to be named, said it was possible that Skuodia would consider asking
for a peacekeeping force, mandated either by the Baltic League or the
League of Nations.[PI]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- Saturday 13.03.2004 -- NOBEL PEACE PRICE CANDIDATE EXECUTED BY FLORIDA
CHRISTIANIA -- Former Floridian governor of the Cruzan Islands and
candidate for the Nobel Peace Price, Alonso Rivera, has been executed
by the Floridian government yesterday on charges of treason to the
Floridian government. The Nobel Committee is greatly saddened by this,
and have condemned the execution as an act against civilization,
humanity, and peace.
*****
THE SR CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON FELLOW COMMONWEALTH CITIZENS
GJØTEBORG -- SR Chanceller Høgh-Guldberg has condemned yesterday the aggressive acts by Florida towards fellow commonwealth citizens in the
Cruzan Islands.
"These senseless attacks committed by Florida on our own citizens in
the Cruzan Islands must stop, and they must stop NOW. Recognizing the
wishes of the Cruzan people as expressed through the recent referendum
is the only path that any moral government can take. The SR, as a moral government, recognizes this, and so should Florida. If Florida does not begin to withdraw its troops by tomorrow, Saturday, at 1800, the SR will consider it its moral duty to defend our citizens in the Cruzan Islands with any means possible.
"I have sent delegates to the Federated Kingdoms, the North American
League, Louisianne, the Batavian Kingdom, Ireland, France, Dalmatia,
Castille-Leon, China, and Germany to propose a coallition should
Florida not back down. I have also called upon the League of Nations
to sanction such a coallition.
"Needless to say, we will not wait until the alliance is finalized,
while our citizens are being butcher by Florida. If Florida does not
comply with the deadline tomorrow, we will see fit to strike ahead of
the coallition.
"Also, the former Court of Privateering in Bolama, Gjebaland, will
reconvene on Monday, if Florida does not comply with Saturday's
deadline. Any adventurers of noble means and any of the former
privateering companies will be welcome to apply for a privateering
license at that time. But once, again, only if Florida does not comply."
*****
RADIO FRIESTAT STILL BROADCASTING IN THE CRUZAN ISLANDS
CHARLOTTE AMALIE -- Although the Cruzan Television station has recently been secured by Floridian forces, a radio transmission calling itself
"Radio Friestat" is broadcasting to the islands from an undisclosed location. Word has spread quickly by word of mouth of this only remaining free Cruzan broadcaster with Cruzan polkalypso music and the occassional speech by the Cruzan Statesminister Turnbull. One of them went like this:
"Florida has shown its true colours. Baseless are its claims that it
is a free and democratic republic, for you see Florida refusing to
acknowledge the results of the recent referendum. Baseless are its
claims that it will no longer be the aggressive neighbour, for you see
that Florida once again firing the first shot. Baseless are its claims
that it wants to secure the freedom of these islands, for now you see
them invading. Baseless are its claims that it wants the best for the
Cruzan Islands, for now you see Floridian troops reducing many of our
historic buildings into rubble. Baseless are its claims that it
considers the Cruzan Islands an integral part of Florida, for now you
see Floridian troops executing Cruzan VIPs. Florida has shown its true
colours, indeed, my countrymen. It is as dark as dark can be.
"We, the Cruzan people, have also shown our true colours. But it is
much more bright. We are not the aggressors here. We have declared our
dissolution of the union with Florida in accordance with democracy.
"I'm pleading to the Scandinavian Realm and to the international
community to condemn the undemocratic and murderous acts being
committed by the Floridian government against my people."
Bush has been trying the same ploy to reach the Cruzan people via the
ether, but it seems that few Cruzans are listening.[KJ]
La Voz de la Nación -- 12.03.2004 -- Adelante la Revolución!
MIAMI -- The Cruzan rebel Johansen, who had been invited by the President and Scandinavian officials to mediation in Miami with hopes of
avoiding senseless civil war, fled the Capital some days ago and returned to his lair in Charlotte Amalie to the cheers of fellow rebels in the Cruzan Islands province. The results of these high level mediation sessions was made
public and at every turn, Johansen denounced the unitary nature of the Republic and agitated for dissilusion of our Union by any means.
There has been a state of war since the rebels first announced their intentions of secession. This act of war prompted a rapid response by the
Armed Forces, which were despatched to the crippled region to maintain order and security. Late yesterday, with the irrevocable announcement on the part of Johansens rebel faction, the Armed Forces have been ordered to enter Charlotte
Amalie and, by all means at their disposal, reduce key targets and secure the region.
Fighting between Republican and rebel forces has been spirited, though our Scandinavian allies have not landed forces in the Cruzans as of yet. Our sources indicate that their arrival may signal to local Scandinavians that the Royal Armed Forces are come to defend them rather than the alliance.
As of ten o'clock Friday morning, the television station, post office and principal police depots have been reduced and secured. Sources indicate
that the Greenhouse is to be assaulted during the night or sometime early on Saturday.
A recorded message from President Bush is being broadcast on all frequencies: "ATTENTION CRUZADOES: As you know, some of your countrimen
have brought you down into the state of Civil War against your Federal Government. In the interests of securing your continued freedom, it is
necessary that you discover, apprehend and hand over Mr. Johansen, the chief Rebel and all others complicit in his Acts of the gravest TREASON against the Republic. Justice for all TRAITORS shall be swift; Mercy for all those who comply shall be bountiful."
At midnight, two local Rebel scum were hanged outside the Post Office. Reports of looting and violence are scanty and unsupported at this time. Though such actions on the part of rebels are only to be expected, it is sincerely hoped that these sorts of violent acts can be reduced and eliminated with the surrender of Johansen to the Laws of his country.
*****
CRUZANOS HOY! -- 12.03.2004 -- Special edition!
Former Cruzan governor Rivera was summoned to La Habana early this Friday morning for questioning before a committee of the Supreme Court investigating the Cruzan rebellion and accusations of treason on his part in light of
his 'mediation' between Charlotte Amalie and Miami during last years implementation of the Caribbean Plan.
Rivera, dishevelled and manacled by gendarmerie officers, made a last rousing speech before boarding an airship bound for Cuba: "I am greatly
saddened by recent developments in my beloved homeland. I had only wished to see my fellow Cruzadoes live in peace and harmony with their fellow Antilleans. In retrospect, it seems I have overestimated my compatriots, and perhaps have underestimated the Governments response. I had no intention of initiating a civil war - how could I do that to the land I love so dear?
"As you can plainly see, I am to be transported for investigation. For my part, I can say that I worked close ... I was in intimate contact with
the Crown Prince and the Scandinavian government; I also had the President's ear. I did NOT want the government to auction off my Office upon my retirement to someone who would not tend the Cruzans as well as they deserve and I thought the best way would be to restore some amount of self determination to you, the Cruzadoes. It seems that many of you misinterpreted what Florida
offered you; and perhaps I read too much into the Governments position within the Plan.
"Some are calling me a Traitor last night and over the last several weeks, ever since Johansen and his cronies took it into their heads to declare unilateral independence. Naturally I have always considered myself a Cruzado - I have made my whole life here in these Islands. I bought the governorship of these islands and have sought only to improve upon what I found here. I gave
these islands back to you the people, held in trust by the Queen of Scandinavia and the President of Florida, and now it has come to open rebellion. Perhaps I am to be transported from this place a traitor. If I am a traitor, then I can only consider myself a traitor to you my dear Cruzadoes! Had I the chance to relive the last year, I would in retrospect hold you fast in my grip and at last die content knowing that I, at least, did what little I could for you. Now, it seems, in giving you what you most deserved, I have in stead given you only death and destruction. All the plans I had envisioned for
you are being reduced by the tanks and troops of our fellow Floridians. Weep not for me, Cruzans, if that was ever in your thought: yet my thoughts shall ever be with you, my life dedicated to your welfare. So, now I go to I know not what fate; yet in my heart and with my every breath I shall pray for you all my compadres."
With that, Mr Rivera, once the most powerful man in the Cruzan Islands, was bustled into the airship with several other captured dissidents bound for La Habana.
*****
Word has come from La Habana late Friday that the Supreme Court deemed Mr Rivera complicit in Acts resulting in the incitment of open rebellion within the Provincia de las Islas Cruzadas. He was hanged in accordance with the Code of Military Justice in Plaza del Sol at La Habana at 11:45pm.[PB]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- Friday 12.03.2004 -- CRUZAN ISLANDS NO LONGER A PART OF FLORIDA
CHARLOTTE AMALIE -- The Cruzan Parliament passed yesterday, with only two against and three abstaining, a motion declaring that the Cruzan
Islands are no longer a part of Florida. Florida is given a month to
withdraw its troops stationed in the islands. Current Floridian
citizens resident in the islands but who do not also hold a Cruzan
citizenship are given a year to decide whether or not they want Cruzan
citizenship. The Cruzan representatives in the Cortes [the Floridian
Parliament, ed.] in Miami are returning to the Cruzan Islands.
Reports are coming in that other Lesser Antillean islands in
condominium seem to be inspired by the Cruzan moves. But whether or
not they want to break away from Florida is unclear. It is clear,
however, that Florida sees this as a threat to its federal cohesion.
Especially since the Cruzan declaration might prove to become the
catalyst that will encourage others to break away from Florida. But
whether or not Florida intends to use force to maintain its cohesion
is still unclear.
As Jack Jaapsdatter de Bojnes, a political analyst from the Cruzan
daily, Die Skt.Croix Avis, puts it, "One of the most important things
for Florida is its federal cohesion. That is, it considers all the
islands within the Caribbean as an integral part of Florida, and it
will do anything to keep it that way. But on the other hand, it has
also been trying to build a new image of itself to the world as one
that no longer is the aggressive neighbour. Unfortunately for Florida,
its neighbours don't have short memories. We'll soon see what Florida
considers to be more important; its federal cohesion, or the new
reputation its been trying to project to the world."
When asked what she'll bet on, she answered, "I really don't know. But
I certainly hope it is Florida's new reputation. I'm so glad that we
are no longer a part of Florida."[KJ]
THE STAR -- March 11, 2004 -- HEALTH NEWS
GEORGETOWN -- In recent months there have been several moderate outbreaks of Tuberculosis in the Georgetown and Alexandria (Virginia) regions. In order to stem this tide, the Centres for Disease and Malady Control have asked that
citizens in and near the affected areas visit their local Health Bureau for free testing to stop the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Health Officials of Louisiannes Centre des Soins Médicaux have announced that all travelers entering Louisianne from abroud through the various Aerodromes and Railway Stations from the NAL are going to be screened for Tuberculosis before being allowed entry to the country.
All Louisiannans are strongly cautioned from travelling to the affected areas until the NAL Centres for Disease and Malady Control declares the situation cleared.[DH]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- Friday 05.03.2004 -- CRUZAN DELEGATION WALKS OUT ON TALKS
CHARLOTTE AMALIE -- Cruzan Statesminister Turnbull announced in a press conference yesterday that he and his entourage were considering
leaving the talks in Miami if the current deadlock in the talks about
current Cruzan crisis was not resolved. The Cruzan islanders voted
last Sunday in a referendum their desire to break away from Florida,
while Florida still considers the Cruzan Islands an integral part of
Florida.
"The Cruzan people have spoken. We want out, and we want out now. If
Bush can't compromise, then there is nothing more we can do here.
"We are going home, and I'm going to prepare our declaration to leave
Florida in accordance with the wishes of the Cruzan people.
"President Bush has warned that such a declaration can only mean war.
Typical! Florida typically fires the first shot. Typically attacks
first. Typically starts wars. What a reputation! I'm not the one
starting a war here. No! If Florida fires the first shot, then they
would be the one starting a war. But since Florida is so intent on
changing its reputation to the world, then I'm sure Florida would
leave us Cruzans alone."[KJ]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- Monday 01.03.2004 -- CRUZANS VOTE AGAINST FLORIDA
CHARLOTTE AMALIE -- The results of yesterday's referendum, about
whether or not the Cruzan's still wanted to be part of Florida-Caribbea, showed an overwhelming rejection of Florida's sovereignty over the Cruzan Islands. The voter turnout, with over 95% percent, broke the record that was made in last year's referendum. Of those that turned out to vote, 78% voted to reject Florida-Caribbea.
Cruzan Statesminister Turnbull is still in Miami where talks with
Floridian President Bush and SR Foreign Minister Bernstorff has not
reached any conclusion other than that the parties involved disagree
on the fundamentals. Bush, on one side, insists that the Cruzan
Islands are an integral part of Florida. Turnbull, on the other side,
insists that the Cruzan Islands will never be an integral part of
Florida. Bernstorff has tried to mediate between the two, but clearly
has his sympathies with the Cruzan Islanders. He insists, as does
Turnbull, that the Cruzan people have the right to choose their
affiliation with Florida.
Now that the referendum as been concluded, the talks in Miami has
moved on to another stage: what to do with the results of the Cruzan
vote. Bush will likely insist that the Cruzan Islands will remain a
part of Florida despite the results of the vote. He has threatened to
use military might to trample on any attempts to leave Florida.
Turnbull will likely demand immediate dissolution of the union with
Florida. He has only the SR's sympathy as his trump card. While
Bernstorff will still be trying to stand between the two.[KJ]
WITA WARSINY -- 27.02.2004 -- Next Sunday is Chopin Memorial Day
WARSAW -- Next Sunday, 29 February 2004, it will be exactly one hundred years ago that the greatest composer from the history of the RTC, Frydryk Chopin, died in Warsina at the respectable age of 93. This remarkable fact will of course not go unnoticed. Not only has the year 2004 officially been proclaimed a "Chopin Year" by the Ministry of Culture and Arts, the whole Sunday will be characterised by numerous concerts and other activities.
Frydryk Frącz Chopin was born on 1 March 1810 in the village of Fierzeja Włątać, not far from Warsina, as the son of a French father, who was employed as a teacher at the estate of the Ciazurarz family, and a Venedic mother. His musical talents became evident at an extraordinarily young age: at the age of seven he had already written two vénédaises that had been printed and published by the local church. "Little Szopękieł" soon became a popular attraction in the salons of the capital, and he regulary gave public performances as a pianist. In 1824 he played for king Napoleoń, who said he was "deeply impressed" with the talent of the young genius.
After visiting the Liczej Warsinian, where his father was a professor, he studied at the Conservatory with Żózef Elsner; in the same period he developed a vivid interest in the Venedic folklore. During these years he wrote his first larger works: his first sonata, his Mozart-variations, his Fantasy on Venedic themes, his Rondo à la Krakiniana, and his piano trio. By the time he finished his studies, he was widely acclaimed as a performer and a composer, but mostly as a performing composer.
After his studies (1826-1829), Chopin made a concert tour through Prussia, Bohemia and Austro-Dalmatia, where he had enormous success with performances of his own work. Back in Warsina he devoted himself completely to composing: he wrote his first two Concerts for Piano and Orchestra (f minor and e-minor), besides numerous solo works and songs. In 1830 he left again to play concerts in Vienna, after which he travelled to Dalmatia, Lombardia, and the Holy See. Finally, he visited the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and it was there that he met Rossini and Donizetti. Chopin became so deeply impressed with Italian opera and with these two gentlemen, that he stayed there for half a year. This fascination ultimately caused him to become the composer of the first internationally acclaimed Venedic opera, Głorzoza Wistorza Rzedży Napoleoniu suma Szwabór ("King Napoleon's Glorious Victory over the Krauts"), written in 1834 and successfully performed in Warsina (1835), Wilna (1837), Dańcyk (1843), and Czytać Leoniu (1844).
Although by 1845 Chopin's name was well-established both internationally and in the RTC, his fame and glory continued to grow steadily. In 1863 he was awarded the title of "honorary artist of the royal court", and in 1872 he was even considered a serious candidate for the succession of king Clement the Vodka-Drinker as the RTC's elected king; it was only due to the machinations of the Lithuanian nobility that not Chopin but the infamous Olgierd the Naked became the next king.
Despite his attractive looks, his sensitive playing, his courteous manner, his considerable wealth and his taste for excessive luxury, Chopin never got married. Although he had several romantic affairs (notably a relationship between 1841 and 1852 with the sixteen years older princess Gracana Poniatka, which had a strong element of the maternal on her side), it is strongly doubted whether Chopin was truly drawn to women. Especially his life-long friendship with the physician Ściefan Dziakoń has caused rumours that Chopin was in fact homosexual, although he never admitted that.
During his entire life, Frydryk Chopin suffered from a poor health. Several times he came close to death: during vacations or concert tours in Aragon (1839), Scotland (1848), Kemr (1868) and Sweden (1873) tuberculosis almost killed him. However, his popularity with the Venedic aristocracy and in particular the royal court always granted him the best possible medical care, and in the end he always survived.
Thus, during his entire life Chopin was Veneda's most famous and most successful pianist and composer. Altogether, his works for piano solo number 355 mazurkłas and mazurkiełs, 199 nocturnes, 181 etudes, 70 waltzes, 58 vénédaises (including the famous Andante Spianato and Grande Vénédaise Brillante in E flat major), 31 ballades, 27 scherzos, 13 impromptus, 12 sonatas, 8 rondos, 5 books of preludes, and several sets of variations and smaller works. Furthermore, he wrote seventeen concertos for piano and orchestra, nine operas, four symphonies, two violin concertos, a cello concerto, a clarinet concerto, a concerto for taragot and bandura orchestra, and numerous chamber works, including over 300 songs.
After 1880, Chopin's musical language changed radically. Different opinions have been ventilated about the question why. Some argue that Chopin simply had enough of the forms he had been using his entire life, others believe he had discovered a deeper truth (or even, that he was in a direct contact with God), while others explain it from his deteriorating mental capacities. Whatever the cause, Chopin distantiated himself from most of his previously written works, burnt many of his older manuscripts, and started to write a kind of music that was completely unheard of before, and that even in the early 21th century sounds like pure avantgarde. Clearly, he was exploring extremes: some works of this period are unusually long (for example, his fifteenth piano concerto, written in 1897, requires and orchestra of over 600 musicians and lasts no less than two hours and fifteen minutes), others are extremely short (like his sonata for double-bass and piano: one minute and fourty seconds). He also showed a radically new and free approach to tonality, culminating in almost complete atonality; he even experimented with series of twelve tones, more than twenty years before dodecaphony was officially invented in Vienna by Arnold Schönberg. Chopin also developed a special preference for unusual instrument combinations: after having written almost exclusively piano music, he started to write sonatas for heckelphone and organ, for bass tuba and piano, for tenor saxophone and piano, for Dumnonian bagpipe and lyra, for bandura orchestra, etc. And while after 1897 he could not even remember his own name, he remained a prolific composer of interesting albeit strange works. When he finally died of old age on 29 February 1904, one day before his 94th birthday, he left no less than twenty-seven unfinished manuscripts he had apparently been working on simultaneously. He was buried in the Jesklezia Sątej Kruczy at the Parwia Krakiniana.
Next Sunday, when it will be exactly one hundred years ago since the master died, will be full of festivities commemorating and honouring his life and work.
At 9:30 o'clock, a special memorial service will be held in the Jesklezia Sątej Bazylii, immediately after which the famous Venedic pianist Ewa Pom-Radycz (winner of the Chopin concours in 1972) will perform several of his better known piano works in the open air, on the adjacent Fór Wiotłej Czytaci, the lovely old market square were Chopin himself gave a memorable performance of his own works back in 1861.
At 11:00 o'clock, the well-known musicologist Żowan Weber will give a lecture about Chopin's Venedic roots in the beautiful Sala Koncertała of the Academy. Subsequently, students of the Akademia Muzyki "Fryderyk Chopin" will play a coffee concert dedicated to Chopin's later works.
At 13:00 o'clock, his 24 Preludes op. 28 will be played by Ryszard Nowicz at the Kaściół Przęczywu Przejmarzanu.
At 16:00 o'clock, several of Chopin's later chamber works will be performed in Studio 2 of the WRW by such celebrities as Krzyścina Pfajler (soprano), Jadwiga Gradzina (mezzosoprano), Katarzyna Daniec (violin), Wanda Kaptań (cello), Witold Andrzej Helin (double bass), Alina Laścioła (saxophone), Ana Błażeju (bass tuba), and Maja Nazała (piano).
At 20:15 o'clock, Chopin's Fifth Piano Concerto in D minor (1855), his Twelfth Piano Concerto in A flat major (1879), his Uwertura Bastw Ruskłór dzie Litwanii ("Beat the Ruskies out of Lithuania"), and his Third Symphony will be performed in the Grądzia Sala of the Filharmonia Naconała by pianist Piotr Dżytał and the orchestra Sinfonia Varsina, conducted by Jakób Kasparu.
Tickets for all these concerts are still available and can be purchased at the entrance, at various kiosks, and at the Akademia Muzyki (Pw. Czerzkiestęcała 1).[JvS]
IBAP RETROSPECTIVE -- 23 February 2004 -- The Day in History
4 Ventôse, CXCVI (Feb 23rd, 1988) -- Sad news for Louisianne today as our neighbor, Tejas fell to the control of the Bush regime. The surviving family of Maria Luisa Solms-Braunfels as well as other nobility were recieved in Asylum at Toulouse Aerodrome, where they were quickly shuttled to a Nouvelle
Francy Zeppelin and transported to the Intendance.
4 Ventôse, XCVI (Feb 23rd, 1888) -- Celbration and news dispatches flew madly from the mormon capitol of Zarahemla today as the dedication of the third Mormon temple was completed in the city of Manti, near the Tejas border. Many dignitaries have come to visit the temple in the past weeks, often commenting on the beauty of this house dedicated to the service of God, a happy change from the persecution the Mormons felt in the NAL/SLC.[DH]
This transcript was taken from Le Matin, 23 February 2004, a daily tele-journal on LBC 13, hosted by Katrine Nielsen and Matthieu De Cuir.
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
[Katrine]: Sad news delivered today regarding the train wreck just
outside of St. Joseph, to our east. The train carrying military
cargo to the newly acquired territory in the Rocheuses was
misdirected by a traffic controller and collided with a Passenger
train bound for Yonne. While the death toll remains at 15, the
number of those who were injured is quite large, and local hospitals
are asking that citizens comme and donate their blood to ease the
toll. CFL has announced a deep inquiry, and that the traffic
controller in question will be held off duty until the inquest is
completed.
[Matthieu]:CFL and St. Joseph City officials all request that family
members remain in their localities, as those who are injured are
being transferred to hospitals close to their respective homes. In
other news, President Jean-Francois Young this morning announced
plans to expand protection for sea-traffic to include all ships bound
for ports in Louisianne and Tejas, and not only Louisiannan ships, as
was previously stated.
[Katrine]: Many along the Gulf Coast are anxious, no less the newly
restored Principautés Lointains, Biloxi et Mobile. Our affiliate in
Biloxi has sent us this report.
[Video Feed showing people in lines in supermarkets, voice over by
Ramón Gutierrez, correspondent]
[Gutierrez]: Cities that should be normally preparing for the
enourmous festivities of Mardi Gras, which will take place on Tuesday
are instead preparing for the worst.
[Man]: I've lived through so much in my life. I know that Florida-
Carribea says they're only dealing with this insurgency in the
Cruzans. Now, I'm not saying that the Cruzans are right or wrong.
Every group of people wants to be in charge of their own destiny, and
I don't fault them. All this commotion just makes me nervous. I'm
afraid of price gouging, I'm afraid of shortages. I have a family to
take care of, and they need to eat.
[Gutierrez]: While the situation here is not that difficult, people
are on edge, and the feeling of festivity that should be prevailing
here and elsewhere in the Republic is deeply abated.
[Matthieu]: Any word from the government, Ramón?
[Gutierrez]: The colonial governor has threatened retribution
against any shop owner gouging citizens, and has encouraged all that
there will not be any shortages of food, petrol or other staples.
[Matthieu]: Thanks for the report, Ramón and stay safe.
[Gutierrez]: You too.
[Katrine]: In other news, la Cortège des Muses, founded by native
son, Henri Connique, Fils has been ruled innocent of implication by a
Magistrate. Four Nouvelle Orléans youths have been charged with
second degree murder in this shooting.
[Matthieu]: And it seems as though the world is conspiring against
this happy season, as another death has been reported. Margina
Perón, a visiting Tejan, died in a local hospital following a deadly
fall from an upper echelon in the Stade Nationale.
[END TRANSCRIPT][DH]
TELEMUNDO (La Habana) -- 20 Fev, 2004 -- En vivo de las Islas Cruzadas
Rebel leader Karl Wesley Johansen-Turnbull took up the Presidents invitation to answer for his mismanagement of recent events in the Islands.
But not before speaking at a rally staged by ultraindependence groups at the aerodrome in San Tomás.
Speaking before a vocal group of about 75 protesters of last years Referendum and a small number of onlookers, Johansen-Turnbull sought to
stir up antirepublican sentiment amonget the Cruzadoes by citing a long laundry list of Floridas failings and other agitating rhetoric.
One local man of mixed Nordic-Latino descent, Jan Kristiansen, spoke with our reporters after the State Minister had boarded the airship bound for Miami.
TELEMUNDO: "What did you think of the speech?"
Jan Kristiansen: "Exciting! He [Johansen] makes some sense, and a lot of people are excited by his speeches on radio and television this week -
but he has many things wrong."
TM: "How do you mean wrong?"
JK: "Well, there's a lot of us Mixtos here - we ain't Latinos and we ain't Europeos. He doesn't speak for us. This is my town - Sao Tomás as my
mother called it, or Sankt Thomas - and I am a Cruzado like him, but I am also a Floridian. That's the future. This place isn't just about the white Europeos and Scandinavia. Our future is also with Florida and the Americas. I don't see
why the Europeos can't broaden their perspective and accept history. Sure Florida invaded these islands in 47. They won't admit any mistakes, sure, but neither will Johansen admit that after 1936, there was a lot of discrimination against Latinos. My grandfather was forced out of his government job because only Europeos should have those jobs. I ain't sayin everything here is perfect - but Johansen's been smoking something weird if he thinks it's so bad that only independence and war is the answer."
TM: "What do you think of the National Government's declaration?"
JK: "That's scary. I mean - I don't think Bush will fire bomb the town - but it's scary that we've come to this after last year's trouble."
TM: "What are your plans?"
JK: "Well, I've got a wife and barns to look after. I'm a cook at Cafe de Gaulhe. See - right over there... The Europeos love it. Hot Culture
or something. Anyway, we've all got our lives to look after. I just hope Bush and Johansen and the Nordic fellow can sort it all out."
TM: "Any last thoughts?"
JK: "Last thoughts? You're funny! Mm. Johansen needs to get his head out of the old days. This ain't 47 anymore. This is 2004 and like it or not, Florida is very much a part of our future. I say give them a chance. The old Governors were terrible. Since last year, life here has been pretty good again. I don't want him to mess it all up."
Honest local sentiment, ladies and gentlemen. Not the rhetoric of either Charlotte Amalia or Miami. Stay tuned to TELEMUNDO for updates on the Cruzan
Crisis.[PB]
RIGETS TIDENDE - Saturday 21.02.2004 -- CRUZAN STATESMINISTER GOES TO MIAMI
CHARLOTTE AMALIE -- The Cruzan Statesminister, Karl Wesley Johansen
Turnbull, has been invited to Miami to present himself personally
before the Floridian President and SR Foreign Minister Bernstorff to
discuss a peaceful resolution to the current events. Statesminister
Turnbull has agreed to the invitation and has immediately flown for
Miami last night.
Before he boarded his airship at the Skt.Thomas Aerodrome,
Statesminister Turnbull adressed the Cruzan people in a radio
broadcast. Below is an excerpt from that speech:
Turnbull: "We, the people of the Cruzan Islands, were liberated in '47
by Florida."
Crowd: (Booing).
Turnbull: "Such are the lies perpetrated by Florida. We were NEVER
liberated by Florida! We, the people of the Cruzan Islands, liberated
OURSELVES in 1936 when we bought our independence within the
Scandinavian Realm! And we did so peacefully! So we were ALREADY
liberated when Florida INVADED... US... in 1947. And Florida did so
with military might! Florida did NOT liberate us. NO! WE were invaded!
We were ATTACKED! WE... DID NOT... ATTACK... FLORIDA! FLORIDA...
ATTACKED... US!"
Crowd: (Roaring in approval).
Turnbull: "We, the people of the Cruzan Islands, are an integral part
of Florida."
Crowd: (Booing).
Turnbull: "That's another lie perpetrated by Florida. It's all nice on
paper, but we do not feel it. We, the people of the Cruzan Islands, do
not feel that we are an integral part of Florida. We feel that we've
been forcibly integrated into Florida. Can we ever be an integral part
of Florida knowing that we were invaded by Florida? Of course not. Can
we ever be an integral part of Florida knowing that Florida attacked
us before? Of course not. Can we ever be an integral part of Florida knowing that Florida lies about our history? Of course not. Can we ever be an integral part of Florida knowing that our fathers and grandfathers were shot by Floridian guns for defending these islands? Of course not! NO! We HAVE NOT, ARE NOT, and CAN NEVER be an integral part of Florida."
Crowd: (Roaring again in approval).[KJ]
BBC WORLD NEWS SERVICE, NORTH AMERICA DESK -- 20.02.2004 -- FROM WIRE REPORTS
KINGSTON -- Taken from El Diario (Miami): The rebel Johansen has laid his cards on the table: his illegal motion to secede from the Republic has passed the Cruzan parliament and a new, though illegal, referendum is set for the 29th of February. We are told that although Floridian and Scandinavian armed forces are landed upon the islands and are prepared to quash any violence; no Cruzado will be denied their right to vote.
The President has reiterated the folly of Johansens rebellion in a press conference this afternoon in Habana. He also stressed in a personal message to each Cruzado: "review recent history with fairness - your national government
has not trampled your local sovereignty as Johansen would have you think. The national level of government has no interest in local politics or government unless their scandals or mismanagement create a national crisis. The only
time Miami intervened in your local affairs was after an escalation of ethnic violence and crime. That can not be allowed in any civilised country."
*****
KINGSTON -- Taken from El Diario (Miami): President Bush met with Foreign Minister Bernstorff from the Scandinavian Realm at Miami this afternoon. The President reiterated Flordias long standing position regarding the relationship
of the Cruzan Islands to the Floridian Republic. Since the Liberation of 1947, the Cruzan Islands have been an integral part of Florida-Caribbea. Floridas understanding of the Referendum and the condominium were also discussed. It is Floridas position that all local governance was devolved to Charlotte Amalie upon the democratic election of a parliament and ministers last year. It is
also Florida's understanding that such autonomy as the Cruzan Islands enjoy is local in nature. Except in that the province enjoys condominium status within the Scandinavian Realm and may act freely within the constraints of that
relationship; all other foreign policy and diplomatic functions are reserved by Habana.
Regarding the apparent Scandinavian confusion over Floridas response to this crisis, President Bush reassured Mr Bernstorff that had the Referendum and Caribbean Plan actually confered "independence" on the Cruzans, this whole
confusing situation would never have arisen. As a matter of fact, President Bush confided a certain amount of personal confusion on his part: Florida
has always made clear that the Cruzans have been and shall continue to be a firm and vital part of Florida. The Plan and the Referendum simply allowed the Cruzadoes the choice between local autonomy and the opportunity for condominium with their Nordic bretheren - or the subjugation reserved for the most recalcitrant of rebellious provinces. As far as Mr Bush is concerned, the
Cruzados wisely chose the former and is now surprised that certain elements wish to persue assured self destruction via rebellion.
Mr Bush also expressed his gratitude at the swift and honourable way the Scandinavian military have responded to his call, and has remarked on the
smooth blending of Condominium forces in the region. He continued by expressing the desire to solve this problem amicably and without violence.
He remarked that this must be a difficult position for the SR to find itself in, poised to strike down a rebellion of fellow Scandinavians; but such a rebellion was conceived dishonourably and must be dealt with swiftly.
Mr Bush concluded his remarks by inviting Mr Johansen to present himself personally before the President and Foreign Minister Bernstorff at his
earliest convenience to discuss a satisfactory and peaceful resolution to this situation.
[EDITORIAL NOTE: Under Floridian Law, the alternatives are either to summon Mr Johansen to present himself before La Gran Inquisision: a grueling process of interrogation, interview and defense before the President, the Congress assembled and the Justices of the Supreme Court in succession to answer for his deeds and thereafter suffer consequent punishment; or else to be sought by special ops forces, ferreted out and haled up in irons before
the Chief Justice like the dingus he clearly is! The former is still an option, but he is currently being offered immunity for the duration of his visit to Miami.][PB]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- Friday, 20.02.2004 -- CRUZANS PASS MOTION FOR NEW REFERENDUM
CHARLOTTE AMALIE -- The Cruzan Parliament yesterday passed, with only two against and three abstaining, a motion that would grant the Cruzan
population the right to choose via a referendum whether or not they
still want to be a part of Florida. The date of the referendum has
been announced to take place on Sunday the 29th of Febuary, 2004.
The Floridian government is outraged and has reacted by considering
the islands in "a state of open civil and armed rebellion against the
national integrity of the Floridian Republic". It has dispatched the
military to occupy key points in the islands.
The Venstre Party opposition leader in Gjøteborg, Arne Eliassen
Melchior, has called the whole affair regretable and the Cruzan
government a "bunch of cliqued idiots".
The Cruzan Prime Minister, Karl Wesley Johansen Turnbull, has urged
the Cruzan gendarmes to "continue to cooperate with the Guardia
Nacional despite any rejections that most of you may have. We are not,
as the President has so eloquently put it, in a state of armed
rebellion. There are _no_ armed rebels here. As in '47, we shall _not_
strike first. Instead, we are merely holding a peaceful referendum. We
are merely excercising our right to peacefully determine our affiliation with Florida. I call upon the international community to urge Florida to recognize the Cruzan right to self-determination."
*****
EMERGENCY DELEGATION SENT TO MIAMI
GJØTEBORG -- In all haste, a delegation from the SR has been sent
yesterday to Miami to discuss the problems in the Cruzan Islands with
the Floridian government, and to try to resolve the apparent Cruzan
dissatisfaction with Floridian sovereignty over the islands.
In a press conference yesterday SR's Foreign Minister Bernstorff, who
is to lead the delegation, said, "I must honestly admit that I have
difficulty understanding this whole mess. On one hand, Florida appears
to have abated its expansionist tendencies and has now developed a
more liberal approach to sovereignty. I would have expected Florida to
give way to the Cruzan wishes on sovereignty. So I'm travelling to
Florida to find out what is up."
Meanwhile, in response to Florida's joint resolution calling for
signatories to the Cruzan condominium to aid Florida fight a pending
Cruzan rebellion, the SR has sent a fleet of Royal Navy corvettes and
aircraft-carrying submarines from Bolama, Gjebaland, to be stationed
on stand-by in the Naval Base of Kraal Baai in Skt.Jan, the Cruzan
Islands. Other forces of the Royal Navy are to remain in stand-by
alert in Bolama, while the division of the Prindsens Frikorps that is
already stationed in Kraal Baai are in stand-by alert as well.[KJ]
IBAP -- 20.02.2004 30 (Pluviôse CCXII)
Paris-sur-Mizouri, Osage, Louisianne -- In a special news conference, President Jean-Francois Young plead for peace in the escalating situation between the Cruzan Islands and Florida-Carribea. "We must all take a step back." He said. "We must reconsider what this action will do to the lives of all our peoples." He pleaded with Presidente Bush and Mr. Johansen to seek
arbitration with the League of Nations; saving lives, most importantly, but also trade and capital.
In a defensive move, the Navy has been returned to full activity to protect trade from possible privateering and disruption. This change in activity was welcomed by servicemen who've been furloughed since the Florida-Carribea declared an end of open hostilities in their recent expansionist phase. "Let Florida-Carribea understand that we mean no harm; we are simply protecting all Gulf States' financial interests. If the Florida-Carribean Navy can spare ships to accompany our escorts, we invite them to join us."
No response has come from Presidente Jaime Bush at the time of this publication.[DH]
*****
Response from the Office of the Foreign Ministry:
The Nation appreciates the concerns of the Louisianan government and people, and heartily welcomes the opportunity to enter arbitration over the unfortunate matter of the Cruzan rebellion.
It must be most strongly affirmed from the outset that the rebellious secession movement in the Province of the Cruzan Islands is illegal and has
no basis in fact or Law. Since the Cruzans are in every respect a vital part of the Republic, the Government has recognised this internal matter as
of the utmost importance for the security, liberty and prosperity of the region.
Answering to particular concerns of all North American countries, agreements regarding transshipping routes through Floridian territorial waters and over Floridian air space shall in no way be abrogated while conditions of
peace and fraternity exist between our great countries. Such Naval vessels as can be spared from the region in question will be despatched to the effort spearheaded by Louisiana to safeguard regional shipping interests.
It is the most fervent hope of the Republic that Mr Johansen will come to realise the folly of his actions and seek to redress his error. We can in
no way accept an illegitimately called referendum that creates an independent Cruzan Islands: this was never at issue in the legitimate referendum
which granted considerable internal and local autonomy within the province, as an integral part of the Republic, in condominium with the Scandinavian Realm.
The President has made clear the Nation's terms: the rebel Johansen must withdraw his actions in the Cruzan Parliament and must resign his office.
Thereafter, and upon Floridas reasonable concerns being assuaged, all recently despatched military forces will be reduced to status quo levels and the province can get on with its business. The President and all national ministries have been more than patient with the Cruzados during their period of transition. However, such wanton behaviours can not be tolerated; and such
responses as are deemed appropriate shall be levelled against the rebels should they persue their folly.[PB]
BBC WORLD NEWS SERVICE, NORTH AMERICA DESK -- 19.02.2004
KINGSTON -- Broadcast of President Bush's "Emergency Address to the Nation" causes general unrest and speculation over Floridas future. Reproduced here is the text of the speech and the Declaration of War.
Fellow Antileanos, the situation in the Cruzan Islands, mere miles from Puerto Rico, and within striking distance of many of your homes, has reached critical levels. The democratically constituted government, formed last year has ceased to act within its democratically constituted limitations and has progressively acted in a manner inconsistent with its status as a province of this Republic.
Rather than conducting its business as a healthy member of our great Nation, as every true Antileano had hoped less than a year ago when the
Condominium was approved, which was to grant the Cruzadoes an unprecedented level of local autonomy; the Cruzan government, led by local strongman Karl Johansen, has moved away from its agreements with our National Government and the government of the Scandinavian Realm.
News of this critical state of affairs in the Cruzan islands reached the Capital a little before noon today, in the form of an official buletin that confirms a rumor that the Cruzan Parliament is considering a motion to secede from the Republic. At four in the afternoon, it was decided that firm and decisive steps must be taken by our two great nations in order to resolve this crisis.
Therefore, as of 5 pm of February 19, 2004, the Cruzan islands shall be considered in a state of open civil and armed rebellion against the national integrity of the Floridian Republic. We have therefore despatched military detachments of the Armed Forces to key points of the islands, as agreed by our partners and allies, and we hereby call upon those our allies in condominium to
offer such support as may be deemed requisite to secure the lives, property and rights of innocent Floridian citizens - both Latino and Nordic - from the grave and erroneous direction their turncoat government is leading them. The Guardia Nacional units currently acting as auxiliary gendarmes in the Cruzans have been orderd to assume regular military duties and have been ordered to secure designated targets. These units will return to Guantanamo in Cuba as regular units of the Armed Forces enter the islands and relieve the Guardia.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN CECESSION FROM THIS REPUBLIC BE CONSIDERED LEGAL. The rebellious actions of Mr Johansens "government" must be
condemned by the international community and the Cruzadoes themselves must condemn the WAR that their government is bringing upon them and us and as well every Cruzado must urge at every moment that their Minister of State and Parliament back away from the self destructive direction they are moving in.
The National government of the Republic has afforded the Cruzadoes every possible leeway in the swift and democratic transition from Personal Territory of the previous succession of Governors to a normal part of the Nation, equal with any other province. This was accomplished with considerable concession on Floridas part. The world assumed we would not honour the Cruzadoes Parliament and local governance. Without exception, the world was proven wrong. Until the
level of ethnic crime and social disorder has reached untenable levels, Charlotte Amalie has had free reign in all its local affairs.
Todays events in that city only go to prove that certain Cruzadoes were not honest last year when they demanded and were granted a referendum. They have proven to be little better than fork tongued adders in their relationships with Florida and Scandinavia. We civilised nations must now treat the root problem, seeking out these vermin and neutralising their power to destroy.
The efforts of the rebels MUST fail if peace and stability are to be the gifts bestowed by the Cruzadoes upon their children. Mr Johansen, you would heap disaster and destruction upon your own people. Though your "government" has not protected a significant segment of its constituency, though you yourself are agitating for conflict and though you yourself have unilaterally declared an action that constitutes an Act of War upon the Nation, our Armed Forces, combined with those of our allies, shall not yet visit upon you that which you and your henchmen of evil deserve.
We call upon you as a civilised man to recant your position, strike down your proposal in Parliament and resign your office as Minister of State that you have so degraged. All Florida begs of you: turn back before it is too late!
*****
19 February, 2004
+ JOINT RESOLUTION Declaring that a State of Armed Conflict exists between the rebellious Provincia de las Islas Cruzadas and the National Government and
the People of the República de la Tierra Flordia y las Caribbeas and making provisions to prosecute the same.
+ Whereas the rebellious Provincial Government has committed unprovoked acts of war against the National Government and the People of the Republic of Florida-Caribbea: Therefore be it Resolved by the Cortes and House of Delegates of the Republic in Congress assembled, that the State of Armed Conflict between the Republic and the rebellious Provincial Government which has thus been thrust upon the Republic is hereby formally declared; and the President is hereby authorized and directed to employ the entire naval, aerial, military and special Armed Forces of the Republic and the resources of the National Government and its allies and signatories to the Condominium State to carry on war against the Cruzado rebels; and, by utilising all available ways and means, to bring the conflict to a successful termination, all of the resources of the country are hereby pledged by the Congress of the Republic.[PB]
+ Approved, 19 February, 2004 at 4:10 p.m. Habana local time.
RIGETS TIDENDE -- Thursday 19.02.2004
SR SPACE PROGRAM
GJØTEBORG -- Amidst the current crisis facing the European Space
Consortium (ESC), the SR Chanceller, Åge Ovesen Høgh-Guldberg (Høgre
Party), announced yesterday plans to start SR's own space program
together with Germany.
"It has been almost two years since Germany, which includes the SR
states of Oldenburg and Holstein, sent the first artificial satellite
in orbit. But nothing more has come of it. The dismantled and
decentralised postwar Germany has had difficulty in putting together
the money and manpower to carry on further developments in the field.
Now Oldenburg and Holstein are asking for the rest of the SR for help."
A newly created Tysk-Skandinaviske Rum Compagnie (TSRC) will be
charged with developing the German-Scandinavian space program. It has
yet to be announced which state will host a cosmodrome, but it will
likely be one of SR's tropical states.
The Venstre Party opposition leader, Arne Eliassen Melchior, has
condemned the plans as a "waste of resources" which "must not be
shared with the German Reich, but with our own citizens." He adds,
"I'm worried that our welfare systems will suffer."
Høgh-Guldberg, however, insists that, "A space program is for the good
of the Commonwealth. Communications satellites, for instance, would
bring the Commonwealth closer together." He adds, "The best way to
achieve this is by working with Germany, because sadly the ESC has not
been productive, nor has it been interested in admitting other members."
*****
CRUZAN PLANS TO LEAVE THE REPUBLIC
CHARLOTTE AMALIE - The Cruzan Stateminister, Karl Wesley Johansen
Turnbull, has suggested yesterday to the Cruzan Parliament to pass an
act to dissolve the union with the Republic of Florida-Caribbea (F-C).
In a speech to the Cruzan Parliament yesterday, he said:
"Clearly, this union with Florida is no longer working. Florida has
violated our sovereignty again by sending the Guardia Nacional to
these islands and thereby violating the mutual defense terms of the
condominium agreement. It smells too much of '47. I thereby urge the
parliament to pass this act that will hopefully lead to the dissolution of the union with Florida."
The speech came after a weeks presence in the islands of F-C's Guardia
Nacional, who has been sent to the islands by F-C's President Bush to
(in his words) "restore law and order" and to "protect the Hispanic
citizens in the Cruzans against repeated acts of violence by the
Cruzan people". SM Turnbull has repeatedly asked President Bush to
remove the Guardia Nacional from the Cruzan Islands or "drastic
measures will be made to ensure our sovereignty".
The act, if passed, should lead to a referendum asking the Cruzan
population whether they still want to be a part of F-C.
When asked whether such an act would be in violation of the SR's
foreign policy, Rigsombudsman for the Cruzan Islands, Kofi Thomsen
Richter, answered, "No, not if its done through a referendum. Of
course, whether or not Florida wants to make a diplomatic crisis out
of this is up to Florida. The SR would have no objections if any any
of its own states would decide to leave the Commonwealth if its done
through a referendum. I can only hope, if ever the Cruzans vote to
leave the union with Florida, that Florida would be as gracious."[KJ]
IBAP -- 19 February, 2004 (29 Pluviôse, CCXII) -- TRADGEDY IN THE BIG EASY
Nouvelle Orléans, St. Onge, Louisianne -- What should have been an atmosphere of festivity and revelry has turned to ash as yesterday a firefight exploded on the streets of Nouvelle Orléans during a parade by the Cortège des Muses, the only all female group to participate in the Mardi Gras parade.
Local police have arrested 15 people and recovered two pistols. "We
would rather err on the side of caution," Captain Marius Defillo
said. Investigators have said that all stories seem to corroborate
that there was a fight, followed by gunplay.
Three people have been hospitalized for minor injuries, but one woman
is dead, though her name has not been released, pending notification
of her family.
Jorge Morales, 35, visiting from Pensacola in the newly returned Gulf
Coast counties of the NAL/SLC was watching the parade. "Everything
was normal, then it just came out of the blue," Mr Morales said. He
claimed to have heard four or five shots before the crowd of
spectators began to scatter.
Sécurité Nationale De la Louisiane, SNL, would only offer that it
felt these events were not linked to terrorism, but simply domestic
violence.[DH]
BBC World News -- 16 February, 2004 -- Irish ESC Delegation Walks Out On Talks [By Seosamh Burns]
LYON: Irish Chief Delegate to the European Space Consortium (ESC) Rísteard Ó
Dubhgall announced at a press conference yesterday that the Irish Delegation
were considering leaving out on the consortium if the current deadlock naming
and colours was not resolved within the next month.
Said Dubhgall: "Both the Irish and Dalmatian delegations have done everything we can do to resolve difficulties, but if the French can't comprimised, there's nothing more we can do.
"After six months, the project is becoming a financial black hole for all
three nations. We can stand for this no longer. Unless an agreement is
finalised soon, we are walking out. We are very close to becoming the laughing
stock of Europe."
The french delegation were not available for comment.
Copyright (c) Gníomhaireacht Nuachta Fánach, 2004[KG]
IBAP -- 10.02.2004 (19 Pluviôse, CCXII) -- CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
Paris-sur-Mizouri, Osage -- From the steps of the capitol, President Jean-Francois Young engaged in a phone conversation to President Gildersleeve (St. Onge). Flanked by banners of RepubliComm and CNEL, President Young spoke
calmly of domestic matters until CNEL and RepubliComm were able to make the transfer, from a Aero-Stat relay to the newest jewel in the heavens, Lingua 1, orbiting Louisianne. When the transfer was complete, and an affirmative hand gesture was given, President Young said calmly, "Can you hear me now?" After a momentous pause, he said, "Good!"
While Lingua 1 is not in a stable orbit, and is expected to decay quickly, burning up upon re-entry, it has proved a fruitful testbed for RepubliComm technologies, and plans are in the works at RepubliComm for more stable satellites to replace the sometimes difficult to maintain Aero-Stat Relays.[DH]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- Tuesday, 10.02.2004 -- CRUZAN OBJECTIONS AGAINST SENDING THE GUARDIA NACIONAL
CHARLOTTE AMALIE -- The Office of the President in Florida-Caribbea has been compelled to act to recent events in the Cruzan Islands. One of these events is the mass exodus of Hispanic citizens from the islands,
which the President has seen as a deliberate act of ethnic cleansing
committed by the Cruzans.
But the Cruzans see things very differently. According the most widely accepted view in the islands, the mass exodus of Hispanics is simply a result of market forces. Nobody wants to do business with the Hispanics, whom they see as arrogant. Being unable to make a living in the islands, most Hispanics leave.
In a letter to the public, the President has written:
"Instability and ethnic violence within the National Borders of the Republic are unconscionable, as are baseless accusations of fraud and payola. It has become clear to the President that the people of the Cruzan Islands,
particularly los Nordicos, are incapable of policing themselves by executing their own internal policies, instituted under the Condominium."
When asked to comment on the President's letter, the Cruzan PM, Karl Wesley Turnbull Johansen, exclaimed, "This is ridiculous! We are perfectly capable of policing ourselves. As for the accusations made by the Cruzan Television station, well... we have a free media, and the Cruzan Television station has the right to broadcast what it wants, and the accusations don't seem to me to be baseless at all. This is why the Rigsombudsman is looking into the matter."
The letter from the President also states:
"Acting under the mutual defense terms of the Condominium signed with the SR and duly accepted via public referendum, as of yesterday, 08 February, 2004, a supplementary contingent of the Guardia Nacional has been despatched to the Cruzans to assist the local police in maintaining National Law and civil order within the islands. They have been granted full police powers within the islands and in the waters about."
Once again PM Turnbull Johansen comments, "Sending the Guardia Nacional to these islands has nothing to do with the mutual defense terms of the Condominium. Mutual defense means that the Floridian and the SR governments are obliged to defend these islands in case of attack. We are not under attack, ergo we do not need the Guardia Nacional. Bush is looking for an excuse to interfere with our internal affairs. It's an insult! He has arrogantly acted without discussing with us the problems he has with our administration of these islands. I have therefore asked the president to call back the Guardia Nacional or I will be taking drastic measures to ensure our sovereignty. Of course, the people from the National Investigations Bureau are welcome to stay and to help our Rigsombudsman and his commission with their
investigation."
Meanwhile, the Guardia Nacional went on its first policing patrol in the islands yesterday. They were greeted by locals spraying anti-roach sprays in their general direction. It is rumoured that the local police forces will go on strike if the Guardia Nacional will not leave.[KJ]
From EuroNews Digest -- 10.02.2004 -- BALTIC LEAGUE EXPANSION: ANY IDEAS? [Editorial by Markus Volkove]
The two applications for Baltic League membership in rapid succession have created wildly different reactions. The Belarus bid was widely expected to be submitted within weeks of the new government's formation, and submitted it was. On the other hand, the application from the RPN came as a complete surprise, both for outsiders and the political élite of the republic itself. So what chances do the countries have?
Even if we forget the governmental pomp and the 'big bang' about all those Slavic languages, cultures, Slavic brotherhood as abused by SNOR etc., we have to admit that they are going to get some huge backing, especially from the easterly part of the League. True, the only Baltic League states to comment on the applications so far have been the RTC (about Belarus) and Nashina (about the RPN). Let us examine the two statements.
Mr. Aromirov of Nashina has already virtually expressed his full support - if we translate it from diplomatesque speak. It is perfectly understandable: Nashina is sandwiched between the Scandinavian Realm, one of the most powerful and important European nations, and the quickly disintegrating Russia, and thus it is understandably uncomfortable about its status as Europe's last frontier. They would be extremely relieved if the outposts were moved to Smalensk, Bransk, Velikiye Luki and Vyshnij Volochok from Vilnius, Tartu, Daugavpils, Sedigrad and Ozergrad.
The RTC is not in such a tight spot as this. Yet there would indeed be some internal pressure from Lithuania. Even if the Belarusian party only has 3 of the 714 seats of the Sejm, Belarusians do form a majority in large parts of Lithuania, and the memory of the hard time they had under independent Lithuania can stir bitterness quickly.
Aftr all, this may not be as unrealistic as Dr. Staniszkiene says from Warsina. Ukraine is already a candidate member, and it is no less dependent on the former SNORist economy and infrastructure than Belarus. After all, our own Skuodia was - admittedly to a much lesser degree - also tied to the SNORist economy. Yet both the RPN and Belarus can be turned over to face Europe rather quickly - the dependence is mainly seen in the fact that both Belarus and the RPN are Russia's gates to the West, and thus the infrastructure of the old Russian Empire was rather concentrated on draining goods and such over though the ports of Petrograd and the railway terminals of Minsk and Maladzeczna. The
westernmost parts of the empire - Latvia, Estonia and Skuodia - are incorporated into the League now, and I think that if the leadership of Belarus and the RPN has the pluck to do it (and apparently they do), they can severe these ties with Russian in a matter of a few years. Their own industries are largely independent of import (food and textile in Belarus, for instance, do not need an import at all), and if the League decides to accept them as candidates, this is surely going to be a boost for both services and other tertiary sectors and for import-oriented industries. Increased foreign investment will mean easier the transition from Russian imports to the more costly - but better in quality - raw materials.
I have dwelt on the positive aspects, as the problems are obvious: corruption and crime are rife, and, most importantly, the people's mentality is in large parts still SNORist, not European.
Yet when the presidency of the League passes from Danzig to Estonia at the April summit, I think the applicants stand a good chance - even if RPN does not leave Russia: just look at Jervaine. Yet we are to see official statements from Skuoda, Riga and Tallinn. But it seems very probable that they will vote for. Time will show.
(Markus Volkove is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the Skuoda International Relations Institute. All expressed views are his own -- Ed.)
BBC NEWS SERVICE, AMERICA DESK -- OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT -- Monday, 09 February, 2004
Instability and ethnic violence within the National Borders of the Republic are unconscionable, as are baseless accusations of fraud and payola. It has become clear to the President that the people of the Cruzan Islands, particularly los Nordicos, are incapable of policing themselves by executing their own internal policies, instituted under the Condominium.
Recent events having transpired since the Republic allowed coauthority with the Scandinavian Realm within the Cruzan Islands, especially the ethnic cleansing directed at Hispanic Citizens and the poor to nonexistent Cruzan police response to same, shall henceforth require a national response.
Acting under the mutual defense terms of the Condominium signed with the SR and duly accepted via public referendum, as of yesterday, 08 February, 2004, a supplementary contingent of the Guardia Nacional has been despatched to the
Cruzans to assist the local police in maintaining National Law and civil order within the islands. They have been granted full police powers within the islands and in the waters about.
While the remaining military installations alloted to the Fuerzas Armadas de la República will not be actively participating in police activities, they may be called up in reserve to act as gendarmes in times of need.
While the national government shall cooperate with Sr. Thomsens investigation, we can not allow Floridian citizens to suffer without police
protection and benefit of the Law. Any person deemed suspect by the Guardia Nacional shall be apprehended and held per terms of Law and upon reasonable suspicion that such suspects may be tried, the Prosecutors Office will file formal charges. The accused may stand trial under local (Cruzan) or national (Floridian) Law depending upon the nature of the crime.[PB]
BBC World News -- 7 February, 2004 -- BICEPHALIC BABY DIES AFTER SURGERY
SANTO DOMINGO, Republic of Florida-Caribbea -- An historic operation was performed Friday in the Dominican Republic on a bicephalic infant. Bicephaly is a condition where an organism, in this case a human, develops a second head. The surgery was designed to remove the second head, which has a partially formed brain, ears, eyes and lips. It is a very risky procedure because the two heads share arteries.
A team of 18 surgeons, nurses and doctors from Georgetown University Medical Centre (NAL) and Kings College Hospital (KEMR) spent about 13 hours in the operating room. During that time, they removed the undeveloped tissue, clipped the veins and arteries and closed the skull of the 7-week-old baby, who has been named "Baby Rebecca".
This kind of surgery has never been performed before, as the condition is exceedingly rare. The case of Baby Rebeca is only the eighth documented case of its kind in the world. And in each of the other seven cases, the fetuses died before birth.
It was reported this morning, just after the procedure ended, that Baby Rebecca died from surgical complications.[PB]
BBC, Castreleon -- 5 February, 2004 -- Ancient Tradition Marches On
On yesterday the fourth of February a party met in the Great Hall of Curth
Rhuial to perform a historic ceremony. Together the new Terruin of Kemr and
the High King of Dunein renewed the Oath of King Mark, binding the government
of Dunein and the throne of Kemr in union for a new generation. The Oath,
in its present form, was written in the fourteenth century, but can be traced
back to the ninth century when the oath was sealed between the sovereigns of
Dunein and Kemr as a defensive pact against English-speaking invaders from
the east. According to legend this oath was believed to be first invoked
between the legendary Emperor Arthur and King Mark of Dunein three hundred
years earlier.
Traditionally the High King recognises the suzerainty of the Kemrese
monarch and offers the services of the armed forces of the province to the
defence of whole kingdom. The exact wording is historic and includes the
militia of parts of France and England now outside the borders of Kemr. In
reply the Terruin swears to respect the ancient customs and laws of the High
Kingdom and to commit the armed forces of Kemr and the House of Padern to
the defence of Dunein should the need arise. Technically this would involve
arming all civilians between Castreleon and Hadrian's Wall if it were
possible. Again the logistics of such an enterprise are not entirely
feasible in the modern age.
The mediaeval princes of Kemr invoked this oath several times, including
the conquest of Ireland, and, in the seventeenth century, its pacification
under Oliweir ffeil Gwilelm. Dumnonian troops also fought to defend the
Marches, including under our national hero, Prince Ewein. Historically the
princes and kings of Kemr have been more negligent in upholding their side
of the oath. Cardinal Tewddur of Menew allowed the Kerno-speaking duchy of
Lledew to fall into French hands in favour of an ill-fated alliance with the
King of France in the sixteenth century.
The present event proved to be a happier one. For constitutional reasons,
the oath had already been recited between King Pedr and fis Mynnig, High King and Rheithur of Dunein, on the death of King Gereint. King Pedr had expressed a wish to repeat the oath as a public event. He did not wish his reign to begin with an ancient ritual performed behind closed doors. High King Gereint consented. The ritual was repeated in the Great Hall before an audience that included members of the royal family, reporters and television cameras. It appeared that both participants were not taking the event entirely seriously. They exchanged glances beforehand to see which one would be first to break into laughter during the ritual. Fortunately both men recited their lines without any injury to the solemnity of the event. The first person to break the mood of the event proved to be princess Bewdrig, the darling of the nation, who expressed her dislike for the flashing cameras with both lungs as her father and the High King shook hands after the event. Her mother, Sarah Pomhui, removed the child, accompanied by her nurse.
King Pedr commented that he would not be repeating the ritual again:
"That was it, as far as I am concerned!"
=====
The current text of the Oath is here reproduced in full. Fis Mynnig recited
the first paragraph, traditionally attributed to King Mark; while King Pedr
recited the second paragraph, traditionally attributed to the Emperor Arthur:
By wind and water, by earth and fire, by the love of the God that made them: on the Sword of Glory, forged when the world was young and tree and beast
and Man were one and death was but a dream, and in that the power remains to my body, I yield to the Lord of the Land my office, the lands of Dumnonia, Armorica and Cantabria and all the swords therein and the labours of its citizens to the service of Britain, that is one land.
By wind and water, by earth and fire, by the love of the God that made them: I offer to the citizens of Dumnonia the might of the swords of Cambria,
Cumbria and Votadinea in your time of need. Lord of the Dumnonians, hold from me this land conquered by Augustus, tamed by Mark and whence sprang Constantine from here to the sea under its ancient laws and customs. Enforce the Kings will, and it shall be yours for evermore!
This version actually dates to a 14th century Brithenig manuscript. The oldest fragment, an 11th century Latin MS, whose traditions undoubtedly go
back to the mid ninth century indicates a slightly different reading, though still between Mark and Arthur:
"One land one King, Cornwall! Yield to the Sword of Glory! What say ye Cornwall?
What will Britain yield, if Cornwall yield to the Sword of Glory?
The land of emperors, from here to the Sea, shall be yours for evermore if you enforce the Kings will!
Then that shall be so!"[AS, PB]
RIGETS TIDENDE -- Thursday, 05.02.2004 -- CRUZAN RIGSOMBUDSMAN LOOKS AT ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION
CHARLOTTE AMALIE -- Last Tuesdays documentary on Cruzan television, which claimed that two of the three Cruzan High Court judges were paid by Floridian Vice President Simon Eugenio Higgins-Calvo to rule in favor of the Floridian plan, has created a public outcry in the Cruzan islands. There are protest rallies in front of the Cruzan Parliament, the Green House, in Charlotte Amalie. The protesters are demanding that the referendum over the Floridian Plan be held again.
The newly appointed Rigsombudsman of the Cruzan Islands, Kofi Richter
Thomsen, has gathered his team to investigate the allegations. He expects to complete his investigation within the next three months. He has urged the Cruzans, especially the protesters, to await the conclusions of his investigation.
Meanwhile, Higgins-Calvo and the two judges in question, Jaime Enrique
Gonzales Joaquinsen and Carlos David Bueno Ramónsen, all deny the accusations. Gonzales Joaquinsens and Bueno Ramónsens powers has been suspended pending the investigation. Cruzan High Court Judge, Christian Freek de Jong Jæpsen, has no comment as to his colleagues reputation.[KJ]
BBC Transcript T4043ASR Nuovinie Voviet'erie, Kanal 1, Skuoda, Skuodia - 04 February, 2004
[START TRANSCRIPT]
[Presenter] This year has been declared the Year of Slavic Culture and
Language by Skuodias Ministry of Culture and Education. One of the first events of the year is today's opening of the Belarusian cultural centre in Skuoda. Markus Miruonove reports.
[Correspondent] The building at Guoteskeji pierouleke, 4 in Skuoda hosted the ceremony, with the white-red-white flags of Belarus hoisted high in front of the house. The opening was graced by the presence of the two countries Culture Ministers, Gyntarus Semajite of Skuodia and Uladzimer Abramau for Belarus.
[Semajite] The Government of Skuodia warmly welcomes the Belarusian people to this country. Skuodia is extremely proud of its Slavic heritage, in spite of the defamation of Slavicness by the fallen SNOR regime, and we warmly extend our friendship to those peoples with whom ties are strongest. Skuodia is situated on the Baltic, the ancient crossroads of Eastern Europe, and we are a syncretic culture, open to contact and dialogue. Hopefully, the establishemnt of this excellent centre will help us understand and appreciate each other better, which is essential in today's world.
[Correspondent] Mr. Semajite then showed the Belarusian delegation round the centre. It boasts a rather considerable library of books about Belarus and fiction, in many languages including Rigsmaal, Latvian, Wenedyk and Brithenig, and of course Belarusian, a study centre with supplies of dictionaries, coursebooks and cassettes. The Skuodian School Education department of the Ministry for Culture and Education has prepared a coursebook in Belarusian for Skuodian school pupils, which is also suitable for self-study.
[Semajite] Mr. Abramau, here's a surprise for you. We have prepared a
coursebook in Belarusian - here it is - and we will be offering Belarusian at three schools in Skuoda in the next academic years as second foreign language, along with Rigsmaal, Wenedyk, Latvian and Lithuanian.
[Abramau] Oh, wonderful. What's 'Movätie so monuoji’?
[Semajite] ‘Talk to me’
[Abramau] Ah, that’s ‘Havarecie sa mnoj’! [LAUGHTER]
[Correspondent] Independent courses in Belarusian will be held at the centre, as well as regular public lectures in Belarusian history and culture. The centre also boasts a collection of Belarusian films. The centre is a joint venture of the two ministries. The Belarusian minister expressed deep satisfaction at how things had been handled
[Abramau] This is a milestone of our relations. Taking into account the fact that Belarus has never been isolationist and has always felt being a part of European culture, ever managing to preserve the Slavic identity - just like Skuodia - the friendship between our countries is only natural. Belarus is slowly reintegrating into Europe, as demonstrated by our recent application to start negotiations with the Baltic League. I would like to thank our Skuodian colleagues for providing us with this magnificent building and for all the things they have done. Without their support, this project would never have come to fruition. We hope to follow up Skuodias successful experience with
education and culture, which is now paying off for the Skuodian peoples welfare.
[Correspondent] A similar Skuodian cultural centre is due to open in Polacak later this year. A recent press release from the government also said that similar initiatives were under way for Ukrainian and the Slavic peoples of the RTC (the Kaszubians and Ruthenians, as well as the RTCs Ukrainians and Belarusians), as well as for Nasesk Vesemir. Skuodia has also started negotiations to open diplomatic relations with Bulgaria. The National Bank of Skuodia is issuing coins to commemorate the Year of Slavic Culture and Language, and the Belarusian set was also officially unveiled today, with inscriptions in both Skuodian and Belarusan. The coins show famous Belarusians of the past, such as Francysk Skaryna, the translator of the Bible, and Todar Dastajevski, the famous Russo-Belarusian writer. The ceremony finished with
fireworks, the Belarusian white-red-white design dominating the scene. The guests were also presented with a giant cake in the form the of the Vytis - the Pahonia in Belarusian - a common element in the two countries coats of arms.
[END TRANSCRIPT][PI]
BBC, Castreleon -- 2 February, 2004 -- Beloved Monarch Laid to Final Rest
On Friday last, lla Raw Bunent was closed as the Royal Family drove to Saint
Caddags Cathedral. With gendarmerie escort, they were joined by a cavalcade of
world leaders arriving at the Cathedral. The riverside street overlooking the Ysc was lined with respectful mourners. At the Cathedral applause arose as the new King Pedr was the first to step out of the motorcar. He was dressed
in a traditional black suit and he still sports his now infamous hairstyle that has been the topic of conversation of royal observers for months. The funeral of his father was the new kings first public engagement. He was joined by his common-law partner Miss. Sarah Pomhui; Lady Catren Llewan; his daughter; and other members of the royal family. There is some speculation over which will be named as the Duke of Kemr until such time as the king produces a male heir.
Inside the historical cathedral, the late kings body has been lying in state
for the past several days. The procession of mourners that had come to pay their respects was formally ended after sunset on Thursday evening. The funeral mass was jointly celebrated by the Abbot-Patriarch of Glastein and the Abbot of Menew. The Abbot of Menew in Defed is traditionally observed as the
pre-eminent spiritual leader of the Cambriese Rite in Kemr Byr with a succession that goes back to Dewi Saeth himself. Since the fifteenth century, the Abbot of Menew has served as the chief spiritual advisor to the King and
the Senate. Also in attendence were the Moderator of the Evangelical Protestant Church in Kemr, several representatives from the National Association of Crevethic Temples in Kemr, notably Archdruid Cagwath, and several prominent Jewish and Muslim clerics were also in attendance. A personal eulogy of his grandfather was given by King Pedr. The kings body was interred in the Royal Vault within the Cathedral.
After the mass King Pedr spent several minutes exchanging greetings with
leaders and representatives from around the world. The first to be greeted
was the General Moderator of the Solemn League, the greatest nation within the Commonwealth of Nations. He spent several minutes talking to King Witold IV of the Republic of the Two Crowns, a family friend of long-standing. The kings comments to the Scandanavian Ambassador hinted that he would follow their princes example with a Kemrese royal wedding in the second part of the year. The king also spoke in a friendly manner to fis Mynnig, the Rheithur and High King of the province of Dûnein. It has been leaked from palace sources that the new Terruin was not comfortable with with the Oath of King Mark performed a mere hour after the late kings death and wishes to re-enact it in the next week as a public event for prosperity. Fis Mynnig was amenable to suggestion, and assures the new Monarch of "all due pomp and circumstances".
On leaving the cathedral the cry of "Dew salw'll Rhui!" (God save the King!)
was heard from the crowd. King Pedr was seen to smile and the Royal Family
waved to the crowd before departing for the palace.
A complete Who's Who in attendance is printed in the special Condolences section.[AS]
FSL News, Coburg -- 26.01.2004
The Senator-President of Lessinischland, Michael Pfaber, has offered his
greatest condolences to the people of Kemr, and the family of King Gereint. He said, in a speech given in front of the Senate: "We are, as all the world is, shocked at the death of King Gereint. In the eight years of my presidency, I have met Ill Terruin many times. I was awed to have met such a person, each time. He was a great ruler, and I pray for Prince Pedr, that he will rule as his father did. "
At that point, many cabinet members stepped up, each praising the deeds and good Character of the late King of Kemr.[JW]
WITA WARSINY -- 26.01.2004 -- ROYAL CONDOLEANCES FOR KEMR
WARSAW -- The death this morning of king Gereint XIII of Kemr at the age of 74 has evoked emotional reactions all over the world, also in the RTC. In a special broadcoast that interrupted the regular programs of all national radio
stations, king Witold IV expressed his deepest grief and conveyed his condoleances to the deceased king's family, as well as to the entire Kemrese
people.
King Witold said: "Gereint ffeil Padern was much more to me than just a
colleague. He was also a friend. We have known each other since 1949. I had
been a fighter pilot under Federated command during the last years of the war, and we first met when I was decorated by his father, king Costenhin. Later he would join the military too, and all I've been told about him is that he was a fine comrade and an excellent soldier! Anyway, it was the beginning of a long
friendship. We shared many common interests, we both made our carreers in the
army, and ultimately we would both become king. Of course, we had been joking
about that possibility since our first acquaintance, although none of use
really held it for possible. But it happened nevertheless, and from that moment
on we have always been working together to give content to the long history of
friendship between our peoples, dating back as far as to the glorious days of
the Roman Empire."
He continued: "Today, my thoughts are with lady Catren and prince Pedr. I wish them good strengh in coping with their unspeakable loss. I have lost a good friend, which is terrible enough, but they have also lost a faithful husband and a wonderful and inspiring grandfather."
The king, 77 years old himself, concluded his emotional statement thus: "You
know, I'm not the youngest either. Although I am still in good health, I know
that I will follow my friend within a few years too. All I can say is: so long,
dear friend, we will meet in Heaven soon enough!"
As a gesture of respect towards the departed king's family, all flags in the
RTC will be lowered tomorrow. Our country will send a heavy delegation to the
funeral, next Friday, to pay honour to king Gereint: king Witold, prime
minister Jan Sacz, and foreign minister Olwarz Piniatyk will attend the
ceremony.[JvS]
BBC, MENYN -- 26.01.2004 -- MENYN RESPONDS IN GOOD KEMRESE FASHION
LLANGOTHRI -- As the Isle awoke from yesterdays potations on the occasion of one of the nations best-loved holidays, Ffirling St. Dwynwen, the mood was
shattered by news from Castreleon which heralded the Kings death. Flags were lowered immediately after Mrs. Glas announced the event. The statement was broadcast live on all local radio and television stations, and has since been rebroadcast every hour by various news outlets such as Ill Ogl Manaweg. Given
the huge number of flags Llangothri usually sports, and augmented by flags left over from the holiday yesterday, the whole town looked downcast and depressed this morning.
The Parliament of the Isle, again in session briefly at His Majesty's urging last week, has once again been suspended until the Rheithur officially
presents his credentials to the new King Pedr. Flags will remain lowered until the King officially assumes his title.[PI]
BBC, Castreleon -- 26 January, 2004 -- ANCIENT RITUAL ENACTED AMIDST GREAT
SADNESS
CASTRELEON -- A ritual nearly as ancient as the Kingdom was played out this
morning, shortly after eleven. It's a unique and curious turn of ancient
history and constitutional law that our Kingdoms largest province, Dûnein, is
at once both a province like any other and also something of an independent
country. In the year 838, Constantine V High King of Dumnonia and Prince
Gereint IV of Kemr united the two lands into one country. Since that time,
every newly elected High King of Dûnein has repeated the Oath of King
Mark, which was first spoken between the legendary kings Mark of Dumnonia
and the Emperor Arthur of Cambria. It is never considered a happy ritual, for
it always happens after the death of the king. It is apparent now that fis
Mynnig, Rheithur and High King of Dûnein, went up to Castreleon with knowledge
that he would soon have to repeat his Oath a second time in his short reign.[PB]
ILL SUL, Castreleon -- 26 January, 2004 -- ES MORID ILL RHUI! GWIW'LL RHUI!
CASTRELEON -- Yesterdays jovial mood was shattered this morning just after
10 o'clock when, without any pomp or explanation, a contingent of guards of
the Kings Regiment stepped out and tenderly lowered the standard at Curth
Rhuial. A collective cry of grief and dismay went up from the crowd of
observers who had been keeping vigil outside the palace for the past week. A
voice was heard to shout out "Gwiw'll Rhui!" (Long live the King!)
Motor, tram and pedestrian traffic was brought to a stunned halt at
Porthbelin as another contingent of guards lowered the standard there. Minutes
later, Sara Glas, Palace Spokeswoman read out a brief announcement that King
Gereint XIII had died in the Palace at 10 o'clock at the age of 74, having
reigned over the Kingdom of Cambria for 37 years, since 1967.
King Gereint was born in 1930, during the reign of his extraordinary royal
grandfather, King Gereint XII. As a child, he witnessed the harsh realities
that the Great Depression inflicted on the Kemrese people. His childhood came
to a premature end as Great War II broke out between the Allies and the German-
led Grand Alliance. The royal family were not left unscathed by the aerial
outslaught that was wrought by the German Luftwaffe against many Federated
cities, including Castreleon and Abertewy, which was reduced to rubble in the
blitzkrieg. In the middle of the war period, King Gereint XII died and King
Costenhin XIII, his son, succeded him. Despite the superstitious nature of his
regnal number, King Costenhin rapidly overcame that shadow and became a strong
symbol against belligerant nationalism, and in the post-war period of
reconstruction.
After the war, the young Duke Gereint entered the armed forces as a
commissioned officer and honourably served in several postings both in Kemr
and overseas. In 1967, at the age of 37, he succeded his father Costenhin
XIII and reigned over the greatest cultural rennaisance the kingdom has ever
seen; and has outlasted the violence that accompanied this growing
confidence. With manly demeanor, he weathered the greatest blow of his life,
the loss of his son, Duke Costenhin, to cancer in 1990; and ten years later he
survived an assassination attempt against his person. In his later years, the
king found comfort in his second wife, the younger and attractive Lady Catren
Llewan.
*
The New King -- With the death of King Gereint XIII, the succession
passes to his grandson, Pedr ffeil Padern. Prince Pedr reluctantly accepted
the title of Duke of Kemr after the death of his father in 1990. Although the
royal succession is automatic, his acceptance of the title of 'Ill Terruin,
King of Kemr Byr and lla Ferch, Companion-Commander of the Imperial Order of
the Round Table', awaits to be announced. His father defended his choice of
not assuming the public role of the monarchy, and his grandfather respected
this agreement even after Duke Costenhins death. It is only in the past few
months, when King Gereints health has become too poor to continue in his
Duties alone, that Prince Pedr has taken on this burden.
After his fathers death Prince Pedr entered Glastein, the Kingdoms oldest
university, and its most pre-eminent. He proved his academic abilities,
graduating with a masters degree in microbiology. He is no great respecter of
privilige, which was revealed when investigative reporters revealed that he
was a paid subscribing member of the University Republican Club.
Leading representatives of the republican 'movement' in the kingdom have been
reticent to confirm that they still have the princes support. It was at
Glastein that the prince met his love and now common-law partner, Sarah
Pomhui. They have one child, a daughter; and it is expected that the new King
Pedr will marry her so that she may become his queen.
After his graduation, Prince Pedr moved north to study at first hand the
mad cow disease outbreak in Dui province. The young family settled privately
in Meddlan, south of Aberddui. They were warmly accepted by the local
community who have enthusiastically protected 'their duke' from the prying
eyes of the paparazzi.
Whatever else may happen, the new King promises to be an unorthodox
successor to his grandfather. If a little levity can be allowed to conclude
this article, then this writer wonders if the new king will cut off the collar-
length dreadlocks that he sported since his university days. Certainly his
immediate actions over the next weeks and months will be a indicator of the
reign to come at the beginning of the new century.[AS]
Minsk Times, Minsk -- 25.01.2004 -- ONE WAY TICKET FOR BELARUS NOW
[ -- The Minsk Times is an English-language daily. It is a
joint effort of the Belarusian Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Free
Speech For Eastern Europe initiative, based in Llangothri in the FK. -- ]
MINSK -- The new power in the Belarusian parliament, the PNA (Partyja Narodnaha Adradzhenija - The Peoples Renaissance Party), is going from
strength to strength in the seim as more and more deputies are joining
up with it. It looks as if many more of the candidates were sympathizing
with it than appeared in the lists. As expected, the PNA formed an alliance with the Respublikanskaja Partyja - The Republicans - which brought the alliance to forty votes. With four of the independent candidates - Nikalaj Ivanau of Novapolacak, Alaksandar Uspienski of Babrujsk, Paval Vozhyk of Klincy and Anton Papou of Vorsza - joining up with this parliamentary bloc, the opposition PBD - Partyja Bielaruskaha Dabrabutu (Belarusian Well-Being Party) - started to crumble, with nine deputies declaring themselves independent, and three of these joining with the majority, and now it only accounts for 13 votes. Given that the Svabodnaja Bielarus - Free Belarus - party numbers some ardent supporters of liberal policies among its members, it can be said for sure that the democratic forces now have a grip on the countrys policies which has never been as strong.
The new Prime Minister, the PNAs leader Uladzimir Kotau, has taken advantage of this fact and announced yesterday that the government has filed a request to the Baltic League office to start negotiations with regard to Belarus joining this important international body. 'We fully realize that Belarus has a lot to do in order to comply with the BLs stringent entry regulations, and we cannot envisage this event for another five or six years. Yet the process has to be started, and started it will be. After all, Belarus has had some encouraging experience in the past' he said, referring to how the Bransk voblasc was run by Nikalaj Czerpankiewicz, now Minister of Finance, 'and we hope to apply it on a larger scale'.
This news came in the wake of an announcement by the Ministry of Finance
that for the first time in post-SNORist history, Belarus has registered economic rise for more than two years running and inflation below 20%, with GDP rising by 1,4% in 2003, compared with 0,9% in 2002 and 0,3% in 2001, thus the GDP has finally returned to the pre-2000 default GDP levels. Mr Kotau said, 'We hope to build up on this momentum, small though it be'.
The Baltic League Minsk office has refused to make any comments, saying
that the documents have been forwarded, and are now being discussed in the central office.
Jury Rohazau, the leader of the 'Radzima' bloc and former ambassador to the FK has denounced the move, saying that it opened Belarus 'up for grabs' by the Western countries and accusing the new government of wanting 'to continue robbing the people by empty-headed liberal policies'.
Here are some replies of people on the streets:
Michal, 21, a law student at Minsk State University [speaking Belarusian]: Yes, I agree with Kotau. Belarus is a European nation, and it is important that this sense of belonging that we have is realized as a political reality.
Francysk, 37, taxi driver [speaking Belarusian]: Probably it's a good move. I come from Bransk, and Czerpankiewicz really did a good job. I moved to Minsk because of family circumstances, but I was earning almost twice as much when I worked in Bransk. Pity the policies have been reversed.
Halina, 27, programmer [speaking Belarusian]: Probably it's a good idea, as long as the economy doesn't go down the drain again. And we really need not to forget the ties with Russia.
Jan, 51, Catholic priest [speaking Belarusian]: I come from Veneda, and the difference in the quality of the Belarusians life in the RTC and here is appalling. RTC really should press the others sp that Belarus is admitted as quickly as possible.
Alaksandar, 61, retired [speaking Russian]: No, we don't need it. They're all highwaymen there.[PI]
LA SUL, Esca -- 25 January, 2004 -- LOVERS CELEBRATE ST. DUINS DAY
ESCA -- Lovers celebrate St. Duins day in Esca by dressing up in their best
finery and promenading around to all the little coffee houses and patisseries.
Though the mood of the nation is tense, the day is a happy one and people can
set aside the disquiet for a while.
BBC3 held a variety of "love token" contests this weekend, where the most
creative, most expensive, cheapest or grandest presents were judged on their
merits and prizes were awarded. Gianeth Cynsie and Marcos Prevdeor, both
university students, won the grand prize in the most romantic category for
their poetic efforts. Their efforts have gotten them a weeks holiday in the
Riviera this Summer.[PB]
PTA, Prák, 22.01.2004
Prague -- As it was shown in preliminary research of Royal Statistical Bureau, the electors preferences has not changed in last five years. Many commentators add, as they did not changed in last three decades. It seems, that Bohemians are pretty enough with "švajn-knétl-kraut" (pork-dumpling-cabbagge) and have no intention to change it. The international situation also does not insists no shifts.
Now in little bit more details. Out of 10 000 000 of registered electors only 61% posted their ballots, what is 5% less than last time. The stale coalition of regional Constitutional Parites has 110 mandates, so again we can expect quiet time. Together with their "silent" partners from Social Party, Civic Party and Liberals, they have conctitutional majority even to eventually change the very basic law. But these are just speculations.
Opposition is again teethless and we hope we will be spared from endless obstructions, which are not only boring, but it seems, electors do not favour them either.
Builletin of Election Committee: Bohemian Politics.[JH]
LA SUL, Esca - 21.01.2004 - ILL TERUIN STRICKEN BY PNEUMONIA
Esca - Speculation over the monarchs recent hospitalisation has run rampant over the last several days. While the Palace and Royal Castrysc Hospital are tight lipped regarding the kings illness and its severity, several physicians we contacted have responded to queries regarding the circumstances surrounding recent events. Dr. Mair Ffelig' of the Royal College in Esca spoke in general terms: "A broad range of organisms, bacteria and viruses, can cause pneumonia, which is an inflammation of the lungs. Its usual symptoms are coughing that becomes more productive; greenish or yellowish phlegm, possibly rust coloured phlegm either of which can be quite smelly. Typical symptoms also include a feeling of illness, aches, pains a fever and loss of appetite." Treatment of bacterial pneumonia generally includes a regimen of antibiotics. Sever cases must be treated in hospital and may include intravenous antibiotics, fluids and oxygen therapy. When asked if pneumonia is what Gereint xiii is suffering from, Dr. Ffelig' could not confirm a diagnosis without an examination, though stated that "pneumonia seems to be a good candidate" for the monarchs illness.
Sources close to Castrysc Hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicate that the removal of Ill Teruin to his home in the Palace was done mostly to bolster the nations emotions. One credible source indicated that the monarchs condition is actually far worse than originall stated and that the Palace is hiding the fact that the king is terminally ill and is not likely to recover. One is quoted as saying: "The fact that he [Ill Teruin] walked from the ambulance into the Palace was a patriotic touch. Frankly, I am surprised the effort didn't kill him on the steps."[PB]
IBAP, Le Caillou -- 2 Pluviôse, CCXII (21 Jan, 2004) -- by Darlène Moisson
After Mondays Caucus in Le Caillou, President Guillame Henri Claintaun has thrown in his hat. After a poor showing and public backlash for his desires to run for re-election, President Claintaun has announced his support for his wife, and his retirement for public life following his term of office.
The race is now beginning to look tight, as Hilary Rodham Claintaun and Richard Alouicious Gépard vie for their the party nomination against Populist Party's Michel Huckabée. Polls show Mme. Claintaun leading Gépard 2 to 1 and it is suspected that if the poor showing for M. Gépard continues, he'll bow out of the race.[DH]
BBC, Castreleon - 19.01.2004 - ILL TERUIN OUT OF HOSPITAL, RETURNS TO PALACE
Castreleon -- King Gereint XIII returned to the palace today by ambulance. The event was witnessed by several hundred onlookers and a rousing cheer went up as the monarch stepped out of the ambulance. He was accompanied by Lady Catren, his physician and a medical team. The king was visually moved by the expression of goodwill from the public and responded with a cheery wave. He did not stay to speak, but was escorted into the palace. There was some concern from members of the crowd, that the king, who was a captain in the armed forces while he was Duke of Kemr in the post-war period, did not assume the soldierly posture that he has maintained for over thirty years as King of
Kemr.
Outside the Royal Castrysc Hospital wellwishers dispersed as the news of the
kings departure became known. A spokesman for the hospital expressed gratitude for the crowds behaviour over the weekend. "We experienced no incidents affecting the hospitals services. Everyone showed only concern for our monarchs health," Dr. Cefin ap Geory, Chief of Medicine, reported. The impromptu memorial of cards, flowers and candles to the king outside the hospital will be left intact until tomorrow when it will be transferred to the palace. Ap Geory said that there had been no improvement in the kings health, but agreed that he could be moved to the familiar surroundings of the palace where he will continue to receive medical care. A respirator device will be kept near the king at all times to help his breathing.
During the day King Gereint personally spoke to Cenydd mab Llawreint, the Rheithur of Menyn, by phone requesting that the democratic process should not be held up by one man.[AS]
BBC News, Eurodesk -- 17.01.2004 -- LESSINISCH ELECTIONS IN PROGRESS
COBURG -- The Lessinisch Senate reconvened today to elect its president. The Senate convened two months ago to elect the Speaker of the Lower Senate,
and has convened twice in December, to elect each of the deputy Speakers. There are three main candidates: Social-democrat leader and
incumbent Michael Pfaber, Nationalist leader Yajob Coffou, and Christian Democrat leader Hans Meier. The favourite is Michael Pfaber, after the two Socialist parties with pro-indepedance leanings agreed to vote for him. After the Senator-President is elected, he will read out a summary of his plans, to be voted on by the Senate.
The parties are aligned as follows:
Supporting Michael Pfaber -
Thuringian Social Democratic Union (190 deputies) Supporting Yajob Coffou -
Lessinisch National Party (180 deputies) Supporting Hans Meier -
Thuringian Christian Democratic Union (60 deputies) The nationalist LGP and LSP have agreed not to vote for any motion calling for an early election of the Tag, but the TSDU has guaranteed that it will attempt to spread the knowledge of Lessinisch in schools, and make it one of the official languages in Parliament.[JW]
Ill Gwg, Llangothri, Ynys Menyn -- 16 JAN, 2004 -- DÂLI'N YNYS SUSPENDS SESSION, ISLE SHOCKED BY NEWS
Llangothri -- Mrs. Greid Lladda, Pratwr of the Mans parliament, Dâli'n Ynys, has suspended the ongoing session as news of ill Terruins illness came from Castreleon. "The situation is very grave, and time should not
be wasted in electioneering and populism at the moment", she said, referring to the fact that this session is the last before the general election slated for the second of February.
The motion was unanimously carried by the members, as the deputies took advantage of the opportunity to listen for the latest news. The Isles Rheithur, Mr. Cenydd mab Llawreint has also spoken on behalf of the Provinces citizens, wishing a speedy recovery to the Monarch. His speech is reproduced on page A2. Similar statements have come in from the heads of the Isles two largest religious communities: the Priest Nigol Yniwr, Abbot of St. Cothri at Llangothri and the Bishop Erchyl Yddaer of Clonguchlain and Bangor Fychan.
All entertainment shows have been suspended at Ill Ogl Manaweg, the local television company. Bulletins of the Monarchs health are broadcast hourly there. There are reports of large crowds at churches and chapels of every rite all over the Isle as the people of Menyn join the rest of Kemr to pray for ill Terruin.[PI]
BBC, Castreleon - 16.01.2004 - GRAVE ILLNESS IN ROYAL FAMILY - NATION STRICKEN
CASTRELEON -- Word has come from Castreleon that Gereint XIII, Ill Teruin (King of Kemr), has been hospitalised in a private ward in Royal Castrysc Hospital at Castreleon. Initial reports indicate that his condition is serious but stable.
Public reaction have thus far been muted. Small crowds of people have gathered both at the hospital and the Curth Ruyal, presumably as a sign of respect for the Monarch. No further comment is yet available from the Palace. The kings immediate family have not been seen in public, and all public engagements by the Royal Family have been cancelled for the forseeable future.
Lady Catren Llewan, the Kings second wife, is believed to have accompanied him to the hospital. The movements of Pedr, the Duke of Kemr and immediate successor to the throne is unknown, although it is known that he has been in the city on an ongoing basis since the Kings failing health was confirmed several months ago.
People across the country have been forgathering in churches and pubs, some to pray, others to watch for news from the Capital on this cold, grey January day. While none can say for sure what the future holds, every Kemrese citizen to a one has expressed deep sympathies to the Royal Family and heartfelt hopes for the speedy recovery of the Monarch.
In Esca, the High King made a short statement expressing similar sympathies and hopes for a speedy recovery on behalf of the Province of Dûnein. At noon, he boarded a train for Castreleon, though no comment was made as to the purpose of this subdued departure from the city.[AS]
Inagua is a dependancy of Bahamas (NAL)
Cayman Islands, Swan Is. (dependancy of Cambria), Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbadoes, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago and Tortuga were all Commonwealth and have been
reoccupied and properly reintegrated (Tobago, of course, in conjunction with Venezola
Tortuga was privately owned (dependency of Lundy) but has apparently been occupied by Venezola.
Margarita and Tobago never fell to F-C, though Latvian insurgents seem to have been able to enter Tobago and briefly occupy it; Margarita is, of course, Venezolan.
Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire have been occupied by the Royal Navy and were returned a fortnight or so ago back the Kingdom of Batavia.
Montserrat is slated to become a Condominium Protectorate of the Irish Union (AE).[PB]
[2] Venedic People's Party - conservative, agrarian party
[3] Venedic Unified Socialist Party
[4] Lithuanian Social-Democratic Labour Party
[5] National Democracy
"We're gonna kick some asses!"
"Yes, it is an honour indeed, really, you know. I am, I am... proud to be here, really."
"Wow man, always dreamt about going there... You know, sunshine, hot beaches,
even hotter beach bunnies, catch my drift? Natch natch wink wink?"
"Party time, baby!!!"
"Let's see if those bloody vikings have left something for us!"
"I don't know about this Bush guy, but looking at his picture I'm sure we'll
find him quickly. In the zoo!"
- gravely concerned by the recent actions of violence on the part of
Florida-Caribbea against unarmed civilians on the Cruzan Islands,
- considering that this violence is in denial of the legitimate right for
self-determination, exercised democratically, by the Cruzan population,
- considering that the condominium status of the Cruzan Islands makes them
subject not only to Floridian, but also to Scandinavian law,
- observing that this conflict has escalated from a regional conflict into a
war between states, and that it has the potential of further escalating into a
world war,
- aware of several unconfirmed reports about the use of nuclear power as a
means to solve the Floridian-Cruzan conflict,
- taking into account the devastating effect of nuclear weapons in general,
- considering also that three of its members are also legal constituents of the
Scandinavian Realm,
Lessinisch Green Party (38 deputies)
Lessinisch Socialist Party(32 deputies)
