WesWorld

Noticias Argentinas

Oct 1
Today in Bahia Blanca representatives of the Argentine Army, the Brazilian army and the RSAA met to discuss measures to prevent further incidents among our troops. A system of colured panels has been devised for aerial recognition.

Oct 15
Today the Argentine Navy seized the rebel-led Paraguayan Navy and confiscated all its ships at Pilar. The navy consisted of four vessels, the Capitan Cabral (1907) sunk during the Parana Incident earlier this year, Tacuari (1910 150 tons, 2x3" guns, 10 knots) damaged during the same battle and two new powerful vessels Humaita and Paraguay (1931, 745 tons, 4x4.7", 3x3" DP, mines, 17 knots). The Navy issued a statement regretting the action but saying, "If peace is to be achieved and food and aid supplies guaranteed then the rebel fleet must be disarmed and removed to remove further threats to the safety of Argentinean citizens and Paraguayan refugees".

Oct 18
Loyal government troops in Paraguay trapped in the east of the country between rebel forces and Argentine troops begun attacking westwards in an attempt to reach Encarnation. General Ambrosini with some 3,000 men begun the initial assault on rebel positions supported by Heinkel fighters and bombers and a few Caproni ground attack aircraft this morning. A freelance European reporter claims to have visited a Rebel airstrip with around ten FMA I-100 fighters and two Tucan T-17 ground attack aircraft in rebel markings. A Fuerza Aerea Argentina spokesman denied any sales had been made to the rebels of surplus I-100 fighters and the Tucan firm denied any exports of the T-17 with the design only now entering frontline service with the FAA.

Oct 19
A convoy of trucks in Paraguay was today attacked by loyalistl Paraguayan Government forces and soon afterwards an RSAF bomber also attacked the column, this led to the Paraguayan troops attacking again under the cover of the air attack. This last attack was beaten off and several prisoners were taken. Around twenty of our soldiers were killed. The prisioners claimed they opened fire on the aircraft because they thought it was an Argentine patrol aircraft but senior officers disbelieve the story and have strenuously denied they fired on the aircraft first as claimed by the South Africans.

Oct 20
The Argentine Navy has incorporated the former Paraguayan Navy as the Rio Parana Support Squadron, under the command of Capitan de Corbeta Chavez. Volunteer Paraguayan sailors will be enlisted as Argentine sailors and Argentine sailors will make up the rest of the crews. The Capitan Cabral will be used as a static training ship until repairs are finished and Humaita and Paraguay will become fully operational gunboats. The Navy has not issued a statement explaining its decision to take over the ships but commentators believe the shortage of gunboats has forced this decision. The Patria has been refloated and now is in the tiny dock at Formosa blocking quayside space badly needed for aid freighters.

Today the Army received a formal apology from the SAE government following the incident on the 19th. They confirmed the captured Paraguayan soldier's claims that they fired on the RSAF bomber first.

Oct 21
The Army has welcomed the apology from SAE but the popular press has not been so forgiving. Another incident has stirred up public anger once again. Crowds gathered outside the SAE Embassy in Cordoba but no trouble was reported. One article published today gives an insight into the feelings of the population.

Comodoro Courier 21/10/34 "Twice within a month the African Imperialists have attacked our brave soldiers trying to maintain law and order in Paraguay. A convoy of troops delivering aid to the forward camps was attacked by a gang of evil Diaz regime troops supported by African bombers. Twenty of our brave lads died but they beat off the attack and captured several of the enemy. While they claim they mistook the bomber for one of ours, the Africans tell the same story it seems a strange coincidence that just as the Paraguayans attacked the plane appeared. Just like last month African troops were found near the site of alleged enemy guns, and they too opened fire first. How long will the government tolerate these attacks? We say they should move now while the enemy is still weak, the Africans must be taught a lesson in revenge, lets make them suffer like we do and claim it all on supposed accidents and coincidences".

Oct 27
The submarine Santa Rosa, the last of the P-Class, was launched today in front of a crowd of 2,000 cheering onlookers. Work was delayed because of the recent strike action at the yard but work has quickly resumed to complete the hull, after launching is will be tied up alongside the dock for final fitting out.

Nov 1
The cruiser Orca, the destroyers Rioja, Santa Cruz, Heroina, Bathurst and E106 have ended four days of submarine co-operation exercises with two P Class submarines. The cruiser acted as a target ship for the subs while the destroyers (one from each squadron) practised anti-submarine techniques under the guidance of Italian instructors.

Nov 2
Today the San Francisco talks ended with no international agreement. After proposing many sound ideas the Argentine delegation lost it's faith in the talks and are now preparing to leave for home. En route the delegation will visit Mexico and Chile.

Nov 8
Argentine troops have met SAE forces in southern Paraguay. The border of the Department of Misiones is the new boundary of the De-Militarised Zone after continued rebel activity in the area over the past month and the recent advance of Government Forces into the area. Elements of the 201st Regiment advanced another fifty miles until they were halted by SAE troops escorting an aid column over one of the newly laid roads in their area. While reports indicate good natured relations between the two sides politically the situation is dangerous following the events of recent months with rumours of Brazilian activity to the north and several incidents of friendly fire. Rebel leaders seem to be taking sides and continuing the fighting against loyal Government troops.

Nov 10
The delegation from the San Francisco talks aboard the battleship Capitan Gascon and the cruiser General San Martin on their way home have made a quick diplomatic visit to Mexico.

Nov 11
At the conclusion of the summer field exercises the Commander of the Mechanised Corps Major General Antonio Miguel Barbera has called for the creation of self-propelled artillery to support the tank force. Frequently tanks, especially the new Italian fast tanks, outran their infantry support and this left both exposed. Improvised tactics saw platoon being carried on the tanks but more firepower is needed as tanks outrun their artillery support which cannot move as fast. The T-1 tank is likely to form the basis of a small self-propelled gun if development funds can be released.

Nov 12
Today the Chief of Staff of the Air Force General de Aero Eduardo Serra confirmed a new Fuerza Aerea Argentina command has been formed to support the enforcement of the de-militarised zone. A squadron each of I-100, FN-7 Archer, Audax and M.B.2 aircraft will complete a composite group to be based in captured Paraguayan airfields. The distinguished commander Lieutenant General Pedro Zann will lead the unit.

The delegation from the San Francisco talks aboard the battleship Capitan Gascon and the cruiser General San Martin on their way home have made a diplomatic visit to Chile.

Nov 14
Today an Argentine registered vessel, the Rio Salado, has been in a collision with an RSAN patrol boat. The ship has been taken to Buenos Aries for repairs five men die aboard the badly damaged RSAN boat.

Nov 15
As the Capitan Gascon escorted by the cruiser General San Martin entered Bahia Blanca every major warship of the fleet was decorated and every sailor was dressed n his best whites. Today was the Commander in Chief's Inspection Day. The whole yard was quiet as Almriante Benedicto was ferried to the Libertad. Three floatplanes circled overhead, as Benedicto reached the quarterdeck a 21-gun salute was fired and the ship's band played the national anthem. As he walked down the ranks of the Fleet's best officers each smartly saluted, at the end was the CinC, Almirante Peablo. As they descended below they began discussing the failed talks, and the future. Now that relations were worsening daily with the SAE the future looked bleaker.

Nov 16
A massive explosion has rocked the dockyard of Buenos Aires, raging fires are out of control and several ships in the port have been sunk and others severely damaged. The death toll is expected to be in the hundreds. The Ministry of home Affairs has offered help to the Grand Uruguay authorities.

Brazil also offers assistance to the authorities in Buenos Aires should it be required...

Nov 20
Today the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy's Official Yacht has been launched at the AFNE yard. The ship was named the Capitan de Navio Parker, after a hero of the 1921 War. Completion will be to a full wartime standard for service as an escort as opposed to the official role envisioned due to the current political situation. There was a three minutes silence for the dead in Buenos Aires.

In Buenos Aires around 220 bodies or body parts have been recovered but the death toll is expected to rise further. This is the second worst harbour explosion since the Halifax Explosion of December 1917. An investigation of the cause had identified the source as the Argentine registered vessel Rio Salado. While unloading the cargo for dry docking a crate fell and detonated some unknown explosive contents in the hold. The vessel, formerly registered with the Compania Argentina de Marinanavegacion D'Silva was supposed to be carrying agricultural machinery from Europe to Paraguay as part of our Food for the Future project. The current owners, a group of former employees of Compania Argentina de Marinanavegacion D'Silva, have not been since the 16th and a police raid on their offices revealed little evidence. Argentine officials suggest some petrol aboard may have been responsible but some Army officials believe a form of liquid incendiary may have responsible.

Nov 21
The Argentine Ambassador to SAE in Pretoria today was summoned to see the King. During the three-hour meeting the King confirmed the RSAA has found evidence of Argentine arms trading to the various rebel groups in Paraguay and has requested an immediate halt to these activities. The Ambassador replied he knew of no such activities but added he would pass the request to the Argentine government.

Nov 22
The Argentine Consulate in Buenos Aries has been pelted with stones as thousands of protestors gathered outside. In a public broadcast on the Foreign Affairs Minister Alfredo Castagone complained the SAE police was reluctant to break up the crowds and added there was no proof that Argentina was behind the recent explosion. The finger has been pointed to Antonio D'Silva. After his escape from Argentina he has settled in Central Europe and has set up an international arms trading company. Army intelligence has him tracked and they believe that is where the shipments of arms have been coming from. Knowing his strong anti-SAE sentiments he is prime suspect, the reward on his head has increased to 2 Million Pesos (alive) by the Ministry of Security.

Nov 24
SAE has closed it waters to all foreign ships carrying ammunition and troops, including Argentinean vessels and the Atlantic controlled zone has been extended further into the Atlantic. Now the River Plate estuary is completely closed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has handed an official complaint to the SAE government. It seems the troops are now completely cut off from effective supply and the government has given notice that the Army if unable to maintain control in Paraguay will not be held responsible for the actions which may happen.

The Ministries of transport and Foreign Affairs have sent official protests via our Ambassador in Pretoria today declaring the SAE controlled zone illegal and an infringement on the current agreements on the welfare of the refugees and the join protection of the southern half of Paraguay.

Nov 27
After several hours of discussions an agreement has been reached on the SAE controlled zone. The Argentinean Navy will aid the RSAN in the searching of vessels entering from the Argentinean waters. Ships checked and officially declared harmless will be allowed to enter into SAE claimed waters. Ammunition and military transports for the Argentine Army will be accompanied by RSAN or Coast Guard ships to any incidents or attacks on these vital vessels.

Quoted

Originally posted by Hood


Nov 24
SAE has closed it waters to all foreign ships carrying ammunition and troops, including Argentinean vessels and the Atlantic controlled zone has been extended further into the Atlantic. Now the River Plate estuary is completely closed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has handed an official complaint to the SAE government. It seems the troops are now completely cut off from effective supply and the government has given notice that the Army if unable to maintain control in Paraguay will not be held responsible for the actions which may happen.

The Ministries of transport and Foreign Affairs have sent official protests via our Ambassador in Pretoria today declaring the SAE controlled zone illegal and an infringement on the current agreements on the welfare of the refugees and the join protection of the southern half of Paraguay.

Nov 27
After several hours of discussions an agreement has been reached on the SAE controlled zone. The Argentinean Navy will aid the RSAN in the searching of vessels entering from the Argentinean waters. Ships checked and officially declared harmless will be allowed to enter into SAE claimed waters. Ammunition and military transports for the Argentine Army will be accompanied by RSAN or Coast Guard ships to any incidents or attacks on these vital vessels.

IMHO while it seems like the SAE is agreeing to something still could be seeing by many in Argentina as their nation losing credibility (accepting their ships being escorted by South African ships plus accepting the expansion of the search zone is an infringement of Argentina's international rights)

[Brazil]

The Empire is most displeased with the closure of the River Plate estuary. The unilateral action by the South African Empire closing international waters is an alarming precedent that causes us much concern...

No more distressinig than the combined Japanese, Filipino, Afrikan, Chilean patrols of the Straits of Magellan in 1926 after an incident between Chilean naval units and rogue Agrentinian torpedo boats.

Yeah, but that was different - Brazil wasn't too happy with the Argies back then either, now it's the Big Bad South Africans, y'see.

The agreement proves Argentina is willing to sacrifice face for peace. Such infringements are tolerated as long as it keeps the SAE happy.

Arms dealers: "While the Africans are busy watching the Plate we'll use the overland route, oh and that Ju 52 will prove most handy..."

Quoted

Originally posted by Hood
The agreement proves Argentina is willing to sacrifice face for peace. Such infringements are tolerated as long as it keeps the SAE happy.

Arms dealers: "While the Africans are busy watching the Plate we'll use the overland route, oh and that Ju 52 will prove most handy..."

Maybe the current government is willing to sacrifice but if the hate of the South Africans is as prevalent as is supposed to be the opposition must be having a blast. The sacrificing face could cost them the next elections if the humilliations continue to increase.

Dec 7
In his monthly report General Jose Serra Aznar has confirmed that rebel activity in Paraguay has increased and that without further supplies by the river routes his troops will be unable to control the increased unrest in the region. Also food in the camps is running low and several large riots have been reported, these have been broken up with difficulty and at least thirty refugees have died.

Dec 10
Reports from Paraguay indicate the largest rebel offensive of the civil war has begun. The Paraguayan Anti-Government Front (UPAF) troops surrounding Caacupe and Asuncion have begun what they describe as the "Final Advance" is aiming to take the last Government stronghold around the capital. The northern side of the pocket was sealed sometime last week when the small town of Villa Hayes was captured and further south the city of Paraguari remains firmly in rebel hands. Argentine troops protecting the de-militarised zone have not intervened and are some fifty miles south of Asuncion. Fuerza Aerea Argentina fighters of the Commando Paraguay have intercepted several rebel planes trying to overfly the zone.

Dec 13
Reports coming in indicate an RSAN patrol vessel has been sunk in Argentine territorial waters trying to force an Argentine registered vessel to stop. This vessel radioed for help when it was fired upon by the RSAN ship. Both sides tonight are blaming the other for what has happened but it seems to have begun by accident when a warning shot hit the RSAN vessel after its captain refused to turn back. No doubt lights will burn bright far into the night in both nations.

Dec 15
In response to latest events the SAE has closed its waters to all foreign vessels and ended the recent agreement of joint policing the vessels in our waters wishing to enter the Plate estuary. The Navy has the full backing of the government if they wish to force shipments through the Plate by force if necessary. At least three fast ships were seen leaving Bahia Blanca soon after the announcement. The Navy issued an announcement this afternoon that, "The Plate is sacred to all true South Americans and the African colonial administration will not prevent our powerful nation from using our Plate".

Dec 18
Three Corrientes Class torpedo boats escorting three river steamers have tried to get past the SAE blockade up the Rio Parana. Several RSAN vessels blocked the way and in the tense situation the Argentine vessels did not back down until the last minute. A minor collision was reported but no serious damage was caused to either ship. No shots were fired but all ships were at action stations and all guns loaded with live ammunition.

In Cordoba today an anti-war protest ended in a riot when pro-war activists entered the main square and began pelting stones at the anti-war protestors. Around thirty have been arrested and a further forty are in hospital with injures.

Dec 19
The shipbuilders AFNE at Bahia Blanca today launched the hull of the largest Argentine military vessel ever built in a home yard. The heavy cruiser La Argentina will be armed with twelve 190mm guns, capable of 32.5 kts it will be one of the most powerful ships in its class in South American waters. Due to recent political considerations only a hundred specially invited VIPs attended the launching ceremony.

[Brazil]

18 December

After months of denials, it has been confirmed that the Empire has units of the regular army operating within Paraguay. A spokesman for the Army stated that 'we have deployed our forces into Paraguay in response to the rampant instability, banditry and lawlessness in the country'. He declined to comment on reports of multiple clashes with forces belonging to the Paraguayan Governmental Loyalists, or the reported supply of aircraft and pilots to the Paraguayan Rebellion...

Dec 21
An SAE airship has exploded in mid air just five kilometres west of Cape Town. Only 18 passengers were saved as they clung onto debris in the water. While a technical fault cannot be ruled out foul play must also be considered, perhaps by loyal Paraguayan forces.

Also today there have been large protests on the streets of Cordoba by Pfennigs for Paraguay supporters. Other protests were held in Buenos Aires and Montevideo and. The PHP has called all parties to stay calm during the recent incidents and to end the fighting in Paraguay before things get worse and war breaks out.

Dec 22
The terrorist organization Free Uruguay Movement (FUM), thought to have been smashed last year has claimed responsibility for the attack on the airship. In a statement posted the world's press they claim to have struck at the heart of the African Empire by threatening their colonial connections. The Ministry of Security acted swiftly to arrest some thirty suspects within hours of the announcement but they fear if FUM is still active it could de-stabilise the political situation in Paraguay and at home further. Once again links to the wanted businessman Antonio D'Silva have been made in certain quarters but the Ministry believe it may be a splinter group that is responsible.

Dec 27
Today another attempt to reach the Rio Parana has ended in another incident, more serious than the latest. Once again Corrientes Class torpedo boats escorting four river steamers tried to get past the blockade. All seemed to be going according to plan and as the Argentine commander forced his ships between the RSAN boats and the steamers the African ships open fired without provocation. All guns were ready and loaded and a response was soon offered. Several hits were reported on either side but the Argentine group turned back and a steamer ran aground and had to be abandoned. At least three hits on the leading vessel killed nineteen sailors.

Dec 28
Today in a joint session of the Senate and Chambre of Deputies the whole government denounced the warlike actions of the RSAN as a step too far. Several anti-African protests nationwide have resulted in African owned shops being smashed, several men being killed by mobs and the SAE Embassy in Cordoba was under siege for around six hours, meanwhile the police stood by idly and watched the scenes with some amusement. Nearly every paper, radio station and public organisation is now calling for the government to declare war. Here is a common article from the Daily Express News printed in Northern Argentina;
"The recent invasion of Argentine waters by African colonist sailors and their recent rush to grab Paraguayan land with the help of the hated mad dog former president of Paraguay General Hector Ramon Garioza Ruiz Diaz proves without a doubt SAE's intentions. Long since the 19th century the existence of Argentina has halted her plans to expand her Empire westwards, southwards and northwards by our powerful Brazilian allies. Now seeing the weakened Paraguay as the perfect area to take over as another colonial slave state they have lied to us by gaining our trust only to betray us and the rebels so valiantly fighting for freedom by backing Diaz's ruthless regime and now offering him the seat of power once again with SAE support. They wish to stamp their colonial brutality on Paraguay as they have Uruguay for years. Can we stand back and let this happen. No! Already our brave boys are fighting in Paraguay to protect our homeland from the SAE fuelled fighting. We must advance now and carry the banners of freedom to the east and the River Plate estuary, our natural border."

This morning the Argentine Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Security declared yesterday's expulsion of Argentine shipping from her 10nm limit and all SAE controlled waters as illegal and provocative of war. In response all SAE access to the upper Rio Parana would be stopped and all river traffic halted. Also all SAE ships were banned from Argentine waters and all SAE registered aircraft banned from flying over Argentina and the Parayguan De-Militarised Zone. The Red Cross criticised the move given the large numbers of refugees requiring aid now cut off from the main river supply routes opened in recent months by joint Argo-SAE actions. Transportation overland is difficult but new SAE roads in their zone of operations and similar Argentine efforts mean aid will still get through. The President himself pledged to the world that Argentina would still feed and house the refugees but added that SAE aggressive actions have soured relations to the point of war.

The Navy has begun an investigation into the recent naval incident that resulted in the sinking of an RSAN patrol vessel and has summoned Teniente de Fragata Ricardo and Alfrez de Fragata Costa to Naval Headquarters in Bahia Blanca. Also to be present will be the RSAN officers of the UJ11 still being held in a Military Prison. Lieutenant E.H. Larive is still recovering from his wounds in the hospital wing.

Dec 29
The Investigation began today under immense media and public attention. Lieutenant E.H. Larive took the stand first to give his testimony followed by Teniente de Fragata Ricardo and Alfrez de Fragata Costa and local harbour commanders.

The Naval Staff issued orders for the entire fleet to be mobilised and for wartime patrols to be carried out by torpedo boats and destroyers backed by cruiser support. The naval bases have been closed to all visitors. An hour later the Army Staff begun calling up reserves and III Corps has been officially created with two divisions that were still forming up. Some believe that when conscription begins the Army will form another four divisions. The Fuerza Aerea Argentina at dusk were preparing for dawn patrols along the border from tomorrow.


Dec 30

PRESIDENT'S SPEECH 12:30PM
"In response to the South African demands made upon this nation and the interference, deliberate or otherwise, in Paraguay which has cost the lives of our soldiers our Ambassador in Montevideo was instructed to hand an ultimatum to the Empire. Our demands were that the illegal territorial water limits should be modified, the restrictions placed upon Argentine merchant shipping lifted and that African troops should withdraw from Paraguay. The Ambassador was also instructed to say that if we did not hear from them by 12 noon then a state of war would exist between our two nations. I regret to say no such reply has been made and therefore this country is now at war with the South African Empire."

Dec 31
In a joint session of the Chambre of Deputies and Senate both houses passed the 1921 Wartime Conscription Act with almost unanimous votes.

December 28th, Cinco de Mayo

Capitan Mendoza was in a bad mood. Here they where still stuck in Argentina with Argentina about to go to war with the South Africans.

"Que diablos pasa? Why aren't all the planes loaded?"

"Sir, We couldn't get the crane working untill a couple of hours ago. We are loading the last plane now."

"We'll hurry up and get the ship ready to sail. I wan't to be out of here in half an hour."

"But sir, it'll take an hour to get ready, safety and..."

"The hell with safety, if we are not out soon we are liable to have to shoot our way out."

That had an effect on the Teniente. A few more 'persuasive' words to the crew, and the Carrier sailed in record time. By nightfall she had reached International Waters and was heading South as fast as she could go.

"Commandante, as soon as there is enough light to fly by, I want you to set up a recon pattern. ALso make sure to mantain at least 4 fighters at all times over the ship."

"Sir do we really need such drastic measures?"

"There's going to be war very soon, and I don't intend to get sunk. There's been plenty of friendly fire incidents already. On last thing, get some crew to paint some flags on the deck, make 'em as big as they'll fit."

Official Atlantean government responce:

"It is with deep saddness that we have witnessed the slow and steady spiral towards war in South America yet again. While the South African and Argentinian governments may both have legitimate greivances, it is the people of Paraguay who will suffer the most.

Our government remains commited to providing aid to the refugees of this unfortunate state of affairs and to this end we request that the waring party's along with the League of nations work towards setting up refugee camps in area's away from the conflict so that aid and supply's can be safely transfered to those who need it most.

We also hope that other nations refrain from entering this conflict, such actions are frought with danger and could quickly escalate hostility's from a regional conflict to another global conflict."

It is with sadness that I note that a state of war now exists in South America after South Africa failed to heed Argentina's legitime concerns. I am left to express my concern for the inhabitants of South America and urge both parties to rapidly return to negotiation to end the dispute. I would also like to call for all other countries to excercise restraint during this time.

The Kingdom of Belgium declares it's nuetrality in the Argentine-SAE conflict.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands issues the statement
"We view the declaration of war by the Argentine Government against our friends and relations in South Afrika as a matter of the gravest concern. We shall guard our rights as a well and insist on our full rights as a nuetral.

The Kingdom of the Kongo makes no statement at this time. For that matter, neither do the Grand Duchies of Luxumbourg or Ubangi-Shari.