Diplomacy:
To: All, especially American States and Great Britain
The Empire of Mexico condemns Confederate annexations in Central America and its use of chemical weapons against the SSR. Accordingly we recognize the SSR as the legitimate Southern government as well as the governments of Texas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. We are withholding recognition of Virginia due to its hostile actions. We also formally announce mobilization is underway as a preventative measure against aggression.
The Commonwealth of Kentucky appreciates the support of the Empire of Mexico, but reiterates that it is not a sovereign nation seeking recognition of its independence.
Should the Mexican government or people wish to support Kentucky, we urge it to make donations to international aid organisations or to US-based charities which can provide Kentucky's people with the assistance they need. The poor and disadvantaged have many needs in our state, needs which were either ignored or actively worsened by Confederate rulers.
We further urge the Mexican government to withhold recognition of the illegitimate entity which governs Tennessee. It is, much like the erstwhile Buxton government, simply a clique of unelected soldiers and civilian collaborators who refused to accept the end of Confederate rule and have endeavoured to hold power by force. If the Empire of Mexico is an enemy of the Confederacy as all rightful nations ought to be, than it should not recognise the regime in Tennessee, which is simply ruled by Confederate officials under a different flag.
The Russian Empire that we were formally allied with is now dead. As one can not gain anything from a corpse that improves one's own condition Greece has set out on its own, forged its own path. We seek allies as you no doubt do as well. While we admit that we could not make an immense difference militarily in a battle against this new Russia we can offer diplomatic protection. Allying with us will make them hesitate, and your opening of the oil fields will only increase that diplomatic protection. The Third Hellenic Civilization will help to aid in Ukraine's defense should the need arise.
We are worried about the Turks, who likewise seek us harm in the way that you fear Russia will do. It would be no surprise if Turkey also had goals in Ukraine as well. If we form an alliance then Turkey will be forced to back away. We are happy to provide investments into your oil fields and send military advisers to help one another learn new lessons.
The British Government makes no secret of its interest in these oil fields and associated companies - if the Ukrainians are willing to sell, then Britain shall buy, and be likewise open to other investments in the future (as well as extending economic and military protection over its new partner as requested).
Excellent, we also have investments open in the Mineral Fields around Uzhgorod and Kirovhrad. These fields have deposits of Uranium, Nickel, Cobalt, Zinc, Lead, Gold, Mercury, and Complex Ores
Cornelius Augustus FitzRoy Beauchamp V stood silently in the Executive Office of the Presidential Mansion, looking at President Curtis. After news broke over the television of the standoff in Nicaragua and the Confederate military actions against the SSR Beauchamp had been summoned immediately from the Confederate 'liaison office' which had been established after the Arlington Accords (although they'd committed to it in writing the Confederate government was still leery of treating Virginia like a nation, and refused to establish an embassy proper) to give an accounting of Havana's actions. Although the Confederate government and her remaining embassies around the globe remained silent to the outside world Beauchamp heeded the summons -- Virginia had recently done quite a large favour for Havana and the Confederates were nothing if not courteous.
Right just then, courtesy would not be enough.
"We told you from the start that the Confederate government would not sit idly by while insurrection roiled her territories. You knew an offensive was coming." Beauchamp said softly, his Alabama twang sounding foreign to the Virginian ear.
"Chemical weapons? Picking a fight with the Royal Navy? That was your plan?"
"The Confederacy is entitled to use every means at her dispos-"
Curtis slammed his palm down.
"Quiet! If you think I haven't heard President Anderson tell me the same thing then you're just as much as a damnfool pickaninny as he is."
Beauchamp froze. To be called a Negro was an unforgivable offence to a well-bred Southron, and to be called a Negro child would in normal circumstances require satisfaction. Duelling had been illegal in the Confederacy since 1885 after a spate of incidents drew an uproar, but it remained a common practice for those born with a silver spoon. You couldn't challenge a sitting head of state to a duel in his own office though. He gritted his teeth.
"If the Virginian government does not see fit to fulfill her obligations under the Accord and recognise our right to put down this insurrection, then the Commonwealths will be treated as any other territory in a state of rebellion."
"And just how, Cornelius Augustus Fitzroy Beauchamp V," Curtis drew the name out with the exaggerated polish of a Virginian gentleman "do you expect us to support a pariah state halfway at war with a superpower, one which abdicated all moral authority by using chemical weapons in a major city?"
Silence.
"Get out of my damn office, then pack your bags and get out of my damn country. You and yours are nothing but a menace."
---
Elements of the Virginia Home Army enter the Confederate Liaison Office in Richmond on orders to forcibly expel the Confederate Liaison Officer and his staff
---
Virginian President Edward Fitzhugh Curtis speaking on the Virginian Broadcasting Service about recent political developments at home and abroad
"...with full confidence that these so-called Bloods will be swiftly brought to justice by the brave men and women of the Commonwealth Police."
"Thank you Mr. President. Now, if we could discuss foreign policy? Madeline Spencer Gooch has recently been appointed by you as Virginia's third Secretary of State in seemingly as many months, while Virginia alone of the post-Uprising nations has been denied recognition by the United States and Mexico. What is going on in the State Department?"
[President Curtis swallows and coughs slightly]
"Well Bob, the previous two Secretaries -- Catesby Taliaferro and Bill Douglass, as you know -- were fine public officials, but this is a demanding time in international politics and it was decided that a steadier hand was needed at the wheel. Madeline Gooch's service as former Confederate Ambassador to Savoy provides much-needed experience to the position and my administration is pleased to welcome her."
"Speaking of the Confederacy, the recent expulsion of Confederate diplomats from Richmond drew a great deal of attention. What led to such drastic action on the part of the Administration?"
"In the Arlington Accords we recognised the sovereignty and legitimacy of the Confederate Government in Havana, as well as her territorial claims. It was my hope that this would lead to peace and civility, but the recent actions of the Confederacy make that impossible. The usage of chemical weapons in Baton Rouge is a crime against decency and the action of a deranged regime -- not to mention their belligerence over the Nicaragua Canal. President Anderson has shown that he cannot be trusted or reasoned with and I for one do not wish to host officials of a criminal state."
"Thank you for your time Mr. President."
"It was a pleasure to be here, Bill."
The situation in the former Confederacy has spiralled such that it is imperative that international action be taken to stabilise the region. While prior Virginian calls for a settlement in the South have been rebuffed it is our hope that, in light of recent events, another such appeal may prove more persuasive. The United States had time and time again referenced an eventual settlement in the South and the eventual normalisation of affairs there, and it is time for President Nilson to put his money where his mouth is.
The Commonwealths of Greater Virginia call upon the United States and the United Kingdom to take immediate steps, alongside other North American nations such as Greater Virginia, Texas, Canada, and Mexico, to finally bring order and good governance in a shattered land. The Commonwealths likewise take deep pleasure in recognising Ms. Caroline Arnett as the legitimate executor and representative of the popular will within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Secretary of State for the Commonwealths of Greater Virginia
The Commonwealth of Kentucky expresses its utmost condemnation for the war crimes committed by the rogue entity calling itself the "Southron Confederacy". The Commonwealth of Kentucky reminds the people of the world that anything approximating the Confederate States of America died in 1968 as it abandoned even the facade of democracy and yielded to rule by a series of strongmen and oligarchs, finally completing the moral and societal collapse of one of the most odious and inhumane regimes in the history of the world.
This so-called "Southron" state, an absurd and fictitious title for an illegitimate state, has brought war to North America because its cowardly leaders could not stand that their people finally grew weary of their corrupt and despotic rule. So in an effort to preserve the embers of their dying regime, they have attacked their fellow North Americans. They seek to rebuild the Confederate States and will attempt do so at the cost of thousands or even millions of innocent lives. But no matter how hard their armies fight, no matter how many civilian lives they consign to death, they will never be victorious. Their planned annexations, if successful, shall only add millions more rebellious subjects to their failing empire and accelerate its long-overdue and much-deserved collapse. They think their weapons of war and destruction make them powerful, but they only show that this regime does not care for the needs of its people or its soldiery.
We hope and pray for the day that the people of this "Confederacy" realise who the real enemy is.
From: Confederation of Australia
To: World
CC: Regarding the Japanese intervention in the Philippines
We applaud the Japanese Government for there prompt intervention and help in supporting the legitimate government of the Philippines in fighting the Islamist Terrorists that are causing damage in that nation. We also wish to offer the Republic of the Philippines any help they might request in the future in dealing with these rebels and call for a potential investigation of any suspicion of foreign support to these rebels.
Public Statement from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Her Majesty's government condemns the actions of the Confederacy of Southron Americans in the strongest possible terms. The use of chemical warfare agents in this circumstance is not to be tolerated by any civilised nation, and the utter disregard demonstrated by the Confederacy to the democratically expressed wishes of its former territories is intolerable. The United Kingdom will not stand by and let this atrocity continue unabated, and hereby issues a formal demand to the Confederacy; cease your aggressive campaign and withdraw from those territories which do not wish to be ruled from Havana, or suffer the consequences.
The Confederacy of Southern America does not wish for a conflict with the United Kingdom, which the Confederacy once considered a close ally. However, the Confederacy reserves its right to conduct operations within its own sovereign territory against rebels and dissidents, which did not express any democratic tendencies and instead violently disrupted the established democratic order. As such, the Confederacy will not bow to the ultimatum given by the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, we invite British diplomats to Havana to discuss a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the Nicaraguan Canal.
Statement from the North German Government@Crilltic
After much consideration, while there is still concern over the safety of our private citizens we will, in the end, extradite the requested persons with confidence in their innocence alongside there legal team of course to represent them. We would like to reiterate that we had nothing to do with this violent attack and that it is nothing more than the actions of mindless thugs and that the North German government in no way supports such kinds of actions.
Private:
To: Greece: @EmperorCasey
Unless the situation escalates we should still be able to participate in the scheduled wargame later this year.
This administration expresses great admiration for the political developments in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Especially the efforts of Governor Arnett in expanding liberty and democracy as well as in creating a society that makes room for all. Truly the Commonwealth is a safe port in dangerous waters and, as such, we shall extend our recognition to the Arnett government as the legitimate government of the residents of Kentucky.
We wish you good fortune in these trying days to come. No one ever said democracy would be easy... or free. Several associates of mine, in conjuncture with the government, have spearheaded an effort to compile the essentials: foodstuffs, non-perishables, medical equipment and coffee, among with the non-essentials: A toy drive for the little ones and a symbolic gift of a collection of Colombian flower seeds. We're known for our biodiversity and the flowers from my home department of Antioquia are world famous. Obviously you're busy now but when you have the opportunity, feel free to plant them wherever you may wish. A pleasant reminder of an unbreakable bond between free peoples.
We Colombians are a humble people, yet rich in our willingness to give, especially to fellow Americans.
The Republic of Colombia in no uncertain terms rejects this violence, in particular the use of chemical weaponry on civilian populations. As a result of the chaos in the Gulf, the Colombian National Armada has been sent on a high alert and will be actively patrolling its territorial waters, and Colombian National Army positions on the border with the illegitimately occupied Confederate State of Costa Rica. Health, emergency and other relief stations will be established and refugee camps will be constructed to meet any one fleeing violence.
The Escobar Administration also declares the Confederacy a rouge state with which the Republic of Colombia will not be holding any diplomatic, economic or political relations with. Any diplomatic and consular staff in the occupied city of Havana and throughout the occupied Confederate territories in the Caribbean and Central America will be withdrawn. Confederate businessmen with ties to the so-called Confederate government will have their assets and any property in Colombia seized immediately, any one with ties to the heinous crimes against humanity shown on display for the world to see is considered a persona non grata in the Republic, and can expect to be arrested. Individual sanctions against specific leaders of the Confederate regime will be levied and any assets or property of their's held in Colombia will be seized by the state. Significant financial penalties as well as jail time will be levied to Colombian citizens who continue to hold ties to the so-called Confederate government or business relations with members of the regime.
The Ministry for External Relations calls upon any remaining Colombian nationals in territories held by the rouge Confederate military or in the Former Confederacy to depart at once for Mexico, Haiti, the United States or Commonwealth states in the Caribbean. Contact your nearest Colombian embassy or consular service and request immediate repatriation, free of cost.
The Escobar Administration recognizes the independence of the Social Republic from the Former Confederacy and the sole successor government.
We know that you have the situation under control but should the need arise, please feel free to make use of Colombian ports for any operations or for simple refueling/resupply.
We hope hope that cooler heads prevail, lest atrocities like Baton Rouge repeat themselves.
Statement from the North German Government@Crilltic
After much consideration, while there is still concern over the safety of our private citizens we will, in the end, extradite the requested persons with confidence in their innocence alongside there legal team of course to represent them. We would like to reiterate that we had nothing to do with this violent attack and that it is nothing more than the actions of mindless thugs and that the North German government in no way supports such kinds of actions.
Statement from the South German Government:
We are pleased to see cooler heads prevail in the North German government and hopefully, those truly responsible for this heinous attack can be made to answer for their crimes. We will do our utmost to see that justice is done and those who aided the V.D.I in obtaining their ill-gotten munitions are held responsible.
However, in addition, the extradition, we would also request the North German end any and all arms transfers to Pan-Germanist groups within the Confederation. While we trust Berlin when they say they did not intend for the violent attack in Stuttgart to happen, the fact remains that mistakes have obviously been made somewhere, and the secretive transfer of military arms to potentially radical elements in the Confederation is not something that Vienna is prepared to tolerate now that we are aware of its existence.
Statement from the South German Government:
We are pleased to see cooler heads prevail in the North German government and hopefully, those truly responsible for this heinous attack can be made to answer for their crimes. We will do our utmost to see that justice is done and those who aided the V.D.I in obtaining their ill-gotten munitions are held responsible.
However, in addition, the extradition, we would also request the North German end any and all arms transfers to Pan-Germanist groups within the Confederation. While we trust Berlin when they say they did not intend for the violent attack in Stuttgart to happen, the fact remains that mistakes have obviously been made somewhere, and the secretive transfer of military arms to potentially radical elements in the Confederation is not something that Vienna is prepared to tolerate now that we are aware of its existence.
This is understandable and the end of such will be a priority of our government before the current regency is put to an end after the Kaisers coronation, on a similar note
General Statement of the North German Government
As the coronation of the Kaiser approaches, we would like to invite representatives of the various governments of the world to this occasion alongside invitations to the various royalty and nobility of the world both sitting monarchies or those in exile.
As the coronation of the Kaiser approaches, we would like to invite representatives of the various governments of the world to this occasion alongside invitations to the various royalty and nobility of the world both sitting monarchies or those in exile.
From: Confederation of Australia
To: North German Federation @Cybandeath
CC: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland @Maugan Ra
Our representative shall accompany the British to the coronation of the Kaiser. On behalf of Australia we congratulate the new Kaiser of the North German People. Our own North German Community in our country has sent various gifts to the Kaiser to be and the invitation for him to visit our nation in the future and be with his fellow North Germans.
Discussions within the Baraza Kuu la Makabila Minutes on the happenings in the Congo
Specific Discussion:
Kerubo Kasai, Member - Chama cha Watu [CcW]: Proposed motion formally censuring the British Government over assisting the Congolese in their gross tyranny within the C. A. Z. (Passed, 150 - 0).
Megure Kasa, Member - Muungano wa Wachache [MwW]: Proposed motion formally allocating funds from the budget of the People's Liberation Army and Airforce towards [CENSORED] operations. (Passed, 150 - 0).
Mwandawiro Mghanga, Member - Chama cha Watu [CcW] Radical: Proposed motion formally orchestrating overt motions of support towards the Southron Social Republic. (Passed 150 - 0).
Open Discussion:
Discussion regarding the allocation of greater funds towards further industrialization near the Somali border, supported by Somali members of the UMM.
Discussion regarding the lowering of funds from the [CENSORED] in lieu of improved relations with [CENSORED], opposed by the CcW in light of international instability.
Discussion regarding [CENSORED], [CENSORED] by [CENSORED] in light of [CENSORED].
- - -
Press Release from the Office of the Chairman of the Jamhuri ya Watu wa Kenya, Marshal Dedan Kimathi
The People's Repubic of Kenya, in the language of the world's oppressor, formally condemns the actions taken by said oppressor within the Congolese Administrative Zone. Violence, conducted in the hopes of removing the choice of free blacks, cannot be ignored as so often done by those fellow imperialists from New York to Lisbon. Peace in the Congo will only occur when the last white soldier leaves African soil.
Joint memo from the Office of the Minister of External Affairs, Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima
and;
The Chairman of the Chama cha Wakenya Wahindi, Arnav Dogra
The People's Repubic of Kenya, having a long tradition of recognizing the rightful place of Indian-Kenyans, welcome our brothers-in-arms against the imperialists and their oppressor armies. In the spirit of such comradeship, Arnav Dogra, the leader of the CcWW, has graciously offered to go on a diplomatic excursion to his ancestral home to further kindle the revolutionary flames and ties between our two nations.
Today saw the capital deluged with anti-government protestors, all assembled to mark the release of Wu Jiaxiang, known popularly as the "Dashing King." Republican Guard units were out in full force to contain the demonstrations, comprised of equal parts urban and rural poor with some notable elite reformers present, but they were able to do little more than prevent an outright riot. Some observers present noted a sense of marked support and sympathy for the protestors among the rank-and-file, an echo of the previous year's protests.
Named the "Dashing King" for his pivotal role in anti-Qing guerrilla operations in the 1980s, Wu Jiaxiang is widely acknowledged as the leader of the increasingly popular and vocal anti-KMT movement, calling for "national mobilization" and "the restoration of Chinese glory." His program of rural mechanization and economic leveling has won him great support among the lower classes.
Arrested following the anti-government demonstrations on May Day and charged with sedition, Wu stunned the country when he received an incredibly lenient six-month sentence for "disturbing the peace." He has spent that time writing and issuing statements with seemingly no opposition from a national government paralyzed by indecision.
Sources close to the President expressed trepidation following the demonstrations, and rumors suggest that many of the ruling KMT elite have begun moving their families overseas...
MARCHES IN TURKEY AGAINST GREEK TREATMENT OF MUSLIMS
Necmettin Erbakan and the National Turkish Welfare Party (TURP) have been in a state of uproar over the allegations of ethnic cleansing against Muslism and Albanians in Greece from the Greek government, with the party organizing a number of anti-Greek marches throughout the Republic of Turkey. The President and his office have allowed these demonstrations, rebutting the secular tradition of the Republic by this overt endorsement of the TURP. Up to 100,000 Muslim Turks have been present in the marches, with the number only seeming to increase as the days go by. Now, the prevailing question in Turkey is whether the government will exert pressure upon Greece, or if more drastic action will be taken.
"MASS DEFECTIONS" REPORTED IN HUNAN, HEBEI, GUANGXI; STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS IN BEIJING, SHANGHAI
The national crisis facing the KMT government deepened today when multiple military district commanders, led by General Li Zuocheng, announced that they would no longer support the central government and instead swore their loyalty to Wu Jiaxiang, the "Dashing King." Many army units have begun putting up banners calling for "Order, Progress, Equality," Wu's trademark slogan.
Compounding this problem is the steady exodus of the elderly KMT leadership to foreign ports, including Imperial Alaska, along with their extended families. As authority from Nanjing recedes, more local officials now turn to Xi'an, where the "Dashing King" has established his headquarters.
Beijing and Shanghai were roiled by brutal street fighting yesterday, as students and Republican Guard deserters clashed with loyalist forces. The rag-tag rebel army, labeled the "Royal Army" by a KMT loyalist official, has apparently adopted the slur as a badge of honor, and frequently can be heard to yell "For the King!" as they charge into battle...
Today, President Doğan Güreş has announced that he will allow the first unimpeded and democratic elections for the long-irrelevant Grand National Assembly, a shocking move in a country that has not had democratic elections in the nation's history. President Güreş has stated that "the time for democracy should have began with the fall of the House of Osman. I am certain that these elections will bring the Turkish people together, and we as a people can continue to assert ourselves as proud Turks." The elections are scheduled for later this year, with this new legislature to convene in June of this year. President Güreş has stated that he intends to remain as President in order to guide the nation through her first elections, upon which point he will hold a referendum on whether or not he shall maintain his status as the incumbent President of Turkey.
To help our readers contextualize the upcoming elections in Turkey, we have provided a brief electoral guide for the nation.
National Turkish Welfare Party Türkiye Ulusal Refah Partisi
Ideology: Islamic Modernist Leader: Necmettin Erbakan Chances of Victory: 71%
Progressive Revolutionary Republican Party İlerici Devrimci Cumhuriyetçi Parti
Results of the 1991 Finnish Parliamentary Election
Upper (Left to Right): Social Democratic Party: 48
Left Alliance: 19
Green League: 10
Finnish Rural Party: 7
Aland Coalition: 1
Lower (Left to Right): Centre Party: 55
National Coalition Party: 40
Russian People's Party: 11
Swedish People's Party: 1
Finnish Christian League: 8
The new Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Finland as such is 36 year old Esko Tapani Aho. He has been summoned by His Majesty King Paul to the Royal Palace in Helsinki to form a government
On March 1st all the tv stations throughout Hungary and many of the radio stations interrupted regularly scheduled programming to bring an address by King Miklos of Hungary. While not a surprise, as it had been rumored in some news outlets that a national address by the king was likely, it still caused a majority in the nation to stop and listen to what their king had to say.
King Miklos was seated in his office, with the Hungarian royal flag behind him, and a few pictures noticeable just on the edges of the screen. Dressed in a fine suit, he did not give the appearance of a tired out national leader, but still one to command respect. He began his speech by greeting his subjects, the people of Hungary in Hungarian, Romanian, Slovak and German. Something which was rarely done by the monarch. He went on to speak about the importance of national unity in these difficult times for the national economy, along with diplomatic problems abroad. He next remarked of the divisions within Hungary, both politically and ethnically. He recognized that Hungary was changing, and as such its national leadership needed to change. King Miklos then proceeded to announce that after much thought, prayer, and conversations with his closest advisors, that he has decided to abdicate the throne effective immediately.
His pause after those words was only for a few moments, but it was said that throughout Hungary those who were watching or listening to his speech gave a wide rage of reactions. For area's such as Slovakia or in the more liberal regions of Hungary, there was so much cheering that hardly anyone could hear the rest of the king's speech. In other areas, there was just silence as the king spoke on.
The king continued by saying that he shall be leaving into exile to the Papal States where he shall no longer take part in Hungarian national affairs. He then announced that to succeed him on the throne would be his granddaughter, Princess Katalin. Those still listening to the king were surprised at hearing the news. Katalin was just 22 and recently graduated from university. She was the eldest daughter of the late Crown Prince Andras, but had generally become overlooked by most Hungarians when she and her mother moved to the countryside. The king spoke on of having spoken with his granddaughter several times since last year, preparing her to rule, and finally determining her most capable of succeeding him to the throne. In his view, Hungary needed a new generation to lead it into the next century, and his granddaughter was more than able to take the lead on that.
He continued on with his speech, saying that after speaking with the prime minister national elections will be held later in the year. While Princess Katalin will be formally crowned in the next month. He concluded his speech with words imploring national unity and for all sides of Hungarian society to focus their energy on working together to improve Hungary for all of its citizens.
To: United Kingdom of Great Britain @Maugan Ra , South German Confederation @Crilltic , Empire of Mexico@Ceslas , Kingdom of Greece@EmperorCasey , Kingdom of Poland@bigseb31213 , Kingdom of Croatia, Kingdom of Spain@ChaoticGenius , Kingdom of Portugal@Demonic Spoon , and Kingdom of France@Gamelin From: Kingdom of Hungary
Your monarch's and their governments are all invited to the coronation of Queen Catherine of Hungary. To: Papal States @ChaoticGenius From: Kingdom of Hungary
A special invitation is sent to the Holy Father so that he might send representatives to attend the coronation of Queen Catherine of Hungary, who shall endeavor to display all of the qualities of a good Catholic monarch. Any representatives sent shall be treated as a guest of honor during the coronation.
Beijing and Shanghai were roiled by brutal street fighting yesterday, as students and Republican Guard deserters clashed with loyalist forces. The rag-tag rebel army, labeled the "Royal Army" by a KMT loyalist official, has apparently adopted the slur as a badge of honor, and frequently can be heard to yell "For the King!" as they charge into battle...
Macua's garrison is bolstered by another regiment or two of troops to prevent fighting on the streets and other disorderliness, and housing and refugee camps are prepared for the inevitable wave of homeless and displaced fleeing the chaos and anarchy.
TURKESTAN FALLS TO THE "ROYAL ARMY"; TIBET DECLARES NEUTRALITY
Fighting in Urumqi ended today as the final cadre of KMT loyalists boarded a military cargo plane bound for an unknown destination, just hours ahead of the so-called "Royal Army." Despite lukewarm support from the local Uighur peoples, ethnic-Han residents flocked to the rebel army's banner in droves and spurred the historic march on Urumqi, leading to days of intense, destructive urban warfare.
In response to the fall of Urumqi, the autonomous government of Tibet declared its formal non-participation in the ongoing civil conflict, joining the Mongolians and Manchurians in a position of studied neutrality. While the autonomous regions were considered to have benefited from the status quo, the KMT could not be said to enjoy any kind of popularity among the general populace, and local resistance against anti-KMT forces was strictly nominal.
Hard fighting continues in the coastal regions, as loyalist forces in Nanjing continue to fortify the capital against rebel incursion. Despite having secured much of the interior, the "Dashing King" has as yet been unable to concentrate his forces on the coastal holdouts, though with the fall of Turkestan it may just be a matter of time.
In other news, sources inside the KMT government insist that the Strategic Rocket Forces have not gone over to the rebellion, as was reported in last week's edition, and that stories of pilot defections in the Republican Air Force are "grossly exaggerated"...
"Good evening, I'm Richard Jemmons, and this is PBS 4. We're continuing with our live coverage of the 1992 election. It's certainly been a dramatic campaign so far, and joining me for the home stretch are Henry Burton, former Deputy Communications Director for the President Diggs, Richard Jemmons, opinion writer for the New York Times, and Cassandra Hightower, political analyst for our own News Hour. At the moment, we're just waiting on the latest vote totals out of the Central states. Now Henry, can you give us a quick rundown of the campaign so far?"
"Certainly. Now, I'm sure we're all aware of the, uh, dramatic events just south of the border these past few months. While we initially predicted the peaceful resolution of the Kentucky crisis would give the Centralist faction a boost and put some wind in President Nilson's sails as he leaves office, that hasn't been the case. In fact, we've seen the Centralists lose support in what would traditionally be seen as their strongholds. In fact, we've seen several sitting MC's lose to primary challenges pledging loyalty to Rep. Langdon's Restorationist bloc."
"Cassandra, a few weeks ago you pointed towards President Nilson's comments about "Peace in North America", following the resolution of the Kentucky Crisis, as being the driving force behind Rep. Langdon's candidacy, over Pres. Nilson's hand picked successor in Rep. Curtis. Can you explain your thinking?"
"To be blunt, Henry, President Nilson started celebrating before the end of the final inning. Trying to shore up support for his coalition by pointing towards Virginia backing down only made them look more out of touch once the Confederate government launched its assault on the SSR. Even at the time, Virginia was seen as a sideshow compared to the Confederate's, and while we're all thrilled that Kentucky is returning to Union hands, Rep. Langon was seen as out in front on the issue long before the government in Havana chose to go on the offensive. Now-"
"I'm sorry Cassandra, I'm going to have to stop you there, as I've just been informed that we're getting the latest voting results. Yes...okay, as we can see it looks like Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana have all gone to Langdon, with Franklin being split down the middle. Richard, is there any doubt now about Langdon's victory?"
"Henry, I'm just not seeing a path to victory for Curtis. Barring some unforeseen upset in Fremont and Oregon, which isn't backed up by the latest polls, I think it's safe to say that Langdon has this in the bag. While many of us were predicting a closer campaign, possibly even with a coalition between the Centralists and the GOP in the House, it's not even close. We're looking at a pretty clear Restorationist victory across the board."
"Thank you Richard. While there are still plenty of votes to count for Congressional elections, I think at this point we're safe in calling the election for Samantha Langdon, who makes history as the first woman President of the United States. We're going to take a brief break now, but when we return we'll have continuing updates for the election, as well as our ongoing analysis of the crisis in the former Confederacy."
Ivy House, the traditional home of the President of the 3rd Republic
In the end, it wasn't even close.
Samantha Langdon had blazed a trail as an outspoke critic of the Nilson administration's apparent soft line towards the collapse of the Confederacy of Southron America and his poor handling of the economic fallout of the mid-80's. Drawing together a diverse bloc of Progressives and a handful of the GOP to her cause, Langdon had catapulted herself to the political fore. By the time polls closed, the "Restorationist" bloc of the Progressive Party had swamped their erstwhile fellow party members, with nearly 600 seats won. In the wake of her victory, Langdon quickly nominated Norman Asher to replace outgoing First Secretary Charles Rucker, and in her inaugural address promised to "restore Yankee leadership in North America and across the globe".
Samantha Langdon, the 22nd President of the 3rd Republic
