WesWorld

7 January

Reports have been received by this paper of a "revolution" in Mexico. It seems religiously-motivated forces in the southern part of that country have begun seizing power. While events in this far-away land may be of little concern to the citizen of Bangkok, our diplomatic officials are monitoring the affair, noting that the largest wave often starts as a single ripple.


14 January

Revealed today was a contract for 40 Fiat CR.32 fighters from Italy, signed at the recent Chinese aero exposition, the first step torwards the modernisation of our Air Force. Officials stated that discussions were underway with companies from Argentina, Denmark and Germany for additional aircraft but declined to discuss specifics.


27 January

The King has condemned the joint invasion of the Indian mandate of Asir by the forces of the House of Saud and the Sultanate of Yemen. The agressors have shown by their actions and deeds that they do not have the best interests of anyone but themselves at heart, and the nation of Siam calls on them to withdraw their military forces from foreign soil and speak with the Indians to resolve their differences over the diplomatic table, not the field of battle. In addition, the Kingdom of Siam offers to the Empire of India whatever assistance, short of direct military matters of course, may be required in these trying days.


29 January

As the naval forces of the world continue to extend their reach to ships of the air, our own naval expansion plan shows no signs of a desire to compete in this field. One must wonder why our great nation, now seeking to establish its place on the world stage, would wish to fall behind in matters of the latest technology such as this?


3 February

Naval officials have been seen to be making frequent visits to the Argentine, Italian and South African embassies. Comment was declined on the matter.


7 February

The Siamese Government regrets that the situation in South America has devolved into war, and declares our official neutrality in the conflict. The Siamese Nation will abide by the provisions of the Treaty of the Hague with regards to the combatants.


14 February

Published yesterday was an annoucement that the Air Force has issued a contract to the Focke-Wulf aero company of Germany, for two "twin-engine strike bomber" prototypes and a "provisional option" for twenty-four production aircraft upon satisfactory flight trials. However, no details were given as to the exact specifications of the aircraft ordered.


26 February

A high-ranking government official who wished to remain anynomous has critisized the Air Force's procurement policy. He says that the service seems to be concentrating on new, unproven types, referring to an "unconventional" German design, presumably the recently-released Focke-Wulf contract, and 'intense interest' in the radical new Argentine I-100 fighter plane. Referring to the latter, he says that while the demonstrator may show sparking performance, it is a hand-built prototype constructed with special care for light weight and maneuverability. This official states that he has had conversations with 'knowlegable people' on the aircraft, and says that the general consensus is that production aircraft will likely be hard-pressed to match the stated performance specifications. He continues that while 'an order for as many as twenty-four' of the type is a virtual fait accompli, the recent order for Italian fighters shows that 'the Air Force may be coming to its senses somewhat' as initial projections were for a much larger purchase of the Argentine aircraft.


2 March

The Air Force today released contracts with the Argentine FMA company for twenty-four I-100 "Barron" fighter aircraft, along with thirty T-514 and thirty I.Ae 2 trainer aeroplanes. Deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.


8 March

While details remain unconfirmed, it has been reported that the Navy has acquired 'a cruiser and four destroyers' formerly belonging to the Italian Regina Marina. Rumours of deals for new and used vessels with South Africa and Argentina remain as of yet unconfirmed.


17 March

A few streetcorners in our capital city were found defaced this morning with posters calling for 'a Great Restoration' of 'the lands of Glorious Siam', believed to be a reference to the territories lost to the French in the 1890s. There was no evidence of anyone responsible for the advertisements which were quickly removed by police.

24 March

Just when it seemed that our nation might escape, the scourge of the Philippine Plague has reached our shores. Two cases of El Derretir has been reported in the town of Songkhla in th southern part of the country. The government has announced a complete quarantine of the town, with the gunboat Ratanakosindra and destroyer Phra Ruang despatched to ensure that this is maintained on the sea side.

24 March

Just when it seemed that our nation might escape, the scourge of the Philippine Plague has reached our shores. Two cases of El Derretir has been reported in the town of Songkhla in th southern part of the country. The government has announced a complete quarantine of the town, with the gunboat Ratanakosindra and destroyer Phra Ruang despatched to ensure that this is maintained on the sea side.


Songkhla is also mighty close to the Malay border...

It's popping up everywhere!
... and I get the impression you want to infect the citizens of your friendly neighbours.
:-)

Quoted

... and I get the impression you want to infect the citizens of your friendly neighbours.
:-)

Whom, moi? Surely you jest!

And don't call me Shirley!

28 March

The government has released three more military contracts. The first two are with Denmark, one being with the Rohrbach aircraft company for the development of a "Ro X III" type, with exact details unspecified, and the other being with the government shipyards for the construction of "four 130mm twin turrets, four 37mm twin mounts", although no ship to place these weapons on is mentioned. The final contact is with the Chinese Harbin concern, for twenty-four Harbin 31 (Do 11) bomber aeroplanes.