GW, Interesting scenario. Having done some research into the 1930's in Australia I came across a lot of concern by the various Australian governments of the period about the threat posed by Japan. As time went by and the British government failed to strenghten its force the concern became more intense. Australia began a major defense build up in the late 1930s. Thus I beleave that there might be less of a hostile reaction to German naval forces appearing in the region. Internatioan law does require that naval vessels of countries that are at war must leave within 72 hours.
The Terrible Thirties
- Thread starter Grey Wolf
- Start date
Abdul Hadi Pasha
Banned
The logistics do not favor Japan, at least not on land - which is the important thing.
As for sympathy, our relations with Japan were cordial because they were just sitting there. Expanding all over Asia will get us riled. To fight against Russia there is likely heavy Japanese involvement in China, never welcome.
And Germany's industrial might is several times Japan's, not to mention Russia's.
As for sympathy, our relations with Japan were cordial because they were just sitting there. Expanding all over Asia will get us riled. To fight against Russia there is likely heavy Japanese involvement in China, never welcome.
And Germany's industrial might is several times Japan's, not to mention Russia's.
Economics and the White House
Britain does not return to the Gold Standard. MacDonald and Lloyd George are in government 1919-1929 and neither has the same outlook or desire as OTL's Conservatives
As a partial knock-on there is no European gold drain to the US, and the US doesn't decrease interest rates by British request
1927 in OTL saw the beginning of Recession, but the false stock market boom started by the above hid this from view
Here, there is no boom and no bust. In addition, the recession is obvious and is one factor in the defeat of Johnson'w 1928 re-election bid
As stated previously, foreign affairs are another factor. Also in the mix are the Prohibition-fuelled crime wave, and the series of bombings accompanying the Sacco-Vanzetti executions. Unlike OTL there is no feel-good factor to paper over the cracks.
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Britain does not return to the Gold Standard. MacDonald and Lloyd George are in government 1919-1929 and neither has the same outlook or desire as OTL's Conservatives
As a partial knock-on there is no European gold drain to the US, and the US doesn't decrease interest rates by British request
1927 in OTL saw the beginning of Recession, but the false stock market boom started by the above hid this from view
Here, there is no boom and no bust. In addition, the recession is obvious and is one factor in the defeat of Johnson'w 1928 re-election bid
As stated previously, foreign affairs are another factor. Also in the mix are the Prohibition-fuelled crime wave, and the series of bombings accompanying the Sacco-Vanzetti executions. Unlike OTL there is no feel-good factor to paper over the cracks.
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Sidebar on US internal politics
Al Smith wins the 1924 Democratic nomination for President and goes down to defeat at the hands of incumbent VP Hiram Johnson.
In giving up his Governorship of New York, Smith backs the former Assistant Sec of the Navy, Franklin D Roosevelt for this post, and FDR wins a tough contest.
In 1928 the Democrats of New York are divided over whether to back FDR for a second term, or to revert to Smith, but in the end go with FDR who wins comfortably. Under President Daniels' administration, Roosevelt is made Secretary of State for the Navy and is thus associated closely with presidential policy, including the laying down of the first class of new battleships in a decade.
This would have given him good grounding for succeeding him on the ticket as in the public mind Daniels and FDR have orientated the Democrats as "The Navy Party"
FDR thus enters 1932 fightnig a strong campaign for the Democratic party candidacy in that December's election
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Al Smith wins the 1924 Democratic nomination for President and goes down to defeat at the hands of incumbent VP Hiram Johnson.
In giving up his Governorship of New York, Smith backs the former Assistant Sec of the Navy, Franklin D Roosevelt for this post, and FDR wins a tough contest.
In 1928 the Democrats of New York are divided over whether to back FDR for a second term, or to revert to Smith, but in the end go with FDR who wins comfortably. Under President Daniels' administration, Roosevelt is made Secretary of State for the Navy and is thus associated closely with presidential policy, including the laying down of the first class of new battleships in a decade.
This would have given him good grounding for succeeding him on the ticket as in the public mind Daniels and FDR have orientated the Democrats as "The Navy Party"
FDR thus enters 1932 fightnig a strong campaign for the Democratic party candidacy in that December's election
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
1932
Since his abdication, George V has spent most of his time at Sandringham and it is there that he passes away in the late Spring of 1932. His funeral sees an impressive display of Imperial might, but underneath it all Thomas' government is well aware that major tensions are threatening to break it apart
The stalemate on the proposed India Act is gradually radicalising the sub-continent, and senior advisors are urging the Prime Minister to put it to parliament even if they think it will lose. Its possible, they say, that it might get through the Commons with Liberal support. If it then gets tossed out in the Lords then the reforms begun by MacDonald's government can be proposed again, and this time maybe they can be pursued to the full.
Whilst this controversy rumbles, Thomas also has to deal with the problem of Australia which, it has become clear, is following a foreign policy all of its own. Elections at the end of 1931 bring the National Party into government, with the aim of fully integrating New Guinea and the Coral Sea islands into the Commonwealth. In addition, the new Australian administration is gonig out of its way to be accommodating to Raeder's German squadron, and has made threatening speeches against both Japan and the USA if they go ahead with proposed action against this violation of neutrality
Churchill and others advise Thomas to use the power of the Governor General to dismiss the Australian government and install a premier more in tune with British and Imperial interests, but this goes against the self-determination instincts of many in the Labour Party and it is clear that he would face a revolt in his own party if he were to endorse the plan.
As a measure of compromise, it is announced that the Duke of York will undertake a tour of the dominions, passing through the Suez Canal and starting with Australia, and that he will be accompanied by the four newest battleships of the Royal Navy.
Japan is not blind to the potential threat in the Southern Pacific, something which comes as something of a boon for the naval party, generally seen as a second class organisation and limited in new construction since the completion of the last of the 8-8 Programme of battleships at the end of the 1920s. With the army and airforce gaining the lion's share of military spending since the outbreak of war in Siberia, the navy now has good cause to make a play for a greater share
Unwilling to finance any new battleship construction, the government never the less admits that the potential exists for some sort of new combination of nations to breach its defensive shield. Thus a radical plan, proposed by Yamamoto, recently returned from a lengthy spell attached to the Washington embassy, is adopted.
The older dreadnoughts will be transferred to FER control, though for now most of the crews will remain Japanese. The older battlecruisers will be rebuilt in Japanese yards. And two small, and two large aircraft carriers will be laid down, the latter a response to rumours about the new German designs, authorised in 1930 and subsequently building amidst great secrecy
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Since his abdication, George V has spent most of his time at Sandringham and it is there that he passes away in the late Spring of 1932. His funeral sees an impressive display of Imperial might, but underneath it all Thomas' government is well aware that major tensions are threatening to break it apart
The stalemate on the proposed India Act is gradually radicalising the sub-continent, and senior advisors are urging the Prime Minister to put it to parliament even if they think it will lose. Its possible, they say, that it might get through the Commons with Liberal support. If it then gets tossed out in the Lords then the reforms begun by MacDonald's government can be proposed again, and this time maybe they can be pursued to the full.
Whilst this controversy rumbles, Thomas also has to deal with the problem of Australia which, it has become clear, is following a foreign policy all of its own. Elections at the end of 1931 bring the National Party into government, with the aim of fully integrating New Guinea and the Coral Sea islands into the Commonwealth. In addition, the new Australian administration is gonig out of its way to be accommodating to Raeder's German squadron, and has made threatening speeches against both Japan and the USA if they go ahead with proposed action against this violation of neutrality
Churchill and others advise Thomas to use the power of the Governor General to dismiss the Australian government and install a premier more in tune with British and Imperial interests, but this goes against the self-determination instincts of many in the Labour Party and it is clear that he would face a revolt in his own party if he were to endorse the plan.
As a measure of compromise, it is announced that the Duke of York will undertake a tour of the dominions, passing through the Suez Canal and starting with Australia, and that he will be accompanied by the four newest battleships of the Royal Navy.
Japan is not blind to the potential threat in the Southern Pacific, something which comes as something of a boon for the naval party, generally seen as a second class organisation and limited in new construction since the completion of the last of the 8-8 Programme of battleships at the end of the 1920s. With the army and airforce gaining the lion's share of military spending since the outbreak of war in Siberia, the navy now has good cause to make a play for a greater share
Unwilling to finance any new battleship construction, the government never the less admits that the potential exists for some sort of new combination of nations to breach its defensive shield. Thus a radical plan, proposed by Yamamoto, recently returned from a lengthy spell attached to the Washington embassy, is adopted.
The older dreadnoughts will be transferred to FER control, though for now most of the crews will remain Japanese. The older battlecruisers will be rebuilt in Japanese yards. And two small, and two large aircraft carriers will be laid down, the latter a response to rumours about the new German designs, authorised in 1930 and subsequently building amidst great secrecy
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Summer 1932
Fighting across the various fronts is vicious in what is now formally seen as the Second Russo-Japanese War
German airforce squadrons begin to make a substantial impact, a unified command structure for them remaining under German command, their overall commander being Hugo Sperrle, appointed by the Kaiser as General of the Airforces of Siberia
The coronation of Tsar Vladimir takes place in Moscow, attended by all the heads of state of the German-dominated Eastern economic sphere, and a few more besides, mainly those from Scandinavia and the Low Countries. Britain sends Foreign Secretary Sir Oswald Mosley, whilst rival French delegations come to blows before the ceremony and fight a behind the scenes war thereafter, much to puzzlement of many. The USA is represented only by its Ambassador as tensions between the two countries remain high, and incidents of fire directed against US observers in the FER continue to ratchet up tensions
In London, Thomas puts the India Act to parliament shortly before the Summer recess. It is a timing that proves to be masterfully wrong. Whilst Liberal support allows it to scrape through the Commons, it goes down to a heavy defeat in the Lords. With the recess imminent, Thomas cannot bring his full battery of threats into play, whilst the recess gives opponents of Lords reform several months in which to organise
In Madrid growing economic problems and a sense of drift lead the government to intervene in the French Civil War, believing that if an end can be brought to the conflict then stability will once again return. With a nod and a wink from their German allies, secret negotiations are opened with the Orleanists, the Bonapartists being anathema to most Spaniards. Units of the Spanish Navy and airforce carry out raids against Bonapartist positions, whilst Spanish volunteers cross the Pyrenees and drive on the Bonapartist Southern line.
A foreign policy crisis during the Summer recess is the last thing that Thomas needs. The cabinet meets in several emergency meetings, but such is the acrimony amongst leading members over the India Act and the issue of Lords reform that no coherent foreign policy can be agreed upon.
Amidst all this, the Nationalist Prime Minister of Australia is assassinated shortly after leaving a meeting with German Admiral Raeder. The shooter escapes and rumours abound. Some say that it was a Japanese spy, others a British agent. Some blame the Americans, others anarchists, but a growing feeling of anger and outrage begins to bubble up that must have its outlet somewhere
King Manoel of Portugal condemns the actions of Spain in France, thus signalling the final breach with his erstwhile friends and allies. He calls upon Britain to do likewise.
Off his own back, Sir Oswald Mosley makes a speech that goes out over the radio doing just that. This garners a storm of protest from Liberal and Conservatives, outraged that he has broken the cabinet unity (a position of no comment, non-involvement)
The new Nationalist Prime Minister of Australia, acting on a tide of public sentiment, makes a visit to Port Moresby in New Guinea and formally announces the incorporation of the Australian colonial territories into the Commonwealth. To loud cheers and much jingoistic celebration in the media he returns to Sydney aboard the HMS Australia
In a sign of the increasing friendship between old enemies, Australia places its order for two new battleships, not with the USA who had been their initial choice, but with the German Empire.
In Washington, this is seen as the last straw. Not only is Australia violating international law by allowing a belligerent squadron to linger in her waters, but by cancelling the impending order she is imperilling hundreds of American jobs and insulting national pride. President Daniels' call to Congress to implement the threatened sanctions goes out a few days before the Democratic Party's nominating convention where Navy Secretary Roosevelt wins an overwhelming victory
Not only does Congress respond to the president by passing the sanctions bill, but it also passes the Additional Navy Act which had been stalled in committee. The programme, envisaging a large increase in the size of the US Navy signals the formal arrival of a new naval race
British Prime Minister Thomas had managed to stand by his Foreign Secretary after his gaffe on France, but when Mosley puts out a statement deploring American intervention in dominion affairs, Thomas feels that he has no choice but to sack him.
With the government on the verge of collapse, Conservative and Liberal leaders convince King Edward VIII to recall parliament so that the multitude of crises can be debated.
As the last rays of Summer fade, Thomas' government loses three votes in a row in the Commons, any of which could have been viewed as a motion of confidence. After an exhausting day, he meets with the king and offers his resignation
New elections are set for early October
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Fighting across the various fronts is vicious in what is now formally seen as the Second Russo-Japanese War
German airforce squadrons begin to make a substantial impact, a unified command structure for them remaining under German command, their overall commander being Hugo Sperrle, appointed by the Kaiser as General of the Airforces of Siberia
The coronation of Tsar Vladimir takes place in Moscow, attended by all the heads of state of the German-dominated Eastern economic sphere, and a few more besides, mainly those from Scandinavia and the Low Countries. Britain sends Foreign Secretary Sir Oswald Mosley, whilst rival French delegations come to blows before the ceremony and fight a behind the scenes war thereafter, much to puzzlement of many. The USA is represented only by its Ambassador as tensions between the two countries remain high, and incidents of fire directed against US observers in the FER continue to ratchet up tensions
In London, Thomas puts the India Act to parliament shortly before the Summer recess. It is a timing that proves to be masterfully wrong. Whilst Liberal support allows it to scrape through the Commons, it goes down to a heavy defeat in the Lords. With the recess imminent, Thomas cannot bring his full battery of threats into play, whilst the recess gives opponents of Lords reform several months in which to organise
In Madrid growing economic problems and a sense of drift lead the government to intervene in the French Civil War, believing that if an end can be brought to the conflict then stability will once again return. With a nod and a wink from their German allies, secret negotiations are opened with the Orleanists, the Bonapartists being anathema to most Spaniards. Units of the Spanish Navy and airforce carry out raids against Bonapartist positions, whilst Spanish volunteers cross the Pyrenees and drive on the Bonapartist Southern line.
A foreign policy crisis during the Summer recess is the last thing that Thomas needs. The cabinet meets in several emergency meetings, but such is the acrimony amongst leading members over the India Act and the issue of Lords reform that no coherent foreign policy can be agreed upon.
Amidst all this, the Nationalist Prime Minister of Australia is assassinated shortly after leaving a meeting with German Admiral Raeder. The shooter escapes and rumours abound. Some say that it was a Japanese spy, others a British agent. Some blame the Americans, others anarchists, but a growing feeling of anger and outrage begins to bubble up that must have its outlet somewhere
King Manoel of Portugal condemns the actions of Spain in France, thus signalling the final breach with his erstwhile friends and allies. He calls upon Britain to do likewise.
Off his own back, Sir Oswald Mosley makes a speech that goes out over the radio doing just that. This garners a storm of protest from Liberal and Conservatives, outraged that he has broken the cabinet unity (a position of no comment, non-involvement)
The new Nationalist Prime Minister of Australia, acting on a tide of public sentiment, makes a visit to Port Moresby in New Guinea and formally announces the incorporation of the Australian colonial territories into the Commonwealth. To loud cheers and much jingoistic celebration in the media he returns to Sydney aboard the HMS Australia
In a sign of the increasing friendship between old enemies, Australia places its order for two new battleships, not with the USA who had been their initial choice, but with the German Empire.
In Washington, this is seen as the last straw. Not only is Australia violating international law by allowing a belligerent squadron to linger in her waters, but by cancelling the impending order she is imperilling hundreds of American jobs and insulting national pride. President Daniels' call to Congress to implement the threatened sanctions goes out a few days before the Democratic Party's nominating convention where Navy Secretary Roosevelt wins an overwhelming victory
Not only does Congress respond to the president by passing the sanctions bill, but it also passes the Additional Navy Act which had been stalled in committee. The programme, envisaging a large increase in the size of the US Navy signals the formal arrival of a new naval race
British Prime Minister Thomas had managed to stand by his Foreign Secretary after his gaffe on France, but when Mosley puts out a statement deploring American intervention in dominion affairs, Thomas feels that he has no choice but to sack him.
With the government on the verge of collapse, Conservative and Liberal leaders convince King Edward VIII to recall parliament so that the multitude of crises can be debated.
As the last rays of Summer fade, Thomas' government loses three votes in a row in the Commons, any of which could have been viewed as a motion of confidence. After an exhausting day, he meets with the king and offers his resignation
New elections are set for early October
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Autumn 1932
The visit of the Duke of York to Australia occurs in the midst of the British election campaign and is a disaster. British and German warships play chase along the Australian coast as the British admiral attempts to forcibly impose international law upon them, regardless of Australia's wishes. The Duke makes a series of appearances where his non-commital speeches stir up little trouble, but are seized upon by the newspapers as evidence of a hole at the centre of British imperial policy.
The meeting between Prince Albert and the new Australian Prime Minister is cold and formal, and the Duke's attendance at a formal banquet hosted by the Governor-General raises rumours that the latter is about to dismiss the government, and leads to scenes of rioting and mass protest outside
As the Imperial party departs for New Zealand, voters back in Great Britain go to the polls
The Labour Party is decimated at the polls. Seats even go to Independent Socialists and to a lone, and embarrassing, Communist as workers desert the party, but the biggest gainer is the Liberal Party which recaptures much of the ground lost in 1929. However, the Conservatives also make large gains and emerge as slightly the larger party.
King Edward VIII asks Austen Chamberlain to form a government, and the veteran Conservative politician sets about doing just that. Churchill retains the War Office, whilst the Prime Minister's brother Neville becomes Foreign Secretary. Baldwin becomes Home Secretary with Anthony Eden taking on the poisoned chalice of the India Office
The new government acts quickly on several vital matters :-
The India Act is shelved, leading to riots and protests across India.
The Governor-General of Australia is recalled for urgent talks
The Foreign Secretary announces an immediate visit to Portugal
In Australia, the Nationalist government meets in emergency session to discuss the new developments. In secret they prepare a plan of action should the Governor General attempt to use the power of the crown to dismiss the government. Publically, they announce new defensive measures staing them as aimed at potential Japanese aggression - these include an organisation of a national guard system, the establishment of secondary armaments, the immediate construction of airfields upon New Guinea, and full mobilisation of the fleet
Admiral Raeder, acting as unofficial plenipotentiary for the German Empire, receives orders from Berlin to give the Australians any help that they should request
The Duke of York is received with rapture in New Zealand, yet the fact that he has to sit and listen to a barrage of speeches aimed against the unwonted aggressiveness of Australia does not help the larger situation as this is seized upon by the Australian media to further inflame the situation
In the Siberian war, the year ends with significant gains for the Russians and Germans but no breakthrough
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
The visit of the Duke of York to Australia occurs in the midst of the British election campaign and is a disaster. British and German warships play chase along the Australian coast as the British admiral attempts to forcibly impose international law upon them, regardless of Australia's wishes. The Duke makes a series of appearances where his non-commital speeches stir up little trouble, but are seized upon by the newspapers as evidence of a hole at the centre of British imperial policy.
The meeting between Prince Albert and the new Australian Prime Minister is cold and formal, and the Duke's attendance at a formal banquet hosted by the Governor-General raises rumours that the latter is about to dismiss the government, and leads to scenes of rioting and mass protest outside
As the Imperial party departs for New Zealand, voters back in Great Britain go to the polls
The Labour Party is decimated at the polls. Seats even go to Independent Socialists and to a lone, and embarrassing, Communist as workers desert the party, but the biggest gainer is the Liberal Party which recaptures much of the ground lost in 1929. However, the Conservatives also make large gains and emerge as slightly the larger party.
King Edward VIII asks Austen Chamberlain to form a government, and the veteran Conservative politician sets about doing just that. Churchill retains the War Office, whilst the Prime Minister's brother Neville becomes Foreign Secretary. Baldwin becomes Home Secretary with Anthony Eden taking on the poisoned chalice of the India Office
The new government acts quickly on several vital matters :-
The India Act is shelved, leading to riots and protests across India.
The Governor-General of Australia is recalled for urgent talks
The Foreign Secretary announces an immediate visit to Portugal
In Australia, the Nationalist government meets in emergency session to discuss the new developments. In secret they prepare a plan of action should the Governor General attempt to use the power of the crown to dismiss the government. Publically, they announce new defensive measures staing them as aimed at potential Japanese aggression - these include an organisation of a national guard system, the establishment of secondary armaments, the immediate construction of airfields upon New Guinea, and full mobilisation of the fleet
Admiral Raeder, acting as unofficial plenipotentiary for the German Empire, receives orders from Berlin to give the Australians any help that they should request
The Duke of York is received with rapture in New Zealand, yet the fact that he has to sit and listen to a barrage of speeches aimed against the unwonted aggressiveness of Australia does not help the larger situation as this is seized upon by the Australian media to further inflame the situation
In the Siberian war, the year ends with significant gains for the Russians and Germans but no breakthrough
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Enter Roosevelt
In December 1932, with Daniels not running for a second term, Roosevelt wins the Democratic nomination and sees off the Republican challenge. In an interesting development, Al Smith returns as New York Governor, FDR generous in endorsing his rival for the party nomination there of four years previous
FRD's first cabinet includes :-
- Carl Vinson as Secretary of the Navy
In addition, 52 year old Joseph Clark Grew is made US Ambassador to Tokyo, having served the last two years of Daniels' administration in a similar position in Rome
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
In December 1932, with Daniels not running for a second term, Roosevelt wins the Democratic nomination and sees off the Republican challenge. In an interesting development, Al Smith returns as New York Governor, FDR generous in endorsing his rival for the party nomination there of four years previous
FRD's first cabinet includes :-
- Carl Vinson as Secretary of the Navy
In addition, 52 year old Joseph Clark Grew is made US Ambassador to Tokyo, having served the last two years of Daniels' administration in a similar position in Rome
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Winter 1932-33
Foreign Secretary Neville Chamberlain agrees a joint Anglo-Portuguese statement on the situation in France, echoing in effect Mosley's unilateral condemnation of Spanish aggression from the Summer, and calling for a European conference to resolve matters
Assured of German support, Madrid shrugs off the call and secretly builds up its forces for the coming Spring. In addition, the Spanish and Italian governments agree a pact under German auspices that will see Italian entry into the conflict in the new year. No mention is made of this in public, though rumours leak out and relations between Britain and Italy crash
Britain responds by ordering additional units of the fleet to the Mediterranean, and shifting the main base from Gibraltar to Malta
Anthony Eden flies to India on board one of the Imperial Airways airships and discusses the crisis with the Viceroy, a hangover from the previous government. Unconvinced of the man's fortitude, he advises London to find a replacement, which as a new government they are entitled to do without the need for an enquiry into the outgoing man's faults
The government's meeting with the Governor-General of Australia is a stormy affair. Churchill especially refuses to believe in the difficulties that the fellow outlines and insists that a strong hand will overcome any nationalist nonsense. Austen Chamberlain is inclined to a more measured approach, but is convinced to approve a two-step policy - compromise will be offered, but if it is not taken up then a firm hand will be applied
1933 thus dawns with crises abounding in many areas of the world.
The Labour Party's Spring conference ousts J H Thomas as leader, despite a spirited defence of his intentions. However, the party then splits on a replacement, with Mosley gaining the support of the majority of parliamentary members, but the grass roots choosing Herbert Morrison. After acrimonious infighting, Morrison is elected leader.
Mosley meets with his supporters and the next day they stage a dramatic action in the House of Commons, half of the remaining Labour MPs standing up and walking to take up positions away from the rest of the Labour bloc. In a speech, Mosley announces the formation of the British Democratic Party.
In contrast, Lloyd George remains steady as leader of the Liberals, once again the official Opposition, though this time to a Conservative minority government, rather than to a Labour one
The Duke of York's imperial progress presses on to South Africa where he is met with politeness and restraint. The Conservative administration's statements on South African dreams to form a greater federation including Bechuanaland and Rhodesia have not gone down well, but serious politicians realise that the heir to the throne is not to blame, and the newspapers are restrained in their language, in a welcome change from what continues to occur in Australia
There, the return of the Governor General was met by a secret 'mobilisation drill' to the National Guard, but the crown's representative's briefing with the Nationalist Prime Minister merely re-covers old ground. London wishes to see the back of the German squadron, wishes for Australia to put the issue of enlarging the Commonwealth to an Imperial Conference, and issues a general plea for imperial unity.
The Nationalist government makes no formal reply. Instead, they continue with their plans, purchasing large numbers of fighter aircraft from Germany, and establishing several new armanents plants near to the great mining areas of the West.
Meanwhile, work on the two new battleships is well underway in German yards
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Foreign Secretary Neville Chamberlain agrees a joint Anglo-Portuguese statement on the situation in France, echoing in effect Mosley's unilateral condemnation of Spanish aggression from the Summer, and calling for a European conference to resolve matters
Assured of German support, Madrid shrugs off the call and secretly builds up its forces for the coming Spring. In addition, the Spanish and Italian governments agree a pact under German auspices that will see Italian entry into the conflict in the new year. No mention is made of this in public, though rumours leak out and relations between Britain and Italy crash
Britain responds by ordering additional units of the fleet to the Mediterranean, and shifting the main base from Gibraltar to Malta
Anthony Eden flies to India on board one of the Imperial Airways airships and discusses the crisis with the Viceroy, a hangover from the previous government. Unconvinced of the man's fortitude, he advises London to find a replacement, which as a new government they are entitled to do without the need for an enquiry into the outgoing man's faults
The government's meeting with the Governor-General of Australia is a stormy affair. Churchill especially refuses to believe in the difficulties that the fellow outlines and insists that a strong hand will overcome any nationalist nonsense. Austen Chamberlain is inclined to a more measured approach, but is convinced to approve a two-step policy - compromise will be offered, but if it is not taken up then a firm hand will be applied
1933 thus dawns with crises abounding in many areas of the world.
The Labour Party's Spring conference ousts J H Thomas as leader, despite a spirited defence of his intentions. However, the party then splits on a replacement, with Mosley gaining the support of the majority of parliamentary members, but the grass roots choosing Herbert Morrison. After acrimonious infighting, Morrison is elected leader.
Mosley meets with his supporters and the next day they stage a dramatic action in the House of Commons, half of the remaining Labour MPs standing up and walking to take up positions away from the rest of the Labour bloc. In a speech, Mosley announces the formation of the British Democratic Party.
In contrast, Lloyd George remains steady as leader of the Liberals, once again the official Opposition, though this time to a Conservative minority government, rather than to a Labour one
The Duke of York's imperial progress presses on to South Africa where he is met with politeness and restraint. The Conservative administration's statements on South African dreams to form a greater federation including Bechuanaland and Rhodesia have not gone down well, but serious politicians realise that the heir to the throne is not to blame, and the newspapers are restrained in their language, in a welcome change from what continues to occur in Australia
There, the return of the Governor General was met by a secret 'mobilisation drill' to the National Guard, but the crown's representative's briefing with the Nationalist Prime Minister merely re-covers old ground. London wishes to see the back of the German squadron, wishes for Australia to put the issue of enlarging the Commonwealth to an Imperial Conference, and issues a general plea for imperial unity.
The Nationalist government makes no formal reply. Instead, they continue with their plans, purchasing large numbers of fighter aircraft from Germany, and establishing several new armanents plants near to the great mining areas of the West.
Meanwhile, work on the two new battleships is well underway in German yards
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Spring 1933
The arrival of Spring means the renewal of bloodshed in Siberia and across France. The sudden entry of Italy into the war, borrowing Spanish tactics of aerial and seaborne attacks, followed by a land invasion, stuns the rest of Europe
Bonapartist forces, routed in the South are now clinging to only a few areas as the Orleanists gather their strength for a final push
At a state visit to London, King Manoel II of Portugal condemns the situation in France, and his accompanying Foreign Minister signs a formal reacknowledgment of the ancient alliance with Great Britain
President Franklin D Roosevelt's inauguration speech reminds Americans of the dangers of German militarism, largely by now something of a mythic bogeyman, and elaborates on this by pointing to German intrigues in France (how else would two German allies be now acting in concert there ?) and German support for the 'Tsarists' against the brave and industrious Japanese. He points to Australia, and again outlines German influence there as being key to the current crisis. No land war in Europe will remain America's creed, but that should not allow the enemies of the United States to have a free hand in crushing the forces of enlightenment and liberty where-ever they may be found.
In Germany, the speech is viewed as so much sabre-rattling and sour grapes and after a short burst of ridicule is largely forgotten
In London, it gives renewed impetus to Churchill and the hardliners in Chamberlain's cabinet. The attempts at moderation in Australia have failed, and the continued inaction of London is leading to a radicalisation of the situation in both India and South Africa. Britain must be seen to act and do so decisively.
Tired and worn down, Austen Chamberlain finally agrees and secret orders are issued to the Governor General. In case of any problems, the battle squadron currently with the Duke of York in South Africa will proceed at once to Australia. The Duke will continue on to Canada and Newfoundland aboard a liner with a reduced flotilla
Although secrecy is kept over these new dispositions, the presence of the four battleships and their attendant vessels in the Southern Indian Ocean is noticed by several ships. One of these, an Austrian registered freighter, radios its discovery to land, and soon Berlin is aware and able to inform the Australians
The Nationalists put all their plans at full readiness, whilst Germany strains every muscle to meet the armament and aircraft orders at once, even flying out squadrons from Russia via Persia and the Dutch East Indies at some cost to its own offensive operations against the Japanese
The Governor-General lets it be known that he will make a speech in a couple of days, thinking that in so doing he is giving the Australians a final warning that will make them back down and make what he has been ordered to do unnecessary. The government gives full mobilisation orders to the National Guard and the fleet, and handpicked veterans are readied in Special Bands
In preparation for the act, British warships cut the undersea cables connecting Australia with the rest of the world, and the East Asian Fleet from Singapore sails to the Coral Sea.
A fierce debate occurs within the Australian Nationalist cabinet as to whether to allow the Governor-General's speech to be broadcast by radio. Some argue that it might serve to tie the people down, others that without it their actions might seem to be occurring in a vaccuum. Eventually it is agreed that it will receive local broadcast within the capital, but will not be syndicated nationwide
As the Governor General makes his speech, dismissing the Prime Minister and his cabinet and imposing a caretaker emergency government upon the country, the British battle squadron sails into Perth, and Royal Marines take control of the harbour facilities.
Immediately the Governor-General has finished speaking, the Prime Minister speaking from a different location goes on nationally syndicated radio to decry London's attempted coup d'etat and announce that Australia is now prepared to fight for its sovereignty.
The Special Bands go into action, ensuring the continued government control of key installations, and taking into precautionary arrest anyone in such a position whose loyalty to the cause is questionable.
The National Guard units patrol the streets, and the newly acquired aerial squadrons overfly the major cities, as well as reinforcing New Guinea, where the East Asia Fleet is met with unexpected resistance, and the first bloodshed occurs as their landing is repulsed
In the House of Commons, Prime Minister Austen Chamberlain declares the government of Australia to be in rebellion and issues a revocation of dominion status, legally placing the country under direct crown control. He reminds the Australians that this means that armed resistance is now treason to the crown
In Berlin, officials suddenly become aware that their instructions to Raeder are sufficiently ambiguous that he might take it upon himself to commit the German squadron to something that would be viewed as an act of war in London.
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
The arrival of Spring means the renewal of bloodshed in Siberia and across France. The sudden entry of Italy into the war, borrowing Spanish tactics of aerial and seaborne attacks, followed by a land invasion, stuns the rest of Europe
Bonapartist forces, routed in the South are now clinging to only a few areas as the Orleanists gather their strength for a final push
At a state visit to London, King Manoel II of Portugal condemns the situation in France, and his accompanying Foreign Minister signs a formal reacknowledgment of the ancient alliance with Great Britain
President Franklin D Roosevelt's inauguration speech reminds Americans of the dangers of German militarism, largely by now something of a mythic bogeyman, and elaborates on this by pointing to German intrigues in France (how else would two German allies be now acting in concert there ?) and German support for the 'Tsarists' against the brave and industrious Japanese. He points to Australia, and again outlines German influence there as being key to the current crisis. No land war in Europe will remain America's creed, but that should not allow the enemies of the United States to have a free hand in crushing the forces of enlightenment and liberty where-ever they may be found.
In Germany, the speech is viewed as so much sabre-rattling and sour grapes and after a short burst of ridicule is largely forgotten
In London, it gives renewed impetus to Churchill and the hardliners in Chamberlain's cabinet. The attempts at moderation in Australia have failed, and the continued inaction of London is leading to a radicalisation of the situation in both India and South Africa. Britain must be seen to act and do so decisively.
Tired and worn down, Austen Chamberlain finally agrees and secret orders are issued to the Governor General. In case of any problems, the battle squadron currently with the Duke of York in South Africa will proceed at once to Australia. The Duke will continue on to Canada and Newfoundland aboard a liner with a reduced flotilla
Although secrecy is kept over these new dispositions, the presence of the four battleships and their attendant vessels in the Southern Indian Ocean is noticed by several ships. One of these, an Austrian registered freighter, radios its discovery to land, and soon Berlin is aware and able to inform the Australians
The Nationalists put all their plans at full readiness, whilst Germany strains every muscle to meet the armament and aircraft orders at once, even flying out squadrons from Russia via Persia and the Dutch East Indies at some cost to its own offensive operations against the Japanese
The Governor-General lets it be known that he will make a speech in a couple of days, thinking that in so doing he is giving the Australians a final warning that will make them back down and make what he has been ordered to do unnecessary. The government gives full mobilisation orders to the National Guard and the fleet, and handpicked veterans are readied in Special Bands
In preparation for the act, British warships cut the undersea cables connecting Australia with the rest of the world, and the East Asian Fleet from Singapore sails to the Coral Sea.
A fierce debate occurs within the Australian Nationalist cabinet as to whether to allow the Governor-General's speech to be broadcast by radio. Some argue that it might serve to tie the people down, others that without it their actions might seem to be occurring in a vaccuum. Eventually it is agreed that it will receive local broadcast within the capital, but will not be syndicated nationwide
As the Governor General makes his speech, dismissing the Prime Minister and his cabinet and imposing a caretaker emergency government upon the country, the British battle squadron sails into Perth, and Royal Marines take control of the harbour facilities.
Immediately the Governor-General has finished speaking, the Prime Minister speaking from a different location goes on nationally syndicated radio to decry London's attempted coup d'etat and announce that Australia is now prepared to fight for its sovereignty.
The Special Bands go into action, ensuring the continued government control of key installations, and taking into precautionary arrest anyone in such a position whose loyalty to the cause is questionable.
The National Guard units patrol the streets, and the newly acquired aerial squadrons overfly the major cities, as well as reinforcing New Guinea, where the East Asia Fleet is met with unexpected resistance, and the first bloodshed occurs as their landing is repulsed
In the House of Commons, Prime Minister Austen Chamberlain declares the government of Australia to be in rebellion and issues a revocation of dominion status, legally placing the country under direct crown control. He reminds the Australians that this means that armed resistance is now treason to the crown
In Berlin, officials suddenly become aware that their instructions to Raeder are sufficiently ambiguous that he might take it upon himself to commit the German squadron to something that would be viewed as an act of war in London.
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Rumours of War
Rumours of War
German attempts to contact Raeder are hampered by the cutting of all the cables to Australia, and in the absence of fresh instructions the German admiral gives permission to the German pilots who had flown the aircraft to Australia to serve their new ally in a voluntary capacity of they so wish. The Nationalist government eagerly accepts this, but posts the first such units to New Guinea rather than the more sensitive mainland. Additional units are formed in the Northern Territories
Royal Marines attempt to take control of the city of Perth are hampered by public demonstrations and civil unrest, and when the British admiral orders his battleships to fire on selected points, the whole city rises up against the British. The National Guard and local army reserve units co-ordinate with an aerial support force, and the British have a pitched battle on their hands
In London in the House of Commons there is disquiet about these events coming on top of the repulse suffered in New Guinea. Churchill, in his capacity as Sec of State for War assures the House that greater and more decisive action is already under way.
In Paris, preparations begin for the coronation of the Duke of Orleans as King of France as his armies, aided by Spanish and Italian 'volunteers' rid most of the rest of the country of Bonapartist rebels, the remnants of whom begin to stream into Britain.
The aircraft carrier Hermes arrives in the Coral Sea from Trincomalee and supports a renewed attempt to land in New Guinea in the face of Australian opposition. However, they run into the experienced German volunteer aerial formations, and a counter-attack against the enlarged East Asian Fleet sinks the carrier, and severely damages two heavy cruisers. However, successful landings are made on the Northern coast of the South-West peninsular, noticeably across the Owen Stanley range from Port Moresby.
British sailors formed into shore batallions reinforce the Royal Marines in Perth and succeed in driving organised resistance from the city, but a civil insurrection causes increasing casualties and ties down the majority of British forces who are unable to pursue the retiring Australian units
Raeder finally receives additional instructions from Berlin, flying boat from New Zealand relaying them from the German embassy there. However, it is too late to undo what has already been done.
In London, war fever begins to hit the streets when news of the loss of the Hermes to German aircraft crashes upon them. King Edward VIII calls the Prime Minister to Buckingham Palace for urgent discussions.
Foreign Secretary Neville Chamberlain is recalled from a visit to Portugal, whilst the Dominions Secretary flies home aboard an Imperial airship from South Africa where he has been mired in thorny discussions with the Union government
The next day, the British embassy in Berlin issues an ultimatum to the Imperial Chancellor, demanding that German airmen step down from Australian service, and for good measure reiterating its frequent call for Raeder to depart with his ships.
The German Foreign Minister hosts talks with the ambassadors of Austria, Poland, Ukraine and Bulgaria during the day, sounding out its allies on the crisis
In a radio address to the nation, President Roosevelt decries German actions in Australia, and warns that sanctions currently imposed against the rebellious dominion could be brought into play against the German Empire, with far greater effect on German trade
Prince Louis Bonaparte, commander of his nephew's forces in France, visits Southampton for a clandestine meeting with Churchill and Neville Chamberlain. It is agreed that if war should come, Britain will land an expeditionary force in support of the Bonapartists last remaining stronghold in France
As darkness falls with still no word from Berlin, the British cabinet continues to sit into the night. Neville Chamberlain hosts urgent talks with Russian ambassador, trying to get Russia to use its influence over his German allies. Failing that, he hosts talks with the Japanese ambassador, empowered to seek a full militay alliance should Germany fail to respond to the ultimatum
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Rumours of War
German attempts to contact Raeder are hampered by the cutting of all the cables to Australia, and in the absence of fresh instructions the German admiral gives permission to the German pilots who had flown the aircraft to Australia to serve their new ally in a voluntary capacity of they so wish. The Nationalist government eagerly accepts this, but posts the first such units to New Guinea rather than the more sensitive mainland. Additional units are formed in the Northern Territories
Royal Marines attempt to take control of the city of Perth are hampered by public demonstrations and civil unrest, and when the British admiral orders his battleships to fire on selected points, the whole city rises up against the British. The National Guard and local army reserve units co-ordinate with an aerial support force, and the British have a pitched battle on their hands
In London in the House of Commons there is disquiet about these events coming on top of the repulse suffered in New Guinea. Churchill, in his capacity as Sec of State for War assures the House that greater and more decisive action is already under way.
In Paris, preparations begin for the coronation of the Duke of Orleans as King of France as his armies, aided by Spanish and Italian 'volunteers' rid most of the rest of the country of Bonapartist rebels, the remnants of whom begin to stream into Britain.
The aircraft carrier Hermes arrives in the Coral Sea from Trincomalee and supports a renewed attempt to land in New Guinea in the face of Australian opposition. However, they run into the experienced German volunteer aerial formations, and a counter-attack against the enlarged East Asian Fleet sinks the carrier, and severely damages two heavy cruisers. However, successful landings are made on the Northern coast of the South-West peninsular, noticeably across the Owen Stanley range from Port Moresby.
British sailors formed into shore batallions reinforce the Royal Marines in Perth and succeed in driving organised resistance from the city, but a civil insurrection causes increasing casualties and ties down the majority of British forces who are unable to pursue the retiring Australian units
Raeder finally receives additional instructions from Berlin, flying boat from New Zealand relaying them from the German embassy there. However, it is too late to undo what has already been done.
In London, war fever begins to hit the streets when news of the loss of the Hermes to German aircraft crashes upon them. King Edward VIII calls the Prime Minister to Buckingham Palace for urgent discussions.
Foreign Secretary Neville Chamberlain is recalled from a visit to Portugal, whilst the Dominions Secretary flies home aboard an Imperial airship from South Africa where he has been mired in thorny discussions with the Union government
The next day, the British embassy in Berlin issues an ultimatum to the Imperial Chancellor, demanding that German airmen step down from Australian service, and for good measure reiterating its frequent call for Raeder to depart with his ships.
The German Foreign Minister hosts talks with the ambassadors of Austria, Poland, Ukraine and Bulgaria during the day, sounding out its allies on the crisis
In a radio address to the nation, President Roosevelt decries German actions in Australia, and warns that sanctions currently imposed against the rebellious dominion could be brought into play against the German Empire, with far greater effect on German trade
Prince Louis Bonaparte, commander of his nephew's forces in France, visits Southampton for a clandestine meeting with Churchill and Neville Chamberlain. It is agreed that if war should come, Britain will land an expeditionary force in support of the Bonapartists last remaining stronghold in France
As darkness falls with still no word from Berlin, the British cabinet continues to sit into the night. Neville Chamberlain hosts urgent talks with Russian ambassador, trying to get Russia to use its influence over his German allies. Failing that, he hosts talks with the Japanese ambassador, empowered to seek a full militay alliance should Germany fail to respond to the ultimatum
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
WAR !
Overnight comes news that the German-manned aircraft on New Guinea have carried out another attack on the East Asia Fleet (12 hours ahead on the other side of the world). They sink one light cruiser and damage two destroyers and a tanker, the latter having to be beached, leaking oil into the sea.
In the absence of any reply from Berlin, this is taken to be sufficient evidence of the rejection of the ultimatum. Prime Minister Austen Chamberlain announces to a packed House of Commons that Britain is now at war with Germany, then leaves to address the nation by radio. Secretary of State for War, Winston Churchill, makes a fiery speech in his wake, talking about unfinished business and a second chance to make the world a safe place for freedom-loving nations
In parliament the declaration is supported by Lloyd George's Liberals and by Mosley's BDP. Morrison's Labour Party abstains from debate, with only the few Independent Socialists and the lone Communist voicing dissent to a chorus of booing
Across Germany the British declaration of war is met with large crowds coming out in enthusiastic support of the Kaiser and his government. Churchill's speech is roundly mocked and condemned - if the British are so freedom-loving, it is asked, why do they deny it to the Australians, and to the people of India ?
That evening sees the landing of the first British troops in France in support of the Bonapartists, and air raids against Orleanist positions. The self-declared king is seen as a German puppet and London does not bother with a declaration of war, holding that the Bonapartists are the legitimate government of France. In Paris, the king makes his own fiery denunciation of Britain and declares war on them
A German air raid on London goes off half-cocked as bad weather intervenes and the majority of the aircraft fail to find targets and dump their bombs in Kent. A pub full of farmhands and a few cows ni a field are the only casualties, but the next day the newspapers make great play of this 'barbarity' whilst insisting that British aircraft respond in kind.
The German submarine U-241 scores the first success of the war, sinking the old battleship Centurion as she is being brought out of reserve by her crew
In the diplomatic field, hectic negotiations between London and Tokyo result in the declaration of a full alliance with immediate effect. An hour later, the Russian Empire declares war on Britain
This comes amidst news that the dominions of Canada, Newfoundland and New Zealand have all followed the mother country's lead and declared war on Germany. The Union of South Africa demurs, its leaders demanding further talks on their plans for a South African Federation as a precondition. For the moment Chamberlain and Chamberlain ignore them
From his new base in Khiva, Indian Nationalist leader Subhas Chandra Bose calls on his countrymen to rise up and throw off the British Imperialists.
In Delhi an emergency meeting of the Indian National Congress fails to reach a resolution. One faction led by Ghandi favours doing nothing to impede the war effort, but an opposing faction led by Nehru favours making their co-operation with Britain dependent on immediate moves towards self-government.
In the vaccuum, Anthony Eden, still in India where he is staying as a guest of the new Viceroy, acts to mobilise India in support of the Empire.
With no clear lead from the moderates, the country splits with outbreaks of nationalist uprising balanced by complete compliance with Eden's orders.
A Japanese force including the 3 battlecruisers of the Amagi class and accompanied by the aircraft carrier Hosho head from Truk, in the ex-German N Pacific, towards the Coral Sea to reinforce the beleaguered East Asian Fleet
Italy, assured of overt German support in France against the British, declares war on Great Britain as an ally of the French king. In Madrid, King Alphonso XIII's government faces a stark and dangerous choice.
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Overnight comes news that the German-manned aircraft on New Guinea have carried out another attack on the East Asia Fleet (12 hours ahead on the other side of the world). They sink one light cruiser and damage two destroyers and a tanker, the latter having to be beached, leaking oil into the sea.
In the absence of any reply from Berlin, this is taken to be sufficient evidence of the rejection of the ultimatum. Prime Minister Austen Chamberlain announces to a packed House of Commons that Britain is now at war with Germany, then leaves to address the nation by radio. Secretary of State for War, Winston Churchill, makes a fiery speech in his wake, talking about unfinished business and a second chance to make the world a safe place for freedom-loving nations
In parliament the declaration is supported by Lloyd George's Liberals and by Mosley's BDP. Morrison's Labour Party abstains from debate, with only the few Independent Socialists and the lone Communist voicing dissent to a chorus of booing
Across Germany the British declaration of war is met with large crowds coming out in enthusiastic support of the Kaiser and his government. Churchill's speech is roundly mocked and condemned - if the British are so freedom-loving, it is asked, why do they deny it to the Australians, and to the people of India ?
That evening sees the landing of the first British troops in France in support of the Bonapartists, and air raids against Orleanist positions. The self-declared king is seen as a German puppet and London does not bother with a declaration of war, holding that the Bonapartists are the legitimate government of France. In Paris, the king makes his own fiery denunciation of Britain and declares war on them
A German air raid on London goes off half-cocked as bad weather intervenes and the majority of the aircraft fail to find targets and dump their bombs in Kent. A pub full of farmhands and a few cows ni a field are the only casualties, but the next day the newspapers make great play of this 'barbarity' whilst insisting that British aircraft respond in kind.
The German submarine U-241 scores the first success of the war, sinking the old battleship Centurion as she is being brought out of reserve by her crew
In the diplomatic field, hectic negotiations between London and Tokyo result in the declaration of a full alliance with immediate effect. An hour later, the Russian Empire declares war on Britain
This comes amidst news that the dominions of Canada, Newfoundland and New Zealand have all followed the mother country's lead and declared war on Germany. The Union of South Africa demurs, its leaders demanding further talks on their plans for a South African Federation as a precondition. For the moment Chamberlain and Chamberlain ignore them
From his new base in Khiva, Indian Nationalist leader Subhas Chandra Bose calls on his countrymen to rise up and throw off the British Imperialists.
In Delhi an emergency meeting of the Indian National Congress fails to reach a resolution. One faction led by Ghandi favours doing nothing to impede the war effort, but an opposing faction led by Nehru favours making their co-operation with Britain dependent on immediate moves towards self-government.
In the vaccuum, Anthony Eden, still in India where he is staying as a guest of the new Viceroy, acts to mobilise India in support of the Empire.
With no clear lead from the moderates, the country splits with outbreaks of nationalist uprising balanced by complete compliance with Eden's orders.
A Japanese force including the 3 battlecruisers of the Amagi class and accompanied by the aircraft carrier Hosho head from Truk, in the ex-German N Pacific, towards the Coral Sea to reinforce the beleaguered East Asian Fleet
Italy, assured of overt German support in France against the British, declares war on Great Britain as an ally of the French king. In Madrid, King Alphonso XIII's government faces a stark and dangerous choice.
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Ah, thank you! I seemed to remember them being in December for some reason, though I know things were different back in the 30s. IIRC, inauguration now is in January, but back then was it in March ?
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Its interesting to have a German fleet roaming throughout Australian waters and its good for plot development I suppose but I don't think it is terribly realistic.
If they are using coal they might just be able to keep going, but the British ships would certainly catch them. If they are modern oil-using vessels, well finding oil in such large quantities amongst neutral ports is going to be difficult. Still, if the Australians won't force them to leave I suppose there isn't much anyone else can do except declare war.
It also depends on what the fleet consists of I suppose. If its just a couple of armoured cruisers then it might do alright.
Is it me or is Australia buying two battleships.. kind of.. alot? I didn't think they could afford them. I guess that could be solved by milking the taxes or getting the Germans to subsidize the production, but it still seems alot.
Does Germany have any colonies left in the far east? I struggle to see this Australian-German friendship but I guess if Germany is fighting a naval war with Japan it would probably happen.
Ofcourse I havn't quite worked out why the IJN hasn't just gone after the German vessels and exploited the fact they have something by way of logistics.
Not too convinced about your last post either. Would the British really go to war with just about all of Europe except for half (and the weaker half at that) of France? All this while the Empire seems to be on its knees? It seems a massive change from this weak position of not being able to do much of anything to suddenly declaring war on half the world.
The German force consists of 2 Mackensen class battlecruisers and half a dozen light cruisers. The British 'chasing' them is to try and move them on; they can't effectively 'catch' them as it would be an act of war to attack them.
Similarly Japan can't go steaming into Australian territorial waters and attack them either - that would probably have been an act of war against at least Australia, and possibly even Britain !
Regarding the French situation, that is a sideshow but Churchill has realised that if Britain is going to war with Germany then supporting the Bonapartists is the only way to acquire a front in Europe, and it needs to be done as soon as possible otherwise there won't BE any Bonapartists to support
Orleanist France is in no position to act upon its declaration of war with Britain, though of course it allows German forces passage into the country. However, that was likely to have happened anyway, regardless of Britain's actions.
One thing I realised as I was out walking this morning is that Germany and Britain have virtual parity in battleships/battlecruisers in home waters, though Germany is going to have to bring up its crew compliments to wartime levels, and has no immediate hope of crewing the reserves. However, even if you throw the British reserves into the mix there's not much there anymore (and one's been sunk).
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Similarly Japan can't go steaming into Australian territorial waters and attack them either - that would probably have been an act of war against at least Australia, and possibly even Britain !
Regarding the French situation, that is a sideshow but Churchill has realised that if Britain is going to war with Germany then supporting the Bonapartists is the only way to acquire a front in Europe, and it needs to be done as soon as possible otherwise there won't BE any Bonapartists to support
Orleanist France is in no position to act upon its declaration of war with Britain, though of course it allows German forces passage into the country. However, that was likely to have happened anyway, regardless of Britain's actions.
One thing I realised as I was out walking this morning is that Germany and Britain have virtual parity in battleships/battlecruisers in home waters, though Germany is going to have to bring up its crew compliments to wartime levels, and has no immediate hope of crewing the reserves. However, even if you throw the British reserves into the mix there's not much there anymore (and one's been sunk).
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Oh, regarding going to war with Europe, whilst Italy has declared war, Spain is vacillating and you will notice that none of Germany's Eastern and Central European allies have declared war either. They may be tied to Germany economically, and to a degree militarily, but this is not Nazi Germany and a state like Ukraine isn't about to declare war on Britain the way that Hungary was dragooned into declaring war on the USA in OTL
Britain is not greatly worried about an immediate military threat from Europe, except from Germany, but the drift towards war has been coming. Also, there is hope that the USA is leaving isolationism, and whilst No Land War in Europe is a creed it leaves plenty of room for manoevre
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Britain is not greatly worried about an immediate military threat from Europe, except from Germany, but the drift towards war has been coming. Also, there is hope that the USA is leaving isolationism, and whilst No Land War in Europe is a creed it leaves plenty of room for manoevre
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
True enough. The British are just looking foolish.
For the Japanese however they can just place the port in which the Germans are sheltering under blockade. Just sit and wait for them to come out of port before attacking. Its unlikely any neutral port barring the proper ones can look after half a dozen German cruisers for long.
I personally think the Japanese would make demands for the British to bring their unruly dominion into line and if the British can't then permission to start shooting. If the Australians are actively harbouring German vessels in defiance of international law its an act of war by the Australians.
What do the British hope to gain by declaring war on Germany? It seems at best they can secure a draw (not a great success since they are the power who declared war) and at worst a disasterous defeat. I realise powers don't always have to be logical, but it seems unfathonable how they could view things otherwise. I can't really see any motivation on the part of the British government.
Well, German interference is destabilising the dominions. It is appearing impossible to deal with Australia without treating the Germans there as enemies, however much they may be 'volunteers'. These 'volunteers' are manning aeroplanes supplied by Germany to sink British warships and if the British government did not demand that this stop then there would be such an outcry on the streets that the parlous domestic situation of 1929 would likely repeat itself
In addition, Australia's defiance is causing problems in both the Union of South Africa and in India, and it is beginning to look like the dominions will fall away from the empire unless the Australian situation is dealt with
I can't see Britain simply inviting the Japanese to attack its own dominion, and any attempt to blockade the German squadron would likely be seen as an act of war in an Australia where anti-Japanese fears are rising. Britain cannot invite Japan in, and Japan cannot act without being invited in (because a large segment of the British press would view this as an act of war against the whole empire)
Best Regards
Gey Wolf
In addition, Australia's defiance is causing problems in both the Union of South Africa and in India, and it is beginning to look like the dominions will fall away from the empire unless the Australian situation is dealt with
I can't see Britain simply inviting the Japanese to attack its own dominion, and any attempt to blockade the German squadron would likely be seen as an act of war in an Australia where anti-Japanese fears are rising. Britain cannot invite Japan in, and Japan cannot act without being invited in (because a large segment of the British press would view this as an act of war against the whole empire)
Best Regards
Gey Wolf