Indochina RP Turn Thread

[Frederick the Great]

South Vietnam. 1956. Second Half.

OOC: There's more of the military now and less of the governmental stuff however both are included in the same post

IC:Military Affairs

Firstly, some background. The Viet Nam Quac Dan Dang or VNQDD for short, the oldest Nationalist political party that had existed in Vietnam until Ho Chi Minh showed up is contacted in the far-flung area of Cao Bang way up north in the "Communist Territory". It turns out that the party leadership somehow survived Ho's wrath but after that event has went completely underground and lost all the support it had built up over the past 20-or-so years. These men firstly are reunited with VLM (the Saigon-sponsored Vietnamese Liberation Movement) and together the expanded party takes up the name of the VNQDD.

By the time this was happening the South hears the news that multiple of it's informants/operatives are being arrested and some even being summarily executed for being "Southern Sympathisers".

The Government and the Army get to work and send two Ranger Battalions (or 2000 men) disguised as ordinary people into the North to launch an uprising over there, this will draw Northern Forces towards the affected areas which'd give the South an excuse for a full-blown invasion. These men being Rangers are lightly-equipped and thus travel quickly through Laos and reach four "bases" from which the invasion will be launched. Bases Bravo, Gamma, Overture and Superior, each "Base" having 500 men. Collectively this whole formation is known as the "Insurrection Army".
Almost half of the new VNQDD that have only recently survived the arrests quickly regroup with the Rangers in the first week of July over a series of border crossings at night. The original VLM/VNQDD had around 4000 men and at present there are 2000 of them that have survived.

Meanwhile, in order to strengthen their claims to the Spratly and Paracel Islands SV sends one Battalion each of Marines to the uninhabited islands along with a number of large and small naval vessels.
Any Communist force found in the waters of these islands will be immediately fired upon after being given one warning.

As part of the multiple programs being run by the American and Vietnamese Governments (Tolbethessar ) SV has been systematically improving it's Navy and Airforce as well as Artillery, Armored and Support formations. More and more men are being used from the RF/PF (Regular Forces/Popular Forces) to fill in ranks in the above-mentioned departments. The airbases of Dong Hoi and Da Nang are given special attention in order to always have at least one of these airports ready for use.
Almost half of the Navy at present is located in Cam Ranh while the other half is guarding Da Nang, while some are at the Paracel Islands.
Saigon's own port meanwhile is being used for commerical purposes.

The VCIA (Vietnamese CIA) meanwhile slowly grows as more and more of them are being sent to the Laotian-North Vietnamese border.

The military immediately starts putting the 3000 new tanks into combat, reconnaissance, support and defense roles, seeing the huge number the Armored Corps will be hiring even more men next phase/turn, luckily the returning Vietnamese will be able to fill in the ranks.

Order of Battle

Militias (Regular Forces/Popular Forces) = 10000
Regular Infantry = 250000
Marines = 40000
Airborne = 40000
Support Roles (Logistics, Communications, Engineers etc) = 20000
Rangers = 20000
Armored = 40000
Artillery = 10000

Navy = 40000
Air Force = 60000

Grand Total = 550000. Equal to the Communist Vietnamese Force.


Non-Military
Americans are allowed to build their repair shops in Vietnam as and wherever they deem fit.

Vietnam seems to be prospering in general, birth rates have gone up by around 7% ever since the borders were solidified. More and more Vietnamese people are returning to the "better Vietnam" (from countries like Laos, Cambodia, Australia, America and even France) that had initially left due to the decades of wars being fought.

The economy has been doing good as well as the majority of people now returning from abroad are skilled and start working in either private ventures or the civil service with some opting for agriculture and the Rangers. Economists are predicting that at the current pace Vietnam might start paying back it's loans to the Americans in three years provided war doesn't start again.

Payments are made to the Americans regarding the cost of transportation of the tanks to Vietnam. Vietnamese confidence in America is at an all-time high seeing what appears to be thousands of American tanks rolling in Vietnam now as well as a whole new American Division in Hue of which the entire cost the Vietnamese start bearing the minute the boys land.

Around 3000 Chinese businessmen with their families (totalling around 8000 people), some still being able to carry the wealth they owned while some impoverished are also making Vietnam home as Vietnam has traditionally always had a Chinese minority living in it's territory. These people too bring a lot of expertise to the ever-growing civil services and commerce.

Meanwhile in Universities and Colleges all over the country a new propaganda campaign is launched according to which "there will be no dialogue with the Communists operating up North in the Communist Territory. There is only one Vietnam, the State of Vietnam. Anyone and everyone that claims otherwise is an enemy of the state and will be punished"

All of these activities have boosted Ngo Dinh Diem's popularity significantly who is now being hailed as the "Father of Modern Vietnam".

Edit: 100% complete.
Edit #2: added mentions to the latest American turn, references to tanks, tank shops and Marines,

[Carlos III]

Jiefang Jun Bao (Liberation Army News)

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People's Republic of China, 2nd Half, 1956

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Commitment Level: 4

The Taiwan Question

Years has passed since the Chinese Civil War, and the PRC is steady on its way to recovery. With stability ensured, Chairman Mao Zedong begins thinking about reuniting China once and for all.
The Chairman, along with several top officials including Vice-Chairman Zhu De Foreign Minister Zhou Enlai, Premier Chen Yun, First Vice-Premier Lin Biao and Defence Minister Peng Dehuai *, discuss about future plans towards a reunified China.

* Since Zhou Enlai was exiled, he is no longer Premier as was in real life. IRL First Vice-Premier and Vice-Premier also get promoted.

First Five-Year Plan

Industrial and infrastructural development:
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Average performance. Soviet aid helped ensure that progress is smooth and steady.

Agriculture: more farms must be built, supplied and organised. Soviet tractors and farming equipment are bought to help supply.

Unfortunately, the result remains unsatisfactory. Expects will investigate the causes of the slowdown of agricultural development this year.

The remaining businessmen are offered the pardon again. They will have to pay a small fine and cooperate with the government while retaining their businesses and assets or be arrested and forced to hand over all their wealth.

A few more relent, but it seems there are still some too stubborn to yield.
Businessmen who leave the country will have all remaining assets and their businesses seized.
For now, businessmen who have agreed to cooperate will run their businesses as usual.

It is observed that even as the first year of the Plan closes, progress has slowed down.

Counter Espionage

Agents have arrived in Taiwan and are setting up bases while erasing traces to the Communists.

Average performance by the agents. The bases are just sufficient and the agents are at moderate risk of being exposed.

The rising number of Chinese immigrants to South Vietnam is seen as a possible venue for espionage into Indochina. A few agents bound for South Vietnam are prepared.
A minimum of 5 is required for immediate departure.

Preparation is slow. They will depart next year instead.

Military Organisation

The Theater Commands of the Peoples' Liberation Army has been rearranged into thirteen theaters: Shenyang, Beijing, Jinan, Nanjing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Chengdu, Lanzhou, Tibet, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.
Meanwhile, Peng Dehuai wants the Navy to be improved from being a simple brown-water navy to a green-water navy in order to secure China's waters.

Military Research

Engineers begin work on the Type 59 MBT, based on the T-54/55.
The T-54/55 is studied by engineers to find a way to lower production costs while without heavily compromising battle effectiveness.

Rapid developments are made by our experts. A new prototype is being built and wi be tested.

Meanwhile, the Soviet MiG-17 fighter will be produced locally as the Shenyang J-5 starting next year.
······

[Tolbethessar]

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USA, 2nd half of 1956

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Commitment Level: 4

International Affairs:

Northeast Modern Africa Proposal (progress thus far 4, leak tally 16)
Round 2 (Prog, then Leak)
hSOOmkIz
A 5 is rolled, and then a 4 is rolled so the progress tally is 9, leak tally is 36 now

Counter-Espionage Roll (in lieu of having a Space Race Roll)
An attempt is made to subtract from the leak tally to contain and restrain the data that is at risk of being spilled, such as secretive couriers and stronger encryption is used.

A 6 is rolled, the leak tally is now moved down to 30.

The US Navy spins off a separate organization within their hierarchy to examine the environmental impact that various military maneuvers have on various locales all over the world. It is established as National Ecological Surface & Subsurface Maritime Agency (or NESSMA). The role of NESSMA does also incorporate the additional role of serving as observers and monitors of waterways, relaying the data back to Norfolk.

Indochina Intervention

Clearing out the various warehouses that had been housing the light tank M24 Chaffees, the armed USA forces brings 1,000 more of those tanks over to Vietnam for delivery to the southern Vietnamese troops to use in reconnaissance and patrol roles. Also after surveying the remnants of the Lend-Lease program from World War 2, many more M4 Shermans are found in having been returned from oversea European posts, not being in use. 2,000 Shermans are also sent over to Vietnam for dispersal into the main cities as infantry reinforcement support (which is precisely the role that the M4s were originally designed for in WW2 anyway). The tanks are offered for free, and the only thing that USA asks for compensation is transportation costs to be covered in the Pacific transit.

A division (USMC) lands in Hue, numbering 15,000 marines. Eisenhower reluctantly approves the upscale of direct deployment into Vietnam, but it is necessary since both the North Vietnamese and Chinese have been relentless, pouring too many enemy troops into the theater for a "peaceful" stance to be believed.

Saigon and Da Nang are both surveyed for possible establishment of land-based armor production & repair shops to extend better support for the maintenance and replenishment of vehicles for American and Vietnamese military bases. Pentagon is prepared to send out a request for bids from American companies to establish and operate those sites. But firstly, the findings from the preliminary report are sent over to the Vietnamese government for a second opinion on those industrial improvements.

The newly founded NESSMA sends a survey group of 3 destroyers to examine and observe the ongoing events at the Paracel islands. They've become bored from staring at the Vietnamese sitting on those islands, though. A surfing vacation is recommended for the group after their tour is completed at some point, perhaps Australia?

Military Research
Back in America, the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Florida) lays and preps a new testbed. The Convair X-12 was the second, more advanced testbed for the Atlas rocket program. It was designed with 2 engines, the booster engine used on the predecessor X-11 plus a sustainer engine. The intent here is to develop and prepare for the new SM-65B Atlas design.

A 2 is rolled, the effect: Rather embarrassing, it didn't go too well. General Dynamics Corporation (the company which owns the Convair Division) drops relatively bad in stock value on the NYSE the next day.

*cough cough* (commentary ripped from Wikipedia, and the image as well)
In 1952, the U.S. Army identified a requirement for a new helicopter to serve as medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), instrument trainer, and general utility aircraft. The Army determined that current helicopters were too large, underpowered, or too complex to maintain easily. In November 1953, revised military requirements were submitted to the Department of the Army. Twenty companies submitted designs in their bid for the contract, including Bell Helicopter with the Model 204 and Kaman Aircraft with a turbine-powered version of the H-43. The Army already had announced its decision on 23 February 1955,, selecting Bell to build three copies of the Model 204 for evaluation with the designation XH-40.


Slanted for an initial mass production run, the higher-ups in the Army urged the Pentagon for a rush delivery into the Indochinese theater. Due to considering the vast amount of jungle and limited country road access in an overall sense, a helicopter might prove itself as a more capable traditionally-cavalry role vehicle than a tank more oft than a proxy war in Europe might be.

Rolling for the degree of success in implementing a production run and then to rush deliver it for the upcoming 1957 year.

A 1 is rolled, the effect: What a disaster! The model 204 as a concept was a great idea, but it hadn't impressed upon the minds of the higher-ups enough to order a large production and to upscale it for the inevitable future escalation in the Southeast Asia region. Thus only a limited run of 50 HU-1s were ordered for the Army, to be presented upon the ending of 1957 (2 phases from now).

Turn completed, tagging the GM, tpc····

[Santa Anna]

North Vietnam 1956, Second Half

Some students from the North's colleges have requested that the government open a dialogue with the South about their nationhood and student exchanges. This earns a resounding "no" from the Politburo. But more troubling for the government is the fact that some say they've contacted students in the South. Investigations are launched into how they established those contacts, and spies are sent to monitor these students to ensure they don't give any information to the South that they shouldn't.

Military

The nation's spies have uncovered extremely troubling information; the South is sending soldiers disguised as civilians through Laos to cause problems in the North. They have determined that the soldiers are in the North, but cannot determine exactly where yet. So the spy corps is sent up there to try and infiltrate their bases of operations, and a division of 10,000 troops is stationed in the area to put down any problems before they rise out of control.

Furthermore, this puts the military command on high alert; half the nation's troops are stationed near the fortified zone in the south, and 100,000 are kept near the Laotian border in the expectation of an invasion in the near future. Another recruitment campaign is launched, attempting to stoke the public's fears of an invasion. 

The news that the South is receiving 3,000 tanks is met with concern, as the North is heavily lacking in tanks. As a result, anti-tank weaponry is bought from abroad and introduced into the Viet Minh's forces to try and level the playing field. Rolling to see how well the army makes use of the new equipment:

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The army quickly learns how to properly use the weapons against armored vehicles. But since this will not be enough to stop the South's tanks, the USSR and China are requested to send tanks of their own to combat those of the South.

The Paracel Islands are ignored by the government. The general attitude towards them is dismissive: If the South wishes to waste their time asserting their dominance over a bunch of barren rocks in the middle of the sea, more power to them.

Believing there's still plenty of work to do in uncovering the South's efforts in sabotage up north, the spy corps steps up its efforts in light of even more blatant intrusion. Rolling for their success:



Unfortunately, most trails seem to have went cold lately. It is thought that more spies will handle the job better, so a recruitment campaign is started, drawing a few hundred more spies into the ranks. Every one is quickly put to work trying to head off the South's meddling.

The nation's air wing, and especially its navy, are lagging behind those down south, so more funds than normal are invested in them. Some destroyers are developed alongside the small submarine fleet, and many new recruits are sent to the air force to expand its capabilities. Several small airfields are constructed in the rural areas so the air force can operate all across the country. The ports of Hanoi and Haiphong continue to be developed, and smaller ports across the country receive more funds than normal. 3/5 of the country's navy is kept at Haiphong, with the rest scattered along the coastline.

A plan is introduced to develop a more convenient trail to access the South. Using existing centuries-old trails, a secret path is under development by some who have crossed the Laotian border to allow vehicles and people to infiltrate the South with less fear of being caught. Some have  already dubbed it the "Ho Chi Minh Trail."

Viet Minh: 320,000
VPPF: 220,000
VPAF: 35,000 
VPN: 20,000 (plus the Soviet fleet that should be here by now)

Total: 600,000 (plus 200,000 Chinese troops)

Domestic Affairs 

One final effort this year is made to implement the long-delayed labor collectives. Rolling for their success:



At last, success! The government is able to lessen most of the apathy of the past year, and a few more collectives are added to those already formed. With the public's disinterest less of a problem, the Three Year Plan can now proceed on schedule.


More farm land is developed and planted to lessen the country's food dependency. Industry continues to receive generous subsidies, and military plants are built to enable North Vietnam to produce some of its own light equipment. The country's merchant fleet continues to expand, now trading with some of the Non-Aligned countries. Another college is in the works for Viet Tri, and more trade schools are being set up to produce the country's skilled workers.

With much of the country's land redistribution program completed, the government now focuses on wisely using the now available land. Peasants are given advice on how to develop the land for agriculture, and some agriculture collectives are being formed alongside the labor collectives.

The country's birth rate has started to slow lately, given that many have left for the South and other places abroad. To help solve this problem, the government starts an immigration campaign abroad, encouraging citizens from fellow Asian communist nations to move to North Vietnam. They will each be granted a plot of the redistributed land to start their new lives. Rolling for its success:



The government persuades thousands of Laotians, Cambodians, and Chinese citizens to migrate to North Vietnam, even more than expected. Thankfully, there is enough land to accommodate everyone. 


···

[Victor Katz]

Union of Soviet Social Republics, 1956, 2nd Half

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Commitment: III->IV

Nikita Khrushchev, the leader of the most powerful nation in the world, starts his day with a call with Pham Van Dong, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Northern Vietnam. He hears that Southern Vietnam recently received multiple armoured divisions from the United States, and was immediately startled. He decides to station 5 divisions near the border area, including 1,000 tanks. Also, he orders Georgy Zhukov and Leonid Govorov to scatter rest of the divisions in the heartlands of Northern Vietnam, due to intelligence report regarding a suspicious border-crossing of multiple men. He also orders a public speech for the Americans to hear.

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To the American Scumbags,
I have nothing to say except this: I feel absolute offense over the enhancement of forces in Southern Vietnam. We, the Union of Soviet Social Republics and our fellow Comrades, Carlos III and Santa Anna mean nothing but peace of Indochina. It is you Americans, who claims to be the protectors of peace, who is the force which disrupts prosperity and peace in Viet Nam. I request American panzer forces to be withdrawn from Indochina immediately, or to suffer the consequences. And I do promise, I will do my upmost best to make the consequence as dire as possible.
Mr. Dwight David Eisenhower, if you want peace and prosperity in Viet Nam, I request to you, withdraw your forces. Peace is all we wish for.

Most honorably, Nikita Khrushchev. 

---

Khurchev also orders 1,000 additional fighters and 500 additional bombers to be stationed in China and Hanoi, and orders Marshal Aleksandr A. Novikov to supervise the operation.

Soviet Union Forces in Indochina
Chief of Operation: Marshal Georgy K. Zhukov
Chief of Army Operation: Marshal Leonid A. Govorov
Chief of Naval Operation: Admiral Sergey G. Gorshkov
Chief of Air Operation: Marshal Aleksandr A. Novikov

Division Template
Regular Infantry=5,000
Marine=1,000
Airborne=1,000
Tanks=500(1,500 men operating)
Artillery=500(1,500 men operating)
Total: 10,000
Total No. Of Army forces: 10,000*10=100,000 

Naval Forces
5 Cruisers
15 Submarines
30 Destroyers

Air Forces
600 MiG-15s (64th Fighter Aviation Corps)

[tpc]

Fair-Haired Boy
Event chain involving: USA, PRC, and South Vietnam.

South Vietnam’s increased military presence in the Spratly and Paracel islands has drawn protest from the Republic of China (Taiwan), citing their own claim (which they claim to be better) to the islands. The ROC questions the seeming American turn towards favoring South Vietnam in light of the PRC announcing its ambitions to reunify China. Moreover, they add that the situation in Indochina seems stable: economically, South Vietnam is experiencing an economic boom and militarily, South Vietnam have launched military operations of their own (this particular claim about the military is based on rumors). The Republic of China perceives South Vietnam’s actions as nothing more than a greedy land grab that might threaten the unity of American allies.

This statement of protest is accompanied by a formal request to the Americans: order the Vietnames to pull out of the islands, or use the strong arm of the US Navy to do so. They further suggest that the US Navy hold the islands in the name of the ROC.

Madame Chiang, a well-known figure from her days campaigning for China in the Sino-Japanese War, has planned a tour around the US to garner support for the Kuomintang government-in-exile. It is feared that she might also agitate against the Indochina Intervention if the US spites ROC in this particular incident.

The USA may:
Make sure the Vietnamese pull out and dispatch a force to guard the islands thereby silencing the ROC for quite some time, which unfortunately means lowering commitment by one level for a period of ten turns/five years.

Make sure the Vietnamese pull out, which will prevent the ROC from agitating in this occasion. Other incidents might come up that involve the ROC.

Do nothing and face the consequences of ROC agitation.

Meanwhile, admirals in Beijing deliver a cold assessment: a small task force of a cruiser and some destroyers sailing out of Guangzhou could drive out the Vietnamese in a matter of days. They push for the development of a competent navy for PRC.

The PRC can dedicate its research this turn to the navy or face a 3 minimum no-confidence vote.

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Hungarian Revolution
USSR, maybe USA.

A group of reformers among Hungarian communists supported by the majority of Hungarian people have overthrown the Hungarian government and driven out Soviet troops in Hungary. Demonstrations that played a part in the revolution should have happened in 1956, but the mental lapses of a man named Arpad Matyasevich has caused them to occur in early 1957. He has been punished and has been sighted boarding a boat in the Black Sea.
The Hungarians have opposed any Soviet deployment inside their country and rumors of a Hungarian exit from the Warsaw Pact swirl.

The Soviet Politburo have been split on the issue, but with Zhukov in Indochina and Khruschev still suffering from past failures, it is likely that Molotov’s faction advocating military action against the Hungarians will prevail. Generals have warned that more forces are needed to ensure swift success, but the army’s resources are strained with the deployment in Indochina.

The USSR can:

Support Khruschev and attempt diplomatic negotiations with the Hungarians. This means facing a 5-min no-confidence vote that will also reset the commitment level to I. Negotiations will begin next turn if successful.

Support Molotov with force redeployment, lowering commitment by one level for two turns.

Support Molotov, but with only forces available. Commitment stays, but a rolling battle occurs. Mechanics to be determined.

USA can support the rebels if USSR picks the third option.

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Suez Crisis Negotiations

USA, maybe USSR.

Egypt’s nationalization of the Suez Canal has triggered an Anglo-French invasion. While a pullout did happen due to the US Ambassador to the UN’s (unsanctioned) efforts, negotiations to reopen the canal are stalling due to public pressure. Newspapers have called out the hypocrisy of American diplomats for “...promoting peace in the Middle East but destroying peace in Indochina; opposing war in Egypt but supporting a warmongering regime in Vietnam.”

J. Edgar Hoover suspects the piece to be the beginning of a ROC-led anti-Vietnam propaganda campaign.

The USA may:

Reduce commitment by one level for two turns/one year

Retain commitment and make the negotiations a rolling battle. Mechanics to be determined.

The USSR may interfere with negotiations if USA chooses the second option.

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The Indonesian Domino

All players.

A group of military officers stationed in the island of Sumatra has petitioned the government in Jakarta, requesting the disbandment of the Indonesian Communist Party and decentralization of government power. The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), probably the third largest in the world, won the 1955 elections along with PNI (a nationalist party), NU, and Masjumi (both religious parties). Their presence has steadily increased and their influence upon the central government has broadened.

Players may respond to affect the development of the situation. 

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Martyrs for VNQDD
SV and NV.

The involvement of the VNQDD in a crucial South Vietnamese military operation has caused politicians and military officers associated with the VNQDD have enjoyed rising influence and popularity. While they are civil with Diem, it is no secret that they have ambitions of governing on their own. To prevent the VNQDD from becoming too popular, some generals opposed to VNQDD suggest deliberately sabotaging the planned VNQDD insurrection, leaking intelligence to the North so that they may crush them before it gains attention.

Otherwise, if the insurrection does happen, VNQDD will either take credit for a successful military operation or it will have martyrs to rally their cause around.

Both Vietnams may deal as they see fit.

[tpc]

Those be the events of the first half of 1957.

Now, a bit of OOC:

There's probably some national bias involved with me including an Indonesian event chain, but I really do believe it would matter. Third largest communist party in the world, y'all.

Also:

1957 was the year of Sputnik I and II. If I do not see a flying sphere thingy orbiting Earth and if a certain dog named Laika* does not leave the atmosphere, I will explode all nuclear warheads in this world with my GM powers.

*And if Laika dies due to a preventable malfunction, or otherwise inhumanely killed, or killed unnecessarilly, I will punish you severely.

[Frederick the Great]

South Vietnam. First half of 1957

Diplomacy

South Vietnam reiterates it's claim on the Spratly and Paracel Islands that the Republic of China can no longer defend these Islands from the Communist Chinese and in that regard they must be protected by the Vietnamese, who in any case, are more closer to those Islands than Taiwan.

The Vietnamese CIA meanwhile with approval from the Military and Government starts supporting the Sumatran Rebels, mostly located in Central and Eastern Sumatra. Guns and cash is also sent to them while the Government supports the right-wing parties and the disbandment of the Communist Party of Indonesia.

"Insurrection Army"

The VNQDD is found to be increasingly popular, more so than the Can Lao Party of Diem, with certain officers that were sent to relieve the VNQDD being a bit more powerful than they should be, as a result, the Party is disbanded by the Government and the four biggest VNQDD officers, Nguyen Van Thieu, Nguyen Cao Ky, Hoang Xuan Lam and Nguyen Chanh Thi are fired.
Plans are made to make the army "politics-free" and by the end of the year any soldier or officer being a member of any Party will be thrown out, even Diem's party.

Military + Government Combined

In early January a South Vietnamese Cessna 180 Skywagon reconnaissance plane takes off from Ha Tinh Airport on a usual flight to the border regions of Laos to check for any Communist activity. As it reaches the towns of Phi La and Na Nang in Laos some troops are seen, the plane quickly radioes this information and a few hours later even more recon planes are sent into the this same spot, rolling for confirmation that these are PAVN.

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Unsuccessful run, but the army's doubts remain.

Later that day, the top leadership of the Government meets the Army at the Independence Palace. The Army is immediately ordered to recruit as much as possible. The Marines and Airborne too are ordered to build a "reserve division" each. Rangers will also be expanded.
Diem asks the Americans if they're willing to co-operate in exploring the possibility of finding oil in the Spratly and Paracel Islands (Tolbethessar ).

1500 men of the Infantry each are sent to garrison the Spratly and Paracel Islands, in return the 3000 Marines in total are recalled. Half of the Marines are at Da Nang, the other half at Cam Ranh, further down south. Half of the Airborne are at Pleiku, while the other half are Phan Theit, also down south.

It is decided that smaller airports be built in the country to facilitate landings of fighters and helicopters. A Special Forces Unit will also be created that can carry on Search and Destroy Operations deep into enemy territory, numbering maximum at 5000 (as the purpose of Rangers is counter-terrorism). They will be ready by the end of the year.

More fighters, bombers, troop transport planes, recon planes and naval vessels are bought/taken over from the Americans. Air Force and Navy both are to expand over all as well.

The number of tanks is around ~5500 by now, both old and new. More Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) from America as well as new guns like the FN FAL and it's variant the SLR are bought from the Belgians and British and are tested to see if they're effective in being used in Vietnam, if they are then more will be bought.



Some adjustments are made to the guns by the Engineers and then they are tried for one last time. Rolling again



For the time being, more of these FALs and SLRs are bought but for the Airborne, Marines and Saigon Divisions. In case of war they will go through more rigorous field-testing and if successful, will be used by the whole Army.

Heavy artillery and a mass of anti-air guns are placed on the border. Troops are reorganised and all units available are garrisoned in Da Nang, Dong Ha and Ha Tinh with some also at Ban Me Thuot and Kontum. Saigon Command is left with just one Division as 40000 Americans that are already here can be trusted with the defense of the city, similarly in Hue with 15000 Americans having to defend this city (Tolbethessar). Mekong Delta Corps (AKA IV Corps) meanwhile is left with two Infantry Divisions, one for reinforcing Saigon, and one for itself.

Saigon, Da Nang and Hue Naval Shipyards meanwhile build landing crafts for tanks and infantry, destroyers, frigates, minesweepers, submarines and patrol boats in order to not totally rely on the Americans for everything. Two "Navy Schools" will be built in Da Nang and Hue as at present more and more sailors are needed for the war.


Order of Battle for the Armed Forces of the State of Vietnam :

Army of the State of Vietnam

Regular Infantry = 280000
Armored Corps =  60000
Artillery Corps = 40000
Support Roles = 40000
Airborne Divisions = 40000 (+ 20000 next phase)
Marine Divisions = 40000 (same as Airborne).
Rangers = 30000.
Militias = Disbanded. All 10000 men that were left have been transferred. 5000 to Artillery, 5000 to Support.

Total of the Army = 490000.

Navy of the State of Vietnam

Stands at 55000 men.

Air Force of the State of Vietnam

Stands at 75000 men.

Total of the AFSVN: 620000. ···

[Carlos III]

Jiefang Jun Bao (Liberation Army News)

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People's Republic of China, 1st Half, 1957

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Commitment Level: 4

The Taiwan Reconciliation

In order to reunite the Chinese people, Foreign Minister Zhou Enlai says that China must reduce hostilities between the Nationalists and Communists. He proposes talks with Taiwan on plans to formally end the Civil War and reconcile.
While relations between Taiwan and the USA seems to have deteriorated over the Island disputes, experts believe Chiang Kai-Shek's anti-communist stance makes acceptance of diplomacy from PRC highly unlikely.
A 6 is required for talks to be accepted by ROC.
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The proposal has been accepted by Nationalist officials, and will begin later in the year.

First Five-Year Plan

New Economic Policy:
Workers and farmers in state farms will be paid a percentage according to the quality and quantity of their products.
Proven workers and farmers may be promoted to supervise.
Supervisors are paid a small percentage of the total contribution by those under their supervision.
Underperforming workers may be demoted or reassigned.
Businessmen and owners may choose their industry's production focus, but will be paid proportionally to the demand of the product.

Progress of construction works are reviewed. A minimum total of 40 points is needed to meet the target.

Progress goes well. More factories and infrastructure is built with Soviet advice and aid. 16/40 towards the target.

Farming households are encouraged to cooperate to generate larger yields. Meanwhile state farms continue to be organised.

Cooperation between families is largely welcomed. Farms are also well organised.

Businessmen who have not accepted the pardon are arrested. They will have to pay a larger fine and their businesses seized. Police are sent to conduct this operation.

Operation performance is average. Some businesses fail to be seized.

Military Organisation

The PLA Navy, under Grand Admiral Xiao Jinguang, will be split into three sectors: North, East and South.

PVA Organisation:
Head of Indochina Operations: Grand Marshal Peng Dehuai
Commander of PVA: Grand General Chen Geng
200,000 men army
Four 50,000 men corps
Eight 25,000 men divisions
48 4000 men regiments
1,000 men per division in various support battalions.

Military Research

A focus is placed on producing a stronger navy as reports come in that Vietnamese forces can be driven from the Paracel and Spratly Islands, both claimed by the Taiwan government.
Engineers begin work on improving and converting the navy to a green-water navy.

Progress goes well with Soviet advisors helping in the PLA Navy. Much still needs to be done, however.

Indochina

An additional brigade of 500 tanks comprised of T-34s and T-34-85s (about 2500 men) is sent to North Vietnam to support the PVA.
Meanwhile, two corps will engage in a defense exercise near Vinh.

The exercise goes alarmingly poorly. It seems the PVA is not as prepared as expected.

Counter Espionage

Operations in Taiwan are slowed down with the start of the talks.
Meanwhile, additional agents are also sent to Indochina to support the Laotian and Cambodian communist movements.
Agents arrive in South Vietnam. They begin operations and attempt to set up a base in Hue.

The agents performance is extraordinary and are almost undetectable. They blend into South Vietnamese society easily. This will give the VCIA a hard time.

Indonesia

Recent developments in Indonesia has drawn the attention of Chairman Mao Zedong.
He expresses his support for the PKI and his concerns that Indonesia may find itself embroiled in a civil conflict.

Indonesia is a nation of several ethnicities and cultures. It is only natural that such a nation should be communist if it wants to ensure stability and equality for all. Even if you ignore the People's Republic of China, look at the Socialist Federal Republics of Yugoslavia, look at the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and you can see for yourself how communism has kept different people united.

Mao and other officials will keep an eye on the situation in Indonesia, and may intervene if seen fit.

Edit: Turn complete tpc······

[Santa Anna]

North Vietnam 1957, 1st Half

Foreign Affairs

The North Vietnamese government declares its support for the Indonesian Communist Party, and decries the right wingers who seek its demise. Contacts are established with top PKI leaders, and cash and arms are sent to help them defend themselves against their increasingly violent opposition.

Military

The North's air fields could handle last year's arrival of 600 Soviet planes, but it shows the need for more room. The country's rural air fields are expanded, and even more are built to accommodate the VPAF's own planes.

Still more submarines are put under construction for the VPN. A small battalion of Marines is formed, with the aim of defending North Vietnam's ports from land if need be. Rolling for their success in training.

1D1tPa|1

There is plenty of work to be done to bring the Marines up to standard, but they have proven to not be total failures. 

In Laos, the Ho Chi Minh Trail continues development under the canopy. The sections closest to North Vietnam are now capable of handling trucks, while trails are beginning to be carved out in the far south of Laos, with plans to later expand into Cambodia and the South. Five battalions of PAVN soldiers are kept in Laos to safeguard the trail.

In response to Southern deployments, the North responds accordingly. What artillery the country has is put on the border, and the small force of 500 Soviet tanks is stationed near Vinh. The 200,000 Chinese troops and 200,000 Northern soldiers are garrisoned in Nghe An province, with 100,000 PAVN and 100,000 VPPF stationed near the Laotian border. The coastal defenses started earlier are starting to be extended again in response to rumors that the South is developing landing craft for their tanks and troops.

Artillery and more anti-tank weaponry are bought from the Warsaw Pact to supplement the country's lacking forces. Some army engineers have reverse engineered Chinese-model AK-47s, and believe that North Vietnam can produce some of the rifles with its new military plants. A few models are produced for testing. Rolling for success:



A few minor issues plague the Vietnamese gun, but the model is reliable enough for it to be given the green light. As the country's military-industrial system is still small, only a limited number are able to be produced, but it is a start towards making North Vietnam less dependent on foreign military aid.

The recruitment campaign for the armed forces continues into this year, as the government uses the Southern actions at the border as proof that they are up to no good. In addition, the spy corps is being prepared for another large attempt at infiltrating the South later in the year.

The spy corps is also tasked with uncovering more proof that the South has been involved in  the recent anti-government action.



The efforts are successful, but what they uncover troubles the government. Evidence has been uncovered that shows the South not only sent soldiers north to cause an insurrection, but they actively assisted anti-Communist groups to do so. Some of the minor details eluded the spies' grasp, but finally, the government has proof that the South has been trying to sabotage the North. When the information is made public, anti-Southern sentiment reaches its highest levels yet, and support for the government and Ho Chi Minh also increases.

Order of Battle
PAVN: 350,000 (plus 200,000 Chinese troops, 10,000 Soviet troops)
VPPF: 230,000
VPAF: 40,000 (plus 600 Soviet fighters
VPN: 25,000 (plus Soviet fleet)
Total: 855,000

Domestic Affairs 

The Three Year Plan is finally kicked off this year. The consolidated plan will increase investment into domestic areas (not including the military), to be split by:
40% for domestic industry 
20% for infrastructure 
20% for agriculture
20% for education/social services

The military-industrial system is expanded, and other factories are tasked with producing some modern consumer goods to raise the North's standard of living. The infrastructure between the Laotian border and the North Vietnamese interior is improved, as are the country's ports and merchant fleet. Fertilizer and farming equipment are imported for the country's farms, and the agriculture collectives and farms are given goals to reach in production, with rewards for those that succeed to give an incentive to succeed. Even more schools are being set up across the nation, with curriculum being revised to allow students who wish to enter the industrial field to have an educational path before college.

Since the people's hatred of the South is at an all-time high, the government decides to use this to its advantage. Citizens are encouraged to track down and/or report any subversive people/groups, ideally acting as free counter-espionage. Rolling for how well the efforts go:



More subversives than ever are captured and imprisoned for their actions. A few manage to escape the country, but with the people's help, North Vietnam is more secure from Southern spying and domestic dissenters now than it has ever been.
···

[Frederick the Great]

OOC: Last post got really long so I'm writing espionage here separately.

IC: South Vietnam tries sending spies through three locations. South of Cua Lo, south of Vinh and south of Thanh Hung, rolling.

Thanh Hung Pf|mBLH0

Vinh 

Cua Lo 

The Vinh infiltration went badly however the other two have been successful. SV decides to capitalise on the opportunity and send even more spies through Cua Lo and Thanh Hung.

Cua Lo 

Thanh Hung 

Moderate success on both locations as the border is tightened on the other side. In any case, hundreds of informants have reached the other side of Vietnam.

Military Readiness and Combat Effectiveness Exercise

Rolling for the readiness and combat effectiveness of the South Vietnamese Infantry. 

Rolling for the Armored Corps

Rolling for the Artillery 

Rolling for Support Formations

Clearly the Armored Corps doesn't know how to do it's job with only the Support Formations getting their tasks done. Many Armor units are sent back for retraining.········

[Victor Katz]

Union of Soviet Social Republics. 1957. First Half.

---

Commitment: IV->III(Oh come on, tpc ... Seriously? )
OOC: For the people who's waiting for Laika... She will appear in the 2nd half. So have paitience, alright?
The Hungarian Revolution

From January 1957, Hungary saw a great change. The punishment of a man named Arpad Matyasevich fueled the anger of the Hungarians and the anger grew into a Revolution. Revolution against the Soviets, revolution against the Communists, revolution against the revolution. Many people in Hungary and Russia believes Hungary's exit of the Warsaw Pact is near, and perhaps the destruction of the Eastern Bloc itself. The support for Nikita Khruschev is getting lower and lower. Many consider him to be 'Too moderate' against the counter-revolutionaries and some extremes even consider him to be a Counter revolutionary himself. Many people wish for a new ruler. A ruler that can use blood and iron against the enemies against the revolution. The name Vyacheslav Molotov lingers in many's heads. He will be a better ruler. He will punish the Americans and their crude behaviors.



Khruschev, not knowing of this addresses a speech in the security council of the United Nations. Little did he know that this would stir up his oppositions and dig up his own grave.

Americans, Hungarians, Soviets, citizens of the world. I believe you all are aware of the recent events in Hungary. The killing of our revolutionary bretherens, the counter-revolutioary activities stirring up. However, this cannot be the reason behind the crack of the Eastern Bloc and the worsening relationships between Hungarians and Soviets, the two greatest revolutionary nations in the World. Hungarians, I plead. Stop the anti-revolutions. Hungarians, I plead. We must negotiate the matters between the two nations. Hungarians, I plead. Stop the massacring of the revolutionary bretherens. Soviets, I plead. Do not believe in the foul rumors started by the anti-revolutionaries. Soviets, I plead. Do not give up the revolutionary flames within your heart and soul. What differs humans from wild beasts are the presence of soul and logic. We must sort the matter diplomatically, not through gunfire.

Molotov, both outraged of Khruschev's moderate behavior and excited to see an oppertunity to end Khruschev's regime goes to the Red Square at April 22nd, Lenin's Birthday for a public speech. 

Fellow bretherens of the Revolution, this is the day when Vladimir Lenin was born. The Revolution himself was born this day. After the death of our great comrade, Iosif spoiled the pride and integrity of the revolution by massacring. He was a bloodthirsty murderer, and clearly did not understand the concept of the Revolution that is freedom, not terror. After Iosif, a man named Nikita spoiled the name of the Revolution once more. This time, by cooperating with the counter revolutionaries. Is he not afraid of the people? Is he not afraid of the masses? He showed terrible judgement in Indochina by letting the United States, a dirty nation by itself, spoil the lands of Viet Nam and shaming the pride of the Red Army. Marshal Govorov and Zhukov didn't deserve the dishonor of backing down the proud red army. People, I ask you. Is this the man who should lead the global revolution? A man who isn't afraid to cooperatie with the counter revolutionaries, including our worst enemy, the United States of America? We have fought bravely against foreign threats. We have fought in Leipzig. We have fought in Borodino. We have fought in Smolensk. We have fought in Austerlitz. We have fought in Volgograd. But this man is trying to back down in Hungary. We must fight back. We must destroy the counter revolutionaries, our worst enemies. We have destroyed our enemies in the past, and I promise you, we will destroy our enemies now!

The crowd goes wild. Khruschev, a politics veteran acknowedges this and decides to revive the 2nd Cavalry Corps and send them to Hungary. He puts the famous WW2 veteran Aleksandr Vasilevsky in charge of the operation.

---

The Space Rase: Launch of Sputnik I
The Soviet Union faced a glorious event. The launching of Sputnik I gave the entire world one message: The age of Space has begun. 

Nikita Khruschev and Vyacheslav Molotov, now the worst political enemies, meets after the event on the 22nd of April. The two power-hungry politicians shake hands firmly and grins towards the camera, but who knows what's going on in their head? Nikita Khruschev, Vyacheslav Molotov and Sergey Korolev takes out their pen and signs the flag of the Soviet Union, which is to be placed inside the spacecraft. A few hours after the event, with the three men who made this possible watching, Sputnik I began its countdown to space.

Десять... Девять... Восемь... Семь... Шесть... Пять... Четыре... Четыре... Три... Два... Один... Старт!

The crowd cheers, and Khruschev and Molotov glees together in joy. Joy coming from glory, and a glorious event that was. A few minutes later, the very first transmission from Sputnik I reached earth;

Beep; Beep; Beep; Beep; Beep...

Korolev is in tears; He says to the press "Do you have a son? Yeah, it's like seeing your son go 'Daddy' for the first time." Molotov and Khruschev, the two men of iron seems geniunly touched by this as well. Khruschev later speaks of this during his speech.

My fellow comrades and revolutionaries, we have succeeded! By this event, we have proved our supeority over the United States of America. I am proud! Proud of comrade Korolev and his scientists! Americans! This is our message to you. Our technological advances are many steps ahead of yours. Remember that, before you start a bloodbath in Hungary or Indochina.

---

Suez Crisis
OOC: Quoting tpc
Egypt’s nationalization of the Suez Canal has triggered an Anglo-French invasion. While a pullout did happen due to the US Ambassador to the UN’s (unsanctioned) efforts, negotiations to reopen the canal are stalling due to public pressure. Newspapers have called out the hypocrisy of American diplomats for “...promoting peace in the Middle East but destroying peace in Indochina; opposing war in Egypt but supporting a warmongering regime in Vietnam.”

Molotov, as the Foreign Minister of the Soviet Union, addresses the issue in the United Nations Security Council.

To the arrogant Americasns and their leader Dweight David Eisenhower,
You claim to be the protector of peace of the world. You claim to be working for the welfare of the nations of Earth. However, you support a warmongering government in Indochina. Is the welfare of Indochina not as crucial as the welfare of Egypt and the Sinai? How ironical! Americans, the money-hungry piglets only cares about the welfare of their money dispensers, and doesn't give a Blyat about the nation of Viet Nam! Americans! Viet Nam calls for peace! Listen to the people! Listen to Lady Justice! Retract your forces from Viet nam! Are you not afraid of history? Fear the historians, and the people!

[Tolbethessar]

---

USA 1st half of 1957

---

Commitment Level: 4, dropping down to 3, I think? Correct me, if necessary.

---

Northeast Modern Africa Proposal (progress thus far 9, leak tally 30)
Round 3 (Prog, then Leak)
XrWSZb7j
A 4 is rolled, and then a 2 is rolled so the progress tally is 13, leak tally is 38 now


And the same as the previous turn in 1956...
Counter-Espionage Roll (in lieu of having a Space Race Roll)
An attempt is made to subtract from the leak tally to contain and restrain the data that is at risk of being spilled, such as secretive couriers and stronger encryption is used.

A 5 is rolled, the leak tally is now moved down to 33.

---

Jun 24, 2019 11:40:09 GMT tpc said:

Hungarian Revolution
USSR, maybe USA.

A group of reformers among Hungarian communists supported by the majority of Hungarian people have overthrown the Hungarian government and driven out Soviet troops in Hungary. Demonstrations that played a part in the revolution should have happened in 1956, but the mental lapses of a man named Arpad Matyasevich has caused them to occur in early 1957. He has been punished and has been sighted boarding a boat in the Black Sea.
The Hungarians have opposed any Soviet deployment inside their country and rumors of a Hungarian exit from the Warsaw Pact swirl.

The Soviet Politburo have been split on the issue, but with Zhukov in Indochina and Khrushchev still suffering from past failures, it is likely that Molotov’s faction advocating military action against the Hungarians will prevail. Generals have warned that more forces are needed to ensure swift success, but the army’s resources are strained with the deployment in Indochina.

Formal Response:
1st. Noting the drastic collapse of pro-Sovietism in the Warsaw Pact member and the exit from such organization... Eisenhower approves a mission of establishing a formal relation with Neutral Hungary. John Dulles is assigned to a temporary ambassadorial position along with a Hungarian-American being groomed to eventually replace him. The duo is now stationed in Europe at an arm's throw from the Hungarian border, for the moment waiting in Austria for a communique from the freed Hungarian government. America publicly endorse support for the newly formed democratic government. Lastly, a direct request for mutual understanding between the two nations is delivered.

2nd. A brief but blunt compliant is filed in the United Nations against USSR for the invasion of foreign communists into the nation of Neutral Hungary in both violating sovereignty and non-compliance with human rights of citizens. President Eisenhower remarks that the loud and childish behavior of Khrushchev in silly protest and obvious contraction should be considered in effect to the famous saying "It's better to be presumed as a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubts for the world to see." And yet, Khrushchev has been misusing his mouth for far too many years in a row without a break.
Thus in addition to the President's public condemnation, Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr (the American ambassador to the United Nations) files a motion to hold Nikita Khrushchev in contempt and be exiled from all chambers located on the United Nations complex in New York City, but not including the International Court of Justice which is located at The Hague in the Netherlands. There's always the possibility that Khrushchev's previous (and present *cough*) participation in crimes against humanity might come to light in the future anyhow.

3rd. In response to the drastically changing situation of Eastern Europe, especially Hungary, the Secretary of Defense raises the level of combat readiness for the United States Armed Forces and the corresponding branches & subbranches and recommends that the joint forces in NATO do the same. USA stands ready to intervene if necessary.

Informal Response:
(don't ask me why I somehow had the inspiration to write something in the crime noir style, just go with the flow!)

Unspecified location within the city of Zagreb
Quietly a man in a cheap Italian suit walked down the stairs into the basement of some restaurant that didn't even had a name at all. The room were darkened, greasy, and had dim light by only weak, pale blubs hanging under bent and half-broken lampshades. The smell of cigarettes were absolutely choking the air to a maddening degree. It would be a miracle for any man to be able to suck in sufficient oxygen for his brains to keep awake, much less somehow track all of those cards shuffled around on filthy, green tablecloth, and yet these men were darting their eyes from one to each other furiously as they thumbed their cards one by one in mutual suspicion and distrust.

While the poker games continue in various stages of secretive disorderliness, the said man who had just entered this den of iniquity walked on to the next room where no such games were played, only serious-minded plots and schemes were at play instead. The man with the Italian clothing finally spoke aloud, but with a thick American accent, "Imma Al Antico, but ya coulda call me Double Aces 'stead of." Finally introducing himself, Antico dropped the name Giovanni as his prior contact and was in search of a certain important man of connection to the Yugoslavian government now. A guttural voice spat out inscrutable, Slavic-sounding words, but an aggressive gesture toward Antico's coat made clear the intention of the demand. "Oh sure!" Antico took off his coat and emptied out every pocket, and a pistol was laid down on the small creaky table, "See now, I ain't no fool waltzing into 'ere, but I ain't haff anything to hide anyhoo anyway and how. Ya see? Yeh, you see, right 'ere."

The other man snapped back in accented English, and then the two went at it, inquiring each other's plans, true motivations, objectives. That is, the unfriendly, growling banter came to a grinding halt as the American finally blurted out "Him! Tito! That's right, I wanna talk to 'im!" The Croatian gasped and fell silent in shock of the audaciousness.

"Wut? Can I see a man 'bout some business, serious business fer that angry keruffle, well ya know that sort ol' business up there in Budapest? Uh.. the Hungarian revolution? Overthrow of the evil stepson of the even eviler Stalin an' all of his dirty, rotten commies? Yes? Uh... Bye bye stinkin' Rooskies blam-blam? Ya followin' me on the lowdown 'round 'ere? Git me Tito, talk-talk right 'ere, talk-talk right now if ya can, pretty mighty please?"

And so Double Aces found himself waiting in the back of a dreary basement underneath a nameless restaurant in a godforsaken alley somewhere in Zagreb. Waiting for the chance to meet face-to-face with the head of a nation-state, planning a clandestine partnership to supply a rebellion, which all of this ought strike anyone as strange or unusual but these were strange and unusual times to be had.

Now as a quick summary of the ACTUAL meeting itself between the Italian-American and Josip Tito...
OOC Information ONLY:

SPOILER: Click to show

USA would like to provide a secretive backing to the rebelling Hungarians with arms and funding, funneling through the Mediterranean Sea and then Yugoslavian lands into Hungary.
Also Tito would be setting up the formation of a formal alliance between the two countries, Yugoslavia & Hungary in the intent of fragmenting the Warsaw Pact group into Pro-Soviet & Anti-Soviet camps, making the Non-Aligned Movement a bigger reality with better chances, even.

This appeals to him on two levels, one: his own influence would be more considerable throughout the socialist world, and two: this is a perfect chance to spit in the eye of Stalin and his successors whom he certainly has an intense hatred for.
Not to mention that Yugoslavia would also be receiving an extra supplement, tied to an amount of 25% of what is offered to Hungary (think of it as... administrative expenses or travel accommodations to ensure that the supplies and money do arrive at the intended designation).

This is on top of what they're already receive in the Marshall Plan a few years ago like right before the RP started (according to the wiki).

---

Jun 24, 2019 11:40:09 GMT tpc said:

Suez Crisis Negotiations

USA, maybe USSR.

Egypt’s nationalization of the Suez Canal has triggered an Anglo-French invasion. While a pullout did happen due to the US Ambassador to the UN’s (unsanctioned) efforts, negotiations to reopen the canal are stalling due to public pressure. Newspapers have called out the hypocrisy of American diplomats for “...promoting peace in the Middle East but destroying peace in Indochina; opposing war in Egypt but supporting a warmongering regime in Vietnam.”

J. Edgar Hoover suspects the piece to be the beginning of a ROC-led anti-Vietnam propaganda campaign.

After a lengthy and furious debate with the joint chiefs, and then after another round of angry exchanges with a select committee of congressmen, Eisenhower finally settled on the prudent choice of withdrawing from Indochina temporarily for a year. 40,000 infantry and 15,000 marines are in mid-process of withdrawing from South Vietnam now.

Twenty-one nations were invited for an international summit to determine what would need to be done about the Suez canal (Australia, Ceylon, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, West Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States).

America proposes that Egypt allows the canal to be maintained internationally, and kept open to the world's leading maritime trading nations indefinitely, but in return for the surrendering of the illegally nationalized Suez Canal Company, a percentage of the proceeds would go to the national treasury for the benefits of Egyptians, so thus Egypt wouldn't be left out as it had felt in the past. Presume that if no further attempts were being made in nationalizing the canal, so in anticipation Egypt would be likely to not face an European intervention effort for a considerable while in theory and thus its sovereignty would be respected whereas the business of international shipping would still operate smoothly for everybody involved.

In order to pull Nasser away from undue influence from the Intercom corruption... USA is also prepared to make an additional sweetening offer to furnish a million dollars in allocation toward the construction of the Aswan Dam (which is the very same project that in pulling out by the British and French, they had raised Nasser's ire and thus triggering the move toward nationalizing various strategic assets, especially the Suez Canal).

---

Jun 24, 2019 11:40:09 GMT tpc said:

Fair-Haired Boy
Event chain involving: USA, PRC, and South Vietnam.

South Vietnam’s increased military presence in the Spratly and Paracel islands has drawn protest from the Republic of China (Taiwan), citing their own claim (which they claim to be better) to the islands. The ROC questions the seeming American turn towards favoring South Vietnam in light of the PRC announcing its ambitions to reunify China. Moreover, they add that the situation in Indochina seems stable: economically, South Vietnam is experiencing an economic boom and militarily, South Vietnam have launched military operations of their own (this particular claim about the military is based on rumors). The Republic of China perceives South Vietnam’s actions as nothing more than a greedy land grab that might threaten the unity of American allies.

This statement of protest is accompanied by a formal request to the Americans: order the Vietnames to pull out of the islands, or use the strong arm of the US Navy to do so. They further suggest that the US Navy hold the islands in the name of the ROC.

Madame Chiang, a well-known figure from her days campaigning for China in the Sino-Japanese War, has planned a tour around the US to garner support for the Kuomintang government-in-exile. It is feared that she might also agitate against the Indochina Intervention if the US spites ROC in this particular incident.

USA makes a brief outline to ROC regarding these islands in order to assist them on where things stand.

Firstly, the so-called "Nine-Dash Line" map is an entirely biased document meant to perpetuate a fraud, and originating only from older papers that were drawn up during a rather dubious era of instability and lack of trustworthiness predating the World War II. We wholly reject the notion that such fictionalization would have any validation in international negotiations, none whatsoever. An international tribunal if ever held in the future on this subject would be fairly and quite likely to rule such documents as null and void in the sense of legal binding.

So in effect, neither ROC nor PRC both cannot justify a claim on these islands based upon the fictional "Nine-Dash Line" that never had ever existed in any official capacity or even ratified in a single treaty in human history as in ever. A claim that would be acceptable would have to been based on something much more substantial. Please do provide some type of authentic proof, then we would've shout from the rooftops at the top of our lungs that these islands do indeed belong to you. Vietnam would be likely to agree to evacuate their trespassers with a gentle urging from us in that case.

Secondly, We certainly do recognize ROC's rightful claim to lands as the successor of the first Republic of China (the one that lasted from 1912 to 1928). However we must also raise the question in what to do with the current fact that a vast majority ROC's claims are being outside ROC's control, especially the claim over the Mainland China. Would it be prudent for ROC to keep in mind that presently they're in control only 13,974 square miles (out of roughly 3.7 million square miles)? If you cannot maintain control over the vital homeland of your republic itself, then what good is it to exert your limited strength on the subject of a cluster of reefs and sandbars partially submerged in South China Sea? Save your manpower and resources for a better secured venture instead, please. We do wish to see you prosper happily, friend.

Likewise, your civil war with your own fellow Chinese citizens are still ongoing but rather in a temporary peace (an impasse more of, I suppose) which raises the specter of danger over the Spratly & Parcel Islands. Should we fully acquit to your claim of sovereignty over these islands, then what shall we do in the unthinkable event where you suddenly lose the island of Formosa (or Taiwan) to the communists? If they do somehow manage to bring the civil war to a close (and you being vanquished despite our best wishes and efforts), then they becomes the successors of the claim. We would very much prefer in agreement with you that these small islands would be kept out of their hands, thus being an ineligible target would benefit the Democracies around the world, better in case than to allow it fall into their hands.

In fact, we do fear the loss of Formosa very much so. We would like to station 40,000 infantry and 15,000 marines in there for at least a year. They would serve to protect ROC from a potential invasion/incursion. During that year in addition to standing guard, the soldiers can also build up and fortify defenses at your command and we would provide funding for the construction.

Thirdly, comparatively speaking at both current de facto jurisdictions, respectively both the State of Vietnam and the Republic of China as opposed to the question of de jure jurisdictions... Vietnam is much closer to these islands than Taiwan. Not only geographically distances favors Vietnam over Taiwan, but also economic factors means that Vietnam would be far better equipped to put these islands to use and also to defend against an attempt from the communists. Quite frankly and speaking in the sense of functionality, ROC's claim over the islands aren't that strong considering the facts while Vietnam would have a better capacity to put these islands to use.

So with these three main points, we suggest that ROC stave off their fevor in staking their claims upon the Spratly and Parcel island chains and allow cooler heads prevail. Perhaps a cooperative agreement might be made between both ROC and SV (and along with USA backing the agreement between those two). Do you accept this invitation to a session of negotiating? And do you wish for 55,000 Americans to be restationed onto your land instead of Vietnam right now?

---

On a separate but related note, the anticipated travels of Madame Chiang, are welcome news for us. First Lady of the Republic of China will be invited into the White House itself for a dinner with Mr and Mrs Eisenhower as a honored guest.

---

Jun 24, 2019 11:40:09 GMT tpc said:

The Indonesian Domino
All players.
A group of military officers stationed in the island of Sumatra has petitioned the government in Jakarta, requesting the disbandment of the Indonesian Communist Party and decentralization of government power. The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), probably the third largest in the world, won the 1955 elections along with PNI (a nationalist party), NU, and Masjumi (both religious parties). Their presence has steadily increased and their influence upon the central government has broadened.

USA wishes to lightly remind Indonesia of its firm anti-imperialist stance against the Netherlands' foolish war of recolonization. America had made it abundantly clear that it wouldn't support the Dutch's war efforts. In fact, the newly appointed at that time United States Secretary of State Dean Acheson pushed the Netherlands government into negotiations earlier recommended by the United Nations but until then defied by the Netherlands.

We have no desire to intervene or capitalizing upon the unfolding of events within your domestic affairs at the expense of you Indonesians nor your government. We simply ask that you disregard the loud and brash fumblings of communists and their insistence of kowtowing upon their doctrines or ideologies. Instead, regard your very own people's own voices and needs, and cherish them well. We wish you well in health and fortune. If you wish for some assistance such as funding orphanages, infrastructure or agricultural reconstruction, so forth... ask, and know that our phone line is open.

---

Military Research:
To this date, we presently do not have a nuclear-armed submarine-launched ballistic missile or much less just a submarine-launched non-nuclear missile! One of the initial problems the Navy faced in creating an SLBM was that the sea moves, while a launch platform on land does not. Waves and swells rocking the boat or submarine, as well as possible flexing of the ship's hull, had to be taken into account to properly aim the missile. Also, considering the intriguing challenges of launching a nuclear-tipped missile from a sea-borne platform, the Navy began first with what everybody in the armed forces were accustomed to: liquid-fueled missiles. However, the Navy was deeply dissatisfied with the liquid fuel IRBM. The first concern was that the cryogenic liquid fuel was not only extremely dangerous to handle, but launch-preparations were also very time-consuming. Second, an argument was made that liquid-fueled rockets gave relatively low initial acceleration, which is disadvantageous in launching a missile from a moving platform in certain sea states.

Originally, the Navy favored cruise missile systems in a strategic role, such as the Regulus missile deployed on the earlier USS Grayback and a few other submarines, but a major drawback of these early cruise missile launch systems (and the Jupiter proposals) was the need to surface, and remain surfaced for some time, to launch. Submarines were very vulnerable to attack during launch, and a fully or partially fueled missile on deck was a serious hazard. The difficulty of preparing a launch in rough weather was another major drawback for these designs, but rough sea conditions did not unduly affect Polaris' submerged launches.

It quickly became apparent that solid-fueled ballistic missiles had advantages over cruise missiles in range and accuracy, and could be launched from a submerged submarine, improving submarine survivability.

The Polaris development is kept on a tight schedule and the only influence that changed this was the USSR's launching of SPUTNIK on April 22, 1957. This caused many working on the project to want to accelerate development. The launch of a Russian satellite and pressing public and government opinions caused Secretary Wilson to move the project along more quickly.

The first Polaris missile tests are currently given the names “AX-#” and perhaps later to be renamed “A1X-#” if the Navy opt to maintain a model number beyond A-1, such as A-2, A-3, so forth.

The initial very first test (meant to palliate the Congress in restraining themselves from going over the top shaking in red terror) occurred right after the month of April had ended.
Rolling for extent of success in helping moving the Polaris program forward. Three possible outcomes... A roll of 1-2: not so much. A roll of 3-4: a moderate but considerable shift is implemented. A roll of 5-6: a very successful implementation of an accelerated schedule.

A 5 is rolled. The effect is: The Navy's development of The UGM-27 Polaris missile, a two-stage solid-fueled nuclear-armed submarine-launched ballistic missile, has been accelerated so well! We might even see an actual sea-side launch by next year, who knows? However for the moment, we will be conducting tests mainly at Cape Canaveral from a launch pad now.

As for airborne nuclear delivery, we do need many more B-52 Stratofortresses, but Boeing has been making them so far only in Seattle, Washington. An expanded production order is placed by the USAF. To allow rapid delivery, production lines are set up both at its main Seattle factory and now also at Boeing's Wichita facility. More than 5,000 companies are involved in this huge production effort, with 41% of the airframe being built by subcontractors.
Rolling for the extent of the expansion. Three possible outcomes... A roll of 1-2: not so much. A roll of 3-4: a moderate but considerable jump in production occurs. A roll of 5-6: a very successful implementation of an expanded production.

A 6 is rolled. The effect is: The push to produce more B-52s is a resounding success! Both factories are rolling out bombers at a neck-breaking pace. But of course, the quality assurance inspection step is well-monitored lest our planes fall right out of the sky with armed nuclear payloads at the worst possible time.

Tagging Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger····

[Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger]

2nd Half of 1957 - please let me know if I'm doing it wrong

Fair-Haired Boy (Cont.)

Involving: US, PRC, SV, maybe USSR.

The ROC government accepts in principle the idea of stationing American troops on its soil, but does not wish to act just yet, for fear of rocking the boat with regards to the negotiations vis-a-vis the Communists.
To facilitate a mutually beneficial resolution, Madame Chiang suggests round-table talks between the US, the Communists, and the ROC... during a joint press conference with US Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn (D-Texas) and Senate Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson (D-Texas)

The US may either accept or reject the talks, as may the PRC.

If the US accepts, roundtable talks will begin, but the US will face a 1-point debuff at the next confidence vote, as Eisenhower will see his support erode in the eyes of some Congressional Republicans.
If the US refuses, it will face a 4-minimum no-confidence vote (taking the form of a budget vote).

The PRC's decision will not be met with immediate consequences at this juncture.

SV may react as it sees fit, as may the USSR, particularly if PRC accepts.

---

Suez Crisis II: Electric Boogaloo

Participants: US, possibly USSR

The second leg of the Anglo-French intervention was an assault by the small nation of Israel into the Sinai. While it, under international pressure and in concert with the English and French, began to withdraw from Sinai, it has not been invited to the negotiations, and thus has not felt compelled to withdraw fully as of yet. It has, instead, withdrawn to a line that places the strategic Mitla and Gidi passes, as well as Sharm-el-Sheikh, in its hands. The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Moshe Dayan, has been reported as saying that Israel's strategic interests warrant a permanent holding of this or a similar borderline. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion appears to be sympathetic to this viewpoint, though members of the "Middle Generation" of Israel's ruling Mapai party appear otherwise.
Nasser refuses to negotiate until "the Zionists" withdraw from "every last acre", a statement understood to refer to the 1949 border.

The US may:

Permit Israel to hold this territory, provoking the ire of the Egyptians (and maybe more), while winning a +1 buff on future confidence rolls by pleasing American Jewry.
Pressure Israel to withdraw to the 1949 borderline, winning the support of the Egyptians while potentially slightly frustrating American Jewry. This will mollify Egypt and presumably end the Suez crisis at long last.
Use an espionage roll to attempt to remove Ben-Gurion, and replace him with a member of the "Middle Generation" (to be determined by the GM). A minimum roll of 4 is needed for success. If successful, this will smooth along negotiations, and will see Israel withdraw to the 1949 borderline without issue. If not, it will trigger a -1 debuff on confidence rolls so long as Eisenhower (or Nixon) is President.
Attempt to negotiate some other option. The GM will assess Egypt and Israel's reactions, trying his best to be objective.

The USSR may meddle to its liking

---

Hungary (Cont.)

Participants: US, USSR

Responding in secret to the US overtures, both the Yugoslavians and the Hungarians participate in setting up the necessary arms pipeline. Sadly, infrastructure and organizational limitations preclude the delivery of any weaponry to Hungary by this route until the new year.

In the meantime, Hungary prepares its forces to face the limited deployment from the Soviets. The Hungarians are confident that they can hold off the Soviets for now. The Soviets will have to make three separate dice rolls, to represent their initial approaches. The result will determine their success.

Sum <8, or any individual dice at 1 = Soviet forces held off
Sum between 8-14 = Soviets enter and occupy some of Eastern Hungary
Sum between 15-17 = Soviets enter and occupy large swaths of Hungary
Sum of 18 (max) = organized military opposition in Hungary is crushed.

The Soviets may also opt to reduce commitment by 1, which will provide them with a 5-point boost.

America may react as it sees fit.

---

Last but not least:

Sino-Soviet Split

Participants: mostly PRC and USSR, but everyone.

In Moscow, Georgy Malenkov delivers a charged speech, but one which appears to be rather popular. In it, he argues that China is not truly committed to the Communist ideals, and that it has abandoned the cause through these negotiations with the Taiwanese. More privately, he argues that the independent developments by China indicate possible plans by Beijing to supplant Moscow at the helm of the world Communist movement. His case is persuasive, in any case.

The USSR (Molotov and/or Khrushchev) may:
Cut aid and cooperation to China, resulting in an immediate reduction of commitment in Indochina by 1 for at least 6 turns/3 years (duration may be extended by further events)
OR
Face an immediate, 5-minimum confidence vote.

In retaliation, similar voices are heard in China.

China may either cut off ties to Russia, facing a -1 point deduction on research rolls for 6 turns/3 years at least
OR
Face an immediate, 4-minimum confidence vote

Please, please, please, please let me know if I did something wrong. Please.

Tagging Carlos III , Victor Katz , Frederick the Great , Tolbethessar , Santa Anna , and I guess tpc as well

[Frederick the Great]

South Vietnam. Second half of 1957

Foreign Affairs
The sight of thousands of Americans leaving Vietnam sparks an enormous outrage among the people who think that America is abandoning Vietnam and leaving it to the Communists. Diem and Company get to work explaining to the people that the Americans will be soon back and that they have to secure our ally, the Republic of China, from "their Communists", as well.

Hundreds of guns are shipped to Indonesia alongside stacks upon stacks of cash for the military and right-wing rebels that are trying to overthrow the PKI.

Military

Extra emphasis is placed on buying infantry vehicles like jeeps and trucks for Mechanised Infantry

More landing crafts are built. All landing crafts are adjusted so as to be used multiple times in a war.

2000 new M41 Walker Bulldog tanks are bought from the Americans and are put into immediate use. They are light tanks capable of reconnaissance but can also be used as infantry support.
40000 Marines and 40000 Airborne soldiers join in the ranks of the Army.
Anti-Tank weaponry, whatever the latest is, is bought from the Americans as well in response to rumors that the Communists have gotten tanks as well.

600000 "Militia of Vietnam" are recruited from a swelling population. They are immediately lined up against the Laotian and Cambodian borders. Better salaries are given to them compared to last time and they now possess better weaponry.

Special Forces of 10000 are built but remain untested, as is the case with the whole Army.

Ship-building facilities are expanded at Saigon, Da Nang and Hue Ports. Nha Trang's port is also put under expansion, that will be upgraded by the end of the next year. Landing crafts, destroyers, submarines and small vessels are continued to being built in all three major ports while in Hue and Da Nang two cruisers are built and are ready for testing. Rolling to see if there are any defects in the ships. Bigger the number, lesser the defects.

Rolling for the Hue Cruiser qNPlJsC|
Rolling for the Da Nang Cruiser 

Turns out the ship in Hue needs more time to be used in the sea. By the end of the year another attempt is made at trying to get it in the water. Rolling again. 

Both the ships are put into use, stationed in Hue Harbor for the time being.
Destroyers and Frigates are now also actively patrolling the northern naval borders of the South Vietnam. Rumors have it that the North is having a field day with building submarines, thus these units are on high alert.

Almost 40 officers are arrested for being communist sympathisers and sentenced for life imprisonment in Da Nang Jail. Officers and soldiers in political parties are forcibly retired, numbering around 200.

Americans now are being paid back the amount we have owed them over the years in military aid.
The Artillery, Infantry and Armor units that weren't properly trained earlier the year are retrained and sent back to the border.

Saigon, Hue and Da Nang airports are put into upgrade to be able to build WW2-era fighters and transport aircraft there, the upgrade will end by the end of the year.

Espionage
Recon flights once again are tried over Laos to check for enemy infiltration. At multiple points on the border the planes are flown. Rolling for success.

Apparently there is a mass of Communist troops right on our border and we had no idea! Orders are given to cross the Laotian border and to hold positions. Almost 350000 militiamen are ready to face the Communists.
Trying always to be on the safe side, the South sends recon flights on to the Laotian-Northern border to check if the Communists are building bases or something there. Rolling. 

What is uncovered is a network of roads stretching from Son La in the North to Sam Nuea in Laos, seizing the initiative, the South orders that the areas on the Laotian-Northern border closest to Son La be "bombarded to hell". Under a massive air cover, bombers fly to destroy this road network before it expands even further, rolling.

Communist infrastructure should be wrecked in some way (OOC: Santa Anna verify damage dealt please)

More spies are sent to the North, using the conventional land route as well as by sea now in small merchant boats.

Rolling for Sea Infiltration at Hoang Mai. 

Rolling for Sea Infiltration at Thanh Hoa. 

Rolling for Overland Infiltration. 

The infiltrations are a failure. Guess we'll have to do without them for the time being.

Attempts are made at catching Chinese and NV spies, rolling 

This...... endeavor.... confirms two things.

1. Our spies have become of the worst quality, thus they're all fired and rigorous training of the new batches is taken up by the Airborne to put some strength back into the VCIA.
2. We have advantage over the North in everything but spying.

Government
The Miracle on the Mekong River is now evident to the whole world. South Vietnam's economy is quickly growing at a fast rate of around 15% a year.
Additional payments are secured from the Americans to balance the budget before it takes the economy down with it.

The Vietnamese CIA starts rooting out Communists now from the country, in the first phase almost 1000 enemies are arrested.

More and more educational institutions are opening all over the country, so are hospitals and police stations even in the far-flung areas of the Central Highlands. Measures are taken to give jobs to all ethnic and religious groups.·········



Order of Battle for the Armed Forces of the State of Vietnam :

Army of the State of Vietnam

Regular Infantry = 300000.
Armored Corps =  70000 men. 7000+ tanks.
Artillery Corps = 50000.
Support Roles = 50000.
Airborne Divisions = 80000.
Marine Divisions = 80000.
Rangers = 50000.
Special Forces = 10000.
Militia of Vietnam = 600000. 350000 on the Laotian border, remaining on the Cambodian border.


Total of the Army = 1,285,000

Navy of the State of Vietnam

Stands at 90000 men.

Air Force of the State of Vietnam

Stands at 90000 men.

Totalof the AFSVN: 1,470,000