Kingdom of Spain (El Reino De España) News

[olekit24]

January, 1904
El Rey Alfonso XIII, the King of Spain announced the formation of a new Gobierno De España (Government of Spain). The post of Presidente del Gobierno (Prime-minister) takes Francisco Silvela, known for his conservative views. The Ministro de Estado became Alvaro de Figueroa y Torres, Conde de Romanones, the Minister of labour and social development becames Pablo Iglesias Posse, the Minister of defense and internal order - Miguel Primo de Rivera, the Minister of Navy - Pascual Cervera y Topete. The post of Minister of Finance and Economics gets Antonio Maura, the post of Minister of law and justice - Eduardo Dato e Iradier. The full composition of the new government includes 12 Ministers and 6 advisors to Ministers. In the next month, the new Government should organise its work and present the Programm of Growth of Spain for next five years to the King and Cortes Españolas (Parliament).

February, 1904
Several dozen Spanish merchant ships had been desperately attacked by Moroccan pirates in the South of the Strait of Gibraltar, off the coast of Morocco. As a result of such aggressive actions, five vessels with a capacity of 14000 GRT (goods worth about 4,000,000 pesetas, total damage, including ship worth - more, then 6 mln pesetas) were lost , more 18 ships were seriously damaged during the attacks, two of them are missing. The crews of the lost ships were probably captured by the Moroccans, their fate unknown.
Gobierno De España sent a note of protest to the Moroccan Sultan Abd al-Aziz Ibn al-Hasan, but he doesn't recognize any illegal actions of his citizens, both civil and military.

March, 1904
The biggest spanish shipping company was founded according to the government bill.
The desision to found the biggest shipping company in Spain, called "Real Compañía Naviera Espaniola", was taken after the group of shipping company owners announced a possibility bankruptcy of their businesses and complete cessation of goods and passengers transportation between distant Balearic and Canary Islands and mainland Spain.
The spanish government issued government bonds for a period of 25 years and exchange them for 100% of the shares in the capital of companies. Thus, the new company includes the assets of companies such as "Compañía Anglo Vasca de Navegación", "Naviera Astur Andaluza", "Naviera Sota y Aznar", "Federico González Fierro", "Compañía Gijonesa de Vapores", "Suc. Vda. de Enrique Illueca", "Isleña Marítima" and "Compañía Mallorquina de Vapores".
According to the agreement, former owners form the Board of Directors of the new company, Armada Espaniola has the right to mobilise any of the company's ships, but not more than 75% of the total number of vessels in operating condition, and the State Government should build not less then one vessel in two years with tonnage not less then 3500 GRT for needs of the new company.
The new state shipping company "Real Compañía Naviera Espaniola" also takes control (75% share) over biggest spanish passenger carrier - "Compañía Trasatlántica Española", known as "Spanish Line". The owner of this company also get right to enter to the Board of Directors of "Real Compañía Naviera Espaniola".
"Real Compañía Naviera Espaniola" now has a biggest commercial fleet in region - about 105000 gross tons. The the company operates charters and scheduled shipping voyages between Valencia, Malaga, Kadiz, Barcelona, Tenerife, Palma de Mallorca, regular passenger voyages between Kadiz and Veracruz (Mexico).

April, 1904
There are rumors of a few sailors, overcome by swimming the Strait of Gibraltar and reached the coast of Spain at the beginning of the month. As they say, they escaped from the Moroccan captivity. According to their words, the people who attacked their ship in early February, had no any demands, "they just want Spain and all her people painful death, so help them Allah".
Official confirmation of this information is not available.
However, some experts remembers last conflict with Morocco, when the Spanish crown lost its possessions in Northern Morocco. Perhaps hot Moroccans were not satisfied with spanish defeat of Melilla and the expulsion of the spanish garrison of Ceuta? 
But we are waiting for official news...

May, 1904
El Rey Alfonso XIII, the King of Spain and the Government of Kingdom of Spain express concern about actions of the Bavarian troops in Madagascar and urge the international community to condemn such actions. In Spain's view, any aggressive action do not have legal grounds, if they don't have forced defensive in nature. Call on Bavaria to stop the aggression against Madagascar and to solve the current dispute by diplomatic means.

[olekit24]

May, 1904
Spain officially announced an international competition to design and build the first class armoured ship.

His Royal Majesty the King of Spain Alfonso XIII, the Spanish government and the Ministry of the Navy of Spain, pursuant to the Law on the Fleet and good-will deign to announce to stakeholders the international competition of projects of an armored naval first class ship.

The technical requirements for armored naval first class ship, which makes Spain to the attention of the contenders are as follows:
- The ship must have a light displacement of not less than 5500 and not more than 6500 tons;
- The main armament of the ship should include at least 4 guns of not less than 11' caliber and with a barrel length of not less than 40 clb, located in turrets;
- Medium artillery should be placed partially in the turrets, the smallest caliber of medium artillery is set: 120 mm. Required at least 8 of these guns with good angles of attack;
- the number and composition of small artillery is determined by the competitors themselves;
- the main armor belt should be made from armor of modern brands and with a minimum thickness of 190 mm, not inclined;
- conning tower must be made of armor, thickness not less than 220 mm;
- decks, ramps and cross beams - not less than 45 mm;
- the ship should have full speed at 18 knots, a cruising speed of at least 10 knots and the cruising range is not less than 3000 miles;
- the competitor must be able to lay down the first two ships no later than 1905 H1;
- the total price of one ship shoul include building materials and work, armament, armour, mashines, test races, transportation to one of the spanish ports, and be not higher than ((Displacement/1000)*0,25)+((Displacement/1000)*0,5)

Entries are accepted before the expiration of H1 1904 (in separate thread at New ships forum). The winner of the competition will receive the exclusive right to the construction of series of ships for his project and at the shipyard for the Navy of Spain. The results of the competition and the winners will be announced by an Imperial decree in July 1904.

[Walter]

China looked at some idea but then, after looking at all the points again, decided not to pursuit the matter due to the 67% loss they would face by having to accept the proposed total price.

[Kaiser Kirk]

China looked at some idea but then, after looking at all the points again, decided not to pursuit the matter due to the 67% loss they would face by having to accept the proposed total price.

Hate to say it, but one issue with this set up is the cost for export vessels is hard to deal with. 
To build a 5000 ton vessel for export, a player must spend $5 & 5BP.  If they want to reduce the cost of maintenance , there is an extra charge.
So
Option 1 : Spend $5, use your 5B, Build 5000 ton vessel for export, Result :  a Ship, 0BP and -$5.
Option 2 : Keep $5, export 5BP @ $1.25/ea * on the NPC export market, Result : no ship, 0BP and $11.25.

Now, for Option 1 to be worth the same as Option 2, they would need to sell the ship for $16.25 so that they would have : no Ship, 0BP and (16.25-5=) $11.25

*technically I guess you're spending $1 & 1BP, exporting steel, and getting $2.25back, for a profit of $1.25, but I just say -1BP + $1.25...easier
There could be political reasons to do it cheaper - making friends, cutting a deal, strengthing an ally, International prestige, or there could be roll play reasons - keep the shipyards going.

[The Rock Doctor]

I have to agree.  It's the same problem NPC Brazil is going to encounter - there are few player-nations with unused BP to spare, and so those BPs are going to be expensive.

[olekit24]

May, 1904

The first meeting of the new El Reino De España Gobierno (Government) hung in silence. Presidente del Gobierno (Prime-minister) Francisco Silvela walked through the hall slowly, all the while momentarily stopping. Ministro de Economía y Finanzas (Minister of Finance and Economics) Antonio Maura dejectedly staring at the ceiling, Ministro de Trabajo y Desarrollo social (Minister of labour and social development) Pablo Iglesias Posse was twisting in fingers a pencil, whispering something to himself. War Ministers sat still and quiet.
- We all understand that if we would not do something great, we'll become another Spanish government, which doesn't last a week!, - stopping suddenly and sharply turning to the audience gasped Silvela.
- Spain's economy after the last war is in full decline: we lost American and Asian territories, our prosperity floated in nothingness together with them, - he continued, - The Moors, taking advantage of our embarrassment of defeat in Cuba, expelled us from our African territories. Thank God that our European neighbours do not tend to devour our territory to pieces...
- Yes, Mr Presidente, - Antonio Maura suddenly tearing eyes away from the mysterious shadows on the ceiling, - Our situation is worse than ever. We are currently not able to afford much. But, on the other hand, we have the perfect opportunity to start a new life. Even though I dislike the Internationale, but his lines, his philosophy is now an opportune moment. "We will make, we will create our new world", and we have everything we need to do that.
- With such a frail fleet? - began speaking Ministro de la Marina (Minister of Navy) Pascual Cervera y Topete.
- And with such a small but proud army, - sharply interrupted him Ministro de Defensa y Orden interno (Minister of defense and internal order) Miguel Primo de Rivera, - with this army we can protect the Kingdom for three weeks behind the walls of the Madrid castle. What "our new world" you're talking about?
- Yes, about "our new world" you got excited, - supported Silvela, - And what will say Ministro de Estado about our neighbors?
- The neighbors are very restrained in his statements about us, Don Silvela. Sometimes there is a feeling that they forgot about our existence, - answered Alvaro de Figueroa y Torres, Ministro de Estado Espanola(Foreign Affairs). - France could in the long run be a good partner and ally, there was keenly interested in what happens to us, especially after the coronation of Alfonso XIII. The Italians, as always, a little swirling, but in principle, is also ready to cooperate. With England - they are business people - are already conducting specific negotiations on cooperation in the military sphere. The Netherlands and Sweden with Denmark - not have much interest in Spain. The Turks pretend that they don't care, but hinted to not even think about war with the Islamic countries. The far countries - our former rivals Japan and USA - keep the cold silence. In China offers a trade, but they are far away. And Russia is so far from us that our Consul has not yet returned with a report from St. Petersburg.
- On the other hand it is even good that our neighbors didn't see us... - Presidente del Gobierno said thoughtfully, and continued his measured walk around the conference room.
Returning the silence was broke by Pablo Iglesias Posse, Ministro de Trabajo y Desarrollo social (Minister of labour and social development): You know, gentlemen, in all this gloom there is one very obvious danger. And this danger lies in our citizens. In our country, in large cities, unemployment is growing. Before that terrible and shameful war, the Spaniards gladly went to the colonies, where they earned his living, returned to metropolis and liveв in clover. Their earnings were plantation, craft shops, distilleries. And now, six years since the market contracted, do you know what causes idleness of the people?
- Are you implying riots?, - sternly asked Primo de Rivera.
- I allude to the far more serious consequences for our country. You have to remember its history. Spain is the Union of the different counties and kingdoms. Things can return to normal, if not to take people to work, - sarcastically replied Posse.
- Well, in that case we just need to develop industry, the industrial potential of the country. Build factories. Produce competitive goods, - began Maura.
- We couldn't just make the leap. The country has no means, - interrupted him Silvela.
- Then we need to get back what belonged to us, and we have enough forces for that, - parried Primo de Rivera.
- We can, incidentally, claim the lands that nobody owned. The fleet we though small, but quite capable, - said Cervera.
- What exactly are you suggesting, gentlemen, - Prime Minister stopped again in the middle of the hall? - Do you have specific proposals?
- We can build about 10 new plants per year. Offer to alternate the construction of such infrastructure in large and small provinces. So for the next 10 years we will increase our industrial capacity twice that will greatly increase government revenues and will allow us to build larger production on a global scale.
- We just need to carry out land reform: we can oblige land owners to lease it to agricultural producers. This will increase the limit of provision in the country, raise the level of comfort and reassure the population. In addition, we can boost food exports abroad.
- We need reform the army, make its units more compact and mobile. We need upgrade weaponry. Well and gradually strengthen the army with new units and weapons.
- We need to balance the fleet. Light patrol and raider ships are necessary now, they will take over the guarding of the coast. We should temporarily suspend the construction of capital ships: we just don't have time to learn new technologies and this make our capital ships obsolette, because construction time can reach up six to eight years on a ship.
- We can send volunteers and scientists in those areas of Africa that no one holds, which are poorly discovered by Europeans. If this missions will be successful, we can proclame that lands Spanish and they would bring sufficient income for the development of the country.
- It is necessary to put the issue of the return of Moroccan territories. We should ask Cortez and firstly the King to authorize such action. And this issue must be resolved in the nearest future. And we have sufficient reasons for such aggressive actions.
- We need to think about the conclusion of the enlarged Treaty with France. It is our closest neighbour, we just can't take advantage of their location to us. With England it is necessary to conclude a non-aggression Pact and clearly regulate the status of those lands, that they own in Spain. I mean Gibraltar.
The Ministers spoke one after another. There was hot at the room. Presidente del Gobierno continued his walk slowly, listening carefully to colleagues.
- Your suggestions are reasonable, - finally he said, - They are quite feasible. And that's what we'll do, gentlemen: we will send these proposals to the Cortes and the King. But we won't wait. We will do everything in our power. Is this not "brave new world"?!

[olekit24]

June, 1904

His Royal Majesty the King of Spain Alfonso XIII, the Spanish government and the Ministry of the Navy of Spain, pursuant to the Law on the Fleet and good-will deign to announce to stakeholders that the international competition (design and construction of battleship for Spain), announced earlier in May, 1904, cancelled.

[olekit24]

June, 1904

The contract for the purchase of military equipment

The Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom Of Great Britain and Ireland have agreed on a mutually beneficial transaction for the transfer of warships.

1. United Kingdom Of Great Britain gives and the Kingdom of Spain accepts two battleships of the Royal Navy - Barfleur and Revenge.

2. The Kingdom of Spain pays United Kingdom Of Great Britain for transfering the ships. Both sides agreed that the cost of the two ships will be $39 and the receiving party will have to pay this amount within three years, at the rate of $6.5 every six months, starting from H2 1904.

3. Warships are transferred in full gear, with working mechanisms and weapons, as well as certificates and technologies used on them.

4. The parties have determined that the place of transfer the ships will be the port of Gibraltar. Transfer of the battleships must be held no later than July 15, 1904.

5. The parties are fully satisfied with this terms of the contract and have no claims to each other.

Signed

[olekit24]

July, 1904
At noon on July, 1, 1904  in the port of Gibraltar the ceremony of transfer of two British battleships to Spain took place.
Starting from this day, both warships will serve under the Spanish flag, with the Spanish crews and under oath to the King of Spain.
The battleship HMS "Revenge" will be renamed to "Pelayo".
The battleship HMS "Barfleur" will be called "Fafila".
Both warships have received the names of ancient rulers of Spain, who has done a lot to Spain has lived and prospered.

[olekit24]

July - August, 1904

Enclave Espanola Return

In early July 1904 Spanish intelligence reported about the mass protests of the Spaniards, who lived in the former Spanish cities on the north coast of Morocco. The popular uprising against the Moroccan army and administration began in Ceuta, Melilla and some other several towns on the Mediterranean Moroccan coast.
The Protestants opposed the oppression of the Spanish residents, demanded to stop prosecution on a national basis and demanded to provide a safe accommodation in towns occupied by Morocco after the defeat of Spain in the Spanish-American war.

The Casus Belli
Moroccan authorities suppresed the uprising by force. And partly they succeeded: activists antireversing performances in Ceuta and Melilla were detained. However, the outrage of Hispanic residents though faded, but remained.
The Spanish government, having received information about the protests and the arrest of some Spanish-speaking residents, decided to help their release. For these purposes was sent a diplomatic mission to the capital of Morocco Marrakesh, but it failed in reaching acceptable agreement.
At the end of July the Spanish Cortez, discussing the results of the negotiations and the required actions in response to the refusal of Morocco, came to the conclusion that all citizens residing in the territory of the Moroccan cities Ceuta, Melilla and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera remain Spanish citizens, that the capture of these settlements was illegitimate and that the citizens of these cities in no way refused the oath of allegiance to Spain.
Thus, the cities of Ceuta, Melilla and town of Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera have been recognized by the Cortez the part of the Spanish territories under occupation by hostile forces. And the only correct solution would be to free them from foreign presence and control.

Preparations to liberate the enclaves
It was decided to conduct a military operation to liberate the Spanish cities on the coast of Morocco.
For these purposes there were formed Expeditionary Forces, consisting of:

Navy:
[Expedition Forces:
- AZ Pelayo (4x254, 6x127, 9050 tonns)
- AZ Fafila (4x254, 6x127, 9050 tonns)
- C1 Castilla (4x240, 6x140, 4950 tonns)
- C1 Andalucia (4x240, 6x140, 4950 tonns)
- C2 Isabella Catolica (2x140, 8x105, 2300 tonns)
- C3 Tajo (2x140, 4x105, 1200 tonns)
- TB-1 (3x105, 4x1 18'TT, 370 tonns)
- TB-3 (3x105, 4x1 18'TT, 370 tonns)
- GB-2 (2x140, 4x57, 186 tonns)
- GB-4 (2x140, 4x57, 186 tonns)
- 4 steamers of Real Compañía Naviera Espaniola, total tonnage - 5000 tonns
Patrol forces in Gibraltar:
- C2 El Cid Campeador (2x140, 8x105, 2300 tonns)
- C3 Reina Cristina (4x164, 8x140, 4x105, 3400 tonns)
- CT Destructor (4x105, 6x1 18' TT, 875 tonns)
- TB-2 (3x105, 4x1 18'TT, 370 tonns)
- TB-4 (3x105, 4x1 18'TT, 370 tonns)

Army:
- 1st Cazadores Div 5veBrg - 5000 men
- 2nd Cazadores Div 5veBrg - 5000 men
- 1st Caballeria Division 2nd Lanceros Brg - 2000 men
- 3rd Caballeria Division 2nd Lanceros Brg - 2000 men
- 2nd Infantería de Marina Div - 12500 men
- 1st Artillería Div 1st Brg 2nd Reg 1st Bat - 180 men, 10 guns
- 1st Cazadores de montaña Div 4thBrg - 2500 men
Total: 29000 men

Early at the morning of July 30, the Expeditionary Forces went to sea. Late in the evening of August 2, parts of the Expeditionary Forces approached the coast of Ceuta and Melilla.

Ceuta

At 22.45 the flagship battleship "Pelayo" opened fire from the main caliber guns on the Fort of Ceuta. Simultaneously, the forward detachments of Marines on TB-2 and the newest "Tajo" cruiser reached the shore and began to disembark in the port area.
At 23.30 the scouts have occupied the port of Ceuta and launched an offensive into the city. Fortunately, there were no much resistance from maroccan garrison.
At 02.15, the city was fully occupied and Moroccan part were either broken, or surrounded at the area of the fortress of Monte Acho.
On the morning of 3 August on the Townhall of Ceuta the national Spanish flag was raised and residents praised the valiant Spanish soldier, liberated them from Moroccan rule.

In the operation of Ceuta liberation were involved: 1 AZ, 1 C1, 1 C3, 1 TB and 1 GB, 13250 army corps.
In the clash killed 20 Spanish soldiers.
On the part of Moroccans were killed almost 500 soldiers, 1500 captured.
In the port of Seville, the Spaniards destroyed by fire several ships in port.  Shells from "Pelayo" and "Castilla" completely destroyed shipyard, port warehouses, some of the adjacent neighborhoods. Several ships sunk at the port: three trade ships, one cruiser (newest "El Mansur", 3300 tonns) and four gunboats (former spanis ships, captured by moroccans in 1898 - "Fes" (ex-"Marquies de Molins") and "Tangier" (ex-"Martin Alonzo Pinzon", "Abu Bekr Ibn Omar" and "Mullah Ismail") - all 560 tonns each.
The infrastructure of the port was badly damaged: From the level 1 (Port 1) it stepped out to the level 0 (Port 0). The infrastructure of the city is affected minimally.

Melilla

The fortress and the port of Melilla began firing at sea in 22.45. After a few minutes, there were some fires appeared at the fortress. The Spaniards began amphibious operation: advanced party landed on light military vehicles through the port, the main forces came to the shore from the ships in boats and rafts.
In 0.15 Spaniards seized in the port.
There was much stronger resistance in the city than in Ceuta: Moroccan garrison desperately defended, street battles ensued.
Marine artillery fire from the cruisers "Asturias" and "Isabella Catolica" had to move into residential neighborhoods, where fierce fighting.
The garrison captured at 03.59, but seversl local fightings continued till 07.15
In the operation to release Melilla participated: C1, C2, TB and 13250 army corps.
On the Spanish side, there were killed 179 people, 380 were wounded. The Moroccans lost in killed 400 people and injured 680. The remaining garrison - 1220 men was captured.
In the port of Melilla the Spanish destroyed three cruisers (all ex-spanish: "El Bashir" - ex-"Infanta Isabel", "El Kebir" - ex-"Isabel II" and "El Massaneh" - ex-"Conde de Venadito", each 1150 tonns) and two gunboats (also ex-spanish: "Yudar Pasha" - ex-"Marques de la Vitoria", 830 tonns, and "Mullah Rashid" - ex-"Rapido", 560 tonns) and more four vessels. Port infrastructure were completely destroyed as the fortress of Melilla and part of Central areas.

Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera

The shelling of Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera began, as in the previous cases, begun at 22.45. Fire drove a battleship "Fafila". Simultaneously marines landed on the shore.
The task was difficult - Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera is a fortress and settlement on the rock, and that was not so easy to take this territory.
Therefore, Spaniards deploy the siege artillery, which completely blocked the path of retreat for the Moroccan garrison. After six hours of bombardment, at 4.45, above the fortress of Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera hoisted the white flag.
In this operation take place AZ, GB and 2500 army corps with siege artillery (10 guns).
Return fire slightly damaged the gunboat GB-4. Killed almost 250 Spanish soldiers. The fortress itself was seriously damaged: destroyed two barracks, a warehouse of provisions, South Tower and about 5 guns were damaged. Killed 250 Moroccan soldiers. The other 750 surrendered.

Operations at sea
The main marine part of the operation concludes in fire support of Marines and Ground forces of the Expeditionary Forces.
However, the Spanish fleet had to restrain naval forces of Morocco, hastily directed from Tangier to Ceuta district.
It was 02.32, when spanish squadron (3 cruisers and 2 torpedoboats) intercepted Moroccan forces: 2 cruisers ("El Hassan" - 3300 tonns, "Tarik Ben Ziyad" - 1880 tonns) 4 gunboats ("Noor El Bahr", "Es Sid El Turki" - 830 tonns each, "Musa Ibn Nussair", "Mullah Abdul" - 560 tonns each) and 4 transports.
Fighting ensued in 02.50. The first fire was opened by Moroccan forces. However, they have even less experience in firing than the Spaniards, therefore, hits were observed.
In 02.57 the shell from Moroccan "El Hassan" hit the aft valance of the Spanish "Reina Cristina", she lost control and went into circulation. In 03.24 Moroccan cruiser "El Hassan" came to a very close distance to the cruiser "Reina Cristina". Both firing all guns and several hits were made from each side. In 03.34 the ships collided with the boards and caught the masts. The Spaniards took advantage of the misunderstanding and started boarding the enemy ship.
At this time, other Moroccan ships, fired by cruiser "El Cid Campeador", went in the opposite direction, not even trying to shoot back. The rest of the Spanish squadron set sails to caught them.
The fight between crews of two grappled enemy ships continues for more then hour while the Moroccans did not give up.
During the collision the Spanish cruiser "Reina Cristina" received several huge hits. The crew managed to fix the steering, but the ship hardly could move independently.
It was desided to take in tow the Spanish cruiser by CT "Destructor", returned to the place of two ships fighting. They both went to the port of Cadiz.
During a boarding battle, there were killed 20 people and more 70 wounded from the Spanish side. The Moroccans suffered minor damage to the ships, lost in killed no more than 50 people. The Moroccan cruiser, heavily damaged, was shut by torpedoes and sunk.

The consequences of the military operation
Sultan Abd al Hafiz, learning about the capture of two cities and fortress in the North of Morocco, immediately sent 50000 corps to the conflict zone. However, he had to stop his troops, when he received an ultimatum from the King of Spain.
The ultimatum was required to recognize the right to ancestral possession of the Spanish territories Ceuta, Melilla, and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, guaranteed not to encroach on other Moroccan towns and cities on the Mediterranean coast.
However, Spain has warned that if Morocco will try to recapture the Spanish territory, Spain will be forced to continue military operations in the North of Morocco by mobilizing the 150000 strong army. "In this case in the near future Morocco will lose the most profitable lands and cities and to plunge into the middle ages. We guarantee that the support of the European community to Morocco will be denied, and the Moroccan actions themselves will be regarded as an act of aggression and vandalism, a manifestation of the barbaric principles".
Moroccan Sultan answered that "this is a huge loss for the country. But we are not going to fill it right now. Allah will show us the way and call the time for revenge". On the same day Sultan announced the termination of all relations with Spain and the expulsion of the Spanish embassy from Morocco.

The peace conference
It was decided to hold a meeting of representatives of parties in the Portuguese capital Lisbon in mid-August, 1904.
During the meeting the sides reached an agreement on the recognition of Ceuta, Melilla, and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera as Spanish territories.
So it was decided:
- to free the captured soldiers and officers of the Moroccan garrisons and return them to Morocco
- to give access to destroyed and sunk ships at ports of Melilla and Seuta for exploring their condition and return to Morocco, if possible
- to grant the right of trade in the Spanish enclaves
- to prohibit the conduct of hostilities between parties for the next five years
- to to provide weapons "till-1900" technologies to Morocco by Spain

After conflict
Spain returned lost terrirories of Ceuta, Melilla, and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera. It will develop them in nearest future. Firstly, Spain restore shipbuilding infrastrucrure in Ceuta, then - restore Port in Melilla.
The 1 cruiser and 2 gunboats left at the ports od Ceuta and Melilla lying on the ground in poor condition. Their fate should be decided by a special Commission. Another 3 cruisers and 4 gunboats were raised and towed to the port of Tangier, Morocco. Their condition will not allow them to return to service and most likely they will be scrapped by moroccans.

Morocco received back 3 cruisers and 4 gunboats, but they are not suitable for further service, and several war techs from Spain. The country begun to modernise its army. Late in 1904 the Sultan of Morocco agreed to return Spanish Embassy to Marrakesh.

[olekit24]

July - December 1904

African Equador

The expedition of the Spanish geographical society, - more then 20 merchant ships rented by Government from "Real Compañía Naviera Espaniola", reached the coast of Nigeria and Cameroon. Surveyed the coastal areas, modern Spanish conquistadors decided to establish points of contact and research in already existing cities and settlements.
In Cameroon, there was founded a great military and research station in Douala. This town was founded by Europeans for the slave trade and was abandoned after 1861, when the slave trade came to an abrupt halt. The city has a commercial port, through which local tribes, once touched civilization, trying to trade with the Europeans.
Douala has become a great place for Spaniards in order to begin the study of the Equatorial territories. By August 1904, there appeared a modern European settlement and military camp, and in the near future will begin reconstruction of the port.

Another military research paragraph in Cameroon was the village of Kirby, near the border of Guinea Espanola. It was planned to connect the Spanish colony with Kirby and Douala with tte road.
In Nigeria researchers have landed in the area of another city, built once by the Europeans, - Calabar. The condition of the town was depressing: the researchers saw the ruined town hall and Cathedral, the houses in the city center were adapted for the accommodation of a much greater number of people than have been determined by the architects of the mid-nineteenth century.
The Spaniards fairly quickly modernized urban management, and local residents resettled in the new houses and huts built outside the old city.

By September 1904, the researchers came to a huge Niger river delta. This vast territory required more careful study, so it was decided to establish a camp on an island in the river Bonnie - Okrika.
Until the end of the year, the research camp was gradually turned into a colonial settlement - due to the influx of the Spaniards, the poorest representatives of the nation, who came here to work.

Sahara

Later, at the end of August, after a victorious operation for the return of the Spanish enclaves on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, was sent another expedition to Western Sahara. Expeditionary forces composed of researchers, traders and military forces, landed in several settlements on the coast of the Atlantic ocean: Marsa, Lamshid, Boujdour and Dakhla. There has been a settlements, used by the Berbers to stay. But there were some permanent residents - mostly women, children and the elderly.
In these settlements, as in Nigeria with Cameroon, military and research station were established.

A little later the Spaniards landed on the Peninsula of Cape Blanco and further founded Nouakshott settlement on the coast of Mauretania. The name to settlement were given in Amazigh: it means "Where the wind blows".

In just six months 1904, the Spanish occupied large areas of the coast of Africa. It is noteworthy that the local residents and tribes, and communities, who know the civilization, took the foreigners quite welcome. They did not resist the occupation of the territories and supported the new colonizers. For example, the representatives of the tribes of Cameroon self-created militia troops in the occupied territories, and sworn allegiance to the King of Spain. And the inhabitants of the Niger delta acted as guides for the expedition teams.
This attitude to the Spaniards was a bit surprised. However, later Spaniards had found the reasons of cordiality: the local tribes, too young in its development to the level of civilization, could not develop further without the Europeans assistance. And here she came.

[olekit24]

August, 1904

A Treaty of Naval Assistance is signed between Spain and Italy. Spain will generously allow Italy to base a limited number of warships, subject to constraints, in Las Palmas on Gran Canarias. In return, Italy shall send technical advisors to assist the Spanish Military.

Spain provides the exclusive right to portage in Las Palmas with a price of $1 a year for 24 years on such conditions:
- 12000 tonnage for 6 months in a year
- anchoring in the outer part of the Bay of Puerto Franco
- dismissal of the teams ashore maybe once in two weeks
- port provides all of its services: pilotage, logistics, bunkering, postal servicesm supplying and rent no more then two middle size warehouses at the front part of the port's embankment
Italy will notice the authorities of the names, tonnage and period of persisting of every warship.

Italy will provide to Spain 4 modern war technologies.

[The Rock Doctor]

Speaking out-of-character, I'm cool with Spain knocking around Morocco, but I don't care for the idea that Spain captured almost-new, essentially undamaged ex-Spanish ships as a bonus. 

[snip]

Speaking out-of-character, I'm cool with Spain knocking around Morocco, but I don't care for the idea that Spain captured almost-new, essentially undamaged ex-Spanish ships as a bonus.

That was not part of the original plan the mods were sent. There will be a conversation.

[olekit24]

There was logical. To capture what is in port. But storyteller had mistaken. Spaniards, brave guys, have destroyed all ships. Even the cruiser in Gibraltar straight.