[IC] The Iron Curtain: A Cold War NRP

[Jannah]

January 1st, 1950
East Berlin, German Democratic Republic

1950. A new year, and one that was bound to be full of surprises for both the Warsaw Pact and NATO. Just a few years previous they had concluded the most destructive war mankind had witnessed and Wilhelm Pieck knew that his country in particular had been one to suffer the consequences. The economy was still very much in shambles, entire families were being separated, and people were fleeing what seemed to be almost daily. Naturally, this put the leader in a tight spot, but improving relations with the rest of the Pact was bound to be valuable. He, however, had yet another idea on mind though.

Berlin. It had a crack right down the middle that the leader very much intended to repair. How to go about it was still very much floating around in his mind, but at least one thing was clear so far to nobody but his closest advisers: by the end of the year he intended to begin negotiations for control over the Western sector. It seemed like a far-fetched dream as long as NATO forces were present, but it was German territory so rightfully belonged in German hands. That, of course, still left the second issue in which Pieck began addressing to Moscow directly.

To: I.V.Stalin
From: W.Pieck

Comrade, I wish you a very healthful New Year. However, it has been a concern of mine for awhile that development in the GDR is stalling behind that of the west. As you very well know, both our nations suffered heavy losses during the war and recovery hasn't been easy. As a result, we intend to start this new year off positively by requesting economic aid.

In solidarity, Wilhelm Pieck

Pieck finished up the letter and then sealed it to be sent off to Moscow. He anticipated a quick response, being on good relations with the Motherland itself. Still, it gave him time to prepare a layout for all the year's goals and perhaps even address the nation too. They themselves seemed to have very mixed reactions to current events so the least he could do was boost morale.

[Byrd Man]

January 1950

I should like to discuss with you the relations between the peoples of the United States and the peoples of Asia. What is the situation in regard to the military security of the Pacific area, and what is our policy in regard to it?

The defeat and the disarmament of Japan has placed upon the United States the necessity of assuming the military defense of Japan so long as that is required, both in the interest of our security and in the interests of the security of the entire Pacific area and, in all honor, in the interest of Japanese security. I can assure you that there is no intention of any sort of abandoning or weakening the defenses of Japan, and that whatever arrangements are to be made, either through permanent settlement or otherwise, that defense must and shall be maintained.

This defensive perimeter runs along the Aleutians to Japan and then goes to the Ryukyus. We hold important defense positions in the Ryukyu Islands, and those we will continue to hold. In the interest of the population of the Ryukyu Islands, we will at an appropriate time offer to hold these islands under trusteeship of the United Nations. But they are essential parts of the defensive perimeter of the Pacific, and they must and will be held.

So far as the military security of other areas in the Pacific is concerned, it must be clear that no person can guarantee these areas against military attack. But it must also be clear that such a guarantee is hardly sensible or necessary within the realm of practical relationship.

Should such an attack occur, one hesitates to say where such an armed attack could come from, the initial reliance must be on the people attacked to resist it and then upon the commitments of the entire civilized world under the Charter of the United Nations, which so far has not proved a weak reed to lean on by any people who are determined to protect their independence against outside aggression. But it is a mistake, I think, in considering Pacific and Far Eastern problems to become obsessed with military considerations. Important as they are, there are other problem that press, and these other problems are not capable of solution through military means. These other problems arise out of the susceptibility of many areas, and many countries in the Pacific area, to subversion and penetration. That cannot be stopped by military means....

What we conclude, I believe, is that there is a new day which has dawned in Asia. It is a day in which the Asian peoples are on their own, and know it, and intend to continue on their own. It is a day in which the old relationships between east and west are gone, relationships which at their worst were exploitation and at their best were paternalism. That relationship is over, and the relationship of east and west must now be in the Far East one of mutual respect and mutual helpfulness. We are their friends. Others are their friends. We and those others are willing to help, but we can help only where we are wanted and only where conditions of help are really sensible and possible. So what we can see is that this new day in Asia, this new day which is dawning, may go on to a glorious noon or it may darken and it may drizzle out. But that decision lies within the countries of Asia and within the power of the Asian people. It is not a decision which a friend or even an enemy from the outside can make for them.

-- Dean Acheson, US Secretary of State
Excerpts from a speech given to the National Press Association

[HeySeuss]

"We appeal to the Jewish people throughout the Diaspora to rally round the Jews of Eretz-Israel in the tasks of immigration and upbuilding and to stand by them in the great struggle for the realization of the age-old dream - the redemption of Israel."
- David Ben-Gurion, The Proclamation of Independence, Israel, 1948

"“We declare that Israel will never abandon Jerusalem of its own volition, in the same way as we have not for thousands of years given up our faith, our national character and our hope of return to Jerusalem and Zion."
- David Ben-Gurion, Knesset Speech, December 1949

Cyprus

Since the victory of the Jews in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, the previously secret efforts of the Mossad Aliyah Bet (Agency for Immigration B, or more accurately, the Agency for Illegal Immigration) to slip immigrants into the Holy Land under the noses of the British Empire, intent on supporting the Arabs in policy (if not all Britons in agreement with such a policy) were conducted openly and legally, without the need of secrecy, IAF transports waiting to ferry men, women, children from the airports of the world, such as in Cyrpus, to their new home, the State of Israel. Once upon a time, before the victories of 1948, the British Empire did their damndest to prevent all immigration into Palestine, to stop the Jews from igniting tensions in the region with the Arabs, despite the Balfour Declaration, because the British Empire wanted good relations with the men that controlled the oil under the desert. For what it was worth, what was done was done, and now there was a transfer of populations; the Jews of many countries coming to Israel, assisted by Israeli authorities eager to help them make the Aliyah (ascension) and the Arabs of Palestine, forced into camps, political decisions by both sides of the conflict that would have a profound effect on the relations between neighbors for years to come.

Israel needed people, and many Jews sitting in countries like Yemen and Iraq, all the Arab nations, were being evacuated from those nations, if the situation permitted. And if the rulers did not allow their jews to leave? Well, the Israelis still knew how to smuggle.

These people were needed to build a nation that had so much work to do, but had so little to work with. Already, with so many refugees, the Israeli economy was on austerity measures, rationing food and other amenities while feeding as many people as they could into the kibbutzim and moshavim, communal farming enclaves that dotted Israel, clearing the land, draining swamps and trying to make the desert, lain fallow for thousands of years, bloom again.

The flights from Cyprus were the Jews of the Diaspora; A political liability at best, unless one was the United States, at turns unwanted, reviled or outright scapegoated for the second world war, one of the most victimized classes of people in the world, derided for having no home, no true loyalty to the lands they inhabited. After the war, they were shuffled from death camps to refugee camps, sometimes the latter occupying the sites of the former. At times, in attempts of mass escape, they were returned to these sites, notably by the British, whose policy, at the direction of the hated British foreign secretary Bevin, was to keep the Jews out out Palestine, even if it meant dumping them into Germany. In a twist of bitter irony, the British even had the temerity to intern Jews at Dachau -- one of the most infamous names of recent history. Those days were over; they had a place to go, away from the haunted graveyard of Europe.

These were the Jews of the Diaspora, come home at last to Israel, their nation, where a Jew would never have to bow his head in shame again. But there was a lot of work to be done. An economy in shambles, threats all around, and a people to heal. Old/new nation, old/new hatreds.

Summary
- Israel is established May of 1948, and is subsequently invaded by the forces from six Arab nations (Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia) at once.
- Israel prevails in the 1948 war and is recognized as a sovereign entity in July 1949 with the conclusion of military actions (a huge and unexpected Arab loss.)
- Previously, emigration of Jewish refugees into the Palestinian Mandate was restricted by the British Empire, who maintained authority over the land. After the Arab-Israeli war, immigration for Jews was thrown open to settle Israel.
- Meanwhile, Arabs that fled Palestine during the fighting are not allowed back in. They are being put into refugee camps and kept there.
- Jerusalem, the titular capital of Israel, is held by Israeli and Jordanian forces, split in a way very similar to Berlin.

[Vortex]

Despite the devastating affects on most nations the country of Sweden actually benefitted from the war, despite many casualties on both fronts. Sweden maintained a neutral diplomatic policy which allowed them to profit from both Allies and Axis. This war profiteering unfortunately came to a end for Sweden but their economy was still on a high and during the war Sweden was host to thousands of immigrants, Jews in particular, fleeing war and they are now thankful to Sweden and are proud to call themselves Swedish not matter their previous identity. Thanks to this boost in population Sweden was now considered a quite powerhouse, not on the same level of industry as Russia or the US but was one exported millions of iron I each year to all countries. Swedens generousity did not end at home however, for while every one was fighting one another Sweden was gaining allies in the third world supporting impoverished governments such as Cuba, Brazil, China.

[Rare]

"Liberté, égalité, fraternité" - French Republic's Motto

Paris, France, January, 1, 1950.
Paris was back to normal after the German and Italian occupation, which caused France to surrender within days. Crowds of people walked all across Paris for The Arc de Triomphe to The Eiffel Tower, where once Hitler was seen in a picture. Under the Fourth Republic, it had improved France's economy, institutions, and industry; it also rebuilt Paris and other areas that were damaged badly. But another war could happen and President Vincent Auriol didn't want France to surrender again to a powerful foe, yet it had to keep its colonies under control. But in Indochina, a rebellion was launched in 1949 and Auriol wanted the war to end as soon as they can. He sent around 100,000 active troops to Indochina and prevent the communists from taking Indochina. He knew that China and the Soviet Union were supporting the rebels, but France had the United States as a supporter as well and wanted United Kingdoms as a supporter as well. A letter of support was sent to the United Kingdoms in hopes of support in the Indochina campaign by giving them arms. Another nation that Auriol thought about was Israel, their friend after supporting them Israeli to statehood in 1948. He sent them a letter for an arms deal to improve their relationship. Auriol also told to improve factories in order to bring in more money and ask the public for donations to the Indochina campaign.

Dear Prime Minister Attlee of United Kingdoms,

We are in need of support over at Indochina, we're losing it to the rebels. I fear that the communist nations will turn Indochina into a communist nation. We don't want another war five years after the Second World War. We are only asking is for arms, weapons that could help destroy the rebels and push out the communist. Think about it before its too late.

In solidarity, Vincent Auriol, President of France.

Dear Prime Minister Ben-Gurion of Israeli,

As a friendly nation coming one to another, we are here for any decisions that you make for the good of your country. We are here because of an arms deal to eachother to show that we're still supporting Israeli while some haven't. We are ready to give you economic aid when damage has happen to your nation's economy.

Vincent Auriol, President of France.

Summary
-Paris is rebuilt due to the Fourth Republic, while other cities are being rebuilt.
-Auriol wants to destroy the rebellion in Indochina.
-50% of the 222,215 active troops left for Indochina (111,107 left in France).
-Auriol wrote to the United Kingdoms for support and Israeli for an arms deal to improve relations.
-Auriol asked to improve the factories and asked the public to donate to the Indochina campaign.

[gowia]

January 1950
Rome, the Italian Republic


“Good people of this Italian Republic, it has been four years since the despotic rule of Umberto II was ended, democracy and freedom have prevailed as we bring in this new age of prosperity. This is why we were present at the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, to show our support in the destruction of oppressive regimes still ever present across Europe.”
-A speech from Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi on the new year.

With the Italian Parliament’s birth Italy was beginning to enjoy a sustained period of economic growth despite the recent reparations paid out, this was thanks to smart money handling along with generous help from the Americans in the form of the Dawes Plan. However the Italian peninsula was still in terrible condition and had an army that was nowhere near the size of similar European countries’. Along with this Italy’s colonial lands had been taken in the end of the second world war, some of which had been taken in times long before the tyrannical rule of Mussolini, creating a feeling of anger within the masses as they felt they had been punished more than their due.

In response to the lack of soldiers Italy began a campaign to try and draw more men into the army. The rising power of the communists to the North East meant that Italy was inadequately prepared to aid their NATO allies in times of war. A media recruitment campaign would begin along with special monetary bonuses and clauses for milestones in the number of years men spent in service. However Italy was in no place to spend that much money so soon after their fragile economy had only just been repaired. To allow for this a letter was first penned to the president of the United States of America. Furthermore the aid could be used to help rebuild the agriculture of Italy. Farms had been levelled and the countryside was in ruins, however farm subsidies would be a great help in combating any hunger that may befall the peninsula.

To: Harry S Truman
From: Alcide De Gasperi
Mr President, the Italian government is eternally thankful for the aid you provide to us through the Dawes Plan however we are still in a poor state and so we must again ask for your generous aid. Our military is barely enough to maintain order within our own borders, barely capable of combating the growing threat of communism. I humbly request that you provide us with monetary aid and weapons so as to allow to the fast recruitment of another 2 battalions to join the Italian Army. We hope to have men ready for combat by the end of the year with your aid however we feel we may soon fall behind other nations and become more of a burden than an aid if we are allowed to do that. Furthermore our countryside and farms have become so damaged and destroyed during your liberation of our soil from that snake, Mussolini, that we may suffer from shortages in the next few years. If you would be able to provide us with a small agriculture subsidy per year it would allow us to direct more of our own personal wealth into the other aspects of the nation to allow for more growth. I hope to hear back from you post hate.
Yours, Alcide De Gasperi.

[Pepschep]

Comrades! As we enter the year 1950, the blessings of this years are already evident! The fourth five-year plan is already coming to fruition, despite only four years having passed since the beginning of it! The industrious nature of the Soviet people has astonished me once again, knowing that in your powerful hands the future of socialism and peace is safe. This industrious nature is needed once again as the revolution continues. In accordance with comrade Lenin's words, "Communism is Soviet government plus the electrification of the whole country. Otherwise the country will remain a country of small peasant economy, and it is up to us to realize this quite clearly." With our motherland still reeling from the Great Patriotic War, we must see to it that power generation be restored to pre-war level as soon as we can. To aid in achieving this, Great Construction Projects will be started. We shall build great hydroelectric stations near Stalingrad, Kuybyshev, Tsimlyansk, and Tsimlyansk. We shall build a canal between the Volga and Don rivers to ease the navigation between these mighty rivers. But what is equally important is the food security of the Soviet people, and to ensure this we shall make great irrigation projects in the Crimea, Southern Ukraine, and in Central Asia. Your complete dedication to the Great October Socialist Revolution is required for the betterment of our country, as the resources for its completion are present both from our motherland itself and from our comrades to the west, who are ever grateful to us for their liberation from the fascist yoke. Soon, when it all gets better for us, we shall aid them too.


Communism shall move forward under the leadership of the Great Stalin!

But it is not only they who must be aided. In the east, the earth has trembled as my dearest friend, Chairman Mao of the Chinese Communist Party, has done the will of his people and established the People's Republic of China! It is the sacred duty of the Soviet Union to aid the establishment of success, peace and socialism in China through helping it modernise in all respects! Comrade Mao, I hereby pledge that for as long as I live I shall aid communism in China! Long live the brotherhood between our two countries and peoples!

Further to the south, the peasants of Indochina have risen up in revolt against their slave-owning scum from France! The French do not seem to realise they are no longer welcome in Indochina, and do not only insist on enslaving the Indochinese but also themselves, as a nation that opresses the freedom of another nation can not be free itself. I send my best wishes to the free men and women of Indochina, for their struggle shall surely succeed like that of the free men and women of Indonesia before them. Your are fighting for your homeland against a broken colonial power who, unlike Britain in India, has yet to accept that their time is over.

If any foreign military aid is given to France in this colonialist struggle in any form whatsoever, I speak on behalf of both the Soviet Union and China that we shall respond with aid to the Vietnamese freedom fighters.

-Iosif Vissarionovich Stalin, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU.

[Byrd Man]

To: Alcide De Gasperi
From: Harry S Truman

Dear Prime Minister,

I received your message and, after much deliberation, the United States government has decided to tentatively increase Marshall Plan foreign aid to the good people of Italy. In exchange for money, weapons, and agricultural subsides, we ask in return to install three United States military bases in northern Italy. Two of these bases would be turned over to the Italian Republic at a later date, when they have the manpower to properly staff it. If you find this proposal agreeable, please contact Ambassador Dunn in Rome to open preliminary negotiations. Secretary Acheson and his staff can be there within three days time to carry out full negotiations on behalf of the White House. It is my sincere wish to continue the close diplomatic ties between the Italian Republic and the United States, and hope our future ventures prove to be as fruitful as the ones of the recent past.

Sincerely,

Harry S Truman

[Omega]

January 1, 1950
1822 Local Time, 1922 Warszawa Time
43 Eaton place, London England

Deep within the President in Exile's residence, in a well furnished room as a fire crackled in a corner two men sat on opposite side of a thick oak table. August Zaleski read over a paper Leszak Kucharski had handed him. He again looked up from the paper at the man, this the representative of the Communist government in Poland. He sat calmly just watching the President in Exile despite the fact that many in the building wanted the man lynched. Finally he spoke, "How do i know this is not some Soviet trick? A ploy to get the entire Government in Exile and the Polish Armed Forces within arms reach to be removed?"

Before the Communist representative could speak another man who had stood in the corner glowering thus far spoke up suddenly and sharply, "That is all it is, Berling is a defector who sold out his country for power from the Soviets and is now just their dog like all the others."

Leszak just smiled at the outburst, "Anders I can understand your feelings fully, as does Berling, with that in mind I have a special note just for you," with that he took an envelope out of his jacket he wore over his suit and laid it on the table though made no effort to get closer to the military officer and Anders made no attempt to do anything but glower at the Communist, "I also have a special message for all free Poles, change is in the wind. If you do not trust me now simply wait a few days for news to reach you as events transpire. As for you Ander's please recall whatever men you have left fifty to a hundred thousand men may be needed in the near future."

January 2, 1950
0305 Local Time
Near Warszawa, Poland

In an action replicated all over Poland Sierżant Aleksy Zajac led a squad of men towards the NKVD barracks house in the darkest hours of the night. The soldiers outside the doors fell in with the others behind him as they approached the thick doors. Looking back at the men behind him he saw only conviction in their eyes, they were taking a great step for Poland today and could afford no mistakes. Raising his booted foot he kicked in the door and quickly rushed in, raising his Mosin-Nagant rifle to his shoulder, there was a single NKVD man standing near the door but was quickly laid out by a savage butt strike to his face. His men fanned out throughout the barracks house bringing rifles to bear on the hastily awoken and groggy NKVD agents. With bayonets to their backs the NKVD agents were swiftly rounded up throughout the building. As they began to march them outside to waiting trucks Aleksy could not be more happy to have not heard a single rifle shot, the NKVD had been smart enough not to try to fight back he only hoped it held true throughout the rest of the nation as Soviet NKVD, military officers, and other personnel were rounded up to be deported to the Soviet Union. Today was a turning point for Poland, either they would regain autonomy from the USSR or be removed from existence by them.

January 2, 1950
0355 Local Time
Presidential Palace, Warszawa, Poland

Sitting behind his desk President Zygmunt Berling read through report after report as they came in, everything had gone more smoothly than expected. The Soviet troops had been caught with their pants down. They had expected anti-Communist forces if anything to strike and instead the soldiers they were supposed to be commanding had turned on them and so far the entire NKVD presence and every Soviet officer was on their way out of the country, Polish officers were taking over with the now absent Soviet ones and a shot had yet to be fired. It was now down to Stalin's response. Berling's thoughts were interrupted by a rapping at his door, "Enter," he yelled and the door opened up to permit a single man to enter. Dressed his parade best Konstantin Rokossovsky strode up to the president's desk and saying nothing stood before him.

"Konstantin Rokossovsky, Polish born, Soviet bred, between two worlds and disliked in both. You are perfect for me," at this the man at last showed some surprise though the president went on unabated, "As you may have noticed Soviet officers and NKVD are being removed from their posts along with any other noteworthy USSR presence. This does not need to be permanent but for now need to be done. We are not braking from the USSR's sphere but cannot survive in the way we are now. Increased autonomy is the term of this day. I want you to be my bridge to Moscow I want you to personally deliver my words to Stalin's ear and in time you may regain you position as Marshal of Poland, for now it will remain vacant unless a man of your stature can be found to fill it or you prove your loyalty to Poland over Stalin. For now though, go to Stalin, tell him that Poland will be free from his control but that we will work with him. We want Soviet industry, we want Soviet guns and tanks, we want if necessary Soviet protection from the west but while we will do our part to help Stalin in his goals of expanding his reach his power in Poland will never be absolute so long as any free Pole lives. Can you do that?"

Konstantin did not respond, he instead turned on his heel to head out, President Berling did not need a response, he knew the man would deliver his words to Stalin for good or ill. In the mean time he looked down at force dispositions, they were not pretty, surrounded on all sides as they were, but Poland was ready this time, with Soviet guns and Soviet tanks Poland would endure his lifetime.

[SaintArey]

Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.

To the nations and peoples of the world we send greetings and pledge ourselves to cooperate with them in furthering peace, freedom and democracy.

And to India, our much-loved motherland, the ancient, the eternal and the ever-new, we pay our reverent homage and we bind ourselves afresh to her service. Jai Hind

[MagnificentOne]

Comrades!

Let us hold our heads high for 1950. In a little more than three years, the people of the whole country have closed their ranks, rallied to support the People's Liberation Army, and won an astounding victory against the reactionary forces of the Kuomintang government! The war upon the mainland has basically been won, and only Taiwan and Tibet remain to be liberated, but this task still involves serious struggle. In certain areas on the mainland the Kuomintang reactionaries have resorted to bandit guerilla warfare and incited some backward elements against the People's Republic. They have organized many secret agents and spies to oppose our government and spread rumours among the people in an attempt to undermine the prestige of the Communist Party and the People's Republic, and to disrupt our unity and peace. These secret agents and spies are also engaged in sabotaging the people's economic undertakings, assassinating the personnel of the Party and government organizations and collecting intelligence for the imperialists and the Kuomintang reactionaries. It is a well known fact that the Kuomintang are merely the running dogs of the imperialists! All these bandits, secret agents and spies are merely imperialist lackeys. Despite their stubborn resistance, let it be known that the running dogs shall be crushed! Never again shall the forces of China be swept by the Kuomintang counter-revolutionaries. The people made their choice between the bright future that the Communist Party will deliver, and the world of darkness that the Kuomintang would have delivered - and they made their choice.

Has the dictatorial Chiang Kai-Shek government forgotten the decisive victories in the three great campaigns of Liaohsi-Shenyang, Huai-Hai and Peiping-Tientsin in the winter of 1948? It was during such revolutionary campaigns that the People's Liberation Army wiped out 1,830,000 troops of the reactionary Kuomintang and 980,000 of its bandit guerilla forces. Large numbers of reactionary secret service groups and agents have been located by our own forces - and for the counter-revolutionary acts of oppressing the peasants and undermining the People's Government, they have been dealt with appropriately. In the new liberated areas, the present task of the People's Liberation Army is to continue to wipe out the remnant bandits and that of the People's Public Security Organs is to continue to strike at the enemy's secret service groups. The great majority of the people throughout the country warmly support the Communist Party, the People's Government and the People's Liberation Army. Our nation-wide front against imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucratic-capitalism shall achieve final victory against the reactionary Kuomintang!

Comrades, let us not forget our friends across the world. I am genuinely pleased to hear of Comrade Stalin's warm support of our People's Republic. Not only is he a teacher and a friend to the people of China, but he is a teacher and a friend to the people of all the world! His extremely outstanding and extensive contributions to the cause of communism has been vital contributions to Marxist-Leninist theory. In the arduous struggle to resist their oppressors, the Chinese people have become deeply appreciative of the importance of Comrade Stalin's friendship. Under the leadership of Comrade Stalin, the working class of the world may achieve great unprecedented solidarity. Long live the great Stalin, leader of the world's working class and of the international Communist movement!

The world front of peace and democracy headed by the Soviet Union is stronger than it was last year. The people's movement for peace and against war has made headway in all countries. Despite such calls for peace on earth, it is unfortunate that, in particular, the colonialist schemes of the French Republic work against the wishes of the people. But the growing people's liberation struggles of the oppressed nations can not be crushed so easily, unlike the paper tigers of the French imperialists. The Chinese people stand by the people of Indochina who under the great leadership of Comrade Ho Chi Minh are sure to attain a glorious victory for an independent and flourishing country!

The Chinese people must stand united. Let us safeguard fruits of victory of the people's revolution, and let us persist in the people's democratic dictatorship and unite with our foreign friends. By our own indomitable efforts we the Chinese people shall overcome all difficulties in achieving a prosperous country standing equal amongst our socialist brothers.

Mao Zedong
Chairman of the Communist Party of China

[Ozymandias]

Finland
I

'We are no longer Swedes, we cannot become Russians, let us therefore be Finns in thought, feeling and deed.'

January 1950

Nearly six years had passed since the end of the Continuation War and nearly ten since the end of the Winter War; a major turning point for Finland. For several hundred years Finland had been under the control of Sweden and later Russia as the Grand Duchy of Finland until thirty three years ago. Finland had finally become an independent nation in its own right. Following major fighting against the Soviet Union in the late thirties and early forties Finland had been devastated by war and many people lived in poverty, particularly in the more rural north. Major industrialisation had proved a huge boost to Finland's economy in more recent years however. The final train carrying war reparations to Russia in the form of machinery would soon pass through Vainikkala station and with it the last of Finland's debt to the Soviets would be paid. Mass migration to the Southern lands, particularly around Helsinki, had given Finland a much larger workforce to bolster their economy. Prime Minister Kekkonen had followed in his predecessors footsteps by maintaining neutrality via trade with both NATO and Warsaw Pact nations.

The world was rapidly changing. Countries previously under tyrannical or colonial rule were separating and becoming independent nations much like Finland itself. While Finland was still a small nation it had proved during the Winter War that it was not a weak nation to be trampled on by the great powers any longer. Provided previous belligerent nations did not attempt to attack Finland again it would have the time needed to repair, rebuild and restructure itself into a modern nation; perhaps not equal in size to nations like France or the United States but certainly equal in quality. With the final train to the Soviet Union arriving later in January Finland would be able to focus more of its industry on itself, towards progressing its own development and towards increasing trade with foreign powers. Due to Finland's precarious geographical position this trade was vital to maintain neutrality in the coming years lest another war break out; for which the while the Finnish forces were prepared the Finnish people were not.

[flylittlecat]

My fellow Countrymen,

This year our people shall greet the 5th Anniversary of the liberation of our country. On this great historical occasion, our people must look back with warm hearts upon the tireless efforts and great achievements made in our country in such a short time. However, despite our great progress we must not allow ourselves to forget the horrors which we have escaped. Our people suffered under the brutal Japanese occupation which inflicted untold disasters upon us, and we must remember that our brethren in the South still suffer the calamity of occupation to this day! Though we are fortunate in having obtained our own liberation, the U.S. Imperialists in the guise of aiding have unrepentantly divided our country and enslaved our fellow countrymen in the same way that the Imperialist Japanese did before them.

Countrymen, we cannot allow this to continue! The pain and suffering caused by this division must be ended. We must be prepared to put all our hearts and souls into the task of national reunification. To reunify out country is not only a noble task, but also the revolutionary duty and moral obligation of all our party and people. It is a question of putting an end to the foreign domination which has plagued our country once and for all, of restoring our lost sovereignty and once again linking the blood ties of our divided nation. It is a sacred national task that must be fulfilled no matter what difficulties and obstacles may stand in our way, for if our nation - which has lived as a homogenous nation in this land of ours for thousands of years - remains divided by foreign forces, it will be impossible to avoid further misfortune and calamities that come with foreign domination and subjugation!

I therefore call upon all people to devote themselves to the cause of national reunification! Let those with strength to devote their strength and let those with knowledge offer their knowledge and together, you, the Korean people from all walks of life will act as a beacon, and a source of courage to our occupied brothers. With the mind of loving the nation, we will set out courageously on the road to unity!

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

[Pepschep]

January 2nd, 1950
1026 Warsaw time


Marshal Rokossovsky has informed us that treasonous political elements in Poland have succumbed to the poisonous lies of NATO. The Soviet Army stationed in and around Poland shall do all that it deems necessary to save the revolution we have brought. Comrade Rokossovsky of the Soviet and Polish peoples alike that he quickly informed Comrade Stalin and the Soviet Army of this counter-revolutionary clique running Poland before they could strike. Comrades of the Polish Army, stay inside your barracks and wait for this to blow over. Your Soviet comrades shall see to it that true proletarian democracy shall be restored to Polish lands soon. Listen to the Soviet officers in charge, as they are in contact with the remainder of the Soviet army. Czechoslovakian and East German comrades, be prepared to aid us in our struggle for socialism, as the counter-revolutionary fascists of Poland threaten your countries too! Do not worry, as we're ready to face all threats to our world. Polish comrades, do not oppose the Soviet Army as they come to liberate you from fascism once again! Soon the normal situation shall return. Stay inside your homes to prevent any further bloodshed. The Berling clique will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

-Aleksandr Vasilevsky, Minister of the Armed Forces of the USSR.

[Jannah]

January 5th, 1950
East Berlin, German Democratic Republic

Despite the forced demilitarization that had been forced upon Germany after their defeat, Wilhelm Pieck himself had vowed to once again mobilize German forces. There were plenty of threats against the people and all they had accomplished, most notably the United States and their imperialist lackys. Of course, one too that sat right within the DDR's midst. BRD, the Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Certainly they too served to undermine all that the people had accomplished. Either way it was not a risk The Party wanted to take, so behind closed doors and careful guidance rearming began...

Without a second thought, letters were sent out to all of the Warsaw Pact in an attempt to obtain aid in rearmament. Certainly all those under the guidance of the people would sympathize with their struggling brothers and sisters in Germany; Moscow could train the troops while others could manufacture weapons. In return, the DDR was intending to offer trade deals. Those were fair proposals The Party awaited responses on while carrying out what tasks they could. Still, West Berlin didn't slip Pieck's mind though. It was only reasonable that, being within DDR territory, that it was taken under DDR control.

Recent events in both Korea and Indochina also managed to capture The Party's attention. Despite everything happening in Europe, there were people's struggles elsewhere. Korea had won theirs, but there was still the lingering threat of the South. America had managed to annex it well under the guise of freedom. Those all across the Warsaw Pact knew otherwise though and now it was only a matter of time until the two went to war once again. Naturally, those in the DDR could only hope for a unified socialist Korea, being powerless to aid the situation. Still, it was something the leading officials intended to keep their eye on. Of course there was the situation in Indochina too, another struggle the leading officials knew they were powerless to get involved in. At the very moment they were fighting for their freedom from years of colonial oppression and should they request aid The Party knew that much of the Warsaw Pact was likely to jump right on board. Yet another situation to watch closely.

[Mr_Wiki_96]

"Pravda vítězí"-"Truth prevails"

"My fellow citizens. We have had great change to our nation in the past couple of years. We have reformed into a communist state for the future of our great nation. Our friends, the Soviets, have lent us their hand in joining with them to form a great union of nations that will heal the cracks that have been left after the great war years ago. Stalin has gave us a shield to protect us. You must welcome your new brothers and sisters with open arms and seize this new opportunity for many years to come. I will lead with a steady hand, to calm you when you need it most. I am not just a leader, but a friend. To new partnerships!"

Antonín Zápotocký's speech to the people for the new decade

Communism was indeed a bright new future for the people of Czechoslovakia. We have the Soviets as an ally and this'll help us to prosper with the rest of the Warsaw pact. The change has caused numerous cutbacks on the military of my country. To help with the payments towards the Soviets, we have had to lay off over half our military. We have been meaning to persecute some of the traitors anyway after some of them fought for the Westerners many years ago. We cannot afford to lose our friendship with the Soviets, and we have even discharged some units that haven't been fighting for the Westerners but the Soviets have an army of immense power and if we have them by our side, no NATO country will dare invade.

To help with payments, we have an impressive metallurgic industry that we shall try and use to our fullest extent to support this countries economies. Due to payments, we cannot afford to make anymore factories. We cannot let our economy fall due to greed. We must play it smart and safe and choose who to deal with and when. The Soviets have released a statement concerning the Polish as they are resisting the cleanse of the good of Communism. They are fools for trying to oppose Stalin's Iron fist. It will be their downfall for doing so. This is a great opportunity to improve relations with Russia and gains some income as well. We will help supply the Soviet troops with a foray of weapons to help put the Polish in their place. No battle is happening just yet but the Soviets will be on stand by. The president gets a letter ready to send to Stalin.

Dear comrade

We have heard of the recent actions of the Polish government and will like to inform you that are fully behind you in case military action is needed. We have an impressive metallurgic industry and would like to help supply the Soviet troops. This will save you resources in using your own factories. This trading will help benefit both our countries and will help stamp out the fascism that is arising in Poland. These weapons are high-quality and has been tested and used effectively in training. In return for these weapons we only request a 25% decrease in the payments that we pay to you for your protection. This offer is negotiable and I hope we can come to an agreement that benefit both our countries.

Long live Communism

Sincerely

Antonín Zápotocký

[Pepschep]

Comrade Zápotocký

We thank you for your offer of support, and this noble gesture can not be left unrewarded. I shall see to it that a 33% decrease in payments shall be realised as soon as possible would you aid our armed forces in the Krakow area.

With brotherly greetings,

Joseph Stalin

[gowia]

January 1950
Rome, the Italian Republic

With the swift reply of President Truman the Italian government had worked long into the night. The Americans gracious delivery of their demands had meant a new start in Italy. The demands made were fair and in fact by establishing these bases it would give Italy further security in the future when the two bases were handed over. Alcide was already in a car on his way to meet with Ambassador Dunn, hoping to plan out the location of the bases quickly and begin the flow of funds before the month was out. Furthermore with the confirmation of new military funds and weapons the Italian branch of government meant to deal with recruitment was in overdrive attempting to push out a new campaign for bringing in fresh faces. ‘Pace, libertà e Forza’, appealing to the newly democratic people of Italy’s sense of self-determination. This new campaign also came with the advertisement of monetary gifts to those who serve 5 years in the army and a pension for those who serve 10 years, along with smaller gifts for extra accolades. Finally the farming subsidies have encouraged farmers to invest more into the rebuilding of their countryside and so large efforts are now going into the reconstruction of farmland and pastures.

[Byrd Man]

Due to recent events in Poland, I have to canceled leave for any United States military personnel stationed in West Germany and West Berlin. All branches of service stationed in the area have been put on high-alert. The Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of Defense Marshall will monitor the situation in Poland as it progresses. This move is done for potential defensive purposes only. Prime Minister Atlee has agreed to do the same with the British troops stationed in West Germany. I have not heard from President Auriol yet, but I encourage the French Republic to follow suit with the rest of the Western Allies of Germany and watch towards the east with a cautious eye, and a defensive mind.

-- Harry Truman

[HeySeuss]

בתחבולות תעשה לך מלחמה
By way of deception, thou shalt do war.
- Unofficial motto of the Mossad

January 6th 1950

American relations with the Israelis were warm, though tempered by the realities of economics -- the Americans supported and needed the House of Saud and could not become too cozy with the Israelis unless something changed. But the reports of what was coming out of Poland was that change, and in the crisis came, in the Chinese sense, an opportunity. And it was Eliyahu Eilat, that experienced, talented diplomat, who managed the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC and oversaw the delicate dance of relationship with the United States, which hosted a strong and wealthy Jewish diaspora community that were the primary charitable contributors to Israel now that the wealth of European Jewry was plundered by the SS during the Holocaust.

But the documents he was forwarding were not fundraising documents-- instead, they were forwarded to the desk of Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the White House, detailing a proposal.

"Mr. President,

My government is naturally aware of the events in Poland and Eastern Europe, seeing as so many of our people have roots there. As the crisis develops, the State of Israel is willing to support the United States in this matter with the considerable resources of our intelligence agency, who continue to have strong contacts in the regions many of us call our former homes with people we still call our allies. If, in return, the security concerns of the State of Israel can be allayed in any way, you would find us grateful allies.

In regards,
David Ben-Gurion,
Prime Minister of Israel."

Of course, that was one half the offensive -- the other was the offer of resources and tentative proposals for support pipelines and intelligence gathering, the mobilization of American Jewish support to rally to the President's cause, and a strong weapon to wield against Russia -- the plight of the Jews. Visitors were sent to the Hill and, of course, to offices in the Cannon and Ford Office buildings, which housed the House of Representatives, and Russell Senate Office building. Aides were spoken to quietly, and the effort was under way.

This was the crisis and opportunity the Israelis hoped and prayed for, an answer to the existential threats to their nation.