********
The Manila Times
1 January 1926
Marina de Filipinas sources confirm that Contra-Almirante Garcia, MdF Chief of Operations, has been busted back down to Commodore. While no official statement was made, unofficial word is that the demotion was "for a variety of reasons, including his appetite"...
---
The Manila Evening Times
2 January 1926
The Filipino First Expeditionary Force, commanded by Commodore Ignacio 'Nacho' Torres, set sail today for Tierra del Fuego.
The force has been dispatched at the invitation of the Chilean Government, to act as a neutral force monitoring conditions in the Strait of Magellan, following alleged antisocial Argentinean activity.
The Expeditionary Force, which will join up with (and be under the command of) a Japanese squadron dispatched for the same purpose, is comprised of the "escort cruiser" Palawan and three 'tin cans' of Destroyer Squadron Two.
---
The Manila Evening Times
3 January 1926
Foreign Minister Juan Sebastian de Varga today began his "half-a-world tour" with a stop in Bangkok. After a visit to the King's Tomb, discussions on the agenda included improving relations, which took a dive after 1924's Andamans War...
---
The Manila Times
9 January 1926
The Foreign Minister is in India, enjoying the cusine and nightlife of bustling Mumbai...
---
The Manila Evening Times
10 January 1926
To the American Government:
The Government of the Philippines apologizes for the conduct of our Foreign Minister torwards your Ambassador last month. While we are understandably unhappy to have lost the Mexican contracts, we are fully willing to (a) concede defeat to the lower bidder, and (b) not irrationally presume that all dealings were not fully above-board. Señor de Varga's conduct was inexcusable, and he has been reprimanded.
We would like to invite a meeting between American and Filipino diplomats, to dispel any concerns your country may have regarding the SATSUMA alliance, and to work on restoring, and improving the close relationship between our peoples.
Licenciado Piña, Esq.
Vice-Presidente de Filipinas
---
The Manila Times
15 January 1926
The Filipino territories in Antarctica, claimed last year, have been attached to the province of Davao del Sur. This not only makes it our largest province - by far - but it puts the "del Sur" in Davao del Sur.
---
The Manila Evening Times
19 January 1926
The SALSA Rebellion is over.
In an agreement brokered by Almirante de la Vega and the new Sultan of Sulu, the anarchist uprising instigated by the previous Sultan has been drawn to a close.
"The people involved in this insurgency were enticed into participating by lies and false pretences," said Jefe de la Vega. "As the man responsible is dead, courtesy of HMS Tiger, why should we continue to punish those whom he misled?"
As part of the deal, any insurgents who turn over any "weapons of military value" (not including muskets, sport rifles, handguns and knives) at a Filipino Army post will receive a full pardon for any and all activities conducted during the slightly-more-than-one-year rebellion.
"I thank the Almirante and the Government of the Philippines for the oppertunity to return peace to our land and my people," the new Sultan said. "I hope that this day is the dawn of a new era of prosperity for the Philippines."
In addition, the Filipino Government is looking to recruit some of its former enemies.
"While we currently have suciffient manpower - more than succiffient, in the case of the navy - we're always looking for a few good men," said Almirante de la Vega. "Many of the SALSA troopers seemed to be highly skilled in the art of war. We have no hard feelings torwards these men - as I said, they were persuaded to rebel by the megalomaniac former Sultan - and we hope that some, perhaps many, will consider joining the Philippine Army."
---
The Manila Times
20 January 1926
Our Foreign Minister continues his "half-world tour", this week in Ethiopia. Reports are that he had a "productive visit" with the Emperor, and believes that the recent involvement of the Italians is proving highly beneficial for the country.
---
The Manila Evening Times
26 January 1926
After having arrived just yesterday, the cruiser Luzon put out this evening escorted by two destroyers, and appeared to be headed north...
---
The Manila Times
27 January 1926
Our esteemed Foreign Minister made a stop in Egypt this week, the final "en route" stop prior to the beginning of his European Grand Tour.
---
The Manila Times
1 February 1926
The Filipino Government has announced that, in response to its note of 10 January, the American Government has agreed to a 'mini-conference' in March, to be held in Hawaii, to discuss 'subjects of mutual concern' with the Philippines.
"While this may seem to be rather hasty," said Vice-Presidente Licenciado Piña, "we feel it is imeritive to discuss these issues now, before the radicals in either country attempt to drive us further apart, and also before any Cleito Treaty Clairification Conference, which we believe may happen quite soon."
---
The Manila Times
3 February 1926
Foreign Minister Juan Sebastien de Varga made Greece the first stop on his tour of Europe. During his three-day stay, he took in some of the local speedboat races, and discussed a variety of topics with his Greek hosts. On the final night of his visit, he was invited to attend a banquet, and Admiral Talknotalotalopoles - knowing of "El Aquila"'s fascination with eagles - presented him with an old Austro-Hungarian "double eagle" chair. The dinner concluded with the traditional Greek sport of plate-throwing...
---
The Manila Evening Times
3 February 1927
Japanese radio is reporting that an Imperial Navy freighter, the Shinyei Maru, was "sunk en route to the Philippines", 25km north of Miyaki Jima, and that shortly afterwards ace Japanese naval pilot Col. Oonishi Manzo was recovered from the sea nearby. As Colonel Manzo's...targeting skills are highly esteemed, we cannot help but seek to connect the events.
Unusually, the Shinyei Maru was not scheduled to be en route to our country, and not a peep was heard about any preparations or reasons for the voyage in the days prior to this event.
Marina de Filipinas officials refused to comment on the matter.
---
The Manila Envelope
7 February 1926
After an absence of a few days, "Jefe" de la Vega was observed to be back in the office today. What was odd was that he seemed rather to be a bit stiff, as if he had strained himself in some action....
---
The Manila Evening Times
7 February 1926
The cruiser Luzon arrived back in port today, mysteriously being rather worse for wear.
There are a number of medium-caliber shell hits apparent on the ship's superstructure. An official statement was relased by the MdF, stating that the Luzon had been involved in "an altercation with an unidentified pirate vessel" in the vicinity of Nii-Jima, and "was forced to back off by bad weather".
(ooc: Luzon is at 85%.)
---
The Manila Times
11 February 1926
Marina de Filipinas officials today confirmed that the cruiser Luzon, damaged in a mysterious incident with a "pirate ship" last week, will not be repaired. Instead, the ship, which was scheduled to be transferred to Japan for scrapping in 1929 as payment for the "assault transport" Balabac, currently building in Japan, will instead be handed over this fall upon delivery of the latter vessel.
---
The Manila Times
12 February 1926
This week, our Foreign Minister had a platefull of Turkey. Although the Turks were rather concerned with regards to our good relations with Greece, it was still a productive visit, concluding with a handshake agreement in which the Turkish Navy will receive a number fof Arsenal de Manila 57mm and 25mm guns for evaluation, which if satisfactory may lead to sizable orders.
---
The Manila Times
13 February 1926
The Pirates of the Pacific have struck again. A few days ago the Marina de Filipinas patrol boat Avispa spotted a plume of smoke on the horizion, and upon closing to investigate found the Chilean merchant vessel Aurthur Mildoros, fully engulfed in flame, with a small number of sailors in a life raft nearby.
An official statement said that the Chileans are now being treated at the Davao Naval Hospital, and would be returned to Chile as quickly as possible.
---
The Manila Times
14 February 1926
El Presidente announced today that he has sanctioned the giving of government support to up to three companies, to exploit the natural resources "of our new Antarctic possessions and their surrounding waters".
Any established companies wishing to chase the great white whales of the very deep south should submit bids no later than 15 April...
---
The Manila Times
16 February 1926
Statement of Admiral de la Vega in response to the comments regarding the Cleito Naval Arms Limitation Treaty made in the February issue of Dutch Naval Forces:
"In many ways, we agree with the opinions of our Dutch neighbors. The removal of armament should not be restricted; indeed the very idea seems to be directly opposed to the idea of a 'disarmament' treaty.
"We have some concerns of our own with regards to the current Treaty. For instance, many caliber restrictions are set at 153mm. The Marina de Filipinas' standard medium caliber gun is 155mm. Should we be forced to install 2mm liners in our guns?
"However, we are strictly opposed to the suggestion that gun caliber can be increased if the number of guns is decreased. This runs counter to both the spirit and letter of the Treaty.
"Should it be decided to call a conference of the Treaty Powers, either now or at the 'scheduled' 1929 date, the Philippines and the city of Manila offer their services to host that conference.
"I should issue a warning, however, that if there is not a Treaty modification implemented allowing an increase in capital ships' gun sizes - and we neither expect or support such a modification, indeed, we oppose it - and the Dutch proceed with such a modification to the Zeven Provenciens, the Philippines will likely be forced to withdraw from the Treaty of Cleito, and will strongly encourge its allies to do likewise."
---
The Manila Times
19 February 1926
The Foreign Minister's European Tour continued this week, in Yugoslavia. Señor de Varga discussed the ex-Filipino torpedo boats operated with the Serbs, and also encouraged them to consider supporting the recent attempts to revive the Balkan League alliance...
---
The Manila Times
21 February 1926
The Marina de Filipinas is watching the construction of the Italian "seaplane cruiser" Francesco Ferrucio with some interest.
"We produce preliminary designs for the next five years, so we're currently working on the 1931 Light Cruiser," said the MdF Chief of Designs, Commander de la Croix, "which is the first true Light Cruiser we'll build, and if the Italians' idea proves to be a good one we may make some revisions to our existing design, which currently is about 1,000 tons heavier and has three more guns than Francesco Ferrucio, but only one seaplane instead of seven..."
---
The Manila Times
25 February 1926
Vice-Presidente Licenciado Piña today responded to the recent comments by the Indian Raj regarding the overseas peception of the SATSUMA alliance.
"As the Raj said, our vision is for the peoples of East Asia to be prosperous, independent nations, answering to themselves and no-one else. However, there is no reason for anyone to be afraid - or foolish. Like any sane people, we hope that we will be able to achieve our goals peacefully. Of course, we do have a number of plans to choose from, should diplomacy fail.
"As for the Raj's second point, we fully agree that any nation that commits itself to self-government for its colonies is a friend of SATSUMA, and we will glady commit ourselves to pacts of non-agression in such cases. However, I am not sure that it will be possible, or wise, for such nations to be admitted to SATSUMA itself.
"Of the various colonial powers in East Asia, there are only three that are not part of exsiting alliances. Holland, England, and the United States. There have been rumours that the Dutch, in the East Indies, are being wooed by AANM. Given their recent experience in the Great War, the English, with Australia, Burma and Pakistan, are understandably wary about commiting themselves to overseas alliances. And the Americans, who hold Hawaii, are the democratic equivilant of a hermit kingdom, locking themselves inside their hemisphere behind steel walls of battleship grey.
"All of the other nations with colonies in our region are members of either FAR or AANM. The current three-sided alliance system is fairly stable. Permamently connecting any two, however, could only lead to trouble.
"There have also been some questions as to why China is not part of the SATSUMA alliance. The fact of the matter is, when we were in discussions with Formosa and Chosen, we also invited the Chinese. They declined..."
---
The Manila Times
26 February 1926
Bulgaria was the most recent stop for our Foreign Minister, where discussion revolved around the ex-Filipino pre-Dreadnought battleship Angeles, rebuilding after the Great War, and as at many of the stops, the Russians...
---
The Manila Times
4 March 1926
In Rumania this week, Foreign Minister de Varga signed a deal in which the Filipinos will provide techincal support for the rebuild of the ex-Austrian battleship Radetzky. Our own Fernando, a sister-ship to the Rumanian vessel, is currently undergoing its own refit, and our experiences will assist the Rumanians in preparing their ship for service.
---
The Manila Times
10 March 1926
If it's the second week of March, this must be Hungary. The Foreign Minister this week met with top Hungarian officials, continuing our good relations that stretch back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire...
---
The Manila Times
12 March 1926
The Filipino Government applauds the decision by Japan's new Shogun to grant independence to the Japanese Pacific Island Mandates.
"This action proves that Lady Tsugako is a wise politician, who is senstive to the needs and desires of her people," said El Presidente. "We wish this new nation the best of sucess, and extend an invitation to its government, when it is elected, to consider joining the Philippines, Japan, India, Chosen, and Formosa in joining the SATSUMA alliance."
---
The Manila Evening Times
15 March 1926
MdF officials today announced that they have acquired the ex-Japanese armoured crusier Nisshin from the Kingdom of Chosen.
The ship will serve as a replacement of the American-built cruiser Luzon, which will be delivered for disposal to Japan later this year, as payment for the assault transport Balabac.
(ooc: Payment for Nisshin, which will become PRS Bugsuk, will be 0.2 IP, paid as 0.1 IP in Q2 and Q3. Delivery of the vessel will be made on 1 June. Luzon will be transferred to Japan on 1 October, at which time the Philippines will take delivery of Balabac)
---
The Manila Times
21 March 1926
It was a chilly weekend in Russia as our Foreign Minister continued his European Grand Tour.
After spending some time soothing the fears of Moscow's politicians, with regard to some of the recent speeches of El Presidente, he was invited to visit Zhukovsky Airfield, to witness a demonstration of the latest Tupolev bomber.
Señor de Varga was seen afterwards in private conversation with Academacian Tupolev. What was discussed is unknown to this writer, however afterwards El Aquila did not seem pleased...
---
The Manila Evening Times
22 March 1926
High officials in the Filipino government are puzzled at the reaction to the Peacekeeping Force that it and our Japanese allies have sent to South America.
"This force was sent at the express invitation of the Chilean government," said Jefe Almirante Juan Diego de la Vega, "to ensure that incidents in the Magellan Strait did not continue to spiral out of control. Since our ships arrived there, things have been quiet. Incidents? No, nada, none, zippo, zilch. And yet the Atlantians find the need to chastise us! It's not like the Rising Sun has been planted on Tierra del Fuego!"
Nevertheless, the Filipinos are slightly concerned about allegations that the Chileans may be interested not in peace, but rather in grabbing territory.
"When the South Africans, allied to Nordmark, speak up in defense of Argentina, it definitly shows that there may be some fire under all that smoke. So we wil conduct a full investigation, using all available resources, and see what we can see."
---
The Manila Evening Times
25 March 1926
Honolulu, Hawaii Territory, USA - American and Filipino diplomats today concluded their three-day summit with the announcement that their countries have signed a 'Treaty of Friendship and Trade'.
"While looking to the future with SATSUMA," said Vice-Presidente Licenciado Piña, "we cannot afford to lose sight of those who have helped us in the past. We had a very productive meeting with our American friends, and are pleased to announce this trade treaty."
Vice-Presidente Piña carefully noted that the treaty is not one of alliance, nor is is one of non-agression.
"The Americans are, as I have said before, a nation quite wary of foreign entanglements, and it is a matter of SATSUMA policy that non-agression pacts will only be signed if agreed to by all member nations. As only one was present, that was of course not possible at this time."
---
The Manila Times
27 March 1926
It appears that an early conference to possibly alter the Cleito Naval Limitation Treaty will not occur, after all.
"After a number of discussions among the Treaty powers, it was decided that since the Treaty specifies a 'review' conference in 1928, it would be best to simply wait the two extra years," said Almirante de la Vega.
---
The Manila Times
30 March 1926
This week's visit on our Foreign Minister's tour was the Kingdom of Nordmark. While Nordmark has largely "drawn into its shell" since the tragic events of a few years ago, he had a productive visit. Among issues discussed were the Russians (quite animatedly) and recent developments at the Bofors armory. A handshake agreement was conlcuded with Nordmark's Foreign Minister for the Arsenal de Manila and the Bofors Ordinance Works to begin joint studies of future small arms and anti-aircraft artillery, and to exchange test data, as the climate in Nordmark is drastically different from that of the Philippines.
Afterwards, Señor de Varga and his small entourage spent an evening in the famous casinos of the tiny state of Coldmere, on the southwestern Scandanvian coast. Reports are that El Aquila did quite well at the blackjack table.
********
WesWorld »
The SIM »
News and Stories »
Quoted
"I should issue a warning, however, that if there is not a Treaty modification implemented allowing an increase in capital ships' gun sizes - and we neither expect or support such a modification, indeed, we oppose it - and the Dutch proceed with such a modification to the Zeven Provenciens, the Philippines will likely be forced to withdraw from the Treaty of Cleito, and will strongly encourge its allies to do likewise."
Plus the US presumably still does not trust Japan enough. Perhaps this can be the first step torwards a future non-agression pact...or more...?
Thursday, May 23rd 2024, 9:59pm
Go to the top of the page
