le Soleil- News from Bourgogne and the World

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Military expansion continues as Burgundian aircraft are lost in Ivernish conflict

The Ducal Air Force have lost 11 aircraft to groundfire since the beginning of the air campaign against the Ivernish rebels. "We have employed propeller driven aircraft for ground attacks which are more vulnerable to groundfire" said a military spokesman. Despite the loss in aircraft, the Ducal military has pursued an expansion policy and continued renewal. "The future is here and we are still fighting 20 years ago" said an anonymous Army officer. The military reserve is expected to increase by 85,000 but the active forces will remain the same.


Grand Duke pressed on Serenierre throne

Chagny

Grand Duke Maximilien was pressed today by journalists (none from le Soleil) regarding the empty throne of Serenierre which many say is rightfully the Grand Duke's to claim as the Grand Duke's mother is thought to be the closest relative to the Royal Family. The Grand Duke stated that he would "neither renounce nor claim the throne unless acted upon by the people of Serenierre". The Grand Duke said he would not comment further on the throne nor on the government of Serenierre.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Bourgogne launches monkey into space

Dahloa


Under the Dahloa Accords, the Burgundian space agency will retain a 40 year lease on its space center near Dahloa in the Peninsular Republic. From this center, a rocket launched yesterday carried a monkey named Henri "just beyond the border of space". Henri died shortly after his return to Earth following what a veterinarian called "extreme stress accumulating in his system". Henri is expected to receive a proper burial at the Burgundian Air Force cemetery as he was given the honorary rank of Captain. The Burgundian space agency and its counterpart in Eiffelland are conjointly developing better rockets. The space agency remains confident that it will have a man in space by the end of 1960, if not sooner said a spokesman.

 

[Serenierre]

Commissariat for External Relations
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC

The People's Republic is sceptical that such endeavours are truly beneficial to the struggle of humanity. The cruelty of these actions against the simian species is apparent for all to see. However what is more alarming is the fact that this opportunity is being used as a smokescreen by the governments in Chagny and Trier to further their offensive rocket capabilities. We are indeed concerned by the lack of transparency and the secrecy with which this entire program is being handled. Additionally, we believe that efforts to militarise the great cosmos should be opposed by all nations.

The People's Republic of Serenierre shall be sending a floral wreath to the tomb of Captain Henri the Monkey.

Mme. Marie-Claudette Lausanne
COMMISSAR - EXTERNAL RELATIONS

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Foreign Ministry

First, we would like to point out that there was no intention to be cruel or unjust to Henri. He was fully expected to survive his journey. Second we wish to note that the idea that we are using our space program as door into offensive rocket capabilities is laughable. The Burgundian space program is well established over the past several years. We have no plans to militarize the cosmos, only to explore mankind's environment.

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Unterrichtsministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We second the statement by the Burgundian Foreign Ministry that it was never the intention to let Henri die. The whole mission was designed to let him survive. Unfortunately, he did not. The circumstances under which he died are currently investigated to prevent recurrence.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor
Dr. Friedrich Merz, Minister for Scientific Research Stimulation

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke attends multiple services

Chagny

The Grand Duke attended both Twentish and Tiburan Catholic services on Christmas Eve as well as a Protestant non-denominational service. The Grand Duke stated that "accepting that we are all individuals with different beliefs is essential for Burgundians. It is even more-so important to have Christians recognize their brothers and sisters. However, let us not forget our Jewish and Muslim countrymen who are brothers and sisters in humanity". The Grand Duke spent the majority of the evening at services and spent much time talking to parishioners at each service. The Grand Duke is expected to attend Orthodox Christmas services on January 7th.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Serenierre arrests Burgundians, accuses them of spying

Chagny

The Burgundian today confirmed that authorities in Serenierre have arrested Burgundian citizens in the country and have accused them of espionage, an accusation the Burgundian government has deeply refuted. One of the arrested is an auto-worker from Brienne who was visiting his Grandmother. Another, a Priest of the Church of [MENTION=8]Twente[/MENTION], was reportedly in Serenierre to complete architectural research as the Priest is also a Professor at a Burgundian university. Foreign Minister Dampierre expressed his concern and said that the Burgundian government would do all possible to obtain their release. "We are unsure of the true motivations by the Government of Serenierre. Up until recently, Frankish relations had been acceptable" said the Minister. Bourgogne has also been accused, along with other countries, in violating neutral airspace during its limited operations in the Ivernish conflict. "Burgundian aircraft never breached a 200 mile buffer which was created prior to the expedition" concluded Dampierre.


Social Democrats, Himyari Unionists win big in Peninsular Republic Elections


Dahloa

Of the 106 seats in the Peninsular Congress, Social Democracy PR won 72 seats. Himyari Unionists won 22 seats. Independents which include Burgundian Unionists, communists, and others were elected to the remaining seats. The Peninsular Congress will convene to appoint temporary leadership and draft a new constitution. Presidential elections are expected sometime in the coming months. Congress President Georges Ontolumbo will take temporary executive powers.

ooc- meant to post this on the 21st but forgot.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Police guard embassy of Serenierre despite peaceful protests

A bottle of soda pope was thrown over the wall but thus far, this is the only act of violence reported against the Embassy of Serenierre in Chagny. Hundreds of Burgundians rallied around 5pm outside the embassy. Police were quick to react. So far the group of protesters have been repeatedly chanting "No Burgundian Scapegoats!" and "Free Them Now". Several protesters were asked to leave the area but were not arrested. The Grand Duke is expected to make a radio and television address at noon tomorrow.

 

[Serenierre]

You must be registered for see images COMMISSARIAT OF PEOPLE'S DEPUTIES DIRECTORATE FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS ​ 3. Janvier. 1956 The People's Republic takes this communique as an opportunity to inform its counterpart in Chagny that at midnight on the 2nd of January, under direct authorisation from Generalissimo Serazin, the Ambassador to Chagny was summoned back to Villesen. Owing to the serious deterioration of the security situation of the Grand Ducal capital, it has been decided to reduce the status of the Serenierrese diplomatic mission in the Grand Duchy to that of a Consular Office. An Honorary Consul shall be appointed shortly. Sincerely, Mme. Marie-Claudette Lausanne COMMISSAR - EXTERNAL RELATIONS​

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Government of the Grand Duchy

We are alarmed at these precautions over a few non-violent protesters but we accept the decision.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Headlines

Military exercises cancelled

Chagny

The yearly winter exercises were cancelled by the Ducal Government, citing 'global tensions. The annual exercise is the largest of the Burgundian military's and generally involves over 120,000 personnel in 3 different provinces. A spokesman denied allegations that the response of the government was as a result of any singular situation.

Smoking ban?

Starting next month, smoking will be banned in all hospitals and university classrooms as a result of recent studies which show tobacco smoke may irritate young or sickly lungs rather than strengthen them. Despite some inconclusive data, the Ducal Government has approved the nation-wide ban.

GR Auto Group to add 7200 Jobs this year

The GR Auto Group cited growing overseas sales and government projects to its portfolio. GR declined opening several offers and only opened a single overseas production plant. The group said they planned to focus on domestic employment with 3250 of the 7200 jobs coming to Bourgogne.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for Trade, Agriculture, Fishing and Industry

"The imperialist state of Bourgogne has once again shown its true face by banning tobacco in hospitals and universities. Not only are there no serious studies that show that tobacco is anything other then a stress-reliever and a fine way of relaxing. By banning smoking Bourgogne is single-handedly compromising the jobs of millions of workers employed in the tobacco sector. Under the guise of public health the imperialists are threatening the working class in an attempt to undermine the inevitable revolution."

Signed,
_X_
Gen. Ivan Tsjekova
People's Commissar for Trade, Agriculture, Fishing and Industry
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy of Bourgogne

We fail to see how banning the use of cigarettes in classrooms and hospitals could possibly threaten the livelihoods of millions of workers. Students may venture into lecture building hallways and doctors may venture outside to enjoy a cigarette.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for Trade, Agriculture, Fishing and Industry

"The short-mindedness of the official state channels of the Grand Duchy is so astounding that our Commissariat doubted to even dignify it with a response. But for the benefit of a worthy education for everyone, we will explain ourselves so that even the Bourgogne elite can understand. The ban on smoking sets a dangerous precedent for the future of the tobacco industry because it clears the way for the prohibition of smoking elsewhere. In fact by this act the government has officially endorsed the ban on smoking, an example that some will surely follow because they believe the false propaganda spewed out by Bourgogne state officials.

The Bourgogne elite is welcome to visit Kadikistan so they can enjoy our free education and learn about thing such as basic-economics. And should our visitors desire a nice smoke from our very own Kadikistani 'Red Star' tobacco, they don't have to go stand outside in the cold."

Signed,
_X_
Gen. Ivan Tsjekova
People's Commissar for Trade, Agriculture, Fishing and Industry
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Serenierre]

Consulate for the People's Republic
BOURGOGNE

The People's Republic welcomes the efforts of the Burgundian regime to de-escalate tensions in the region. However, the lack of any progress in truly addressing the issues which have caused the tensions is deeply upsetting to us. The Grand Duke must take active steps to undo the damage by ceding the title to the extinct throne of Serenierre.

 

[Rheinbund]

Königlicher Eiffelländischer Ärzteverband

A fact is that smoking leaves many unwanted substances behind in the lungs. We are currently investigating possible long-term effects of these unwanted substances. A fact is, however, that on average non-smokers have more endurance than smokers. This may be the result of a better lung performance among non-smokers than among smokers. These differences are not only statistically significant, but also clinically relevant. That alone is a reason to at least limit the amount of tobacco consumed. Enjoying a cigar, cigarette or pipe after dinner, like it was the habit about 40 years ago, is not really a problem, but smoking several times during the day has clinical consequences that cannot be ignored.

Since about 10 years ago, it became a trend among Eiffellandian young people to not start smoking, the reason for that being the fact that the teeth of smokers turn yellow. We are currently using this trend to form a cohort of non-smokers that we can compare with a historic cohort of smokers to find any differences between these cohorts.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Lost medieval battlefield found

Rully


After years of speculation and research, scholars have finally located the lost Aluze Battlefield. 9000 united Frankish forces under Burgundian Duke Robert V successfully defeated a large force under the famous Nichsteiner commander Count Heinrich von Gronau. The battle took place over two days and over a wide area. Records of the battlefield differed and though many pieces of evidence showed a definite area. The field was discovered by graduate students from several universities digging through church records and through archaeological research. A full dig is scheduled for the spring.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke joins le Soleil Radio for interview. Talks communism, the arms race, espionage allegations, and decision to push for colonial independence

The following is a transcript from the national broadcast this morning.


Arnaud Rimbaud: Thank you for joining us your Grace

Grand Duke Maximilien: Of Course. It is my pleasure now and then to join le Soleil when time permits.

AR: So let us not waster any time. In the recent months, perhaps over the past year the region has seen the development of an arms race. What specifically do you attribute this to.

Grand Duke: Are you asking me who is responsible?

AR: My intention your Grace is to ask how this came about in your opinion.

Grand Duke: I believe it to be a culmination of factors. The Republic began military modernization projects before their downfall. The subsequent government and myself supported the reforms to an extent and helped them continue. This has been an ongoing and slow transition. I think this is in part exacerbated by technological advances we and other nations have made. Complicating the matter is that there are 3 or 4 real spheres of political thought, largely divided.

AR Sorry your Grace, do you mean communism and capitalism?

Grand Duke: Is that 3 or 4? Communism and socialism have a divide as well as the socialist brand of Kadikistan. It is regrettable that these nations are at odds with Bourgogne.

AR Why are they threatened with the Burgundian political system?

Grand Duke: Threatened? I do not believe they feel threatened. I feel these nations simply do not understand that Bourgogne does mind whatever form of government they wish to have. Bourgogne supports the will of the people, that is why the Green Peninsula is now the Peninsular Republic. Their government retains socialist elements and yet we support them.

AR: Why not in 1960 as was agreed upon?

Grand Duke: The 1960 independence? Well I believe it was time. While the extra transition time would have been beneficial in some ways and helpful to Burgundians living there, it would have been wrong to wait so long. The Burgundians still there will receive dual citizenship. It was my duty to end the injustice of that colonial ambition.

AR Your Grace, if we may switch topics, the current situation with Serenierre is tense. Can you comment on your reaction to the arrest of three on espionage charges?

Grand Duke:Surprised and worried. Despite fundamental philosophical differences, we have shared a common humanity and even with the far right Republican government in power in Bourgogne; the two nations could remain cordial. The arrest of 3 innocent Burgundian citizens, one of them a Twentish Catholic Priest, on totally false charges is an insult to the international community and the Burgundian people.

AR What do you mean 'insult to the international community'?

Grand Duke: Well false accusations against foreigners is never acceptable. Not to mention the offer to return the citizens and pulling back from the deal. Word not the bond? We then were provided with 'evidence' of supposedly Burgundian aircraft violating neutral airspace which we were frankly baffled by. Any nation with a somewhat effective intelligence agency can see that it is virtually impossible for Burgundian aircraft to have done so. Even if Burgundian aircraft had deviated that far, which they certainly did not, what would have been the point? Sightseeing? Simply looking at a map would show how ridiculous this claim is. It is regrettable that our relations have sunk so low. I wish the relations would be better.

AR: Serenierre says that part of the reason for the poor relations is your refusal to renounce the throne of Serenierre.

Grand Duke: Well as I have stated I do not use the title, as is custom; nor do I consider myself to be the King of Serenierre. Serenierre simply is not a kingdom. The people of Serenierre do not wish it to be so. With these in mind, I have no desire or motivation to seek that throne. None whatsoever. I've state this before. If I were to renounce the throne, it would pass to my nephew. After that it would pass on and on. Sadly I feel that Serenierre is simply using this as a smokescreen. We need to focus on real issues like re-opening the border, the return of the Burgundian citizens who are innocent, and tackling other international issues.

AR: Thank you for your time Your Grace. The people and station greatly appreciate the time.

Grand Duke: You're quite welcome. I look forward to doing this again.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Fleet ordered back to ports as Bourgogne urges for calm

Boulon

A battleship and 2 cruisers sailed into Boulon this afternoon after receiving an order yesterday to return to port without delay. The move comes as the Grand Duke continues to seek a lowering of tensions between socialistic and capitalist nations. The Grand Duke has repeatedly denied commentary and instead has issued a statement in which he calls for Kadikistan and Justiza to reconcile differences peaceably and for Nichtstein and Serenierre to follow a similar route. Deeply concerning for the Burgundian government is the Saaremaan situation. In response Kadikistan has mobilized a fleet. The Grand Duke noted in the statement the withdrawal from the fleet, from waters largely nowhere near the areas of tension, was done to prevent any accusations of Burgundian interference or inflammation. In the statement he also condemned the arrest and false accusations of 3 Burgundians by Serenierre. Burgundian officials have visited the arrested and report them to be in good health.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Sunday Headlines

* Grand Duke attends both Twentish and Tiburan Catholic masses. Says that in Bourgogne, "all religions are the nation's religion".

* Police say two men attempted to rob an armory in southern Bourgogne near Frenaux. The suspects were apprehended when they took a wrong turn into a police courtyard and could not turn their truck around. In response, police and the military will begin guarding armories at all times.

* The Grand Ducal Government has reportedly petitioned the government of [MENTION=635]Serenierre[/MENTION] for the border to be reopened for sports teams. Several hockey and football (soccer) matches have faced cancellation, including at university levels. In the same call for action, the government reportedly demanded the return of the 'Burgundian 3'

*Peninsular Republic draws closer to total self governance. Tomorrow the former colony will announce their own currency which will be implemented sometime later this year.