le Soleil- News from Bourgogne and the World

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke asks Senate to address education reform

Chagny

In a senatorial address, the Grand Duke asked the legislature to come up with a cohesive plan to reform grammar school education. The system, solidified under a singular education authority during the republican era, has proven to be ungainly and massively flawed. The system was called "inefficient" and "inherently damaged" by the Grand Duke. The 1948 reform by the republican government has also cost 37% more than predicted in the 1946-47 study. Additionally, capacity and funding for students has dropped by 50,000 since the 1948 reforms. The Grand Duke had left the system in place due to "wishing to address other important issues first". The Grand Duke tasked the Senate with finding a plan within the next 75 days or he stated he would introduce a plan himself to streamline and reform the system.

Leaked military report: Naval forces woefully inadequate. Tank forces "unprepared"

Changy

A report leaked to the media by an unknown source in the national police was found to be thoroughly embarrassing for the Ducal government. An internal investigation was countermanded by the Justice Ministry as the Gendarmerie has been assigned to investigate how the documents ended up in the hands of the media. The confidential report, intended for only a few eyes in the Ducal government, had initially been stolen by a Defense Ministry employee who had been arrested by law enforcement as the employee attempted to sell it. The report cited the fact that the new submarine fleet is relegated to port due to repeated mechanical issues and that the surface fleet, while modernized, is woefully under-strength. The Defense Ministry has stated that it has no intentions to build, replace, or expand naval forces until at least 1960. The report also noted that 85% of armored forces were comprised of light tanks, noting that they would be utterly inefficient against most foes. The report called the Burgundian military professional and strong but noted that the armored corps was the weakest point. The report did state that in October the government ordered 85 tanks from [MENTION=18]Eiffelland[/MENTION] and would seek a license to produce them domestically.

 

[Rheinbund]

Magirus-Deutz headquarters
Köln, Eiffelland

We are willing to grant a licence to the Grand-Duchy of Bourgogne for building the Löwe tank on Burgundian soil. However, we would also like to ask permission to build our products destined for the western part of the world in Bourgogne. Would that be possible? What we could do, is co-investing in factories in Bourgogne in which both new tanks for Bourgogne and our products for the western part of the world are built.

Robert Magirus, CEO of Magirus-Deutz

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Défense Union Ingénierie et de Recherches


DUIR thanks Magirus-Deutz for the licensing agreement. We are happy to expand in order to produce for Bourgogne as well as to partner for Magirus-Deutz's overseas contracts. However, we wish to note that we plan to build our own variant of the tank. The optical system currently produced for Burgundian purchased Lowe tanks cannot be exported per Burgundian law. Thus any tanks built in Bourgogne which are destined for overseas will have to be sold without the optics system.

 

[Northern Cooperative Unions]

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTORY AND PEOPLES OF MENDIAK

It is the concern of the People and the Directory that the looming threat of communism has begun to show their true face throughout Europe - as a continental fellow democracy bordered closely across only mere kilometers of water by those of the "third world" and having faced fascist enemies in the past and present, Mendiak hopes that relations with the peoples of Bourgogne could become amicable.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy of Bourgogne

The Grand Duchy and [MENTION=1149]Mendiak[/MENTION] will continue believes our relations to be amicable. We hope we remain amicable.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

"We will pursue aggressive rearmament" says Grand Duke

Chagny

Citing the fact that Serenierre is still maintaining troops on the border and rising world tensions, the Grand Duke stated that Bourgogne will ramp up its rearmament and modernization process. He also announced that reserves would be expanded by as many as 75,000 over the next 2 years. Liberal critics have stated that the money would better be invested elsewhere and that the effort would inflame tensions. Supporters say that the effort is necessary to protect Bourgogne as an officially unaligned country. Republicans say the government has not gone far enough in facing down communist nations and that military expansion should be total. The legislature is expected to vote slightly in favor of the Grand Duke's actions despite voting to end combat operations in Milesia by the end of April.

 

[Rheinbund]

Défense Union Ingénierie et de Recherches


DUIR thanks Magirus-Deutz for the licensing agreement. We are happy to expand in order to produce for Bourgogne as well as to partner for Magirus-Deutz's overseas contracts. However, we wish to note that we plan to build our own variant of the tank. The optical system currently produced for Burgundian purchased Lowe tanks cannot be exported per Burgundian law. Thus any tanks built in Bourgogne which are destined for overseas will have to be sold without the optics system.

Magirus-Deutz

We fully understand your position in this matter regarding the optical system. The standard optics system for the Löwe tank will also be installed in the tanks produced in Bourgogne for different markets than the Burgundian market.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

GR Auto Group plans expansion

Brienne

The GR badge may dominate Burgundian streets as well as being quite noticeable in [MENTION=125]Trivodnia[/MENTION] and even Serenierre, but the company aims to put GR autos and trucks onto the streets in higher numbers elsewhere. The move comes after several years of "improving sales and image overseas" says the company. While at present the company only markets 4 passenger cars in Bourgogne, the company plans to expand the offerings and target specific markets. Specific vehicles are to be manufactured overseas while some will be exported to the target markets from Bourgogne in smaller numbers. The company has stated that the primary focus will be on the production of vans overseas- the Ghent R3/4 and Rambouillet P Vans. The vans are meant to target various aspects of the service industry. The P Van will now be produced in [MENTION=1774]Pelasgia[/MENTION], [MENTION=125]Trivodnia[/MENTION], and [MENTION=18]Eiffelland[/MENTION] whereas the R3/4 Vans will be produced in [MENTION=18]Eiffelland[/MENTION], [MENTION=254]Telora[/MENTION], [MENTION=1149]Mendiak[/MENTION], and [MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION]. For cars, both the Rambouillet 55 ES and Rambouillet 11TR will be produced in Pelasgia in small numbers. Though the company has stated that it would expand production if the market proved to be solid. The company stated that the Ghent 2T06 will be produced in [MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION] in small numbers. GR Auto noted that there is no specific timeline and that the expansion may take 'some time'. GR Auto has also announced that production will in Ivernia occur in liberated Milesia.

"The plan calls for significant investment in overseas factories and employment and is being approached with great care" said the company at a press conference. GR Auto has been criticized for its limited overseas offerings in the past by some experts though the company counters that it is focused on continuing to build a solid brand rather than pure sales numbers.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

"Grand Duke out of his depth"

Chagny

"The Grand Duke's military activities have been a disaster" said Republic Coalition leader Senator Louis Claude. The Senate session took a dramatic turn as members of the Republic Coalition, Bourgogne's far-right party, staged a day of filibusters. The longest, at nearly an hour, was conducted by Senator Claude. "Milesia has not been the disaster that other areas have been admittedly. However, the war has been a drain on both manpower and funds and has been run in an utterly inept manner. Though that blame must fall on Ivernish command. Not only has there been horrible mismanagement of deployed forces, but at home there is horrid management" the Senator went on. The Senator went into a litany of political cues which the Republic Coalition has argued for the last several months. Ultimately the Senator concluded by pointing out further military issues "the Golden Eagle program has not only proved to be wrought with massive delays but there is evidence that there has been significant bribes" the Senator said, promising to present evidence in next week's general session. "The Grand Duke has also seen our submarine fleet be relegated to port and is selling off surface vessels that even a drunken admiral would not do. The Grand Duke is out of his depth and it is time for Maximilien to let the professionals handle government". The statement drew some applause from other parties, mainly Republic Bourgogne. The Grand Duke's press representatives declined to comment.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Burgundian aircraft launch largest operations against Ivernish rebels in months

Chagny

The Defense Ministry announced this morning that Burgundian military aircraft have begun a massive operation against Ivernish rebels in the Milesian region. Aircraft have begun to attack military targets but the ministry has noted that the targets are specifically away from populated areas. The spokesman noted that targets were primarily enemy troop installations, fuel depots, and rail installations. The spokesman also stated that Burgundian air forces were no longer hitting power stations. "The air forces are taking every measure to avoid undue casualties. We are preparing another run of food drops to some regions. Intelligence has indicated that some of this food has been appropriated sadly for military use. It is our intention to make these drops more dispersed away from heavy military presence" said the spokesman. Several senators have denounced the offensive operation, calling for a new bill that would restrict Burgundian aircraft from partaking in large operations before the withdrawal of Burgundian forces at the end of April. The objecting senators, of all parties except the Republic Coalition, have said that a bill restricting air operations could be introduced by Monday.

The spokesman also announced that Bourgogne would cease cooperative efforts with [MENTION=18]Eiffelland[/MENTION] on aircraft development in order to focus on domestically designed and built aircraft.

 

[Serenierre]

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GOVERNMENT OF SERENIERRE
COMMISSARIAT FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE
​

2. Février. 1957 Upon instruction from Généralissime Nicolas E. Serazin, the following statement has been issued: It is with increasing concern that we look at the activities of the Grand Duchy of Bourgogne as it marauds and pillages the planet in its unending and unquenchable thirst for power. The bloodshed and violence that has been spread as a result of Chagny's policies is unforgivable and indefensible. The recent policies undertaken by the Government of Bourgogne have seriously eroded our confidence in the pledges for regional peace issued from the good offices of the Grand Duke, upon which Serenierre has formed its approach to the issue of north-south intra-Gallian affairs. The exercises of good faith undertaken by the People's Republic, in terms of normalising the situation, have not been satisfactorily complemented by action on part of the Grand Ducal government and keeping the foreign policy of the Grand Duke in mind, this is most concerning for the peace and security of the Francophone world. We have issued a dossier to our representatives in which a detailed account of our position has been made for the benefit of the Chagny Government. We expect a thorough dialogue to ensue to clarify the full array of queries and concerns that we have indicated are held by us. The People's Government is eager to hear from its counterpart in Chagny and the earliest response would be much appreciated. C.R. Bertrand Commissar for External Relations​

 

[Rheinbund]

Dassau Flugzeugwerke

We are quite baffled with the announcement that Bourgogne would want to stop cooperating with Dassau Flugzeugwerke in the development of new planes. The decisision will be all yours, but we want to point at the fact that our combined efforts led to very advanced planes. We think it is in the best interest of Bourgogne to continue the cooperation, because then they will benefit from not only their own knowledge but also from our knowledge.

Ferdinand Dassau, Chairman of Dassau Flugzeugwerke
Tobias Dassau, Non-executive Chairman of Dassau Flugzeugwerke

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Emergency Senate bill leaves Burgundian aircraft grounded

Chagny

An emergency Senate bill was introduced and passed which enforced a defensive only posture for Burgundian forces in Ivernia. The bill was passed in under 40 minutes and allows for Burgundian aircraft to conduct patrols and offensive action only if Ivernian or Burgundian troops come under fire in a specific zone. The Grand Duke has refused comment but a source told le Soleil that he believes this will put Burgundian lives at risk. The bill came after Burgundian officials announced an extensive air campaign aimed at shoring up current positions. However, politically left senators immediately announced that they would combat this and many far right senators strangely joined the vote as a protest of the campaign being too unagressive. The bill stated that further advisors could be sent to the country in a support role only. Several hundred have already been reportedly deployed. Many left aligned senators believe that the nation should move towards further attempts of reconciliation with communist nations despite the fact that efforts have largely been rebuffed until recently. The Grand Duke is not expected to challenge the bill as friction between the branches of government continues to increase. Despite the Grand Duke's largely center-left policies, many social democrats have criticized his government as being too "right friendly". Meanwhile, those aligned with the right have stated that Maximilien has not been aggressive enough in "campaigning politically and militarily against communism". Pierre Toibor, a Senator of the Republic Bourgogne Party, stated that "the Grand Duke does nothing as communist imperialism circles the globe".




Moineau Aeronautical unveils new prototype*


Lans

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Bourgogne's chief aeronautical company has unveiled the new prototype of Bourgogne's newest indigenous aircraft. This comes days after it was announced that Bourgogne would no longer jointly produce aircraft with [MENTION=18]Eiffelland[/MENTION]. The company stated that it was still sharing technology with its counterparts in Eiffelland but the new aircraft, still unnamed, would be domestically produced and was largely domestically designed. The aircraft has reportedly been in development for several years but Burgundian officials noted that it was largely a secret program with only some aspects being shared with designers and engineers from Eiffelland. Additionally the government spokesman noted that all information has now been shared with the military of Eiffelland. The company stated that though the aircraft would be expensive, it had been designed for long-term service and had the potential for upgrades. The company refused to answer questions regarding the investigation into the Golden Eagle** program in which it is accused of bribery and purposeful delays to gain favor and cash flow. Additionally, the company refused to answer questions regarding rumors that it would not ultimately produce the aircraft for Burgundian use but would instead only license production.










*Saab Draken
**Fiat G91

 

[Serenierre]

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GOVERNMENT OF SERENIERRE
COMMISSARIAT FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS

PUBLIC STATEMENT
​

5. Février. 1957 Upon instruction from Généralissime Nicolas E. Serazin, the following statement has been issued: The People's Republic condemns the provocative actions of the Grand Ducal government which extend and continue their military presence in Ivernia. Further, the announcement of the secret development of fighter jets risks creating a regional arms race. The Grand Duke is treading a dangerous line. The People's Republic should not be taken lightly. C.R. Bertrand Commissar for External Relations​

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy of Bourgogne

"the provocative actions of the Grand Ducal government which extend and continue their military presence in Ivernia". The Grand Duchy refers you to the Senate bill which will require the vast majority Burgundian forces to leave Ivernia by May 1. As for the secret aircraft development, we await [MENTION=635]Serenierre[/MENTION] to lead the way in releasing its own classified military developments. We urge Serenierre to feel free to lead by example.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Senate votes 92-11 to continue asylum program

Chagny

The Senate overwhelmingly voted to continue the program which promises asylum to those fleeing political oppression in [MENTION=635]Serenierre[/MENTION]. The vote, which took place this morning, was lead by a joint effort from senators of the Orange Party and Republic Bourgogne. The vote, in line with Ducal policy, has been seen as something of a surprise as the Senate has been seen to be attempting to assert its own authority. The Senate supported the asylum program in a straight vote,meaning that it did not suggest alterations to the current plan but reserves the right to propose changes in the future. The current asylum program guarantees that those fleeing Serenierre due to political oppression/persecution may reside in Bourgogne after an application process. Though Bourgogne can refuse to grant asylum, this option has yet to be exercised. The government has ignored calls to repatriate the exiles and refugees and has affirmed its decision following the public execution of innocent civilians. The Burgundian government has noted that repatriating those fleeing to Bourgogne was as good as a death sentence. Some on the far right and far left have called for the return of the asylum seekers, noting that extradition is a cornerstone of international relations. Moderate conservatives pointed out that extradition should be voided in general when it comes to asylum seekers. The Grand Duke is expected to respond with a definitive decision on general extradition but has stated that asylum seekers are clear from extradition due to asylum.

 

[Serenierre]

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GOVERNMENT OF SERENIERRE
COMMISSARIAT FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS

PUBLIC STATEMENT
​

17. Février. 1957 Upon instruction from Généralissime Nicolas E. Serazin, the following statement has been issued: The latest actions of the Senate of the "Grand Duchy" of Bourgogne are highly irresponsible and shall serve to inflame the passions of the people of the People's Republic. Actions such as this are indicative of the Grand Duke's disregard of maintaining peace in the region of Gallia. The delicate balance which we have been trying to strike has been damaged severely by the actions of the Senate and the corrupt government of the alleged Grand Duke, who is quite clearly commencing an attempt to claim the extinct throne of Serenierre. The People's Republic shall urge the Chagny regime to behave responsibly or else this government shall not be able to calm the sentiments of the people of this ancient land. C.R. Bertrand Commissar for External Relations​

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for External Affairs

"The Democratic Republic of Kadikistan stands behind our friends in Serenierre under de benevolent and popular leadership of Generalissimo Philippe Serazin. Recent provocations by the Chagny regime in Milesia, Cumbria and domestically towards criminal Serenierrese attempting to avoid justice are added to the long list of Burgundian warmongering efforts. The Kadikistani and Serenierrese people's will stand in solidarity and form a strong red fist against the Chagny elite and its imperialist ambitions. While we urged the Burgundian state to strive for peace and stability in the past, the hand we reached out was spit upon in the form of a renewed aerial offensive against the Milesian people and a massive shipment of weaponry to the reactionary Cumbrian rebels. We will not be fooled by your treacherous words and will remain vigilant and ready."

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

 

[Remuria]

Foreign Affairs Department
Grand Duchy of Nichtstein

If the issue of the presence of Serenierrese citizens in Bourgogne is causing some discomfort between these two nations, then the Grand Duchy of Nichtstein is ready to propose a compromise solution. Should such asylum seekers turn up in the Grand Duchy of Bourgogne, then they could be transferred for settlement in the Grand Duchy of Nichtstein. This wouldn't require much on the Nichtsteiner side as the Grand Duchy's immigration policies are quite permissive in comparison to many other countries of the world.

As an added benefit, it would get the sore out in between Bourgogne and Serenierre. And the Grand Duchy of Nichtstein does not claim or pretend to claim or can be assumed to claim any thrones or territories and is free from any historic context in the tensions between Serenierre and Bourgogne. Our Grand Duke is the King of another country, so we have that covered already.

The Grand Duchy of Nichtstein also has quite a few ongoing civilian construction work projects for immediate employment opportunities for a skilled workforce of diverse qualifications.

It shall be noted, however, the Gallian is not a national language, so some adaptation to Bourbiner or Retalian shall be required.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy of Bourgogne

The Grand Duchy would like to make it clear that we will continue to accept asylum seekers from [MENTION=635]Serenierre[/MENTION]. It is clear that returning to Serenierre will result in possible execution. Any action by those who are granted asylum or who are exiled and specifically target the government of Serenierre will not be tolerated. This violated Burgundian law and they will face justice. Additionally, the Grand Duchy reiterates that if the people of Serenierre chooses to remain communist; that decision must be respected. The Grand Duke has also stated that he has no intention of pressing his claim on the throne of Serenierre until such a time as the people ask for it. This has been a repeated statement by His Grace. We also find the accusation of "imperialist ambitions" by [MENTION=83]Kadikistan[/MENTION] to be utterly laughable. It is clearly red nations who are acting imperialistically. Bourgogne has simply leased aged weapons to a fellow nation. Perhaps Kadikistan may counter the influx of leased aged hardware by using the manufacturing equipment it stole from the Milesian people.