Paris Temps

[Sachmle]

Thought, I have a feeling this is going to hurt the French alot more than the Siamese.

Honestly, how? The French has about zero interest East of Ceylon and West of the Darien canal (I am ignoring Polynesia here). The canal would benefit only those who'd need access to the South China Sea from the Indian Ocean - in case they are at war with the Netherlands. The only such nation is the DKB.

Which is A. Why I was surprised that no one asked me if DKB would help finish the canal, and B. Why I'm IC backing the Siamese.

[Desertfox]

Honestly, how? The French has about zero interest East of Ceylon and West of the Darien canal (I am ignoring Polynesia here).

Not in that sense. France has been retreating from just about anywhere. Kolkatta is just the latest French retreat, and now they not only cause another war but then don't even help the victim of their moves? The French are going to look weak and their prestige is going to take a nosedive. Politiclly, France is commiting suicide one small slit at a time.

[P3D]

Dunno, 20% increase in the budget for 10 years a so allows a consolidation of assets and strengthening French economic/military position in theaters where it counts. Even accounting for wasteful social programs.

[maddox]

That's what the Siamese get for not helping an ally when it could have made a difference and for placing their thrust on the unthrustworty French. Thought, I have a feeling this is going to hurt the French alot more than the Siamese.

What has France done except accepting a Siamese business plan with the intention to look into it, and search for investment partners?

Only a few Franks were used to send letters around.

[maddox]

* See  Dutch-Siam war

August 12 1916. 11 am
Paris, Minister Capets redecorated -like in the old days- office.


Bonjour Minister Capet, settling in well at your new, old office?

It's as I never left. How and why did you do it Premier Galpoux?

Elementary dear Capet, I needed a capable man to replace Marveuille, and you're a proven ,capable man. With Kolkata and Bavaria, not to mention the Dutch issues, we need a force of nature to handle the international mess. Parliament agreed on that, so, you got your job back, even without being re-elected. But, lets get to business. We need a big shovel to get the manure out of the way.

That's an understatement. Maybe getting Gargantua to shovel away.

Funny you mention that. She's a part of the problem. At least, she can be. You are lacking one aid at the moment, don't you? I fired him. That moron probably caused the Siam-Dutch war. And if we're not carefull, we'll end up holding the sharp end of the stick to our throat.  When Siam proposed France to help building the kra canal, it seems they expected to get a smoother, faster and definitive yes or no. I shunted the proposal to Foreign Affairs and Economic development. The 2 ministries then decided to share the information, and Bavaria was one of the countries asked to join the endeavor.
Unfortunatly, Bavaria is one of the Leipzig Compact members. Otherwise there are 2 other countries that could have informed the Dutch, but the Bavarian angle is the most logical and honorable.
In short, the Dutch do not want the Kra Canal, as it would bring ruin to the NEI. And they did treaten war over the issue in the past.

Why would we want the Kra Canal then? With that asshole Sarrrault being his own boss now, something he wouldn't have dared with Paixhans or me, there is no need for a safe and fast canal route to avoid the Dutch waters towards Indochina.
Also, if you look at the cost of the Great Canal, canal building on that scale isn't profitable at all. It's cheaper to build larger merchant ships that operate with less costs.
But on merchants, you cannot believe how many complaints we get in a few days about delayed ships, broken contracts and lost money from the ship owners and mercantile firms. What are we going to do about it?

Oh, complaints. Lost money? How much can those firms and owners lose in 7 days?

If my accountants don't miscalculate, we're out of $2 in revenues from the far east trade.  And I mean the State of France, not the total.

Whoa... you mean 1% of the French revenue? In 7 days? Since when are we more trade dependent than the Dutch?

It seems our traders are betting heavely on uninterupted trade and transport. And if the data is correct, it's the Dutch that are reaping the profits from our loss. Their ships ain't troubled, and they can pick up the contracts our merchants have to forfeit.
Like Cicero said in the ancient times "qui bono". Follow the money.
And that's ironic. The second Den Hague treaty, one of the few France signed, forbids how the Dutch are acting around Siam. Especialy article 20 is of interest.

Get me a full report on that treaty and how it works in this case, as well the ramifications of it.
And I'll call the Dutch envoy for cup of tea. It seems a serious talk is needed.  
Care to join me for that teaparty? Let us say, august 28 9am.
If needs be, doctor Le Compte will be available.
I'll trow a party on sunday, a nice, clean party, not the real feasts we enjoy, but something prim and propper for the finer tastes of the black sock wearing Dutch.

Premier Galpoux, I already like your style.  Care to join me for dinner at Hotel Napoleon?

[maddox]

28 august, evening.

Minister Capet, Minister Lebrun ,it is obvious that the Dutch envoy couldn't say anything about the Siam issue, nor the waves of mercantile disturbtion they cause. Also, there is no chance that the Netherlands will let go of the Siam conquest. So, what do you advice?

Premier we should aid Siam's souvereigns. It's partialy our fault the poor people there are being killed. They wanted a canal to better their lot, as Glorious France has proven at Suez and New Rhun. The haugthy wavering and Laiser Faire of our ministries caused this mess. We should have more direct control over our ministries, like real leders, not elected figureheads.

Oh, since when are you so eager to rule as a tin plated dictator, Capet? And even if France is the reason the Dutch attack a small weak monarchy, why should we care? It's just a change of tax collectors for the Siamese. And I would say, the Dutch better watch out. Glorious France lost more than 1 corps figthing in that disease ridden jungle.

Lebrun, doucement, we're not here to insult each other. So, you propose to do nothing about that situation?

That is not what I wanted to say Premier Galpoux. Glorious France can gain a great deal out of the situation, military speaking. But we'll have to keep Kolkata and Ceylon in wartime upkeep then for the next HY. We cannot afford to lose the vigilance there. It won't do to lose Kolkata to a bunch of heathens, and then having the Dutch battlefleet showing up at Tricomalee, with our pants down.
I would like to have Admiral Jarre observe the situation to the fullest, using every asset he has at his disposal.

You backstabbing sneak, you already gave those orders. The airships are already flying full time over the Siam warzone, traveling between Colombo and Saigon. For postal and bureaucratic issues. Admiral Jarre already has the orders to help any French merchant being boarded in International waters around the warzone.  You should recall all that, and more, before you spark a war nobody wants.

Minister Capet is right minister Lebrun, France should have said  firmly Yes or No concerning the Kra Canal. We didn't, so we lost that opportunity.
It's the only reason the Netherlands is playing this game. Now France can't help Siam, lest war in Europe erupts. It's a gamble of their part. But with the Leipzig Compact, and our voters feeling the sting of the Kolkattan war, We cannot afford to break the FRENCH PROMISE. That is a fast way out of parliament and into the coal mines.

So, we don't do anything?

No, Glorious France will do things. Minister Lebrun, I want the full orders you did give to Admiral Jarre, with a full explanation that I can understand. So leave out the nautical mumbo jumbo. And make sure Admiral Jarre doesn't provoke the Dutch in rash actions. We'll talk about those orders tomorrow afternoon.

Minister Capet, your departement will make $15 available to allivate the effects the French wavering on the Kra Canal caused. I'll explain that to you when the time is right.

Why is my department getting punished? It's not my fault parliament dithered over the appointment of a new minister of foreign affairs. Nor could my departement change anything.

Capet, do so. $15 it will be, for a start. It has to do with an old loan, something you brokered.

Yes Premier

[maddox]

September 3th Tricomalee fleet base.


What, remove the smokestacks of the 6 Chardons? Why, those are new from januari.

Orders from Paris, Admiral Jarre was fuming when he got the orders to release those ships from his task force. He retasked an airship to keep on the lookout for Bharat submarines. Just to make sure he won't get caught with is pants down.

In any case,  we have a job. Get to it.

[maddox]

Tricomalee September 7th 3 am.


Men, we got a change in orders. We'll have to set sail  11 september, whatever happens.  So, those smokestacks will have to be replaced.
Our Chardons have a task to fullfill.

[maddox]

Paris, 4 october 1916

Bonjour Monsieur Grange, you wished to see me.

Yes Premier Galpoux, I wished to talk to you about the Gran Colombian Telegraph Wire contract.
It's a golden opportunity to make sure we have better information, and a handle on that information of the inner workings of the Southern Cross partners.

Is that not a danger , compromising our mercantile and industrial bona fides to the second strongest alliance on the world?

Not really, I would be surprised if the Gran Colombians ain't realising this. But the idea my departement has on this should be straightforward.
As long there is no competitor, we keep the pricetag steep, as such a line is expensive in resources.
Gran Colombia is currently building up the fleet in a countering action against the CSA, but they have to watch their back in Africa too now.So they need every bit of resources. By us accepting such a contract, they can build another cruiser or a few destroyers.Or outfit a few modern corps. But if they don't have the money, it will delay all that. What is in our advantage too.
Now, by proposing the wire to come ashore in Equatorial Guinea ,French soil, they will see that we keep control, and if the Gran Colombians accept that , it's great, if they don't, we negotiate further. Delaying the build of the line itself untill a competitor shows up, or giving France total control over that line. Win Win if you ask me.

It can't hurt, also, by having landfall on French soil, it should be fairly easy to splice that line into the excisting landlines we have there, not that many in dark Africa, but still. A french benefit ,as we could say. I agree, our delegation , not governemental of course, will get those instructions.

Thank you premier, for your support.

later, at Granges underground HQ, beneath bar Chez Loulou.

Ginivie, you'll have your job cut out, I want you to go to Gran Colombia. Gran Colombian Aide Sanches should "resque" you from the misery you're in.
Premier Galpoux took the Telegraph Wire Cloak and Dagger story line, hook and sinker. Brilliant my dear.

With pleasure Chef. As long I don't have to work with Klaas anymore. He's just so unsofisticated.

No problem my sweet one. I guess Klaas will get our hottest one next time.

Lucifera? Wow, that's nasty.

[maddox]

A jump back in time.

Paris, offices of Premier Galpoux

So Minister capet, you bring me the excerpt from the friendly Bavarian ambassador.
reading the document

My good sir, the courtesy of the French government in sharing the details of the Kolkatta mobilization was greatly appreciated.  

My government has chosen to respond in kind. The recent entry of the DKB into the Southeast Asian war raises concerns that the Hapsburgs may be duped into active involvement.  To prepare in case such happens, my Government has raised the alert level for our military and curtailed leaves.  We are not at this time mobilizing, as we do not seek conflict with the Hapsburgs or any of our neighbors.  If anything, our troops may move further away from the Hapsburg border as we anticipate a Dutch request to backfill garrisons in their home provinces as they ship troops overseas.

My government has also requested that I relay an appreciation for the Gracious manner in which France has dealt with the confusion regarding the blockade.  My government is aware that France suffered some mercantile disruption, but chose to show restraint in the matter, and we were able to press the Dutch to be a bit more forthcoming on the nature of said blockade.

Yes premier. The Bavarians, how could it else be, have retained the civilisation we imparted on them during the silent years. I would say, by seeding the territory of Swiss and such, in stead of fighting over them like curs for a moldy bone, we gained a better neighbor. In my opinion, the Habsburgers are tad eager for war. And it is still a surprise the Habsburgers didn't get into the Siam issue.

I concur, and we should reinforce that , Glorious France isn't ready, nor will accept war in Europe over a piece of jungle swamp.
But we should get better relations with the Bavarians.
One of the Italian aides gave me a good intro. The Duchy of Friulli is searching for income, and one of the means they are creating is a bank. If France deposits the funds for the Green Cross on that bank, they get capital to work with, and if we do our international transactions trough them, we can stop with that ancient protocol of paying international governmental business with Gold Bullion.

Yes Premier, but I would keep the payments in gold. It is a much more regal way of payment, and very solid. The prestige and protocol is much to ingrained and important to be abandoned on a whim.

I'll talk with the treasury about it Minister capet. We'll see what they moneykeepers say about it.

[The Rock Doctor]

3 November 1916

To:  Premier Galpoux
From:  President Alizandro

Dear Sir,

The end of the year is approaching, and with it the day that we share a new land border in Africa.

While Gran Colombia has only peaceful intentions in the newly acquired Kongo, we recognize a need to ensure its security through the deployment of limited armed forces.  The logistics of deploying a garrison to the eastern part of Kongo favors high-speed naval transportation from Gran Colombia via Iberia, the Mediterranean, and the Suez Canal.  

Given that there are active conflicts taking place in the Indian Ocean, we have taken the precaution of providing defensive armaments to the liners that will undertake the bulk of the transportation.  Therefore, I wish to personally request French permission for the ongoing use of the Suez Canal for the liners Espiritu de Neuvo Granada and Spirit of the Island Commonwealth between December of this year and the end of next year, and for a small number of patrol and mine-warfare vessels in late December.

If you or your staff should have any questions or concerns, please relay them to me.

Sincerely,

Rey Alizandro

[maddox]

3 November

Gracious el Presidente Alizandro,

Glorious France is looking forward to the changes that the nNew Year proposes.

Gran Colombian shipping trough the Suez Canal will not be hindred, beyond the normal delays such a small seaway always imposes.

If Gran Colombia wishes, the port of Djibouti can offer the pleasantries of Every French Port.
And of course, Our fleet, in combination of our Italian Allies, can provide safety for the ships the State of Gran Colombia wishes to send to the east coast of Congo.

Your collegue,

Premier Galpoux.

[maddox]

20 October 1916,

Cayanne, joyous city of South America, under the guidance of the Gran Colombian state, rapidly growing to a rival of the frivolous splendor of Gay Paris.

A gentle evening breeze cools down the heat of the day.


Thank you monsieur Sanchez, I never would have know what would have happened if you didn't scared off those ruffians. Such uncultured proposals, ain't those loots not ashamed.

No problem mademoiselle Ginivie, you're a guest in my country, and that alone should be enough for my actions.

I feel so scared, can't you escort me to my hotel, hotel Flamingo monsieur Sanchez?

That is a coïncidence, I was just on my way to there, I'm to meet monsieur Thévenin.

Oh, I met monsieur  Thévenin on the boat, he's a gentleman and I believe he works with long treads or something like that.

[maddox]

somewere end december 1916

A wind swept Ile de Terre, Professeur Haber, the inventor of the Haber-Bosch proces and the father of the French chemical warfare departement is surveying the desolate piece of land in the grey Atlantic.
The abandoned early 19th century fortress tower still standing weathered, but sturdy in the spray laden wind.


Yes professor Haber, this location has all we desire for the forthcoming tests.  If you give the go ahead, we'll install all the devices to monitor the effectiveness. Pigs and horses will be in pens. Some sheltered, others in the open.
First test will be with remote command spray installations to disperse a fog of 1,5-dichloro-3-thiapentane.
Later on the new 380mm Yellow Shells  for the battleships will be tested here too if the first tests yield the results you expect Professor.

This series of tests will prove my theory. Chlorine as a weapon was a good start ,and has shown tremendous possibilities, but relied to much on the weather. This new agent is less vurnable to wind and water and has properties making it a much more fearsome weapon.

Professor Grignard doubts the test will prove conclusive, and he respectfully asks for more tests with his agent.

Oh, that flighty stuff ,carbonyl dichloride.  No problem there, he can do his tests after the results of our agent are in.

[Kaiser Kirk]

A Silesian working for BASF is the father of the French chemical warfare ?
Well at least I'll get good inside info :)