The French Connection

[Markus Wilding]

News is reaching Paris and the world at large as the eastern half of France has broken off to reform the French Republic, reigniting the French Civil War years later. Military units formerly part of the French Commune's military structure have either shot or imprisoned their former commanders, declaring that they pledge allegiance to the new French state and will fight vigorously for its right to exist. In a statement to the world at large, the French Republic claimed it would soon fight a war of self-liberation, and that peaceful reform within the Commune proved impossible to the autocratic nature of Paris's rule and the crackdown that stifled all potential change from within.

As a counter, the French Commune has declared the self-styled "French Republic" an illegal rebellion and has called on the world to condemn such blatant aggression and lawlessness. Already, the French military is on the move to quell the rebellion within its borders.

[Avalanche]

In anti-communist solidarity, the Principality of Aragon recognises the legitimacy of the French Republic, sharing a common experience of self-liberation. To this end, Aragon will be sending an expeditionary force to assist the French Republic in securing its freedom and ensuring its existence. The expeditionary force will consist of the First Army and Second Fighter Wing under General Sastre, and will be ferried by ship to Republic territory through the Mediterranean under the watch of the 1st Carrier Strike Group under Admiral Casademuls.

Given the potential animosity this may cause between Aragon and its neighbour to the north, the Royal Legion is being deployed to the border, preparing to defend through the Pyrenees, and the First Air Wing is put on alert to dissuade a possible offensive.

Aragon is moving the following units into EU7:

• 3 Armour
• 3 Mechanised
• 6 Motorised
• 4 Artillery
• 3 Helicopters
• 4 Fighters

Offshore are the following:

• 1 Fleet Carrier
• 1 Anti-Surface Warships
• 2 Anti-Air Warships
• 1 Anti-Submarine Warships

[Markus Wilding]

With the clear rebellion forming in France, Congress immediately authorized an intervention force composed of several units of the newly reformed Socialist Republic Army as well as a deployment of the First Fleet to France to safeguard French and American interests in the region. It was hoped that with the impressive display of American military might, opportunists would not be inclined to support the nascent French insurgency in its plight. If not, then American soldiers would have to once again struggle over French soil to see it become truly free.

OOC: The SRA is moving the following to France (Territory 116):

3 units Armor
4 units Artillery
3 units Infantry, Mechanized
2 units Infantry, Motorized
7 units Helicopters
7 units Fighters
3 units Bombers
4 units Warships, ASuW
5 units Warships, AAW
1 unit Carriers, Fleet

[Markus Wilding]

The Kingdom of Chad, Mexican Empire, Kingdom of Italy and Syria offer recognition of the French Republic and have sent troops in support of the Republic.

OOC: Remnant NPNs (Chad, Mexico) have sent the following units:

Chad:
2 units Armor
2 units Artillery
3 units Infantry, Light
3 units Infantry, Motorized
5 units Fighters
1 unit Bombers
2 units Helicopters

Mexico:
1 unit Armor
2 units Artillery
2 units Infantry, Light
2 units Infantry, Mechanized
5 units Fighters
1 unit Carriers, Fleet
2 units Warships, AAW
3 units Warships, ASuW
2 units Warships, ASW

Both Syria and Italy have sent the following units:
1 unit Armor
2 units Artillery
1 unit Infantry, Light
2 units Infantry, Motorized
2 units Infantry, Mechanized
3 units Fighters
2 units Warships, AAW
2 units Warships, ASuW
2 units Warships, ASW

[Avalanche]

General Sastre contacted the other allied commands to propose the formation of a joint headquarters to coordinate all friendly forces in-theatre, temporarily for the duration of hostilities. The joint headquarters would consist of a council of the commanders of all present allied forces, with General Sastre as supreme commander and the local French commander holding veto power, a concession to the irregularity of French forces and the danger posed by the Commune's border with Aragon. It is Aragon's belief that the formation of this command would significantly improve coordination and cohesion amongst the allied forces, allowing us to better secure victory.

[Markus Wilding]

OOC: Situation map for Day 0, aka the start of the war. Included is a legend for future unit markings and color coding scheme. This is prior to any movement of PN or NPN units and will be updated to reflect those movements and subsequent attacks. Please inform me of any planned actions.

[Markus Wilding]

Mexico, Chad, Italy, and Syria have no major oppositions to the formation of the joint headquarters; the French Republic proposes establishing a permanent HQ position at Nice.

[Avalanche]

And so it is that Joint Allied Command Headquarters France (JACHQF) is established in Nice.

First order of business is the matter of overall strategy. Given the grave threats posed by an offensive in the Commune, we believe that the preparation of a defense-in-depth of the Republic is in the best interest of all assembled. We hold the superior defensive position, and surrendering it for the sake of minor gains would be a mistake. We shall be defenders of the Republic, who as we all so-well know does so humbly wish only for her independence, and no more. Prepared deployments and rules of engagement for each of your forces will be distributed shortly.

[Sabriel]

The Ascendant Host was withdrawn from the ongoing anti-insurgent efforts in Kazakhstan, where their presence was doing little good, and redeployed to the French Commune’s territories. The first units to arrive were those of the Royal Army Pilot Service, whose operations were often a prelude to the Judgment of the Seraphim. Their arrival coincided with a declaration of a No-Fly Zone over the contested territory. The Royal Army Ground Service was hot on the heels of their airborne comrades and began taking up positions across the Commune.

A diplomatic message was sent to the Republic’s leadership:
“Queen Catharine extends this first and only chance to surrender to her with your nation intact. If you do so your military will not be disbanded, though they will be overseen by Victorian forces for the duration of de-escalation. Your autonomy will be safeguarded by the Queen. She will also act as personal mediator for resolving disputes between the Republic and Commune, as well as overseeing the de-escalation of the current crisis. Your nation will remain just that, a polity unto itself, unless otherwise agreed to during talks.

If you refuse to surrender now, Victoria will be forced to intervene. Your military will be defeated and disbanded. Your government will be arrested, however much of it survives. Your territory will be turned over to the Commune.

Catharine humbly requests that you do what is best for your people and surrender now, before blood is spilled, and while there is still hope for them to remain independent.”



OOG-
10 units of fighters arriving in 115
20 units of ground arriving in 115
4 units Armoured
3 units Artillery
2 units Infantry, Light
3 units Infantry, Mechanized
8 units Infantry, Motorized

Naval Escort of
1 unit Carriers, Fleet
1 unit Carriers, Light
2 units Warships, AAW
2 units Warships, ASW
2 units Warships, ASuW

[Avalanche]

Given the favourable surrender terms, and their, albeit bloody, reputation of being true to their word, as well as the overwhelming numbers displayed, Aragon urges the Republic to consider surrendering to the Victorians.