Italia News 1916 & 1917

[ctwaterman]

Rome Times Headline January 1916

Ships of the Indian Ocean squadron evacuate Refugees from Violent Uprising in Bharat.
Over the last month several ships of the Indian Ocean Squadron have been operating near Bombay off the coast of Bharat.  The squadron and a large number of Italia merchant ships were diverted to Bombay after repeated reports of attacks against Europeans, Christians and Muslims were received from the area late last year.   So far many Europeans and Native Christian converts have been evacuated from Bombay and other ports along the coast of Bharat by a coalition of ships belonging to the Empire of Iberia, the Habsburg Empire, Deutscher  Kaiserreich Brandenburg, Grand Columbia, and Peru.

Violence continues to rock the Bharat subcontinent.
Continued violence is being reported in all over the Bharat.  The violence appears to be directed against all foreigners and the Empire has advised all Italia shipping to avoid Bharat ports unless escorted and all Italia business interests to remove themselves from Bharat for their own safety.  In related events a Hindu separatist movement appears to have also sprung up in the French Territory of Kolkata.  There French troops moving to rescue Christians, Muslims, and European business interests have been attacked and harassed by a violent Cult calling for all foreigners to leave Bharat.

Emperor of Italia Hospitalized.
Today January 28th 1916 Armedo Ferdinando Camila, Prince of Savoy, and Duke of Turin acting as spokesman for the Imperial Government announced that his Grandfather Emperor Gaius Marius Camilla had been hospitalized with what his doctors termed an acute upper respiratory ailment.  The Prince reported that his Grandfather was in fine spirits but needed to be hospitalized to receive better care then could be given at the Palace.  

[ctwaterman]

The Forum February 12th 1916.

Today a large group of protesters marched on the Senate demanding the return of their friends and family members imprisoned in New Zion for over a year while the Intern Government of New Zion found someone with the authority to change their status. 

The Friends and Family of over 100 loyal sailors of the Imperial Marina have been Prisoners of war in the Nation of New Zion for over a year.  The Dar Es Salaam Agreement was signed many months ago and yet the commission has not decided on a new form of Government for the New Zion Nation nor has New Zion Government released the Prisoner of War it has held now for over a year. 

One has to ask why has the Imperial Government not pressed for the release of these loyal servants of the Empire ?

[ctwaterman]

Rome Times  - March 5th 1916.

Today, while speaking for the Emperor who remains hospitalized Armedo Ferdinando Camila, Prince of Savoy, and Duke of Turin announced the following in a public speech before the Senate of Rome.  Due the recent action of the Government of Bharat in its persecution of Christian and Muslims within it own borders.  And its persistent and unlawful support of forces in rebellion against the State of France the Empire and Republic of Rome announces the following.   The Empire will close all its ports, harbors, and territorial waters to all vessels belonging to or flagged by the Nation of Bharat.  If any such vessels are found within the Empires territorial waters after 72 hours from this announcement they will be seize and interred for the duration of the war.  In addition the Empire of Italia will be fulfilling its obligations under Section 3 Article V of the Treaty of Nassau.   Vessel of the Imperial Marina will undertake to aid all French flagged merchant vessels wherever and whenever they may be found in need.

[ctwaterman]

March 5th 1916.
Actors:
Spurius Valerius Maximus - Consul of Military Affairs
Lucius Cornelius Sulla – Grand Admiral of the Imperial Marina.
Juguratha Mastanbal - Commanding General of the Imperial Legions.

The Senate was breaking for lunch and Spurius Maximus had called the heads of the two branches of the Imperial Military to a meeting to discuss the outbreak of war in Bharat.  The men were meeting him in the Lunch room reserved for senior members of the Senate.

Maximus:   Be seated gentlemen I have taken the opportunity to order us a good wine, Its French but the situation calls for such a sacrifice on our parts.   Smiling he waved the Server over to take their lunch orders.

Maximus:   Waiting until the server had done his job taken their orders and the wine steward had poured the first glasses of wine.  Well I was at the meeting between Prince Armedo and the Emperor.  The Emperor gentlemen does not look well but he told me to get your departments working on some contingency planning.

Admiral Sulla: Just exactly what types of contingency planning does the Emperor have in mind ?

Maximus:   Its all here in this document he said taking out a large scroll of paper.  Rolling it out, here it is Section 4, Article 1 and he began to read.
"Article I.  Should one of the High Contracting Parties become the object of belligerent action by any third Power, the other High Contracting Party shall offer whatever support or forces necessary to overcome any threat or force."
That gentlemen he finished is the contingency we need to plan for.  The Emperor wants options should the French enact the full the force of the treaty of Nassau?

General Mastanbal:   That's an awful difficult thing to plan for Maximus, did the Emperor perhaps indicate how he intended to interpret the situation.  The French after all did declare war on Bharat not the other way around, some would say France is the aggressor here and Bharat is certainly trying to make it appear that way.

Maximus:  The Emperor said, that only a lawyer would claim France was not acting in self defense.  He aslo said that France only declared war after it became apparent that Bharat was supporting the Rebels and had already launched an Invasion of the French Colony of Kolkata.  Under these circumstances the Emperor indicated that while the Empire has no desire for a war with Bharat that should France invoke the Section 4, Article 1 Italia will honor its treaty obligations and come to its allies aid with all available resources.

Admiral Sulla:  Well that's a pretty clear statement if I have ever heard one.   I do know we do not have the transports  to launch an Invasion of Bharat I also do not know if we have the troops available   General what do you think? 

General Mastanbal:  Well we wouldn't have the ability to launch a full scale attack against Bharat unless France holds Kolkata, or we could gain the aid of either the ESC or the DKB and their colonies on Bharat borders.  I don't see that happening unless either of those nations were to become overly concerned with what happens after the 12 Corp attacking Kolkata are finished taking that Colony.  Bharat is obviously acting extremely aggressively and either Goa, or Gujarat could easily be the next target of Bharat aggression if they are not stopped now.  Has anyone contacted the Confederations government or the Kaisers government and determined their stance on the issue.

Maximus:   Excellent, I believe France was been in contact with both the governments in question however I do not know if they have received a reply as of yet.   In the meantime General you will put the VIII Legion on 72 hours notice and your Admiral will gather the shipping necessary to move it rapidly to Kolkata if necessary.   In addition a group of French speaking officers will be dispatched to Somalia to coordinate if needed.  Also, a group of our pilots and the recent French graduates of the Spezia flight school will be forming up for deployment to the airfield France is building in Kolkata as we speak. 

General Mastanbal:   I don't know if anything we do now can actually prevent Kolkata from falling.  The troops on the Ground are seriously outnumbered and France has allowed many of its Colonial Troops to become dated in equipment and tactics.  Unless logistical and possibly even political pressure slows the advance of the Bharatian Corp Kolkata could be under siege before any significant help could arrive!

Admiral Sulla:  We will need to keep a sharp eye out for Bharat Commerce raiders.  The Maharaja's Navy isn't up to fighting a single French squadron but it has enough cruisers to make for a very uncomfortable summer hunting them down while they hunt French merchants.  Perhaps we should offer to allow French merchants to reflag in any port or to fly the Empire's flag as a matter of convenience?

Maximus:   That will be for the Emperor's Counsel to decide we will provide what aid France ask for.   We will keep all Bharat flagged vessels out of out waters and we will aid French merchants wherever and whenever they require aid.  If Convoys and escorts are needed we will provide them in the Mediterranean, and Indian Oceans, any Bharat flagged vessels in the rift sea follow them and find out where they go.  If they end up in a Jewish port take no action document it and report it immediately.

The Discussion broke up as Lunch arrived and the wine steward came to refill the glasses.

[ctwaterman]

April 4th 1916

From:  HQ Imperial Marina Rome

To: Commanding Officer South Atlantic Squadron

Information Copy To:  Commander Mediterranean and Indian Ocean Fleets.
Due to the recent loss of Several French Merchant ships that were bound for Italian South Atlantic Ports to suspected Raiders or Pirate activity the following steps are ordered.

The Squadron stationed at Novo Lipari IMS Mercury and IMS Venus along with DD's 25, 28, and 33 will conduct maritime patrols of the Shipping lanes passing through the waters South of the Chavosa Islands.
The Squadron stationed in Montevideo IMS Mithas, and IMS Ceres with DD's  13, 16, 19 and 33 will also conduct maritime patrols of the Shipping lanes along the coast of South America and between Montevideo and the Chavosa Islands.

Both Squadrons will coordinate their actions with the commander of the CSA Squadron responsible for the Atlantic maritime patrols.   Both Squadrons will come to the aid of any neutral shipping in need of assistance.  In addition French Shipping shall be protected from any and all predations by pirates or raiders including the use of force as deemed necessary by the ships commander.   The presence of foreign flagged warships spotted in these areas will be reported via wireless to Commander of South Atlantic and from there to higher command.

[ctwaterman]

Spinea Air Base Sicily, April 5th 1916.

Commander Caesar was angry, angry because he was being asked to send his men into unknown danger while at the same time he had been ordered not to lead them.  The feeling was unique in his young life and while he waited for the young flying officers to assemble he contemplated his feeling.  He had never felt that his assignment to the Imperial Army had been a good idea but now he was beginning to rethink the issue.   As it was his self contemplation was loudly interrupted as one of the Flight Leaders shouted Parade Attention!  And then it was time for him to speak.

The Assembled Flyers currently assigned to the Spinea Air Base were assembled for Graduation among their numbers were the second class officers and men to attend the flight school from France. 

Commander Caesar began,
"Officers and men of the Imperial Flying Corp and men of the French Flying Service.  I had intended today to talk to you about the rigors of training you had undergone and the possibilities of aviation in the future.  But today is a different day then any of the other graduation classes that we have held recently.  Today some of you will leave here and instead of being posted to a squadron to gain more valuable experience you will be going directly to a combat squadron.    The Empire of Italia while officially not involved in the war between France and Bharat is none the less an ally of France.   The Empire has seen what horrors the cults of Bharat have inflicted upon the innocent Christian and Muslims communities of Bharat.  So now when the government of Bharat attempts to bring those same horrors to the communities of Kolkata the Empire will ask a sacrifice from some of you.   The Empire is looking for volunteers who speak French and are willing to fight in a French Uniform next to your allies to protect the innocent victims of aggression in Kolkata.  I myself will renew my desire to personally lead you in this endeavor to protect the innocent from the ravages of war!  So, for all of you who wish to volunteer to serve alongside our Valliant Allies in their time of need see your flight instructors after the graduation party to night and oh the first and last round is on me!"

The Graduation ceremony broke up to resounding cheers and in the morning a great many volunteers began to make their way towards a very dangerous assignment.

Maddox wanted the following added:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lafayette_Escadrille
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/7630/indexHistory01.html

[ctwaterman]

Admiralty HQ Rome Early April

Admiral Sulla read the message from the Palace and then turned to his gathered staff.

"Gentlemen, the Palace has received the request we were asked to prepare for.   We will move 1 Corp as rapidly as possible from Mogadishu to Colombo with the shipping we have already prepared.  The Legions Staff informs me that the troops had been placed on 72 hours notice and we have already gathered much of the shipping.   This deployment to Colombo should be complete within 20 days maximum and given that La Magnificent is sitting on a Mud Bar having been torpedoed of Kolkata we will take all precautions with the movement of our troops.  So Commander Dario what have you got planned for this deployment?"

Commander Dario stepped up to the podium.  "Sirs, per your orders of the middle of last month we have begun the gathering of a significant amount of shipping.  We currently have or will have within the next few days roughly 30 freighters available for the movement of the VIII Legion from the Port of Mogadishu.  The Freighters were chosen for their range having a minimum range of 3500nm and being able to maintain a speed of 10 knots.  We have issued the orders and the shipping is either in Mogadishu or will soon be there.   The VIII Legion will begin loading at that point."

Admiral Sulla nodded, "Excellent plan now for our deployment plans we will not be sailing to Ceylon in single ships the danger is to great with transports heavily loaded.  We will be going as an escorted convoy with a heavy escort!  Commander Constantino has drawn up that deployment plan and he will now brief you!"

Commander Constantino began his briefing.  "The Empire does not wish a war with Bharat however our order clear and we cannot safely guarantee that Bharat does not wish a war with all foreigners despite how crazy such an action would be.  There for my staff and I have drawn up a plan to dispatch Admiral Alvise commander of IMS Arminius as force flag for the Convoy.  The Convoy will contain IMS Arminius,  IMS Parthicus, DDL 01, DD 50,51,52,53,54 and MS 01,02,03,04,05.   We feel this force would be quite capable of intimidating any force from Bharat that it where to inadvertently encounter.  In addition we will utilize the ships of the Anti Raider Patrol to sweep the area in front of the Convoy.  In addition IMS Vigilanza and IMS Vendetta will be employed as a covering force for the Convoy itself!"

Admiral Sulla returned to the Podium, "Gentlemen that concludes this briefing, If you have any questions get with my staff or talk to either of the commanders as quickly as possible the deployment orders will be issued by the end of the day!"

[Desertfox]

Interesting...

*schemes*

[ctwaterman]

Interesting...

*schemes*

By all means Scheme away  ;) ;D

[ctwaterman]

Imperial Palace Rome April 15th 1916

Lucius Decumius , Commander of the Praetorian Guard had a job to do it was not a job he could trust to any of his underlings and it was a job that made him feel everyone of his nearly 62 years.  Its time to consider retiring he thought to himself and with the Emperors condition deteriorating daily maybe it might finally be time to go to that villa he had purchased years ago but rarely had time to visit.  But before he could retire he contemplated the job he had yet to do.

Turning from the Fire in his study Fire Place he turned to three of his most trusted agents quietly sitting and waiting. 


"The Emperors condition grows worse day by day!  What I need from you and your agents is information to maintain stability in the Empire.  The Emperor desires to name his Grandson Armedo Ferdinando as heir to his titles and dignities.  But that does not mean the Senate will confirm him in the Title of Emperor," Lucius stated. "So what information do we have on what the Imperial party is saying about a possible succession?" He inquired.

One of the agents consulted his notes before replying.  "We have been able to get a large amount of reliable information out the Imperial Party Senators.  Senator Scapita was heard to say and I quote he believes that "Marcus Aquila Camila is the obvious candidate to succeed his father on the Imperial Throne." There was very little objection by any of the other Senators of the Imperial Party they simply seek to pass the Imperial Throne from father to eldest son.   They do not perceive or choose to ignore the serious objections that would be raised by the Senators from the South of Italy." The agent sat back.

"I see?" Lucius stated, "Well perhaps you could inform us about what the Senators in the Southern Coalition have to say?" Lucius looked at one of the other agents expectantly.

That agent looked up and frowned. "The Southern Coalition as really not as firm a coalition as many would imagine.  They try to serve the interest of the Southern Provinces of Italy and Sicily and they work strongly with the Imperial Magistrates for Tunis and Libya and Senator Claudia is a strong leader.  However the only consensus my agents can gather on the question of the Imperial succession is that they all would strongly oppose Marcus Aquila as Emperor.  It has been less then 10 years in many cases since Marcus Aquila used the legions of the north to suppress the riots in the south during 1905 and 1906.  The citizens and supporters of those Senators do not and I can not stress this enough do not want to see Marcus Aquila become Emperor.  My agents have detected at least two possible plots against Prince Marcus life in the event that he should be considered for Emperor it appears among the younger sons of the Southern Coalition supporters!" The agent quietly finished his statement.

Lucius grimaced, "Its worse then even I or the Emperor had thought then.  I will not tolerate an insurrection at this juncture.  If it's the young sons of the Senate then perhaps Its time we gave them something productive to do.   Junior magistrate positions perhaps or aid to an ambassador or officer billets in the army anything to get them very far away from Rome in the coming months. On the other hand what in the Republic parties stance?"

The third agent looked concerned, "Senator Cicero as you know is very concerned with his security.  But I did manage to get someone able to listen to a meeting between Senator Cicero and Senator Quirina or the unaligned Senators.  I am not sure exactly what Cicero's plans are and we all know he is a great admirer of the French.  But to be blunt let me quote what they had to say." 

• Senator Cicero remarked to Senator Quirina that they should discuss the possibility of an upcoming Imperial Election
• Senator Quirina indicated that he had heard that the Emperor was resting comfortable and was recovering from his bout with Pneumonia?
• Senator Cicero replied that He had been able to gather a more detailed report on the Emperors condition then is available for public consumption.  More detailed in fact then even the report given to the Senate.
• Senator Quirina asked Senator Cicero whom he though the Candidates in such an election would be.
• Senator Cicero replied that he thought that the Imperial Party Senators would back Marcus Aquila, that the Southern Coalition Senators would back Decius Taurus, and that he personally felt that the Emperor would be naming his Grandson Armedo Ferdinando as his heir.
• Senator Quirina was greatly intrigued by the possibilities presented by having three possible candidates and inquired who Cicero intended to support.
• Senator Cicero said that while there were three possible candidates for Emperor there were still other choices available.  And that he would support all and none of the candidates equally.
• Senator Quirina asked what he meant by other choices available but Cicero was evasive and didn't answer him directly.

"In conclusion My Lord Lucius I can only conclude that once again Cicero has proven to be extremely perceptive and that his information is extremely accurate.  I myself was unaware that the Emperor had named an Heir many suspected he was grooming young Armedo for something but was unsure.  Cicero will prove I fear either a great asset in the coming election or a very great danger.

Lucius sat contemplating the information he had just received.  "I thank you all for your service and I ask you to endeavor even more vigilance in the Empire's service.   I will need the names of those who plotted against Marcus Aquila, if at all possible I will handle this quickly and painlessly for all those involved youthful exuberance is one thing but it needs to be kept away from politics.  I will see you all next week or within 2 hours of the bells of Rome beginning to ring." You understand he said looking at each who nodded in acknowledgment of the order.

After the agents had left he Lucius Decius again sat by the fire drinking from a cup bearing the Praetorian coat of arms with the words "Per Dovere Con Onore Sevizio Imperio" on it.  He contemplated the motto In Duty and Honor Service to the Empire?  Yes he thought it was definitely time to consider retiring.

[Kaiser Kirk]

Interesting little succession tussle brewing.
What will Marcus do if he is passed over or voted down in the Senate. He used the armies once...

[ctwaterman]

Ah now that is the 64 Million Denari question isnt it....??????

[Kaiser Kirk]

Ah now that is the 64 Million Denari question isnt it....??????

Shoot I was pricing it at only 48 million. Darned inflation.
There are a number of different ways you could choose to take this, some more unsettling than others.
Btw, consider the get well card sent :)

[The Rock Doctor]

This could take the concept of a "family feud" to an extreme...

[ctwaterman]

May 1st 1916: Vatican City Rome.

It was just after dawn on what was apparently going to be a glorious spring day in Rome.   The Sun was shinning and already the temperature was climbing.   The Month of May had just begun, the War in Kolkata was winding down under that far away countries torrential spring rains. 
But all of that paled in comparison to the news that had just been presented to Cardinal Rinaldini Vatican Secretary of State.  It was a letter he had been both dreading and expecting and after briefly reading it he commented to his aide.   See if his Holy Father can see me immediately and send for Cardinal Chelsea the news we have been waiting has arrived.  Inform the  Bell ringers to begin as soon as I have informed the Pope and he has approved the action.

May 1st 1916:  – Rome Times.

Today the Citizens of Rome were awoken by the ringing of the Bells in St Peters and then one by one the Bells of all the other churches, and monasteries of Rome.  The bells mourned for the passing of his Imperial Majesty Gaius Marius Camilla.   The Emperor passed peacefully in his sleep some time last night.  Speaking for the Royal Family Armedo Ferdinando Camila had this to say.   "My family and I thank the people of Rome and the Empire for their prayers in this time of grief."