WesWorld

The port of Saigon was especially busy today, as a significant number of French merchant and passenger ships arrived from the Phillippines today, some in ballast or without cargoes.

Why do I get a bad feeling about this?

Because of one particular word that is mentioned: "Phillippines."
:-)

Actually for me, "Saigon" and "French" together would be enough to give me an uneasy feeling, but "Philippines" crosses the line to bad feeling. Talk of United States involvement would bring it to very bad feeling.

Let's just hope that they do not start poking their nose in the SE Asia region. I guess the international community can handle the situation as it is right now.
:-)

17 November 1927

His trip from Turkey just completed, the Raj took advantage of a pleasant and sunny day in Hyderabad to entertain members of the international diplomatic corps at the Imperial Palace. Invited to attend were the ambassadors of France, Russia, and Atlantis, who joined the Raj for tea and biscuits.

A source in the palace told AWNR, "The Raj asked the French ambassador, M. Richer, to express his congratulations to M. Poincare on his election. He later spoke at length about the positive steps taken by France to be a good neighbour in recent years, and expressed his optimism that ties between the nations of FAR and India and her friends would continue to gain strength."

18 November 1927

With China now essentially unified, the Indian Navy has dispatched a squadron to visit several southern Chinese cities on a goodwill tour.

Admiral Kashiram Paswan told AWNR, "We've opted to send a squadron consisting of the cruisers Hyderabad and Trincomalee, and the destroyers Tumkur, Nellore, Ongole, and Hubli. They will be visiting Zhanjiang, Yangjiang, Shantou, Zhao'an, and then will turn east to pay their respects to our Formosan allies with stops in Taipei and Kaohsiang."

Admiral Paswan noted that, "While we expect they will have a pleasant and memorable cruise, the area's apparent pirate problem will require that the ships be vigilant. In the unlikely even that they encounter a vessel such as this 'Deathshadow', they will be equipped to deal with the matter."

The squadron will likely also visit Manila before and after the Chinese visits to take on fuel and suppliies.

You are to reassure the Raj that M. Poincare cordially accepts his gracious congratulations, and reassure him that France greatly values the beneficial relations she enjoys with his great realm. You may also mention that the French and Russian governments are greatly interested in extending the railroad system presently under construction in China by RosPoezd to create a link to India's railroad network.