WesWorld

aowwt
Administrator
Posts: 12
(4/8/03 10:45:02 am)

The News so far
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AWNR news

- Naval powers ready to sign Naval Limitation Treaty.
- Infamous Japanese pilot found after reported missing.
- Attack on the special representative of the Japanese Emperor.
- Coldmere prepares for the visit of Japan’s Shogun.
- Kido Butai. Japan’s Glorious Carrier Strike Force status.

- Naval powers ready to sign Naval Limitation Treaty.
With the agreement of Italy, Greece and Japan, with the latest version of the Treaty, it now seems almost certain that the treaty will be signed. For quite a while, the main problem seemed to be the limitation of Submarines. Both Italy and Greece accepted the proposal made by the delegation of the South African Empire, a variant from the proposal made earlier by the delegation of the Empire of India.
Admiral Takis Talknotalotalopoles of Greece told AWNR that he and the rest of his delegation are truly happy that the S.A.E. has finally acknowledged the core problem and that the other countries agreed to the new proposal.
The Italian Representative didn’t say much but told AWNR that proposal seems a lot better than anything previous submitted.
So far, AWNR was unable to get a word with Tokugawa Kaetuza, a supporter of a ban on submarines, as to why he has suddenly changed his mind regarding this question.
AWNR will keep you informed.

- Infamous Japanese pilot found after reported missing.
For a short time, Oonishi “Crash” Manzo – Infamous Japanese Pilot Extraordinaire – was reported as missing. Early this morning his delayed attempt to fly over the road deck seemed to have ended in tragedy when his French built SPAD S.XIII was found floating upside down in the Thames River near the bridge with no sign of Oonishi.
However investigation showed that Oonishi landed his plane on the Tower Bridge road deck, and while asking a pedestrian for the shortest route to Tower Bridge, a lorry crashed into his plane and knocked it off the bridge and into the river. Some drunks then dragged Oonishi along to a bar where he was later found, drunk.

- Attack on the special representative of the Japanese Emperor.
The special representative of the Japanese Emperor, was attacked yesterday. The Lady Maeko was walking along a quiet street when eight men stopped her, probably to attempt to kidnap her. Someone who saw this quickly informed the police, but when they arrived at the scene, they found Lady Maeko standing near the eight men, who were all dead on the ground. Police informed AWNR that the men were cut down by swords and one had a strange star-shaped metal object in his throat, believed to be covered with poison.
AWNR will keep you informed.

- Coldmere prepares for the visit of Japan’s Shogun.
The people of the Sovereign Nation of Coldmere are getting ready for the visit of Tokugawa Kaetuza and his wife. AWNR reports that Coldmere’s royal yacht, 'Princess Aemelie', will be flying the flags of the Japanese Empire and the Tokugawa Shogunate during the stay of the Shogun aboard, while the Shogun’s Flagship will be flying the Royal Coldmerian Flag while lying in front of the coast of Coldmere. It is rumored that during one of the coming days, Infamous Japanese Pilot Extraordinaire, Oonishi “Crash” Manzo, will fly to Coldmere. A special ceremony will take place during which the flags will be exchanged between Oonishi and an as yet unknown Coldmerian representative.
AWNR will keep you informed.

- Kido Butai. Japan’s Glorious Carrier Strike Force.
The status of Japan’s recently formed glorious carrier strike force as reported to AWNR by Oonishi Manzo:
Planes: 1. Akaryu II
Pilots: 1. Oonishi “Kurasshu” Manzo
Planes lost: 3. Aoryu I (Imperial palace “Kyoto Incident”), Aoryu II (“Edo Castle Incident”), Akaryu I (Thames River “Tower Bridge Incident”)
Pilots lost: 0
Pilots injured: 1. Oonishi “Kurasshu” Manzo. (Cause: wrath of sister-in-law )
Carriers to operate from: 0
Carriers under construction: 1

End report

Walter
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AWNR news

- Watch out Coldmere !
- The nice duties of a Secretary.
- Casino business.

- Watch out Coldmere !

This morning at dawn, Infamous Japanese Pilot Extraordinaire Oonishi “Crash” Manzo took off from an airstrip north of London for his flight to the Sovereign Nation of Coldmere. With a number of fuel stops on the way, it is expected that he will arrive there somewhere tomorrow. AWNR asked Nakamura Shoda, Personal Secretary to the Shogun, if Oonishi had heard anything from Coldmere regarding the ability to land there. His answer was no. Therefore AWNR now posts a warning to the people of the Sovereign Nation of Coldmere to keep their children inside their homes and to take shelter when the Akaryu II arrives.

- The nice duties of a Secretary.

A representative of Nordmark has informed AWNR that the first group of secretaries responsible for creating the first draft of the Naval Limitation Treaty has arrived in Spitsbergen. After creating an error in the Treaty, it was decided to reassign them to moss-counting duty. Another secretary made the error of not allowing submarines to carry torpedoes. He was sent to the very north of Greenland and given a new five-year position as assistant clerk at one of Nordmark’s trapping-stations.
Errors didn’t stop there. There were two conflicting articles in the treaty. It was supposed to be corrected but the observant Dutch representative pointed out that the error was still there, even after the correction. Therefore Nordmark accepted the offer of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands allowing them to send the secretaries responsible for the latest error to the jungle swamps of inner Dutch Guyana. Here they will assist the Dutch staff responsible for naval build planning before the Great War with the estimation of the leech population by manual counting and marking. The United Kingdom of the Netherlands had pointed out that there was always room for fresh blood. One of the Nordmark secretaries sent there told AWNR that those creatures really “suck”.

- Casino business.

In Coldmere's famous casino, 'The Ice Pit', news quickly spread regarding the flight of Infamous Japanese Pilot Extraordinaire Oonishi “Crash” Manzo. The people there have heard a lot about the Japanese Pilot and his habit to crash his plane in or near buildings when not expected. The casino has started a special bet regarding this, where people can bet on where Oonishi is going to crash and do honor to his nickname. Here a few results thus far:

1) Gets lost and crashes elsewhere = 2/1
2) Crashes en route = 3/1
3) ‘The Ice Pit’ Casino = 5/1
4) The Royal Palace = 6/1
5) Destroyer KS 'Lord Helmbart' = 9/1

End report

Walter
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The Voice of India's (VoI) news bureau joins the AWNR global network with this national update:

1. Defense Minister on Shaky Ground?
2. Football Team Arrives in Europe
3. New Name Announced for Battleship
4. Tour Begins for Pillai

1. Defense Minister on Shaky Ground?

High-placed sources within the Indian government have told VoI that Minister of Defence V. K. Chandra may be facing re-assignment, after apparently angering the Raj with recent statements at the ongoing negotiations in Atlantis.

“I think Mr. Chandra made a severe error in judgement when he began talking about working with Germany on submarines”, one source said. “Not only is German assistance unnecessary, given our recent treaty with South Africa, but it is also risky in a diplomatic sense. The Raj was displeased.”

This news, as well as unconfirmed reports about Mr. Chandra’s opposition to the purchase of the South African battleship Queen Fallatia, suggests that the Indian government is deeply divided with regard to the future of its maritime defense strategy. One high-level source commented that Mr. Chandra prefers to maintain a cruiser navy with strong ties to traditional allies such as Germany, while others have argued that a cruiser navy is not sufficient to defend Indian waters. Ironically, one of the most outspoken advocates of this opposing viewpoint is a former cruiser captain, Sunil Ramesh, who was seriously injured while fighting Dutch battleships at the Battle of Port Blair five years ago.

Minister Chandra declined to comment on the reports, saying only that, “I represent the Raj and India at the ongoing negotiations precisely because the Raj has entrusted me with that duty.”

We at VoI will keep you informed of further developments in this area.

2. Football Team arrives in Europe

After several weeks at sea, India’s national football team finally arrived in London, England on Wednesday. The team will be embarking on a three month tour of Europe that will see games played in eight countries. An outing against England’s national team next Saturday will kick off the tour.

“It is a little strange walking on solid ground once more, but we are adjusting quickly”, striker Omar Shankar told AWNR. “We will be more than ready to face the English squad when the time comes."

When asked how his team’s conditioning had fared during their time at sea, team manager Amitabh De commented, “The lads ran laps around the ship twice a day. We played pick-up games on the deck on a regular basis, although we had to go ashore at each port of call to replace the balls lost over the side of the ship.”

VoI’s crack sports correspondent will be at Saturday’s game and will have post-game comments and analysis.

3. New Name Announced for Battleship

The Indian Navy has confirmed that the South African battleship Queen Fallatia will be renamed SR Gujurat when she is commissioned into the Indian Navy. The Navy’s commander in chief, Admiral Sanjay Das, announced: “Our cruisers take their names from cities of the Empire, so it is appropriate that our capital ships take their names from states of the Empire.”

Although the battleship will be the largest vessel in the Navy, she will not gain the title of Flagship of the Navy. When asked, Admiral Das said, “Hyderabad is a proud name in our young navy. It is the name of our national capital, and also that of a valiant light cruiser lost in the war with the Dutch. The second cruiser to bear the name is a fine ship of war and is worthy of being my flagship.”

4. Tour Begins for Pillai

Coming off a series of sold-out performances between Sikkwe and Ceylon, popular singer Raveena Pillai and her entourage of musicians have embarked on a tour of the western coast. Ms. Pillai will first perform at Cochin this coming Friday, and will complete the tour two months hence at Bhuj.

Ms. Pillai burst onto India’s musical scene three years ago with her unique blend of traditional Indian music and contemporary American jazz. Her second recording, “Butterfly”, has experienced strong sales as well as constant airplay on this very radio station.

Turning to the weather...
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ATHENS DAILY

1 Rome Athens secret treaty talks
2 Pro democracy march ends in riot
3 Striking miners reject latest offer.
4 Oriental man lands plane on Peraies promenade.
5 Hellenic soccer league invites India for friendly



1 Rome Athens secret treaty talks

The department of foreign affairs this morning has revealed that several members of the ruling party are involved in high-level talks with the Italians. It has been said that these talks originally started two months ago and although it has not been officially confirmed, it is generally believed to involve the states of the Dodecanese island group.

When pressed for more information the spokesman for the foreign affairs department, Colonel Yannis Touristas said that the details of this discussion are classified for the time being due to the critical stage they have now entered. He also added that all information would be made public once the talks end.



2 Pro democracy march ends in riot

The pro democracy march last night ended in riot when masked individuals lobbed Molotov cocktails at the police. It’s believed that the assailants are members of the terrorist anarchist group known as 1st of April.

The minister of internal security is said to be furious with the constant failure of the police to apprehend these thugs. He has warned all police departmental heads that if there is no result by the end of the year they will find them selves reassigned to lesser positions.

It is alleged that the reason for the ongoing failure to capture members of this secretive group is due to them having sympathises and informants within the former civilian government and the current ruling junta. If true who exactly is their leader and what is their goal? Only time will tell.



3 Striking miners reject latest offer.

The miners union last night had rejected the latest offer put forward. Their leader Mr Trotsky said that the reason he refused the latest proposition was due to the difficulty he had with the military governments choice of Admiral Talknotalotalopoles as chairman for the talks. Mr Trotsky added how he felt anger at having to sit at a table and negotiate new work conditions and pay rates with a military man breathing down his back.

Mr Trotsky said that the choice of Admiral Talknotalotalopoles as chairman was obviously an unimaginative ploy by the capitalist bosses and their bourgeoisie hanger ons to use intimidation and fear for the sole purposes of scaring the proletarian from claiming what is rightfully his. Mr Trotsky also implied that it was the admiral’s habit of banging his shoe on the table that finally made him walk out of the discussions. Admiral Talknotalotalopoles refused to answer any questions asked of him.

It is the opinion of this reporter that the charismatic Russian emigrant Trotsky would go far if he chooses to pursue politics as a career. In the space of six years since his arrival to our shores he has managed to rise from a lowly worker to the highest position of the miners trade union. This I would also like to add was achieved despite his heavily accented Greek, which on occasions makes it hard to under stand what he is saying.

Some of his detractors would have you believe that the inability of most of his supporters to understand what he is saying is the true reason of his phenomenal rise within the labour movement.



4 Oriental man lands plane on Peraies promenade.

A strange oriental man landed a plane on Praies promenade yesterday at noon. His sadden appearance caused a commotion disproportionate to the diminutive size of his aircraft. According to eyewitnesses it was ascertained threw sign language and some broken English that this pore individual was lost. The local Peraians taking pity on him invited the aviator to a local eatery known as Troy’s Taverna were the locals proceeded to ply him with ouzo and food.

According to the fiancé of the taverna owner Helen. The aviator has very strange eating habits. When I asked Helen to explain what exactly did she mean by it she replied that he eats fish raw. I just couldn’t believe what I saw, she said, at first seeing he was Chinees I thought that he would definitely like rice so I brought a plate of it out for him, then I saw him playing with it, making little squares and such. At that moment I thought that maybe he did not like it or was possibly one of those costal Chinese who only ate fish.

What exactly transpired was that Helen deciding to avoid the language barrier brought a tray of raw fish for him to choose what he liked, so that she could cook it for him. To her complete horror he picked one of the fish and then cut it into small stripes and placed the pieces onto the rice squires he made earlier, he then proceeded to eat the raw fish.

Unfortunately for those of you who are heading to Peraise to see the amassing oriental man I am sorry to inform you he has left this morning as dramatically as he arrived. According to eyewitnesses who saw him leave in a Northeast direction the general concession amongst them is that his chances of arriving are practically non-existent. Some witnesses also alleged that they saw him loading two cases of premium ouzo into his plane. May his god or gods be with him?



5 Hellenic soccer league invites India for friendly

The Hellenic football league has offered an open invitation to India’s national football team. The chairman of the league, Mr Palaoppopoles said that he believes the Hellenic side should win against India despite their abysmal performance last season.

Mr Palaoppopoles said that he hopes a win would improve our national team’s morale. Only managing to win one game against Liechtenstein, while managing a one one draw with Coldmere purely due to Coldmere’s centre back scoring an own goal was extremely embarrassing to say the least. The continues losses have proven devastating to our teams self-confidents. Mr Pelaoppopoles also added that hopefully their luck will finally change if not he will be at a loss with what to do with them.
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Athens Daily

1) Timetable for elections announced

2) Greek Italian talks stall

3) Delegation to inspect ships

4) Corinthian cannel to be widened


1) Timetable for elections announced

The provisional government revealed last night a new timetable for the return of democracy. Its been said that the first stage of the elections are to be held by the 28 of November this year. This stage is to allow the people to decide the fait of the monarchy by choosing what form our nations government is to take.

The plebiscite is to decide if we are going to have a parliamentary democracy with a ceremonial monarch, a republic with a president elected by parliament or a president elected by national vote. Once this issue has been decided the election to replace the provisional government will be held between January and February 1923.

The reason given for the delay is due to the time required for writing the new constitution and associated laws. The interim prime minister General Leonidas Laconia said for the new government to function properly and avoid the constant crises that has plagued our nation since it independents, we must take our time to avoid errors that may come back to haunt us.

Several members of the democratic alliance have claimed that the excuse given for the time delay is a li and that the only thing General Leonidas is concerned with is extending his grip on power.


2) Greek Italian talks stall

Colonel Yannis Touristas, spokesman for the foreign affairs department announced that the talks with Italy have ended with no results. He said that despite our attempts to express our concerns about the Dodecanese Islands Italy has only shown an arrogant indifference. The Colonel also said that Italy has not only ignored our recommendation on defusing the situation but also proved reluctant to offer any alternatives to solving the problem.

When asked if the details to these discussions will ever be made public, the colonel replied not at this moment. We haven’t given up on the hope that Italy may change their mind. To reveal details of the talks may jeopardise any future chance of Italy returning to the negotiating table.


3) Delegation to inspect ships

The acting minister of defence Admiral Takis Talknotalotalopoles revealed that a delegation consisting of members of the naval design and construction board would be leaving for Atlantis today. He said they are to inspect some surplus ships for possible perches by our navy. When asked what type of ships they will be looking at he replied that this information is currently classified.

It is generally believed to be some type of cruiser probably to replace the ageing Pericles class. It’s no secret that the Greek delegation had great difficulty during the naval limitation talks convincing the other delegates to be allowed to retain our 7-inch Gun cruisers.

The replacement for these ships were also to have been armed with 7 inch guns that are now no longer allowed under the new treaty’s tonnage limitations. The redesign of these ships replacements and the design of their new armaments will take time and delay their replacements. The purchase of second hand cruisers is believed to be a stopgap solution.


4) Corinthian cannel to be widened.

The ministry of public works has stated that it will be actively looking in the near future for partner willing to take on the ambitious project of widening the Corinthian canal.

The Corinth Canal is a 6,343m gorge linking the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs; the ports of Isthmia and Poseidonia are at either end and occupy some 540m of the total canal frontage.
Currents change approx each hour and the waterway is much effected by NW winds. Canal depth 8 metres, width at bottom 21 metres and 24.6 metres at sea level. Max width of transiting vessels allowed is 18.3 metres and draft 7.2 metres. Headway below rail bridge is 58.8 metres and below road bridge 54 metres.

Depending on cost it is hoped to increase the width of the canal from its current dimensions to the following, Canal depth 11 metres, width at bottom 44 metres and 49 metres at sea level. This will allow ships with a maximum width of 40 metres and a draft of 10.2 metres safe passage.
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Stockholm, November 1 1920.

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The Desideria at sea.

In an announcement from the Royal Palace, issued two days ago, it was confirmed that the Royal Yacht Desidéria is being refitted from her wartime guise, to be made fit for a royal cruise of the kingdom, which is to take place this following summer. This will be the inaugural cruise for the Desidéria as a Royal Yacht, as she immediately upon her 1916 completion had to join the neutrality-efforts of the navy. She is, with her 171 metres (560 feet) of length, and 10,200 gross registry-tons, the largest yacht of any type in existence in the world. The present refit will restore her interiors to a state suitable for the transportation and accomodation of our Royal Family, as well as adding to the vessel's ease of operation and maintenace, benefiting fully from the technological advances of this nature made during the recent war.

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Preliminary plans for the Royal cruise envision that the King and Queen, joined by several of the younger members of the Royal Faimly, will visit as large a part of the Kingdom as is possible within the time-limits of the 1921 summer. It is planned that following departure from Stockholm, the Royal Yacht will cruise North along the Western coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, before crossing to the Suomin coast, where the Royal Yacht will proceed South-wards again, until the Yacht arrives at Helsingfors. The Yacht will call on several towns and cities along this route, to allow the King and Queen to get a closer look at life in the Kingdom. Following the visit at Helsingfors, the Royal Yacht will proceed to Åland, for a three-day visit, and then proceed to Copenhagen, for a five days long Visit of State.

Following the visit of state, the tour will proceed directly to Hjaltland, and thence to the Faeroes, before the Yacht will cross the Atlantic to take the Royal Family to Vinland's Administrative Centre, Leivsborg. It is planned that the visit at Vinland and Leivsborg shall last for two weeks, before the Desidéria departs again for Julianehåp and Angmagssalik at Greenland. These are expected to be short visits - priority is to be given to spend two weeks at Iceland, with the Royal YAcht primarily based at Reykjavik.

Following the visit at Iceland, the tour will then proceed to Kirkenes, on the Arctic coast near the border to Russia. The tour will then proceed to follow the Atlantic Coast and the North Sea Coast of Norwegr, and proceed along the coast of Gothia and Svea until the tour once again returns to Stockholm. The tour is expected tot aek four to five months, exact duration depending on details in time-management.

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The entry into service of the Desidéria will also mark the end of the venerable Corona Borealis as a Royal Yacht. Her time in service of our nation is, however, not yet at an end - the Corona Borealis will henceforth, after a refit to make her suitable for her new role, serve the Commanding Admiral as his personal command-ship and yacht of office, replacing the old command-ship Heimdal, which is now awaiting disposal.

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The Corona Borealis in harbour.
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From the Voice of India, here are today's headlines.

1. Abduction Shocks the Nation
2. Football Team Meets the English
3. Unusual Modifications
4. Navy Eyes British Manoeuvres

1. Abduction Shocks the Nation

Popular Indian musician Raveena Pillai was abducted last night from her dressing room, just minutes after the conclusion of her performance in Cochin’s Sapphire Hall. Witnesses reported that several masked men burst into the backstage area and threatened the people there with pistols. Ms. Pillai’s two bodyguards then drew their own weapons, but were shot and killed before they were able to fire. Some of the gunmen then proceeded into Ms. Pillai’s dressing room and marched her out of the building, presumably to a waiting motor car.

The Cochin Constabulary were on the scene within fifteen minutes, and released this statement: “We have no doubt that Ms. Pillai is the victim of a premeditated abduction. We are setting up roadblocks and searching areas of the city as we seek out Ms. Pillai and her captors. It is our wish that the captors will contact us so that we may arrange for her safe return.”

We will keep you updated on this story as further news is released.

2. Football Team Meets the English

India’s national football team played its first European match in seven years, losing 5-0 to the English national team in what manager Amitabh De called a “close, hard-fought contest”. Nigel Baxford-White scored the game-winning goal at the seven minute mark, heading a pass from his brother Peter past the outstretched hands of the Indian goalkeeper.

Indian striker Omar Shankar said after the game, “We played hard, fought them until the final whistle, and were never truly out of the game. If we’d just had our missing lads, I really think we might have beaten them.” Shankar then reminded the assembled reporters that two Indian players were due to arrive in England later that day on a freighter, having missed the ocean liner that the remainder of the team had sailed on several weeks ago.

The team’s next match will be next Sunday in Paris. The team will later play in the Netherlands, marking the first notable interaction between Dutch and Indian sportsmen since the Andaman War. Other contests will see the Indians in Germany, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, where a game has only just been scheduled.

3. Unusual Modifications

Naval enthusiasts in Madras are scratching their heads over work being undertaken on the Indian Navy’s collier Bhima. The ship arrived in Madras in July for what was reported to be a standard refit. However, the Voice of India has now learned that much of the ship’s superstructure is being removed, a move that most agree is not part of a normal refit.

Naval officials declined to comment on the refit, suggesting instead that the VoI dedicate more attention to “the ships that matter, the four cruisers under construction here and in Mumbai.”

4. Navy Eyes British Manoeuvres

The Indian Navy is keeping a close eye on Royal Navy exercises offshore of the British Pakistan Protectorate. Several British ships, including two light cruisers, have been in the area since Monday.

Admiral of the Navy Sanjay Das said that the light cruiser Pondicherry and two destroyers are observing the operation in an information-gathering role, adding that there were no actual security concerns related to the exercises.

This is the Voice of India...
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AWNR Japan
10/20/1920

- Still no sign of the Lost Fleet after 5 years.
- Still no sign of Onishi in Coldmere either.
- Highly skilled pilot joins Kido Butai.
- Fate of the Mikasa, Kawachi, Katori and Shikishima.
- Final slip at Yokosuka upgraded.
- Construction of Nagato and Mutsu.


- Still no sign of the Lost Fleet after 5 years.

Six years ago, October 20, 1915, a Japanese battle group consisting of four battlecruisers – Kongo, Hiei, Haruna, and Kirishima – and an 24 ship escort group, left Hakodate on a secret mission. They never returned back to Japan. Five years later, it is still not known what has happened to the ships. Admiral Tsudashi Aota, the only person who knew their destination besides the battle group commander and the captains of the ships, died under mysterious circumstances 20 days after the ships left. No documentation was found regarding the mission of the battle group.

- Still no sign of Onishi in Coldmere either.

As usual, Onishi Manzo appears to be lost again. It is believed that he landed at the Peraies promenade on September 27th. And two days ago he was sighted by Dr. Sawah Ihaz, head of Egyptology at the Cairo Museum. Dr. Ihaz witnessed how the aircraft nearly crashed into the Great Pyramid of Khufu but with some expert flying skill, Oonishi managed to avoid the ancient monument and landed somewhere near Cairo. Here he asked people for directions to Coldmere. However the language barrier appeared to be too great and he took off (with some difficulty). He was last seen heading south.

- Highly skilled pilot joins Kido Butai.
“Oni” Goto Sachio became the second pilot for Japan’s Glorious Carrier Strike Force today. The 30-year old man from Osaka has gained much experience during the Great War, shooting an incredible number of seven ducks and four pigeons. Goto informed us that the photo’s turned out to be great.
The addition of Goto to the roster means that the offensive power of Kido Butai has now doubled.

The updated status of Japan’s recently formed glorious carrier strike force as reported to AWNR by Goto Sachio:
Planes: 2. Akaryu II, Goto Special IX
Pilots: 2. Oonishi “Kurasshu” Manzo, “Oni” Goto Sachio

- Fate of the Mikasa, Kawachi, Katori and Shikishima.
Admiral Takahashi “Mizu” Joben had a meeting this morning with the government. They were deciding what to do with four of Japan’s older battleships. The Mikasa, Kawachi, Katori and Shikishima were lost due to accidental explosions. A few believed that the ships should be raised and scrapped but most were in favor of letting the ships in peace as a memorial to those who died when the ships sank.

The lost ships in question:
Mikasa Sunk 9/1905 after ammunition explosion south of Hirado-Shima
Shikishima Sunk 9/1915 after internal explosion in Mikawa Bay.
Katori Sunk 9/1917 after ammunition explosion west of Tarama-Jima
Kawachi Blew up by internal explosion 7/1918 in the Bay of Tokuyama.

- Final slip at Yokosuka upgraded.
Today the upgrade of the large Yokosuka slipway was completed. Like the other slips at Kure, Kobe and Nagasaki, and the Kure dry-dock, the Yokosuka slipway was increased from 270 meters to 320 meters. The upgrade was done to allow the construction of the four Kii class battleships and the four Shizuoka class battleships. However, since the Naval Treaty has set the battleship limit at 40,000 tons, the eight battleships will most likely be cancelled. For the moment, the upgrade of the slips and the dock at Kure seems to have been a waste of Ryo, time and resources.

- Construction of Nagato and Mutsu.
The construction of HIJMS Nagato was reported to be on schedule. The battleship is expected to be completed in the second half of next month after which it will go on its shakedown cruise.
After several delays, HIJMS Mutsu is about 40 days behind schedule and will be commissioned somewhere at the end of 1921.


End Report
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News Flash

AWNR was told by Nippon Tokuhou ! that this morning Battle Group Ise had left its base at Fukuoka. At about the same time, ships of Battle Group Fuso left Scapa Flow and the Fuso itself, currently at Atlantis with some escort ships, was preparing to set sail this afternoon. It is unknown where all these ships are heading and what actually triggered this sudden movement of so many Japanese warships. All in all, 4 battleships, 6 Heavy Cruisers, 10 Light Cruisers, 18 Destroyers, 12 Gunboats and 14 Minelayers of the Imperial Japanese Navy are on the move.

End Report

Walter
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THE SOUTH AFRICAN TELEGRAPH
22th October 1920

Pretoria. The South Africian Minister of Air Defence and Aeronautics, Graaf Joed Bloomstedd, K.G.H. [Note 1] and most famous aeronautic pioneer of the South African Empire, expressd his hope in an interview he gave our reporter this morning, that Japans most famous pilot is fine and will soon reach civilisation again. "During those early days, when mankind learnd how to fly, I experienced some nasty surprises with those tiny little aeroplanes. Even today with all those advanced technologies it is still an adventure and every pilot has to be a very brave man, more so if he decides to make a trip like Mr. Manzo. There is so much that could happen - even though heading south from Kairo to reach Coldmere is not what I would call a technical problem." And with a grim tone he continued "I just hope he will not crash in the desert. Not a nice place to be lost with a wrecked plane."[Note 2]

Cape Town. A fire at the navyyard in Cape Town slightly damaged the RSANs newest cruiser RSAN PORT GENTIL. The warship was launched a month ago and is the fourth unit of a class of four cruisers, known as the Town-class 19. "Outfitting will surely be delayed by a few days" one of the yards engineers said, "but I doubt that it will be a problem to finish the ship until May next year. The damage is only superficial."[Note 3]


[Note 1] K.G.H. = Knight Companion of the Most Excellent Order of Good Hope
The Order of Good Hope is a sovereign order which consists of 16 knight plus the sovereign and the Royal Family.

[Note 2] The story of brave Bloomstedd being lost in the desert is well known among the Empire. He was trying the first cross-african fly-over from the East to the West when his plane crashed. Left with little food and water he had to reach civilisation again. During the fourth day he was attacked by lion. He managed to survive badly wounded. Two days later and close to death he was found by two young rangers. He later continued his journey. His book about the trip, containing some well known scetches and pictures, has been a best seller for years.

[Note 3] See The Navalist from the 3rd of October to learn more abou the cruisers sisterships.

Cheers,

HoOmAn
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October 23rd 1920

- Explosion aboard destroyer kills 27; 15 civilians - cause unknown
- Emergency Services on heightened alert in part of nation; free-days suspended
for the duration
- Negotiations to be opened for formalised mail- and trade-agreement with major
power

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An explosion in a 14cm gun-mount of the new Royal Nordmark Navy destroyer
Peter Wessel claimed the lives of 27 people, of which 15 were civilians.The
Peter Wessel belongs to the new type of destroyers presently entering
service, armed with four single mounts of the new LA/HA 14cm gun. Having
commissioned only four months ago, the vessel was accompanied by its sistership
Rustung at its first visit in its friendship-city Trondheim. While in Trondheim
the destroyers performed several short cruises for classes of schoolchildren as well
as officials of the city and of Trøndelag province, with some of the cruises involving
targetpractice against stationary targets, for the entertainment of the guests.

It was during such a demonstration-cruise, with each ship carrying about 75
schoolchildren, and Peter Wessel also carrying the mayor and several other
dignitaries from Trondheim, and Rustung carrying members of the
province-government of Trøndelag, that the forward superimposed gunmount
aboard Peter Wessel exploded, shortly after firing at the target had
commenced. The explosion was reported as being very violent, and the violence of
the explosion, the number of splinters, and the proximity to the bridge meant that
none were left alive on the bridge, and all crewmembers in the wheelhouse were
incapacitated. Among those killed were the Captain, the Second in Command, the
Mayor of Trondheim and his wife, several members of the municipal council of
Trondheim, several junior officers of the ship, and 9 children from 7th grade
Bispehaugen Folkeskole (one thrown overboard from the shock of the explosion and
sucked into the ship's propellers). 10 crewmembers from the forward-most
gunmount and the wheelhouse and 15 children were sent to St Olavs Hospital with
severe injuries from the explosion - one later died, while the others are expected to
survive. Several other crewmembers and guests suffered minor injuries.

As a result of the aforementioned damage to the wheelhouse-crew the ship also
veered out of control, and only expertly seamanship aboard the Rustung
prevented a collision; it can only be imagined what sort of tragedy might have
resulted had a collision not been prevented. The ship was eventually brought
under control again as the gunnery-lieutenant, crewmembers of the damage-
control party, and the surgeon-lieutenant made their way to the bridge and
wheelhouse.

A committee has been convened to conduct an investigation into the causes of the
explosion, and to make recommendations for corrective measures. It is expected
that this event, tragic as it is, will not negatively affect the destroyer-programme,
which already was slowed down and reduced as a result of the end of hostilities.
The November commissioning of the destroyer Ehrenskjöld - of the same general
type, but with the 14cm guns in enclosed twin gunhouses capable of 75 degrees
elevation, being the second destroyer so equipped - is expected to proceed as
planned.

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Responding to rumours of the arrival into Northern Europe of a Japanese aviator,
the hospitals and medical services in Nordmark South of Trondheim have been put
on increased alert, and key personnel have been instructed not to travel out of
their towns and cities on free days. This remains in effect for the duration until
further notice.

Customs-officials have issued a notice to potato-farmers engaged in refined
potato-products that such products may not be sold to foreign citizens outside of
the appropriate channels, and that any person caught performing such sales
illegally will suffer seizure of all profits, goods and manufacturing-equipment, and
may find themselves subject to fines or other legal repercussions.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Unnamed sources within the Ministry for Commerce and Seatrade yesterday
confirmed that the Ministry is initiating negotiations with a major power concerning
the formalisation of an extended passenger-, cargo- and mail-network, but could
not quote a name of the foreign power. It is belived that this initiative is
connected to rumours of a much closer cooperation between the government and
the two shipping-companies Bergenske Dampskibsselskap (BDS) and Den
Nordmarkske Amerika-Linie (NAL), a cooperation expected to result in an effectual
duopoly for these two companies on significant foreign mail-services.

This process has not taken place without opposition from other companies -
objections have been particularly vocal from Stavangerske Dampskibsselskap (SDS),
Anders Wilhelmsen A/S/A (AWilCo), Wilh. Wilhelmsen A/S/A, and Nordenfjeldske
Dampskibsselskap (NFDS). It is expected that if BDS is afforded part of such a
duopoly on profitable foreign mail-services, the company will be required to
withdraw from the equally profitable Bergen-Kirkenes Hurtigruten coastal
express-service, which the company presently shares with NFDS, SDS, Ofotens
Dampskibsselskap (ODS) and Vesterålske Dampskibsselskap (VDS). The adjustment
is expected to be handled by SDS, ODS, and VDS each acquiring one of BDS' ships
in the service, and NFDS acquiring two. BDS is said to be less than enthusiastic
about this prospect.
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post any news articles if i missed them. Thank-you. BTW this is closed for now since these have been disscussed
Lessons for modern warfare:
"human intel is necessary, always be on the look out, and expect the unexpected"

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