Il Ducato | News from Potenza | Who Sunk the Nembo?

[Potenza]

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Duke Guido della Torre Chosen as Successor
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After much deliberation throughout the week, the Chamber of Nobles has elected, by simple majority (much of it through the National Alliance party), the successor to Grand Duke Eldizio I, who received a no confidence vote last week, and was sent a letter asking him to abdicate the throne. The successor chosen was Duke Guido della Torre, the young Duke of Venosa and head of the royal Torriani House. He accepted the nomination earlier today, and his coronation will be on Monday morning, at the Annunciation Cathedral in San Salvo, followed by the traditional parade to the palace.

Guido della Torre had for some time been Acting Duke for his father, the Duke Martino della Torre, who was suffering from Alzheimer's and many other conditions. He officially took over the Duchy of Venosa earlier this year when his father passed away, making Guido one of the youngest dukes in Potenza, at just 27-years of age. Before then, he had been something of a recluse to the public scene. Before then, he was known to the public from an accident in his childhood during a parade, which resulted in the amputation of one of his legs. Since then he strove to be able to move about in spite of his handicap, and today, with a fake leg and the use of a cane, he is perfectly able to handle every day functions.

With his coronation will come a new era in the grand duchy, with the end of Visconti grand dukes. The Visconti House has held the position of Grand Duchy since the unification of the country in the early nineteenth century, with Grand Duke Francis I. What this will entail in regards to the internal and foreign politics of the Grand Duchy has yet to be seen. Duke Guido holds good terms with Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino, and doesn't seem intent on cutting ties with either traditional Potenzan allies such as the Engellexic Empire or newer Potenzan allies such as the Kingdom of Danmark. There have been some talks of a military coup to reinstate Eldizio I, but Generale Paolo Magro, the chief of staff for the army, has denied such allegations, and those close to the former grand duke has openly stated he would not accept power through military force.

Still yet to be answered is relations with the Duchy of Treviso and the Reformed Church of Potenza. The Torriani House have traditionally been major supporters and patrons of the Tiburan Catholic Church, and part of the role of the Visconti House was to fulfill the promise of Francis I that the Reformed Church would be permitted to exist within a unified Grand Duchy. Duke Prospero di Cornaro, the Duke of Treviso, has remained silent in regards to the abdication of Grand Duke Eldizio I. There are rumors of threats of secession from the rest of the Grand Duchy if Duke Guido is placed in leadership, but thus far there have been no signs that Duke Prospero plans secession.

For now, it seems that an era of the Torriani House reigning in San Salvo will continue. Eldizio will continue ruling the Visconti house, and will not be banished from the Grand Duchy. All nobles and political leaders will come to San Salvo for the coronation and will be asked to pledge allegiance to the new grand duke, as they are at every coronation. All nobles of Europe are invited to attend the celebrations in San Salvo, as well as to spend time with the new Grand Duke at the palace, at the close of ceremonies Monday.

OOC: Consider this after Guido's visit to Great Engellex, as that would most likely take a week or so.

 

[Potenza]

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Grand Duke Guido III Coronation Held​

Duke Guido della Torre of the Duchy of Venosa was given the title Grand Duke of Potenza today in San Salvo, at the Cathedral of the Annunciation. With most of the Potenzan civilian and noble government in attendance, the young duke accepted the oaths of office from Archbishop Conti. The oaths included a pledge to serve the needs of the people and the state, to protect the Tiburan Catholic Church, and to maintain the dignity of his office. This was followed by former Grand Duke Eldizio I handing over the sword of Alexandria - what one might call the Potenzan "crown" - to Guido in a "royal change-of-command." Eldizio pledged loyalty to the new grand duke, and swore not to take his former position back by violence. As many expected, Duke Guido took the regal numbers in line with past Torriani dukes before the War of Potenzan Unification, and has adopted the royal title of Grand Duke Guido III.

Flanked by Carabinieri and the grand ducal scorti, the new grand duke was then driven through the streets of San Salvo to cheers from thousands of spectators - many of them visiting from outside the city - towards the Grand Duke's palace in the southern regions of the city. There, a ball was held, attended by Potenzan nobility and most of the high ranking members of the Chamber of Ministers and ministries.

Grand Duke Guido III is expected to make a speech directed towards the people on Potenzan radio waves later on this week, and will speak to top military officials even later on. The latter is a manner of tradition ever since Grand Duke Francis II di Visconti, in a way of the military leadership reviewing the next commander in chief. The only time this was exempted was with the wildly unpopular Grand Duke Giovanni IV di Visconti in 1934, during the Ducal Dispute, as the entire military top brass refused to attend.

It is unclear whether the Torriani House will maintain control over the Duchy of Venosa and permit the Visconti House to hold the Duchy of San Salvo, or if the leadership will be reversed, or both duchies will be swallowed up by the new grand duke. Before the War of Potenzan Unification, the Visconti House ruled the Duchy of Venosa while the Torriani House ruled the Duchy of San Salvo. This changed even after the Constitution of 1828 and the return of the exiled houses, where Grand Duke Francis I di Visconti took the Duchy of San Salvo to secure his grip on the capitol, and shifted the Torriani house to the Duchy of Venosa.

 

[Natal]

Comisariatul General al Afacerilor Externe

We would like to congratulate Grand Duke Guido III for his coronation and hope that this magnificent event won't change the warm and friendly relationship between Media and Potenza.

Comisarul General,
Mihail Pavlichenko

 

[Potenza]

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Transcript of Grand Duke's Speech
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The following is the transcript of Grand Duke Guido III's speech to the nation, delivered by radio shortly after his coronation:

To all the people of the Grand Duchy of Potenza. To the nobles. To the military officers. To the soldiers. To the pilots. To the sailors. To the shopkeepers, the workers, and the field workers. If you are hearing my voice, you are hearing the voice of your new Grand Duke, who recently took command of our proud nation some days ago, at the behest of both the elected body of the people, the Tiburan Catholic Church, and the nation as a whole. Much has already been said about the historical changes which have come with my coronation, but for now I ask that we place all talks of the past behind us where it belongs, and we look rather to the potential of the present and the promising glories of the future.

The world is a different place now than it was a century and a half ago, when the region found itself united, and the people who called themselves Potenzans found themselves for the first time without borders. We see promises of economic growth, and promises of economic collapse. We see promises of peace, and promises of war. We see promises of worldwide brotherhood, and promises of international conflict. Yet let us not forget that we are heirs to a grand legacy - a legacy of saints, economic giants, cultural kings, and divinely appointed nobility. We have known the pain of brother fighting brother, of internal turmoil, of financial ruin, and other horrors, yet at all times we have come out stronger and more aware of how to greet our dangers than we did before. Those who looked upon our recent political squabbles as a sign of weakness are not aware of what Potenzans have dealt with in our past.

For the past few years, Potenza has been rising steadily on the international scene, making herself known in a variety of ways to those even thousands of miles away. Let us therefore move forward with this in mind - that we are a grand duchy united by a common culture, a common language, and a common belief in the Almighty God. To those who would wish us well, we shall remain, as we had before, faithful friends and allies in times of need or distress. To those who would wish us harm or evil, let them continue to do so. Our military stands ready, our leaders are resolute, and our people are prepared for any sacrifice that may be required of them. The Grand Duchy shall not become the prey of hostile foreign powers, nor shall we allow ourselves to be enslaved by the whims and ideologies of foreign minds.

To those Potenzans hearing the sound of my voice, join me, therefore, in our march forward, to fulfill the destiny of our nation. That Potenza may stand in Gallia as the jewel it once was, and that the Tiburan people would rise above the squabbles and conflicts of her past. Let us march forward knowing that our cause is true, and that the Almighty God shines His grace down upon the Grand Duchy. Ave!
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[Potenza]

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Potenzan Authors in Literary Festival
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Many Potenzan authors were entered into the World Literary Festival being held in Westhaven, Havenshire. Among these works included the bestselling novel The Wise Thief by Corrado Alvaro, the controversial Insurrection by Sibilla Aleramo, and John Ciardi's unique short story The Twiddle Dee Dee. The submissions were coordinated between the individual authors' respective publishers and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities. The literary works were submitted in both the original Tiburan and their official English translations.

There was some discussion about the legitimacy of Potenza's interest in the festival after Alan Buckley of Cantignia refused to have his work submitted to the literary festival, due to the atheist and communistic nature of the Havenshire government and her allies. As Communist and Fascist parties are banned in the Grand Duchy - after the communist and fascist uprisings in Turin in the 1940's - is cooperation with a literary festival held in a communist nation truly appropriate?

Giancarlo Galan, the Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities, explained that only the parties are prohibited in the grand duchy - not the communist or fascist thought. Books teaching on these ideologies are still permitted in Potenzan libraries, and the ideologies are discussed at Potenzan universities. In like manner, Minister Galan explained that the Grand Duchy's participation in the literary festival was to show that literature crosses political and national boundaries. He likewise stated that Merlino's government was keen on demonstrating that Potenza would not draw a line between communist and republic, and pointed to the prime minister's close ties with nations like Media as examples.

When asked if there was any contradiction in his Tiburan Catholic-themed book being read in a mostly atheistic country, Wise Thief author Alvaro said that he hoped his novel brought many to God's church. When asked about his book being read by communists, Twiddle Dee Dee author Ciardi waved his fingers in the air and said: "Oooooh! Scary communists going to read my story about a monster that eats people because of a tooth ache? Oh no!"

 

[Potenza]

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Interview with General Ronco
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An Il Ducato journalist met with Maggior Generale Francesco Ronco, commander of the Tenth Scipio's Own Division and Potenzan forces taking part in the reconstruction and peacekeeping in post-war Solaren. Below is an excerpt from the interview held between the two parties.

ID: What part did the military play in the Grand Duchy's interests in Solaren?

FR: Potenza is a democracy, the military is ruled under the command of the Grand Duke and the auspices of her civilian government. The military does not have a say in foreign affairs - that's a matter of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. I don't have any interests in knowing what six hundred politicians desire to do - I have 15,000 soldiers I have to take care of.

ID: Many critics have said Prime Minister Merlino's interests in Solaren are based more on increasing Potenza's economic power in the region rather than humanitarian interests. Could you confirm or deny this?

FR: Irregardless of the government's interests in Solaren, the Tenth Division has her orders, and I'm here to make certain my men fulfill them. My orders say nothing of increasing economic power, only to assist in the reconstruction efforts and the attempts by foreign workers to help Solaren regain her former infrastructure.

ID: What obstacles do you see facing the Potenzan forces in Solaren?

FR: One is containing the more extremist elements left over from the former dictatorship. The other is defending the reconstruction efforts. The other, and perhaps most important, is maintaining a consistently friendly relationship with the local Solaren people. As you know, Scipio's Own has a bit of a reputation as a "trouble unit," but my men are much better behaved than expected, and they all understand that anyone who violates the trust of the Solaris people will be severely reprimanded - and by me, personally.

ID: How are the Potenzan forces cooperating with the other forces in the area?

FR: Potenza is for the most part dealing with some of the more rural areas in the north, while the international forces are handling the more urban southern cities. One problem the Grand Duchy's forces are having is that many other international organizations do not seem to realize that we even exist. Communications are being opened up with the ground forces of Eiffelland and other nations, while the Grand Duchy is being left alone like an ugly woman at the pub. This means the Grand Duchy will have to rely on more Potenzan-based resources, and we're receiving them, thankfully. Much of it is from Potenzan businesses with interests in the region, others from the Catholic and Reformed Churches. My soldiers are of course receiving their supplies from the Ministry of Defense, but we need something for the reconstruction efforts, and to handle the famine and poverty that these people had suffered under for a long time.

ID: What is the timeline for the Potenzan army in Solaren?

FR: The Ministry of Defense hopes that we can be here at least a year, although they've talked of extending that timeline another year. The hope is that the Solaris regional forces will be able to be self-sustaining, and that the infrastructure would support itself should the peacekeeping forces leave.

Potenzan troops entered Solaren some months ago, in cooperation with the forces that invaded the country last year in response to Pope Urban's terrorism.

 

[Potenza]

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Economic News
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Overshadowing the deployment to Solaren, the Potenzan government has been dealing with the latest economic events to hit the country.

The first major story was the expected increase in oil prices, following the announcement from Media, Jurzan, and other major oil-producing nations. The average Potenzan - especially in the rural areas - may see prices increase at least a lira or two in the next few weeks. Vincenzo Visco, Minister of Economy and Finance, addressed journalists the other day, saying the Grand Duchy was pursuing the pipeline deal that would have seen oil transported from Danmark and refined in Potenza herself. The pipeline deal was pursued last year, but due to confusion between governments and constant change of leadership over who was handling the deal, the entire plan fell through. With this increase in oil prices, Visco said that the Grand Duchy was now going to actively pursue this motion to decrease the Grand Duchy's reliance on oil from farther lands.

The other major news was the announcement of the Grand Duchy's participation in the Grand European Trade Pact (GETP). The signing of the pact took place in San Salvo itself. This organization will pledge to lower tariffs, increase trade and give "trade preference" among the member nations. Besides, Potenza, other signatories included the Danish Imperium, the Republic of Ardenne, the Empire of Great Engellex, and the Socialist Republic of Media. Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino assured Potenzans that this would not harm home-based businesses, but would encourage trade and industry within the Grand Duchy, as well as permitting the Grand Duchy's home-grown businesses to expand elsewhere and increase Potenzan influence.

 

[Potenza]

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Trade Pact with Media Signed
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The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced earlier today that a deal had been reached between the governments of the Grand Duchy and the Socialist Republic of Media, in an effort to handle the recent increase in oil prices. The agreement would in essence involve a trade: industrial inspectors and teachers from Potenza would go to Media in exchange for oil at a discounted price. The industrial teachers would serve to aide the Median people in the setting up of industrial centers, as well as the perpetuation and handling of various industrial matters. Many of these inspectors and instructors come from various circles of the Potenzan economy, including the automobile manufacturing, agriculture, and weapons making. Some are agents from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ministry of Interior, with the rest of the personnel being civilian contractors coming from experience in various Potenzan markets. The Mazzio Corporation, one of the largest transportation businesses in the country and largest investor in the Potenzan Merchant Fleet, has likewise offered assistance.

Economy and Finance Minister Vincenzo Visco said that Potenzans would not see relief in gasoline prices until sometime next month, when the petroleum from Media was being refined. He likewise assured journalists that the Grand Duchy was seeking sources of petroleum from other foreign sources.

This announcement comes after a spar between various members of the Grand European Trade Pact in San Salvo, mainly those opposing the inclusion of the Socialist Republic. This has earned criticism of the movement from communist nations including Havenshire, but Prime Minister Merlino reiterated that he and the Median Premier were on good terms, and the Grand Duchy had no qualms with associating themselves with the Socialist Republic.

 

[Hanseatic Republics]

Kongens Departement for Utenlandske Krefter Korrespondanse
7. maj-plassen. PB 8114 Dep. N-003
Kristiania, Agder​

Til: San Salvo, Potenza
Fra: Kristiania, Agderike

STRENGT HEMMELIG
(top secret)
HEMMELIG
(secret)
KONFIDENSIELT
(confidential)
BEGRENSET
(restricted)
UKLASSIFISERT
(unclassified)

* * * * *​

4 Oktober 2012

His Royal Majesty finds the Potenzan position as condemnable. Potenza's self serving policies sacrifice the culture and well-being of civilized Europe for acting in collaboration with the Communists of Europe. This announcement only confirms our position and our refusal to sign the San Salvo Pact is imminent.

It would seem that the Potenzans certainly do not understand the plight of our cultures and our way of life. All is threatened and everything is on the table with the Communists. Acting in concert with them in any field is a threat to civilized Europe as they only seek the end and fall of our cultures, to be replaced with their very own systems. The folly of Potenzan policy is immense.

King Haakon V feels he can no longer trust the Potenzan nation to act correctly or in the best interests of civilization. It is unlikely to see future cooperation between our nations on any grandeur scale in the future.

Med Vennlig Hilsen,
Solveig Thorsnes

Solveig Thorsnes

Agderikes utenriksminister​

* * * * *​

 

[Serbovia]

Ulkoasiaintoimisto
Foreign Office

Fennian Unioni
The Fennian Union

The Union echoes the concerns presented by our esteemed neighbors in Agderike over the degree to which the Potenzan government has positioned itself in alignment with Media, a member of Europe's clique of bolshevist regimes. Whilst confident that the Fennian and Potenzan nations will be able to maintain civilized interaction in the future, we must thus question the wisdom of engaging in liaisons with such a power as the Median red junta, or if it is morally just to provide economic backing to such a country that is a vestige of the red menace plaguing in Europe. The Union hopes that wisdom and foresight is granted to the decision-makers in Potenza to such a degree that they will be able to do in this what is in the long-term best for their country and indeed, for European stability and civilization as a whole.

Regards,
Mr. Kauko Vannas,
Foreign Minister
The Fennian Union

 

[Potenza]

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While the Grand Duchy appreciates the feedback of allies, Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino would like the good men from Agderike and the Fennian Union to know that it was not on an arbitrary whim that his government pursued deals with the Socialist Republic of Media. Potenza has always maintained good relations with the Median people and her government, and vice versa. Potenzan citizens travel about Media unhindered, and we have never experienced any serious conflicts of interest between our two governments. There were many nations that increased the price of oil, not just Media - the reason our ambassador opened discussions was because of the already warm relations between our governments.

Furthermore, the advisers and instructors will be operating purely with industry. Not one single Potenzan-built rifle or gun will be exchanged from Potenzan fingers into Median. We do not see this trade deal as a sign of the apocalypse, nor do we foresee it creating a power imbalance in the Himyar region.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister
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[Great Engellex]

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An Extension of The Queen-Empress' Statement in Council.
DULWICH, SUNDAY, 7th OCTOBER 1952​

TO THE GRAND DUKE, LORDS, AND THE COMMONERS OF THE GRAND DUCHY OF POTENZA
I am instructed to EXPRESS on behalf of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty;​

Circumstances appeal strongly to all Governments of Europe, at the present juncture, in favour of a measure of wise pragmatism and safe economy.

In consequence of the deplorable events in the Orient and communist agitation north and south of the Long Sea, including the partial disturbance to the harvests of some European countries, the commerce and manufactures of many nations are exposed to an ordeal of great suffering. The diplomatic manoeuvres of the Grand Duchy of Potenza for commercial and industrial schemes with Media, being carried into effect, should ameliorate the financial position of the Grand Duchy and affords the means for alleviating the fiscal burdens of her peoples. But the moral effects of such a measure are not without significance, in that such enterprises with states, such as Media, should not be encouraged without great necessity, which her Majesty’s Imperial Cabinet believes to be the case.

The Government of the Grand Duchy of Potenza should be commended for its duty to the people, not condemned.

His Grace, the DUKE of NONSUCH,
By the Grace of GOD, of the EMPIRE of GREAT ENGELLEX, CHARLOTTE, the QUEEN-EMPRESS,
through the FIRST LORD of ALDWYCH D'EVERCY

 

[Potenza]

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Transcript of Sunday Speech
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The following is a transcript of the radio address to the nation given by His Royal Majesty Grand Duke Guido III, given earlier today.

My citizens, and my friends. Today I greet you during a moment in which the world seems to be spiraling more and more out of control. There are, as our Lord and Savior once said, wars and rumors of war. Boliatur, which threatened the death of Potenzan citizens, is ending an internal struggle, but is now facing external threats. The Soviet Republic of Miroslavl is calling for the blood of her neighbors and those in far lands. Potenzans only know too well the fear of war - it was not too long ago that we saw the Grand Duchy's neighbors invaded; Montelimar to the north and Solaren to the south. There was some fear that the chaos and destruction would find itself within our borders, but by the grace of God, Potenza was spared. The storms of war and annihilation seemed to pass by the Grand Duchy, and drift to the skies of other lands. Yet even now, there is some fear that war may find itself in Solaren yet again, while Potenzan troops are stationed there.

As your Grand Duke, given me by the power and choice of the Chamber of Ministers, let me assure you that your government is doing everything in their power to remain neutral in these various conflicts. We will, of course, remain faithful to our allies in Danmark, Engellex, and many other nations. Potenzans will offer their service for their friends in whatever manner can be done, but the Grand Duchy has no interest in extending her interests in such a way that would endanger her homeland and bring that chaos into our cities, among our people, and in our homes. The Grand Duchy has not experienced a foreign invasion since her unification more than a century and a half ago, and may God grant that this trend continue for more centuries to go.

All the same, the Grand Duchy must not permit our enemies - open and potential - to believe we are unable to fight. In the halls of foreign governments, we are labeled as wealthy merchants who buy others to fight our wars, or silly fishers who are content with sitting at home and singing rather than venturing forth to battle. Let them not think this. Let no one think this. Every single Potenzan listening to my voice should remember that in their veins is the same blood which flowed through great heroes in the past. When the Ancient Tiburan commander Scipio Suetonius Paulinus gazed upon his men, before the Battle of Appennino Woods, and wept, it was not out of weakness, but out of a realization of the demand duty calls forth in her warriors. Throughout the Age of the Duchies at War, Potenzan men showed their prowess in battle and their intent to fight to the bitter end. During the Turin Insurrection, Potenza's military showed its willingness to assemble and face any enemy - from within or without - that would dare turn down her flag and raise the banner of anarchy and bloodshed.

Let me here now read the words of the Duke of Turin, when he received the order to yield his duchy to the Emperor of the North, who had taken the Duchies of Treviso and Cremona, and was now poised to continue on to San Salvo and take the entire Potenzan region. The Empire of the North was a military power of its time, and had taken control of much of the Gallian region and beyond. In response to this great empire demanding his surrender, the Duke of Turin wrote back:

In my time of rule, I have never once quarreled with you, or raised my fist in anger. If you wish to come to my duchy wearing leather boots and talk with me man-to-man, you will be welcomed as a friend. If, however, you come my duchy wearing iron boots and seek to enslave me and my people, you will be met as an enemy...Rather than surrender to you in chains, my people would sooner surrender their souls to God on the field of battle.

Let these words, spoken in defiance of mighty odds, be in the hearts of every Potenzan in these months to come. Our Grand Duchy has seen growth and advancement in the recent months, and we will continue to build and grow as God permits. However, we will not build with the tools of murder and tyranny, nor will we permit others to destroy that which Potenzan hands have built. Let us continue to march on, under the dignity of the biscione, and the glory of the black eagle. Ave!

 

[Ardennes]

Office of the President

The Republic of Ardennes welcomes the position put forth by the Potenzan state. Seeking peace and prosperity for your people is not shirking in the face of a threat, as other nations might have you think. Rather, it is doing what is best for all of Europe. Further, it is of the opinion of President Lebrun-Millerand's government that Potenza can meet the commitment of its allies whilst keeping its young men far away from the bloodshed. Ardennes will work with Potenza in anyway it can to help bring peace and prosperity to the sub-continent.

 

[Potenza]

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Folgore to Solaren
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The Ministry of Defense announced earlier today that the 1st Parachute Brigade of the Folgore Division was being deployed to northern Solaren next week, within Potenzan occupied territory. The 2nd and 3rd Parachute Brigades were put on standby with the "possibility of deployment," pending a decision from the Ministry and the Regio Esercito High Command. The Folgore Division, led by Maggior Generale Fausto Macor, is the famed airborne unit of the Potenzan army, considered to be made up of some of the best and most well trained fighters in the military. Both they and the Scipio's Own Division - already deployed in Solaren - are part of 4th Corps, under the command of Tenente Generale Giorgio Battisti. Both Battisti and Macor are expected to remain in Potenza, commanding through their subordinates. The 1st Parachute Brigade will work in conjunction with the Scipio's Own, under Maggior Generale Francesco Ronco, currently headquartered in northern Solaren. The role of the Folgore will be to assist the Scipio's Own on their duties, as well as to perform other necessary duties, permitting the Scipio's Own to continue with their primary role of peace-keeping.

Minister Sergio Mattarella explained that part of the reason for the deployment was the concern over Carentania, who also has troops in Solaren. These concerns first grew when Carentania increased troop numbers in northeast Solaren (near Potenzan-occupied territory) in the "possibility" of an attack from Danmark. Concerns increased with the recent blockade of Jurzan committed by Carentania's navy, despite pleas from the international community to cease. Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino addressed the Chamber of Ministers yesterday, saying he was in agreement with Grand Duke Guido III over the pledge to remain neutral if there was no immediate threat to Potenzan interests, but added that the Grand Duchy would preserve and protect her interests if they were threatened. He likewise joined with many of his peers in other nations in the condemnation of Carentania's actions, demanding the Carentanian government withdraw her fleets from Jurzan and cease these actions. It was likewise stated that there was some intelligence that Carentania was preparing a hostile attack against Jurzan itself.

"Jurzan criticized Communism, yes," Merlino explained, "but a nation cannot claim to be a bastion of freedom if it cannot take a blow or two to its ego."

Critics of the prime minister, mostly from the Democratic Party, accused the move of being instigation. They likewise said it was hypocritical of the government, given the condemnation of Carentania for doing likewise.

In the meantime, elements from Potenza continue to invest in northern Solaren, assisting in the reconstruction. Many Turin-based architectural companies have laid the ground works for new buildings and neighborhoods in the region, and the Mazzio Corporation has announced a plan to build a new railway that spans across the region, from one end to the other, with a possibility of a bridge over the body of water separating the two nations. The Metropolitan Archdiocese of San Salvo was given the helm of all relief efforts by the Grand Duke, and have already begun calling their members to pay special charities to fund food and care packages for the average Solaris family. The Reformed Church of Potenza has done likewise, even taking money from other missionary movements, and intend to send a group into northern Solaren later next week.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

Carentania has repeatedly pointed out that, albeit the Jurzani anti-communist and anti-Carentanian tirades provide the white-noise of an imperialist mobilization against Socialism, it was never and will never be a reason as to which Carentania takes such measures as it did. We have strong reason to believe that the weapons sent by the Mezhist Union are intended for terrorists assaulting Carentanian citizens. We find Potenzas assaults on Carentania, considering its silent support for the Danish invasion of Raigestan, to be hypocritical to the point that we believe it an intentional misrepresentation.

Carentania is aware of the global mobilization against democracy that is launched by European reactionaries at the moment. Potanzas deployments to Solaren are thus considered an open threat of warfare against Carentania on the territory of a third nation.

Potenza must, in the interest of peace, withdraw immediately. We will not be bullied into accepting the supply of Mezhist terrorists with weapons.

 

[Potenza]

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Transcript of Sunday's Address
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The following is a transcript of the radio address to the nation given by His Royal Majesty Grand Duke Guido III earlier today.

My citizens, and my friends. As many know by now, especially in our cities and urban areas, there is greater fear of war coming towards our shores. If you are unaware, permit my voice to aide you in understanding. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Defense, with blessing both from myself and Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino, announced that a single brigade of our notable Folgore division would be deployed to Solaren. This was done because of the growing tension in the region between Carentania and Danmark, and so that some preparation could be made without hindering the work of the Scipio's Own division. In response to this news, the Grand Duchy's government received this message from the Carentanian Commissariate for Foreign Affairs: "Potenza's deployments to Solaren are thus considered an open threat of warfare against Carentania on the territory of a third nation. Potenza must, in the interest of peace, withdraw immediately."

Let us pause and stop for a moment, and consider what the state of the Potenzan military in northern Solaren has thus far been. The Scipio's Own division had been acting as peacekeepers, instilling order and bringing hope to a war-torn region. I have before me a copy of the report sent to the Ministry of Defense and the high command of the Regio Esercito, written by Maggior Generale Francesco Ronco himself. In it, he writes: "My men are under strict orders to be on their best behavior. Every day, we see another child smiling, we see another ray of hope in a man's eyes. Things are far from perfect, but I have confident that, within a year, you will not recognize Solaren again." These are the words of one of the Grand Duchy's finest officers, serving in one of the most honorable missions the Grand Duchy has ever carried out. It highlights the tie the Potenzans have with the Solaris people, in the Tiburan blood we share and the Tiburan language we speak. It highlights that we both desire hope and peace, security and dreams.

Now, we are told by the Carentanian Commissariate that these men impose some threat upon his nation. I ask: upon what basis? Where is the threat? Up to this time - and I hope beyond this moment - we have been working in full cooperation with the Carentanian and Eiffelland governments. We have not superseded the authority of the Solaren National Congress, and we have not declared even a single speck of Solaris dust as Potenzan territory. I think even the worst enemy of ours would have to admit we have acted with the utmost respect towards the sovereignty of the Solaris people and her developing government. The Potenzan soldier is not a perfect man, but I will speak for their overall innocence of motivation, and ask the Carentanian Commissariate what our Blessed Lord asked when he was struck by one of the Temple's officers and said: "bear witness of the evil, but if well, why smitest thou me?"

It is true that a brigade of Folgore is planned to be deployed, but I have already outlined the reasons behind this. Might I ask the Carentanian Commissariate: is a single brigade truly a threat? That is barely 5,000 men. There will, by their deployment, only be 20,000 Potenzan soldiers on Solaris soil. Does Carentania truly think Potenza can launch an attack in a major nation with simply 20,000 soldiers? I must confess that if this is the case, the gentleman either holds us to be without hindsight or amazingly stupid.

Might I also point out the absurdity in threatening war because your neighbor is worried about you? Potenzan citizens, permit me to tell you a parable. Suppose I was walking down the street, and I came across a friend of mine. I saw this friend with a timid look in his eye, and holding a club close to his body. I ask, "Friend, why look you so frightened?" He replies to me, "I'm worried you might attack me." Now, the Carentanian Commissariate would have us believe that the best response would be to pull out a gun and threaten to shoot the poor man on the spot. What have I done? I have only confirmed his fears! Now let us suppose, instead of pulling out a gun and threatening like so, I talk him down. I assure him I mean him no harm, and convince him that there is no need for the club or his fear. Even a child can see that the latter is far more sensible than the former.

This is the situation that should occur, but things are currently not as they should be. I have received word that even the Eiffelland government is concerned over Carentania's actions, and will bolster their military forces in Solaren. This proves a very real danger: a nation torn by war is on the grips of an entirely new one. Those who should be the healers of the nations will be the killers. What then, will become of poor Solaren? What then, will become of the Solaris people? They will be like a village caught in the battle between three giants, who stamp their feet and slam their fists with little concern for the consequences for those below. How then, will they trust anyone outside their borders? Where will their future be? I am not a prophet, but in order to foreknow the future, one first needs to have one. With no visible future, there will be no visible hope for the Solaris people.

When I last addressed you, citizens and friends, I said that the Grand Duchy would focus on peace and neutrality. My hardest political enemies no doubt expect me to be changing my tune, but this will not be the case. Potenza is not interested in war. She has never been interested in war inside Solaren. We have no aspirations of uniting Solaren or fighting foreign powers within it. We have too much invested in it already, not only with our military deployment but with many Potenzan businesses and charities who have answered the call to step in and assist the people with their renewal. We have invested too much, and blood is a big expense.

Therefore, as I know my voice is being heard on the radios even in Solaren, I will give an open call to the governments of Carentania and Eiffelland. We must cease these threats, my peers, and come to an agreement. I therefore suggest that representatives from the Foreign Ministries of our respective governments meet in Torrence and come to an agreement on how we can ensure peace between our three factions within the nation of Solaren. We all have, I pray and hope, a common goal in the reconstruction of this nation. Let us be the agents of Solaren's rebirth - not it's destruction. Let us be friends of the Solaris people, not punishers. Let us bring hope to their children, and not perpetual fear. Let us leave the nation with stability, not chaos. Let us show them how responsible governments handle the danger of hostilities - I know that the Solaris people are watching us on this.

I know that the will of the Grand Duchy's government and people are behind me on this, and I know that, if those in Carentania and Eiffelland love their children as much as we do ours, they will come to an agreement on how we can forgo our differences. Let those Solaris hearing this voice of mine, transmitting across the lake that divides us and into your homes, being spoken in your own language, know that the Grand Duchy is not seeking war, and will strive to prevent it. Ave!

 

[Serbovia]

Ulkoasiaintoimisto
Foreign Office

Fennian Unioni
The Fennian Union

Our Potenzan friends have the support of the Fennian Union in its affair. The genuine reason for the sudden Carentanian hostility concerning Potenzan troops in the country must be interpreted as a sign of a communist master plan to annex the belaguared Solaris people into the Workers Republic, or by the very least turn Solaren into their red puppet state, both concerning prospects for Solaren as a country and its near-regions. To gain a free hand in Solaren the Carentanians want all others out.

Regards,
Mr. Kauko Vannas,
Foreign Minister

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

We feel assured by the words of the Potenzan government and relieved by their calm approach - and hope that this persists despite the political pressuring and aggressive rhetorics of its allies. There are belligerent forces presenting a very real threat to the Workers' Republic. Danmarks actions against Raigestan are merely the most blatant of recent imperialist actions and the Workers' Republic is preparing for the worst case of a defensive scenario. Not out of bloodlust, but out of the determination to defend the achievements of its revolution and the freedom of its citizens.

Potenzas deployment thus caused concerns within the Workers' Republic about its military assembling alongside Dano-Sarmatia and the overly aggressive Fennian government and join in on said governments attempts to incite war in Himyar and begin the next attempt to militarily subdue the Workers' Republic in the Jurzan.

If Potenza has any and all intention to distance itself from the belligerent madmen that rule other European states, we feel that there is the possibility for Eiffelland, Potenza and Carentania to defuse the tensions in Solaren and maintain the prosperous cooperation of the recent past, that have provided fertile soil for the growth of an independent Solaren democracy.

 

[Serbovia]

Ulkoasiaintoimisto
Foreign Office

Fennian Unioni
The Fennian Union

The Carentanian government insists upon referring to so-called "threats" against its continuation, even though the majority of these "threats" are of dubious factual basis or direct consequences of its own actions in form of harassing sovereign states with maritime blockades and troop movements as well as devising plans of invasion against its neighbors. If the regime in Rijeka would try to maintain even the most basic standards of civilized statemanship they would have realized this themselves. Alas, the ability to re-examine one's own actions and their effects as well as possible mistakes has been lost among the Carentanians, who instead have chosen to blame others for the results of their volatile, reckless and conflict-seeking foreign policy.

Additionally, the Fennian government must refute the ridiculous claims made by the red Rijeka junta's ill-founded and propagandistic claims of the Union attempting to incite some kind of a war in Himyar. On the contrary, the Fennian nation is attempting to preserve peace and keep the seas available for all who wish to utilize them for civilian purposes, while both peace and maritime freedom stand at the crosshairs of communist vultures.

Regards,
Mr. Kauko Vannas,
Foreign Minister