le Soleil- News from Bourgogne and the World

[Merioneth]

Official Communique The Foreign Affairs Ministry Wilhelmsstadt, Lauenburg Public

To the Grand Duchy of Bourgogne, The United Kingdom of Lauenburg thanks you for the release of the information about the dreadful fate of Atlas Air Flight 59. The Lauenburgish citizens on board the flight will be deeply missed. We hope that the bodies of the deceased may be returned to Lauenburg and given the proper burial. Once again we wish to thank you for the release of the information and for the Ducal Governments efforts in the search.

Signed, The Rt. Honourable Thomas K. Eldritch Lauenburger Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Editorial: Bourgogne. Communism. A dangerous climate.

Dr. Jacques Francois Dietz, Junior Foreign Desk Editor. Lecturer: St. Cyril Polytechnical University

Bourgogne had a fresh outlook with the downfall of the autocratic fascist republican regime. It had sought to maintain a peaceful prosperity, focusing on enriching itself domestically in terms of culture, education, and infrastructure. Bourgogne's identity shifted dramatically as it set the colonial Green Peninsula on an early path to its independence. Burgundian foreign policy aimed at ideological promiscuity- embracing all; not in strict neutrality but rather an openness to accept new ideas or differing ideologies as long as they did not threaten the political choice of the people. It is the people that were to be the ultimate decider on foreign policy rather than pure Burgundian interest. Yet, a transformation was forced. Propaganda from the red clouds began to bully Burgundian interests and indeed the Burgundian image into the most hostile of capitalist nations. For some the republican government, utterly hostile to any leftist ideals, was no different than the new Bourgogne who stood with a hand extended. The Burgundian identity was impossible to change for these nations who refused to do anything but to further feed their propaganda machines and utterly fail to change their own foreign policy. Blantant hostility by a neighbor forced Bourgogne to take a step back, hand still extended in friendship. This hostility continued, forcing Bourgogne back further; nearly into a corner. Yet we still stood, our hand extended. For the red cloud, this was unacceptable. Neutrality or near neutrality is akin to hostility for some of these red nations. The neo-imperial agenda for some of these red nations is clear. Bourgogne has been forced into an opposition to this agenda by the very people setting it. Yet, the most rabid and vocal opposition to these red states has been ignored by the red propaganda machine. Why? Is this machine scared to change its anti-Burgundian tone after so many years? Is it some hate for the Burgundian people? No. It is a fear of anything other than what conforms to their agenda. Bourgogne fit neither into the stringent categories which the red nations see the world- Communist, Capitalist/Reactionary and Democratic Socialist. The new Burgundian government, though led under the Grand Duke, consistently followed center-left ideology. Center-left is dangerous for the red nations. For the red nations, a nation capable of being capitalist yet embracing social and labor programs is a threat to their system. It is a threat to their own vision of the world. It scares them. It fails to fit their mold of a perfect world.

Now, Bourgogne faces a terrible situation. War is potentially looming. A war that nobody, except for a few nations, wants. A war which could shatter the delicate peace existing throughout the world. War must be avoided but nations should not be bullied in the same manner as Bourgogne. The great red bullies must be reasoned with lest war drag us all into a fresh new hell. Dialogue, not clouded with ideological smut, must take place. A new understanding must be made. Neo-imperialist ventures must end. A war fought between ideologies is a savage war. A war between ideologies is a war that will cost millions. A war of ideologies will leave no nation unharmed or untouched. Should there be guns fired in anger, this war will come to our doorsteps. Whether nations answer their doors is the question that remains

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke addresses nation amid tense global climate

Chagny

The Grand Duke addressed the nation on major radio stations today in response to growing fears among the Burgundian populace. Over the past weeks, fears of conflicts in various regions of the world have consistently worried most citizens. The Grand Duke, eager to avoid major conflict, has on several occasions addressed the media and has asked for more open relations with regional neighbors and international leaders. "Nations such as [MENTION=83]Kadikistan[/MENTION] and Bourgogne should be working together to build a stable community for all nations of all political measures" the Grand Duke said on Friday prior to visiting a conservative Jewish school in Bourgogne's north. Despite attempts to calm tensions with neighboring [MENTION=635]Serenierre[/MENTION] , Grand Duke Maximilien's government has failed to make headway. Below is a transcript of Sunday's noon broadcast:


The Burgundian people have swung, like many peoples, between peace and war. Now we hold our breath, willing the pendulum to remain on the peaceful side. In human history, no nation has remained utterly guilty or innocent on the road to war. We remain at this great crossroads where the world is being forcibly divided among lines of ideology. It has come, not to the people, but the ideologies. Nations live in a global community which pushes them into one corner or the other. Bourgogne's emergence from the dictatorial republic has left us with the legacy of that regime. The anti-communist republic branded Borugogne as some intolerable beast. Despite the best efforts of this government, we have failed to lift that branding. We must look to ourselves and ask where we stand as a people, a nation, and as a member in this international community which we must live. Though we have faced direct aggression by a neighbor, we have remained firm. Bourgogne will not be the nation a neighbor so desperately would like us to be. We will continue to be guided by the principles which led us from the darkness of the republic. Though, should Bourgogne be attacked or threatened with the force of arms, we will rise as one to fight darkness once again. Though we fear conflict, we will not cower from war if it is thrust upon us. Though our people seek peace, our people will do their duty. We seek peace, not war. This government, in which you have placed your trust, will do everything in its power to ensure Burgundian peace and security. Though we put our faith in God, we must put our faith also in the ability of mankind to find some road to peace.

God bless and may God preserve Bourgogne

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for External Affairs

"While we share the Burgundian concerns regarding peace and stability and even agree with some of their analyses, we can not and will not cooperate in any way with the Chagny regime until it stops its slaughter of the Milesian people. The latter fighting a courageous struggle against a fascist regime fixed on eradicating all opposition and ruling with an iron fist. How can Chagny call for peace while it is waging war side by side with one of the most ruthless regimes in Europe? We would gladly work with other powers, as we have recently with the Pelasgian Empire, if the common goal is peace and stability, but we can not ignore the massacres that are taking place as we speak in Milesia. The only way for Chagny to prove the sincerity of its words is to unilaterally pull back out of the Iverno-Milesian war. Since the Burgundian government seems in no way inclined to do so, there can be no 'stable community'."

Signed,
_X_
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Grand Duchy of Bourgogne

We note Ivar's concerns though we take issue with the accusation that Burgundian forces are carrying out or have a hand in any massacre. The Grand Duchy has taken enormous steps to protect the civilian population. We also would like to note reports that Milesian heavy industry has been raped and robbed. Reports are indicating that heavy equipment and machinery have been removed from Milesian factories and sent to various ports. It seems that rebel Milesian forces are doing little to protect the future of Milesian workers. However, we ask our friends in Ivar to look to the larger picture. Must lives be needlessly spent on to battlefields?

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for External Affairs

"We assure the Burgundian leadership that the revolutionary fire does not blind us from seeing the consequences of the class war which is both glorious and devistating at the same time. More so than Chagny we are confronted with the horrors of the Milesian war for independence against the fascist regime of tyrant Nuada Airgetlám. Civilians from all strands come to us pleading for protecting against the relentless bombing campaign Bourgogne and Ivernia are waging. Not only those who are killed or mutilated by the bombs are the victims, but also the many more who have mentally collapsed not being able to live or sleep as a human being should. There is not a single Milesian family that hasn't lost precious loved ones to the fascist regime, staunchly supported by the Grand Duchy. Chagny has no right in lecturing us on the devastating effects this war has had on the struggling Milesian people, bombing vital supply lines that make it impossible to deliver humanitarian aid causing the first official deaths by starvation in the early summer.

As far as the Milesian industrial capacity is concerned we admit that we have been systematically dismantling the various factories and workshops under rightful sovereign control of the People's Republic of Milesia and the Holt-O'Brien Administration. We have done so not to plunder the war-torn lands, but to keep its national industry protected. Together with the Milesian government we have agreed that the Milesian industry was to be brought to Rurikgrad for safe-keeping until the hostilities are over. Afterwards they will be returned so they can aid in rebuilding that which Bourgogne and Ivernia have worked so hard to destroy. It would have been most unwise to leave the heavily industrialized lands untouched only to become a target of your imperialist ambitions. Furthermore we also dismantled the industry because it could not function properly and we did not want to see it fuel the Ivernish fascist machinery of war. The fate of the Milesian worker lies to closely in our hearts to allow the forces of oppression the pleasure of destroying it all."

Signed,
_X_
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy of Bourgogne

The Grand Duchy of Bourgogne wonders what will happen to that equipment once the Milesian rebels are defeated? Will it be returned? OR will it remain in Rurikgrad, leaving the workers of Milesia with no work and no prospects? What then is the case for them? Will those workers be abandoned by those who pledge to protect the worker? As for imperialism, it is amusing that Bourgogne should be considered an imperialist nation considering the agenda for red states seems to be one of red imperialism. Bourgogne has seen the Peninsular Republic transform into a democracy, independent of Burgundian will. Our actions in Ivernia are to assist a friendly nation in a struggle against undemocratic ideals. The people of Milesia have been raped, abandoned, and exploited by their rebel leadership.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for External Affairs

"We are shocked and appalled that the Chagny regime finds anything even remotely amusing about this greatest tragedy of our time. Bourgogne acts imperialist as it is manu militari supporting a fascist nation that has sworn to put the entire continent of Scania under its iron fist. And as much as the Himyari Peninsular is concerned it is nothing more than a Burgundian dependency, de facto independent but de jure under Chagny rule. The Burgundian regime has done everything within its power to maintain its influence over the area by keeping it dependent on Burgundian export and 'aid' while allowing for the local economy to remain backwards.

As far as the industrial means are concerned we will return them once the legitimate Milesian governments is able to rule her rightful lands in a stable manner. The Kadikistani State has recognized the sovereignty of the People's Republic of Milesia as well as it geographic territory, we will not abandon her under any circumstances. The Imperial Ivernish government is not the rightful owner of the Milesian industry and we will not return it to them, only to the Milesian people. As far as the unemployed Milesian worker the Chagny regime claims to be concerned about we doubt they will find many. Most of the Milesian workers are currently in the trenches fighting off the fascist oppressors in a courageous struggle against tyranny."

Signed,
_X_
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Gouw Marken]

To: the embassy of Kadikistan at Markstad

We support Kadikistan in every way in their rightous battle against Bourgundian imperialism. Again the regime of Chagny has shown the only interests it has, is in economicly ruling the peoples and countries of this world.
We are sure Kadikistan is not into any concession towards Bourgogne in wathever economic or political way.
The tie between our nations will in the near future only be stronger and stronger in respect of each nations diversity and culture.
Kadikistan has shown in the past and surely will show in the present and the future to be a true friend of Gouw Marken. We will do the same.

Zeereerwaarde Heer Jacob Van der Tricht de Willersmark, huissecretaris van de Prins-Bisschop (personal secretary of the Prince-Bishop).

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy of Bourgogne

"once the legitimate Milesian governments is able to rule her rightful lands" is an interesting take. Once defeated, the rebel territory will find itself without industry. Ivar has robbed the workers of the region from potential work. It is not the Ivernish government we wish to see this equipment returned to but the people who have ownership over it. By degrading the region's future, Ivar has ensured that the worker- those it is most concerned about, will suffer.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Cetnik puts troops on border. Second army to be garrisoned on the border in months

Changy

Following the rabid anti-semitic movement in Cetnik, the Grand Duchy (along with other nations) sought to embrace refugees fleeing persecution. Refugees wishing to continue to a Yiddish state were to be assisted by the Burgundian government. Food, transportation, and medical facilities were prepared to receive those fleeing from the Dictator of Cetnik. Yet, as Jews fled, the Dictator sought to incite violent pogroms against the Jewish population who sought to flee. The Ducal government took the threats and incitement seriously, warning Cetnik. While the threat of action by the Burgundian government was to be trade sanctions, the Cetnik government posted troops on the border. Cetnik followed Serenierre's example from several months earlier. The Burgundian government responded by placing troops on alert and notifying reserves that they may receive emergency call-ups. However, much like the Serenierre situation, the Burgundian government declined to also garrison its border. "If a nation wishes to test our will, they may throw the first punch. We prefer a diplomatic solution. If they should swing, they shall find the most vicious of replies" said one military spokesman. While much of the world seems crazed with the prospect of war, Burgundians fear that conflict will find their borders. As the Milesian conflict drags on, public opinion is notably turning against Burgundian involvement. The Grand Duke has promised to see the Burgundian obligations through, arguing that the conflict is still close to end. Meanwhile relations with [MENTION=635]Serenierre[/MENTION] have yet to improve into anything that resembles a working relationship. The border remains closed as refugees attempt to cross into Bourgogne from Serenierre. The Grand Duke is expected to address the nation once again this weekend.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Senate in unprecedented move votes to pull out of Ivernia
The Senate voted 87-9 to call for an end to Burgundian military assistance to [MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION]

Chagny

Putting themselves in direct opposition to the Grand Duke, the Senate voted 87-9 to end Burgundian combat involvement in Ivernia by April 1 of next year. It further called for a decrease in forces by January 5th. The overall decision has placed the Senate in direct opposition to the Grand Duke who has affirmed on numerous occasions that Bourgogne would be committed to stabilizing the country and providing assistance during the following peace. Furthermore this event also marks the first time in the new constitutional period in which the legislature will override the monarchy. Experts reviewing the constitution for le Soleil have agreed that the Grand Duke's only recourse is to call for a re-vote. If the Grand Duke can sway votes to under a 65% margin, he will not be compelled to follow the Senate's decision. His Grace is expected to address the Senate by month's end.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for External Affairs

"We applaud the Burgundian Senate for its courage and dedication to peace and stability. Should the government in Changy be able to push through this ending of the massacre in Milesia, against the ambitions of the Grand Duke, we would congratulate them for showing the world a token of peace in our troubled times. The Fatherland pledges that, should this scenario succeed, it will drastically change it's policies towards the Grand Duchy and see it as a potential partner for upholding peace and stability in Gallia and Germania. For now the Kadikistani people can only hope together with their Milesian and even Burgundian brothers."

Signed,
_X_
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke concludes state visit to Trivodnia

Amstov

The Grand Duke is concluding a diplomatic state visit to [MENTION=125]Trivodnia[/MENTION] tomorrow morning. The final part of the visit is expected to be a closed-door meeting with the nation's top lawmakers and bureaucrats. The Grand Duke's 3 day visit began with a tour of Amstov's major synagogue's and some other sights. The Grand Duke, whom visit's the Burgundian National Synagogue (Conservative) in Chagny yearly, visited an Orthodox synagogue Sunday morning followed by a tour of a Reform synagogue. The decision to visit them on Sunday was made as to avoid the Sabbath. Monday's agenda proved to be packed. Monday, Maximilien addressed the Grand Assembly.

"Bourgogne and Trivodnia have a shared past of providing a haven for the Children of Abraham. Though Bourgogne was and remains a Catholic nation, our history of providing shelter for the Jewish race spans back to the medieval era. Yet, there remain nations where one is judged on the merits of their religion rather than their worth as people. These are values shared by our nations. Our nations embrace the roots of democracy and place our mission to be that of protecting the futures of our children" said the Grand Duke, whose tone was somber. "There is no measure of our resolve in maintaining friendship between our nations. Though there is danger in the world, there is no danger to the relationship between our two countries"

The Grand Duke went on to recount the previous partnerships between the nations and future endeavors. He also went on to propose several cultural programs. Finally, he affirmed Bourgogne's commitment to intervene against Chetnik in the event a genocide begins to take place. Maximilien also promised to assist refugees heading to Trivodnia or those willing to settle in Bourgogne.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke forced to apologize only weeks after visit to Trivodnia

Amstov

As Burgundian and Trivodnian troops concluded a small military exercise in Eastern [MENTION=125]Trivodnia[/MENTION], several Burgundian officers were overheard by news reporters from Trivodnian publications. Some of the alleged comments include:

"I think they could turn a dreidel better than they could turn a flank"

"They have the discipline of drunken midgets"

and

"My wife's mother looks like a more professional soldier. Are these guys serious?"

The Grand Duke has issued a formal apology an warns that the officers accused of the comments will be severely disciplined. One officer, a Colonel whose name has been withheld, will be demoted. Another officer has been discharged from the Ducal Army. Other punishments are expected to come in the next few weeks as an internal investigation is conducted. The Burgundian military and Trivodnian military have shared close ties over the last few decades as Bourgogne has aimed to modernize and equip the military along with other nations. Leaked intelligence reports noted that training was a weakness in Trivodnian forces. The Grand Duke was expected to name the new ambassador to the country sometime this week but now it is suspected that this will be postponed.

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of National Defence

The Armed Forces of the Free States of Trivodnia places the utmost pride in the professionalism of its servicemen, and absolutely rejects any negative comments made regarding the quality of the military training provided.

We thank the Grand Duke of Burgundy for his swift action in disciplining the Burgundian officers responsible for the rude remarks, and for his sincere apologies for any offence caused.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke addresses Senate. References Ivernia and growing communist block.
Makes major Ivernia announcement



Changy

The Grand Duke made his annual December address to the Senate. Grand Duke Maximilien spoke for only a few minutes but outlined the plans for the coming year. The speech was generally well received but drew heavy criticism from those on the right who largely claimed that the speech did not go far enough in addressing or condemning what one Senator called "the communist threat, holding us hostage". The address marks the first time the Grand Duke will be addressing two female members of the Senate.

We have included a transcript of the full speech for our readers*.


Good afternoon. Ladies and gentlemen. The Burgundian people have much to be proud of in this past year. We have striven towards a new future for the coming generations. Burgundian industry continues its rebound and expand. Our schools have implemented new policies to not only ensure that funding will be more equally distributed but also that teachers will be held to a higher standard, a set of standards never seen before. Our children will be more educated, more able than any generation in our nation's history. We have set our own standard.

Not only is our education reaching new heights but so is our healthcare. New programs to have been introduced to spur medical research and educate new researchers. We will look to cure the world's great diseases, stem epidemics, and inspire other nations to do the same. In this endeavor we cannot and will not fail.

Despite this promise, we face a volatile world. Quite near, we have a nation which has driven men, women, and children, of an ancient religion from its borders. Though we have tried to ensure that these refugees have been protected from violence. This effort was opposed by some nations. It was our decision as a nation to protect these people from slaughter. Serenierre continues their aggression against us. It seems that though we have eschewed the government, which was so hostile to communism, has not changed their manner. Again and again we have extended a hand of friendship to communist nations, only to have it ignored or pushed away. Yet, we will continue to do so. We hope this new confederacy of communist nations will be willing to work together with the rest of the world to find solutions to shared issues.

June 1st of next year, the vast majority of our combat operations will end in Ivernia. You the Senate, the voice of the people, have spoken clearly. I am a servant of the people and must listen to those I serve. In a democracy, we must make tough decisions and accept outcomes we might not otherwise have. That is the price for freedom. Our brave soldiers will return home knowing they have fought the force which is struggling to destabilize nations and turn back the clock. There will be efforts to help rebuild war torn parts of [MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION]. Some regions have been utterly ravaged. Factories and shops in liberated areas have been ransacked; the machinery sent back to Kadikistan. Leaving thousands without employment in an attempt to paralyze recovery and rebuilding efforts.

It has been a difficult year in many respects. But through the rest of 1956 and into 1957 we must ask ourselves what more can we do for the world and what can we do for ourselves? Where is the next step and where will it lead? May your Christmas be joyous and God Bless.


























*Yiddish translation will be available in tomorrow's edition

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for External Affairs

"We assure the Grand Duke and his government that the changes made by the Chagny regime have not gone unnoticed by the Kadikistani people. We would welcome a peaceful approach between the Trier Concordat and the Rurikgrad Pact, but I am afraid we can not abide as long as Burgundian bombers and ground forces keep reducing what remains of free Milesia to a stretch of ruins and death in defence of the Scanian fascist state. We are hopeful, however, for the initiative taken by the Burgundian Senate to end their nation's military involvement in the Gothic Sea. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain open to dialogue when and if it represents itself. We believe peace and stability is possible, but we remain aware of the nature of the capitalist regimes in this world and convinced of the historical inevitability of their imminent demise at the hands of the international proletariat."

Signed,
_X_
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

le Soleil's interview with General-Secretary Nikolai Leninov

le Soleil's Georges Dauchez, Senior Editor for International News sat down with the leader in Ivar. Dauchez spent only a brief time with Kadikistan's leader. "He was a thoughtful man and I was well treated throughout my visit" said the editor. However, he did note that some questions were not answered or were not approved, thus they have been left out of the transcript. The interview below is presented with le Soleil's questions in bold.



General-Secretary Leninov, thank you so much for meeting with me. I know you have a busy schedule so this is a unique opportunity. Let me begin right away. Let us begin at the beginning. Where did you grow up and what did your parents do for a living?

You are very welcome, my friend. I hope you have enjoyed your stay in our beautiful capital up until now. I was born and raised right here in Ivar where I got to witness first-hand the exploitation of the Kadikistani working class under Czar Bronislaw in our city’s vast industrial areas. At that time my father found himself in the disfavour of the court for his ideas and demands for social, political and economic emancipation of the proletariat. In fact he was officially warned to keep his socialist ideas to himself lest he would face expulsion from his Fatherland. Many of my families lands had been seized by the Tsar and we were left with only a modest villa in the middle of the textile sector. Realizing that we were still privileged compared to the average Ivarite worker, my father regularly opened his doors to help ease the suffering of our proletarian brethren. For instance every Wednesday and Sunday he would organize ‘people’s kitchens’ in our main hall were everyone was welcome to get a decent meal free of charge. This together with the organization of a cooperatively owned stores and the many financial pestering’s imposed by the Czar against my family left us bankrupt and without anything safe for our reduced properties and our good name among the people of the city and beyond.
At the age of 16 my father insisted that I would work in the nearby textile mill, which I did until the age of 19. This experience taught me the hardships of physical labour in the factory and learned me to understand the daily struggles in the life of a worker. Until then my name had prevented me from fully understanding what it feels to see my means of production being stolen from me, what it felt like to be exploited. When I was able to study at the University of St. Wilhelmstadt in Lauenburg I swore that I would use my intellectual background to improve the fate of not only the Ivarite worker, but the entire Kadikistani proletariat.

When you came to lead the nation, was there any specific thing you wished to accomplish immediately? I mean, politically or personally?

I have always considered my purpose in life to bring Kadikistan to new heights both politically and economically. That is why I wanted to correct the flaws of the past by the implementation of Marxist-Leninovism. This came from the first-hand realisation that Socialist states face incredible hostility on the international scene day in and day out. I became convinced that the sole remedy to prevent socialist nation’s from being crippled by external forces is self-sufficiency. This is why together with Yurik Vinsko and Ivan Tsjekova I developed the 14-Years Plan twelve years ago. The idea stemming, off course, from the Manifest I wrote with co-author and close friend Yruik Vinsko. In order for Kadikistan or any socialist state to become truly independent we must be able to survive on our own without having to depend on the capitalist world, which products are the result of economic exploitation of the local workers and farmers. With the creation of the Treaty of Mutual Friendship, Co-operation and Mutual Assistance (Rurikgrad Pact) and the implementation of the Economic Recovery Program (Leninov Plan) we are ensuring the defence of these believes while integrating the Saare and Calidian economies into the Kadikistani economic planning so they too can enjoy full independence from the capitalist world in the nearby future. It is my life goal to see Kadikistan become self-reliant and I won’t settle for anything less.

When you find yourself overworked, what Mr. Secretary, do you enjoy to relax?

Like most Kadikistani men I enjoy smoking, the occasional strong glass of vodka and the company of friends. All of this you can acquire with the guarantee that it is the product of fair Kadikistani labour.

Let us shift to some more intensive topics. When the Burgundian republican, and by some accounts 'fascist' government fell and the nation returned to a democratic state; many felt as if there might be a closer partnership between our two nations. Even the Grand Duke state he would be willing to work with anyone. Do you feel that an opportunity was lost by both sides or is....in your eyes, Bourgogne an ideological foe?

Evidently the Grand Duchy is an ideological foe, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be room for dialogue as long as the common goal is peace and stability. In no way do we accept or agree with both the inner workings, the policy nor the world view of the Burgundian government. However we do recognize and respect the large role that Bourgogne plays on the international scene. We are open to work with the Burgundian government to ensure stability because of our commitment to the international proletariat, including the Burgundian, but we are no friends to the Chagny elite who have destabilized the Gothic Sea and exploited the Himyari while threatening aggression towards our allies in the People’s Republic of Serenierre.

Bourgogne's relationship with Serenierre has become increasingly strained. Over the recent months, Serenierre has: placed military forces of sizeable numbers on the border, closed the border, cut and reinstated ties. The Grand Duke has suggested that you might be able to mediate. What are your opinions on the situation and how do you feel about acting as a potential mediator? Given that Bourgogne has done everything possible to avoid conflict or even this very sitaution, how would you approach such a mediation?

The Serenierrese people are our friends and we wish nothing but the best for them. If this includes us having to take up a role as mediator to avoid an escalation of the conflict we would most gladly do it to preserve both Burgundian and Serenierrese life. I would approach such a mediation by allowing both parties to put every single one of their grievances onto the table. Respecting the concerns of both nations we would then seek to resolve the disputes. However I must be abundantly clear when I say that Kadikistan is bound by treaty to defend the People’s Republic of Serenierre in case of foreign aggression. Serenierre is a friend and a military ally and we do share many concerns. One of these concerns are the imperialist of the Chagny government in the Gothic Sea region. As an honest man I must admit that Kadikistan will always be biased towards the Serenierre People’s Government and my close personal friend

Our nations are on opposite sides of the Milesian conflict in terms of whom we support. With the Burgundian legislature opposing the Grand Duke, it seems likely that the vast majority of Burgundian forces will be be withdrawn by the end of April next year. Do you wish to comment?

We have monitored the situating in your beautiful country closely and I personally admit to being pleasantly surprised by the Burgundian senate. The withdrawal of Burgundian forces from Milesia would naturally open some doors for future cooperation. But we cannot get ahead of ourselves as history has taught us to be vigilant.

The Chetnik crisis involving the Jewish population has become an important issue in the region. There has been some backlash over Burgundian promises to prevent a genocide if one began. If this were to happen, a slaughtering of a people, the Grand Duke has said Burgundian intervention would be inevitable. In terms of the discrimination of the Jews, what is the official policy of Ivar?

I wish to be very brief in replying this question. Kadikistan has nothing for or against Jews

Thank you for your time and I look forward to perhaps doing this again in the future.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke's Christmas Address

Chagny


The Grand Duke offered his annual Christmas Address to the country on both radio and television. For television, this was the first ever address shown by the Grand Duke. The address, though short, seems to have been positively received despite growing opposition in the Senate.

From the Landgraviate Palace, Pillau


I speak to you, the Burgundian people, on this day in which we celebrate the birth of Christ. It is a day for peace, family, and charity. It is particularly charity which must be put forward on this day. We must look upon our brothers and sisters in this world with the most kind of hearts. It is love for our fellow man which best serves the glory of God. On this day we must pray this love brings peace to our nation's people and families.

Our nation remains strong. Though politics may divide us, in the end we remain united. We will endeavor to solve our problems together- Duke, Senate, and people. Fear of global events and hostility towards our way of life will not guide us. We will face these challenges as one, united. Let us remember Corinthians 15:58. It is our duty to be courageous and work as one. But today is a day for duty to family and those we love and also to celebrating the birth of Christ. May God bless you on this day and bless Bourgogne. I leave you to your families, prayers, and libations.

God Bless