A window of opportunity 1905

[575]

1952
Czechoslovakia
Due to its long standing cooperation with Austria and friendly relationship with Germany Czechoslovakia jion the German – Austrian Military Agreements as it is believed to better guarantee national safety during these turbulent years.
In light of this development Hungary agree to cede all gains of the previous War with Romania during the ongoing peace negotiations.

Italy
A lot of thought throughout Italy had been devoted to what to do about Somalia; there seemed to be little economic incentive besides the Banana export to the European countries. The Italian part held a little cottage industry on Frankinsence but the majority of that was to be found in the British Somalia.
King Farouk had been close to take over the Colony but it still lingered with Italy as the Egypthian design had included Socotra which the British considered their protectorate - it had come to nothing.
So the Italians still held that hot potato which nobody was really wanting. The Banana export did serve for a meagre income but some industrialists of Italy had begun to wonder what could be done – such a millstone shouldn't be kept around the neck of the Nation but nobody wanted it and nobody wanted seeing it independent as it could fuel all the local uprisings on the African Continent and bring Italy in a bad standing with primarily Britain – and France though the latter didn't count much at this time.
As such Agip Oil Company in a joint operation with a number of Italian firmsbegan prospecting Somalia's geology for oil this year.

[575]

Britain 1952
Although being party to a war waged the Commonwealth Office is working on closer integration of the Commonwealth Nations among these former Colonies like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh; TV is seen as a media to unite the Nations without having to resort to a sitting council somewhere within the Commonwealth. Until now the sitting had been used to mark an area of interest or secure in the Commonwealth or to show to the World that it was a united body. Though the whole setup being somewhat cumbersome for day to day work and wanting to avoid a LoN situation the British Government decide that Television will be the media to execute day to day operations and meetings at lower levels; still with yearly or biyearly Commonwealth Conferences held at London or in some area in need of attention.
Telegrams (needed encoding) is seen as a cumbersome method of communication in a modern World and to be in the lead of the World the Commonwealth need to be at the forefront of ingenuity. Hence the daily conferences will be held by TV interface though in order to do so a Worldwide Television Network need to be build – around the BBC but in a special detached Commonwealth Channel not publicly available – with signals relaystations at regurlar intervals. The benefit being that Britain and the Commonwealth span the World and as such sites will be available to build within signalrange. Of course the building of the TV interface will require time but that will also be beneficial as this will allow for necessary technical solutions wanting to be developed.
The biggest obstacle is the North Atlantic to connect Canada and the Central American member states and Colonies; a Television agreement is made with the Kingdom of Denmark and Republic of Iceland to establish relaystations in Greenland and Iceland to cover said gap connecting the Ulster – Newfoundland stations.
Europe is covered from Britain with a relaystation in Greece where signals are sent south into Egypt and Africa; a relaystation in Sudan reaching east into Aden and on by Oman to India, Singapore and Australia/New Zealand.
The Caribbean (including the Danish West Indies) and South America is reached by way of Newfoundland – Bermuda – Jamaica.
Portugal is also entangled by relaystations in the Azores – Madeira – Kap Verde Is – West Africa.
By Danish request the other Nordic Nations Norway, Sweden and Finland is also let in on the Network though on its own channel separated from the Commonwealth Channel – this is nothing for outsiders to eavesdrop on.
At this year the idea is born and the preliminary Plans of the Network is drawn up; next is decision on sites for relaystations preferably on the coast and in a high altitude to get as much range as possible. During the next phase of building the Network the practical obstacles will be worked around and during this phase a Satellite network of relay stations will be discussed.

Britain had certainly noted the increased Italian interest in its Somalia Colony which could have been an annoying independent African nation bordering Kenya with its ongoing though at low burning insurrection. Seemed the Italians were beginning to act cautiously.

[stevep]

Jan 16, 2023 20:48:17 GMT 575 said:

Britain 1952
Although being party to a war waged the Commonwealth Office is working on closer integration of the Commonwealth Nations among these former Colonies like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh; TV is seen as a media to unite the Nations without having to resort to a sitting council somewhere within the Commonwealth. Until now the sitting had been used to mark an area of interest or secure in the Commonwealth or to show to the World that it was a united body. Though the whole setup being somewhat cumbersome for day to day work and wanting to avoid a LoN situation the British Government decide that Television will be the media to execute day to day operations and meetings at lower levels; still with yearly or biyearly Commonwealth Conferences held at London or in some area in need of attention.
Telegrams (needed encoding) is seen as a cumbersome method of communication in a modern World and to be in the lead of the World the Commonwealth need to be at the forefront of ingenuity. Hence the daily conferences will be held by TV interface though in order to do so a Worldwide Television Network need to be build – around the BBC but in a special detached Commonwealth Channel not publicly available – with signals relaystations at regurlar intervals. The benefit being that Britain and the Commonwealth span the World and as such sites will be available to build within signalrange. Of course the building of the TV interface will require time but that will also be beneficial as this will allow for necessary technical solutions wanting to be developed.
The biggest obstacle is the North Atlantic to connect Canada and the Central American member states and Colonies; a Television agreement is made with the Kingdom of Denmark and Republic of Iceland to establish relaystations in Greenland and Iceland to cover said gap connecting the Ulster – Newfoundland stations.
Europe is covered from Britain with a relaystation in Greece where signals are sent south into Egypt and Africa; a relaystation in Sudan reaching east into Aden and on by Oman to India, Singapore and Australia/New Zealand.
The Caribbean (including the Danish West Indies) and South America is reached by way of Newfoundland – Bermuda – Jamaica.
Portugal is also entangled by relaystations in the Azores – Madeira – Kap Verde Is – West Africa.
By Danish request the other Nordic Nations Norway, Sweden and Finland is also let in on the Network though on its own channel separated from the Commonwealth Channel – this is nothing for outsiders to eavesdrop on.
At this year the idea is born and the preliminary Plans of the Network is drawn up; next is decision on sites for relaystations preferably on the coast and in a high altitude to get as much range as possible. During the next phase of building the Network the practical obstacles will be worked around and during this phase a Satellite network of relay stations will be discussed.

Britain had certainly noted the increased Italian interest in its Somalia Colony which could have been an annoying independent African nation bordering Kenya with its ongoing though at low burning insurrection. Seemed the Italians were beginning to act cautiously.

  That's an interesting concept but how practical it would be I don't know.  Your covering some huge distances plus it means maintaining at least some level of control or support in many locations.  Plus even with encoding the broadcasts will be vulnerable to interceptions even if possible to do it in some tight beam method.  Plus for a real coverage of the key areas for meetings that's going to raise questions of timing as there's ~12 hours between the UK and the ANZ region with Canada, India etc being at different hours as well.  However its a bold idea and if they can get it working or it inspires the use of satellites somewhat earlier then that could be very useful.  It does also require the co-ordinating of multiple casts from all sites as its meant to be a two way exchange between multiple people.

 

[575]

Jan 17, 2023 13:27:48 GMT stevep said:

Jan 16, 2023 20:48:17 GMT 575 said:

Britain 1952
Although being party to a war waged the Commonwealth Office is working on closer integration of the Commonwealth Nations among these former Colonies like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh; TV is seen as a media to unite the Nations without having to resort to a sitting council somewhere within the Commonwealth. Until now the sitting had been used to mark an area of interest or secure in the Commonwealth or to show to the World that it was a united body. Though the whole setup being somewhat cumbersome for day to day work and wanting to avoid a LoN situation the British Government decide that Television will be the media to execute day to day operations and meetings at lower levels; still with yearly or biyearly Commonwealth Conferences held at London or in some area in need of attention.
Telegrams (needed encoding) is seen as a cumbersome method of communication in a modern World and to be in the lead of the World the Commonwealth need to be at the forefront of ingenuity. Hence the daily conferences will be held by TV interface though in order to do so a Worldwide Television Network need to be build – around the BBC but in a special detached Commonwealth Channel not publicly available – with signals relaystations at regurlar intervals. The benefit being that Britain and the Commonwealth span the World and as such sites will be available to build within signalrange. Of course the building of the TV interface will require time but that will also be beneficial as this will allow for necessary technical solutions wanting to be developed.
The biggest obstacle is the North Atlantic to connect Canada and the Central American member states and Colonies; a Television agreement is made with the Kingdom of Denmark and Republic of Iceland to establish relaystations in Greenland and Iceland to cover said gap connecting the Ulster – Newfoundland stations.
Europe is covered from Britain with a relaystation in Greece where signals are sent south into Egypt and Africa; a relaystation in Sudan reaching east into Aden and on by Oman to India, Singapore and Australia/New Zealand.
The Caribbean (including the Danish West Indies) and South America is reached by way of Newfoundland – Bermuda – Jamaica.
Portugal is also entangled by relaystations in the Azores – Madeira – Kap Verde Is – West Africa.
By Danish request the other Nordic Nations Norway, Sweden and Finland is also let in on the Network though on its own channel separated from the Commonwealth Channel – this is nothing for outsiders to eavesdrop on.
At this year the idea is born and the preliminary Plans of the Network is drawn up; next is decision on sites for relaystations preferably on the coast and in a high altitude to get as much range as possible. During the next phase of building the Network the practical obstacles will be worked around and during this phase a Satellite network of relay stations will be discussed.

Britain had certainly noted the increased Italian interest in its Somalia Colony which could have been an annoying independent African nation bordering Kenya with its ongoing though at low burning insurrection. Seemed the Italians were beginning to act cautiously.

  That's an interesting concept but how practical it would be I don't know.  Your covering some huge distances plus it means maintaining at least some level of control or support in many locations.  Plus even with encoding the broadcasts will be vulnerable to interceptions even if possible to do it in some tight beam method.  Plus for a real coverage of the key areas for meetings that's going to raise questions of timing as there's ~12 hours between the UK and the ANZ region with Canada, India etc being at different hours as well.  However its a bold idea and if they can get it working or it inspires the use of satellites somewhat earlier then that could be very useful.  It does also require the co-ordinating of multiple casts from all sites as its meant to be a two way exchange between multiple people.

 

So You think so do You! Well this time You really slipped behind the curtain to read my notes - yes somebody is to say "this is far too difficult to carry out - we need another approach". Well the "whose gonna sit up all night to talk with the just arisen Brits keeping the head cool and on track!!! will also emerge - and I did think of it but at the moment its an idea to tie the Commonwealth closer together. Which will happen in some form.

[575]

1953
Bohr have begun voicing second thoughts about the Nuclear Bomb programme of the Nordic Nations; he wants the technology shared with more states to avoid war.
The Danish Government in agreement with the other Nordics make Bohr Chairman of the Nordic Atomic Energy Commission that is to further develop the civilian use of Nuclear energy and oversee Nuclear Energy Works as well as any Nuclear Powered Ships if such come to be.
Bohr is feated in any way possible and his Faculty at Copenhagen is enlarged to be able to continue scientific research into the ways of the atoms and work to prove his take on Complementarity which would later be named Entanglement on the sub-atomic level and that Nature was fundamentally random.
Besides these material rewards Bohr had also bestowed upon him the highest orders of the Nordics as well as British and German orders and would besides teaching and working on his theories also appear on Television and rub shoulders with the most influential and Royalty.

Niels Bohr also began devoting more time to George de Hevesy and his work on nuclear medicine principles a work begun more then 30 years prior which began to be implemented in a test centre at the Rigshospitalet, the University Hospital of Copenhagen and the premier Hospital of Denmarks. Among the Rigshospitalet professors Doctor Ole Chieviz who during the Soviet – Finnish War had led a Danish Ambulance in Finland was the premier Medical Doctor involved in the project.
In recognition of the human implications of the coming tool of diagnosis and following treatment and in a gesture towards the USA where the Rockefeller Foundation had donated a Cyclotrone during the 1930's to the experimental work the results of the work was dessiminated to other nations among these of course the USA.

If Bohr had become a slight embarressment to Government Inge Lehmann had become someone cherished; Lehmann had shown by analysis of her Seismographs in Denmark and Greenland and with data supplied by the other Nordic Nations as well as Britain and Germany that it was actually possible to detect if a Nuclear test had been undertaken. The Nordic Governments agreed that the analysis gave them an indicator if someone else were on the Nuclear Path.
To the surprise of most Bohr even lauded Lehmanns work as most important in regard to the Nuclear weapons programme; that endorsement sent Lehmann up the ladder in the scientific community to the anger of many a male competitor. However with backing of both Government and Niels Bohr it was most unwise to critisize Lehmann and her work in a male dominated world.

Denmark could see Britain relying on the Commonwealth on agricultural produce but did succeed in landing a new trade deal on just such; however Government felt it needed to help the Agricultural sector to increase production and wanted to make it possible for farmers to buy Tractors; with the recurring unrest and war throughout Eastern Europe cheap farmhands were in short supply. With the ongoing tradeharassment by the US that didn't want to see the new status of the West Indies for what it were the British were negotiated for a deal on supplying Tractors as part of the new Trade deal.

[stevep]

Jan 17, 2023 20:50:44 GMT 575 said:

Jan 17, 2023 13:27:48 GMT stevep said:

  That's an interesting concept but how practical it would be I don't know.  Your covering some huge distances plus it means maintaining at least some level of control or support in many locations.  Plus even with encoding the broadcasts will be vulnerable to interceptions even if possible to do it in some tight beam method.  Plus for a real coverage of the key areas for meetings that's going to raise questions of timing as there's ~12 hours between the UK and the ANZ region with Canada, India etc being at different hours as well.  However its a bold idea and if they can get it working or it inspires the use of satellites somewhat earlier then that could be very useful.  It does also require the co-ordinating of multiple casts from all sites as its meant to be a two way exchange between multiple people.

 

So You think so do You! Well this time You really slipped behind the curtain to read my notes - yes somebody is to say "this is far too difficult to carry out - we need another approach". Well the "whose gonna sit up all night to talk with the just arisen Brits keeping the head cool and on track!!! will also emerge - and I did think of it but at the moment its an idea to tie the Commonwealth closer together. Which will happen in some form.

  I utterly deny any suggestions about bugs planted in your home.   Seriously I think something like this would be desired but short of earlier development of satellites or much more recent powerful computing systems its a huge ask.

[575]

Far East War 1953

By the end of the year the joint German – Chinese Force in Korea along Korean forces had forced the Japanese off its territory and work had immediately begun on planning an invasion of the Japanese Isles as Japan left no impression it was going to end the conflict.

In order to force the Japanese to the negotiating table – France was on its way out of its own Coalition due to the cost of fighting three wars at one time – the Submarine warfare was stepped up as much as possible to deny Japan of imports mainly so oil and metal being shipped from the US.

The problem being the majority of these imports were delivered by US shipping and none of the Coalition members was ready to upset USA least of all China which eventually had reached its war aims and was ready to wrap it all too.

Britain was rather angry about the Japanese turning upon them and wanted to destroy the Japanese Navy but had difficulties in effecting this aim as it also had to watch the Turks and Italians and realized the new way of Sea Warfare demanded more and larger Aircraft Carriers which had to be built.

Gemany was rather gung-ho and wanted to invade the Japanese Isles by themselves but well knew they weren't able to pull it off singlehandedly and possibly not even along the British as the Japanese had been able to set up a rather strong airdefence of the Home Isles.

Submarine warfare was what the Germans exelled in and even the British realized this and urged them on to take out the Japanese Navy and Merchantmen; thought the Japanese from the experience in the Wars with the Sovietunion kept the latter in port to avoid losses and had the US ship stuff in.

The Germans were rather reluctant to attack warships as this wasn't their doctrine and the Great War Soviet – Polish War experience had been of Warships able to counter Submarines hence the Germans went after the Japanese trade though attacks on Warships were conducted when possible though the German Sub-commanders avoided anything looking like an ASW-capable ship as the plague.

Frustrated the British began discussing internally what to do and how to end the War and saving face in the process which discussion also featured use of the Nuclear Bomb to sink the Japanese Navy though a strong Fighter defence around the Navy Bases had to be countered as bombruns had shown. Even if diversory feints and use of Radar-counter measures would be effected there would still be the possible of the Nuclear Bomb carrying Bomber would be shot down before reaching its target.

[stevep]

Jan 19, 2023 9:33:47 GMT 575 said:

Far East War 1953

By the end of the year the joint German – Chinese Force in Korea along Korean forces had forced the Japanese off its territory and work had immediately begun on planning an invasion of the Japanese Isles as Japan left no impression it was going to end the conflict.

In order to force the Japanese to the negotiating table – France was on its way out of its own Coalition due to the cost of fighting three wars at one time – the Submarine warfare was stepped up as much as possible to deny Japan of imports mainly so oil and metal being shipped from the US.

The problem being the majority of these imports were delivered by US shipping and none of the Coalition members was ready to upset USA least of all China which eventually had reached its war aims and was ready to wrap it all too.

Britain was rather angry about the Japanese turning upon them and wanted to destroy the Japanese Navy but had difficulties in effecting this aim as it also had to watch the Turks and Italians and realized the new way of Sea Warfare demanded more and larger Aircraft Carriers which had to be built.

Gemany was rather gung-ho and wanted to invade the Japanese Isles by themselves but well knew they weren't able to pull it off singlehandedly and possibly not even along the British as the Japanese had been able to set up a rather strong airdefence of the Home Isles.

Submarine warfare was what the Germans exelled in and even the British realized this and urged them on to take out the Japanese Navy and Merchantmen; thought the Japanese from the experience in the Wars with the Sovietunion kept the latter in port to avoid losses and had the US ship stuff in.

The Germans were rather reluctant to attack warships as this wasn't their doctrine and the Great War Soviet – Polish War experience had been of Warships able to counter Submarines hence the Germans went after the Japanese trade though attacks on Warships were conducted when possible though the German Sub-commanders avoided anything looking like an ASW-capable ship as the plague.

Frustrated the British began discussing internally what to do and how to end the War and saving face in the process which discussion also featured use of the Nuclear Bomb to sink the Japanese Navy though a strong Fighter defence around the Navy Bases had to be countered as bombruns had shown. Even if diversory feints and use of Radar-counter measures would be effected there would still be the possible of the Nuclear Bomb carrying Bomber would be shot down before reaching its target.

  Well this is a big change from the OTL WWII US stance with the deep isolationism, although it could be that with the European powers still practical economic rivals [and potential military ones with the development of nuclear weapons although that won't be clear yet].  As such their more determined in seeking to weaken the European powers, even if that means supporting Japanese imperialism!

  Also given that the allies have a right to impose a blockade then I would think they could do that by operating force beyond the range of the Japanese naval air - although that could mean having to fight their way through some of the Japanese island bases such as Okinawa - albeit coming from the nearby China and Taiwan rather that distant Hawaii and having to go through others 1st as the US had to do OTL.  Plus the other issue is that how is Japan paying for those imports as I very much doubt the US is extending credit to them.

  Frankly I'm not sure that Japan would see it as useful to continue the war having lost their primary colonies - i.e. Taiwan and Korea - with no real chance of getting them back.  OTL they fought to the bitter end because the allied demand was for unconditional surrender - which of course raised concerns about the future of the imperial dynasty among other things - and the surrender of places such as Taiwan and Korea/Manchuria which were still under Japanese control.  Here they have already lost them but occupation isn't being proposed - other than if they continue fighting - so I would suspect they would be willing to come to terms.

  The other thing I suspect making US support of Japan unlikely is that it will upset China, which is a far bigger market than Japan and which the US had a long history of trading with.  Unless something had changed that I would expect that there is a significant China-bloc pressuring for trade with Japan to stop, or at least for it not to be on US ships.

[575]

Jan 19, 2023 12:33:58 GMT stevep said:

Jan 19, 2023 9:33:47 GMT 575 said:

Far East War 1953

By the end of the year the joint German – Chinese Force in Korea along Korean forces had forced the Japanese off its territory and work had immediately begun on planning an invasion of the Japanese Isles as Japan left no impression it was going to end the conflict.

In order to force the Japanese to the negotiating table – France was on its way out of its own Coalition due to the cost of fighting three wars at one time – the Submarine warfare was stepped up as much as possible to deny Japan of imports mainly so oil and metal being shipped from the US.

The problem being the majority of these imports were delivered by US shipping and none of the Coalition members was ready to upset USA least of all China which eventually had reached its war aims and was ready to wrap it all too.

Britain was rather angry about the Japanese turning upon them and wanted to destroy the Japanese Navy but had difficulties in effecting this aim as it also had to watch the Turks and Italians and realized the new way of Sea Warfare demanded more and larger Aircraft Carriers which had to be built.

Gemany was rather gung-ho and wanted to invade the Japanese Isles by themselves but well knew they weren't able to pull it off singlehandedly and possibly not even along the British as the Japanese had been able to set up a rather strong airdefence of the Home Isles.

Submarine warfare was what the Germans exelled in and even the British realized this and urged them on to take out the Japanese Navy and Merchantmen; thought the Japanese from the experience in the Wars with the Sovietunion kept the latter in port to avoid losses and had the US ship stuff in.

The Germans were rather reluctant to attack warships as this wasn't their doctrine and the Great War Soviet – Polish War experience had been of Warships able to counter Submarines hence the Germans went after the Japanese trade though attacks on Warships were conducted when possible though the German Sub-commanders avoided anything looking like an ASW-capable ship as the plague.

Frustrated the British began discussing internally what to do and how to end the War and saving face in the process which discussion also featured use of the Nuclear Bomb to sink the Japanese Navy though a strong Fighter defence around the Navy Bases had to be countered as bombruns had shown. Even if diversory feints and use of Radar-counter measures would be effected there would still be the possible of the Nuclear Bomb carrying Bomber would be shot down before reaching its target.

  Well this is a big change from the OTL WWII US stance with the deep isolationism, although it could be that with the European powers still practical economic rivals [and potential military ones with the development of nuclear weapons although that won't be clear yet].  As such their more determined in seeking to weaken the European powers, even if that means supporting Japanese imperialism!

  Also given that the allies have a right to impose a blockade then I would think they could do that by operating force beyond the range of the Japanese naval air - although that could mean having to fight their way through some of the Japanese island bases such as Okinawa - albeit coming from the nearby China and Taiwan rather that distant Hawaii and having to go through others 1st as the US had to do OTL.  Plus the other issue is that how is Japan paying for those imports as I very much doubt the US is extending credit to them.

  Frankly I'm not sure that Japan would see it as useful to continue the war having lost their primary colonies - i.e. Taiwan and Korea - with no real chance of getting them back.  OTL they fought to the bitter end because the allied demand was for unconditional surrender - which of course raised concerns about the future of the imperial dynasty among other things - and the surrender of places such as Taiwan and Korea/Manchuria which were still under Japanese control.  Here they have already lost them but occupation isn't being proposed - other than if they continue fighting - so I would suspect they would be willing to come to terms.

  The other thing I suspect making US support of Japan unlikely is that it will upset China, which is a far bigger market than Japan and which the US had a long history of trading with.  Unless something had changed that I would expect that there is a significant China-bloc pressuring for trade with Japan to stop, or at least for it not to be on US ships.

Quite agree but I had to go another way than OTL and try perceive what would happen; with the US trying to develop markets not done OTL and difficulty in getting into the European ones due to no WWII and no need for a Marshall - Plan something had to happen. With the Europeans holding the Far East in their grib the US have to do something to get the Europeans off it. China already have a want of trade with the US and have attained its objectives.

As such the Chinese is finished fighting as is the French both because of economic reasons.

No I don't see US extending much credit to Japan but it also have to trade to continue develop its economy. And economics is the way to win this war - I don't see the US invading any of those countries - but it still have huge resources. China also wants to get rid of the Europeans (no Sino-Japanese War no WWII the Europeans are very much present in China for trade!) and decide its destiny by itself - well this is in the back of my mind but have to write it down - and as such the Chinese are as much interested in getting the US in! Though I think I did drop a few Easter Eggs on this without writing in specifics.

I have been in much doubt about Japanese ability to wage war for a prolonged time though was sure loss of Manchuria and Korea would be a real drain on them - Allied Coalition problem is it has too few troops and Navy units in theater - only a couple of Carriers in operational or close to order. Only the Germans have real boots on the ground 2 Infantry Divs., 1 Armoured 1 Infantry Brigades. This was to be a hard slap on the Japanese fingers but wasn't figured out as to really needed units. Because of the previous paragraph China at this stage isn't really wanting to supply the Europeans more equipment and is prepared to put all blame on France!

I'm gonna make a few changes to my timetable - essentially speed thing up a little and thus end the War sooner than I had planned. It doesn't really matter in the overall picture.

[575]

Far East War II 1953
The Allied coalition in China was debating how to defeat Japan.
France was at the end of the line financially and experiencing a still stronger rejection of men serving in Algeria and with that war consuming more resourses as Morocco and Tunesia had begun rumbling which might well end in the war spreading there which the French was weary about. France was rejective of furnishing any troops for an Amphibious invasion in Japan even if only a limited objective as Tsushima Island! The Colonial Wars was sapping strength and the loss of an Aircraft Carrier had sent serious tremours through the populace voicing much dissent.

China was seriously airing that its waraims had been reached and it hadn't the resources to field an Invasion Fleet nor the ability at the moment to gear up ammunition production. China also needed to keep the Armies on the Borders as insurrections in FIC or Central Asia might spread across those. A most regrettable fact to consider.

Neigher the British nor the Germans had the will to move the needed manpower to China which in case of the British would mean mobilization preferably in the Dominions Australia, New Zealand and Canada; which first two had already contributed more than expected and kept their units in theater; the Germans were just naturally uncomfortable with anything overseas their former South African Colony had been a disgrace in the end left them no way out but to ask the British of help. The Germans had contributed the only real ground force and had partaken in the Amphibious Invasion of Taiwan getting much attention. It had to stop there.

The Netherlands were too tied up in their own Colonial conflict as to barely maintain their Submarine unit in Japanese waters.

The British was still weary of committing its available Nuclear option and the Germans didn't want to deploy theirs; the Allies well knew that Japanese Jetfighters were entering service which would diminish the chances of success of Nuclear bombing the IJN. The Nordics had rejected supplying SAAB Jetbombers.

As the Allies were quarreling the US decided to grab the ball and invited the Warring Parties to Washington for negotiating a ceasefire and ultimately an end to war.
Initially the Allies were adverse to the proposal of meeting at Washington and counterproposed Geneva which the US firmly rejected both to not appear giving in to the Europeans and backing down on their refusal of joining LoN but also because the Japanese had already accepted the US proposal and were rejecting any other place for talks. The Japanese being at the end of their line had grapped the straw eagerly knowing full well the US would economically strangle them if not!
The Europeans gave in to the US demand and sent their delegations to Washington.
The talks would drag out for months with only a ceasefire being agreed to following three months of talks. As soon as word was out a huge fleet of US Merchantmen steamed into Japanese ports which made the British go ballistic. Of course everybody knew the US had kept the Japanese floating just to humiliated the Europeans but this was really over the top.
Once again talks would drag out.

[stevep]

Jan 19, 2023 20:59:06 GMT 575 said:

Far East War II 1953
The Allied coalition in China was debating how to defeat Japan.
France was at the end of the line financially and experiencing a still stronger rejection of men serving in Algeria and with that war consuming more resourses as Morocco and Tunesia had begun rumbling which might well end in the war spreading there which the French was weary about. France was rejective of furnishing any troops for an Amphibious invasion in Japan even if only a limited objective as Tsushima Island! The Colonial Wars was sapping strength and the loss of an Aircraft Carrier had sent serious tremours through the populace voicing much dissent.

China was seriously airing that its waraims had been reached and it hadn't the resources to field an Invasion Fleet nor the ability at the moment to gear up ammunition production. China also needed to keep the Armies on the Borders as insurrections in FIC or Central Asia might spread across those. A most regrettable fact to consider.

Neigher the British nor the Germans had the will to move the needed manpower to China which in case of the British would mean mobilization preferably in the Dominions Australia, New Zealand and Canada; which first two had already contributed more than expected and kept their units in theater; the Germans were just naturally uncomfortable with anything overseas their former South African Colony had been a disgrace in the end left them no way out but to ask the British of help. The Germans had contributed the only real ground force and had partaken in the Amphibious Invasion of Taiwan getting much attention. It had to stop there.

The Netherlands were too tied up in their own Colonial conflict as to barely maintain their Submarine unit in Japanese waters.

The British was still weary of committing its available Nuclear option and the Germans didn't want to deploy theirs; the Allies well knew that Japanese Jetfighters were entering service which would diminish the chances of success of Nuclear bombing the IJN. The Nordics had rejected supplying SAAB Jetbombers.

As the Allies were quarreling the US decided to grab the ball and invited the Warring Parties to Washington for negotiating a ceasefire and ultimately an end to war.
Initially the Allies were adverse to the proposal of meeting at Washington and counterproposed Geneva which the US firmly rejected both to not appear giving in to the Europeans and backing down on their refusal of joining LoN but also because the Japanese had already accepted the US proposal and were rejecting any other place for talks. The Japanese being at the end of their line had grapped the straw eagerly knowing full well the US would economically strangle them if not!
The Europeans gave in to the US demand and sent their delegations to Washington.
The talks would drag out for months with only a ceasefire being agreed to following three months of talks. As soon as word was out a huge fleet of US Merchantmen steamed into Japanese ports which made the British go ballistic. Of course everybody knew the US had kept the Japanese floating just to humiliated the Europeans but this was really over the top.
Once again talks would drag out.

  I can understand Britain and the other powers being angry at that double dealing.  Its clear that the US is seeking to extend the conflict as long as possible to drain European resources while seeking to boost their own influence in Japan.  Given that they still have access to China, unless Britain has reversed its previous Open Door policy there - and are probably the most protectionist of the great powers arguing its not getting unimpeded access to other markets isn't going to carry any weight.  The US action could also encourage the less rational elements of Japanese military to drag things out further to avoid loss of face in admitting defeat.

[575]

Far East War III 1953
At Washington the US President would announce in a rare New Years Address to the Nation that the US had brokered peace in the Far East. Japan and its enemies had entered a Peace Treaty.
China had gotten Taiwan, which had been ceded to Japan following the Sino-Japanese War 1894, back; a referendum would be held in the Ryu-Kyu's to decide the Island Chains future - which showed this Great Nation upholding the Torch of selfdetermination of the Peoples brought to the Europeans 1918 by President Wilson still burning.
Korea which since 1945 had been a free independent Nation had had that indepence recognized by all parties; all parties had agreed to retreat their Armed Forces from Korea and the US would send a Peacekeeping and Stabilizing Force to that Nation in Want to secure its freedom. Prisoners of War would be exchanged in a process which had been ordered by all warring Nations.

***
To bring an end to this war though there will be some effects post war.

[575]

1953
And I'm at a standstill in my mind! Or in other words I'm letting this dog lie untill further inspiration hits me.
Still its the longest most "my own" TL I've written at least in an OTL setting.

Whats the status of this world; without WWII there was no Marshall Plan so no uplifting of Western Europe or Eastern countries interested in such. No GI Bill. America is in isolation but wanting to trade and become richer; still a segregated society. No UN but a still working LoN; with all its falterings.

Scandinvia still being basically in 1939; no Scandinavia model around at this point - it will develop but it will take time; no great upheaval due to Marshall Aid so no tractors in agriculture except at the big estates or rich farmers. Lots of poor peoples and underpaid workers. Everybody is able to go to University/College as that was free at least in Denmark since 1913. The clever heads however came from well off families usually - nothing new under the sun.

Britain, France and Germany is the Big Players in Europe still living in a kind of Belle Epoque (ok, thats rosy) but as in Scandinavia widespread poverty and lack of education. Still the old riche nobility and such other members of the circle is basically ruling society. Militarism have been downplayed in Germany. Italy is very much up and coming but still have to find its place within the concert.
Czechoslavakia is still one of the G10 industrial states.
Britain is building its own Common Market within the Commonwealth. South Africa is segregated society but not having reached Apartheit. (yet???)
Japan is somewhat downtrodden but China is a rising industrial star - though not the one we know!

Balkans are riddled with warfare; Poland is rebuilding on its own post the Soviet War; a new Russia is building sans Ukraine and with a militarily beaten Turkey on its doorstep. Romania is still a major oil producer.

The Middle East oilfields is only being discovered - Italy have Libya - Britain have Iraq (Mosul) and Iran - France have missed Algerian oil due to its war on the natives. Azerbajdjan is coming online in Russia.

Do I have a set plan for this - no then it had been completed I think. Why didn't I cover xxx; either didn't fit the path I thought the TL was taking or didn't think of it.
Some contributed in writing - a small but very much liked Alliance of men and women readers. Some by a "like" that meant a lot to the writer (me).
The figures tell me that there's a lot of readers; if subjects pop up one of you wanted into the TL write a comment - can't guarantee anything but at least an answer.

So not a dead TL just awaiting some bout of inspiration.

[575]

Its time to try do something about this one:

Just to finish off 1953 -

US
More aggressive stance against France, Britain and Denmark on the Colonial issue in the Western Hemisphere by cutting down trade and raising tariffs on transit of the Panama Canal; the latter two also in relation to the Nuclear Bomb tests.
Not knowing if the regular flights of longrange Jetbombers to Kangerlussuak, Greenland are Nuclear Armed and the general intentions of the flights; the US decide to start its own programme which is kick-started by sending off Scientists to Niels Bohr's Faculty at Copenhagen to get as much out of the man as possible if the Intelligence rumours are true.

The Panama Canal raise on tariffs intended as the real hit at Britain would only add 5-7 days of sailing for ships from Auckland, New Zealand to London, Britain carrying agricultural produce.
Somebody had done their maths wrong.

[575]

1954
FIC
France was surprised by a strong offensive launched by Ho Chi Minhs forces during the Tet – Vietnamese New Year.
The news of the Peace with Japan had spurred Ho's forces on stockpiling arms and ammuntion for a desperate go now the French would be back in force. Under cover of the preparation of Tet-celebration Ho's forces infiltrated every city to be ready for action. With the upcoming return of the French troops Ho had managed a lot of prior advocates of concilliation with France to sway to his side during the years of War with Japan.
Celebrating Tet the insurrection reached hights not seen before; Cam Rahn Bay base was attacked and some installations destoyed though the real blow was the insurrectionist's getting into the Base Complex.
Administrative centers and Barracks were attacked as was Airbases. The insurrection was continued for a week during which the battle raged all over FIC.
In France Government was met with a no-confidence statement by the opposition when asking for more funds for the war in FIC along rebuilding the Navy, Air and Ground losses during the War with Japan which made Government resign.
A few months later the war in FIC would end and France would pull out its Armed Forces.
Those troops pulled out had wanted to go back to home to France but instead found themselves being put ashore in Algeria; within a forthnight those troops rejected orders to stand-to.

As the French was pulling out Ho Chi Mihn was negotiating the various Royals of FIC essentially trying to set up a local version of British India.
When infighting began the French looked at each other and shook their heads – all this for this!

Britain
The end War against Japan had instilled much pride in the Dominions of Canada, New Zealand and Australia which had participated actively throughout the War though mainly with Navy and Airforce units which had been the plan all along by Whitehall.
Losses had been suffered but it had been weathered and in the end Victory had been attained; though the US handling of affairs had a bitter taste to it.
The New Zealanders and Australians were particularly happy that their countries on the other side of the World pertaining to Britain had been defended successfully by the RN and all the resources of Britain and Commonwealth.
Even in South Africa White peoples of British descend raised their head in defiance of the indifferent Boer's.
Britain had seen that Empire would flock to its banner in time of need and saw to rewarding this – the three Dominions of Canada, New Zealand and Australia the major agricultural producers of the Empire was given even more influence with becoming major suppliers of the Motherland in their main produce.
Britain could buy its needed goods but the feeling of being the suppliers further enhanced those Dominions in supporting the British Government.
In recognition of the resources devoted during the war the Commonwealth Conference was held this year in Auckland, New Zealand though Wellington being the Capital Auckland being a large port and situated in the sub-tropical climate offered much the British and Canadians would like experience.
The major issue of Conference being economics mainly in lieu of the US recent years intensified economic warfare on almost everybody else and continued anti-colonialism policy which might turn into a tradewar.
The Commonwealth had shown it could manage on its own now only South Africa was missing from the fold – and the various mainly African Colonies in more or less insurrection.

Netherlands
The Dutch had hoped that defeating Japan would put an end to the insurrection – instead it got worse. If it wasn't the Japanese that financed the insurrection - who then?

Far East War experiences
The experiences of the Far East War mainly in the use of Aircraft and Aircraft Carriers was much studied around the Worlds leading Navies. The lack of Battleship duels and preeminence of Carriers surely left a mark.
Larger Carriers would be the new black.
The USA soon laid down new larger Carriers to implement the lessons. Damage control seemed to be the scourge of Japan and France and triump of RN. Perhaps talking to the British wouldn't harm all that much. If they should want the Panama Canal tariffs renegotiated then lets talk about that too.