Sino-Burmese War 1916

[Guinness]

July 10, 1916

HMBS Bodawpaya, a light cruiser (~2300t, 22kts, 10x120mm guns) the flagship of the Burmese Navy slipped out of Rangoon harbor shortly after dark. Her running lights were dark, and openings in her side sealed up. There was, as yet, no credible Chinese threat in the Indian Ocean, but her captain was taking no chances as he turned southwest on his planned course that would eventually take him northwest to Kolkata.

In a sealed pouch in his sealocker was one of two copies of the note, written in the King's own hand. One had been dispatched to Rangoon's telegraph office for dispatch via the overland cables in both the direction of Kolkata and of Siam, while the other had been entrusted to the Bodawpaya just in case the telegrams didn't get through for some reason. The King had taken two days coming around to the conclusion that Burma would continue to fight, but once he had, he had not hesitated to put to use all resources available.

The voyage to Kolkata was uneventful, and Bodawpaya was met by Burma's most senior consular representatives on arrival. The contents of the note, which had been transmitted from the very same telegraph office less than two days before, were nonetheless transmitted again:

From: His Royal Highness, King Thibaw Min
To: Burmese Embassies and Diplomatic Stations in:
Peking, China
Madrid, Imperio Iberico
London, United Norman Kingdom
Rome, Italia
Vienna, Habsburger Kaiserreich
Tokyo, Japan
Cartagena, Gran Colombia
New Brandenburg, Deutscher Kaiserreich Brandenburg
Munich, Bavaria

Please deliver the following message in person to the Foreign Minister or Head of State in your respective nation of posting, and wait personally for a reply.

The message:

Sir,

The sovereign nation of the Kingdom of Burma has become the object of wanton and unjust aggression on the part of those calling themselves the Reformist Republic of China. Let me assure you personally that no matter what the excuses of the Chinese Republicans might be, their only goal through these actions is territorial gains through the destruction of my government and my nation which will result in untold suffering for millions of my subjects.

So it falls upon me, as the protector of the Burmese people to entreat you for any help you might provide so that we may beat back this Chinese hoard beating at our doors. Make no mistake: we intend to stand and fight the aggressors with great resolve, never to surrender. We also humbly request that you consider any support, military or economic no matter how small, you might provide to our nation as we fight for our survival.

Signed,

His Royal Highness, King Thibaw Min
Sovereign and High Protector of the People of Burma

The message was delivered to all the intended recipients no later than July 13, 1916.

[miketr]

The following are correspondences of the Iberian Government and the Reformist Republic of China on this issue. Iberia renews its offer to mediate this despite short of war and asks that the Reformist Republic of China stand down its forces.

Iberia will ask what is your goal in this conflict?

The RRC's goal in the conflict is to subdue the Burmese, who has so unwisely attacked the RRC. Obviously the RRC troops will not shoot at anyone who has surrendered (the refugees are in no harm if the city surrenders otherwise they have to withstand the siege).

The conquest of an entire nation over an alleged shooting incident isn't that a bit excessive for the level of provocation?  Before this gets out of hand Iberia formally offers to mediate the dispute between the Republic and the Kingdom of Burma.

Diogo Freitas do Amaral
Iberian Foreign Minister

How would you feel if hundreds of your nation's men died in a single night? Regardless of whether the shooting 'incident' as you put it is enough for the conquest of an entire nation, the point is the RRC has been insulted. They have stepped upon our pride and dignity. If Iberia wishes to mediate the dispute, feel free to do so, though you might find other officials less willing to cooperate.

Yugong
Chinese Foreign Minister

Minister Yugong,

First of all thank you for your reply to my message. 

Hundreds of dead?  That would imply a rather large attack.  I assume that your army has taken some prisoners, weapons, bodies or the like?  At first glance I don't see the point to such a move by Burma; the Republic is far more powerful than they are.  If they were turning aggressive then something more in their weight class like Bengal or Siam would make far more sense.  Especially Bengal as they are no doubt distracted by the Bharat – French war on their border.  What is the goal of such an attack?

Also could you clarify who might not want to talk?  Your government or the Burmese Government?

If the Republic is willing to talk what redress short of war would satisfy national honor?

Diogo Freitas do Amaral
Iberian Foreign Minister

Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral

While it was certain a large attack it was also spread very far, the attacks happening literally all-across the borders. The border soldiers were all killed when they resting or eating, attacking when they were defenseless and helpless. Thus the attackers have all escaped. There are some rather odd bullets that have been found at the scene of the crimes however. As I am not the Burmese government I would have no way of knowing why they would do such a thing.

There are certain individuals in the Chinese government that seem to not want to discuss the matter.

This matter is not up to me. The opinions of the officials are split up. Some wish for the total conquest of Bengal. Some wish for reparations (cash). I think I can convince them to let go of their anger for a slice of land and reparation funds. It might be hard and hatred might still burn, but the war would be over.

Yugong
Chinese Foreign Minister

[miketr]

Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral

I believe the general agreement on land is the Kachin, Shan, Karenni, Mandalay, and Sagaing State of Bengal. The average demand for cash reparations is $50. I would believe it possible to lower the size of the demands, but the other Ministers might not be as satisfied and thus be more likely to reject the deal completely and just conquer Bengal. Navigating such that we don't trample on national pride is most tricky.

Yugong
Chinese Foreign Minister

Minister Yugong,

With great respect no state could accept such demands; they are the type of terms demanded after a most crushing defeat.  The $50 is nearly double the entire annual budget of Burma.  Still Iberia will pass the terms along to Rangoon.

Diogo Freitas do Amaral
Iberian Foreign Minister

TO BURMA FROM IBERIA Included is the above note from RRC on its terms

These are the terms that the Chinese Republic demands for "peace", Madrid doesn't consider them reasonable or even remotely close to being reasonablebut its not its place to reject or accept the terms.

Just to make it official; did Burma's King or Government order any attack on Chinese army or have any information on any such attack?

Madrid feels that the tone of the Republican demands compared to the nature of the "affront" makes Madrid suspect the entire situation.  The Republicans want a war and the goal is to conqueror Burma.  An expansionist and agressive RRC is not in the interests of Iberia or its Philippines holding. 

TO IBERIA FROM BURMA

No such orders to attack the so called Republican Chinese Army were given. Madrid's appraisal of the demand for cash reparations is shared by Burma.

We appreciate Iberia's work to attempt to mediate this crisis, but we hope that Emperor Jaime and those loyal subjects working on his behalf understand that we cannot even accept these demands as an opening bargaining position. This further reinforces King Thibaw Min's opinion that Burma is now fighting for it's very existence against naked aggression on the part of those who call themselves the Republican Chinese.

We request that you please make your government aware of these circumstances, and your appraisal of the Republicans' motivations, so that your government might consider that when considering our requests for aid.

Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral

It should be noted that the Republic of China can crush Bengal completely if it so wished to. The demand can be reduced for $50 to $20. In exchange the Chin and Magwe State shall be handed over to the Republic of China.

An alternative that has been proposed in that $50 be exchanged for exclusive trade rights by the Chinese. Chinese trade ships and merchants pass through a lower tariff and that Bengal be de-militarized, its army cut down by 70%.

Perhaps I am just a foolish old man, but my own desire is for Bengal and the Republic of China recover from this rather unfortunate. To have both bonded together in a state of amiability and cooperation. In short for the two nations to form a united state. In which both states are ruled by a strong central power, a democracy.

Yugong
Chinese Foreign Minister

TO BURMA FROM IBERIA Included the changed terms from China

Received before Iberia could forward Burma's reply.  Is it safe to assume that there is no change?

Diogo Freitas do Amaral
Foreign Minister

TO IBERIA FROM BURMA To be passed to China

That is a safe assumption, yes.

TO RRC FROM IBERIA Attached is the reply of Burma

Minister Yugong,

Enclosed is the reply of the Kingdom of Burma.  Iberia must agree with the sentiment of Burma on this issue.  Even if what the Reformist Republic of China said was fact was in deed fact the response is all out of proportion.  The belief of the Iberian government is that the Republic is taking a harsh line to assure that Burma will in fact reject the terms to provide the Republic some type of fig leaf to attempt to conquer Burma. 

As shown in the enclosed message Burma has claimed there was no attack given at its order.  The Iberian government left having to take the RRC's word or Burma's word as fact finds it difficult to believe the RRC's version of events.  This is especially because of the harsh stance of the RRC in response. There is also the already stated belief of my government that an attack by Burma on the RRC makes zero sense.

This causes the Government of Emperor Jaime I to have believe that the RRC is launching a war of aggression and to wonder where such aggression will end?  For example might one day the Philippines find itself the target of an aggressive RRC.  To put the concerns of my government to rest I have been directed to communicate the following request.

1)   The Reformist Republic of China stand down its military forces to a peace time level with respect to Burma.
2)   Once this stand down is begun the Kingdom of Burma do the same.
3)   That body be formed to determine the nature of the incident that provoked the crises in the first place.  Iberia suggests that three non involved parties be asked to form this body; Deutscher Kaiserreich Brandenburg and the Republic of France come to mind.  They are not involved and have holdings in the area so they should have more than a passing familiarity with both sides.  A third would be needed I should think.

If the Republic is unwilling to accept the above suggestion then Iberia will be left to conclude that its worst fears are true and act accordingly.

Diogo Freitas do Amaral
Iberian Foreign Minister

TO BURMA FROM IBERIA

The reply sent to the Republic.  If the RRC rejects the suggestion of Iberia what can my government do to help the Kingdom of Burma in its time of need?

Diogo Freitas do Amaral
Iberian Foreign Minister

[Guinness]

Having realized their oversite, the Burmese also transmitted the King's message to the Dutch on July 11.

[The Rock Doctor]

~15 July 1916

(allowing for communications lags - GC's embassy in DKB is communicating to both Burma and RRC in the absence of embassies in either of those states).

The Republic of Gran Colombia is dismayed at news of conflict between the RRC and Burma, and urges both parties to seek prompt, peaceful and fair resolution of their greivances, in the manner proposed by Iberia.  Gran Colombia is prepared to take part in diplomatic processes necessary to achieve this end.

Colombian waters, waterways, and ports remain open to RRC and Burmese shipping, but said vessels will be subject to additional security and inspections as a precaution.  No trade or political sanctions are in effect at this time.

The Republic of Gran Colombia reminds both parties of its ongoing obligation to assist refugees from the Bharat/France conflict, now located in camps in the Rangoon area.  The Armada is in the process of assisting the Green Cross in transporting these displaced persons to new, permanent homes such as Firanj and the Gran Colombian Heartland.  Gran Colombia will continue to provide logistical and security support to these operations and may deploy additional assets to the region as required in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the displaced persons.

OOC:  Burmese, Iberian, and other observers in the Rangoon area will note that Colombian naval forces are operating at higher states of alert than had previously been the case.

[Guinness]

FYI: I edited a couple of posts above, as I'm reconciling the Burmese king's name with the one Miketr originally used.

[The Rock Doctor]

Good idea - we have enough diplomatic issues already without adding "name-calling" to the list.

[miketr]

TO IBERIA FROM RRC

Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral

The Republic of China will comply to such terms, but nothing more. There will be no further aggression so long as the results prove acceptable. (As in it was not Burmese doing). The few insults throw at the Republic of China will be ignored as I am in a good mood today. I will be contacting you in future messages in the place of Minister Yugong.

010001010110111001101001011001110110110101100001

The Binary Code = Enigma; ask Logi I have no idea why he used it.

TO RRC FROM IBERIA

Mr. Enigma,

No insult was intended and My government and I am sure the Government of Burma will be most gratified to learn of the RRC decesion on this matter.  The next step will be once the RRC demobilization order is made public for Burma to do the same and for a group to be formed to look into the matter; unless of course the RRC feels that the matter is closed and no such investigation is needed.

Diogo Freitas do Amaral
Iberian Foreign Minister

[miketr]

TO IBERIA FROM RRC

Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral

The matter is quite obviously not closed. The Republic of China still has yet to find out who had done the terrible act if not the Burmese.

010001010110111001101001011001110110110101100001

TO RRC FROM IBERIA

The message shall be passed along to the Government of Burma and we will await their reply.

Diogo Freitas do Amaral
Iberian Foreign Minister

[ctwaterman]

Office of Foreign Affairs Rome July 15th 1916

Publius Rutilius Rufus, Empire of Italia Consul of Foreign Affairs was having a very long several weeks.  There were still problems to be resolved in Kolkata and now rumors and then a declaration of war from the RRC against the Nation of Burma.  He  now had a pair of Messages on his desk and to be honest  until the Senate finally confirmed someone as Emperor he was going to have to take the request to the Senate.  He slowly laid the two messages side by side and began to reread them.  The first from the King of Burma, the second from Chinese foreign minister.  He sighed this was it he decided no matter who the Senate confirmed as Emperor he was going to resign.  But first hopefully his last crisis to deal with.   He slowly turned back to the documents in question and began to think how should we deal with this and how to present the problem to the Senate to get them to deal with it in the proper way.

From: His Royal Highness, King Thibaw Min
To: Burmese Embassies and Diplomatic Stations in:
Peking, China
Madrid, Imperio Iberico
London, United Norman Kingdom
Rome, Italia
Vienna, Habsburger Kaiserreich
Tokyo, Japan
Cartagena, Gran Colombia
New Brandenburg, Deutscher Kaiserreich Brandenburg
Munich, Bavaria

Please deliver the following message in person to the Foreign Minister or Head of State in your respective nation of posting, and wait personally for a reply.

The message:

Sir,

The sovereign nation of the Kingdom of Burma has become the object of wanton and unjust aggression on the part of those calling themselves the Reformist Republic of China. Let me assure you personally that no matter what the excuses of the Chinese Republicans might be, their only goal through these actions is territorial gains through the destruction of my government and my nation which will result in untold suffering for millions of my subjects.

So it falls upon me, as the protector of the Burmese people to entreat you for any help you might provide so that we may beat back this Chinese hoard beating at our doors. Make no mistake: we intend to stand and fight the aggressors with great resolve, never to surrender. We also humbly request that you consider any support, military or economic no matter how small, you might provide to our nation as we fight for our survival.

Signed,

His Royal Highness, King Thibaw Min
Sovereign and High Protector of the People of Burma

In light of the recent conflict between the nations of Burma and the Republic of China, we would like to ask you to stay out of the conflict. This does not mean your nation can't engage in trade with the Burma, but rather the Republic of China would appreciate it if you did not show any favoritism. in your deals.

The Republic of China would like to politely ask that it be informed in any deals with the Burmese. Should a deal be deemed unacceptable, it is very possible that we might offer to buy it from you (pay cash to cancel or give us the same deal).

The Republic of China is well aware that recent events have marked the passed of your beloved Emperor and that in a time of such grief, perhaps it is unwise to involve oneself in a war so quickly.

Yugong
Chinese Foreign Minister

Several hours latter Consul Rufus had finally made a decision, and he turned to one of his aids.   Bring me a copy of the declaration made by the Reformist Republic of China to the Empire Deceleration of War against New Zion last year.   Once the final document was on his desk he slowly read it and smile.   I think I am ready to talk to the Senate now he said walking around the desk to get his Jacket.  He smiled to himself thinking about the expected results of showing all three of these official communication to his fellow Senators.

In regards to the Italia's declaration of war against New Zion, the Reformist Republic of China feels the action is unwarranted. The Reformist Republic of China sees this war as Italia picking on New Zion, which is much smaller and much less powerful. The RRC declares its neutrality in this event. Of course, the RRC will not stop trade with either nation, even it the item being sold are military supplies. If either nation in this conflict tries to stop these transactions, RRC will be forced to withdraw from neutrality. Therefore, blockades WILL be ignored. If any nation tries to stop RRC ships, they WILL be dealt with FORCE.

In other words, the RRC will continue its business transactions ignoring blockades.
                 - President Jiang Zhiqing

[The Rock Doctor]

Zing!

[Guinness]

Burma would, of course, be relieved if the Chinese were to back off and return to their own borders. However, it seems imprudent for Burma to cease it's mobilization until tacit proof of the RRC standing down is revealed.

As too any investigations: Burma has no involvement, indeed has no knowledge of whatever attack the Republican Chinese allege, but will cooperate fully with any Iberian-led investigation.

[Logi]

So I'm guessing the Italians decided to side with the Burmese? As I expected.

There is no reason for the Republic of China to demobilize first, Burma should already be happy that the Republic of China is not going to make the Burmese pay for what they did to us. As such the Republic of China will NOT go first.

[Guinness]

In his quarters at the Royal Palace in Mandalay, Prince Ka Naung receives word of the Chinese declaration that they would not de-mobilize first as part of the deal being brokered by the Iberians.

"They have their sandals on our soil, but dare to demand that we demobilize so that there might be peace! We may be a small nation, but do they take us for fools!"

The Prince is under enough strain, as this crisis has come at a bad time for Burma's ruling clan. He regains his composure.

"Tell the Iberians, well..." he thinks for a moment.

"Ask the Iberians if they find this stance reasonable. I'm sure they'll agree that it's not. Obviously the Chinese assent to stand down and talk was nothing but a ploy. It changes nothing for us."

The Prince's aid nods in agreement. "I believe Minister Herrera is still in Rangoon."

"Good, get him that message then. Actually, you might as well do it yourself. I need you to take charge of moving the most important files to Rangoon."

"Sir? You aren't moving there with the rest of the Court?"

"No, I'm afraid not. The King has seen fit to appoint me in charge of the defense of the Irrawaddy. So I'm staying here."

[miketr]

I would move forward on this; as is normal for me I won't do much online over the weekend.  Besides Logi is going to war come hell or high water.

Michael