News of the World

[Markus Wilding]

BALKAN CEASEFIRE - BULGARI AND MACEDONIA NEGOTIATE TRUCE

Soviet sources report to the Associated Press that the war between Bulgaria and Macedonia has been put on hold, for the moment at least. After what Italian, Greek and American observers describe as a "mauling," the Bulgarian military has been beaten back to pre-war borders, with Bulgarian officials in Macedonia for an extended negotiation period. The first phase of such negotiations have ended with a ceasefire, to come into full effect on August 7th, with phase two expected to determine prisoner exchanges and adequate compensation for Macedonia. The Macedonian foreign minister said in a press conference today that he and his government fully intended to punish the Bulgarians for their offensive into Macedonia, and reject any claims of covertly shipping weapons to Bulgarian criminal elements.

[Markus Wilding]

CONGO AT WAR AGAIN - WATER RIGHTS, BORDER SKIRMISHES AT CORE OF RENEWED CONFLICT

Korean diplomats have confirmed that active combat has begun between the Republic of Congo and the Socialist Republic of the Congo. It appears that the previous 1956 war did not conclusively end tensions between the two nations, as Republic of Congo troops have again been accused of building outposts on the opposite shore of the Congo River. The Socialist Republic of the Congo asserts that the water is theirs to control, and the Republican's efforts to divert water to them and the construction of guard posts violates their sovereignty. It is unclear who has fired the first shot, but already offensives have been launched into both countries that appear to have gained ground.

[Markus Wilding]

RISE OF POLITICAL MILITIAS, ARMED VIOLENCE PUTS FUTURE KAZAKH DEMOCRACY IN JEOPARDY

Skirmishes have been reported between militias composed of government loyalists, Communists, fascist brigadiers and other criminal elements in Kazakhstan as announcements are made for 1963 elections. The already shaky democracy is facing a future in which the elderly Russian administrators and elected officials are seeking retirement and votes of no confidence, leading to unprecedented early elections that may be heavily contested no matter what happens. The police have reportedly not taken a side according to Kazakh officials, and are more interested in upholding the rule of law. There is hope, reports the Associated Press - the current government does believe that it can contain the violence ahead of the July 1963 elections, despite claims of heavy-handedness utilized by government forces propagated by the fascists and Communists. Should the situation devolve, or worse, escalate into open armed conflict between the factions, the Kazakh government is expected to plead to the UN for assistance.

[Markus Wilding]

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CONTEND KAZAKH GOVERNMENT "DOING NOTHING" TO CURTAIL MILITIAS

The latest session of Parliament in Kazakhstan has been wrought with tension as the debate over how to deal with partisan militias is raised and unresolved. At the core of the dissent is a broadly centrist coalition claiming that the current government has not taken any steps to curtail the power and influence partisan militias hold. In particular, it is widely reported that communist and socialist militias have all but seized control of several air and sea ports, while fascist militias operate with impunity in industrial districts. Various monarchists, gangsters, and anarchists occupy other elements of the country. It seems that the government has either given their blessing to these blatant divisions, or is ineffective enough to be unable to do much about it. Regardless, the Kazakh government has assured both its parliament and the international community that it is preparing to disrupt militia influence over Kazakhstan, and it plans to do so soon.

[Markus Wilding]

DARING MUSEUM HEIST LEAVES BRITISH CONFUSED

A grand heist has robbed the British of several priceless artifacts, Metropolitan Police and Scotland Yard report today. Dozens of artifacts from China and Africa have gone missing from British museums over the past week, with no known motive behind the robbery. British authorities suspect international art theft rings known to operate in England and have warned all British embassies to be on the lookout for illicit goods being sold.

[Markus Wilding]

FRENCH PEACE NEGOTIATIONS BOMBED - RADICAL FRENCH COMMUNISTS SUSPECTED

War rages across the French countryside again as the French Civil War restarts with a deadly revival. Both French foreign ministers and the Republican president are suspected dead following a bombing that also killed Victorian, Romanian and German personnel in Nancy. Communist forces launched a quick offensive when news broke as the Republicans began a counteroffensive just as quickly. News is scant regarding the effects of both side's attacks, though Korean sources do confirm there is active fighting in the DMZ.

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO DECLARES VICTORY, FORCES REPUBLIC OF CONGO TO DISMANTLE OUTPOSTS

After nearly seven months at war, the Socialist Republic of the Congo has declared its mission complete via destroying Republic of Congo outposts and encircling over 40,000 Republican troops outside of Bandundu. Active combat has concluded with increased border security, and a signed treaty that - hopefully - has put an end to the war over water in the Congo.

[Markus Wilding]

MONGOLIAN INVASION OF NORTHERN CHINA

Chaos in the plains! Korean and Japanese sources confirm that the Mongolian military has launched a full-scale invasion of Northern China, a midnight raid which has resulted in Mongolian forces occupying more than half of the country in a blitz reminiscent of the Nazi charge across Europe. Mongolia has assured neighboring nations that it has nothing to fear, and that it will ensure that violence does not cross over to the Chinese republics. No known response has been recorded by the Northern Chinese government, though the People's Republic of China has released a statement that it hopes for peace in the area.

TENSIONS RISING ON ITALIAN BORDER

Irish diplomats have confirmed scattered radio transmissions that concern possible border skirmishes and claims of military buildup on the border between the Socialist Republic of Italy and the Kingdom of Italy. The Kingdom has claimed that it is protecting its interests, by way of constructing long-term outposts and listening posts, while the Socialist Republic has described incursions by the Kingdom's recon troops as "egregious." Tensions remain high as both sides are confirmed to have moved more and more equipment and troops to the area.

[Markus Wilding]

PRC INTERVENES IN MONGOLIAN BLITZ

NORTHERN CHINA - Breaking news! The People's Republic of China has dispatched fighter jets to the conflict zone between Mongolia and Northern China after a Mongolian airstrike reportedly annihilated a Communist Chinese hospital and military camp on the border. The Mongolian government has officially apologized and claims to have punished the pilots responsible, though Beijing has said this was not enough and that it will conduct "punitive actions" to ensure the Mongolians understand the "nature" of their crimes. As of this moment, it is confirmed that Chinese forces are crossing over into Northern China, intentions beyond halting further Mongolian incidents on the border unknown.

COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES AGREEMENT SIGNED IN MOSCOW

MOSCOW, USSR - Representatives from the Volga, Kalugan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmen, Crimean and Vladivostok SSRs, with the Belarusian government attending, today signed an agreement that approved a general defensive alliance between these governments and the main Soviet government in Moscow. This agreement includes not just a defensive alliance that would see an attack on any member as an attack on all members, but also includes provisions that allow the Soviet government in Moscow the exclusive right to base troops in member state territory. Soviet foreign minister Anatoly Mikhailovich Brishchanoy said of the successful meeting that this represented "a great day" in Soviet politics. Other nearby states, such as Denmark, Italy, Belgium and Lithuania, have applied for observer status.

SOVIET DIPLOMATS SPOTTED IN BEIJING

BEIJING, PRC - Soviet diplomats have been spotted in a trilateral meeting with American and PRC diplomats in Beijing this week, following the general declaration that the PRC was beginning operations against the Mongolian state. There has been no word regarding what the trilateral meeting is concerning, though the Associated Press has noticed a marked increase in Soviet technical teams in the PRC prior to the meeting.

INDIAN NAVY TO BEGIN EXERCISES IN ARABIAN SEA

ARABIAN SEA - The Indian Navy has begun exercises with its newest carrier, the INS Vikramaditya, in the Arabian Sea. The exercises and their locations have been forwarded to navies in the area that are expected to come into potential contact with the fleet, and all those nearby are advised not to be alarmed. The Indian Navy has proclaimed that the ultimate goal of the exercises is to ensure that the Indian Navy stays in top fighting condition should a war break out.

[Markus Wilding]

MONGOLIAN ADVANCE HALTED - MONGOL-PRC NEGOTIATIONS END WAR FOR NORTHERN CHINA

NORTHERN CHINA - The PRC has reportedly forced the Mongolians back to prewar borders in a negotiated settlement this week, which saw the Mongolian invasion of Northern China halted by a massive PRC intervention that decimated the Mongolian advance. According to Beijing, the Mongolians have "learned their lesson" and will not seek further action to expand their borders by force. The government in Ulaanbaatar released a statement confirming they had retreated to prewar borders, and revoked their claim that the Yellow River was the natural border of Mongolia.

ITALIAN SITUATION - KINGDOM BORDER GUARDS FOUND DEAD

PERUGIA, KINGDOM OF ITALY - The Kingdom of Italy's border guards were found dead yesterday in an apparent commando raid. The Kingdom has not released any official statements regarding it outside of belated confirmation, but prime suspects are of course the Italian Communists just to the south. The Kingdom's political leaders claim that this is a precursor to a renewed Italian Civil War and potential Communist invasion plot. The AP will update as this situation develops.

[Markus Wilding]

KINGDOM OF INDIA INVADES NEIGHBORS - PUNJAB FEDERATION AND INDIAN REPUBLIC PLEAD FOR HELP

MUMBAI, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF INDIA - The People's Republic of India has confirmed reports from the Punjab Federation that both countries are currently being invaded by the Kingdom of India. According to the Associated Press, the Kingdom of India crossed the borders in the early dawn hours, and already their highly maneuverable forces have made their way deep into the interior of the People's Republic of India. Reports from the Punjab Federation cannot be confirmed as it appears their communications have been entirely shut down. In a press release, the Kingdom of India has only stated that the King of India has tolerated "rogue border brigands and Communist criminals" for too long. The Associated Press further reports active naval combat in the Arabian Sea between the Royal Indian Navy and Indian Red Navy. Merchant fleets in the area are advised to exercise extreme caution.