DOMINION WAR and ELECTION SPECIAL

                                  DOMINION WAR CAMPAIGN NEWS

Throwing dice can provide quick political outcomes to a war wary campaign. While future wargames were still viable, and previous games had proved very successful, the Dominion War had somewhat  stagnated. The general stalemate in Ontario is obvious, with the Americans unable to capture Toronto. While the Empire is unable or fearful to enact any major campaigns elsewhere in North America. And then we have the lacklustre performance of the French, which is shocking. Only political solutions could provide a possible break to this general deadlock. 

ENTRY ONE, Diplomacy and Threats

The American campaign against Spanish occupied Florida has taken a peculiarly traumatic turn. As American troops approached St.Augustine, the Spanish colonial governor has informed the American government that a naval force will shortly arrive off the coast of Savannah, Georgia. That if the Americans persist in their unjustifiable actions against this Spanish colony, they must take full responsibility for any retaliatory actions undertaken by the Spanish Empire.

The United States Government has informed Madrid that any action against the state of Georgia is totally unacceptable. That their invasion of Florida is the root cause for the present situation. That the Spanish government must immediately vacate Florida, and indicate a willingness to depart Cuba in the very near future.

The Spanish Government has declared its full support for whatever actions the Royal Governor of Florida believes is necessary for the defence of the colony. They advised the United States government that they must immediately vacate Florida. Spanish claims to Florida being historic, and non negotiable. 

The American commander for Georgia and Florida has been instructed to continue his advance on St. Augustine (D4), but to remain out of artillery range, and to permit provisions to enter the city.

ENTRY TWO, the French

In a surprise move, the French have withdrawn their two garrisons on the coast of Texas (D2). It is unclear whether this is indicative of a further withdrawal from this conflict, or whether the French Government is planning another campaign to be carried out elsewhere. Their fleet has been sighted by fishing boats near Galveston Island. While Texas militia have reoccupied the former French positions.

ENTRY THREE, while in Florida

Reports have arrived that five (D5) of the six volunteer militia battalions in the Florida Army have indicated their desire to be granted permission to return to their homes in Georgia. The commander is making arrangements to accept this (D5). Fortunately, he has recently gained three regular military units, and another is likely to be formed from broken/understrength units. The Florida Army commander has informed the US Government that he believes they are now strong enough to take St.Augustine. A government official has informed him not to act (D1), and to continue as before. Spanish HQ in St.Augustine have indicated they are willing to allow matters to cool down (D1). The Spanish do not believe there will be an American attack on the city, and provisions are still arriving.

ENTRY FOUR, the French again

The new French Government has declared (D1) that the Second Expeditionary Force (comprising nine military units) will immediately return to France. It has also been confirmed (D2) that the French Pacific fleet off the coast of California (comprising four military units) is to return to Indo-China. These actions were ordered in the hope of stimulating more cordial relations with the United States. The French Government has sent word to the United States Government that they are willing to moderate their claim on Louisiana (D5) by accepting the transfer of the City of New Orleans and some fifty miles around as a free trading city under French protection. The American Government has rejected this offer (D2).

ENTRY FIVE

The French Government has ordered its 1st Expeditionary Force (comprising twelve military units) to withdraw to French controlled islands in the Caribbean (D3) for purposes of recuperation. The President of the United States has declared a day of celebration in seeing the removal of French troops from American soil. However, he declared (D5) the need to redouble efforts to secure our northern border, which would require the annexation of Ontario, the liberation of lower Alaska and parts of Maine. And then we must work towards the restoration of Florida, and the eventual liberation of Cuba.

The British Government, representing the Empire, has declared it has no alliances with either France or Spain. We seek only peace with the United States, and the restoration of the previously agreed borders which this American president has sought to undermine.

ENTRY SIX, Election Results

The United States has just held a postponed wartime election for president. The incumbent was trounced (D1), and the new president stood on a platform calling for an honourable peace treaty (D1) between the United States and the British Empire. The former president has voiced his disbelief (D3) but has respected the decision and immediately resigned.

The newly elected president on route to the White House.....

With the able assistance of the Swiss government, and for a very small fee (what do you expect, they're all bankers), another meeting has been arranged in Berne between the United States and the British Empire. This is to discuss the speeding up of arrangements for future meetings. These follow-on meetings will take place somewhere in Canada, to finalise the cessation of fighting. In turn, it is hoped they will ultimately lead to a formal and lasting peace treaty. 

FOOTNOTE

I am rather surprised just how quickly the French withdrew, and the American government changed its foreign policy. I sort of expected the dice would ignite the conflict...... but it didn't happen. Well, it isn't totally over. Spain still holds Florida, France is still technically at war with the United States, and the peace discussions concerning the Canadian border might break down. I can't see Spain holding on long if the entire South now sends contingents to Florida. 

About thirty-five wargames have so far been played during this campaign.

                                              Dominion War Victory Points awarded, so far.

This gives the Empire 48 victory points against 28 for the Americans. While the French and Spanish only scored 14 versus 24 for the Americans. I think it is fair to mention defenders often win in my wargames, unless outnumbered two to one.

Some thoughts on Hawaii

If we assume the Dominion dispute is eventually settled, there will be one interesting distinction. Hawaii will be a semi-independent kingdom under the protection of the Empire. This was not unusual as Tonga, Malaysia, Brunei, Lesotho, Swaziland, and 565 Maharaja states on the Indian sub-continent were largely self-governing with their own monarchs. The only conditions the British imposed were that they would prefer them to buy Empire-made goods, limit or abolish peculiarly cruel laws, and no foreign alliances. Other than that, they governed themselves. Many of these states had their own armies with British or British-trained officers commanding, or the British would station a small garrison at the expense of the local ruler.

ENTRY SEVEN, Naval Manoeuvres 

The new President of the United States has informed Her Britannic Majesty's Prime Ministers of Great Britain, and the Dominion of Canada (by Telegraph) that it is the intension of the United States Navy to depart the Chesapeake. Their mission is to visit Georgia, and to then return to the Chesapeake. It is hoped the Royal Navy will appreciate this forewarning, and fully understand its purpose. This message has also been forwarded to the commander of the Royal Navy fleet operating near the Chesapeake. Her Majesty's Government replied. We thank the newly elected President for his forewarning. Her Majesty's Government requests that the embassies of Switzerland and Denmark should also be given notice of this excursion, and invited to forward evidence of receiving such to Admiral Paul Watson, commanding Her Majesty's fleet operating near the Chesapeake. We further request that the following message should also be forwarded directly to Her Majesty's Admiral..... 'Please remove the chair from the door',  this message concluded with a long series of numbers.

ENTRY EIGHT

The United States Navy fleet has departed the Chesapeake estuary and is moving south. They are expecting to arrive at Savannah, Georgia, on or about the First of May, depending on weather conditions.

We can confirm the Royal Navy fleet chose not to engage, although one ship was previously sighted heading south.

ENTRY NINE

On April 26 a second Royal Navy vessel arrived off the coast of Savannah, Georgia.  Very shortly afterwards both ships steamed away, their destination is unknown. 

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                                        NEW TRANSPORT ARRIVES

I could not resist this multi-purchase. A trader was selling a fair number of National Motor Museum vehicles. These diecast are lovely models, about half and half metal and plastic. What makes them special is they are sturdy and listed as 1/32 in scale. The range is very extensive and covers much of the 20th century. This trader had three vehicles that immediately caught my attention, and the prices were very fair. The total cost including delivery was £19.

This diecast was described as a Ford 1909 Tourabout, code SS-T5560. The only problem is this code always shows up as a very different model, in white. I have been unable to find another for sale which matches mine. I think this is a lovely model and my intention is to use it as a command vehicle for my c.1900 British Empire Army. The paintwork is mainly black and brown, with a red rear panel, which looks rather old-style military. Superb!

Some good news. Using the model number plate I can confirm it is actually the NMM Mint diecast Ford 1912 Depot Hack...... in the wrong box. Now I don't keep empty boxes. I like to display and use my toys, and storing packaging is a burden I can do without.

The next diecast must be among the most bygone reproductions the National Motor Museum have commissioned. It is a 1903 Ford Model A, with the code 00300/FDAA03. I immediately thought this would look great as a staff vehicle for Crown Prince Rudolph of Ruritania. On arrival, however, it is very large, more like 1/30 in scale? Too nice to convert, I will use it as it is, but will need to construct a larger driver.

Finally, I bought this diecast because trucks can be useful and I liked the barrels at the back, lol. But it will now be commandeered by my United States Army c.1900.  It is listed as a Ford model T 1925 Heinz pickup truck, so rather appropriate for carrying army rations. It is a very attractive model.

But I think the engine is giving trouble?

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                                                                      ANOTHER LANTERN

Since I love traditional Christmas decorations, I decided to buy another M&S Christmas lantern, with a working battery light. Found it in a charity shop for only £2, it looks great on the table.

MGB

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                                                 Hong Kong and The Spanish-American War of 1898

HISTORICAL NOTE Prior to the Spanish-American War of 1898, the American Asiatic fleet, under George Dewey, was effectively based in Hong Kong, with the full acceptance of the British. When war broke out, Britain declared its official neutrality and ordered the American war ships to depart. The American fleet, however, was fully kitted out and supplied, and had even repainted their white ships to a shade of grey. On their departure, the Royal Navy ships also in Hong Kong fired salutes, and the crews were formed up and gave them three cheers! Apparently, we were totally neutral. 

Commodore George Dewey decisively defeated the Spanish Pacific fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898.

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