Lord_Vespasian
Banned
Daily Reminder That PRIME MINISTER Oswald Mosley Is Always D I R E C T L Y R U L I N G Y O U F R O M L O N D O N
The Sun Rises Yet Again
- Thread starter Lord_Vespasian
- Start date
On the Horizon
Lord_Vespasian
Banned
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 6: On the Horizon
December 23, 1924
Two weeks have passed since Mosley proposed the first bills of his government. Kitson's had passed with flying colors as no one was able to sufficiently rebuff it. Thus, the first brick of many has been laid down in the long process of rebuilding the British economy. Makgills list of extra-judicial powers to be granted to MI5 has been delayed however, as Chambers' is still drafting a comprehensive article on the legality of it.
In the meantime, Mosley has been either debating in favour of the bill or working to build connections across Britain to further entrench the Victorian Union. Fuller arrived yesterday, just in time for Christmas. He decided it was time to have a conversation with him. The telephone wiring was going well, but it wouldn't be finished for some time. Fuller arrives in his office and sits down.
J. F. C. Fuller
"Hello Your Excellency."
Oswald Mosley
'Please Fuller, call me Oswald or Mosley. We are going to be together for many weeks and I would like to not hear that so often. It will drive me mad."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course Mosley. So why have you called me here?
Oswald Mosley
"As you know Spain is in a civil war right now between Communists in the East, supported by France and the Soviet Union, and Falangists in the West, supported by Portugal and Italy.
J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course. It's been very brutal."
Oswald Mosley
"And you know that Gibaraltar is in Spanish hands."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes."
Oswald Mosley
"I believe I have a plan to bring it back into British hands."
J. F. C. Fuller
"How so?"
Oswald Mosley
"We will strike a deal with the Falangists to help them in the war and to join our alliance in exchange for immediate ownership of Gibaraltar. I wanted to ask you what assistance would be best to help them, as well as to send some officers close to you down there to instruct them if they accept."
J. F. C. Fuller
"I see. I quite like this plan. I would suggest that you prepare a message to the British loyalists in Gibaraltar to establish a plebiscite so that if the Spanish do not agree, we can send it and once they vote in our favour we could potentially take it by force with popular support. As for support for the Spanish, we can send some of our more green divisions down there to train them. I will make sure I will send down skilled officers who will train them as well as take notes so that we can study the aspects of modern warfare "
Oswald Mosley
"An excellent idea. You, Joyce, David, and I will go on a state visit to Portugal, to reaffirm our alliance with Manuel as well as to get in contact with Franco and his men to negotiate a deal. Once we are done with that we shall head to Italy to meet Mussolini and attempt to bring them into our alliance as well. These three nations, combined with ours, will be more than enough to crush France, that vile bastion of communism, when the time arrives."
J. F. C. Fuller
"I also wanted to talk to you about the matter of our military training and education. It is woefully out of date and needs to be updated immediately. The longer we delay the more men who will serve with an antiquated view of warfare. I will need your public support in pushing these reforms as you and I are extremely popular amongst the army and combined will convince most to trust my reforms. This will require us to revitalise our institutions through modernising our texts and our training and instruction regimen from field marshals to NCO's to the common infantry. I would also like for you to include in the next budget some funds to be allocated to a special section of RTD devoted specifically to the advancement of tanks and motorised trucks. The military may also need an increase in funds in order to begin mechanising parts of the army."
Oswald Mosley
"How big would this RTD department be?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"I've been talking to some people in SIS, probing for information on the Landschiff-Projekt. I found what I was looking for, numbers, locations, procedures, ideas and even some blueprints of their more modern tanks. Of course we have the tank we captured in perfect condition after the Battle of Lyon to base our earliest efforts around. We will be very conservative with our resources until we know what we're doing, we just need to get our foot in the door."
Oswald Mosley
"I can do everything you ask for except for the funds towards mechanisation. Until we can pull Britain out of this depression we're all gonna have to work on a shoestring budget, unfortunately.
J. F. C. Fuller
"I understand. Thank you. May I be excused? I have much work to do."
Oswald Mosley
"Of course. Prepare your items as we will leave after Christmas. Thank you for your time Fuller."
Fuller exits Mosley's office and returns to his own. Mosley sits, contemplating about his situation. He begins to pack his possessions for the trip. It is snowing, the sky is dark. It is past midnight, the Sun is gone. But on the horizon, he sees it rise again. He knows this is the destiny of Britain. To sink low, but to rise once more and shine across the world again.
Scientists of the Landschiff-Projekt Taking a Photograph in Commemoration of Their Success
The A7V, the Culmination of the Landschiff-Projekt
A Painting of Kaiser Wilhelm II Looking From the Place du Trocadéro Across the Jardins du Trocadéro and the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower, Painted by Waldemar Rösler in 1915
British Troops in Angoulême Heading Towards Bordeaux so as to Leave France, They Are Guarding the German Tank Captured at Lyon to Bring it Back to Britain. This Retreat Was Only Possible Due to the Legendary "Second Christmas Truce" of 1917 and the Heroic Resignation of the French Troops to Holding the Front Alone
Chapter 6: On the Horizon
December 23, 1924
Two weeks have passed since Mosley proposed the first bills of his government. Kitson's had passed with flying colors as no one was able to sufficiently rebuff it. Thus, the first brick of many has been laid down in the long process of rebuilding the British economy. Makgills list of extra-judicial powers to be granted to MI5 has been delayed however, as Chambers' is still drafting a comprehensive article on the legality of it.
In the meantime, Mosley has been either debating in favour of the bill or working to build connections across Britain to further entrench the Victorian Union. Fuller arrived yesterday, just in time for Christmas. He decided it was time to have a conversation with him. The telephone wiring was going well, but it wouldn't be finished for some time. Fuller arrives in his office and sits down.
J. F. C. Fuller
"Hello Your Excellency."
Oswald Mosley
'Please Fuller, call me Oswald or Mosley. We are going to be together for many weeks and I would like to not hear that so often. It will drive me mad."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course Mosley. So why have you called me here?
Oswald Mosley
"As you know Spain is in a civil war right now between Communists in the East, supported by France and the Soviet Union, and Falangists in the West, supported by Portugal and Italy.
J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course. It's been very brutal."
Oswald Mosley
"And you know that Gibaraltar is in Spanish hands."
J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes."
Oswald Mosley
"I believe I have a plan to bring it back into British hands."
J. F. C. Fuller
"How so?"
Oswald Mosley
"We will strike a deal with the Falangists to help them in the war and to join our alliance in exchange for immediate ownership of Gibaraltar. I wanted to ask you what assistance would be best to help them, as well as to send some officers close to you down there to instruct them if they accept."
J. F. C. Fuller
"I see. I quite like this plan. I would suggest that you prepare a message to the British loyalists in Gibaraltar to establish a plebiscite so that if the Spanish do not agree, we can send it and once they vote in our favour we could potentially take it by force with popular support. As for support for the Spanish, we can send some of our more green divisions down there to train them. I will make sure I will send down skilled officers who will train them as well as take notes so that we can study the aspects of modern warfare "
Oswald Mosley
"An excellent idea. You, Joyce, David, and I will go on a state visit to Portugal, to reaffirm our alliance with Manuel as well as to get in contact with Franco and his men to negotiate a deal. Once we are done with that we shall head to Italy to meet Mussolini and attempt to bring them into our alliance as well. These three nations, combined with ours, will be more than enough to crush France, that vile bastion of communism, when the time arrives."
J. F. C. Fuller
"I also wanted to talk to you about the matter of our military training and education. It is woefully out of date and needs to be updated immediately. The longer we delay the more men who will serve with an antiquated view of warfare. I will need your public support in pushing these reforms as you and I are extremely popular amongst the army and combined will convince most to trust my reforms. This will require us to revitalise our institutions through modernising our texts and our training and instruction regimen from field marshals to NCO's to the common infantry. I would also like for you to include in the next budget some funds to be allocated to a special section of RTD devoted specifically to the advancement of tanks and motorised trucks. The military may also need an increase in funds in order to begin mechanising parts of the army."
Oswald Mosley
"How big would this RTD department be?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"I've been talking to some people in SIS, probing for information on the Landschiff-Projekt. I found what I was looking for, numbers, locations, procedures, ideas and even some blueprints of their more modern tanks. Of course we have the tank we captured in perfect condition after the Battle of Lyon to base our earliest efforts around. We will be very conservative with our resources until we know what we're doing, we just need to get our foot in the door."
Oswald Mosley
"I can do everything you ask for except for the funds towards mechanisation. Until we can pull Britain out of this depression we're all gonna have to work on a shoestring budget, unfortunately.
J. F. C. Fuller
"I understand. Thank you. May I be excused? I have much work to do."
Oswald Mosley
"Of course. Prepare your items as we will leave after Christmas. Thank you for your time Fuller."
Fuller exits Mosley's office and returns to his own. Mosley sits, contemplating about his situation. He begins to pack his possessions for the trip. It is snowing, the sky is dark. It is past midnight, the Sun is gone. But on the horizon, he sees it rise again. He knows this is the destiny of Britain. To sink low, but to rise once more and shine across the world again.
Scientists of the Landschiff-Projekt Taking a Photograph in Commemoration of Their Success
The A7V, the Culmination of the Landschiff-Projekt
A Painting of Kaiser Wilhelm II Looking From the Place du Trocadéro Across the Jardins du Trocadéro and the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower, Painted by Waldemar Rösler in 1915
British Troops in Angoulême Heading Towards Bordeaux so as to Leave France, They Are Guarding the German Tank Captured at Lyon to Bring it Back to Britain. This Retreat Was Only Possible Due to the Legendary "Second Christmas Truce" of 1917 and the Heroic Resignation of the French Troops to Holding the Front Alone
Last edited:
Lord_Vespasian
Banned
Well of course. Where else would they R U L E D I R E C T L Y F R O M ?
Birmingham?
Last edited:
Lord_Vespasian
Banned
Huge news, I'm not dead! Chapter 7 should be out tomorrow and remember
PRIME MINISTER Oswald Mosley Is Always D I R E C T L Y R U L I N G Y O U F R O M L O N D O N
PRIME MINISTER Oswald Mosley Is Always D I R E C T L Y R U L I N G Y O U F R O M L O N D O N
From the Ashes
Lord_Vespasian
Banned
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 7: From the Ashes
December 27, 1924
Mosley, Fuller, Joyce, and David relax on the ship headed for Portugal. It left earlier today from Plymouth and is expected to be in Lisbon by the next sunrise. As they cruise along the Bay of Biscay, Mosley works with Joyce and Fuller on how to best work with Franco to get what they want while David relaxes. Soon, they arrive at Lisbon and dock into the port and are greeted by Dom Manuel and his Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar. A 21-gun salute is fired in their honor and they head to see a military band play God Save the Queen and the Hino da Carta. As the instrumental fills the air, the Portuguese soldiers begin to sing the lyrics to God Save the King. Mosley remarks to Joyce how they could never compare with the men of Britain. When both songs finish, Mosley, Joyce, David, Manuel, and Salazar head to inspect some basic maneuvers performed by the Royal Municipal Guard. After several other formalities are concluded, Mosley, Joyce, Salazar as well as several Portuguese officials and generals head to a private area where they can discuss important matters while Fuller heads to his residence to prepare the plan to assist the Falangists if they accept Mosley's proposal. David and Manuel head off to his enjoy themselves away from all the diplomacy. Once they arrive, Mosley begins to speak.
Oswald Mosley
"Hello Prime Minister Salazar, I am here with Mr. Joyce to reaffirm the ancient Anglo-Portuguese alliance that fell into disarray following our defeat in the Great War. We are glad to see Portugal has chosen the right and honorable path of national strength and unity instead of the path of weakness and corruption that is inherent to communism.
António de Oliveira Salazar
"I am glad to see Enland has not forgotten about us. Can Britain promise potential expansion of Portuguese territory and influence?"
Oswald Mosley
"Certainly. Britain will treat her allies well. We are the only ones who can help you reach your potential, I hope you see that."
António de Oliveira Salazar
"I do. And we would be honored to bring this age-old alliance back to life."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent, would you be willing to assist us in a war against France should it come to pass?"
António de Oliveira Salazar
"As long as you have a plan and not a suicide mission."
Oswald Mosley
"I am glad to hear that, Mr. Joyce and your secretary of state can iron out the details where the Devil is sure to be found, right Joyce?"
William Joyce
"Of course Your Excellency. We can start as soon as you are ready."
Oswald Mosley
"Together, we will right the wrongs done to us in the Great War. I want you to visit London in two months. We shall formalise a grand alliance spanning multiple nations."
They continue to talk for some time and they agree upon a final draft of the treaty. Mosley warns Salazar that Germany will not be pleased with this development and that he must stand against them as a strong leader. A few days later they announce the news in Lisbon to a great crowd and, with a bit of spin from the press, the masses rejoice, stating that today is the Day of Awakening or O Dia do Despertar. They stay in Portugal for a few more days to prepare to meet with Francisco Franco. Soon, Germany hears of the news of Britain and Portugal's new alliance and are furious, claiming how the British are threatening the fragile state Europe is in and immediately send an ultimatum to Britain and Portugal claiming that they are to renege on this agreement or face Germany's wrath. Neither do. Germany, however, is held back by their people who tire of war, saying they are already the undisputed masters of the world, why waste German lives for this? Thus, Germany can only embargo them and send angry telegrams. Mosley couldn't be happier, this successful display of defiance shows the whole world, especially the British people, that Germany is naught more than a paper tiger. With the alliance cemented they bid their farewells, David returns back to Britain while the rest head into Spain to meet Franco at Salamanca as it is close to the Portuguese border and firmly within the Falangists hands.
As they drive through the Spanish country side, they remark at how beautiful it all is. Upon entering the city they are herded by Spanish troops through several backstreets and alleyways that had been cleared for the arriving cars. After arriving at the destination, they enter a building full of Spanish soldiers. They enter a small room with no windows and only one door, Franco and several high-ranking officials as well as an interpreter sitting within it. Mosley, Fuller and Joyce sit down opposite to them. Franco is the first to speak, with the interpreter doing his job.
Francisco Franco
"Welcome gentlemen. I have the honor of being your host in our fine nation. Now, to our discussions."
Oswald Mosley
"We are here to assist you in this war. Mister Joyce and I are here to negotiate the diplomatic actions while Mr Fuller is here to handle the military matters which include providing tactical and strategic advice to your commanders and training to your troops. We wish to help Spain become whole once again underneath Falangism."
Francisco Franco
"And why is that? Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I am curious."
Oswald Mosley
"There a several reasons. One, we wish to ally with you to combat the Commune, we are also ideologically similar and wish to help our brothers, and finally we wish to gain back our rightful land in Gibraltar.
Francisco Franco
"Gibraltar?"
William Joyce
"I know it sounds extreme but we are willing to provide military and diplomatic support as well as financial compensation for the land."
Francisco Franco
"To give up that land is a major decision, one I do not take lightly."
Oswald Mosley
"Hold a plebiscite and you will see the people of Gibraltar wish to rejoin Britain. Besides, the help we can provide will be invaluable."
Francisco Franco
"Very well, I shall hold a plebiscite in Gibraltar, if it is in your favor you shall gain control of the Rock, but in exchange I demand that your assistance from Fuller come immediately."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well. I am glad to see you are reasonable. Fuller, when will you be able to prepare the assistance for the Spanish troops?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"It should take me approximately a month to get everything ready."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Now let us depart to prepare our assistance."
The three depart to their vehicles and drive back to Portugal and board a ship to Rome. The Italians are informed of this and prepare for their arrival. Once they reach Rome they disembark and receive a similar greeting as in Portugal, albeit more extravagant. Italy was still a strong nation. With the help of the Alps, the Italians managed to stave off all invaders from entering the homeland and even managed to maintain control over the Austrian territories of Trentino, Trieste, Sudtirol and Istria as well as taking control over the French provinces of Corsica, Nice, and Savoie to protect them from German occupation. However, in order to achieve a peace with the Central Powers, Italy had renounce all their African territories. Their territories iIn Somaliland would be ceded to Germany while Libya would be released as an independent kingdom within Ottoman's sphere of influence. Italy also had to pay some reparations but due to the strength of the Alpine defenses and the exhaustion of Austrian and German forces, Italy was able to get away with very low reparations, relatively speaking.This enabled them to build up their economy. In 1921, after 4 years of a meteoric rise within Italian politics, Benito Mussolini marched on Rome. King Victor Emanuel III, wishing to avoid a civil war, acquiesced to the Italian reactionaries, or Fascists as they regard themselves, and thus another European nation had fallen to a radical ideology. Once all formalities have been seen to, the 3 met with Mussolini and his cabinet. Mussolini is the first to speak, with the interpreter ensuring sufficient communication.
Benito Mussolini
"Welcome my British friends. What brings you to Italy?"
Oswald Mosley
"We wish to revive the alliance we had during the Great War. We believe that together we can right the wrongs Germany have forced upon us. We can do it, but we need to work together. We need allies. We have already worked through negotiations with the Portuguese, as you know, and the Spanish Falangists. With Italy's assistance we can form a powerful alliance that, when the time comes, strike at France and cast off the shackles of Germany."
Benito Mussolini
"I see. It is good to know that the British are not a defeated and servile people. I think we can strike an agreement."
Italo Balbo
"Forgive me Il Duce, for I do not mean to question you, but what gain would there be for Italy?"
Oswald Mosley
"You will get preferential economic treatment with us, Portugal, and Spain when the civil war ends and any other nations that joins us. Italy will also be granted all the territory promised to it in the London Conference that have not been acquired yet as well as greater African colonial holdings."
Benito Mussolini
"And the acquisition of some territories in East Asia?"
Oswald Mosley
"Britain is happy to negotiate with all involved with us to ensure everyone is satisified."
Benito Mussolini
"Very well. Italy will sign an official treaty with Britain and Portugal."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. I want you to travel to London in two months. With Italy, Portugal, and Britain all allied together, we shall form a grand alliance that will attract more nations to our righteous cause. And you must understand this will anger the Germans, you must not be cowed by those weaklings. Their people will cry for peace, all you must do is stand stalwart."
With negotiations with all nations being a resounding success Mosley returned to Britain cheered by the people for his public defiance of Germany and his successful diplomacy with Portugal and Italy, greatly increasing confidence in the government. With this, the list that Makgil proposed was finally passed and support for the Victorian Union increased by a healthy 6 points. Fuller prepares to send liaisons, advisers, and officers to the Falangists in Spain once control of Gibraltar is handed over to Britain. Mosley awaits for when Mussolini and Salazar are in London, there he will enact the creation of a new grand alliance, one to surpass the Triple Entente that failed in the Great War. It would be a stronger alliance, there would be no room for weakness. Britain would rise her defeated state to become the world power once more. This he knew.
António de Oliveira Salazar, Prime Minister and Chief Financial Minister of Portugal, He Holds Nigh Unlimited Power, 1924
Republican Soldiers, Held Captive by Falangist Forces, Marching Towards Nationalist Territory, 1923
Falangist Soldiers Celebrating Their Victory Over Republican Troops at Seville, 1924
A Republican Soldier Carrying a Communist International Flag, Many of the Republican Factions are Communist or Have Communist Influences, 1922
An Italian Machine Gun Division Holds the Trenches in Istria. These Strong Defenses Are What Prevented Italy From Being Conquered by the German and Austrian Offensives, 1918
An Arditi, the Elite Special Forces Specialised in Assaulting Trenches, Poses For a Picture With the Signature Resòlza Knife. They Were Crucial to the Defense of Italy in the Latter Years of the War, 1917
Austrian Troops Lay Dead in Sudtirol, These Men Were Apart of the Failed Venetian Offensive Which Had Planned to Reach the Adriatic. With This Defeat, Austira-Hungary Could No Longer Fight Italy, 1918
Mussolini and His Supporters Begin the Famous "March On Rome". By It's Conclusion, Mussolini Would Gain Total Control Over Italy, 1921
Chapter 7: From the Ashes
December 27, 1924
Mosley, Fuller, Joyce, and David relax on the ship headed for Portugal. It left earlier today from Plymouth and is expected to be in Lisbon by the next sunrise. As they cruise along the Bay of Biscay, Mosley works with Joyce and Fuller on how to best work with Franco to get what they want while David relaxes. Soon, they arrive at Lisbon and dock into the port and are greeted by Dom Manuel and his Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar. A 21-gun salute is fired in their honor and they head to see a military band play God Save the Queen and the Hino da Carta. As the instrumental fills the air, the Portuguese soldiers begin to sing the lyrics to God Save the King. Mosley remarks to Joyce how they could never compare with the men of Britain. When both songs finish, Mosley, Joyce, David, Manuel, and Salazar head to inspect some basic maneuvers performed by the Royal Municipal Guard. After several other formalities are concluded, Mosley, Joyce, Salazar as well as several Portuguese officials and generals head to a private area where they can discuss important matters while Fuller heads to his residence to prepare the plan to assist the Falangists if they accept Mosley's proposal. David and Manuel head off to his enjoy themselves away from all the diplomacy. Once they arrive, Mosley begins to speak.
Oswald Mosley
"Hello Prime Minister Salazar, I am here with Mr. Joyce to reaffirm the ancient Anglo-Portuguese alliance that fell into disarray following our defeat in the Great War. We are glad to see Portugal has chosen the right and honorable path of national strength and unity instead of the path of weakness and corruption that is inherent to communism.
António de Oliveira Salazar
"I am glad to see Enland has not forgotten about us. Can Britain promise potential expansion of Portuguese territory and influence?"
Oswald Mosley
"Certainly. Britain will treat her allies well. We are the only ones who can help you reach your potential, I hope you see that."
António de Oliveira Salazar
"I do. And we would be honored to bring this age-old alliance back to life."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent, would you be willing to assist us in a war against France should it come to pass?"
António de Oliveira Salazar
"As long as you have a plan and not a suicide mission."
Oswald Mosley
"I am glad to hear that, Mr. Joyce and your secretary of state can iron out the details where the Devil is sure to be found, right Joyce?"
William Joyce
"Of course Your Excellency. We can start as soon as you are ready."
Oswald Mosley
"Together, we will right the wrongs done to us in the Great War. I want you to visit London in two months. We shall formalise a grand alliance spanning multiple nations."
They continue to talk for some time and they agree upon a final draft of the treaty. Mosley warns Salazar that Germany will not be pleased with this development and that he must stand against them as a strong leader. A few days later they announce the news in Lisbon to a great crowd and, with a bit of spin from the press, the masses rejoice, stating that today is the Day of Awakening or O Dia do Despertar. They stay in Portugal for a few more days to prepare to meet with Francisco Franco. Soon, Germany hears of the news of Britain and Portugal's new alliance and are furious, claiming how the British are threatening the fragile state Europe is in and immediately send an ultimatum to Britain and Portugal claiming that they are to renege on this agreement or face Germany's wrath. Neither do. Germany, however, is held back by their people who tire of war, saying they are already the undisputed masters of the world, why waste German lives for this? Thus, Germany can only embargo them and send angry telegrams. Mosley couldn't be happier, this successful display of defiance shows the whole world, especially the British people, that Germany is naught more than a paper tiger. With the alliance cemented they bid their farewells, David returns back to Britain while the rest head into Spain to meet Franco at Salamanca as it is close to the Portuguese border and firmly within the Falangists hands.
As they drive through the Spanish country side, they remark at how beautiful it all is. Upon entering the city they are herded by Spanish troops through several backstreets and alleyways that had been cleared for the arriving cars. After arriving at the destination, they enter a building full of Spanish soldiers. They enter a small room with no windows and only one door, Franco and several high-ranking officials as well as an interpreter sitting within it. Mosley, Fuller and Joyce sit down opposite to them. Franco is the first to speak, with the interpreter doing his job.
Francisco Franco
"Welcome gentlemen. I have the honor of being your host in our fine nation. Now, to our discussions."
Oswald Mosley
"We are here to assist you in this war. Mister Joyce and I are here to negotiate the diplomatic actions while Mr Fuller is here to handle the military matters which include providing tactical and strategic advice to your commanders and training to your troops. We wish to help Spain become whole once again underneath Falangism."
Francisco Franco
"And why is that? Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I am curious."
Oswald Mosley
"There a several reasons. One, we wish to ally with you to combat the Commune, we are also ideologically similar and wish to help our brothers, and finally we wish to gain back our rightful land in Gibraltar.
Francisco Franco
"Gibraltar?"
William Joyce
"I know it sounds extreme but we are willing to provide military and diplomatic support as well as financial compensation for the land."
Francisco Franco
"To give up that land is a major decision, one I do not take lightly."
Oswald Mosley
"Hold a plebiscite and you will see the people of Gibraltar wish to rejoin Britain. Besides, the help we can provide will be invaluable."
Francisco Franco
"Very well, I shall hold a plebiscite in Gibraltar, if it is in your favor you shall gain control of the Rock, but in exchange I demand that your assistance from Fuller come immediately."
Oswald Mosley
"Very well. I am glad to see you are reasonable. Fuller, when will you be able to prepare the assistance for the Spanish troops?"
J. F. C. Fuller
"It should take me approximately a month to get everything ready."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Now let us depart to prepare our assistance."
The three depart to their vehicles and drive back to Portugal and board a ship to Rome. The Italians are informed of this and prepare for their arrival. Once they reach Rome they disembark and receive a similar greeting as in Portugal, albeit more extravagant. Italy was still a strong nation. With the help of the Alps, the Italians managed to stave off all invaders from entering the homeland and even managed to maintain control over the Austrian territories of Trentino, Trieste, Sudtirol and Istria as well as taking control over the French provinces of Corsica, Nice, and Savoie to protect them from German occupation. However, in order to achieve a peace with the Central Powers, Italy had renounce all their African territories. Their territories iIn Somaliland would be ceded to Germany while Libya would be released as an independent kingdom within Ottoman's sphere of influence. Italy also had to pay some reparations but due to the strength of the Alpine defenses and the exhaustion of Austrian and German forces, Italy was able to get away with very low reparations, relatively speaking.This enabled them to build up their economy. In 1921, after 4 years of a meteoric rise within Italian politics, Benito Mussolini marched on Rome. King Victor Emanuel III, wishing to avoid a civil war, acquiesced to the Italian reactionaries, or Fascists as they regard themselves, and thus another European nation had fallen to a radical ideology. Once all formalities have been seen to, the 3 met with Mussolini and his cabinet. Mussolini is the first to speak, with the interpreter ensuring sufficient communication.
Benito Mussolini
"Welcome my British friends. What brings you to Italy?"
Oswald Mosley
"We wish to revive the alliance we had during the Great War. We believe that together we can right the wrongs Germany have forced upon us. We can do it, but we need to work together. We need allies. We have already worked through negotiations with the Portuguese, as you know, and the Spanish Falangists. With Italy's assistance we can form a powerful alliance that, when the time comes, strike at France and cast off the shackles of Germany."
Benito Mussolini
"I see. It is good to know that the British are not a defeated and servile people. I think we can strike an agreement."
Italo Balbo
"Forgive me Il Duce, for I do not mean to question you, but what gain would there be for Italy?"
Oswald Mosley
"You will get preferential economic treatment with us, Portugal, and Spain when the civil war ends and any other nations that joins us. Italy will also be granted all the territory promised to it in the London Conference that have not been acquired yet as well as greater African colonial holdings."
Benito Mussolini
"And the acquisition of some territories in East Asia?"
Oswald Mosley
"Britain is happy to negotiate with all involved with us to ensure everyone is satisified."
Benito Mussolini
"Very well. Italy will sign an official treaty with Britain and Portugal."
Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. I want you to travel to London in two months. With Italy, Portugal, and Britain all allied together, we shall form a grand alliance that will attract more nations to our righteous cause. And you must understand this will anger the Germans, you must not be cowed by those weaklings. Their people will cry for peace, all you must do is stand stalwart."
With negotiations with all nations being a resounding success Mosley returned to Britain cheered by the people for his public defiance of Germany and his successful diplomacy with Portugal and Italy, greatly increasing confidence in the government. With this, the list that Makgil proposed was finally passed and support for the Victorian Union increased by a healthy 6 points. Fuller prepares to send liaisons, advisers, and officers to the Falangists in Spain once control of Gibraltar is handed over to Britain. Mosley awaits for when Mussolini and Salazar are in London, there he will enact the creation of a new grand alliance, one to surpass the Triple Entente that failed in the Great War. It would be a stronger alliance, there would be no room for weakness. Britain would rise her defeated state to become the world power once more. This he knew.
António de Oliveira Salazar, Prime Minister and Chief Financial Minister of Portugal, He Holds Nigh Unlimited Power, 1924
Republican Soldiers, Held Captive by Falangist Forces, Marching Towards Nationalist Territory, 1923
Falangist Soldiers Celebrating Their Victory Over Republican Troops at Seville, 1924
A Republican Soldier Carrying a Communist International Flag, Many of the Republican Factions are Communist or Have Communist Influences, 1922
An Italian Machine Gun Division Holds the Trenches in Istria. These Strong Defenses Are What Prevented Italy From Being Conquered by the German and Austrian Offensives, 1918
An Arditi, the Elite Special Forces Specialised in Assaulting Trenches, Poses For a Picture With the Signature Resòlza Knife. They Were Crucial to the Defense of Italy in the Latter Years of the War, 1917
Austrian Troops Lay Dead in Sudtirol, These Men Were Apart of the Failed Venetian Offensive Which Had Planned to Reach the Adriatic. With This Defeat, Austira-Hungary Could No Longer Fight Italy, 1918
Mussolini and His Supporters Begin the Famous "March On Rome". By It's Conclusion, Mussolini Would Gain Total Control Over Italy, 1921
Last edited:
Lord_Vespasian
Banned
Yes it has, real life stuff involving family and hospitals does take all time off your hands, but that's been resolved, mostly.
Lord_Vespasian
Banned
Reminder PRIME MINISTER Oswald Mosley Is Always D I R E C T L Y R U L I N G Y O U F R O M L O N D O N
The Crumbling Colossus
Lord_Vespasian
Banned
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 8: The Crumbling Colossus
January 22, 1925
Some time has passed since Britain secured several allies in the Mediterranean to combat France and, when the time came, Germany. Germany once again demanded that Britain and Italy renounce this alliance as well as their one with Portugal or face their wrath and once again the people of Germany, tired of war, agitated against this. Protests against German action in Italy were especially high as memories of the short but bloody fighting that took place in the Alps were still fresh and the people had no desire to return to that state of affairs again. Thus, Germany was forced to not take any meaningful action as the people, although happy with their victory in the Great War, are still angry at the Kaiser and the military high-command for the food shortages that occurred in 1918 due to the British blockade as well as other things in recent years. His weekly audiences with the King are as miserable as ever.
Mosley has been taking it slow in the recent weeks, passing new legislation through Parliament and modernising the army and developing its tactics. The plebiscite in Gibraltar was held and the people voted in favor of British rule. Franco reluctantly handed control over to Britain and in return, British generals, officers, aircraft, volunteers, and resources, both military and civilian, began flooding into Spain. The aid Britain was supplying to Spain had been kept secret and Mosley had successfully convinced Italy and Portugal to send their own volunteers. After this Mussolini said, "There has never been a more doomed cause then the Republican's one." He had also successfully recruited Thomas Lawrence to SIS and Sinclair reported he was gifted when it came to being an insurgent. Fuller had also recently finished setting up his RTD division and had also reached out to several other experts on modern armored and manoeuvre warfare such as Basil Liddell Hart and George Lindsay as well as some more conventional theorists into a separate department designed to develop new military theories on tactical, strategic and operational levels for the entire army. He had also been in limited contact with several military personnel in Germany who felt frustrated at the complete abhorrence to change in the army. Of course, these contacts would not yield much in terms of usable data but some clues as to where to go next might be found.
His weekly audiences with the King are as miserable as ever however and this week's one is scheduled for today as yesterday was especially hectic. Mosley internally groans and heads to Buckingham Palace, stopping to examine the picture of Queen Victoria he keeps in his office, the namesake of his party and ideology. He feels a sense of somberness and looks down in respect and then leaves his office. He reaches Buckingham Palace and heads up to where they usually meet and waits until he is allowed in. Once he enters, he bows his head to the King and atches him sit down.
Oswald Mosley
"Hello Your Majesty."
King George V
"Hello Prime Minister."
Oswald Mosley
"I am glad to announce that Gibraltar is back under British governance."
King George V
"Truly? Well that is most pleasing news."
Oswald Mosley
"This of course came at a price, the General Staff have begun sending equipment and trainers to the Nationalist cause. I believe that this cost is negligible as it is in our interests to curry favour with the winner of this civil war, which I have full confidence they will, as it will give us an ally in Spain."
The King remains silent, staring past Mosley.
Oswald Mosley
"Your Majesty, are you alright?"
He doesn't respond, still staring past Mosley. Mosley looks at what the King is staring at, it is a picture of Queen Victoria, similar to the one Mosley has in his office.
King George V
"Today, 23 years ago, dear Grandmamma died. I wonder what she would have thought of a Victorian Government."
Mosley looks at him, genuinely surprised at his statement. Every part of him wants to tell him how she would be proud, but he knows he shouldn't. He remains quiet and the rest of the 20 minutes pass by in pained silence. Mosley bids his farewell to the King. Mosley ponders on this and finds his thoughts incoherent.
With most major matters at home secured, Mosley decides that it was time to go visit the New World. He packed up just like last time with, Kitson, Joyce, and David joining him. Once ready, they head west. The trip to Canada would take about 4 to 5 days. In the meantime, the three work together on a trade deal with Canadians and possibly a state visit to America.
America is in disarray, the current president, Calvin Coolidge, is trying to fix the situation America is in, to little effect. The fall of both Russia and France to communism had galvanised both pro and anti communist ideologies in America, with the pro-communists seeing this as a sign that they could overthrow the oppressive bourgeoisie while the anti-communists saw it as a threat to America and her way of life. Both sides had grown frustrated with the centrists and drifted to their opposite ends. Communist support had grown in the North Eastern Seaboard and the West Coast. Meanwhile the Great Plains and the Deep South grew to favor a strange mix of feudalism and constitutionalism, which advocated for decentralisation and for domestic power to be taken from Congress, the Supreme Court and the White House and to bring it down to local mayors, judges and governors, making each state act like an independent nation within a union, pooling their resources which would materialise in the form of the federal government which they believed was to only be used for national defense, international diplomacy, mediating between states and protecting Americans abroad. They also held other reactionary views such as reviving slavery and despised communists as well as modern liberals and conservatives and demanded the destruction of several federal bureaus and organisations such as the Federal Reserve and the Bureau of Investigation. They referr to themselves as Minimalists.
Several clashes have taken place in big cities around the country and although a slim majority of Americans still favored the status quo, the number who did not grew rapidly and soon the man in the White House would not have a D or R next to his name.
Eventually they reached Canada and were met by Mackenzie King and several other officials. The air is tense as media personnel stand waiting to see how they would first greet each other. To their surprise, Mosley extends his hand out to King and they shake in a most courteous manner. All fears of British aggression against Canada have been dispelled. They drive to Ottawa and begin their negotiations for a trade deal. The British negotiate fron a position of strength as their economy is better than the Canadian's. It isn't at pre-depression levels, but it is strong enough to get a favorable trade deal. In order to convince the Canadians, Britain promises to use the Royal Navy to defend the North Atlantic however they stipulated that if they traded with Germany or France, Britain will refuse to let those ships dock in their ports. Canada, desperate for any income, agrees as the deal will help both of their economies. With this done Mosley, decides a visit to America could yield good things for Britain and so sent a telegram to the White House, asking if they could visit. The White House responds with a yes.
With this, they enter their cars and head south, stopping in New York City to rest. While there, they see massive labor riots by communist partisans, with police beginning to violently crack down on them. The city seems to be teetering on the edge of a full blown rebellion. David also meets a woman named Wallis Spencer, an American socialite. David and her hit it off. David has had Freda Ward, a married woman, as his mistress since 1918. Although it wasn't official it is known to almost everyone with two eyes. However, it seems that David enjoys her company far more. It doesn't help that she is in the process of being divorced from her current husband, Earl Spencer Jr.
They rest for several days, leaving as soon as they are ready and arrive in D.C. within hours. In Washington, there are massive protests in the capital over the state of the Sacco and Vanzetti trial. Two Italian-born immigrants who held anarchist views. Anarchists and Minimalists are not the same however they worked together when it was convenient, therefore Minimalists across the country took to protest the sentencing of these 2 men to death, as did many communist groups as they also worked with anarchists and also see it as workers being oppressed by the capitalist government. It is one of the rare issues that they agree on, although this does not ease tensions. Their protests, riots and strikes are crippling an already battered America. They meet Coolidge in the White House and eat. Mosley and Joyce speak to Coolidge about American support, even if it was just selling weapon and resources, if another war were to take place in Europe. Coolidge, having been quiet and reserved the whole time, stands up and exclaims that America would not support any European nation at war. This startles all at the meeting and Mosley reassures him that Britain would go her own way, with or without American assistance. This did nothing to relax Coolidge and he asks Mosley and his men to leave immediately, stating that he is a fool to try and do what had ended so disastrously for Britain again. This angers Mosley to the nth degree and he leaves with a choleric temper. They board their ships, head back to Britain, and within 5 days they set foot on the isles once more.
Mosley returns to his quarters to dwell on his next move. The trip to America still angered him. Whatever may come, he believed America was on her way out. They call America "The New Colossus", he found it much more fitting to call her a crumbling one.
The Statue of Liberty, Also Known as the New Colossus, 1925
Nicola Sacco(right) and Bartolomeo Vanzetti at Their Trial
One of the Many Protests Against Ruling of the Sacco and Vanzetti Trial, 1923
An I.W.W Recruiting Poster in New York City, These Posters Are How the Communists Parties in America Gained Members, 1923
A Communist Labor Rally, These Strikes Crippled American Industry, 1923
A Trio of Minimalist recruits, These Heavily Armed and Well-Trained Militias Are Located Throughout the South and the Great Plains, 1924
Calvin Coolidge Meeting a Group of Minimalist Police Officers On Strike, Coolidge Advocated For A Policy of Compromise, 1924
Bessie Wallis Spencer, 1925
Crown Prince David of Windsor, 1925
Chapter 8: The Crumbling Colossus
January 22, 1925
Some time has passed since Britain secured several allies in the Mediterranean to combat France and, when the time came, Germany. Germany once again demanded that Britain and Italy renounce this alliance as well as their one with Portugal or face their wrath and once again the people of Germany, tired of war, agitated against this. Protests against German action in Italy were especially high as memories of the short but bloody fighting that took place in the Alps were still fresh and the people had no desire to return to that state of affairs again. Thus, Germany was forced to not take any meaningful action as the people, although happy with their victory in the Great War, are still angry at the Kaiser and the military high-command for the food shortages that occurred in 1918 due to the British blockade as well as other things in recent years. His weekly audiences with the King are as miserable as ever.
Mosley has been taking it slow in the recent weeks, passing new legislation through Parliament and modernising the army and developing its tactics. The plebiscite in Gibraltar was held and the people voted in favor of British rule. Franco reluctantly handed control over to Britain and in return, British generals, officers, aircraft, volunteers, and resources, both military and civilian, began flooding into Spain. The aid Britain was supplying to Spain had been kept secret and Mosley had successfully convinced Italy and Portugal to send their own volunteers. After this Mussolini said, "There has never been a more doomed cause then the Republican's one." He had also successfully recruited Thomas Lawrence to SIS and Sinclair reported he was gifted when it came to being an insurgent. Fuller had also recently finished setting up his RTD division and had also reached out to several other experts on modern armored and manoeuvre warfare such as Basil Liddell Hart and George Lindsay as well as some more conventional theorists into a separate department designed to develop new military theories on tactical, strategic and operational levels for the entire army. He had also been in limited contact with several military personnel in Germany who felt frustrated at the complete abhorrence to change in the army. Of course, these contacts would not yield much in terms of usable data but some clues as to where to go next might be found.
His weekly audiences with the King are as miserable as ever however and this week's one is scheduled for today as yesterday was especially hectic. Mosley internally groans and heads to Buckingham Palace, stopping to examine the picture of Queen Victoria he keeps in his office, the namesake of his party and ideology. He feels a sense of somberness and looks down in respect and then leaves his office. He reaches Buckingham Palace and heads up to where they usually meet and waits until he is allowed in. Once he enters, he bows his head to the King and atches him sit down.
Oswald Mosley
"Hello Your Majesty."
King George V
"Hello Prime Minister."
Oswald Mosley
"I am glad to announce that Gibraltar is back under British governance."
King George V
"Truly? Well that is most pleasing news."
Oswald Mosley
"This of course came at a price, the General Staff have begun sending equipment and trainers to the Nationalist cause. I believe that this cost is negligible as it is in our interests to curry favour with the winner of this civil war, which I have full confidence they will, as it will give us an ally in Spain."
The King remains silent, staring past Mosley.
Oswald Mosley
"Your Majesty, are you alright?"
He doesn't respond, still staring past Mosley. Mosley looks at what the King is staring at, it is a picture of Queen Victoria, similar to the one Mosley has in his office.
King George V
"Today, 23 years ago, dear Grandmamma died. I wonder what she would have thought of a Victorian Government."
Mosley looks at him, genuinely surprised at his statement. Every part of him wants to tell him how she would be proud, but he knows he shouldn't. He remains quiet and the rest of the 20 minutes pass by in pained silence. Mosley bids his farewell to the King. Mosley ponders on this and finds his thoughts incoherent.
With most major matters at home secured, Mosley decides that it was time to go visit the New World. He packed up just like last time with, Kitson, Joyce, and David joining him. Once ready, they head west. The trip to Canada would take about 4 to 5 days. In the meantime, the three work together on a trade deal with Canadians and possibly a state visit to America.
America is in disarray, the current president, Calvin Coolidge, is trying to fix the situation America is in, to little effect. The fall of both Russia and France to communism had galvanised both pro and anti communist ideologies in America, with the pro-communists seeing this as a sign that they could overthrow the oppressive bourgeoisie while the anti-communists saw it as a threat to America and her way of life. Both sides had grown frustrated with the centrists and drifted to their opposite ends. Communist support had grown in the North Eastern Seaboard and the West Coast. Meanwhile the Great Plains and the Deep South grew to favor a strange mix of feudalism and constitutionalism, which advocated for decentralisation and for domestic power to be taken from Congress, the Supreme Court and the White House and to bring it down to local mayors, judges and governors, making each state act like an independent nation within a union, pooling their resources which would materialise in the form of the federal government which they believed was to only be used for national defense, international diplomacy, mediating between states and protecting Americans abroad. They also held other reactionary views such as reviving slavery and despised communists as well as modern liberals and conservatives and demanded the destruction of several federal bureaus and organisations such as the Federal Reserve and the Bureau of Investigation. They referr to themselves as Minimalists.
Several clashes have taken place in big cities around the country and although a slim majority of Americans still favored the status quo, the number who did not grew rapidly and soon the man in the White House would not have a D or R next to his name.
Eventually they reached Canada and were met by Mackenzie King and several other officials. The air is tense as media personnel stand waiting to see how they would first greet each other. To their surprise, Mosley extends his hand out to King and they shake in a most courteous manner. All fears of British aggression against Canada have been dispelled. They drive to Ottawa and begin their negotiations for a trade deal. The British negotiate fron a position of strength as their economy is better than the Canadian's. It isn't at pre-depression levels, but it is strong enough to get a favorable trade deal. In order to convince the Canadians, Britain promises to use the Royal Navy to defend the North Atlantic however they stipulated that if they traded with Germany or France, Britain will refuse to let those ships dock in their ports. Canada, desperate for any income, agrees as the deal will help both of their economies. With this done Mosley, decides a visit to America could yield good things for Britain and so sent a telegram to the White House, asking if they could visit. The White House responds with a yes.
With this, they enter their cars and head south, stopping in New York City to rest. While there, they see massive labor riots by communist partisans, with police beginning to violently crack down on them. The city seems to be teetering on the edge of a full blown rebellion. David also meets a woman named Wallis Spencer, an American socialite. David and her hit it off. David has had Freda Ward, a married woman, as his mistress since 1918. Although it wasn't official it is known to almost everyone with two eyes. However, it seems that David enjoys her company far more. It doesn't help that she is in the process of being divorced from her current husband, Earl Spencer Jr.
They rest for several days, leaving as soon as they are ready and arrive in D.C. within hours. In Washington, there are massive protests in the capital over the state of the Sacco and Vanzetti trial. Two Italian-born immigrants who held anarchist views. Anarchists and Minimalists are not the same however they worked together when it was convenient, therefore Minimalists across the country took to protest the sentencing of these 2 men to death, as did many communist groups as they also worked with anarchists and also see it as workers being oppressed by the capitalist government. It is one of the rare issues that they agree on, although this does not ease tensions. Their protests, riots and strikes are crippling an already battered America. They meet Coolidge in the White House and eat. Mosley and Joyce speak to Coolidge about American support, even if it was just selling weapon and resources, if another war were to take place in Europe. Coolidge, having been quiet and reserved the whole time, stands up and exclaims that America would not support any European nation at war. This startles all at the meeting and Mosley reassures him that Britain would go her own way, with or without American assistance. This did nothing to relax Coolidge and he asks Mosley and his men to leave immediately, stating that he is a fool to try and do what had ended so disastrously for Britain again. This angers Mosley to the nth degree and he leaves with a choleric temper. They board their ships, head back to Britain, and within 5 days they set foot on the isles once more.
Mosley returns to his quarters to dwell on his next move. The trip to America still angered him. Whatever may come, he believed America was on her way out. They call America "The New Colossus", he found it much more fitting to call her a crumbling one.
The Statue of Liberty, Also Known as the New Colossus, 1925
Nicola Sacco(right) and Bartolomeo Vanzetti at Their Trial
One of the Many Protests Against Ruling of the Sacco and Vanzetti Trial, 1923
An I.W.W Recruiting Poster in New York City, These Posters Are How the Communists Parties in America Gained Members, 1923
A Communist Labor Rally, These Strikes Crippled American Industry, 1923
A Trio of Minimalist recruits, These Heavily Armed and Well-Trained Militias Are Located Throughout the South and the Great Plains, 1924
Calvin Coolidge Meeting a Group of Minimalist Police Officers On Strike, Coolidge Advocated For A Policy of Compromise, 1924
Bessie Wallis Spencer, 1925
Crown Prince David of Windsor, 1925
Last edited:
Lord_Vespasian
Banned
MFW When the British think they can defeat Germany but the Kaiser yells Got mit uns
Lord_Vespasian
Banned
More like lower level staff. Those young enough so as to lack the common sense to not talk to foreign nationals about top secret military projects. I'm not saying they're telling everything they know to Fuller and co., that would be wank levels of ridiculousness, but occasionally things may slip out and give them ideas or leads of where to progress next. I'd doubt Guderian, Rommel or Manstein would be traitorous or stupid enough to give away German secrets like that. If they kept their discretion and loyalty under Hitler then they can certainly do so under the Kaiser
What are the major pods, apart from Germany developing tanks earlier and winning the war?