January 10th, 1950.
El Capitolio, Havana, Cuba

The message came across Fidel Castro's desk exactly four days after it was send, stamped with the unopened seal of the German Democratic Republic. At first, it was puzzling why a nation so far away with go to the effort of sending such secretive messages. Afterwards, a strange feeling of self admiration came over him. News of his exploits in Cuba had made their way across the Atlantic, undoubtedly stirring up thoughts of revolution throughout other countries oppressed by the Imperialist's greed. Lightly running his finger under the flap of the envelope, he removed the message almost timidly. Castro's eyes scanned the message multiple times, still trying to grasp the far reaching aspects of his success. Gunfire still rattled in the distance, a sound that had ceased to startle Fidel. Despite being the presiding government, cells of loyalists remained who fought to return the government back. He shouted through the closed door to his office, verbally demanding a refill of his coffee from one of his copious amounts of secretary staff.

Picking up his pen, he began to write a letter in return to Williem Pieck. The aide rushed in with the coffee in hand, soon retreating out after her job was finished. Once the oak door slammed, he got to business. A lawyer by trade, Castro worked to ensure that his competence was displayed in all of his works of writing.

From: Fidel Castro, Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba.
To: Wilhelm Pieck

It brings me great pleasure to receive this correspondence from nations of a similar idealism, especially this early into our rise to power. The decision to bring the fight to the Imperialists and bring about socialists ideas to our Republic is the result of my people's will to fight. When it comes to our American neighbors, I fear that the vicious disease of greed, bred from the bowels of the capitalist agenda, has corrupted them to a point past returning. As we speak, Batista's loyalists sail in the hundreds to America, some of whom are war criminals and will be brought to justice in the end. We fear that this will generate American support against our cause, inevitably leading to a breakdown of our non-aggressive state with the Americas.

The dismantling of the capitalist way of life in Cuba is a tedious process, though my people are more motivated than ever to see it through to the end. If you wish to continue correspondence at an expedited pace, I encourage us to send diplomatic parties to eachother's nations, serving our mutually favorable interests. I anticipate further correspondence on this matter, and anything else that you wish be discussed.

With respect,
Fidel Castro

Placing his personal seal on the letter, Fidel Castro placed it on the corner of his desk. That would be delivered back to East Berlin as soon as possible. Sipping on his coffee, he felt the satisfaction melt away. If he had so many friends appearing from nowhere, certainly Cuba must be building up a large base of enemies as well?
----

January 15th, 1950.
El Capitolio, Havana, Cuba

The Capital was abuzz, with pro-revolutionary moods at an all time high. Despite a desperate food shortage, a crippled economy, and frequent armed clashes going on in the streets throughout Cuban cities; moral was high. However, everyone secretly knew that this was only a temporary high, and reality would set in eventually. Inside of Fidel Castro's office sat the four most powerful men in the Cuban cabinet. Prime Minister Fidel Castro, Commandante José Ramón Fernández (head of the Cuban Revolutionary Army), Director Manuel Pineiro (head of Dirección General de Inteligencia), and Minister of Industries Che Guevara (head of the National Institute of Agrarian Reform) sat at the conference table, executing a vicious debate.

Castro: You speak as if the Imperialists will not be striking back on their lands, undoubtedly with ranks built from Cubans who had fled with Batista. Preparation is the only way we will succeed, we must rebuild the numbers that the military had lost in the war and learn from our predecessor's mistakes.

Pinerio: We lack both the man power and the skill set to train intelligence agents, in the same way that the American CIA or the Soviet KGB would. The best we can do is to send agents to America with the rest of the "outcasts" and gather information for us.

Castro: That's the easy part. Even if we know of an impending invasion, how are we supposed to support ourselves? A head on assault by American troops would cripple us, their numbers and technology levels are ten times more advanced. As much as it pains me to say, we would not survive a head-on attack.

Guevara: Fidel, I highly doubt that the Americans are threatened enough by us to attack. The situation in Europe is much more dire for them, with Socialist states building alliances akin to America's "NATO". Besides, we are seventy percent through the reclamation of foreign owner's land, and the refund money is locked up in bonds for the next quarter of a decade. We're in a healthy situation as it lies, My militia now ranges in the tune of forty thousand volunteers, bound together by the relentless push to purge Capitalist bullshit from our land. Soon these men will be joining the military, their skillset proving extremely valuable.

Fernandez: Fourty thousand men armed with weapons that have been salvaged from museums or have seen a few decades of war. The Americans have a fully fledged navy, we have nothing but a few gunboats. They can't even defeat meager blockade runners in open combat. Personally, I feel that we are struggling the furthest in our military, we're no further ahead than we were a month ago.

Castro: Either way, we do not have the time or the effort to bicker with this. We've been going on for hours. Manuel, I want DI agents infiltrating both local rebel groups and the groups that are fleeing to America. They are to report directly to you if they hear of attacks or rebel cell locations, and we will wipe them out accordingly. And for you two, I'll find a soother and appeal to our European friends to see if they could send weapons and training for our forces. We could do without losing dozens of men to rebel attacks every week, but at that point... that's just wishful thinking. You all are dismissed.

The cabinet members all dispersed from the room, heading to their respective offices. Each man would curse the others, knowing full well that they were nothing much than advisers to Fidel Castro. Still, Fidel had led them through the mess, and continued to do so once the shitstorm intensified when they took control. Let's just hope that he could protect them from the incoming danger, inevitably headed their way.

[Summary]
* Correspondence was sent back to Germany.
* Agents are being sent to America with fleeing parties, reporting back to the Intelligence Directorate.
* Land Claims belonging to the Agrarian Reform Act have been sorted at 70%, with all foreign corporations being removed.
* The Cuban army is in desperate need of training and firearms, the majority of its soldiers utilizing old rifles and revolvers.
* I wrote this at 3 AM and I'm really tired, so just let me know if there's some stupid errors.

The United States government today ceased all diplomatic ties to the country of Cuba. Ambassador Butler and his Havana staff had already fled the country once revolutionaries entered the capital. President Batista and the government in exile are working out of Miami, helping any refugees who find their way to this country. We are willing to accept any refugees from the island and grant them political asylum. Furthermore we have placed a trade embargo on the country. The illegal dictatorship of Castro will not be allowed to export anything to the United States, and we will not send any supplies or material to help prop up Castro's sham government. I urge our NATO allies to follow suit and cancel any and all trade agreements they have with the country.

-- Dean Acheson, Secretary of State



EXECUTIVE ORDER 881014

To: General G. Marhsall, SECDEF; General O. Bradley, CJCS;

A general increase in military strength is being hereby ordered. As much as I now regret dismantling our military strength after the war, threats from hostile nations both near and far require us to be ready. Secretary Marshall has looked over the numbers and would agree that an across the board increase of at least 30% for men, material, and equipment would be desirable. We need airmen, seamen, marines, and soldiers along with everything from boots and canned food all the way up to jets and aircraft carriers. These directives are to be carried out immediately. I understand this won't happen overnight, but I have faith and confidence in you two men and your abilities to boost our military power back to the mighty colossus it was during the war.

General Bradley was kind enough to survey the commanders of our four most important theaters and was able to find out what they need. Included with the orders of production are general orders the men are to carry out for the foreseeable future.

Admiral Fechteler, US Atlantic Fleet

Requests: At least five more aircraft carriers, ten submarines, and another one hundred landing craft. Also more canned peaches for his sailors.

Orders: Increase naval patrols in and around Cuban waters. Any Cuban boats headed for America are to be turned back at once, any smugglers violating the terms of the embargo are to be arrested and sent to the United States. The Communist government have already started protesting about our naval base at Guantanamo Bay. We will keep the base open and keep a steady stream of battleships and aircraft cruising to and from the area.

General Handy, US European Command

Requests: At least three more divisions of men to supplement his numbers. At least two more armored divisions, and another Air Force division. Also his troops have been complaining about diseases from ladies of the night in Germany. He requests four hundred thousand prophylactics for his troops. Also a campaign warning of the dangers of unsafe relations with unsavory women, posters, advertising in the magazines the troops read as well as the films they watch. Let's hope the men don't tucker themselves out on the German women and become too weak to fight off the German men.

Orders: Business as usual, all eyes peeled towards the East.

Admiral Radford, US Pacific Fleet

At least another dozen aircraft carriers operating out of Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines respectively. General MacArthur has commandeered the Seventh Fleet to boost his occupying force in Japan, so I'm commissioning the creation of another fleet out of new and refitted ships for use in the Pacific. Another division of Marines would help the Admiral's fighting numbers as well.

General MacArthur, SCAP

The general's list is long and lengthy, more men, better equipment, stricter training regiments. The training regiments seem to be the most important, due to the general's report of his occupying force in Japan growing soft and content with the docile and welcoming Japanese people. General Bradley approved the training and if it is a success will also be used in Germany to keep our forces in shape and ready to fight. Whatever else MacArthur says he needs send to him. I know the general has his foibles, but he is our eyes and ears in the Pacific. Nobody knows that region better than he does. The defense of Japan, South Korea, and Formosa should be among our chief items of concern.

I believe I've bothered you gentlemen enough for one day. As I said before, this won't be quick or easy, but it will be necessary to get our armed forces back on par with the rest of the powers in the world. Good luck to both of you.

Sincerely,
-- HST



TOP SECRET

CONFIDENTIAL: FOR DISTRIBUTION ONLY TO POTUS
CC: CJCS, SECDEF, SECSTATE

OPERATION: CLOSE SHAVE

Mr. President,

Our sources in Havana have identified a potential in with the Castro government. José Ramón Fernández, the head of the Cuban Revolutionary Army (CRA) is one of Castro's closest advisers and also the man who controls the real means of change in the country. While the revolutionaries are loyal to Castro and Guevara, Fernandez is also a close third to them. Our sources also say that Fernandez is greedy and has eyes for control of the country himself. If our sources are indeed correct then Fernandez should have at least enough of a following to do damage to the revolutionary cause in Cuba. In the event of an attempted coup by Fernandez breaks out into full-scale civil war, you may have no choice but to send in the Marines to help stop it and take control of the country until democratic elections can be held.

The details of CLOSE SHAVE are as follows

1. Using our contacts in the army, we reach out to Fernandez and promise him control of the country once the Castro regime has been dissolved. The promise is based on his willingness to bring about a coup that would imprison/execute Castro and Guevara, the return of property to Cubans and any other landowning foreigners, as well as install a democratically elected leadership inside the country.

2. If Fernandez turns us down, reach out to a subordinate and offer the same deal.

3. PROJECT REBAR: A side project of CLOSE SHAVE, REBAR will deal with spying and procuring blackmail on Castro, attempts at sabotaging his moves at president, and any other general plans that may involve damaging Castro and his regime
.
4. Lay down any groundwork for a potential paramilitary invasion of Cuba using the steady stream of refugees coming out of Cuba. Most refugees are migrating to Miami, so a Miami staging area for the CIA seems like the most prudent of actions.

In summation, CLOSE SHAVE in its current stage is an excellent proposal to covertly destroy the illegal Castro regime that has take over the country. With your approval, we would start to install all the proposed plans as soon as possible. With a communist country setting up base only ninety miles away from our shores, time is of the essence and we suggest moving as quick as possible.

Sincerely,

RADM Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, Director of Central Intelligence

---

Move forward with CLOSE SHAVE

-- HST

Summary

1. US cuts off all diplomatic ties to Cuba and places a trade embargo on the country
2. The US is increasing its military capabilities and sending men, ships, and aircraft around the world where needed
3. OPERATION: CLOSE SHAVE, a plan to topple the Castro government, is approved

"Liberté, égalité, fraternité" - French Republic's Motto
Paris, France, January, 3, 1950.
President Auriol was happy when he got the letter for the United Kingdoms, which he accepted after reading it. He finally got the support he needed it for Indochina; yet, he knew that the Soviet Union and China will react to the deal (but he doesn't know what they're doing). American and United Kingdoms were supporting the campaign to stop the rebel army from taking Indochina; in order to prevent another rebellion in the colonies, Auriol demanded that the colonies will be improved by the end of the year. While the army and navy were going to arrive at Indochina in six days, the garrison defended the unfinished fortified line for the rebel army; which was the same troops that were defended before. The garrison reported in that they had around 1,079 and the troop was wiped out, but few soldiers in the rebel lived and they're being questioned (which the world doesn't know about the soldiers).

While in France, defensives are still high alert and soldiers are all over France. Auriol aimed to force on education, so French people can have a good income and an increase in workers.

---

Paris, France, January, 7, 1950.
The news that Auriol got at Indochina were shocking: first, the prisoners killed themselves are reveling the rebels were in Hanoi and had a base at Việt Bắc; lastly, the rebel attacked the fortified line again, but they had more men and weapons as same as the French garrison and almost defend them. The fortified line was placed, on high alert and is requesting more garrison troop to be sent to the line. The army and navy will arrive to Indochina in a day and move towards Việt Bắc and Hanoi.

January 1950
Rome, the Italian Republic


Last night Italy and America came into sealing the Italio-America Concordat.

The United States promises in the following to the Italian Republic:
1. A 10% increase of Marshall plan funds to be used in sectors of industrial and military improvement.

2. Agricultural subsides (agricultural equipment, farmer crop yield incentives) separate from Marshall Plan funds.

In exchange the Italian Republic pledges the following:
1. A ten year lease on land outside of Bologna for use by the United States military as a base. Terms of the lease will be renegotiated by both parties after the end of the lease.

2. A ten year lease on a land outside of Milan for use by the United States military as a base. Terms of the lease will be renegotiated by both parties after the end of the lease.

3. An indefinite lease on land in the Udine region of Northern Italy by the United States military. Terms of the lease will be negotiated after fifty years.

Signed by Harry S Truman, President of the United States and Alcide Amedeo Francesco De Gasperi, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic

---

“In the after math of the Second World War Italy's foreign territories were taken from her as a sign that the west would not tolerate any sort of fascist dictatorship. This of course is a completely just and honourable decision as it was a terrible time however some of the lands taken were ours before the evil rise of fascism and as such should not have been taken from us. In accordance with this the Italian government has made certain demands on the international stage. Firstly, the country Libya is to become a satellite state of the Italian Republic. Libya was a colonial possession of Italy well before the rise of Mussolini and it is only fair that this country is returned to us. Secondly Albania and Montenegro is also to be returned to Italian control as a satellite state. These countries were given to us under the 1915 Treaty of London and to have them taken away from us due to the madness of one man is barbaric. Finally the region of Dalmatia should be returned to Italy, another region we were ceded in the Treaty of London. We of course are not trying to create some sort of autocratic despotism, no; we will respect their right to a free election and allow them to vote for their leaders. Except Dalmatia of course, this shall become part of Italy itself and so the people will be allowed to freely vote in the Italian election. Hopefully we will recognised by the other powers in Europe since I know that I, and the rest of the Italian peoples that these are completely just demands and this will speed our national repairs as well as push us into being a much stronger power.”
-From the ‘International Politics’ speech by Alcide Amedeo Francesco De Gasperi, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic

The Republic of Brazil


13 January 1950

Eurico Dutra
The delegation from the United States was set to come tomorrow. Eurico had a team of assistants working on getting everything ready for their stay, and with luck, everything would be sorted out quickly and Brazil would get all the assistance from the United States it needed so that Brazil could industrialize and modernize. With that, Brazil could hopefully become a major player in world affairs and it keeping Communism at bay.
That’s when he remembered something. The exploration mission he had sent to Antarctica was set to arrive back in Rio de Janeiro tomorrow as well. Hopefully they will have discovered a few good sites for us to land. Should I have sent more than one party to go scout the coast? he thought to himself.
Eurico fumbled through the envelopes his assistant had placed on his desk that morning and saw a few responses from his request for various intellectuals. Two were from the Netherlands and one was from West Germany. This is shaping up quite nicely.
That was when his phone rang. “Hello,” he said as he answered it.
“Hello, is this finally President Dutra?” he heard a familiar man’s voice over the phone.
He couldn’t quite place who it was, “Who is this?”
“Getulio Vargas, you don’t recognize me?”
“Mister Vargas, my apologies!” Dutra said to his forerunner and past boss.
Getulio chuckled. “Please, Eurico. We’ve known each other long enough, I’d think we’d be on a first name basis.”
“Fair enough, Getulio. But I haven’t talked to you in ages.”
“This is true. But I wanted to talk to you about something. I’m thinking of rejoining politics, Eurico,” he began, “But anyone of my stature within our country would only be able to run for President. But you are the President, and herein lay the problem. I want to know if you’re seeking reelection, Eurico. You seem to be very well at eluding the question, even among the top echelons in Rio. It’s quite a feat to keep that kind of news away from me, though.”
“I think the people shall want me for another term if what all I think is going to be accomplished is accomplished, Getulio. Run in ’55. If my opinions are still high, I’ll throw my support behind you. It could very well be that we unite the country, considering how well liked you already are, my friend.”
“What am I to do in between now and then? Sit on my hands for five years?”
“Hell, how should I know, Getulio! You shouldn’t have left if you wanted to get back in! Build up some personal alliances? Figure something out. Maybe you could try to build up the Brazilian Petroleum industry. Do something that will help Brazil, though. If everything runs according to plans, then you should be able to take the reins in 1956 of a major power not just in South America but in the world,” Eurico said, eluding to the plans he had in mind for his second term. “If you really wanted to help me out, you could try commenting on Brazilian politics and in that subtly throw support my way.” Eurico chuckled.
“Why don’t we talk in person tomorrow about these things, Eurico,” Getulio told him.
He didn’t want Getulio to find out about his plans with America, but that would’ve been the only thing to satisfy his former boss if he declined. Eurico had to answer quickly or risk suspicion. “Well,” he said, buying time, “I don’t even know where you are at the moment, Getulio!” That’s a few more seconds, what else do I say? he thought to himself.
“Oh, well I’m in Sao Paulo,” his old friend smiled through the phone, “You can leave tomorrow morning and still be back in Rio before it starts getting dark, I’d say.”
Damn you, Getulio. “That sounds excellent, I suppose. I hope you’re paying for lunch, though,” Eurico laughed.
“We have so much to discuss,” his friend said to him before hanging the phone.
“Well,” Eurico Dutra sighed to himself, “I guess I’ll need to tell Nereu he’s in charge of negotiations. If I miss the first day…” Might as well I mess them all.

Luis Prestes
They were deep in the Amazon Rain Forest, hiding from the persecution by President Dutra.
Luis did not so much hate Dutra for this. Dutra’s faith in the horrors of capitalism was largely a result of his indoctrination by European and American imperialists. But nevertheless, at present Dutra was an enemy. It was doubtful that he could ever see the light of day on the matter. A revolution would be much easier. And so they gathered here in secret.
At present, there were only thirty or so men, about half that in number of women, and as many children as all the adults in the make-shift village. Luis was actually governing them under the glorious principles of communism, and presently his right hand-man was helping to train the men and older boys in military exercises and fighting.
That was when a man came running up to him. It was Jose, a man he had sent to Fortaleza to report on any important news that was coming through to Brazil. “My apologies, comrade!” he told Luis, “I came as quickly as I possibly could!”
“Calm down, Jose,” Luis chuckled to himself, “What’s the news, comrade?”
“Cuba! I man by the name of Castro has seized control of the country to bring it under the wing and under the guidance of communism.”
“What?” he asked. This is incredible news, however startling. “Come with me, comrade. I want you to get a letter to this Castro immediately.”
The two moved towards a lean-to that Luis was using as a home and office. He found a piece of paper before sitting down to write the letter as quickly as he could. Time was of the essence.

To My Comrade Castro,

My name is Luis Prestes. I am a leader of a small communist community in the jungles of Brazil and have recently heard against your victory against the imperialist thugs in your nation to bring it to the light of communism.
I write to you, however, not just to congratulate you. I write to request assistance from your brave country. Help my small community, we are presently less than a hundred individuals, to kick off the shackles of the imperial thugs in Brazil and to help enlighten those who can be about communism. I ask, simply put, for your help to fellow comrades to bring Brazil to communism. For a stronger America, and a swifter defeat of the capitalist pigs.

Anything you can supply us with is better than nothing, comrade,

Luis Prestes

Luis knew that it would be at least the end of the month before Castro even got the letter, and near the end of February before Luis could even hope to get a response back. And even that was optimistic.

19 January 1950

American-Brazil Treaty for the Security of South American Democracy said

A)
For the Payment of Seven Hundred and Fifty Million U.S. Dollars from Brazil, the United States of America Commits to the Following Terms for Assistance:
1)
The Transformation of the city of Sao Paulo into a major center for the Brazilian Armed Forces, entailing the following:
-American Companies Producing Military Hardware Will Set up Manufacturing Plants in Sao Paulo and All of Which They Shall Sell to the Brazilian Military at Fair Market Value. This is to Include the Production of Guns and Other Arms, Tanks and Other Military Land Craft, Fighter Planes and Bombers, Conventional Explosives, and Standard Gear for Soldiers.
-American Companies Shall Construct Dry-Docks to Build Newer, Better Models of Military Ships All of Which They Shall Sell to the Brazilian Military at Fair Market Value.
-Renovations to the Port(s) in Sau Paulo in Order to Accomodate for Brazil's New Navy.
-All Factories, Docks, etc. Still Belonging to American Companies after 25 Years since the Ratification of This Treaty Shall Go Under Review for Brazilian Companies to Buy with or without Subsidies from the Brazilian Government. This Shall Not Prevent Brazilian Companies from Purchasing These Things from American Companies at a Sooner Date, but All that Remain by This Date Shall be Bought by Brazilian Companies.
-This is Committed to be Completed within Five Years of the Ratification of this Treaty
2)
The Mass Construction of New Infrastructure Across Brazil, entailing the following:
-American Companies Shall Construct a High-Way System Connecting the Brazilian Coast from Sao Paulo to Fortaleza, Which Will Upon Completion be Placed Under the Ownership and Care of the Government of Brazil.
-American Companies Shall Construct Minor Roadways to Various Inland Brazilian Cities, Connecting them to the Major Cities On the Brazilian Coast. Upon Completion These Roadways Will be Placed Under the Ownership and Care of the Government of Brazil.
-American Companies Shall Construct Advanced Telecommunications Networks from Sao Paulo to Fortaleza and to Several Major Inland Cities, as Well as a Line Connecting Rio de Janeiro Directly with Washington D.C. to Further Encourage Friendly Relations Between Brazil and the United States. After 25 Years since the Ratification of This Treaty, all Intra-Brazilian Lines Shall be Considered for Purchase by Brazilian Company(s) or the Brazilian Government. If, at that time, they are not Bought by Brazil or Brazilian Company(s), then after Another 25 Years the Brazilian Government or Brazilian Company(s) Must Purchase Them
-This is Committed to be Completed within Ten Years of the Ratification of this Treaty
3)
The Funding of Newborn Brazilian Oil Companies, to Promote Brazil's Production of Petroleum Products, entailing the following:
-After Reviewing Various Petroleum Start-Up Companies within Brazil, the United States Shall Select at Least Three and Fund Them Until They Become Profitable without U.S. Intervention
-If, After Five Years from the Ratification of this Treaty, Any or All of these Companies Remain Unprofitable, the U.S. Will be Free of It's Commitment for Aide
4)
The Modernization and Industrialization of Brazilian Farming, entailing the following:
-American Subsidization of Farmers to Promote the Purchasing of Mechanical Farm Equipment
-American Subsidization for This Shall End After Either Five Years or After Three Million Dollars of Subsidies Have Been Made, Whichever Shall Come to Pass First

B)
The Government of Brazil Shall Be Allowed to Spend Up to Ten Million Dollars in Advertisements Across the United States in Order to Try to Attract Scientists, Engineers, and other Intellectuals to Brazil to Work for the Brazilian Government in Either the National Brazilian Academy of Science and Technology or for Government Research Projects to Promote the Development of Brazil's Intellectual Resources and Technological Capability.
This is to Conclude Ten Years After the Ratification of the Treaty, Even if Brazil Has Not Spent All Ten Million Dollars in Advertisements.

C)
The Government of Brazil Authorizes the United States to Set Up a Naval and Marine Base in the City of Sao Paulo for Thirty Years, at Which Point it Can be Renewed for a Further Stint of Time to be Active.

D)
Both the Government of Brazil and of the United States Jointly Assume the Assurance of Democracy and the Resistance of Communism in South America for Ten Years After the Ratification of This Treaty, at Which Point it Shall Come Under Review for Renewal.
1)
Should a Communist State Arise in South America, the following are explicitly allowed:
-Full or Partial Mobilization of the Military of Either Brazil or the United States Against that State
-The Entire Range of Economic Sanctions Shall be of Use by both the United States and Brazil
-The Arming of Forces Resisting Communism
2)
Should a Communist State Arise in South America, the following are explicitly mandated:
-The Breaking of All Diplomatic Relations with that State
-Allowing Asylum to Any Refugees Loyal to the Non-Communist Government
3)
When Dealing with a State in South America that is Neither Communist or Democratic:
-The United States and Brazil Must Agree to Military Action before Any Military Action Be Taken
-The Entire Range of Economic Sanctions Shall be of Use by both the United States and Brazil is Permitted
-Breaking of Any or All Diplomatic Relations with that State is Permitted
4)
When Dealing with the Overthrow of a Democratic State for a State that is Neither Communist or Democratic:
-Full or Partial Mobilization of the Military of Either Brazil or the United States Against that State is Permitted
-The Arming of Forces Resisting the Non-Democratic Government with Approval of the Other Party Involved in this Treaty is Permitted
-Any Action Permitted by Section D, Subsection 3 Are Also Permitted

Dean Acheson, On Behalf of the United States of America
Nereu Ramos, On Behalf of Brazil

27 January 1950

Eurico Dutra
It was over a week since the treaty for American assistance had been signed. So far, it had been a hit with the poor in Brazil as they were all hopeful this would help bring an end to the income inequality they had in the country.
Another effect of the treaty that Eurico didn’t realize would happen is the number of letters in response he received had increased. It had since stopped, so he imagined no one else would respond to his initial letters, but over two dozen letters had come in totally, all saying that this scientist or that engineer or this academic would happily come to Brazil given proper compensation, and so Eurico was busy writing letters giving his offers to everyone that said they’d be willing to come.
However, many of the lunches he had scheduled with various financial backers of his political career that he had scheduled up to the first few weeks of February had been cancelled. But Eurico knew he had to persist for the good of Brazil.
“Sir,” his assistant burst through the door, “Urgent news form Venezuela.”
“Don’t you dare tell me it’s communists,” Eurico shouted, “It’s bad enough with Cuba and Brazil isn’t yet ready to go to war. This week has been too good for something like this to happen.”
“No, sir, it isn’t communists,” he said setting a report on his desk. “Democratic protests broke out on the 24th against the dictatorship. We have reason to believe our treaty is the cause of these protests. Analysts think that the people of Venezuela might be hoping for Brazilian support in these protests.”
“That’s fantastic,” Eurico said, dismissing his assistant as he read over the report. I need to keep an eye on this. Venezuela could make for a powerful ally. We could provide training to any rebels, I suppose. Eurico smiled at the thought of this. That would show Brazil’s power to the world.

Luis Prestes

“Comrades,” Luis spoke out to the gathered villagers. “Comrades, it has come to our knowledge that protests have broke out in Venezuela against the dictatorship there. I speak to you today to ask for volunteers to go into the protests to help the protesters see the light of communism.”
Two people immediately stepped forward. They looked around the crowd and finally a third stepped forward.
“Three people seems good enough, then,” Luis smiled. “You shall leave for Venezuela in the morning.”

3 February 1950

Eurico Dutra

“My dear reporters,” Eurico started his meeting with the media, “I am proud to announce that today the construction of the National Brazilian Academy of Science and Technology. This school, which is set to open on the first of next year, will train some of the brightest young minds in all of Brazil, so that Brazil will become a leader in the scientific world as well as a new industrial power in the world, and with it we will be able to push Brazil forward even beyond the assistance that the United States has given us.
“More over, I am pleased to announce that the construction of a highway network and advanced road system began today in Fortaleza. It shall allow the further integration of Brazil, in order to further strengthen Brazil on the world stage. This road system will be one of the most, I dare say the most, advanced road network in the world, rivaling the German autobahn.
“However, what use of a road system does Brazil have if we do not have cars or transportation? That very question is exactly why I am pleased to announce that the United States has begun funding of four Brazilian petroleum companies, which will develop technologies to produce all manner of products from the oil of Brazil, made in Brazil, and made by the people of Brazil. Can you imagine the power and honor Brazil would have if all of this so far is to be accomplished?
“More aide is set to come, I tell you. And Brazil will be stronger than it is now. Against all odds, we shall become a beacon of capitalism and democracy when communists aren’t expecting it at all. Brazil shall be a knife in the dark plunged into the back of communism,” by now Eurico was standing and speaking with an intense passion, his breathing hard.
“But I get ahead of myself, don’t I,” Eurico laughed, sitting back down. “Next in line, Brazil is set up to get manufacturing plants, chiefly in Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro, and in Sao Paulo, but smaller plants shall be set up elsewhere. I therefore ask that those who seek out new jobs for Brazil’s new industrialization make their way to the major cities of Brazil. Thank you, reporters, I think that is all I have time to speak to you about now.” Eurico bowed before his guards escorted him away.

Summary:
-Getulio Vargas, Former Leader of Brazil, Plans to Reenter Brazilian Politics
-Communists Hiding in the Amazon Rain Forest of Brazil Secretly Send a Letter to Fidel Castro in Cuba, which Will Arrive Around the Middle of February
-Brazil and the United States Ratify a Treaty That Provides American Aide in Brazil's Development as Well as Acts as a Mutual Assurance Treaty of Protecting Democracy and Capitalism in South America
-Protesters in Venezuela are Protesting the Dictator, but It Remains Unclear About What
-Brazilian Communists Seek to Co-Opt the Venezuelan Protesters
-American Aide Starts to Come into Brazil

January 20th, 1950
East Berlin, German Democratic Republic

Much to the East German leadership's delight correspondence had been sent back from Cuba. Fidel Castro himself had taken time to write back a letter and by then any further correspondence became obvious. Castro. He was coming to the German Democratic Republic, even if just to develop diplomatic relations. Any allies, especially for Cuba, were bound to be valuable. Crowds, not only in Leipzig, but elsewhere throughout the DDR were growing fond of the Cuban struggle as well.

From: Wilhelm Pieck
To: Fidel Castro

I very much admire your dedication and am confident that you will continue leading the Cuban people down the correct path. After years of colonialist occupation by America I can only say you and your people will benefit greatly from this new found independence. The struggle is not without enemies, however, so in response I invite you and your closest advisers into the German Democratic Republic to further discuss diplomatic relations and perhaps an economic alliance. After years of war we too are trying to get back on our feet and certainly your country has resources that could potentially be beneficial to us, and vice versa.

In solidarity, Wilhelm Pieck

Even though the man didn't directly admit it, Wilhelm found himself growing fond of Fidel Castro. Certainly he strongly believed in his cause to have successfully led a revolution with only a small group of men. From what Wilhelm knew, that sort of thing took massive amounts of morale and dedication, both of which were clearly shining bright in the Cuban people. Attitudes across Europe seemed quite a bit different, judging by recent events in Poland. They seemed to have little interest in proletarian rule and even went as far as removing those who would ensure it. That made much of the East German leadership feel uneasy, but fortunately Moscow still seemed to have a grip on the situation.

Despite everything, there was still one issue that stuck out in the back of Wilhelm's mind. West Berlin. It was sitting fresh for the taking. Certainly it was a hotspot for NATO as it was situated right in the heart of the Iron Curtain, but Wilhelm knew it was German territory and not British, American, or anybody else's. It seemed like a long shot, but maybe the Americans themselves were even negotiable about it. Hoping for the best, Wilhelm decided to pen a letter to Truman anyway despite the rocky relations.

From: Wilhelm Pieck
To: Harry S Truman

This is an understandably sensitive issue, given our relations, but there has been growing sentiment among the German people to keep Berlin under German control. It has been considered the German capital for centuries so has quite significant value to all of us, both East and West German alike. Due to that we kindly ask that British and American troops withdraw from the city. If West German troops wish to stay, however, then perhaps that is a negotiation we can make.

Signed, Wilhelm Pieck, President of the German Democratic Republic

January 26th, 1950.
El Capitolio, Havana, Cuba.

The cessation of trade with the United States, although inevitable, was disastrous on any course. With their closest trading partner deploying an entire embargo on Cuban products, the economy instantly went into a recession. Despite trade with nations such as Canada and other nearby minor powers continuing, Fidel Castro's advisers told him that he could expect his exports to be cut in half. In addition, a large amount of the nation's machinery and technical products came from the United States, a concept that would send them back several years technologically.

Inside of the Capital, Fidel Castro sat behind the pen once more. Although the war was not one of force, Cuba's light at the end of the tunnel was swiftly dimming. After hours of deliberating with both himself and his subordinates, he had figured out an itinerary of letters that must be sent to ensure Cuba's future. One would detail his visit to the East German Republic, a nation that was in the midst of similar strife of his own, second was a letter to the U.S.S.R.. However much he was afraid to pick a side, he felt that the Capitalists were forcing his hand much earlier than normal. Lastly would be an internal memo. Undoubtedly, American intelligence was working around the clock to infiltrate his regime and perhaps even take him out of the picture by force. Picking up his pen, he began to write out the first of his letters. Luckily, he would start off on a joyous note, being invited to celebrations in East Germany.

To: Wilhelm Pieck
From: Fidel Castro

I am honored to have received your letter of invitation to East Germany, perhaps where we shall be able to settle out terms of cooperation between our two nations. I feel that this would be a very large step towards unifying our people for the advancement of our mutual cause. In the coming months, I would be more than honored to visit your great nation, though unfortunately at the time being I must tend to my fight in Cuba. As we speak, American warships surround our island; my spies reporting additional military presence in the American naval base off my Eastern Coast. In the mean time, I would like to negotiate terms of trade agreements, mutually beneficial to both parties. American embargoes have crippled my economy, pulling our government's financial ability back severely. We will be able to work out trade agreements in the future, if this will suit the needs of your nation.

With Regards,
Fidel Castro

To: Joseph Stalin
From: Fidel Castro

Firstly, I would like to take the time to thank you for reading this letter and taking the time from your affairs to do so. I would like to introduce myself, I am Fidel Castro, Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba. In the last few years, the proletariat have rebelled against the Imperialist Occupation of my lands, eventually succeeded on behalf of socialism. Unfortunately, the United States, not forty miles away from my shores, have been belligerent to say the least. Following the exodus of Capitalist supporters from our nation, word has come back from my intelligence sources that they are being "rounded up" for something big. I fear that my people will soon be tested, with the corrupt American government soon attempting to seize power from the people of Cuba. This is where I appeal for the support of yourself, and the Warsaw pact. A beacon of hope and justice to the modern world, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic's support will both boost moral and ensure our people's principals are held true for a long, glorious future. I understand that your administration is busy managing its own affairs, and we will appreciate any sort of support that can be allowed. Once again, I thank you for your dedication to reading this letter, and hope that you will help the Cuban people advance their goals of achieving uncontested independence from American oppression.

With Regards,
Fidel Castro.

Memo to all Heads of Departments,
From: Fidel Castro

We knew that this day would come comrades, the day when our strength and resolve is tested for the advancement of our cause. The American pigs have decided to cut their ties, an act of aggression that we cannot allow to go unchecked. At this point, we will be forcefully deporting any American citizens from the country, letting them row themselves back to their pathetic mainland. If a non-citizen cannot provide documents upon arrest, they are to be arrested indefinitely, processed as enemies of the state. We are to let the Americans know that we will not be cast aside so easily, and we are to show this at the steps of their Guantanamo Bay military base.

Checkpoints are to be set up at the line of the military base, with Cuban personnel manning the roads in and out of the base on twenty four hour watch. Anyone seen attempting to enter Cuba via this base will be detained indefinitely, once again processed as an enemy of the State. All currently active militia personnel and military servicemen are ordered to be on alert, checkpoints set up on major highways to ensure that each traveler has documents and are not moving contraband items. In the coming weeks, our resolve will be tested further. But we will emerge stronger, the people of Cuba having won the fight that they had battled in for so long. Each and every law abiding Cuban citizen is instrumental to our success, and they are to be treated like so.

Fidel Castro.

February 1950
Rome, the Italian Republic


“And so without any opposition from other countries I am proud to say that the Italian Republic will be regaining her lands lost due to the insanity of one man. Justice is truly done and we will never be so stupid as to allow a dictator of any calibre to gain control of our great nation.”
-A speech by Alcide Amedeo Francesco De Gasperi, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic

With a lack of response from any other countries Italy felt that this was a go ahead for them to take what was stolen from them in the aftermath of the World War. Italian soldiers have marched into the cities of Split, Tripoli, Tirana and Podgorica today to enforce the completely legal and just claims on their lands. Heavy resistance was met in Montenegro and Albania as these countries had only just freed themselves of German soldiers and had populaces that were very sympathetic of socialist ways. This of course strengthens Italy’s clam as they are also in a crusade to liberate the people of their tyrannical communist dictatorship. However bricks and rocks were thrown from flats and public buildings whilst the soldiers marched through. In response to this the Italian army has enforced a strict martial law on all area’s in Albania and Montenegro as well as all other land in the Dalmatia region that is not in the nations mentioned earlier. Curfews and checkpoints have been erected to hunt down partisans who are fighting the rightful reclamation of Italian territories, as well as this the Italian navy is stationed in the waters directly to the west of Dalmatia in position to bombard any partisan strongholds once they are discovered. Furthermore the governments of Montenegro and Albania have refuted the Italian claim to their lands saying that this was “An invasion of malicious intent similar to that of Mussolini” nonetheless all people were assured of Italy’s intent to bring an open and thriving market as well as a free and representative government that would have the best interests of the people at heart.

However in Libya there was no such conflict, on entering Tripoli the Italian men were welcomed with a parade and cheers. Once settled in the Italian general Maurizio Lazzaro De Castiglioni made a speech assuring the Libyan people that a fair election process would be followed to allow for them to vote for a leader to run their newly returned lands. Alongside this a recruitment campaign began to find a ‘National Guard’ that would be made up entirely of Libyan nationals who would be trained and equipped like the Italian army for the purpose of defending the, now satellite, nation of Libya. Italian nationals make up around twenty percent of Libya’s population and out of respect of Libya, as an independent and free nation simply living under the protection of Italy as a close ally, all Italian nationals were offered a free return to their home country with employment and housing benefits until they are established to both bring a higher number of Italian workers back to Italy as well as decrease racial tension within Libya.

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics stands by the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia and the People's Republic of Albania in its defence against Italian agression on their sovereign territory. If Italy does not cease its assaults within 48 hours, leave the territory of Albania, British-controlled Libya and Yugoslavia, and negotiate reparations for this barbarous assault, the USSR shall come to their aid.

Furthermore, the Pacific fleet shall be increased in strength by elements of the Baltic and Northern fleets to aid China in the defense against imperialist forces from the US and the Chiang Kai-Shek clique. The union between the peoples of the Soviet Union and China shall be proven here.

Finally, we encourage restraint on the part of the US in Cuba. The people of Cuba have chosen their destiny and rightfully stood up to their opressors as they do not wish to be your puppet. Any military action on the part of the US shall result in the development of a tiresome conflict against the Cuban people. You can not control an island of six million people of which only a small fraction desires your presence.

February 1950
Rome, the Italian Republic


With the swift response of the Soviet Union Alcide realised he had bitten off more than he could chew. However he was confused about their interest in Libya, it was in no way a communist nation and was very much NATO controlled. He would have to pull out of Yugoslavia and Albania and there was no question about that. Speaking to his cabinet they drew up a response to the Soviets message.

To: Joseph Stalin
From: Alcide Amedeo Francesco De Gasperi
The Republic of Italy shall withdraw its forces from Albania and Yugoslavia immediately. However no reparations shall be paid out as these lands are rightfully ours anyway. Furthermore we request to know your interest in Libya and why you did not oppose this aim, which was made clear earlier this year, when it was made.

The USSR demands that the fascist regime in Italy, that has attacked its supposed "allies" as well as socialist countries in a move to regain land it has lost as a result of treaties following the second World War, fully cover the expenses paid in repairing all damage in the countries they invaded, as well as the sum of three hundred million US dollars to the UK, Albania and Yugoslavia. Failure to comply means our ultimatum of military action against Italy will continue.

February 1950
Rome, the Italian Republic


News has just been announced that Alcide Amedeo Francesco De Gasperi has resigned as Italian Prime Minister. Further more the government has agreed to the USSR's demands and all forces outside of Italy are being withdrawn as we speak.

The Tiger and the Elephant

It was said by Ho Chi Minh, the leader of the Viet Minh rebels, that the struggle between France and Vietnam was that of an Elephant and a Tiger. "If the tiger stands his ground, the elephant will crush him with its mass. But, if he conserves his mobility, he will finally vanquish the elephant, who bleeds from a multitude of cuts." This poetically described the Viet Minh's strategy and the hell it was for France. France sent more troops into Vietnam trying to master the Viet Minh, but the authority of the colonial government was rapidly eroding as the rebels exploded in numbers and were being equipped and supplied with more than they could use by Red China. This put the Vietnamese rebels in a position to challenge the authority of France in large parts of the country. Despite the best French efforts to hold their positions, the Viet Minh, knowing the country like the back of their hands, fought a remarkably effective guerilla campaign in the countryside and in a series of battles took command of Northern Vietnam, bar the Red River Delta, from the French army which blundered and blundered on as the PR campaign it started towards the Vietnamese bore no fruit at all - In fact, it even backfired as Viet Minh propaganda said that the French tried to buy the Vietnamese people like cheap whores but would keep them enslaved. With the Vietnamese people increasingly hostile to France and the Viet Minh taking large tracts of land the prospects of French rule were getting darker by the day.

"Liberté, égalité, fraternité" - French Republic's Motto
Paris, France, January 8, 1950.
Fighting the rebels in Indochina was getting costly and Auriol knew it as well. He wanted to end this fighting and he would do that by giving half of Indochina to the Vietnamese as well as stop the fighting. He sent a letter to the rebel army, Ho Chi Minh, to stop the warfare.

Dear Ho Chi Minh,
This fight is costing us lots of men and money. We are here for a deal to give to you, the best deal.
1. France will give the northern part of Indochina to the Vietnamese people.
2. We'll trade with you and help you improve your nation.
3. All people, that are from France, will leave the northern part of Indochina.
4. We will leave your country alone and recognize your country as a nation.

We hope this deal is good for you.

~ President Auriol of France.

But on other news, the army and navy have arrived in Southern Indochina and going to the protect the capital for any rebellions. And supplies have arrived for Indochina.

Summary
Auriol wants the war in Indochina to end.
He makes a deal to Ho Chi Minh
The army and navy arrive at Indochina and supplies as well.

Arab Republic of Egypt

---

January, 1950

The people of Egypt today were in a state of ecstasy as the Wafd party, led by Nahhas, abrogated the unilateral Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936, in doing so they have proclaimed Farouk Sultan of Egypt and the Sudan. The national papers have declared this day a great day as we have broken “the fetters of British imperialism.” Furthermore in doing so the Wafd party gave way to the leftist wing of the government who wanted Britain out of the country through military action, and so begun the creation of ‘Liberation Battalions’ as well as the arming of the auxiliary police and the Muslim Brotherhood. This started a gorilla war between the British and the citizens of Egypt. Food supplies to the Suez Canal were blocked, Egyptian workers in and around the canal were withdrawn and British military positions were bombed.

Abasi flung himself into the air as an explosion rushed out from behind him. He could feel its heat on his neck however he had made sure he was a safe distance (Just) from the bomb so he wouldn't get any real damage. Only 2 weeks ago he had been selling rugs with his father down in the bazaar, now he was slaughtering British imperialism single handily with his bombs and his gun. The sand around him rolled slowly in the wind as he pulled his face out from it. Turning around he surveyed the scene he had created. A single black, flaming wreck was all that was left of the British tank that had been left a little too far from the rest of the British camp. However his job was not over yet the British were certainly aware of his presence now and so he dragged himself to his feet quickly and sprinted off towards the little village located nearby. An alarm sounded as he was running and before long he could hear shouts of anger and confusion which were in turn replaced by the sounds of bullets whizzing past and thumping into the ground around him. As he came to the village he chucked himself around a corner and slammed through a door interrupting the family who were eating their dinner. Pushing his way through he was shouted at before he burst out of the back door, straight into a police officer. The gruff looking man took one look at him, the sweat on his face and the gun in his hand. Mumbled something under his breath and nodded to his left. Abasi ran off in that direction and stopped around another corner. Not a minute later British soldiers came to the same police officer he had. He could not understand the man however soon after he could hear footsteps coming towards him. He shouldn't have trusted the man. Just then the policeman rounded the corner and spoke to him
“Sent them the wrong way, give me that and get out of here. Try hiding in the market they won’t be able to pick you out of the crowd. Damn racist pigs.”
Abasi thanked the man, handed over the gun and walked off. He truly was doing the work of the people.

Despite not being formally supported by the government neither were the ‘terrorists’ condemned. In response to the violence the Sultan sent a formal letter to the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

To: The Parliament of the United Kingdom
From: Sultan Faruk I of Egypt and the Sudan
I, Sulatan Farouk, am completely aware of the violence that has occurred over the past month due to your involvement in Egypt and the Sudan. I of course do not back these extremists however due to their guerrilla tactics and mastery in blending into society our own police and security forces have found it nigh impossible to make any headway into holding the criminals responsible for their crimes. Due to this fact I beseech you to withdraw your forces from the Suez Canal and the Sudan as this would alleviate the tensions caused by your presence without any further bloodshed. I feel that your continued existence in Egyptian lands will only make the situation worse and I fear that things could escalate further.

After penning the letter to the United Kingdom Sultan Farouk drew up another letter to the other leading members of NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

To: Leading members of the Warsaw Pact and NATO
From: Sultan Farouk I Egypt and the Sudan
The Arab Republic of Egypt has become a more of a warzone than a country in recent days. The presence of British forces within our lands has caused uproar amongst the populace leading to the forming of terrorist cells and guerrilla bands that are currently attacking British people, products and buildings. We call that you diplomatically pressurize the British to withdraw from the Suez Canal and the Sudan so as to cease the bloodshed and destruction and begin a new golden age in Egypt.

---

Summary
-The Arab Republic of Egypt is currently in a state of chaos as militarist groups attack all British presence in the country. As well as this Egyptian workers refuse to go to work for the British.

-A request for the British to withdraw from Egypt has been sent to the UK

-A request has been sent to the USA, USSR, West Germany, East Germany, France and Poland to pressurize the British into leaving Egypt diplomatically.

Saadabad Palace - Tehran, Iran

Saadabad Palace was a majestic thing - a jewel fit for crown of the Shah of Iran. Inside its gleaming white marble walls was a veritable oasis of trees, carefully-maintained grasslands, and winding walkways with castles dotting the complex. The main driveway led in from Valiasr Street to the south, through a neoclassical gate. It ended in a roundabout driveway that was dominated by a beautifully-carved marble fountain bearing four winged lions. Gardens of exotic flowers flanked the road on either side, while trimmed bushes separated the two driving lanes. The bare trees glittered with snow, seeming almost to blend in with the predominantly marble buildings. Animals like deer frolicked in the vast forests that the Shah walked through daily, and they commonly appeared at the edge of the forest paths to gaze in awe at the strange beings who appeared in their space. Beyond the driveway was the massive fenced garden of traditional Persian style: flowers of all shapes and sizes were painstakingly maintained by skilled gardeners as a part of the palace staff. Yet the regal gardens paled in comparison to the palace that towered over them.

A mix of neoclassical and traditional Persian architectural styles, the Saadabad Palace sported multiple patios and walkways, decorated with intricately-carved stone railings. Towers flanked each the vertices and presented the form of ancient defenses - a rustic touch that somehow heightened the imperial tones associated with such a structure. These were vaguely hexagonal, much like the rest of the palace. In the center of this was another courtyard, with a pond and a gazebo that seemed to float above it. Behind that courtyard, assuming one entered from the south, was the residence of the Shah of Imperial Iran: Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The young, handsome man had long since retired for the evening, sporting a conservative vest and shirt in lieu of the militaristic uniform he wore for the public. This was unbuttoned, hanging loosely around his shoulders as he moved around to gaze out of his windows at the mountains beyond the palace. All was silent that night: nothing much happened in Tehran on a weekday after dark.

Sitting on a lavish crimson sofa and smoking a cigar was Mohammad Reza's Prime Minister: Ali Mansur. The man was considerably older than Mohammad, being almost double his age, yet still expressed a relaxed tone like the Shah's. A pair of round glasses perched atop his tired eyes while he ran his fingers through thinning hair. Mansur, every once in a while, smirked and let out an amused breath while he stared at the calligraphy covering the ceiling. Mohammad, in turn, would turn his head and smile in turn, a twinkle in his eye that seemed to say that he was simply amused by the old man sitting and laughing at himself. After another minute or so of this, the Shah turned completely and asked with a grin: "What seems to be so funny, Mister Mansur?"

"A joke I read in the papers," Mansur replied, not taking his eyes off of the ceiling. "But it was far too vulgar for your young ears."

"What was it?" playfully demanded the Shah.

"Oh, I don't want to corrupt your soul."

"Someone shot me a few months ago, Ali," reminded Mohammad with a grin: "I'm not a child."

"It was a graze," dismissed Mansur. "Gunman was a half-blind Tudeh."

Mohammad snorted with amusement and turned back around to the window. Mansur continued to puff on his cigar, enjoying the after-meeting relaxation. He had gotten it down to halfway, ash periodically flicked into a nearby wastebin. The prime-minister was an expert smoker, if there was even such a thing.

"So it's a new year," said Mohammad suddenly, turning away from the window again.

"It's not Nowruz yet but alright," Mansur smirked.

"A Gregorian new year," the Shah clarified. "Let's get on the level of everyone else now, Ali."

"I'm just screwing with you, Your Imperial Highness. So what is your point?"

"My point is that we can use this chance to improve. Gone is the decade of war and suffering. We should try to start anew now," Mohammad suggested while he turned back to the window. He began pacing back and forth, rubbing his left shoulder with his right hand and thinking to himself.

"Parliament convenes in a few days," Mansur noted, eying the Shah somewhat suspiciously.

"Good, good. I have policy changes floating around in my head and I'd like them to be seen."

"You're not going to enact them yourself?"

"Ali, I am the leader of Iran. A leader needs to do what his people want him to do. I am the herald of the Iranians, and I will do what I see fit. However, what I see fit may change based on their wants and needs. The wants and needs of both the native Iranians, but the people who decide to live here. Jews, Armenians, Azeris... Afghans. You get the picture, don't you?"

"Heh," replied Mansur as he tapped his ash off into the wastebin. "Did the liberal party get elected or something?"

"Not necessarily," Mohammad pointed out. "I just don't want any kind of revolts."

"You can't exactly please everyone. Sometimes you have to find a group and stick with it. And then you follow the course of that one Italian guy... Who was it? Machiavelli, right?"

"Make them fear you," responded Mohammad. "Until they have enough and they storm your palace and shoot you dead."

"Don't be such a pessimist."

"Remember the Tsar? Well, I wasn't born yet but I'm sure you were a strapping young twenty-something." The Shah began to pace towards Mansur, running his fingers through his black hair.

"I was fighting in the Great War, yes," responded Mansur with an inquisitively-raised eyebrow. He took another puff on his cigar before realizing that it was too flimsy for him to continue smoking it. With a flick of his wrist, the smoldering tip was buried in an ashtray. The Prime Minister thought about reaching for another but declined, instead turning his full attention to Mohammad.

"I'm not going to be overthrown by communists, is the moral of this story. I'm going to make Iran great again," he continued. Mansur cocked his head to the side.

"The West won't allow that."

"Not unless we get closer," Mohammad pointed out. "They'll prop up any friend of theirs with more money than we can ever imagine."

"That is true," Mansur conceded. "But the nationalists will be upset."

"Which is why we need to even out both policies. We become powerful but we don't upset the West. Now, Parliament meets in two weeks and I have new policies I've been thinking up. It's time to become aggressive. We must pursue greatness."

"What are you talking about?"

"We're using this instability to our advantage, Ali. It's time to expand. Let the winged lion fly, and we shall be as bright as the sun."

"And what's my role in this?" asked Mansur, hiding his shock at such an unorthodox suggestion.

"You're friends with the West - the British. Convince them to support us, or at the very least stay out of our way."

The Prime Minister sat up, leather recliner creaking in the process. He stood just shorter than the Shah, looking up into the younger man's steady face. With another swift motion, he held out his hand. The Shah took it and gave a hearty shake before patting Mansur on the back. "We can do this. It is our time, insha'Allah," he said reassuringly.

"I'm going home," Mansur announced as he reached for the jacket that hung off of the back of a nearby chair. "I'll telephone the British in the morning to set up a meeting. Do you have a plan?"

"I do. I'll bring it to the meeting."

February 5th, 1950
East Berlin, German Democratic Republic

Correspondence from Fidel Castro himself had once again reached the heart of the DDR. Much to the disappointment of Wilhelm Pieck and the rest of the government officials he was unable to make a visit, but he clearly had much more serious issues to tend to. American warships were honing in fast, determined to make Cuba into their puppet once again. Clearly Batista's forces were determined. This, however, provided the DDR with an opportunity. Despite the forced disarmament after the war the East German authorities had insisted on military production. Naturally, this led to having stockpiles of military surplus and certainly a revolutionary state under constant attack could make better use of it. It hadn't taken the government officials long to decide on which sort of deal they would offer to Cuba so once again, as soon as he was alone in his office, Wilhelm began penning yet another letter to the Cuban government.

From: Wilhelm Pieck
To: Fidel Castro

I am delighted to have received such a timely response to my last correspondence. I feel that an economic alliance will benefit us both. As your state is still weak and very much developing I do offer you shipments of German and Soviet made weaponry, all the finest. As any good revolutionaries should, I feel you need to defend yourselves at all costs against all threats. Alongside that we also have plenty of industrial materials to offer. If either of these offers interest you I look forward to hearing back.

In solidarity, Wilhelm Pieck

Once the letter was sealed and sent off, Wilhelm found himself concerning himself with other issues that were beginning to develop worldwide. His mind turned towards the east. Egypt. They too seemed to be finally struggling against imperialism and were asking for support. Naturally, this was a struggle Wilhelm knew he had to take up, despite the seeming lack of real left-wing options. Still, it was something he intended to keep his eye on and decided to pen letters to both Egypt and the UK. Hopefully at least one of them would answer.

From: Wilhelm Pieck
To: Clement Attlee

It has recently come to my attention that British presence in Egypt is under attack. This, to me, is seen as a sign that the Egyptian people seek to take control of their own affairs free from the influence of international imperialism; this is a call for national determination which cannot be ignored. Unless these demands are met, we in the German Democratic Republic will have no choice but to cut off all British connections and perhaps declare British presence in the Suez as an act of war.

Signed, Wilhelm Pieck, President of the German Democratic Republic

From: Wilhelm Pieck
To: Sultan Farouk I

We have received your correspondence and decided to take action. We, as good socialists, view acts of imperialist aggression as acts of war so in the case that the British cease to withdraw be prepared for war on Egyptian soil.

Signed, Wilhelm Pieck, President of the German Democratic Republic

February 10th, 1950
East Berlin border, German Democratic Republic

Despite all the recent chaos in other parts of the world, the DDR along with the remainder of the Warsaw Pact remained relatively calm. Except for one region. The outskirts of East Berlin. Having been given orders, the NVA was now mobilizing around the border. They had allegedly been told of an upcoming assault on the city by NATO forces, but the troops of course had a deeper purpose for their mobilization. Wilhelm Pieck was determined to get the age old German capital under complete German control once again. Never did he care for the American, British, and French presence in the Western sectors of the city and somehow he felt his West German counterpart didn't either, even if he didn't openly admit it; the West had a reputation to keep with NATO and it included "keeping the commies at bay". That too was something Wilhelm didn't feel comfortable with so this was one battle he was sure would escalate as a last resort. Certainly though, if anything, the troops' presence alone would send a very clear message to those over in West Germany.

Feubrary 16th, 1950
Enver Hoxha silently rested on his bed, inside his room which found itself on the building across the street from the Soviet Embassy on Tirana. He pondered the events that had occured in the past weeks; a fascist invasion and a retreat, a humiliation that was only equal to the one that the Yugoslavian government had presented with an attempted annexation of Albania into their petty union. The Soviet Union had intervened but it was far too late, the intervention on Albania by Italian forces, which had marched on Tirana with a force of 20,000 men, had showed Hoxha the inbality presented to him in case of defense. Taking this into consideration, Hoxha searched around his dark room for a pen and a piece of paper, turning on the lights and making his resting spouse grumble as she covered herself with the bedsheets. The Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania started writing a letter.

To: Joseph Stalin
From: Enver Hoxha

Comrade, it is with great joy I send you a letter I could not send before. This is done in order to thank you for your quick intervention in the unjustified landing of Italian fascist forces on the coasts of Albania. I couldn't write to you before because as soon as the invaders arrived, my ministers and I had to run into the country side far away from the capital, hide in the mountains with my most loyal generals and order them to prepare for a guerrilla warfare with the army, which had also taken refuge in the countryside, if the Italians did not leave within three days. My people were expressing their discontent with the situation at hand, already contacting our leaders in order to cooperate with the distribuition of propaganda and weaponry, and also sabotage if the Italians started building infrastructure in order to aid them. Why is it that we did not fight as soon as we saw the fascists arrive, you may ask yourself. And it is a reasonable question, Comrade.

The first of my reasons to not order an attack is the fact that we had been overwhelmed in numbers and given our geographical position, if we had decimated the invading forces, which we could have done, a million more would drop from the heavens, since both you and I know this imperialist agression was well orchestrated not only by Italy, but by the whole of the Western world. This kind of tactic had already been tried on Albania before, although I wasn't entirely sure if it was just enemies of communism that rejected to accept progress for the people's of the world, reactionaries. Several small groups that attempt to sow anger within the fields we've nationalized and given to the workers and farmers have been captured and executed, yet them alone wouldn't have the strength to come to our shores. We believe that these invasions have also been carefully arranged by the imperialists from the West; as for who, the bullets hit their bodies faster than they could speak about the men who commanded them, yet they weren't fast enough to stop them from shouting the name of an opressor by the name of Zog; filthy monarch who ruled over the Albanians over an iron fist and took the fruits of their work. The Albanian people support our cause, Comrade Stalin, they faced off these invaders with civil discontent but they are also my second reason not to react.

Had we reacted, and given that the Italians were already marching on Tirana by the time we could do so, the massacre and bloodbath experienced would be that of proportions faced by the fascists oppresing the brave partisans with their weapons in the recent wars. My people, our people, would have suffered the most. We were prepared to defend the interests of the workers, Comrade, but doing so would unleash a greater evil. And not only that, but a reaction would have sparked a most outrageous war, that could have involved forces far from the ones between Italy and Albania; the workers of Italy would have screamed in pain just as much as the people of Albania and it could have gone far beyond the Adriatic.

But all of this leads to this point, Comrade. This land is small and its forces feeble compared to the enemies that have already shown their true nature, that of imperialistic actions against a peaceful land that only strives to reach the best for the workers of the world. We hereby request, Comrade, if forces from the Soviet Union could build a military base, with its corresponding troops, on the Albanian coast, in order to defend the interests of the people and the workers of Albania. Do not misunderstand me Comrade, this is not a show of weakness. It is a fact that the population of this country is low and its forces even more, we can not handle a raging wave with an oar handled by a brave, yet small man. But what if we had a fellow man, that cooperated with us against the most dangerous storms? We could handle things in a better way. But not only do we need cooperation between fellows but also the tools to protect ourselves, should worst come to fruition once again, as it did already. We also request, if possible, training and finer equipement for the Albanian Armed Forces, with its Army, Air Forces and Navy Branch.

I have also attempted to fix another problem, that of a low population but the economic model we are handling is outdated, most people work the fields and the country reaps little gain from it. We are not moving any faster to an industrialized model that our doctrine expects us to reach in order to accomplish great revolutions. We need, as you have bravely accomplished on your nation, industrialization on a rapid rate. But we do not have the resources or the knowledge of how to accomplish this objective, so far from our grasp. So we ask of you, Comrade, for economic aid in order to develop a healthy industry and to exploit the resources we have at hand for the improvement of the workers of Albania's living standards. May our people always cooperate, Comrade.

With admiration for the work done on your country and your written works,

Signed, Enver Hoxha, First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania.

Hoxha opened the door of his room and a cold breeze entered through the window facing the Embassy. He hesitated for a second, asking if such measures were really good for the Albanian people, a second of doubt that quickly erased from his mind as he briskly walked towards the Embassy with the envelope in his hand, in order to be delivered. No. He thought to himself. This is for socialism to reach all of the world.

Summary
-Hoxha explains why there was no self-defense against the Italians
-Hoxha asks the Soviets to build a base facing the Adriatic on Albanian territory
-He also asks for assistance for his military and economic aid in order to industrialize

The Prime Minister walked to his office, where he knew his tea would be waiting. He opened the door and peered inside and sure enough the cup and small plate of biscuits sat on the desk. Next to them was an envelope, an envelope that told him it was time to start his day. He took sat behind the desk and relaxed some, sipping his tea, the letter could wait for now, it was best to savor the taste than to rush through it. As he set the cup down, a knock rapped his door and it opened, his military advisor walked in and stood before him.

“Sir, we are losing more and more men in Egypt and now, it seems, Egypt has spoken to Warsaw telling us to vacate their land. Their land! Can you believe the talk of this?” The advisor sat down in one of the chairs in front of the desk.

Clement sat there and sipped his tea, his morning was not to be ruined by a letter from the Egyptians refusing him to leave. He set the cup down and picked up the envelope, thumbing the corner, staring at it. With a sigh, he opened it and read it, scoffing as he threw the letter on the desk, he looked to the man seated before him. “The Sultan says that he is unaware of the continued violence against our troops, he can’t identify the attackers, but knows that if we leave the area his people will act right. Don’t pull the troops yet, I will let you know when it is time for that.”

The Advisor left and Clement sat there, it was a while before he saw the letter from Eastern Germany as well. He sighed again as he read it and laughed at their call of war. He slammed the paper and pen on his desk and stared at them, calming himself, letting his thoughts collect.

To: Sultan Faruk I of Egypt and the Sudan
From: Clement Attlee, Prime Minister

How do you call yourself a nation’s leader if you are unable to properly control your own populace and teach your police how to identify criminals? I feel there is a strong lack of care on your part for this situation and that you are not using all of your resources, as you should, to take care of it. My men were there because you felt that Italy was going to take you down with them and they didn’t. They were there for your protection, and now, you say you can’t find the people responsible for attacking them? Then you went so far as to tell Germany to send us a letter stating it’s an act of war to be there. Nevertheless, I feel that our men have served far from home for too long and that it is time for them to return to the people who love them. It is for this that I will agree to remove presence from the Sudan and the Suez Canal. However, I do demand that you find these groups of people who are responsible and turn them over to Parliament for their crimes.

He folded the letter, put it into the envelope, and had his assistant mail it out.