WesWorld

October

government news
Then came the decisive day, which triggered the battle for the Spratleys: the 16 October 1940 !

Chuan Xin Wu, secretary of the Chinese Foreign Minister, recalls:

On Wednesday, 16th October 1940, due to the strenuous day that lay behind me, i woke up too late at home,
so that I only with the help of a taxi reached the Foreign Office at the right time.
I could just see, like Jose del Roble, the filipino ambassador, entered the house through the main entrance,
when I drove over "the place of enlightenment". I used the side entrance and stood punctually at nine o'clock
in Deng Hau Min's office to receipt del Roble. At the minute he was announced by the official servants.
He entered the office with a very solemn face, gave me his hand, but refused my invitation to take place
at the little table in the corner of the room, instead he stood solemnly in the middle of the office.

"I regret, that on behalf of my government, i have to hand over a demarche to the chinese government." he
began in a tremulous voice, and read while we were facing us, the document of the Philippine Government.
"Over 5 weeks have passed, since China was asked to leave the Co-Dominium, but no troops have since been removed,
on the contrary the garrison got even stronger. If my government won't get satisfactory assurances about the leaving
of the chinese troops in the Co-Dominion till seven o'clock in the evening, there will be no other choice for my government
to built a blockade around the Spratleys, so no chinese ship can pass through" Presented by these words del Roble handed over
the document and said goodbye to me. "I am truly sorry, " he said to me, "I must pass such a document to you,
you have always been very helpful to me."

I also expressed my regret on my part, and set up some heartfelt parting words to the Filipino ambassador, I had, as I said,
always greatly appreciated.

Then I went, with the document in my briefcase, in the Forbidden City, where all full of excitement were waiting for me.
In the room before the office of the High Council, the remaining cabinet members were waiting.

"Is there something new ?" asked me several voices.

I only replied with a shrug: "The school has been canceled" and entered the room in which the High Council was meeting.

The emperor was sitting at the head of the long table, while Deng Hau Min and Chiang Kai Chek stood something to his
right at the window. The remaining members of the High Council sat at the table. All looked on intently as they saw me.

I stayed at some distance before the emperor and began slowly to translate after a deep bow, the demarche of the Philippine
government. When I had finished, there was complete silence.

Like petrified the Emperor sat and looked straight ahead. He sat perfectly silent and motionless at his place. After a while,
what seemed like an eternity, he turned to Deng Hau Min, who was paralyzed standing at the window.

"What now?" the Emperor asked his foreign minister with an angry look in his eyes as if to express that he get informed wrong
by Deng Hau Min on the reaction of the Filipinos.

Deng Hau Min replied in a low broken voice: "Your Excellency, I have no idea."

Admiral Wu Chin Fau stood up and said. "If we follow this demarche, then we have lost our face ! That can not be and will not happen !!!!
To prevent this from happening, we must respond as quickly as possible and do EVERYTHING what have to be done !! I think it's time to activate
our plan Xiu".

The news of the beginning of a war ran quickly around the world. The large, momentous decision was made. The Chinese soldiers
of the Army, Air Force and the Navy heard of it very soon.

Forbidden City, Beijing, 11:59hrs, October16th 1940

navy news
According to plan Xiu the chinese navy announced a partially mobilisation of it's fleet.

[not official only for information to prevent further discussions]
First Scouting Division was transfered to the South Fleet
Second Heavy Cruiser Division was transfered to the South Fleet
Fourth Light Cruiser Division was transfered to the East Fleet
Second Escort Squadron was transfered to the Co-Dominium Force
First E-Boat Flotilla was transfered to the Co-Dominium Force


airforce news
According to plan Xiu the chinese air force announced a partially mobilisation of the air force.

[not official only for information to prevent further discussions]
2 Fighter wings are moved from the Beijing district to the Formosa district
1 Fighter wing is moved from the Jinan district to the Formosa district
1 Bomber wing is moved from the Lanzhou district to the Formosa district
1 Torpedobomber Wing is moved from the Shenyang district to the Nanjing district


army news
According to plan Xiu the chinese army announced a partially mobilisation of the army.

Forbidden City, Office of the High Council, Beijing, 13:57hrs, October 19th 1940

Three days later, at noon on 19th of October, the temperature rapidly rose in the operational office of the High Council.
Of course only figuratively, because the ventilation works excellent. Admiral Yibo Yunsheng, chief of the secret service,
had called from his office and put with this phone call all in high alert. He would, he said, as soon as possible arrive here.

Shortly before two o'clock at the noon, the Admiral stormed into the office of the High Council, to inform the Council about
the latest developments.

"Your Excellency, sirs," the Admiral started "the Force de Raid has left Djibouti on October the 17th."

Now he showed a list of ships to all the members of the High Counil.

Quoted

Force de Raid OOB
- First Carrier Squadron: carriers St. Cyr, Clemenceau
- Second Carrier Squadron: carriers Gambetta, Vauban
- 5th Battle Squadron: battlecruisers Paris, Lyon
- 6th Cruiser Squadron: light cruisers Volta, Rhin, Chari, Fier
- 11th Flotilla Torpillieurs: destroyers Jaguar, Chacal, Lion, Guépard, Leopard, Lynx, Panthère, Tigre
- 12th Flotilla Torpillieurs: destroyers Aigle, Vautour, Albatros, Gerfaut, Milan, Épervier, Bison, Valmy
- 1st Replenishment Squadron: oilers Cap Gris Nez, Cap Corse, Cap de la Chèvre
- 1st Amphibious Operations Squadron: 4x Caiman-class Amphibious Assault Ships
- 2nd Amphibious Operations Squadron: 4x Caiman-class Amphibious Assault Ships

"All these in themselves are not particularly good news, but even worse is the fact, that these french ships are undoubtedly on their
way to French Indochina." says Admiral Yibo Yunsheng

"What ????" said Deng Hau Min surprised "That can not possibly be true."

"Sure it's true! Our agents have unequivocally identified the ships and found out that the fleet is on its way in our direction." replied Yunsheng.

"4 Carriers, 2 Battlecruisers, both bigger than our Battleship, and all the other vessels .... a truly impressive fleet and all of it allegedly to represent
only the interests of French Indochina ??? Sirs, do you really believe this ??? I want you all remember an old theorem: > When you have eliminated the impossible,
then what is left is the truth, and if it unlikely sounds.< Therefore I say, especially by involving the amphibious component in the Force de Raid, France won't
protect French Indochina, they want to expand their territory !!!" said Admiral Wu Chin Fau.

Wu China Fau paused, as he waited for the inevitable objections of men, who have to see an uncomfortable truth in the face. But there were no objections.
The Admiral stood up again and stared at the others. "Dear friends and colleagues", he said,"the most important question we must ask, for my opinion is the
following: Want or better, can we allow this ? ???"

His majesty the emperor, looked up, sucked on his cigarette and smiled. "Thanks Admiral Wu. You are to me like a son, and I do own your unswerving loyalty and
your enthusiasm in this matter and i will greatly appreciated it. But we should do nothing in this matter at present, i don't want to achieve any escalation in
this conflict. I will invite the french ambassador as soon as possible to discuss this issue with him."

Forbidden City,Palace of the Emperor, Beijing, October 20th 1940

The French ambassador was invited by his excellency, the emperor of China, to an audience.

Ambassador Gérard Boyer will accept the invitation.

The following is strictly top secret and therefore not officially. That means it is not known by anybody beside the present persons. It is used EXCLUSIVELY to show the mood of the Chinese government ....


Forbidden City,Palace of the Emperor, Beijing, October 22th 1940

Exactly at eleven o'clock the Emperor of China entered with slow steps his audience chamber on the first floor of his palace.
For today the meeting of the High Council was canceled, so the emperor could hold an audience for the french ambassador Gérard
Boyer. In the room already were present, the chinese Prime Minister Chiang Kai Check, and also the National Defence Minister Admiral
Wu Chin Fau and the minister for foreign affairs Deng Hau Min.

The ministers respectfully bowed in front of the emperor, who in turn wished them a good morning and hoped that they all slept well.
After these introductory words, a servant announced that the french ambassador has already arrived and wait in an anteroom.

"Sorry, but the ambassador have to wait a few minutes." said his excellency the emperor turned to his servant, and to his ministers
"Please give me a prior assessment of the situation, before the french ambassador is entering the office."

He want to hear from his minister for foreign affairs and his national defense minister a clear proposal for further actions. Deng Hau Min
and Admiral Wu Chin Fau bowed. Deng Min Hau took the floor and declared that it is an honor to be able to respond to the request of the emperor.

»Your Excellency«, Deng Hau Min says, »I am grateful for the opportunity, to share my thoughts under your wise guidance. Have not
all our High Council meetings in recent years, made the decision, that we gently work towards the reintegration of former chinese
territories to the mother country, like the successful rejoining of Formosa and Weihaiwei ?"

The minister for defense added "We have emphasized again and again, that we want to reduce the european influence in the asian region.
And for just that reason, we have built up and aligned our armed forces.«

»I can understand, that you admiral, represent the interests of our armed forces«, the emperor said, »but we must not leave out of account
the political environment. We are fortunately only with the Philippines at war, and I hope that this situation remains the same, and the
conflict didn't escalate. I will rather that our nation will be or remains a peaceful member of the international community, and even more
than before participates on the free world trade."

Admiral Wu Chin Fau smiled. »I am, as always, impressed by your wisdom and discernment, Your Excellency. And as always, is your opinion
beyond any criticism. My insignificant opinion and perception is, that China can only lose a military confrontation with the Europeans,
in this case France."

"I can only agree to these words." Deng Hau Min replied.

"Well, please bring in the french ambassador." the Emperor said to a servant .........

The following audience of the french ambassador is strictly top secret and therefore not officially. That means it is not known by anybody beside the present persons.


The French ambassador, Gérard Boyer, entered the room and bowed politely before the emperor, then shook hands with all of the Chinese ministers. After welcoming the ambassador, all of the men sat down at the big conference table which stood in the middle of the room.

"Dear Mr. Ambassador," began the Chinese Prime Minister, "We are delighted that you have accepted the invitation of our Emperor and we welcome you warmly. Our two nations are bound up to each other by the Non-Aggression Pact of 1932. After the disagreements in the past regarding the disputed Paracel Islands, claimed by many other countries - ours, as well as the Philippines and Indochina - China wishes to delay discussion regarding the return of the islands until a later date in order to discuss it with an independent Indochina. We therefore recognize fully the current status quo!

"Also, the economic relations with French Indochina are growing and it is a win-win situation for both sides. Unfortunately, the conflict which has erupted around the Spratly Island group with the Filipinos however has shown us just how fragile the peace plant. We have assumed that this is an "internal" conflict between the Filipinos and Chinese, as the Spratleys, until the establishment of the co-dominion between China and the Philippines, were undisputed Philippine territory. All the more surprising for us was the reaction of France, which culminated in the sending of the "Force de Raid" to French Indochina. In our view, such a concentration of French warships close to Chinese territory is a very worrying condition, especially with the inclusion of a large amphibious component, which for us is a suspicion that France doesn't look to protect its interests but rather to expand its territory.

"For this reason, we have invited you to acquaint us with what France's intentions are with such an action," the prime minister finished.

"Please feel free to talk frankly, Ambassador," the Emperor added.

"Your majesty, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for bringing up your concerns. I have brought a supplemental letter from my government,
which I'd like to present to you to read at your leisure. This letter summarizes both the answers to your questions and a number of
issues my government wishes to bring to the attention of the Chinese government." Boyer withdrew the letter from his attache case and
slid it across the conference table to the Prime Minister.

"Permit me to first address your concerns about the deployment of the Force de Raid to Cam Ranh Bay. Paris is understandably quite concerned
with the unexpected conflict which has risen between China and the Republic of the Philippines. The knowledge that such a war may start between
two former SATSUMA partners and allies is quite alarming particularly when viewed from the range of eleven thousand kilometers. President Lebrun
and Prime Minister Daladier, after considerable consultation and debate with their various advisers, agreed to Admiral Darlan's request to
temporarily supplement the French Pacific Fleet West command with the Force de Raid. In case you are unaware, the Force de Raid is not closely
tied to any of our geographical naval commands, and thus the unit who's redeployment is least disruptive to our naval operations.

"Attendant in this decision was our knowledge of the great distances our fleet would need to traverse - and the great time it will take to do so.
Your Majesty is doubtless aware that although the Force de Raid left our naval base at Djibouti five days ago, the squadron is only just this
morning passed halfway to the cape of India. The lengthy transit time of any naval reinforcements is the keystone of our decision to send the
Force de Raid at this moment in time. Should the unthinkable occur and this conflict between China and the Philippines expand - God forbid -
to include my own nation, or if another country wished to take advantage of the conflict's distraction, then we might not have the luxury of a
month's time to redeploy to meet changing circumstances. Therefore, our decision to deploy the Force de Raid in its entirety is determined by
logistical necessity.

"Mr. Prime Minister, you particularly noted the presence of the amphibious landing ships in the Force de Raid's order of battle. I am told it
is the same as with the other ships of the Force de Raid: in the eventuality the ships are needed, we do not wish to have them halfway around
the globe where they are of no use at all. Further, my military adviser reminded me that this is not the first time the French Navy has temporarily
deployed amphibious landing ships to Indochina; in mid-1938, four vessels of the class were dispatched briefly to participate in joint naval
exercises in Indochinese waters. While we regret that you feel this is a threat to China, the French government maintains the right to deploy
any French ship to any French port in the world. Any decision to do so is evaluated on a case-by-case basis which does, I am told, endeavor to
take into account local sensibilities. Finally, I have been informed that the Navy hopes to use the ships to conduct amphibious training with
Indochinese troops sometime after the South China Sea conflict quiets.

"In regards to your concern about possible French expansion in these regions, let me set your mind at ease with a most definitive statement:
France has absolutely no intent to attempt any expansion of our existing territorial holdings in the Southeast Asia region. I say again, we
have no intent to expand in the Southeast Asia region. It is precisely for this reason that we accepted the 1932 Non-Aggression Pact, and why
we continue to abide by it today. It is my personal opinion, which I have made clear to Paris, that regardless of the outcome of any theoretical
military action between France and China, then the disruption of our relationship and the economic partnership between France, China and French
Indochina would, in the end, result in a net 'lose' situation for the French Republic. As you pointed out a few moments ago, Mr. Prime Minister,
this is a win-win situation for both sides; rest assured that the French government agrees with that assessment and sees no cause to change the
recipe since the soup is good.

"Next, permit me to address the issues of the Spratley and Paracel Islands, which you touched on first. The Indochina Protocol commits my nation
to develop the political, economic, and educational infrastructure of Indochina in the preparation for a plebiscite to be held no later than 1950.
The Indochina Protocol further commits the SATSUMA nations to recognize France's role in Indochina and support French commitments to the Protocol.

"Mr. Prime Minister, you state that the Chinese government wishes to put off any negotiation regarding the territorial disputes regarding the
Spratley and Paracel Islands until such a point as Indochina is independent. With all due respect, Mr. Prime Minister, you have presumed that
Indochina's people shall vote for full independence, and that you will have an independent Indochina with which to negotiate. The Indochina
Protocol specifies that the plebiscite options shall include, at a minimum, both full independence and integration as a department of France.
My government has no predisposition on which of these two options will be selected by the Indochinese people, and we ask the Chinese government
to maintain the same fair and open mind in its policies towards Indochina, pursuant to Part 2A of the Protocol.

"China's policy of waiting in the hopes of negotiating with an independent Indochina has led a number of international observers to level the
accusation that China intends to pressure a nascent independent Indochina to trade sovereignty for security with the withdrawal of the French
military aegis. France prefers not to make such grave and - we hope - spurious accusations, as we prefer to believe that China's word, as expressed
in the Indochina Protocol, is solid and dependable. France would be most aggrieved to learn otherwise, particularly as it is our goal to maintain
good relations with a theoretically independent Indochina, should that be the result of the plebiscite. China is, we hope, well-informed that even
now French Indochina has a number of competent and qualified natives slowly rising through the ranks of the colonial administration, and, in
deference to your government's policies, we would appoint one of these individuals to speak on the behalf of Indochina, should your majesty's
government wish to review your policy regarding negotiations on the territorial disputes.

"The conflict between China and the Philippines, which I dare say we all hope to end swiftly with little loss of blood and treasure, further
provides us with an opportunity. As part of the peace process, France anticipates a resolution to the question of the Filipino-Chinese dispute
over those islands. Paris wishes to communicate its interest, both to your government as well as Manila, in assisting with a permanent solution.
Paris has instructed me to inform you that our main negotiating goal in this matter - both for the Paracels and the Spratleys - is permanent
demilitarization of the islands in question. We feel this condition will prevent any future lamentable episodes such as the current Spratley
Islands conflict.

"Regardless of the Chinese government's willingness to revisit your standing policy, you may be assured that Paris does not intent to merely
abide by the letter and spirit of the Indochina Protocol, but to set a higher standard to serve as an exemplar for all other colonial powers,
be they European, American, Australian, African, or Asian.

"Do you have any further questions for me, Your Majesty? Mr. Prime Minister? Ministers?"

"Thank you for the letter from your government. Even if you have already said a lot of the points, which are found in the letter, I will read
the letter, of course, as soon as possible and send you my answer." With these words the Chinese prime minister put the letter from the French
government aside.

"We understand that your country, because of the large distances to its colonies, must based its plans based on the future situations," continued
the prime minister. "I can assure you that our country will do everything to ensure that the conflict between China and the Filipinos will NOT
escalate! And I promise you that no Chinese vessel will make a military move against any French ship or a ship from French-Indochina."

Admiral Wu Chin Fau said, "You are right, it's not the first time that French landing ships were in the waters of Indochina. Even then, we were
concerned that this could be the start of a military action. But then there was peace in South East Asia, and we could not believe that France
wants to disturb that peace. But now there is war and we are very careful. Of course we cannot prevent France from sending ships to any French
port." This is really far beyond our authority.
We only want to point out that such a concentration of vessels is a very dangerous condition for France and for the two nations which are
involved in the conflict."

"Above all, amphibious operations are an aggressive step and not a passive step!" interrupted Deng Hau Min, the prime minister's speech "An
amphibious landing exercise is not part of a plan if you want to defend a country but if you want attack a country!" he said angrily.

"I wonder what is the purpose of such comments", said Admiral Wu Chin Fau "But one thing is certain: You do not have the interests of China in
your mind."

The Emperor struck his fist softly on the conference table. "Gentlemen, what you are doing here is both unseemly and unproductive. Deng Min Hau,
even if you are now a member of one of the most respected families in China, I can not accept, that you doubt the competence of our minister of
defense. It is neither to your honor, nor it brings us one step further. I look to the future, and if you have nothing constructive to contribute,
then you are out of place at this meeting. Nevertheless, I appreciate you and wish, you would think first in the future, before you say something.
Please proceed, Admiral," the emperor said with calm voice.

"Of course, Your Excellency. We are pleased that you assure us, that France has no territorial ambitions in Southeast Asia. In our view, the
problem with the Paracel Islands only be clarified with an independent Indochina, since only Indochina and its people can make the territorial
claim and NOT France. Even if France represents the interests of Indochina, it would not be right in our view to discuss it with France. I hope
you understand this. And I can assure you, that China will NOT try to influence an independent Indochina, AND of course the influence of France
did not disappear even when Indochina will be independent." said Admiral Wu Chin Fau with a smile on his face.

"I promise that China will take into account ALL points of the Indochina protocol!" the emperor said, "but i doubt, that a demilitarization of
the Paracel Islands or the Spratley archipelago is the solution of the problems."

"Do you have any further questions for us, Mr. Ambassador ?" the prime minister asked.

"None at the present time, Mr. Prime Minister. I will report this to my government." the french ambassador replied and after his words, he shake the hands of every minister and bowed to the emperor and left the office.

For clarification here - Parador wrote all Chinese dialog and I wrote all French dialog.

27 October:
The chinese ambassador in South Africa insured at a reception by the government of the South African empire, that the trade relations
between the two countries are not affected by the conflict in south asia, and he hoped that the relations are still growing.

29 October:
The japanese ambassador left the office of the chinese prime minister with a smile on his face. He was not willing to give an interview.


Forbidden City,Palace of the Emperor, Beijing, October 31th 1940

Meeting of the High Council
The conference of the High Council takes over an hour, and as in any session in the recent days, it was solely about the Sino-Filipino conflict.
"Gentlemen, the danger is imminent. Things must be done quickly and thoroughly, otherwise it's too late !!!" said his majesty the emperor.
"For this reason, i authorize you, Prime Minister, to take all necessary steps to lead the way that our industry is to be put on wartime-production."

Quoted

Originally posted by parador
Forbidden City,Palace of the Emperor, Beijing, October 31th 1940

Meeting of the High Council
The conference of the High Council takes over an hour, and as in any session in the recent days, it was solely about the Sino-Filipino conflict.
"Gentlemen, the danger is imminent. Things must be done quickly and thoroughly, otherwise it's too late !!!" said his majesty the emperor.
"For this reason, i authorize you, Prime Minister, to take all necessary steps to lead the way that our industry is to be put on wartime-production."

For my clarification: is this a declaration for using the wartime production rules for the Chinese naval reports?

Yes, but i also have written it in my sim-report !!!

11 November:
The trade between China and SAE continues without restrictions.A convoy of ships, loaded with raw materials, has left Durban and is on its way to Shanghai.
The ships are partial accompanied by South African escorts to protect them from attacks by Filipino submarines.

Quoted

Originally posted by parador
11 November:
The trade between China and SAE continues without restrictions.A convoy of ships, loaded with raw materials, has left Durban and is on its way to Shanghai.
The ships are partial accompanied by South African escorts to protect them from attacks by Filipino submarines.

Speaking OOC, I would ask for some clarification here.

Do the raw materials include contraband of war? Such might include iron ore, steel or other metals that have direct military uses.

Are the vessels escorted by SAE vessels into the declared war zone? Or is the escort transferred to the Chinese Navy outside the war zone? Or is the escort composed of SAE and Chinese warships from end-to-end. "Partial" has multiple meanings.

I would hope that South Africa is not delivering contraband of war to China; that would be very un-neutral of them, and France will have to lodge a sharp diplomatic protest to Johannesburg if true.

Quoted

Originally posted by Brockpaine
I would hope that South Africa is not delivering contraband of war to China; that would be very un-neutral of them, and France will have to lodge a sharp diplomatic protest to Johannesburg if true.

Hence my OOC request for clarification. I would not want to have someone assume the worst possible interpretation. If the SAE is selling war materials to China, that is one thing; overtly aiding the delivery by way of naval escort would be quite another.

Quite true.

I agree with Bruce here. Delvery of war material is one thing, but the SAE actually escorting those shipments all the way to China is really pushing the envelope in regard to their neutrality.

The SAE is supporting the Dutch initiative of patrolling the waters possibly affected by the war to ensure there is no impact on international trade. The "partial accompanied" refers to that. The ships will remain in the NEI and operate with the Dutch.

Btw, why are "raw materials" contraband?

Quoted

Originally posted by HoOmAn
Btw, why are "raw materials" contraband?

It depends on which raw materials. Per traditional agreements regarding blockades, certain raw materials useful for manufacturing military equipment, or used for supporting military operations, may be declared contraband.

Of course, if your name is Britain, then you can declare that all materials going to a state are useful for a war effort, and stop everything as contraband.