[IC] The Iron Curtain: A Cold War NRP

[gowia]

Kingdom of Egypt

---

March, 1950

”And so it is I, your glorious and exultant king, that be the one to inform you, the great citizens of Egypt and the Sudan that British forces are withdrawing from our lands as we speak. After the recent outbreaks of crime and violence that I, of course, do not condone I am happy to see an end to the bloodshed and the mayhem. I hope that with this we can move forward into a new age of prosperity and glory.”
-Sultan Faruk I making a speech to the population after the British withdrawal.

With Egypt finally free from all foreign powers it was time to begin making it a power in this world. However there were still problems on the home front that Faruk needed to deal with. The leftist groups that had become armed during the anti-British push were continuing their work only this time attacking the Sultans private grounds. His palaces were attacked and on more than one occasion basic assassination attempts were made. It seemed that people were still not happy with the way his country was ruled. Police officers were given permission to detain individuals without good cause and they were also given permission to randomly search people’s property and belongings if they had any inclination of an illegal agenda. This would only make the populace angrier as with the increased police authority more liberal groups begun to seek out illegal means of fighting the regime alongside their legal methods of protest. The prisons all across Egypt are now filled to the brim and Faruk had nowhere else to put the suspected criminals. A new plan was put forward by Prime Minister Nahhas, the state acquisition of the Suez Canal. Until British withdrawal it had been a British possession however now it had fallen into the private hands of those who lived around it. By taking the canal it would give Faruk somewhere to send the less ‘volatile’ inmates whilst increasing the countries revenue, and so on the 7th of March Egyptian soldiers were marched into the Suez area, evicted all of the people living in and around the canal and claimed it for the Egyptian government as a possession of the state, placing 2,000 prisoners in work camps around the canal for manual labour and repairs. This of course only made people even more furious with the Faruk regime and even more willing to go to any length to have him abdicate.

On a more positive note with the acquisition of the Suez Canal Egypt was able to place a tariff on all ships passing through in an effort to bring in a profit from it. A charter was drawn up and sent to all countries that would use the canal or had done previously.

The Suez International Charter
As of the 7th of March the Suez International Charter is now in effect, the following terms will be placed on all vessels indiscriminately when using the canal.
-Firstly all vessels must undergo a strict inspection by the canal authorities to assure the Egyptian peoples that no illegal objects or people are being smuggled in.
-Secondly any vessels wanting to access the canal must send their intention to do so to the canal authorities at least 12 hours before arrival.
-Thirdly any country wishing to use the canal for the transportation of military personnel or equipment must seek direct permission from the Egyptian government before departure.
-Fourthly all ships using the canal must pay a Usage Tax which should be to the value of 10% of their cargo. If the amount cannot be paid then it may be billed to the country or company of the ships origin and expected to be paid in full within a fortnight.
-Any ship that fails these rules shall be denied access and docking. Failure to heed the orders of the canal authorities and this charter will result in warning shots being fired and failure to follow orders after this will cause canal authorities to open fire on the vessel in self-defence.
Exceptions may be made for certain countries or companies if a deal can be struck between themselves and the Kingdom of Egypt. For example a Canal License may be bought; this will allow a single ship to use the canal for a year tax free. The price of this will vary depending on the size of the ship and its cargo. However they will have to submit to all of the other laws regarding the canal.
Signed King Faruk I of Egypt and the Sudan

Finally a letter of thanks was drawn up to Clement Attlee.

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

I thank you for you quick and hasty response to my plea, I did not want to make this an international issue however we have had difficulties in the past when dealing on the international stage and so I did not want to repeat mistakes my former leaders made. As a token of my gratitude for your withdrawal I am happy to half the tariff on British ships going through the Suez Canal for the next year. I hope we are not at a stage of disdain for each other because of the recent events.

Summary
With British withdrawal from Egyptian lands people celebrate.
Extremist groups continue to fight, attacking the regime now.
Egypt has taken ownership of the Suez Canal and introduced The Suez International Charter.
A message of thanks has been sent to Clement Attlee for withdrawing British forces.

[Jonesy]

February 25th, 1950

It had been six days of fighting, six entire days of non stop combat between Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Batista Loyalists. The mountain range south of Santa Clara provided excellent cover for covert ops, ironically concealing the Cuban revolutionaries in their early days. Now entire forts have been erected against the Revolutionary Army, using the same raiding techniques to stockpile weapons and armaments. The tip had came in early February, a large loyalist fort had been established in the mountain ranges. With the assumption that these rebels were being supported by American operatives, a large force of 1,200 men was sent to liberate the stronghold. What started out as a painful trek through guerrilla infested territory ended up in a final, desperate stand by the supporters of the old regime.

It was Commandante Fernández' order to start shelling the fort indiscriminately, the array of guns trailing six days behind the army's main force through the mountain ranges. As the Cuban's heavy howitzers began to open up on the encampment, civilians and soldiers alike began to flood from the main gate. Some of the CRA soldiers were mortified as they saw civilian barracks blown up, their night time inhabitants burnt to a crisp in the resulting inferno. Under Fernandez' orders, each and every resident, barring the women and children were to be processed as enemies of the State. The children were released into orphanage custody.

As correspondence came back from Fidel, he held mixed emotions. Although this would send a clear message, it also categorized Cuban forces as brutal and uncaring. He did not want the good citizens to fear the army, rather to trust it in the fact that it will keep it safe. Two more letters sat open on his desk, both of which brought him promising news. In the current events, including American pressure, good news was rather common. His newly found trading partners of Canada, East Germany, and other like-minded nations would be enough to sustain them, though their trade was still sliding to a painful recessive state.

The first letter, an unnofficial letter from Brazilian revolutionaries made him grin. In the bowels of a nation that was progressively sucking the Imperialist's tit was a simmering revolution, not much different from the fight that the Cuban people had fought not long ago. The messenger, Jose, that the letter had came with seemed haggard from the long journey, finding the evasion of American vessels to be much more dangerous. Castro had put him up in one of the guest rooms of his own home, showing him the luxuries of a foreign diplomat.

Beginning a new letter on his stationary, Fidel Castro began drafting an official document to one "Luis Prestes".

Luis Prestes,

It heartens me to see the simmering of revolution in your home country, much in the same way that the Cuban people had freed themselves from the American puppeteers. As with every revolution, it requires roots and a dedicated people, both of which I am confident that you are. Although officially supporting your cause is not possible at this time, I will be sending two dozen of my revolutionaries to Brazil to meet with your people. Lead by Teniente Carlos Barretto, these men will work to assist your cause in both training and recruitment techniques. They have been with me since day one, and will meet with you with assistance from your courier. Additionally, firearms and rations will be supplied to help you in the short term. I look forward to hearing news of your glorious revolution in the coming years, and wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. As our situation becomes less stressful, I will seek to send you more support.

Respectfully,
Fidel Castro

After this, he was delighted to read the correspondence from East Berlin, the speed of their interactions impressing him. After folding up his previous letter, he began on the second one.

To Wilhelm Pieck,

Your offer is not only generous, but it brings joy to myself and the people of Cuba. With the American embargo on our goods, our primary industries are being tested and are failing with our lack of trade. With this letter, I will be sending dignitaries to your nation to solidify contracts and promptly begin trade. I would be pleased to see you send dignitaries in return, allowing us to have increased correspondence abilities and a visible presence in each other's nations. As to the shipments of arms, we accept them with open arms. I fear that an attempt by the American government to overthrow the Republic is imminent, and the shipments of arms will assist us in preparing for it. We are actively training soldiers, and our lack of firearms has our newest recruits put into service without weaponry.

Additionally, our nation's small repertoire of armored vehicles, primarily tanks, is in a state of disrepair following our battles. We would be willing to organize a purchase of any armored units that can be provided by yourself or the Soviet Union. If we are to defend ourselves from capitalist aggression, we must modernize our primarily ground based forces.

Respectfully,
Fidel Castro

[MagnificentOne]

March 1st, 1950
Zhongnanhai, Beijing, People's Republic of China

The sun was setting after a long day, beckoning many of China's people to return home to a relaxing night - but for some, work wasn't finished. The Chairman inhaled a deep breath of smoke as he leaned over a map of the old Qing Dynasty, observing the lands once formerly ruled by the Chinese empire. Flicking away the burning remains of his cigarette, he picked a delicate brush and with a dip in red paint, began to surround the isle of Taiwan with a slender circle. It was there where his most wretched enemy lay, cowering behind a corrupt and bloated military whose commanders lorded over the greatest trauma faced by the Chinese people: namely the Warlord Era. Ever spiteful of the popularity enjoyed by the communists - popularity earned by taking efforts to better the livelihood of the Chinese people, rather than offering an empty personality cult revolving around a shrivelled Chiang - the Kuomintang had stubbornly clung to power upon their little island. There, their brutality had been unleashed upon the local people, and the Chairman had felt nothing but remorse for those innocent Chinese so brutally slaughtered by Chiang Kai-shek's mercenaries during the 2/28 Incident.

The Chairman knew something had to be done, of course, to not only truly reunite all people of China but to bring this rampaging war criminal to justice. The lives lost in decades of tragedies since 1927 would finally be avenged, and the Chinese people would finally be at peace after so long. But to facilitate this, the Chiang Kai-shek regime had to be crushed. Their past peace offerings had either been traitorous attempts to either sell the country out, or pleas for mercy after the tides had been returned. How could any true Chinese accept such offers with a despicable man? No, there could be no dealings with a man like Chiang Kai-shek. The Chinese people would never accept this. The people of Europe had once tried to negotiate with fascist warmongers, and look what Munich resulted in.

It was obvious to the Chairman that he could not allow such a farce to continue. Coughing as he reached to pull over his typewriter, he began to prepare a memorandum for the People's Liberation Army. Preparation had begun ever since the August of last year, but efforts had to be doubled - no, tripled - tenfold even!

"To Comrades Zhu De and Peng Dehuai,

1. In order to bring a true finalisation to the War of Liberation and to bring Chiang Kai-shek to justice, thereby uniting all Chinese people and ridding the world of yet another fascist warmonger; I herewith order further regiments to to march swiftly to Fujian Province to bolster the strength of the PLA-TIF, in preparation for a glorious victory for all people on both sides of the straits.

2. While stationed in Fujian Province, the PLA-TIF must ensure they respect and care for all Fujianese people - strictly observing military and political discipline. This is a most important political basis for ensuring the fulfilment of your military task.

3. You must fully ensure that all members of the PLA-TIF are fit for warfare and have the highest morale and spirits. As long as you comrades are firm, brave and prepared at all times, final victory will be ours.

Mao Zedong
Chairman of the Chinese People's Revolutionary Military Commission"

How glorious final victory shall be, thought a smiling Mao as he sent the message off to his faithful commanders. China had achieved so much during the revolution, yet still had struggles to overcome. The Chairman was well aware that socialist revolutions required the people's fullest devotion and strength. Naturally, this meant that burgeoning communists around the globe would also have their own immense challenges to face. The movement of socialism was a movement of brothers, and it was only natural for the Chairman to convey his greatest sympathy and compassion towards the ongoing struggles. In recent days, news had reached Beijing of resounding victories from one of the newest revolutions. With this in mind, the Chairman decided it was now time to pick up his pen and personally address the youngest revolutionary state; the Republic of Cuba.

"Fidel Castro
Prime Minister of Cuba

Comrade in arms!
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mao Zedong, Paramount Leader of the People's Republic of China. It is from afar in Beijing that I witness your endeavour in leading the Cuban people to a brighter future - one without the reactionaries exploiting the people of a beautiful island. Yours is the most recent uprising against the tides of imperialism, and it shows that the socialist flame is one burning across the entire world. Each day our press here in the People's Republic publishes reports and articles about your valiant struggle, and the Chinese people are in awe at your revolutionary successes. As you may know, the Chinese Red Army itself carried on a ceaseless and hard struggle for decades on end. We fought through hunger and cold, with insufficient arms, ammunition, and medicine, but at last we won our victories. We know that you and your army are also passing through great hardships such as we also have passed through, but with your unyielding belief in revolutionary ideals I am certain that your people shall be victorious. In light of your heroic revolution, I would like to express on behalf of the Central People's Government and the people of the People's Republic of China our sincere congratulations and well-wishes to the Cuban people's achievement.

With brotherly regards, Mao Zedong"

---

March 7th, 1950
Kaifeng, Henan Province, People's Republic of China

General Liu Yalou stood with his arms folded, taking a long look around his office. After having finished rearranging the last of its décor in preparation for his incoming visitor, it was almost spotless. What was of mild annoyance was the peculiar request to remove an elaborate painting of a river. Despite his great love for the brushwork - courtesy of a Manchu market - he had followed his orders and reluctantly removed the illustration. He sighed slightly at the unnaturally bare walls behind his desk. Nevertheless there was nothing that could be done about it, considering his commander's potamophobia. Instead he preoccupied himself as he waited, giving a shine to a series of medals adorning his chest - from a variety earned during campaigns against the Japanese puppets in Manchuria and the rounding up of the remainder of the reactionary Kuomintang, to one signifying his overall command of the People's Liberation Army Air Force.

The door opened at that very second. Offering a respectful salute, Liu greeted his prestigious guest. "Comrade! I'm glad you could make it so soon. Please, have a seat. How was the journey?"
"Lengthy, but well enough," answered a tired Lin Biao, returning the greeting before accepting his subordinate's kind offer. The young marshal glanced around the neat workplace before him, eyes wincing - but he said no more of his mild headache.
Liu dimmed the lights in an attempt to comfort Lin. "Perhaps you really should accept Peng's advice to see Shanghai's most prestigious hospitals."
Taking relief in the darkened room, Lin offered a set of files over to his associate. "Marshal Peng..." he muttered. "He's busy in the west, having finished the cleanup of bandits in Xinjiang. He'll be overseeing dialogue with the Tibetans too, any day now."
The air general nodded, scanning through the notes. A select few were embellished with a bold print proclaiming 'STATE SECRET', and it was these were Liu's attention fell.
"Nonetheless, Marshal Peng is taking quite the keen interest in your project. How goes the development?"
Peering over a black-and-white photograph of gifted Soviet MiG-15s, Liu grinned."Progress is swift and astounding by all counts. It was only after eleven days of intensive training that comrade Cui Hanqing earned the noble title of China's first paratrooper, and that was before the end of February! Think of how much progress has been made since."
A smile grew upon Lin's face. "Excellent work! When do you think they will be ready to begin operations?"
Liu frowned ever so slightly. He wasn't entirely sure when he should give the final order. It was no simple question. Certainly, they were operational and could commence an aerial invasion at his command; but would it be wise to approve an invasion of Chiang's hideout only three weeks after the Air Corps' formation? No, perhaps that would be too soon, and what a laughing stock he would become should he preside over any possible failure. But perhaps an early assault was the key - his soldiers were freshly aware of their own skills, and the Kuomintang army was known to be a demoralised ragtag force despised by the local Taiwanese. Just as the Chairman prescribed, they could surely count upon the forces of the masses to overthrow the reactionaries.
"They would indeed be able to lead an airborne invasion in... Well - not to rush things - but perhaps during this very month," replied the air general.
Marshal Lin glanced up at Liu, grinning widely. "You never cease to amaze me."

---

March 14th, 1950
Fujian Province, People's Republic of China

The mountains of Fujian were renowned for their poetic beauty around the entirety of China. As one of the many spots of Marco Polo's visits, the starting point of the famed Zheng He's vast voyages, and a intellectual and cultural hotspot, Fujian was a province where where poets, priests and scholars alike gathered. In recent years it had attracted military attention, from the occupying armies of the Japanese imperialists to the fleeing cowards of the Kuomintang running dogs. More recently, however, had it became a sight for the People's Liberation Army to gather. Trucks adorning the PLA emblem were not uncommon and the citizenry had grown accustomed to the sight of soldiers amongst them. Some had even signed up, further swelling the already immense revolutionary army. But that was not required, as direct orders from Beijing itself had decreed the stationing of even more soldiers to the coastal province.

Convoy after convoy of the PLA arrived into the province in their greatest numbers yet over the past two weeks, with the trucks bristling full of weaponry. Whether it was abandoned equipment courtesy of the former Imperial Japanese Army or the fascist ideologues in the the National Revolutionary Army, or whether it was Soviet arms so generously donated by Comrade Stalin, or even domestic copies of the Tommy Gun - a plethora of modern weaponry was to be found here. The numbers and location of the forces there were to remain a state secret, but their presence could be felt throughout the province.

[Jannah]

March 20th, 1950
East Berlin, German Democratic Republic

Much to the delight of Pieck all trade deals with Cuba were about to be finalized. Their demands were simple really: supply weapons and Cuba would give resources back in return. Of course much of that was bound to be luxury goods unavailable throughout Europe so anything that Cuba had to offer was beneficial. Naturally, while Pieck himself prepared for the arrival of the Cuban dignitaries he also worked on relaying messages out to the Republic's various armament factories. Orders. Orders to switch production over to light weaponry that would sooner or later end up on Cuban shores. The heavier weaponry was a request specifically directed at the Soviet Union.

From: Wilhelm Pieck
To: Joseph Stalin

We have not corresponded in awhile, but the Cuban revolution has recently come to our attention. I have corresponded with Fidel Castro personally and he has stated their abundance of outdated military equipment. This puts them at an incredible risk in the event of an American imperialist invasion. This is something that all members of the Bloc need to prevent from happening. With that said, I ask that along with our shipments of light arms, that you send shipments of heavy arms. It has been proven many times over that there's nothing greater than Soviet armoury and perhaps those in Washington need to be reminded of that once again.

In solidarity, Wilhelm Pieck

While the issue of Cuba was seemingly resolved, Pieck knew there was much more on his plate. Still NVA troops remained stationed at the East Berlin borders. The constant presence of troops had initially been alarming for citizens, but over time Pieck and others could see them growing accustomed to it. Perhaps they even thought that any day the inevitable assault would come from NATO, but still West Berlin didn't stir. It was only a matter of time until Pieck was forced to give the orders to attack or withdraw. Full-scale war was the last action he wanted to take, however. He could only hope that sooner or later those in the West would make correspondence. Berlin was, after all, a German city, not American, British, or French.

Despite the Berlin crisis, Pieck turned his eyes towards the far east. China. They too were in the midst of their own war, one that certainly Mao was close to winning. In such a case they were bound to be a valuable ally, but it was a war Pieck didn't want involvement in. He knew that such a proactive stance would be dangerous for the state still struggling to get back on its feet. He certainly couldn't overlook the fact that China was also so vast there wasn't much a country of 18 million could even provide them. Still, Mao's victory would only ensure a massive shift in the world's balance of power. Pieck knew that China had potential to be a powerful ally, assuming Mao carried the same kind of willpower as the Soviets did.

From: Wilhelm Pieck
To: Mao Zedong

I would like to send my personal well wishes to you and your revolutionary ambitions. It's for far too long that Asia has been crushed under the yolk of Western Imperialism. It pleases me that somebody has taken a stand against it and joined in the fight to liberate the proletariat. There is not much we can offer you at this time in terms of trade, but once the people's victory is assured then perhaps there will be room for negotiation. Until then, continue the good fight!

In solidarity, Wilhelm Pieck

[Pepschep]

To: Wilhelm Pieck, Enver Hoxha
From: Joseph Stalin

While aiding our comrades in the developing world throw the shackles of imperialism off is a priority in our foreign policy, it seems to me that any support for the Cuban people is not necessary as they are armed well enough as it is, and any escalation of tensions at the present time brings far greater risks than rewards, as it may push the Americans closer to invading the island if the USSR is perceived to aid them. At a later date we can most certainly arrange for aid, but at the present time we can not since our Chinese and Korean comrades currently take up all of our capabilities of aiding other nations. In regards to Albania, the same applies - We are currently not in any position to aid you, but this can be done later.

-Joseph Stalin

[Giant]

March 1950

Statement from Enver Hoxha, First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania

"Comrades, we rejoice in our freedom, in our independence, in our constant drive to achieve a full fledged socialist state! We are a small nations, we may lack resources but what we do not lack is our will, and a man's will can move mountains; not by his arm but by a machine. So what the government seeks right now is industrialization but, sadly, this will have to wait for some time, right now our comrades are facing hardships as well and we do not wish to burden them. And speak highly of those comrades that are fighting a great fight against imperialism, just as we did with the Italian fascists!

I refer to Fidel Castro, great leader of the Cuban people, liberator of the Caribbean island and a great man, just like every man in Cuba; I refer to Mao Zedong, great empowerer of the Asian people and a rising figure in the world of Socialism and of course, I refer to our closest ally, comrade Stalin, of which pictures can be seen all throughout Albania. It is he, who has led the USSR, that is a close friend to the Albanian people. These great people have engaged in open combat with imperialism, yet we, as a small nation who has faced many troubles with it, can't do much but see from the stands and defend ourselves from the waves of enemies that wash upon our shores, we can not engage in combat.

But we can do something else.

Right now, the highest expression of Imperialism finds itself in Africa, a heartland, the biggest continent on Earth and the most diverse one. How long has it been opressed under the boot of imperialism? For how long will it remain that way? Is it just complacent leaders that give way for their people to be abused or, like the Egyptians, will these people stand up. Although the Egyptian people have not achieved a complete liberation from opression, we salute them and wish them luck, for revolutions are the way to achieve real justice in this world. We can help Africa achieve a complete freedom. Most infamous among these examples of abuses made by the falling Empires is the Congo, genocide denied by the Belgian state. What atrocities have they commited to the African people, what any other things can we help to avoid?

The Albanian nation, closest socialist state to the African continent, seek support of their comrades to bring the colonization and opression of the many African states, under blantant colonialism that has been overlooked, to be able to decide for themselves, for their autonomy and independence. We, ourselves, will send whatever help we can to any state that undergoes a voluntary change of government, be it a revolution or a simple shake of the yoke of imperialism, both of these expressions of a major discontent by the opressed Africans. Weapons or resources, advisors or diplomats, we wish to assist a free Africa.

Thank you, comrades".

Yes, small nations suffering the opression of the workers, of their people. What has Albania faced throughout the years if not the struggle many nations were suffering at that very moment, like Cuba. Castro was an ideal leader to build a relationship with, both were examples of a growing movement that rose from the ashes of opression, achieving socialism in the small nations in order to bring down the empires. The united small nations could bring down the hegemony held by said empires, if they cooperated. But ensuring the revolution would last in the Caribbean and its surroundings would take a massive amount of effort, that Albania could not assist with in any manner. Hoxha walked among the many bunkers built on the cities and had an idea.

To: Fidel Castro
From: Enver Hoxha

Comrade, I hope this letter finds you well. There's a threat on your neighboring coasts, a threat that cannot avoided, as you very well know. Our nation is small and cannot do much in order to help you with resources but we do wish to assist you in your struggle to achieve socialism in any way we can, and as such, we offer to send advisors, veterans that were once part of the Albanian guerrillas that fought bravely against the Nazi threat, to help you with the construction of bunkers in each and every street, of a line of defense that can not be broken through. We are sorry we can't send more, comrade Castro, but know that you have the full support of the Albanian people.

A problem remained in the Adriatic nation. The industrialization plans had not been achieved succesfully and time passed, time that could be spent growing. Yet the Soviet Union was understandably occupied with the expansion of socialism in the great Asian nations. But who to seek support from, which socialist state would assist Albania on its struggle? Hoxha looked to Europe and its most advanced socialist state aside from the Soviets. The GDR.

To: Wilhelm Pieck
From: Enver Hoxha

A warm greeting from the Albanian people, comrade. We wish to establish a lasting cooperation between our two states, which find themselves in constant revolutions to achieve socialism in an effective manner. But we haven't the knowledge in our technicians to achieve a fully fledged industrialization of Albania, which would develop resources to assist world-wide socialism. And in order to achieve a benefit for both of our nations, I present you a trade agreement: If you send advisors that assist with the building of factories and the extraction of resources, we will make a percent of the production of these factories go to you, be it weaponry or ammunition, or machine parts, whatever your people need, comrade.

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

Summary
Hoxha basically says that he will assist African revolutions, and asks for assistance.
Bunkers for Cuba!
Hoxha proposes a trade deal with the GDR.

[gamer5]

March 1950
During the war the people of Yugoslavia had supported an idea of a free nation which will not have to bow its head to any foreign power easily. Now it has been almost 9 years since those first rebels arose in the hills and mountains of the pre-war state. Trough determination, almost alone, the Yugoslav Partisans have liberated their country from both traitors and fascists alike. But the freedom that the country enjoyed under the leadership of Marshal Tito was threatened by the vile and imperialistic wishes of the Georgian which lead the Soviet Union - Stalin, so all relations with the "bastion of Communism" were cut and an all-out hunt for its supporters had taken place. It has been two years since then and some harsh times have fallen upon the country. Now the country enters the new decade with both hope and fear.

March 8

To: Sultan Faruk I of Egypt and the Sudan
From: Josip Broz Tito

"The news of your reclamation of the Suez Channel and the area which surrounds it made us hope that a similar outcome might come soon for the area of Trst of our own country. To continue we offer our help with the only thing that we have as our country is still facing recovery from the world war and that is to offer a few dozens of our experienced and loyal officers to help you establish an army to protect yourself from both imperialist and their allies surrounding your country. Furthermore we would like to establish both improved diplomatic and trade relations with your country by opening an embassy in your capital and an Egypt-Yugoslavia trade society based in our port of Rijeka and your port of Alexandria. As for the matter of passage through the Suez Channel we would propose the following:
That the state of Yugoslavia would supply the Egyptian military with weapons for the next 5 years in return for a halved tariff to all Yugoslav shipping trough the Suez Channel in the same time period."

In Belgrade, March 8, Prime Minister & Secretary of Socialistic Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, Josip B. Tito.

March 11

To: Government of Italy, Harry S Truman, Clement Attlee
From: Josip Broz Tito

"The issue of the area around the city of Trst/Trieste still lingers and affects our relations. So we seek to begin talks about this problem and use the opportunity to also improve overall cooperation between our nations. In hopes of this I suggest a conference about his matter to be held."

March 22

To: Harry S Truman
From: Josip Broz Tito

"Regardless of my earlier correspondence about the fate of Trst, we are desperate for economical aid, otherwise we might be forced to seek help from Soviet Union, which might demand a right to station their troops in our country in return, which is I believe, something that both of our countries don't desire. Our lands have seen more than enough foreign armies and we hope that we will not have to another one. So as one leader of his people to another I urge you to help us before we are forced into something that we don't want. We hope for a shift response."

March 26

News Report
"Parliamentary elections were held today in the Socialistic Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, with over 94% of votes going to the People's Front."

March 30

News Report
"A great military parade was held today in the capital city of Yugoslavia, Belgrade, to celebrate another mandate of the People's Front."

Summary
SFRY hopes to establish friendy and cooperative relations with Egypt.
SFRY wishes to resolve the question of Trst/Triest ASAP.
SRFY hopes that USA will provide aid that the country needs.