Iberian News 1914 - Onwards

[Desertfox]

2. Dates aren't even close people.

Somehow I read March instead of may...

[miketr]

June 1st, 1919

The French Ambassador to Iberia is called into a meeting with the Iberian Prime Minister,
Diogo Freitas do Amaral.  He will find the Brandenburg Ambassador already there.

"Mr. Ambassador two days ago the Iberian Warship, Gibraltar, received a distress signal from a ship under attack by pirates, the Kobayashi Maru.  The ship was reported north of Socotra.  The Kobayashi Maru was discovered the next day anchored off Hadibu, the largest town on Socotra.  Capitán Calderón sent a landing party ashore to investigate and reports that his men were attacked by locals.  The locals claim that the pirates were holding several of their relatives hostage to force cooperation.  It appears that the Pirates were using Socotra as a base for their attacks for the last year or so.  The locals also claim that it has been a decade, perhaps as long as fifteen years, since France has exercised any control over the islands.  Capitán Calderón has recovered the Kobayashi Maru and plans to find the pirates ship and capture or sink them.  Capitán Calderón requested that Aden provide help and I understand that Captain von Müller of the SMS Nymphe has been dispatched to help and ships in Goa also alerted.

Also Capitán Calderón has because of the lack of competent civil authority and to maintain order has taken control of the town on a temporary basis.

Mr. Ambassador the Iberian government is frankly at a loss as to what to make of this situation.  The idea that a nation would just, in effect, abandon a large island in major shipping lane is simply astounding.

So Mr. Ambassador Iberia would like an official statement from Paris on what is the status of Socotra.  Is the island French territory or not?  If it is French territory Iberia would like some... assurances that steps will be taken to avoid a repeat of this incident.  If the territory is not French territory then something will need to be done but before we talk about that I would like to hear your governments response.  "      
   

Monsieur le Premier Diogo Freitas do Amaral, I'm astonished to hear anything like this.
In my knowledge the DKB has leased the entire Island from France for 99 years.
I'll get the information to and from Paris to clear this up as soon as possible.

Do Amaral looks at the Brandenburg Ambassador who is clearly shocked by the French ambassadors statement.  After a moment the Brandenburg Ambassador speaks, "I will contact my government again but it was my understanding that the lease was terminated and the island returned to France years ago.  I am not even sure how long we had a presence there it wasn't very long, less than a year. "

Do Amaral says, "It appears much needs to be looked into.  If we could meet again in a day or so gentlemen?" "Yes, that is good."

[ledeper]

Due to the information from the Iberian government that a pirate vessel is operating in the waters east of Socotra, the Asian sqdrn has dispatched following ships:
Bcc BCS Gujarat, Cl. 26 Gøtaland, DD 01 Bornholm, DD 02 Andøy and the Minesweeper Msc 8,
in conducting "anti-piracy" patrols in the area between Gujarat and Socotra. Any pirates apprehended in the area, will summarily be trialed and executed!

[miketr]

Well with talk of trails and hangings... might as well give people what they want.  I was waiting for Sam to get back to me but doesn't look to be any down side to not posting so...

Michael

Morning June 2nd, 20 Miles NW of Socotra

Three cruisers are close by one another, so that they could use signal lamps or flags to communicate so to avoid use of their radios.  The ships are SC-9 Neptune Captain Acuzio Iulius Malisius of the Roman Empire, SMS Nymphe Korvettenkapitän Karl Friedrich Max von Müller and HIIMS Gibraltar Capitán de Fragata Antonio Calderón.  Yesterday the Neptune ran across a ship which had picked up the distress signal and came here to investigate.  Captain Calderón informed Captain Malisius of what went on over the last few days while Captain Müller already was informed by the message to Aden.  The three ships will work together to capture the pirate mother ship.  

That afternoon looks outs spot a ship that matches the description of the Pirate Mother ship.  At once the three cruisers head off in pursuit.  The Pirate ship a threat to small or even medium sized shipping has nothing to deal with one cruiser let alone three and quickly is taken.

Early evening in the square out front of the main Mosque of Hadibu


The three captains sat at a table while the pirates stood before them under the guard of sailors of the three ships.  The Captains spoke in French which was the one language in common to the three.  

Captain Calderón spoke while pitching his voice to carry across the square which had a number of the locals watching from behind a line formed by sailors and marines, "This special Courts-Martial will come to order.  Captain Calderón President of the Court, Captains von Müller and Malisius are the other members.  The accused are charged with Murder, Piracy and Rape on the High Seas, these are Capital Crimes."  

The 'captain' of the pirates replied in accented but understandable French.  "This is bullshit Spanish sailor boy.  This no court.  You have no power, this French island."

Captain Calderón, "I don't see any Frenchmen about to turn you and your fellows over to 'Captain' and I would inform you to keep a civil tongue when addressing the court.  As to my authority, Iberian Admiralty law deals with Pirates captured via Courts-Martial.  The standard penalty for Piracy, Rape and Murder is DEATH. So I suggest you start to take this seriously."

Von Müller leaned forward, "The Reich has similar laws to Iberia.  We don't much like Pirates.  It will be your loss if you think that we will not hang you."

Captain Malisius sat straight in his chair, "The Empire like Iberia and Brandenburg has its own laws for dealing with Pirates.  I have agreed to take part in this court in the interest of justice and I am perfectly happy to condemn you to death."

The pirate captain looked at the faces of the three officers.  He saw disgust but determination and began to think that they might do just what they said.  "What I do so you no hang... Captains?"

Captain Calderón replied, "A moment the court will confer."  Then Captain Calderón continued to speak in a much lower voice, "As we agreed?"

Von Müller nodded, "Ja."

Captain Malisius, "Sì, capitano we need to know who was cooperating with these scum."

Captain Calderón turned to face the accused, "The court requires a full confession, the location of where you disposed of your loot and who your contact was.  In exchange the court agrees to not impose the death penalty.  You also testify against your men."

The pirate swallowed, "How I know you no kill anyways?"

The captains glared at the pirate and then Von Müller answered, "A pirate is questioning the word of a naval officer that is rich.  You can trust us to kill you if you don't cooperate pirate.  I suggested we turn you over to the locals; I understand that they want to have some words with you about their relatives. It seams they are not happy at the treatment their relatives as hostages got in your care."

The pirate captain glanced at Ali Bey who was watching from the crowd.  "Bharat, we take ships to Bharat.  Kochi Ship Breakers.  They buy ship, cargo and sometimes buy crews."

Captain Malisius looked ready to spit, "You sold the crew as slaves?  What a lovely person you are...  Who was your contact?"

The pirate captain answered, "Me no know why Bharati want people me just sell them."

Von Müller whispered to the others, "Thuggee..." The others nodded silently as all had heard of the rumors of what went on in Bharat.

The pirate continued on, "We talk different person when sell ships, they take ship and cargo no question."  

Captain Calderón replied flatly, "Not good enough."

Pirate stuttered, "Gambheer, Lord Gambheer.  He Bharati soldier man, rules fort."   With a forced smile, "No kill?"

Captain Calderón, "We have an agreement, give us a full statement, dates, ships and how much they paid you.  Also what you ordered your men to do and what they did."

As the Pirate captain spoke, several of the other Pirates had enough French or Italian which was very close to French to figure out that their captain was rolling them.  Even though restrained they attempted to attack their former captain and screamed all sorts of insults at him.

Captain Calderón barked, "Restrain them!"  After the sailors and marines restored order, the Iberian turned towards the pirate captain said, "You appear to be fresh out of friends 'Captain' I think we will have to keep you separate from your men.  The court will now consider the evidence and pass judgment."

The three captains spoke briefly among themselves.  

Captain Von Müller, "Guilty, hang the rest of the scum and the so called captain never has another free day.  "

Captain Malisius, "He is a Somali, if you want captain I can take him back with me.  We have fine prisons.  He can spend his days making large rocks into small rocks, the empire needs roads and railways.  Maybe some of his men have relatives in there already.  As to the rest, guilty and hang them."

Captain Calderón nodded, "I agree with my fellows on the other pirates, guilty and death.  As to the so called captain... yes there would be a certain level of poetic justice to that suggestion Captain Malisius."  Turning towards the pirates Calderón spoke up, "As president of the court I will now pronounce the judgment and sentence of this court.  The accused are found guilty on all counts the sentence is DEATH.  Sentence will be carried out at once.  The sentence of the leader of the pirates is commuted to life in prison at hard labor.  You will be turned over Captain Malisius of the Neptune and transported back to Italian Somalia for sentence to be carried out."   Captain Calderón glanced at Lieutenant López, "Hang the rest Lieutenant."

[Desertfox]

He should have surrendered to the Swiss at Masirah. Only high treason gets the death penalty in NS.

[miketr]

He should have surrendered to the Swiss at Masirah. Only high treason gets the death penalty in NS.

I am sure that if the Pirates had any clue that warships were waiting for them they would have gone anyplace but back to that island.

[Desertfox]

True. But you people just like to kill everyone...

Since we are talking about Pirates of Somalia:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-i6BgeTHkI
;D

[miketr]

True. But you people just like to kill everyone...

Criminals and scum?  Oh yah, kill them in job lots.

[maddox]

June first, late noon, Offices of Minister Capet.

Minister Capet, a telegram for you, from our embassy in Iberia. Ambassador Leuve has an urgent question.

Yes Ingrid, what is the urgency?

He asks who's holding Socotra.

Socotra?

An island between Oman and Djibouti Island. Romania asked about it 3 years ago. We answered that they should talk to the DKB. In stead the Romanians got talking to the Omani and ended up with Masirah.

That is a perfect answer. It's a DKB island.

Appearantly not. It seems that the DKB did renege on the lease, around 1905.

Why is my department not aware of that?

Nobody here is aware of that fact. But I did send out a request for all documents concerning Socotra.

Efficient and anticipating as ever, aren't You, Ingrid.
As long we don't have all the facts, Ambassador Leuve has to keep it diplomatic and non committed as possible.
And send a message to Admiral Geon. I think airship patrols and maybe a few of his modern ships could allivate the anxiety there.

[maddox]

06-02-19
Paris, Premier Galpoux's offices.

Minister Capet, Monsieur Grange, please be seated.
(the 2 men do, and are promptly served with their favorite 4 o'clock digestives)
So, messieurs, what can you tell me about this late mess we're sailing in? Monsieur Grange...

As far my documentation goes, the DKB leased Socotra for 99 years, what would let the lease end in 2003.  The payments were made in full, and made possible that the Great Canal was finished a year earlier. Officialy.
Unofficialy Palpaté had to admit that Profitable could have sparked a war nobody wanted to be in, and Socotra was the price for the DKB's silence.
There is no monetary reason for the DKB to renege on the Socotra deal. So, even if I was aware of the lack of DKB presence on Socotra, it isn't that strange. After all, as Iberia puts it, most people believe it is French. And outside the New Switsers, and their even more dark Brethren ,the Bharati's who would dare to attack France, especialy with Djibouti Stronghold so close.
With all the Pacific wars of the 2 last decades , it could be more interesting not to draw attention to the small recoaling port. But to know for sure, we should ask Ambassador Takeda.

Minister Capet. What is your point of view?

Outside the information only Le Securité has access to, the same as what monsieur Grange told you.  Except for a few small details. It seems that premier Jardan already had made agreements with the DKB about Socotra and access to the Suez Canal. But those were changed into the current know lease. Strangely enough, everything concerning Socotra went trough the¨Premiers offices, not the Foreign Affair Ministry. Our documents give this due the Rimauld case.
And series of appointments were Ambassador Takeda and Palpaté had private meetings. Some before and during the Bavarian Crisis¹, the Brazilian Blow-out² ,and a last one just before the Anuhuak El Dorado Sacrifice³.

In my opinion, those meetings could have been about Socotra. But I concur with monsieur Grange here, we should ask Ambassador Takeda.

• ¹ The formation of modern state of Greater Bavaria and Switzerland was during the tumultous year 1905. 
• ² The return of Brazil to Portugal, what went into Greater Iberia is in the same timeperiode.
• ³ El Dorado.  The last stand of the Eye Worshipping,human sacrificing and eating Anuhuac

[miketr]

Palacio del Gobernador
Manila, Philippines

"Governor-General the Admiral and his staff are waiting to see you."  The aid said.

The Governor-General stood from behind his desk, "Admiral Cortez, Gentlemen what can I do for you?"

The head of the Iberian Pacific Fleet had a grim look on his face, "I have some news you need to hear sir.  Its about the Dutch.  Commander Ortega will fill you in, Commander?"

"Excellency yesterday evening we intercepted a faint message and it was a little garbled.  Also the message wasn't coded.  In short the message appears to be a war warning and the Dutch are ordering general mobilization." 

The Governor-General looked from one officer to the other, "I see this sounds very serious.  Admiral what do you think is going on?"

Admiral Cortez shrugged, "I am not sure Governor-General and nether is my staff.  It might be worry over the New Swiss, the message was incomplete.  That mess in Africa is sending shockwaves around the globe.  We got word that the Hapsburgs will be out our way in a little over a month on an anti-piracy patrol.  Brandenburg is worried.   It could be that the Dutch want to use the war as cover to go after Siam, New Switzerland, Brandenburg or us."

Nodding slowly at the unhappy news, "I see that sounds troubling, what do you suggest Admiral?"

"Some of my people want general mobilization and invasion alert issued. "

"But?"

The admiral continued, "But I think its premature for that.  Instead I suggest we have increased patrols in the South China Sea and Celebes Sea to keep an eye on them till we know more."

"Very well Admiral that sounds sensible, keep me informed.  I will also contact Madrid asking them for any information."

The Iberian Naval officers saluted and then left.

[miketr]

Palacio de Oriente, Madrid
September 20th, 1919
Emperor, HIRH Jamie
Prime Minister of Iberia, Diogo Freitas do Amaral
Minister of Defense, Manuel Gutiérrez y Mellado (General de Ejército Ret.)
Head of the Army, General de Ejército Julio Macías y Santander
Head of the Navy, Almirante Antonio Bermejo
Sited along the wall with the Iberians is the Hapsburg Ambassador

The Ambassadors of Brandenburg Kaiserreich, France, Roman Empire and New Switzerland are called to the Palace in Madrid.  In the throne room Jamie sits on gilded throne in full regalia while the heads of the army and navy are in dress uniform.  The pair of civilian members of the government are dressed in formal attire.  Along the walls of the throne room are members of the Guardia Real.  The guardsmen stand silently, watching the ambassadors.

Jamie leans forward on the throne, "We are greatly displeased.  Some time on or before September 11th someone saw fit to lay a rather large minefield in the Straits of Gibraltar. Over the next day three civilian ships were sunk and a number of lives were lost.  The Armada has spent the past week looking for more mines but because of the powerful currents found in the straits most likely a number of mines have been swept into the Mediterranean."

The New Swiss Ambassador attempts to speak but he is cut off by a bark from the commander of the Guardia Real, "Silence!  You were not given permission to speak!"  The rest of the Guardia Real stomps their rifles butts on the marble floor.

The ambassadors are stunned by the breach of etiquette even more so as it's clear that none of the Iberians are surprised by the action of the Guardia Commander. 

Jamie gives a brief nod the Guardia commander who salutes with his sword.  Then the Iberian Monarch speaks once more, "Yes, we are MOST displeased.  Iberia has had good relations with the nations represented here.  Yet your war in East Africa is spilling over into our realm, half a world a way.  This is not acceptable and it is to end, NOW.  You are informed that we will be calling the Cortes Generales into special session and a funding bill is to be placed before them.  The purpose of this bill is to allow for the Armada to be placed on a war footing for the duration of your little war.  I trust that no additional incidents will be occurring."

Jamie then waves his hand, "You are dismissed."

The Guardia Commander barks out, "This Audience is at an END!"

Jamie, the rest of the Iberians and the Hapsburg Ambassador leave the throne room.
 

[miketr]

Madrid Declaration
September 25th, 1919

Due to the flagrant violations of international law by persons or states unknown in mining the Straits of Gibraltar, the Empire of Iberia has decided to take steps to provide for safe passage of innocent shipping in the Straits of Gibraltar. 

To that end the Empire will be enacting legislation to protect neutral shipping using the Straits of Gibraltar.  These regulation' will allow for the stopping of Merchant vessels entering the straits for a check of those ships national registry, to check the Ships masters certificate, and to verify that the cargo is safe and legal under Iberian Law. This legislation will expire one week after the end of the current conflict in East Africa.     

The Empire of Iberia regrets that these actions must be taken for the safety and security of all shipping neutral and belligerent during this time of crisis.  These regulations will be enforced without prejudice or favoritism on all ships transiting the Straits of Gibraltar.  These regulations are as follows.

1.   Any ships that wish to enter the Straits of Gibraltar will be subject to inspection by the Iberian Armada.  The inspection is limited to confirming the identity of the ship and to make sure the ship is not armed.  Ships can be inspected at sea or at Cadez on the Atlantic side or Gibraltar on the Mediterranean side.
2.   Ships moving through the Straits will do so in convoy's setup by the Armada and no movement will occur during the hours from dusk to dawn.
3.   Any ship that fails to stop for inspection a SINGLE warning shot will be fired.  After the warning shot if ships still refuse to stop then will be assumed to be hostile and SUNK without additional warning.
4.   Any Ship attempting to run the Straits after Nightfall will be treated as hostile ships and may be sunk without warning.

Any nation that wishes is free to aid the Iberian Armada in its efforts but ships provided will do so under Iberian command.   Again the Empire of Iberia wishes to clearly state these regulations apply to Shipping utilizing the right of innocent passage through the Straits of Gibraltar.  These inspections are for the protection of shipping in the Straits of Gibraltar and are both a right and duty of a state under International Law.

[Sachmle]

September 30th, 1919
The Deutsche Reich Brandenburg hereby issues a proclamation of support of the Madrid Declaration.

[ctwaterman]

September 26th 1919 Madrid:

The Empire of Italia today announces its support of the Empire of Iberia in taking the brave step of acting to protect shipping from the predation of person or states that would so cowardly attack neutral shipping by flagrantly violating the common rules of civilized war.

The Empire will be coordinating its shipping with regards to Iberian Law and will work with the Iberian Armada to help meet the needs of Iberia duty to defend innocent shipping passing through Iberia territorial waters.