[IC] The Iron Curtain: A Cold War NRP

[The Nexerus]

The Republic of China is the sole legitimate authority over the entirety of China, including the portions of the mainland occupied by the Communist dissenters. They have proclaimed their "People's Republic" on stolen land, and the demagogue Mao seeks to make himself the dictator of this false state, and decide for himself, against the wishes of the people, what the future of the nations of China shall be. Mao is out of line of the plans of the hero Sun Yat-sen. His vision for China, or however much of China his Communist onslaught manages to ravage, is not the same as the vision of the Father of the Nation. The Communist PRC is not representative of the Chinese nation for the same reason that the Qing dynasty was not; he does not embrace what is best for the people, and he seeks only to assert his own power rather than act in the people's interest. Mao is a tyrannical dictator, and his People's Republic is an illegal abomination. The Republic of China's rightful government, under the guidance of the Kuomintang, will continue to advance the interests of the people of China against Communist tyranny and Communist lies. The massacres they have inflicted on the mainland will not spread to the people in the lands governed by the legitimate Republican government. Should the Communists attempt to cross the water to take Taiwan, Hainan, or other land under rightful Kuomintang governance, we shall be forced to drown Mao's dogs before they can reach our shores.

Rather than advance war, however, the Kuomintang government shall seek to make a righteous peace and unify China peacefully. China is not the possession of the western imperialists, but it is they, as the most influential of the world community, who shall help China to unite and become strong, free of tyranny, free of oppression, and free of the atrocities committed by the warlords of the Beijing government. The Republic of China calls out to the United States to protect the interests of liberty and freedom in China by blocking Communist access to the lands under the rightful authority and control of the Republic of China. We do not wish to be forced to defend Taiwan, Hainan, or the Wanshan or Zhoushan islands as we have defended Kinmen. The Kuomintang is willing to attempt to make peace with the Communist forces and unite China under a new banner—but if the Communists reject peace in favour of their master Mao's own personal glory, the Republic will not cease hostilities until all of China is united under its lawful administrators.

[Byrd Man]

Mr. Prime Minister,

In regards to your message, the United States government and the Central Intelligence Agency would indeed be open to cooperation with the Israeli intelligence service to monitor the situation behind the Iron Curtain as well as a continued monitoring of certain hotspots in Southwest Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. In exchange for the sharing of intelligence in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the United States will continue to fully support Israel economically and politically in its ongoing struggle to defend the Jewish.

Sincerely,

Harry S Truman

[Omega]

January 2, 1950
1226 Warszawa Time
Presidential Palace, Warszawa, Poland

President Berling looked down at the paper, it was his worst fear come true. He knew Stalin could be irrational but this was beyond that. He had offered to stay within their sphere and fight against the west but instead Stalin denounced him completely. The order had already been given to halt the removal of Soviet troops from the country, instead they were now being brought into POW camps and being processed. Berling felt Stalin had doomed Communism now, 5% of the entire Red Army was removed from combat and now they would fight amongst themselves the Soviet's outnumbered them but Berling did not fear that for now.

With a sigh he gave his signature on a document that would be sent out. It was not written by him, he would not the west that much satisfaction. It was a request for aid though, a request that the US and UK send whatever they could to help him and his countrymen against the looming Soviet invasion. The thing that he feared was coming to pass, he was fortunate he had prepared for it but only wished it had gone another way.

January 2, 1950
1700 Warszawa Time
Southeast of Bialystok

Polkovnik watched over the 4th Anti-tank Artillery Brigade continued to dig in overlooking the nearby road. Camo nets had already been pulled over most of their anti-tank guns. The 100 and 122 mm guns were well placed with a dominating field of fire and mobile SU-100s and SU-85s placed in their platoons and ready to move forward or towards the flanks to meet threats at this hard point. Even as the weapon emplacements were made preparations were also being made to destroy them. The goal was simple, if the Soviets attacked they would inflict losses and proceed to fall back in good order. To their north the 4th Heavy Tank Regiment was digging in as well readying for the attack while the 6th Infantry Division was to their south defending a hardpoint munitions cache which would allow them to maintain combat effectiveness when encircled. Nobody knew if or when the Soviets would attack but they were doing everything to be ready before it happened.

[Rare]

"Liberté, égalité, fraternité" - French Republic's Motto
Paris, France, January, 2, 1950.
Auriol was in shock with the hate towards the France in Indochina from the communist nations: Soviet Union and China. We are protecting Indochina, which we are sending a fleet for the Marine nationale under the command of Admiral Michael Momo. As for the troops, they will arrive at Hue, Annam in a week under the command of General Raymonde Barbosa. We also received major news about the rebel army, they were attacked near Red River Delta, which were defended by the French garrison. The rebel army had around 2,000 troops while the garrison had 4,000 troops, they opened fire as they were crossing the delta and most fell back and opened fire. But at the end of the day, only 300 French soldiers died while 921 soldiers from the rebel army died; the rebel army was going to Viet Minh and take it. This is a major blow to the rebel forces and to prevent any more attacks, we plan to build a fortified line from Hanoi to the Gulf of Tonkin. We also plan to improve the towns and cities' roads, houses, school, and many other things after this fight ends. We pray for the dead French and the rebel army's soldiers and hope their families recover from the losses. While Indochina is becoming a war zone, events in Poland lead to Auriol to cancel the leaves of French military personnel to protect West Germany as United State and United Kingdoms have done but will send 11,107 active troops to West Germany. And back at home, defensives and troops have been on the high alert and active troops have increased from 100,000 to 200,000. It's also still waiting for responds to the letters Auriol send.

Summary
-France is keeping Indochina no matter what.
-Troops will arrive in a week with the fleet, in case of an attack.
-A major battle happened at Red River Delta, which was won by the France.
-The plan to improve Indochina will happen after the rebel army is wipe clear.
-A fortified line from Hanoi to the Gulf of Tonkin is building for defensive reasons.
-11,107 active troops were sent to West Germany.
-Defensives and troop are on high alert in France.
-Active troop amount has increased from 100,000 to 200,000.

[Jonesy]

The Republic of Cuba


El Acusador. Issue 8. January 1st, 1950
[Translated to English]

Two days prior, Revolutionary Forces loyal to the cause of overthrowing the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista successfully stormed the city of Santa Clara, in the Villa Clara Province. Led by Comandante Che Guevara and Comandante Camilo Cienfuegos, the brave revolutionaries won the freedom of Santa Clara in a hard fought battle. Startled by this news, our dictator President Batista has fled the country in fear for his life. While our rightful leaders fight for your freedom, the criminal puppets flee for their own safety, refusing to stand trial for their crimes! Every day, government forces abandon their posts and fight for our cause, strengthening us with numbers and spirit. The Capital lies in plain sight, its defenders nowhere in sight. Your support and your hope has overthrown this dictator, the people have succeeded in freeing ourselves from tyranny! Commander in Chief Fidel Castro rides for Havana today, his forces planning to occupy the Capital within the next few days.
Vicente Chávez, Editor.


La Habana, Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba
January 2nd, 1950
The city, diralect in its impoverished state, seemed to come alive for the first time in years. As forces loyal to Fidel Castro moved into the city, the people cheered on the streets as the victory march proceeded towards the Capital. On every corner, Rebels held soldiers and Batista loyalists at gunpoint. Soon the contents of the prisons would be changed from rebels to loyalists, the balance of power shifting almost overnight. Upon the route's security, Fidel Castro and his company of Comandante Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos approached El Capitolio. The reception was mixed, pockets of loyalist resistance still fighting in the fringes of the city. However, as the Rebel cause had seemingly won, support for the cause picked up in epic proportions. Dismounting from the jeep, Fidel Castro smiled at the sight of the Capital building. Waving for the photographers, he traversed his way up the heavily guarded steps to power. In his mind, reforms were already beginning to simmer; some of which would surely shock the world. As the country's new Prime Minister, it soon would be time for Cuba to be launched into a new era. He'd long since prepared a speech for this moment, one akin to "History Will Absolve Me". Knowing full well the risks of being exposed in such a volatile city, Fidel retreated to the bowels of the capital until full security was ensured.

[Footnote]
*Basically, I'm moving the events of the Cuban Revolution back a few years with assent of the GM. I'll be roleplaying divergence from the timeline soon after, though the events of the Cuban revolution stay true with history. If this does not please someone, please feel free to PM me and we'll work it out to the best possible way. The writing may not be superb, but I've been trying to compress 4 hours of research into a readible form. (It'll get better, I promise!)

[AegonVI]

The Republic of Brazil


2 January 1950

Eurico Dutra
It was already the evening by the time Eurico got to writing the letters he had been intending to write. He would’ve never thought the first of the year would’ve been so busy. He started with what he deemed to be the most important of the letters to write, naturally.

To President Truman of the United States or Whom it May Concern,

It is a new decade. A whole fifty years has passed since the beginning of the century. If you would follow me through the upcoming anecdote, there is an importance to what I say.
When the First World War ended, a large portion of the world entered an economic boom. That boom went bust ten years later, and ten years following such the world saw the beginning of the Second World War. It has been five years since then, and it has been a very prosperous five years for Brazil, as I hope it has been in the United States. In fact, all of my top advisors tell me that this trend in Brazil’s economy should continue for at least five years.
But I ask you, what good is ten years of growth, if it is followed by ten years of stagnation?
And I have thought about this myself, Mr. Truman. And I have tried to figure out what pulled the mighty United States out of such a grand economic depression, when one day I spoke to one of my advisors and friends about it. He told me it was the war. He said it was WWII that brought the United States and Western Europe out of such a grand depression.
So I thought some more. If in five years time the world has another such terrifying depression, that would be bad enough. But if then, in fifteen years time from now, after a depression we enter into a new World War? That is something that must not be let to happen. And so I thought to myself, if Brazil could do what the United States did to pull itself out of depression when Brazil is already economically powerful, could a depression be prevented? Perhaps not on our own. But perhaps, if Brazil did it, succeeded, and then other countries followed suit, we could not only prevent a horrifying war but spread the principles of capitalism and democracy across the globe.
So I had to think about what the United States did besides prepare for war. And it occurred to me. Your great nation focused patriotic feelings into a common purpose and rapidly industrialized your economy.
But now, Mr. Truman, to the point of the matter. In hopes to realize the goal above (preventing economic stagnation and another horrifying war), I ask for the assistance of the United States. I, in Brazil will work on creating the Patriotism needed for a common purpose, if the United States could aid Brazil in the industrialization process.
I understand such a plan would be a massive investment for the United States. Brazil would need technology, and scientists, and engineers, and money couldn’t possibly hurt. But I feel such a passion that the success of this could help bring lasting democracy to a majority of South America, if not the entirety of the Americas together. I believe it could then serve as a model to countries in Asia, who are more directly under the threat of communism. Eventually, the whole world could be shown the power of industrial capitalism.

With Highest Hopes,

Eurico Dutra

Eurico handed it to his secretary who was to get it delivered to President of the United States immediately. As the young messenger moved to the door Eurico shouted out to him, “Faster than that, my boy! You’re life depends on this message!” Then, smiling, he thought to himself, Actually, I suppose it very well COULD mean his life. If another war gets started the size of the last one… And Brazil was barely involved in the last one. For the next one Brazil would be a much more powerful nation in the world, I’d hope. But should I hope that…?
Eurico shook the thought from his head and sat back down to write. His remaining letters, however, were not for world leaders like his letter for President Truman. Rather, they were for scientists and engineers. He wrote to them in the United States, in West Germany, in the United Kingdom, in Norway and some even in Canada. Yesterday, it had been decided that the National Brazilian Academy of Science and Technology would be opened in the capital of Rio de Janeiro within eight months. It was to be a modern scientific university for the bright minds of Brazil to attend. He was offering the scientists and engineers positions as professors and jobs working for the Brazilian government in general.

3 January 1950

Harold Arelo
Harold really shouldn’t have been captain. He was only 27, after all. A nobody back in the Big War. But that had ended and apparently his track record had afforded him to be captain of a ship. But a ship headed to a wasteland, Harold thought to himself.
The young captain was on a mission given to him by the president to go scout out a location for a Research and/or Strategic Base in Antarctica of all places. But he was happy to be doing a mission that seemed very hush hush. He was only given command of a small ship, with a very minimal crew of around thirty or forty people. He was also told to not go too fast so as not to attract attention, so it would be a few days before they got there, despite having left the night of the first of the year.
Admittedly, Harold didn’t entirely know what he was looking for. He supposed an area that could be accessed from the water directly and preferably one with as little ice as possible. However, from what he knew, that was probably going to be a challenge. It was while he was thinking about this all again that night when he heard a knock on his cabin. “Come in,” he said, not sure of whom it would be at this time.
Antonio Fonseca came in. He was Harold’s right hand man, so to see him not at the help was surprising. “The pilot seemed to be doing a good job of headed to where we need to be. A good speed, too, for what you’ve told us,” Antonio explained, reading Harold’s mind. “May I ask you a question, sir?”
“Antonio, these are my quarters. We’re friends. Say what you will here,” Harold smiled at his long term friend. Harold at times felt it should’ve been Antonio who became the captain, but he was two years younger than Harold so it was practically impossible.
“What on God’s green earth are we going to Antarctica for?”
“I wish I knew,” Harold conceded to his friend.
“What all do you know, then?”
“I know we’re supposed to be looking for a good spot for a base,” he started, “That we’re going at a slow pace so as not to arouse suspicion. It’s a small crew, so fewer people need to know that this mission even exists, but it’s a very young crew. I do believe our oldest here is 31 years of age. I know it was a mission that came straight from the top, probably the President himself, but they wouldn't tell me. And in my gut I know something strange is going on.”
“It’s not like Antarctica holds a strategic purpose, does it?”
“Not that I can think of. And we aren’t going there for more space. I literally have no damn idea why we’re headed off to this frozen wasteland.

4 January 1950

Eurico Dutra
After he heard the rumours that morning, Eurico had to make haste. Even if it was overplayed, there was bound to be some truth behind it. Soviets in Cuba of all places… And with Nukes!
He had first heard it from his chauffer, but then three of his advisors met him as he was going to his office. They all told rather similar stories, all slight parodies of each other. One told him that assassinations were taking place en masse in Havana and across Cuba. Another told him it was just a minor revolt. But the third would be the best bargaining chip, even if it were a bit far fetched. The third told him that the Soviets were attempting a Communist coup in Cuba and had already moved nuclear warheads there to secure their position.
In truth, Eurico figured it couldn’t be much bigger than a minor revolt and that it would get taken down quickly if it already hadn’t, but news doesn’t travel all that fast in Latin America. Not true news. Gossip seems to have it’s ways of going around though. He wondered if that was universal.
As he walked into the office, he pulled his clerk in with him. It was the same one that had sent off the first letter to the Americans.
Eurico furiously wrote upon his paper.

To President Truman,

I write this in extreme haste. It is to be as a supplement to my last letter. I do not know if you have read or received it yet, but I pray to God that he lets you see this with it or not soon after.
I have heard rumors from sources I trust that it is likely that the Soviets are attempting a coup in Cuba and have moved nuclear warheads into the country to secure their position.
As the supplement to my last letter, I then implore you to make haste with any and all aide you can supply Brazil, for the sake of not spreading Communism to the Americas. Was it not one of your nation’s first presidents who said that Europe had no right to interfere in the Americas? It was your President Monroe, in fact who made that happen. Protect your weak, island neighbor from the Soviets and help your growing neighbor to the far south grow stronger.

With Great Haste

Euico Dutra

Eurico rapidly put the letter in the messengers hands and pushed him out of the door. We shall America's help yet, he thought to himself, So what if we're stretching the truth a little?

Summary:
-Brazil Request Aide from the United States
-Brazil Secretly Launces Exploration Mission to Antarctica
-Rumors of Cuban Revolution Reach Brazil

[Byrd Man]

To: The White House
CC: The Pentagon, US State Department

Mr. President,

The rumors are true. CIA agents monitoring the situation in Cuba have indeed confirmed intelligence sources' claims that a change in government is imminent in the country. President Batista and his forces are being routing by revolutionary forces led by Fidel Castro, a former law student with heavy Marxist leanings (SEE NS MEMO #5421198123677 FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON CASTRO) Castro has not tried to hide his dislike of US influence in the Caribbean, and our analyst believe that a successful coup by Castro will lead to a Communist government just ninety miles away from United States shores. As to the rumors of Moscow's involvement in the coup, there seems to be no evidence at this time that the Soviets are involved.

Per your wishes from yesterday's briefing, I spoke to Frank Wisner at the Office of Policy Coordination. He is agreeable to the idea of launching a joint covert mission into Cuba. Tentative codename OPERATION CLOSE SHAVE will be ready to present to you and the Joint Chiefs of Staff by the end of the week. CIA informants inside both the Batista government and revolution have been told to observe and report the information as it progresses. I should have more updates to share with you in the morning.

Sincerely,

RADM Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, Director of Central Intelligence

[Pepschep]

When Berling made his move, the Soviet response was quick. The Polish gamble was poorly thought-out, as many of these bases were on high alert and had active communications stations around the clock. The NKVD barracks near Warsaw had its staff apprehended, but not before a small skirmish which caused quite a commotion, delaying the occupation of the building. It was to be expected that a radio operator of these barracks sent out what was happening to them to other bases around Poland, and that was what happened. Before being apprehended the radio operator sent an emergency broadcast to all Soviet forces in Poland, indicating they were going to arrest them and armed Polish soldiers approaching the bases should be shot on sight as traitors to the revolution.

It took only seven minutes for that order to be applied first. The base of a tank regiment was approached by five dozen Poles with rifles ready. Confident of their success, they marched over the open road and, in an action replicated across Poland, were promptly torn apart by fire from a heavy machine gun, which served as a wake-up call for the base. Group Forces North rushed to alert and rolled out. The Polish army, small, ill-trained, ill-organised and ill-equipped broke in the face of Soviet resistance. The Soviet army rolled out into the Polish countryside, quickly occupying the south of the country and the northern coastal areas, blocking Poland off from the world. With Czech and East German forces helping the bear tear Poland to shreds and the Polish Army being stuck in their barracks, most of the country found itself under Soviet military control once again within two weeks as Soviet forces poured in from the east.

January 15th, 1950
To: The Berling government
From: Marshal Aleksandr Vasilevsky

The Red Army hereby offers the Berling cliqe the chance to resign and turn themselves in to the Soviet army without fighting over the city. You stand no chance. Do not take your city, Warsaw, down with you in your failed pursuit of wealth and power. If you refuse to surrender and save your city, we will push on into Warsaw until we have found you. Let us avoid bloodshed and ruination of Warsaw once again.

A few minutes later the message from Marshal Vasilevsky reached the Presidential Palace. The ball was now firmly in Berling's court. Would he surrender himself, or would he take his capital city down with him? The Marshal prepared his armies and sealed Warsaw off. Radio communications were jammed, phone lines cut, all traffic lanes and the Vistula river were blocked, and planes coming in or out of the airport were shot down by the Soviet Air Force. Nobody or nothing could go past the Red Army blockade, as Berling's government was faced with the choice of surrendering or defending Warsaw until the last man.

[MagnificentOne]

Chiang Kai-Shek, having fled to the rogue province of Taiwan after his failure to defend against the masses of China, has formally offered the People's Republic of China peace on the grounds of a united coalition government. This is the same Chiang Kai-Shek whom initiated the current stare of conflict between the Communist Party of China and the Kuomintang reactionaries with the Shanghai Massacre of 1927, embroiling China in a civil war for twenty-three years. This is the same Chiang Kai-Shek, who having proclaimed that he was to 'defend the country and protect the people' promptly submitted to entirety of Manchuria to the vicious Japanese Empire, where the toiling masses of workers and peasants in Manchuria were brutally slaughtered by soldiers with guns, cannons, and bombs. This is the same Chiang Kai-Shek whose actions were not to 'defend the country and protect the people' but rather allowed the devastating occupation to take place without the slightest attempt to resist. This is the same Chiang Kai-Shek who allowed for the so-called Tanggu Truce to be signed between the 'Republic of China' and Empire of Japan. This truce, the most recent of China's unequal treaties, solidified Chiang's policy of non-resistance against the Japanese invaders. In effect, Chiang choose to sacrifice great swaths of China in order to pursue his militaristic policy of attacking his fellow countrymen as he laid siege to us Communists within Yan'an. Despite immense public anger over Chiang Kai-Shek's “internal pacification before external resistance" campaign, the Generalissimo made no attempt to follow the wishes of the people - which is surely a direct contradiction of the Third of Sun Yat-Sen's Principles: that of the People's Livelihood.

Unlike the Chiang Kai-Shek Government, my own government has chosen to listen to the masses and choose a policy of resistance against the Japanese. On December 27th 1935, I called for a United Front between the Communist Party and the Kuomintang Reactionaries in my speech, 'On Tactics Against Japanese Imperialism', in order to lead a nation-wide front against the forces of fascism. My voice was naturally unheeded by the militaristic Kuomintang government, who continued to pursue a policy of killing their own countrymen until the Xi'an Incident.It was only then, when faced with death himself, that Chiang Kai-Shek finally agreed to establish the Second United Front between the Communists and the Kuomintang. For eight years, us Chinese people made immense sacrifices against the Japanese imperialists. But during those eight years, Chiang Kai-Shek was unable to adhere to the agreement undertaken at Xi'an. More often than not, the Red Army had been assaulted by forces of Chiang's pressganged soldiers. We effectively resisted such oppressive means, as us Communists value the unity of China against the forces of imperialism far more than misguided attempts to eradicate our fellow compatriots.

With the end of the War of Resistance in sight, us Communists were willing to maintain the unity of China under a democratic government much like the First Principle of Sun Yat-Sen calls for. But let us not forget that the anti-popular clique of the Kuomintang merely followed in the autocratic footsteps of Yuan Shikai, seeking an autocratic unification where they waged civil war for fully ten years - only to let in the Japanese aggressors while they themselves withdrew to Mount Omei. The dictatorship of the Kuomintang, protected by fascist mercenaries known as 'Blue Shirts', is not and has never truly been interested in democracy and freedom for the people of China. Chiang Kai-Shek has ignored the people of China when he slaughtered the innocents during 1927, when he surrendered Manchuria to the Japanese in 1931, and when he choose to continue the devastating civil war in light of imperialist attacks on China. A man who has committed himself to such policies can not truly claim to fight for the right of people's democracy.

Regardless of the fascist ideology in possession of Chiang Kai-Shek, us Communists attempted to maintain a united China after the end of the War of Resistance. But a simple look at the Kuomintang's past revealed that this could be troubling. There was the slight matter of a counter-revolutionary civil war for ten whole years. There was the other slight matter of launching three large-scale anti-Communist campaigns despite the Japanese invasion. And there was also the slight matter of inviting Japanese soldiers to continue the occupation of Chinese land after the War of Resistance, acting as his allies against us his fellow countrymen - in effect, fulfilling the wishes of the great traitor Wang Jingwei! But no matter these outrageous crimes against our people, us Communists were willing to forgive as we sought a united and free China. We sought to bring an e It was after 47 days of negotiations at the Chonqging Conference where the Double Tenth Agreement was signed, one proclaiming a united China under the leadership of the Kuomintang with the Communist Party as a valid opposition party and partner in coalition. We had the highest hopes, but unfortunately it was not meant to be. It wasn't long before our armies had found themselves encircled by the Kuomintang aggressors as Chiang Kai-Shek sought to destroy us! For the Communist Party and people of China, this was a betrayal as strong as the Shanghai Massacre of 1927. All over China, our were invaded and occupied by the Kuomintang forces, which burned and killed wantonly. In various battles of self-defence we captured piles of "bandit suppression" and anti-Communist documents, among which are the Handbook on Bandit Suppression. This simply confirmed that any notions of a truly united and democratic China was unacceptable to the Kuomintang, despite their sayings otherwise. For days I had stressed the need to be realistic to Chiang Kai-Shek in struggling for a peaceful China. But with the subjective desire of Chiang Kai-shek since 1927 maintain his dictatorship and destroy the Communist Party, this was a task that would prove impossible.

Due to such traitorous actions to the people of China, is it any surprise that the Chiang Kai-shek government, hostile to the whole people, found itself besieged by the whole people? The traitorous Chiang Kai-shek government mustered two million troops and launched an all-out offensive by using political consultation and military mediation to gather time, and as always it is the perversion of these factors in which Chiang Kai-Shek maintains his rule. It is not hard to deny that military suppression and political deception have been the two main instruments by which Chiang Kai-shek maintained his reactionary rule. Thankfully, the people have spoken their mind! Where the Kuomintang reactionaries speak of us Communists 'not embracing what is best for the people, and asserting my own power' - can anyone believe that the acts of Chiang Kai-Shek comply entirely with the wishes of the people? The public anger says otherwise. Whereas Chiang Kai-Shek and his gang of militarists have taken to siphoning as much money as they can, I have taken to imitating the land reform campaigns in which I set free the most heavily oppressed and numerous people of China - the peasants - from the reactionary forces of the feudal landlords. Chaing Kai-Shek may speak with a tongue of honey, but he has nothing but a heart of poison. He was not content with abandoning his reactionary ways of military suppression to maintain his autocracy! The people of Taiwan unfortunately had to endure three years of martial law as we speak now, due to a culmination of the 2/28 Incident - where the Taiwanese people's wish to be represented and protected against the carpetbagging officials of the Kuomintang was mercilessly crushed by a massacre numbering in the thousands.As we can see, the autocratic ideals of Chiang Kai-Shek have not dissipated - they are as strong as ever no matter how he flourishes his words with a supposed love for freedom and democracy.

Having been pushed off of the mainland, a task which as talented as the forces of the People's Liberation Army are could only have been attained with the will of the masses, Chiang Kai-Shek reigns with an iron fist from Taiwan. He is afraid to let go of power, and afraid to accept the reality. In order to maintain a semblance of safety against the People's Liberation Army, Chiang Kai-Shek has called upon the United States of America to block mainland access to his rump state and safeguard his rule. I believe this hearkens back to a familiar scene, where Chiang Kai-Shek sacrificed Manchuria all in an attempt to centralise power in a crippled China solely under his control. Naturally, it was a move that the people of the 1930s found despicable and today this is a move which the people of China shall too find despicable. If Chiang Kai-Shek truly was the legitimate authority of the people, would he not have the support of the masses as us Communists possess? Would he not be welcomed with open arms without the slightest need for military brutality? And would he not be able to maintain his 'legitimate' rule without having to rely upon forces of foreign nations to prop up his regime? We call the Kuomintang running dogs for a good reason, and his recent actions have only demonstrated he wishes to maintain such a title.

In light of these well known facts, the People's Republic of China is inclined to deny the current peace offer from the self-styled Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek.

Mao Zedong
Chairman of the Communist Party of China

[Byrd Man]

With the news of the Communist government's rejection of generous peace terms from the Republic of China, President Truman has ordered me to extend naval patrols of the US Seventh Fleet, stationed in the Philippines, farther west across the East China Sea to encompass the Strait of Taiwan in their patrol routes. The Seventh Fleet is just one aspect of my combined Far East command, which along with brave ground troops and bold airmen, will patrol the land, air, and seas in the East to protect American interest and allies from unwarranted Communist aggression.

-- General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander Allied Powers

[gowia]

January 1950
Rome, the Italian Republic


The American embassy was a grand building however it still paled in comparison to the even grander structures that stood around it. Rome was truly a city of beauty and that was clear for anyone to see. However Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi was not here to admire buidligns which he had seen many times before. He was here to finalise the dealings of the new plans with the United States, he already had locations in mind for the American bases and knew which two he would assume control over when the time came, however he did not want a trio of fully American bases on his northern border and so was going to request that the basses be avail able to joint NATO forces at all times and that once two of these bases were passed over they would remain open to other nations that were part of NATO. AS his car came to stop outside of the embassy his door was opened and he hurried into the building to be greeted by Ambassidor Dunn.

"Ambassidor Dunn, it is a pleasure to see you. I assume your President has already brought you up too speed with the dealings to finalise tonight?"

"Mr. Prime Minister," Dunn said with a friendly handshake. "I have been told the details of the proposed venture between our two countries. I have been instructed to negotiate with you and your staff until the Secretary of State ariives. Please, follow me..."

Dunn led the Prime Minister through the embassay. While Rome had many beautiful buildings on the outside, the interior of the American embassay was a hodgepodge of decorations and decor, everything from a room outfitted with rustic decorations, to a dining room decorated in a Victorian style. The reason for the eclectic nature of the interior was due to the American ambassador's wife and her peculiar choice of decoration styles.

"Have a seat," Dunn said once he led Gasperi and his delegation to a small conference room. Sitting on the opposite side of the table from the Italians were three members of Dunn's staff in Rome. A translator stood at the edge of the table, ready to help the bilingual conference in any language needs.

"Gentlemen," the ambassador said as he slid a piece of paper to the Prime Minister. "This is the preliminary terms of the deal sent to me from Washington. Three military bases in northern italy, at least one in the northeast, in exchange for a ten percent increase in Marshall Plan funding, as well as an additional subsidy for Italian farmers. Read it and let me know your thoughts on the deal as proposed by my government."

Alcide sat silently reading over the plans as the translator spoke to the other misiters he had brought to the meeting. The plan seemed a fair one however he still needed to confirm certain details about the military bases to be constructed.

"These bases, they will be constructed by yourselves? Or will they require Italian resources, weare haooy to provide labourers and machinary to aid the constrruction process?"

As the last of the ministers was brought up to speed he leant over and whispered in their ears. A few lines were spoken before he came back with another response.

"We have come to a conclusion as to where the three bases will be located. One shall be constructed to the north of Udine, just outside of the city. The second to the west of Venice. The final base shall be constructed to the east of Alessandria."

Nodding his head to one of his party they drew out a map and rolled it out across the table. The three locations the Prime Minister had just described were circled on the map.

"Now I understand that you wish for one of these bases to be in the north east, this one here..."

Alcide pointed to the circle near Udine.

"Is the base that fills these requirements. As per the agreement we would be happy for you to keep control of this base after we are able to take over control of the other two. Would this be preferable for you or would you like another base?"

"Udina would be the most desirable," the ambassador said after a general leaned in and whispered in his ear. "The idea of the base in northeast Italy is that it would act as a potential bulwark against Balkan agression. The facilty there would be a joint Army and Air Force facility, a launching pad for troops and planes should a crisis in the Balkans ever arise."

Another advisor whispered in Dunn's ear and he slowly nodded as he took in the news.

"The construction of the bases can be created jointly by Italy and the US. We would like to build the base in Udine, but the other two bases can be built by Italian contractors using American supplies. The prospect of several years employment for construction crews should help stimulate the economy in those two areas."

Alcide smiled and nodded his head. It seemed this deal was coming off without a hitch, offering his hand he stood.

"May we shake on it? A ten percent increase in the Marshall Plan funding and arms along with a subsidery for Italian farms in exchange for three military bases in the locations mentioned earlier. Each shall be built by Italian contractors using American resources and when we feel we have the capabilities we may take he bases near Venice and Alessandria off of your hands whilst you remain in control of the base outide of Udina."

"That is agreeable to US," Dunn said, shaking the prime minister's hand as he stood. "I'll cable Washington this afternoon and let them know we have a preliminary deal. The Secretary of State should arrive in Rome in the next few days to draft and sign the deal."

[flylittlecat]

As we look upon the current situation facing our friends and comrades in China, we find ourselves greatly moved by their plight. When the Chinese nation was at the crossroads of life or death, they fought valiantly against the brutal invasion forces of the Japanese criminals and against the reactionary forces of the Kuomintang. It saddens us greatly to see that once again peace is threatened as China finds itself in a situation much like our own. We too know what it is like to be divided from our countrymen who remain under the control of a US backed treacherous clique.

Peace is valuable for every nation, but it is more so for nations who have been exposed to the danger of war and China, like us, is one of these nations. We in Korea feel deeply the warm bonds of solidarity and friendship. We have every confidence that both of our countries will be united once and for all under the revolutionary principles of the working class, so that we may advance into the future along the road of socialism and into a firm victory against imperialism.

We are firmly convinced that although the puppet cliques think of themselves as strong, they are mistaken. They cannot stand against the indomitable tide of the people's will. It is by the unity and struggle of the people that the nation's desires for reunification will be realised both in China and in Korea!

Through our common bonds and similar hardships, we are certain that however many years may pass, an everlasting and eternal DPRK-China friendship shall become fostered upon the road of the protracted struggle against imperialism and for independence, reunification and socialism.

-Kim Il Sung, Premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

[Byrd Man]

AegonVI said
But now, Mr. Truman, to the point of the matter. In hopes to realize the goal above (preventing economic stagnation and another horrifying war), I ask for the assistance of the United States. I, in Brazil will work on creating the Patriotism needed for a common purpose, if the United States could aid Brazil in the industrialization process.
I understand such a plan would be a massive investment for the United States. Brazil would need technology, and scientists, and engineers, and money couldn’t possibly hurt. But I feel such a passion that the success of this could help bring lasting democracy to a majority of South America, if not the entirety of the Americas together. I believe it could then serve as a model to countries in Asia, who are more directly under the threat of communism. Eventually, the whole world could be shown the power of industrial capitalism.

President Dutra,

I warmly received your letter some days ago, but waited until I had something concrete to offer before replying. With the Marshall Plan in effect in Europe, our monetary support can not be as large as we, or possibly you, would like, but my economic advisers have spoken to several leading captains of American industry about the possibility of launching a delegation to Brazil. This delegation would meet with you and your ministers and survey the countryside. Their purpose would be to find places to build and expand current Brazilian industry. Factories manned by Brazilian workers producing goods for all the rest of the world, goods stamped with the logo "Made in Brazil". With American money and industrial might we can create an economically strong and viable Brazil. With the troubling news coming from Cuba, now more than ever the Americas, both North and South, should stand united as partners in freedom and industry.

Yours truly,
Harry S Truman

Summary
-- US pledges minor foreign aid, but a much larger increase in foreign industrial investment in Brazil.

[Jonesy]

Radio Rebelde Broadcast: Agrarian Reform Laws
January, 1950.
[English Translation]

Good evening to the citizens of Cuba and those listening in foreign lands. We interrupt your scheduled broadcasting to bring you up to date information from The Capital in Cuba. As we speak, the newly appointed Minister of Industries, Ernesto Guevara has began his scheduled speech on what they are calling revolutionary land reform laws. In addition, the National Institute of Agrarian Reform will be unveiled as the government's arm to carry out the new laws. In what is presumed to be one of the first steps to reforming the broken Imperialist system into something that every man and woman can reap benefits from, the people are excited to hear what lies in store. We now turn to the life conference in Havana.

Che Guevera and Instituto Nacional de Reforma Agraria said
For too long our people have been oppressed by the evil's of wealthy capitalists taking advantage of our foreign agricultural capabilities, providing few jobs in the interest of mechanization. As a result, our populace suffered from unemployment and a disproportional location of our nation's wealth. In the early days of our glorious revolution, our camps were located in the more isolated regions of Cuba, where agricultural living had an entirely different meaning. In regions undisturbed by capitalist evils, social distinctions were minute, people living together as a single commune. These people held a fearless stance on the protection of their land, and made up our first ranks of revolutionists. They proved to us that their goals in life were modest, yet proud. They worked to retain their parcels of land for themselves and their families, working for the good of themselves in the state. Through their efforts, they maintained a positive standard of living while feeding our grateful soldiers of the revolution. The newly instituted United Party of the Cuban Socialist Revolution seeks for every Cuban to have this opportunity, being able to benefit themselves and their fellow man through hard work. As the newly appointed Minister of Industries, I can confirm that the National Institute of Agrarian Reform will hereby be seizing agricultural land held by foreign investors, in addition to plots of land larger than three thousand-three hundred acres. Through this, any citizen of Cuba will be offered land in seventy acre parcels, providing that they have the ability to sew and cultivate crops from this land. Each repossessed parcel of land will be re-appraised by my taxation adjusters, and twenty year bonds will be given in a trade off to the repossessed land. Remember, only through your hard work can we bring ourselves out of this crisis; and the Republic of Cuba will be great in the near future!

To those who have been listening, this ends our broadcast. Now back to our regular programming.

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

[Summary]
In what was regarded as the most pro-socialist movement to date, the United Party of the Cuban Socialist revolution simply nullified any land claims by foreign powers, including investors of the United States. Under the leadership of Che Guevera, the National Institute of Agrarian Reform began to build up a steady militia to forcefully take back land that had fit the description of "excessive land ownership". Although bonds would be placed in the names of the compensated land owners, the values were severely underfunded, with American land owners granted only 10% of their actual value. The same was done in claims on large corporations in the city, with assets held by foreign corporations set to be divided up into smaller businesses.

Internal Memo, Classification level 4.
January 3rd, 1950
To: Prime Minister Fidel Castro
From: José Ramón Machado Ventura
[Translated to English]

Prime Minister Castro,

It brings me great satisfaction to be the one to announce the cessation of the fighting in the city of Havana, our revolutionaries driving out the final imperialists. In this letter, I with to state that we now claim absolute power over the Cuban government, the remaining army strongholds pledging allegiance to our cause. At this time, we are processing and releasing captured prisoners of the revolution; exchanging their spots in prison camps with Batista's generals and soldiers who have been accused of war crimes. Additionally, a tribunal is being elected to ensure that each of the Capitalist dogs are brought to justice by the people. As per your decision, the punishment by collaborating with enemies of the state is execution, an act being put in motion currently. Elections of a people's appointed senate are expected to run in mid-February or early march of this year, until then the cabinet of the United Party of the Cuban Socialist revolution will retain control of the country's domestic and international affairs. I bid you farewell, and wait for your address in the coming days along with the rest of your people.

Sincerely,
José Machado Ventura

[Summary]
*The city of Havana has been won over, a portion of Cuba's army surrendering itself over.
*A tribunal is being set up to try the members of the previous government and enemy soldiers / police for war crimes and crimes against the state.
*Elections are set to run in a month's time, electing a group of politicians to govern the country. Until then, a council of 31 ministers under Fidel Castro will control the country's affairs.

[MagnificentOne]

The People's Republic of China is disappointed to hear of General MacArthur's assistance to the reactionary rump of the Kuomintang Clique. The Chinese people are unable to feel that MacArthur truly holds the best interests of the Chinese people at heart, as he wages armed aggression upon Chinese territory, and forces an unnatural split between the people of the Mainland and the people of Taiwan.

I was present in Shanghai during 1927, where I had for several years done my proud work for the Chinese nation under the First United Front. It came to a terrible end when Chiang Kai-Shek ordered one of the most brutal crackdowns in Chinese history. Thousands of Communists were slaughtered without second thought, and thousands more innocents were viciously riddled with bullets for the crime of merely wearing red. I myself barely escaped with my life that night, and I struggled to come to terms with what had happened. A man whom I alongside all of China once looked up as to our saviour had betrayed us all, and vanquished the lives of many comrades, many friends, and many guiltless people.

To hear this highly autocratic massacre amongst the many other acts detailed by Chairman Mao to be dismissed entirely, and instead hear our Communist government become accused of warranting 'aggression' for rightfully declining peace from the untrustworthy figure who began the civil war is disappointing. I agree it is also disappointing that the People's Republic of China must decline the peace offer - but it would be against the principles of democracy and the Three Principles of Sun Yat-Sen to accept such an offer, as Chiang Kai-Shek has unfortunately demonstrated ill-will to the people of China.

The Chinese people do not wish to embroil in conflict with the United States of America, for we are a peace loving people. After two decades of civil war, it is our wish not to face yet more harrowing conflict but to rehabilitate and develop our industrial and agricultural production and cultural and educational work in a peaceful environment, free from threats. Our wish is to simply see that a united China is able to fulfil such tasks for the people, rather than only the mainland. I recognise that the United States is an important player within the Pacific Region, and it is with this role in mind that China simply asks for the United States to recognise the democratic wishes of the Chinese people of both the Mainland and Taiwan, and to allow natural unification in line with the people's will to take place.

Zhou Enlai
Premier and Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China

[Brutus]

Union of South Africa

It's 1950 in South Africa. The Apartheid is growing, The National Party is in power, and Daniel Francois Malan, the father of the Apartheid, is at the top of the nation. Malan is hailed as a hero for Afrikaner's, but a bigot for the Black majority. South Africa is facing it's own Cold War at this time, as the nation remains divided along the lines of race. But this war, much like the war in Europe, has the potential to get very hot.

President Malan was sitting at his desk, looking at various papers, statements, and letters. It was the usual day in South Africa for Malan. Small scale protests were nothing to fret over, and large scale protests could never gain traction. Since the foundation of the Apartheid, Malan was working to improve the system. With the Population Registration Act on the parliament floor, Malan's work was progressing as he had hoped.

But today was not about the Apartheid, this day was about diplomacy. Technically still under the British Monarch, Malan knew South Africa had strong ties with NATO, despite not being in the organization itself. This made Malan very confident in his brief and blunt proposal to the United States.

Mahz said Dear Harry. S. Truman, President of the United States
South Africa stands today poised to be the most technologically and economically advanced in all of Africa. Our natural resources, abundant, and our Working Class, strong. However a nation can not use these things to their full potential without proper development. I am asking you, Mr. President, for foreign investment to help our great nation achieve industrialization on par with the great powers of Europe.
Sincerely, D.F. Malan

Malan handed the letter to his secretary, and leaned back in his chair, hoping for a quick response. But, due to the global circumstances, Malan knew South Africa was in the back of America's mind.

[Ozymandias]

United Kingdom

I

January 1950

Five years had passed since the last great war, yet the world was still in conflict. There was conflict in Eastern Europe, conflict in China, conflict in the Korean peninsula, conflict in Indochina, conflict everywhere. Wherever there was conflict eyes turned to great powers for assistance. Powers like France and the United States, or the Soviet Union and its puppet nations. Today however the eyes had turned to the United Kingdom. Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury Clement Richard Attlee was the current face of the British nation. Sitting at his desk in his office at number ten Downing Street the Prime Minister was presented with a letter. Reading through it he discovered a plea from one of Britain's closest allies; the French Republic. The plea was for assistance with the conflict in Indochina. The letter sat still on the Prime Ministers desk for a short while, a few hours at most, while Mr. Attlee discussed the situation in Indochina with several of his advisers; military advisers, financial advisers, political advisers all giving their unique views on the matter. The decision to assist France was deemed favourable for the time being. The PM began writing a response.

'President Auriol,

It is with sadness that I hear of France's struggle in the Far East, as a friend and ally of the French Republic I am troubled that your people have been drawn into conflict so soon after the last great war. However it is also with confidence that Britain pledges its assistance to the French people in general and in this case the French military in particular. To assist in the conflict against communism I will see to it that a number of shipments containing military equipment are delivered between our two shores to a port of your choosing on the French mainland; the number of shipments I will determine at a later date following more in depth assessment of the situation in Indochina. In return for the equipment I would ask that you allow a company sized force of the Special Air Service to be stationed at a French military base in Indochina to both train your soldiers in the use and care of British equipment and also to monitor the situation on my behalf.

Should this offer be deemed agreeable I shall await your response.

Yours Sincerely,

Clement Richard Attlee, Prime Minister'

The PM signed, sealed and sent his response directly to Paris via a trusted private courier to be delivered within the day. Following this he had the details of the letter delivered to advisers and had his financial and military advisers prepare a list of equipment and supplies suitable for the current situation to be delivered upon the French president's response. The Prime Minister then returned to his desk and began reading and responding to the remaining letters awaiting response.

[Jannah]

January 6th, 1950
East Berlin, German Democratic Republic

Certainly the GDR leadership had their eyes on events all over Europe, but there was one unlikely event in particular that had managed to capture Wilhelm Pieck's attention. The Cuban Revolution. The small Caribbean country that only lied a few hundred kilometres away from American shores had managed to shift to the socialist path, of all places. That was no small accomplishment and currently a small group of militias were occupying the capital, Havana. This was an event that could easily be exploited all across the GDR. Keeping this in mind, Pieck proceeded to make a single phone call. "I want you to ensure the events in Cuba are broadcasted all over the country. It could serve as a potential morale booster; if our brothers and sisters so close to American soil can protect socialist ideals then so can we, despite the presence of NATO so close to us."

"Yes, comrade. I must ask though. Do we intend to make any sort of alliance with them?" A voice on the other side responded. Intelligence. They seemed to be the most efficient at relaying what information needed to be relayed and Pieck himself had even talked of transforming them into a formal security force of their own. There were simply just too many risks to run, being situated so close to the capitalist and imperialist west. Always they were seeking to sway good socialists away from their ideals into the decadence and consumerism of capitalism. Certainly it was something he hoped had not happened, but it had become inevitable in this battle of ideologies.

"Fidel and his cronies are perhaps our key to gathering intelligence on America. Not to mention, valuable connections who are much more 'local' to the region." Pieck spoke, taking great care not to reveal the extent of his plans with Cuba. Almost simultaneously to the phone call, however, he was working on something else. A letter. A letter addressed to Fidel Castro:

To: Fidel Castro
From: W. Pieck

I do not believe we have formally spoken before, but I do want to take an opportunity to congratulate you on furthering the struggle for socialism and the emancipation of the proletariat. This is a hallmark achievement, considering your location so close to American shores. Perhaps in the future that could serve as key for the embracing of socialist ideals by the American populace.

In solidarity, Wilhelm Pieck

Wilhelm Pieck read over his letter a couple times before finally sealing it up to be delivered to Fidel Castro's hands themselves. Certainly the man would take it has a gesture of friendship and even propose for discussion of further alliance. Being in a weak state currently, there wasn't much the GDR was able to offer, but Pieck began to see this time of economic hardship as opportunity to work together with others during their own struggles. Cuba was currently an obvious example of that.

January 11th, 1950
Leipzig, German Democratic Republic

Even in the furthest corners of the GDR, as expected, Fidel Castro began forming into a national sensation. From farmer to liberator the man stood tall on the television screens all across the GDR, championed as a great leader of the proletariat. This was an image that was further immortalized in groups all across the nation as they began singing songs and sharing stories of praise of the Latin American leader. It was one city in particular, however, that began pleading for the man himself to pay a visit to the GDR. Pieck soon took note of this and viewed it as a way to further foster German-Cuban relations. It was almost certain to be one of the leader's next moves once Castro responded to the first letter.

[AegonVI]

The Republic of Brazil


4 January 1950

Eurico Dutra
They were all coming into Eurico's office from a lunch to continue their conversation. Eurico had met that afternoon with Minister Fernandes, who handled Foreign Affairs, Minister Canrobert, the head of the Ministry of War, Carlos Luz, the Minister of Finance, and Nereu Ramos, the Vice-President. Eurico had told them to be ready for heavy American aide in Brazil, if President Truman agreed to help out Brazil. The group agreed they would be ready by the 11th of January, a week from today, to greet any Americans that might come to help and that they would continue to be ready for two weeks following that, but if American assistance did not come through by then, the consensus was that Brazil should look for help elsewhere, perhaps in the United Kingdom.
General Canrobert shared a vision with Eurico about transforming Sao Paulo into a major military city. They decided they wanted to construct dry-docks for larger ship construction, create several factories for arms production as well as the production of other military hardware. The two also wanted to try and acquire as much military technology as possible from the United States.
Minister Luz voiced his disapproval of the entire plan throughout the meeting, but was finally swayed to concede that if it was going to happen, he would like to see the construction of a modern road and highway system connecting the coast of Brazil from Sao Paulo all the way to Fortaleza, and possibly further, along with smaller roads to the interior of the country, to connect the entire country together to promote intra-Brazilian development.
Minister Fernandes expressed a desire for the development of more advanced telecommunications within the country, something that was quickly agreed upon among the group, to which Eurico also quickly added that it should include better communications with the United States. He also wanted to better access Brazil's oil resources, to allow Brazil to create a host of petroleum products that it could then export.
Nereu Ramos, mostly siding with whatever Eurico voiced, said they should also try to industrialize Brazil's agriculture output, so that Brazil can help out the effort to rebuild Western Europe. He also, talking to the plan of the National Brazilian Academy of Science and Technology, suggested Brazil push to get American scientists to work in Brazil developing not only Brazil's intellectual resources but also it's technological ability.
"Are we done here, then, Senhor Presidente?" Minister Luz asked Eurico after they summarized what all they had agreed on in his office.
"One more thing, mostly to you, Carlos, but also to the rest of you. Should we ask for a free-trade agreement? I feel such a thing would help the relations between the United States and Brazil even more so."
"I don't think we should," General Canrobert told them, "I think it would be too much a threat to Brazilian sovereignty."
"I'm afraid I must agree with the General, Senhor Presidente," agreed Minister Fernandes.
When Eurico looked upon Nereu, his face said that he wanted to speak with Eurico privately, so Eurico cut through the silence, "And you, Minister Luz? You're in fact the Minister of Finance, I'd like your advise on this financial affair."
"I think it is a very smart idea, personally. Free trade has shown in the past to be very beneficial. And it shall allow Brazil to have an open market when we start exporting products en masse, wouldn't you say?"
"Very well, then Ministers. If you would excuse us, I wish to speak to my Vice President alone, now," Eurico smiled to them. "I shall do my best to keep you all posted on what the United States decides."
When they had left the room, Eurico looked quizzically at Nereu. "What's on your mind?" he asked.
"All of these actions, Eurico, they're going to alienate the base of the Social Democratic Party. We rely on wealthy, plantation owners, and what you're doing is going to completely polarize them against you," he told his old friend.
"If that means Brazil will prosper, so be it," Eurico laughed. "Besides, if we succeed, the people might vote for our reelection anyways, without us needing our base."
"Eurico, my friend and brother, don't forget where you came from, now," Nereu implored, "You come from the plantations, and now you want to leave them out in the cold?"
"I am adapting to a new era of humanity, Nereu," Eurico countered, "This is how the future will be made. The progress of industry, not the stoicism of plantations!"
"I still don't think it a wise move," Nereu said, "But I'll support you. We cannot appear to have a divided house, now, can we?"
"No, we can't. I'm glad you're supporting me, Nereu."

7 January 1950

Harold Arelo
They had been scouting out the coast of Antarctica for a little over a day as the sun set that evening. They were also now heading along at full speed, well out of view from any prying eyes. They had found a few decent places to land along the Antarctic Peninsula, but ever since they started scouting the mainland of the frozen continent, they had moving especially fast, not seeing anyplace remotely desirable.
By this point, he was acquainted with most of his crew, and knew them all by face and name. He had even discovered a few fellow communists, which he introduced to Antonio. It was Antonio that had introduced Harold to The Communist Manifesto during World War Two, after all. If only Brazil would apply the principles that Marx presented in his works. But President Dutra had outlawed the Communist Party. So he and Antonio had been living false lives to make it seem like they were die-hard capitalists, and over the years they had become rather good at it. Generally the only people that saw through the disguise were other Marxists, and so they retained their positions in the military and in society.
It was, in fact, while Harold was reading excerpts from The Communist Manifesto when someone began to furiously pound against his cabin doors. He quickly hid the book under his seat, before getting up to head to the door. "Sir," a crewman who worked with the engines was shouting, he could tell by the voice, but still couldn't quite place who it was, "Our gas tank just got a hole in it. We're losing gas quickly, but we're close to getting it plugged. Either way, we need to head to port, NOW."
Harold opened the door and saw who it was. "Leonel," he said shocked at the urgency that was present in the young man's voice. He hadn't ever heard him speak like that before. "Did you say we've lost gas?"
"Yes, sir," he said, saluting his commanding officer.
"At ease, boy," Harold told him, before rushing past him to head off to the pilot.
When he got there, Georgio looked at him with urgency, "I assume you've heard the news. What are we to do, sir?"
"Take us to the nearest port at full speed, of course, Georgio!"
"Sir," the pilot started, "The nearest port would be in South Africa."
Harold let out a long whistle. "Well," he said at last, "We aren't on particularly bad terms with South Africa. Make haste, Georgio. We're ignoring the orders to move slowly when we aren't scouting Antartica's coast."

Eurico Dutra

Harry S Truman said
President Dutra,

I warmly received your letter some days ago, but waited until I had something concrete to offer before replying. With the Marshall Plan in effect in Europe, our monetary support can not be as large as we, or possibly you, would like, but my economic advisers have spoken to several leading captains of American industry about the possibility of launching a delegation to Brazil. This delegation would meet with you and your ministers and survey the countryside. Their purpose would be to find places to build and expand current Brazilian industry. Factories manned by Brazilian workers producing goods for all the rest of the world, goods stamped with the logo "Made in Brazil". With American money and industrial might we can create an economically strong and viable Brazil. With the troubling news coming from Cuba, now more than ever the Americas, both North and South, should stand united as partners in freedom and industry.

Yours truly,
Harry S Truman

Excellent! Eurico thought to himself as he read the letter. The sun was just setting. The close of the first week of a new decade was marked with the United States pledging assistance to Brazil. The world is changing very fast indeed. I need to write him back, though, in order to explain what Brazil seeks specifically, though. After trying to pen the letter several times, Eurico finally produced a final copy of it.

To President Truman of the United States,

I understand your situation in Europe does not necessitate Brazil as a high priority on your list of countries to provide aide to, and so even minor assistance would've been appreciated. What you offer is a gift from God himself.
Brazil shall be ready for your delegation on the 11th of this very month, January. Your delegation shall be meeting not only with myself, but also with our Minister of Foreign Affairs Fernandes, Minister of War, General Canrobert, Minister of Finance Luz, and Nereu Ramos, Brazil's Vice-President. It would be very much appreciated to learn who all will be sent on America's delegation to Brazil, but I understand if you do not have time to write me back in between now and then.
Moving on from that, I would like to speak to some specifics that Brazil is seeking out in this arrangement.
Brazil seeks to create a stronger military, in light of recent events in Cuba. As such, we seek to turn Sao Paulo into a major military-focused city within Brazil, with the construction of dry-docks for larger types of ships than Brazil has ever produced, in addition to the creation of factories to manufacture arms and other pieces of military hardware. Any military technology that the United States could provide Brazil with would also be very much appreciated in our quest to form a stronger military.
Brazil also seeks to construct a massive connecting highway system, at the very least from Sao Paulo to Fortaleza, but it would be very beneficial to go beyond that, including smaller roads into the interior of the country, to promote migrations of rural people to work in the manufacturing centers in various Brazilian cities that we are sure will be created, along with the construction of a modern telecommunications network within Brazil, and between Rio de Janeiro and Washington D.C. to allow for better communications between our nations and to promote further industrialization of Brazil and more national unity.
Brazil also seeks to make better use of its oil resources in manufacturing of petroleum products.
Our nation also seeks to modernize and industrialize our agricultural process (which would include the use of petroleum based insecticides and herbicides) in order to increase Brazil's output of wheat, corn, rice, sugar, and other crops in order to provide aide to a Western Europe under reconstruction.
I am also planning the construction of a new university in Rio de Janeiro, the National Brazilian Academy of Science and Technology. I would then like to humbly ask if the United States could spare any scientist, engineers, or other intellectuals to teach at this academy to promote the intellectual resources here in Brazil and/or to promote the technological growth and development of Brazil.
Anything is better than nothing, and so I thank you no matter what, Mr. Truman.

For Freedom and Democracy,

Eurico Dutra

10 January 1950

Harold Arelo
They were almost out of gas for the engines, but they had enough to make it into port. If South Africa would let them. The sun was rising, and they were several miles off the coast of South Africa with the engines off. Just far enough to still be within international relations, Harold had launched a small scout boat with three of his men, including the ship's best English-speaker, to request permission to come into port and to request assistance so that they may find their way back home to Brazil.
It was a risky move. There was no reason for South Africa to help them, except out of the goodness of their heart. If you were ever going to help this mission, God, now would be the time.

Summary:
-Brazil Prepares for an American Delegation to Survey the Country for Aide
-A Secret Brazilian Mission to Antarctica Struggles to Find Suitable Sites
-Brazil Sends a Letter to the United States Outlining Specifics that Brazil Would Like in Aide
-A Brazilian Scout Ship is set to Arrive at Sunset on January 10th, it Will Request Permission to Dock for a Larger Vessel and Seek Assistance to Allow the Ship to Head Back to Brazil

[Pepschep]

The revolution was nearly complete. Only Taiwan, Hainan Zhoushan and Wanshan remained under the control of the KMT government, but the Communist forces have five million men controlling all of China and Mao was practically established as China's leader. Three months ago the People's Republic of China was proclaimed and within a month, Mao and his loyal right-hand man, Zhou Enlai, went off to their powerful friend and ally: Joseph Stalin. After two months of touring the USSR, the two men arrived at the Kremlin, the beating heart of the world revolution.

The two men were elated to arrive, but Stalin, paranoid and cautious by nature, had his doubts. Were they truly marxists, reliable allies? Or were they Chinese nationalists with only a communist façade. He did not know, but he intended to find out during the discussions. The Chinese leaders and their entourage were guided to the conference room and sat down in front of Stalin and Molotov, ready to discuss the nature of the future cooperation.

A natural exhange of greetings took place between the four, and with that the plans for the future could be drafted. Mao Zedong started,
"Judging from the current situation, we believe that we should strengthen our existing friendship using the help of treaties and agreements. This would resonate well both in China and in the international arena. Everything that guarantees the future prosperity of our countries must be stated in the treaty of alliance and friendship, including the necessity of avoiding a repetition of Japanese aggression. So long as we show interest in the prosperity of our countries, one cannot rule out the possibility that the imperialist countries will attempt to hinder us"
Zhou Enlai listened patiently, translating the Chairman's thick Hunanese accent into an eloquent Russian.

Listening patiently, Marshal Stalin took a drag of his pipe. It was a hallmark move of his, as he took time to think of what he would say during it. China had suffered tremendously at Japan's hands, and he knew it was a very heavy subject for the Chinese delegation. However, the American, British and French were a much bigger threat. He had to present this in a way that would not offend them...

"Yes, indeed, yes. A clause for the mutual defense of our nations against Japan is necessary. But the way I see it, the threat from the Anglo-Saxon nations and France is a much bigger one. They hold Indochina, Hong Kong, Malaya, Borneo. Furthermore their noose is around the necks of Southern Korea and your brethren in Taiwan, too. We should prioritize accordingly."

Listening patiently, Marshal Stalin took a drag of his pipe. It was a hallmark move of his, as he took time to think of what he would say during it. China had suffered tremendously at Japan's hands, and he knew it was a very heavy subject for the Chinese delegation. However, the American, British and French were a much bigger threat. He had to present this in a way that would not offend them...

"Yes, indeed, yes. A clause for the mutual defense of our nations against Japan is necessary. But the way I see it, the threat from the Anglo-Saxon nations and France is a much bigger one. They hold Indochina, Hong Kong, Malaya, Borneo. Furthermore their noose is around the necks of Southern Korea and your brethren in Taiwan, too. We should prioritize accordingly."

Chairman Mao nodded in agreement. The people of Asia were oppressed by the colonial regimes, and he sought to see the shackles of imperialism lifted from China's neighbours.

"True. All are host to the military bases of the imperialists, and this is not something we can sit by and abide. The traitorous Chiang Kai-Shek has requested the assistance of the Americans in prolonging the life of his regime. Comrade Ho Chi Minh, in his fight for the liberation of Indochina, currently faces a grave threat from the French. And Comrade Kim Il-Sung rightfully worries over the continued occupation of the so-called South Korea. There are threats on all sides..."

"And we must deal with them all", Stalin responded. "And we can deal with them all. Our nations are the two largest on the face of the earth, and almost 40% of the world's population live within our borders. Surely, together we are an invincible force. I may bloat, but I say the USSR's military is the strongest on earth. And if you don't believe me..." Stalin laughed and took a drag of his pipe. "...Ask the Polish. In any case, we must be prepared for anything. The enemy must be evicted from Indochina, China, and Korea alike so that our states are secure. The Americans are full of themselves and their stupidity knows no bounds. Your army, which has liberated China, needs the finest weapons it can get. And as do our comrades in Korea and Vietnam..."

Zhou Enlai took his turn to speak, "I am currently overseeing the reformation of China's five million men alongside General Peng Dehuai. He has expressed the idea of reforming the People's Liberation Army into one much like the Red Army, as you possess the most modern and professional of all communist militaries." With a small smile he sipped his water.

"Then how would you feel about not only Soviet aid in reorganising the PLA, but also getting modern equipment from the USSR? Our heavy tanks and fighters should aid tremendously in defending China from foreign agression."

"Your generosity knows no bounds. How may we thank you, comrade?"

"There is no need to. We are both interested in containing foreign enroachment. We can't ask payment in any form, as we are in this fight together. And we need to have some way of countering the American air force."

"The People's Liberation Army Air Force possess 10,000 men, and have successfully shown their worth since the summer of 1949 using captured aircraft from the Kuomintang.", Chairman Mao responded. "Their spirits are strong, and they are willing to use all their might for the defence of China and our socialist brothers."

Zhou Enlai added on, "China however lacks aeromanufacturing plants, as much as we would like to supplement the PLAAF. Perhaps if we exceed expectations during our first Five-Year Plan, we may soon have such plants in by 1954. Would the Soviet Union be willing to offer assistance in our recovery?"

"I think that assistance could be offered. However, for now, we can give you a production run of MiG-15s. These planes are capable of countering any enemy bomber aircraft, and the PLAAF will surely make good and skilled use of them. We are willing to train them all, obviously. And of course, other planes can be given. I believe that an air force is vital to military success, and since China's military success in Taiwan and other places is vital to liberating Asia from the imperialist yoke, we can not charge your country, ruined fter so many years of war, anything. In fact, is there economic aid aside from purely military aid that you need in rebuilding? We would happily provide."

"Again, I must express my immense gratitude," replied Zhou Enlai with a humble smile, as he reached into his pocket and displayed a written report for the Five Year Plan. "For the duration of the first Five Year Plan, 151 industrial enterprises are to be constructed throughout China. It would be of immense benefit if the Soviet Union is willing to procure both equipment, and your experienced specialists. Technical documentation for such projects would be most helpful too as we struggle to find our own two feet in the world again."

He glided his finger down the report, giving further explanations of the projects involved. "Military factories would be beneficial for the transformation of the People's Liberation Army into a modern military force. General Peng Dehuai has been interested in whether Soviet cadres and experts would be available to assist with such a monumental task."

He looked up to Marshal Stalin. "What are your thoughts on providing such assistance?"

Stalin heard the plans and responded with a confident tone. "We could help with technical and material assistance. We have our own needs to attend to, too, but I can promise extensive aid in the development of both civilian and military industrial plants. We can give a very favourable rate on Soviet steel, amongst other things, as Chinese steel plants develop."

Zhou nodded understandingly. "By no means do we wish to impede the Soviet Union's own construction of a socialist utopia. We happily accept the offered assistance." He folded up the plans and slipped them back into his pocket.

Mao leaned forward, opining another idea. "Many of the CPC's members came into touch with the ideals of socialism during the Chinese academic programmes to France, in the 1920s." He gestured towards Zhou. "Comrade Zhou is one such student, and Comrade Deng Xiaoping is another high-ranking member whose socialist principles were born from the studies in France. Thousands of our most ambitious revolutionaries have been inspired by such programmes. We are wondering if it would be possible to send abroad Chinese students and interns, to learn from Soviet schools and factories."

Listening carefully, Stalin nodded. "Yes, of course. Instead of only the theory, it would be great for Chinese students to see it applied into practice. For the military manufacturing in particular, I suggest Chelyabinsk. I think the name 'Tankograd' argues for that.

Mao chuckled at the city's title. "You shall become known as a teacher of the Chinese people. Socialists from all over the world may learn much from your example."

"The world shall tremble", Stalin said in reference to Napoleon, "For China has awoken. Now you remember the ultimatum we sent to the British and Americans concerning aid to the French in Indochina...Britain has sent aid. We can not stand idly by. To what degree, Comrade Mao, is your army able to assist the Vietnamese revolutionaries?"

The Chairman's face lit up. "Our army has been assisting our Vietnamese brothers since the March of 1946. The Vietnamese Advanced Infantry School and Cadre Training Center in North Vietnam has boasted 870 Chinese advisors since 1947, and with the victory upon the mainland, further funding may easily able to reach our comrades in Vietnam."

Stalin acknowledged this and took a drag of his pipe. "It sounds like the comrades in Vietnam shall soon have a field day."

Mao smirked at the comment. "Certainly. I expect comrade Ho shall be in further contact with our nations with the arrival of British aid... Let us ensure he too gets further aid. We're more than happy to allow Soviet supplies pass through China to reach our fellow socialists."

Stalin gestured he wanted to say something as he was smoking. "You have more contacts than we do. If you would supply us with a place where we can "Donate" some leftovers to, we'll bring it there. Your army can do the rest. So, on another issue. Korea. What do you say we should do about this?"

The Chinese delegation glanced at one another quickly. It was Zhou who spoke. "The Koreans are also our socialist brothers, and it is only natural that we deliver as much aid as we can. However we must be careful over provoking the United States further. With General MacArthur's recent show of support to the reactionary regime in Taiwan, can we be assured that he won't deliver similar support to south Korea should Comrade Kim act so soon?"

"I don't like gambling", Stalin spoke, "But we can make a gamble. South Korea's defenses are...Poor. The Kuomintang still controls a sizeable army. I say that if you retake whatever they have on the mainland and Hainan, then position yourselves as if you were to attack Taiwan. Force the Americas to focus on Taiwan. And then..." Stalin slammed his fist into the palm of his hand. "We'll walk straight over them in Korea."

Mao nodded with a grin. "A wise plan, comrade. The PLA Taiwan Invasion Force is currently on standby in Fujian. A small amount of reinforcement to their numbers shall be enough to spook the imperialists. The rest of the Kuomintang territories are easy pickings." He waved a hand dismissively. "Their defences upon Zhoushan and Wanshan may easily be blasted by our artillery before a quick assault. As for Hainan, the Communist Qiongya Column numbering in the thousands is conducting a local insurgency campaign upon the island. Combined with the support of the people, and perhaps a naval invasion - or air invasion, if you would be so kind - and Hainan is easily liberated." The Chairman looked confident at his plans for wiping out Chiang's forces.

Zhou nodded in agreement with Mao, turning to Stalin. "How strong would you estimate the Korean People's Army to be?"

Stalin took a puff of his pipe and seemed to be thinking. "I estimate roughly 150,000 soldiers to be at comrade Kim's command, as well as 242 tanks, 150 of which are T-34s. Artillery and air support is present. They are trained and have practiced with them. Meanwhile, no such military activity has been registered on the Southern side. It's an easily takeable plans, but that makes me think. What if we take Taiwan now? The US will turn South Korea and Japan into their highly militarised bases, but South Korea can be invaded easily. By land. This allows us to arm the Korean People's Army even further and make them ready for a complete invasion of the south with vastly superior Soviet equipment. Let's just say it's a fitting destination for Poland's stocks."

Mao contemplated Stalin's idea, scratching his chin in thought. "The KPA would certainly become an even stronger force within, say a year, if it were to recieve such assistance and time than if it were to attack now." He nodded. "The invasion of Taiwan, however, may proves tricky with the U.S. Seventh Fleet. What do you propose?"

This is where Stalin's calculating nature showed. "I...I am torn. It's tricky, with the seventh fleet patrolling, but who knows how long they will do it? I say, we give Chiang Kai-Shek no rest, we repaint Soviet aircraft to make them look like they are Chinese, they shall be flown by experienced Soviet pilots. Does the PLA have paratroopers?"

Zhou Enlai finished sipping his glass. "Soon. As part of General Peng's plans, the 89th Division has been selected by the Central Military Commission to form the basis of an airborne unit. Battle hardened soldiers shall be merging with the division." He placed the glass upon the table. "I am confident that with intensive training, they shall be a model airborne unit."

"Good. To distract the seventh fleet the Pacific Fleet shall take action. Prepare the Taiwan invasion force, train as many paratroopers as you can, and we shall discuss this again soon, when the time is due. Word of this shall never leave the Kremlin. I can't wait to see it happen. Any ideas for a date?"

"I believe that should training begin now, our airborne unit shall be ready by March - and at optimum condition by April, May. As part of our military assistance, would you be willing to allow your own veteran paratroopers assist with our training programme?"

"Of course. I think that a squadron of MiG-15s can also be dispatched seeing that we need to prevent the imperialists of getting anything worth of information. Would that be it?"

Mao replied, "For the time being, I believe so. Comrade Stalin, let me thank you for your generosity. Our only further request is that you will remain willing to assist us in the future as we forge our People's Republic into a true socialist paradise! Shall we leave comrades Zhou and Molotov to finalise the draft of our treaty?"

"Comrade Mao, I feel insulted that you asked me! How could I not?" Stalin showed some genuine emotion for the first time in the meeting: A smile. "Yes, comrades Zhou and Molotov shall finalise the draft. The champagne shall be prepared for this momentous event!"

Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual Assistance
14th February, 1950 said
ARTICLE 1
Both Contracting Parties undertake jointly to adopt all necessary measures at their disposal for the purpose of preventing the resumption of aggression and violation of peace on the part of Japan or any other State that may collaborate with Japan directly or indirectly in acts of aggression. In the event of one of the Contracting Parties being attacked by Japan or any State allied with her and thus being involved in a state of war, the other Contracting Party shall immediately render military and other assistance by all means at its disposal.

The Contracting Parties also declare their readiness to participate in a spirit of sincere cooperation in all international actions aimed at ensuring peace and security throughout the world and to contribute their full share to the earliest implementation of these tasks.

ARTICLE 2
Both Contracting Parties undertake in a spirit of mutual agreement to bring about the earliest conclusion of a peace treaty with Japan jointly with other Powers which were allies in the Second World War.

ARTICLE 3
Each Contracting Party undertakes not to conclude any alliance directed against the other Contracting Party and not to take part in any coalition or in any actions or measures directed against the other Contracting Party.

ARTICLE 4
Both Contracting Parties, in the interests of consolidating peace and universal security, will consult with each other in regard to all important international problems affecting the common interests of China and the Soviet Union.

ARTICLE 5
Each Contracting Party undertakes, in a spirit of friendship and cooperation and in conformity with the principles of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity and noninterference in the internal affairs of the other Contracting Party, to develop and consolidate economic and cultural ties between China and the Soviet Union, to render the other all possible economic assistance and to carry out necessary economic cooperation.

ARTICLE 6
The present Treaty shall come into force immediately after its ratification; the exchange of instruments of ratification shall take place in Peking.

The present Treaty shall be valid for thirty years. If neither of the Contracting Parties gives notice a year before the expiration of this term of its intention to denounce the Treaty, it shall remain in force for another five years and shall be further extended in compliance with this provision.

As the treaty's terms were approved of by the party leaders, they toasted with their foreign ministers and other members of the delegation to the birth of the alliance between the USSR and China. While merely a formality, the political system trembled as the world learned of this treaty. Little did anyone who was not in that room know that there were much, much more serious implications to this treaty.

Summary:
-The USSR and China have signed a friendship treaty in which the USSR shall help the development of Chinese industry.
-The USSR becomes the driving force in the PLA's re-armament, and special attention will be given to the KPA as well.

Secret(!):
-The USSR and China together have prepared a rough plan for the invasion of Taiwan as direct military support is given to the PLAAF and the development of paratroopers.
-To counter British aid, the Chinese shall increase the volume of supplies given to the Viet Minh, backed up by the Kremlin.