International News, 1915

[miketr]

International News: Indian Subcontinent

Mayors Office, October 18th      

Bombay, Bharat

Adamjee Peerbhoy, Mayor of Bombay
George Thomas, City Commissioner
Dilip Kumar, Police Chief of Bombay
Jairaj Phatak, Garrison Commander Bharat Army
AND
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Head of Bombay Branch of Hindu Reform Party 

"Mr. Tilak I understand your interest in this matter but we need a little time to sort things out so... no rash action is taken. Chief Kumar is having his investigators look in to the incident and I am sure we will have a report at any moment." Peerbhoy explained to Tilak of the Hindu Reform party in his most reasonable voice; several of the others in the room nodded their heads in silent agreement.

"Mr. Mayor the rash actions have already occurred and the blood of innocents have been spilled on the docks; the people demand justice!" Tilak leaned forward on his cane and as he spoke his gaze came to rest on Thomas the lone foreigner in the room and actual head of the city services.  "Besides Mr. Mayor people wouldn't want to get the idea that you were attempting to protect foreign murders because of political connections?"

Col. Dilip Kumar spoke up, "Mr. Tilak everybody wants justice done here but there is a great deal to sort out and some of your people aren't being very cooperative to my investigators..."

Tilak shrugged and then said, "What is there to figure out the foreign money grubbing merchants decided to have some sport and kill some 'wogs' isn't that right MR. THOMAS?"

Thomas' eyes narrowed and said in response, "Or some of your people were looking for a midnight discount from dockyard warehouses.  There have been dozens of reports from Merchant Factors across the city over intimidation, threats and of course out right thefts; all from your demonstrators."

"My demonstrators?  Oh no MR. THOMAS patriotic Hindu's that want to take their country back and cleans it of foreign contamination... contamination like you Mr. THOMAS." Tilak said with icy venom.

Peerbhoy getting worried ran his fingers through his hair as he spoke, "Mr. Tilak lets try to be civil please Mr. Thomas has served the city for a number of years and provided excellent service..."

"For which the mercenary has been well paid in money sweated from the workers of the city." Tilak interjected.
Peerbhoy stumbled for words for a moment, "Ah, err... Skilled administrators need to be paid Mr. Tilak but that has nothing to do with matter before us."

Tilak whispered faintly but clearly, "For now perhaps..."

Peerbhoy continued on, "What is important is we need to restore calm to the city Mr. Tilak and your aid would be most helpful."

Tilak smiled, "I think you overrate my importance I am but a simple news paper writer that gives the odd speech.  The people are lashing out because of intolerable provocations to calm them down it would be best to give them what they want before... they become even angrier."

Everyone in the room was silent as Tilak uttered the last words and then Mr. Thomas asked.  "Are you threatening a riot Mr. Tilak?"

Tilak gave a faint chuckle, "Of course not. MR. THOMAS.  As I said I am really a person of little importance here and I was just making an observation."

Peerbhoy quickly put in, "Of course, of course but we really think that if you could see your way..."

"Gentlemen I am growing fatigued with the heat.  It would be best for me to return home.  Good day." Tilak said and then left the office.

Once he was gone the others looked toward the mayor.  Peerbhoy "What are we going to do?"

Thomas shrugged, "We have demands from the merchants for security at the docks to protect their goods, so they can unload their ships and transport them to their sellers.  Every day this goes on costs us lost income form lost import tariffs and sales taxes; plus the effects on disruption to the markets in the city."

Kumar then said, "I am getting reports that protesters are trying to gathering weapons and some of my junior officers really don't want to confront the mobs."

Peerbhoy looked ashen and then he turned to Brigadier Phatak who had been quiet till then.  "Are your men able to help us Brigadier?"

The army officer gave a slight jerk of his head side to side, "Not without the authorization of the ministry in Poona which isn't forthcoming it appears.  What about your own request for instructions Mr. Mayor?"

Peerbhoy picked up a slip of paper, "This came in over the telegraph line just before the start of the meeting.  I am told that they are leaving the matter in my hands and they have total confidence in my ability to resolve the matter."

Thomas then asked, "Nothing else in the way of instructions?  To give into Reforms demands or stand up to them?"
The mayor just shook his head...  Thomas then said, "Well then you are going to piss someone off Mr. Mayor the question is who?  I would also point out if we cave now to Tilak's indirect threats there will be more; bank on it.  Recall the 1897 incident when Tilak wrote that article on 'Hindu Nationalism' and the next day those lunatics chucked a bomb at a carriage that had Gould and his new wife."

The mayor turned to Col. Kumor "Finish your investigation as quickly as you can then and let us hope that the gods are watching over us."

[The Rock Doctor]

Good stuff - look forward to more.  Might even join in if I find the right angle.

[miketr]

International News: Indian Subcontinent
October 19th

Bombay, Bharat

Since the violence on the night of the 17th the city had been relatively quiet.  The announcement this morning that the so called "Bombay" or "Dock" massacre was self defense by business owners has brought a new round of protests by Hindu Reform organized mobs.  Bal Gangadhar Tilak gave a fiery speech calling for the punishment of the guilty murders at any price. Quickly the mobs turned violent and burned a number of foreign owned properties within the city and in the docks in particular. 

When police attempted to restore order a number of police units refused to stop looting and there are reports that some police went over to the rioters.  At which point the rioting became general and swept the city with attacks on foreigners, missionaries, Muslims and random violence directed at one that got in the mobs way.  At first most of the violence was directed along the dock ward as the mobs burned down several warehouses. 

A Hindu mob broke into Our Lady of Salvation a Carmelite run catholic church where many were seeking shelter.  The Archbishop of Bombay Hermann Jurgens was forced to flee the city.  The mob attacked those within and killed dozens.  St. John a Lutheran Evangelical church had a similar experience as did Thane Baptist Church and many other churches and mosques within Bombay. The mobs showed no mercy for converts and attacking foreigner and native alike.               

By night fall numerous fires burned across Bombay but the police were still unable and or unwilling to restore order.  That evening saw an orgy of additional death, destruction and violence continue to sweep the city with many fleeing. 

In the early evening on the 20th at last the order was given and the Bharat Garrison moved into the smoke filled city to restore order.  Soon shots rang out across Bombay as troops clashed with rioters throughout the night and on into the next morning.

Once a semblance of order was restored it was clear that hundreds if not thousands had been killed and injured.  The foreign and merchant districts of the city showed heavy damage from the fires and looting with much of the cities Christian and Muslim population dead or hiding.   

[maddox]

Paris, Current events.

Minister Lebrun,  Minister Marveulle, what is your assesment of the trouble in Bharat?
Minister Lebrun, your opinion first.

Premier, gouverneur Duré already is mobilising all the troops in Kolkata. So he has a reason, and it's clear. I support his decision. And would even promote a proactive stance. But for now, increasing border protection and get more troops there is a good plan. I was planning to ask parliament to send 3 of the reserve corps to North Africa, and 3 active corps from North Africa to Kolkata. Our Muslim troops won't stand for heathen incursions, and that should be an advantage in this case.

Premier Galpoux, I reject this plan. It's asking for war on a large scale. Those muslim troops are not trustworthy in those circumstances. It's asking for massacres, where French citizens won't be spared.
I was planning for a diplomatical mission to Bharat, and offer our material help to the governement in quelling those riots. Sending in more troops would just spark the fuse to the powderkeg.Ask our merchants in Bharat to lay low for a while, or even resettle so Bharat loses the french finances. That should quell the riots faster,and especialy more efficient than exterminating the poor people cought in a spiral of religious violence. If Louis on the corner doesn't earn money, he won't be inclined to fight the sources of his money. So, an economical boycot, and in the same time keeping their government in working order is the cheapest and most humane way to stop this nonsense.

Ok, Minister Lebrun, make a deployment plan for 1 French corps to Kolkata, to aid Gouverneur Duré. No North African corps to move. We still have the New Zion issue on hand there. And no, I don't want to hear objections, we can do this without parliament. You know that Minister Marveulle can sink any of the more warlike plans.  Yes Minister Marveulle, I myself know what you can do in Parliament, but the redeployment of 1 corps is totaly inside the power of the ministry of defence. For you minister Marveulle, I would like you to head that diplomatical mission, or else the next best person you got on this issue. For now, I can grant you $0.5 to start it all.

But, but, premier, you're giving in into the  hawks, sending in more troops will aggrivate the explosive situation there. I must protest and will bring this for parliament.

Do so Minister Marveulle, I'll retract my pledge of $0.5. have fun securing that trough parliament. I wonit use my veto , isn't that nice?
Minister Lebrun?

Yes premier, I'll start right now on it. Also, I will detach units to protect Green Cross convoys, hospitals and such.

[miketr]

Bombay, Bharat

Mayors Office, October 21st      

Adamjee Peerbhoy, Mayor of Bombay
George Thomas, City Commissioner
Dilip Kumar, Police Chief of Bombay
Jairaj Phatak, Garrison Commander Bharat Army

The group of city leaders sat exhausted after the past days events waiting for the mayor to join them.

Brigadier Phatak and Colonel Kumar in their dirty uniforms that smelled of smoke and other less pleasant things were talking quietly to each other.

"Gentlemen thank you for waiting; I have received another message from Poola." A haggard looking mayor announced as he entered the room.

Everyone turned toward the mayor waiting.  Clearing his voice, "Ahem, the Interior Ministry is most disappointed that we had to resort to such extreme measures to resolve this minor annoyance."

Thomas just shook his head while the two uniformed Indians gave loud snorts of derision at the statement.  The Brigadier then growled, "I took needless casualties over their dithering if they are wanted something other than extreme measures then perhaps they should have let the Colonel start arresting people back when these demonstrations started back on the 14th.  Instead they have spread like a plague across the Kingdom."

Thomas gave a slight cough, "Yes quiet, also we are getting reports of disturbances with the Mughals, in Bengal, Calcutta and perhaps Goa and Gujarat but it's not clear on the later two as they have closed their boarders and aren't talking.  So while I agree that Poola has been less than helpful and swift in dealing with events it's also clear that this is no minor or localized problem."
   
Everyone nodded at that statement and then Colonel Kumar asked the mayor, "What else does the Ministry have to say about our current problem?"

Peerbhoy looking very unhappy and then looked sheepishly at the slip of paper before he handed it to the Police Chief.

Kumar looked sideways at the army commander and then read the message, "You are directed to do all that you can to calm the demonstrators and to avoid further acts to antagonize them. " The police chief handed the slip of paper around to the others.  "What a bunch of useless double talk.  They criticize us and give no useful advice on how to deal with the problem beyond we aren't to wound the tender feelings of those that created the problem in the first place."

Jairaj Phatak nodded and then stood, "While I agree with the Colonel we have other more immediate problems."

The mayor looked on with haunted eyes while Thomas merely waited for the other shoe to drop.
 
Phatak then continued, "First problem is these or rather what they represent."  The soldier opened a bag and brought out a number of pick axes and laid them on the table.  "These were found at Lady of Salvation and a number of the other sites."

Everyone in the room had heard of the grisly discovery at the Catholic Church and other missions within the city. 

The city Commissioner reached over and picked up one of the weapons and then asked, "So it's true Thuggee.  I expected the warehouses but the churches you say?"

The Brigadier nodded and announced, "And as long as I live I hope to never see anything again like what I saw in that church." 

The police chief just shook his head, "Enough is enough may those fools in Poola be reborn as cockroaches it's time to firmly deal with this and ask some of our prisoners some HARD questions."
   
Thomas nodded but then turned towards the Brigadier, "Perhaps Chief but the Brigadier said this was the first of our problems I believe?"

The Brigadier nodded, "The port master reports that there are two foreign warships requesting entry into the harbor."

A low moan escaped from Mayor and City Commissioner and then the Soldier continued, "A pair of small cruisers HIIMS Apra and HIIMS Colonia; Iberians it seams and their commander wants to speak with who is in charge."

To be continued...

[The Rock Doctor]

Interlude - 22 October 1915:  Cartagena

"This sounds rather troublesome", President Alizandro noted, waving a telegram from the Gran Colombian embassy in Neue Brandenburg.

"How current is the embassy's data?", Sir Edmund Fitzroy asked.

"The telegram arrived four hours ago, but most of the information is several days old.  Information is not getting out of the subcontinent very quickly - what we have here is whatever our people have gleaned from the Brandenburgers and others with direct telegraph connections to Bharat", Eduard Torres replied.

"I have family in Bharat", Jorge Escalante, Minister for Agriculture, noted.  "A cousin, his wife, and three children, buying tea for the family business."

"Where are they?", Rey asked.

"I'm not precisely sure.  But they're not alone - there are probably dozens or even hundreds working in the agriculture sector over there."

"We also have known missionaries in the region", Torres added.  "You will recall one of them, Padre Batista, was attacked some time ago near the East Sea enclave."

"Do we need to look at evacuating them?  It sounds like there's a real anti-foreigner focus here", Rey observed.

"Our people will be scattered all over the country - and in the adjoining ones, also", Escalante replied.

"There are probably foreigners of various nationalities across the subcontinent who are looking to escape", Torres said.  "I would recommend we contact other governments and ascertain their intentions.  In the meantime - considering the distance involved - if we are at all thinking about deploying military forces to the region, they need to sail sooner rather than later.  Even if we are lacking a concrete plan at the time of their departure."

The President looked over to Sir Edmund, who said, "I have a protected cruiser at Pago Pago - there may also be a fleet train unit of some sort.  These can be dispatched westward, but it will be at least three weeks before they can be off Bharat.  If we are to send anything more than that, it's faster to send them east, out of Cromwell, through the Mediterranean."

"Would the French let us use Suez?", Rey asked.

"I believe so.  We can certainly ask", Torres answered.  "Can you give me a sense of what ships might be involved?"

"A couple of attack transports, a protected cruiser, and an armored cruiser would be my immediate guess", Sir Edmund said.

"Go visit the French embassy", Rey said to Torres.  To Escalante he said, "Start asking around - find out where we may have citizens."  Finally, to Sir Edmund, he said, "Get some ships moving."

[Borys]

The Habsburg Gov't quietly informs, that 15,000 Habsburg troops can be deployed to the sub-Continent in 21 days time. The recepients of the note are States with possessions in the area:
- France
- ECS
- DKB

The Habsburg Gov't ackowledges, that what is going on inside those State's lands is their business. But the source of anti-European seems to be Bharat and or Mughal, who should be shown the might of Civilised Nations.

[Guinness]

Habsburg foreign policy is always so subtle. Wheels turning within wheels turning within wheels I tell you!  8)

[The Rock Doctor]

You never know what they're thinking until something blows up.

[miketr]

Bombay, Bharat
Mayors Office, October 21st (later that day)   

Adamjee Peerbhoy, Mayor of Bombay
George Thomas, City Commissioner
Dilip Kumar, Police Chief of Bombay
Jairaj Phatak, Garrison Commander Bharat Army
Pradeep Valluru, Captain of Cruiser Poola (Listed as Delhi but Delhi is in Mughal)
AND
Capitán de Navío Leopoldo Zapatero y Bustelo commander of HIIMS Apra and commander of 8th Cruiser Squadron

"Capitán welcome to Bombay how can we be of help?"  Peerbhoy asked with a forced smile on his face.

"Your Honor you start by telling me what in the name of all that is holy is going on here?  I was ordered here by Vice-Almirante Juan de Balmaseda to get any Iberian subjects out of Bharat because of some sort of disturbance.  The state of your city speaks for itself but I lack details Mr. Mayor."  Capitán Leopoldo said flatly.

"Ah... Yes there has been some small... problems but things are back under control."  The Mayor replied with.

Capitán Leopoldo shook his head and then leaned forward, "Mr. Peerbhoy your docks area looks like it's been in a war and the rest of the city that I saw on the way here hardly better.  That we passed groups of troops under arms on the way here also speaks for it's self.  My orders are to get my nations people out of here, with or without your help.  It would be better for all if you helped me to complete my mission."   

Valluru stood up and dropped his Naval cap on the table with the untouched tea service, "Is that a threat Capitán?  Because your ships are no gunnery threat to the Poola."

Capitán Leopoldo gave the Indian Captain a hard gaze for a moment but before he could say anything George Thomas spoke up, "Capitán I am sure we all want to help you complete your mission so that you can be on your way."

The Iberian Captain looked away from his Bharat counter part and said, "Yes... Thank you Mr.?"

"Mr. Thomas, George Thomas, City Commissioner."  Thomas answered.

Nodding to Thomas and then Capitán Leopoldo asked, "Mr. Thomas I really need some type of explanation as to what went on here, an announcement that any Iberians that wish to can leave with me and to send a message to my Governments representative in Poola."

The Mayor gave an unhappy nod, "Colonel why don't you explain it's a law enforcement matter."

Col. Kumar shrugged and said, "We have a political party here called the Hindu Nationalists from time to time they make a great deal of noises about foreigners.  Starting on the 14th there were some demonstrations and again on the 17th.  A clash occurred between the protesters and some business owners and some shots were fired.  Our resident hot head Tilak demanded we arrest the merchants for murder.  The investigation showed the protesters at fault and a 3rd round of demonstrations occurred on the 19th.  We have things in hand and have arrested those responsible."

Capitán Leopoldo said, "I see Colonel and will you be able to see that my offer is made known that Iberians can leave with my ships if they want?"

Kumar traded a brief glance with the Mayor and Brigadier who nodded in reply, "Yes Capitán I will see that the announcement is made."

The mayor then stood up, "Capitán Leopoldo we can provide you access to a telegraph office and you can send your message to Poola."

The Iberian Captain nodded, "Thank you Mr. Mayor, Gentlemen and I will take my leave, Good Day."

Later that afternoon at the docks

A small detachment of Iberian Sailors waited with a large Iberian Flag hung over head.  In ones and twos foreigners came to the docks, many under escort of the Bombay Police or Garrison and almost none of them Iberian.  They brought with them horrible stories about the past several days; including a few outrageous tales about bloody massacres in churches and missions in the city.

That afternoon HIIMS Apra sends a wireless message to Goa asking that the Brandenburg Government pass a message along to the Iberian Chagos and Madrid; the requested message is sent encoded.
Message follows

To: Vice-Almirante Juan de Balmaseda
Subject Bharat

Admiral 8th CruRon arrived Bombay 21st October 7:35 AM local. Discovered large amount of smoke haze blocking view of the city; the haze apparently from numerous fires across the city.  Dock area shows signs of heavy damage from apparent looting and large numbers of armed Bharat troops are in city.  City Government informs that there have been additional outbreaks of violence in Bombay on 17th and 19th against foreigners.  The 19th outbreak connected to 17th violence because of an incident were foreign merchants defended themselves from mobs attempting to loot their place of business.  City is under martial law at this time. 

City leaders agreed to let any Iberian Subjects that wish to leave with me to do so. Since then well over one hundred foreigners, Christian converts and even some Muslims have arrived at the docks requesting sanctuary.  Only two Iberians as of yet have arrived.  Stories the refugees tell are confused but it is clear that there has been wide spread violence targeting same groups. Many report that city police were at times unwilling and or unable to deal with the mobs; I suspect that's what caused the incident on the 17th.  A Baptist Missionary, a Frank Long, from the CSA reports that his church was burned and that many other churches in Bombay had a similar fate with many killed.  The captains of several foreign flagged ships in harbor can confirm details in part at least.

I request instructions.   What am I to do with the refugees in particular the natives?  I greatly fear large numbers of additional refugees will arrive if I take in those that are already seeking help.
   
Capitán de Navío Leopoldo Zapatero y Bustelo

Once the message is received in Madrid it will be passed on most nations; every one but those Iberia lacks diplomatic relations with.

This will be it for day or two for peope to react to the stories or not as they see fit.

[Kaiser Kirk]

As Bavaria lacks direct communication links to the subcontinent, or a mercantile navy to carry the news, their response will be limited to the consular offices in Mughal issuing a travel advisory to the Bavarians in the region.

[Sachmle]

Upon reception of the wireless from the Iberian cruiser captain, combined with other news that had trickled in since the 15th, the Garrison commander at Festung Goa has order all leave canceled and all troops to be on high alert. Any of the Kaisers citizens living in and around Goa are advised that if their are threatened or feel unsafe in their homes they will be granted sanctuary in the fortress. IV Brigade of XXIII Infantry Corps has been ordered to make preparations to depart Dar-es-Salaam as soon as SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Große and SS Prinz August Wilhelm are stocked and up to steam. XIV Infantry will be called up from reserve status for the duration of the deployment. SMS Ägir will accompany the 2 liners.

[maddox]

Ambassador Jardan listens to the Gran Colombian request presented by Edmund Fitzro.
*******************************************************************************************

Monsieur le ministre Fitzroy,

Gran Colombia is not restricted in the use of the Suez Canal, only the limitation of courtesy concerning the passage of warships. If there is a list of ships, that would pass the Suez Canal I can forward it to the canal authorities, speeding up the bureaucracy involved.
Currently there is only 1 minor land barred from the use of the Suez Canal, and that is New Zion, untill they comply to all the requests and restrictions your country arranged for them so they can keep on excisting without being vasals to the Orange Republic, or a colony of Italia.

But so far for matters of state, would you join me for a light lunch?

[maddox]

To the Habsburg government.

France will provide bed and breakfast for the 15 000 troops the Habsburg government want to send to the Indian subcontinent.


OOC, meaning the baracks emptied by the mobilised French troops are to be used. Otherwise  suitable grounds will be prepared.

IC, but not something in the media.

Premier Galpoux, you must be joking by accepting 15 000 potential enemy troops in our defensive suited of Kolkata

Minister Lebrun, don't worry, the Habsburgers are not our enemies anymore. Also, we're sending 45000 troops ourself. I think that will cancel out the situation.

[Borys]

1 -
a/The Habsburg Gov't is very happy with the French reply. Thus the KKK requests for expedite passage of the SMHS Ersebeth Bathory, SMHS Lucrecia Borgia, SMHS Salome and SMHS Xantype through the Sues Canal. These troopships, carrying the VIIth Brigade of the 2nd AFL (currently at Thessalonika), will be escorted by a Small Cruiser - the SMS Kaiserin-und-Koenigin Marie Theresie.

b/ However, in light of the situation in Bombay, part of this contingement might be left of the West Coast. For the protection of European and Christian Life and Property.

c/ Further land units - the VIth and IXth Brigades - will proceed to India on slower vessels.

d/ If necessary, the VIIth and Xth Brigades will also be made available for this operation.

e/ in case of c/ or d/, two further Small Cruisers might request passage through the Suez Canal as to provide such traffic with Adequate Protection en route, and support in situ - the SMS Herzogin Bathory and/or SMS Koenigin Heldvig.


2 - AFL units in Bengal will come under operational orders from local French Military authorities. Those on the West Coast of the East Indies will come under the orders of the Iberian Commanding Officer on the spot. Close cooperation is to be sought with DKB and Italian Forces.

3 - the Habsburg Gov't requests of the DKB to use Aden as base for its Naval Operations. In case of agreement, and as not to be a  burden on the hosts, support and repair of KKK vessels would be provided by the Larger Tender, SMS Schruebke.

4 -  The Habsburg Gov't notifies all and sundry, that two Kolonial Avisos from the Parana Station - the SMS Erdely and SMS Bukovina - have been instructed to proceed to the area of strife in the Indies. These will take the route around the Kaap.

5 - the Porte has been notified, that - in light of weakened Habsburg Military Presence in the Occupied Provinces - any unusual changes in troop disposition or troop status in Ottoman lands in Europe will produce a most Serious and Vigorous reaction. Starting with Mobilisation of Habsburg Forces.
Ambassadors and Envoys to the Porte have been informed of the contents of this note.

6 - the Habsburg forces carry instructions to provide Shelter and Protection to any and all Refugees. Christians, of any Sect, will be additionally offered Free Passage to Habsburg Possessions in South America. The Empire-and-Kingdom will also lavishly contribute to the Green Cross, as to support the Charitable Actions of Other Powers.