[Forum Game] - An Empire of Harmony

[Noco19]

Minister En Taiguang, you cling too heavily onto the past. While you are content to rave upon Qingist history, I seek to improve our present and future, Manchukuo. Even now, progress is made to benefit all of Manchukuo, be they a Manchu farmer, or a Zionist Emigre. We are truly a new beacon, a shining star, and a glorious nation.

The repugnant writings of the Anti-Japanese dogs surface again, this time seeking to deceive our Southern Brothers, instead of our humble people. Attempts to slander Manchukuo will no doubt fail to fool anyone, but I speak out regardless. Manchukuo does not seek dispute with the Republic of China, nor do we advocate the ill-thought Qingist ideals that will only bring discord and war upon us both. Might I also remind everyone that Communism cannot simply be "renounced", as the Red Plague burrow deep inside the soul. The only cure is death. Communism has nearly been extinguished, and attempts to rekindle such will be futile. I am sure our Southern Brothers think so too, with Communist rebels fighting the current legitimate government.

I eagerly await the response of His Imperial Majesty, the honorable Chamber, and eventually the Republic of China.


- P.M Bai Li

 

[Dadarian]

Memo on the Recent Activities of the Government and it's Ministries
Written by: Zhao H. Wei - Assistant Director to the Internal Ministry​

Introduction: The following is due to the myriad of events happening in late 1940

Details: Concerning the latest bill put up by the Prime Minister of Manchukuo, the honourable Bai Li. It is the right course of action. The dominance of Manchus and Manchukuo is paramount over all of China, and the Emperor and Imperial House need not be burdened by such unneeded destruction and turmoil.

Concerning the placement of the IA under the Department of Public Security. I am sad and disappointed that the Emperor had decided in his infinite wisdom to turn the IA into a department of PS. I hope that the Internal Ministry can rightfully prove that it deserves to be an independent ministry. I will work to the utmost with both the IG and the PS to prove this dedication and loyalty to the Imperial House

 

[Ab Ovo]

GM note: 1941 is over. Mini will be up later.

 

[Ab Ovo]

Rather dead than Red; 1942

Guo Junsheng's funeral procession passing through Mukden​

1942 dawned with a surge of activity. Headlines competed for each other as the Manchu people struggled to decide whether the communist bombing at the Imperial Palace or the fiery German advance across the Russian steppes was the more exciting. In the end, the Communists (for once) won out as the grand state funeral of Inspector-General Guo proceeded throughout the Empire. By now, the tale was well known: after the explosion of a car bomb in the Imperial Complex, Communist infiltrators in the Gendarmerie opened fire as the Emperor came out to check what was happening. Hitting him in the shoulder, the Emperor was quickly taken inside as the infiltrators were gunned down by loyalists.

The matter of Guo's ritual seppuku to atone for the disgrace of allowing the Emperor to be harmed soon became the stuff of legend. As the tales of his selfless devotion grew with each city his funeral passed through; Guo was eventually to become enshrined as a folk hero in Chinese folk religion and was later confirmed as the deity Gōngxūn Míngxīng by the Office of Confucian Oversight. A patron of soldiers and policemen, his cult in Manchukuo eventually came to replace that of Guan Yu.

Statue of the deified Guo in a Hsinking temple​

In more important news, the Anti-Soviet Aggression Act passed through both the Legislative Council and the Cabinet with astonishing speed; and was signed within hours of it's proposal by Prime Minister Li. After sufficient preparations had been made war was declared on January 1st, 1942; and Manchukuoan troops moved over the borders to win glory for the Emperor. An Imperial rescript merged the Imperial Gendarmerie and Internal Affairs into the Department of State Security as a cabinet-level position headed by Zhao Wei.

Other legislation had a much harder time of it. While the "Chinese-Manchukuoan Friendship Initiative" managed to pass through the Cabinet with only a handful of dissenting votes it only barely managed to pass the Legislative Council. Qingist sentiment still ran high and the thought of essentially recognising the Revolution of 1911 as valid left a bitter taste in many mouths. Unfortunately for the traditionalists the treaty was quickly ratified by an overwhelming majority of a Legislative Yuan desperate for peace and stability; and Emperor Kangde dropped his claim to the Chinese throne in return for recognition of his new Empire.

For once, everything had turned out well for the Empire. It would be left to the bewildered men of the Legislative Council to figure out how to fill their time.

 

[etranger01]

Department of Public Safety
Regarding the Imperial Succession​

His Majesty the Emperor and his Imperial House are without a doubt the most important institution in this Empire of Manchukuo; without His Majesty, our nation would have no heart, no soul, no reason for existence. It is through his divinely-inspired leadership that we move forward each and every day toward a better future and it is through him that we achieve purpose under his benevolent rule.

However, recent events have proven that the Imperial House is extremely vulnerable to external forces, including individuals bent on the destruction of this empire as well as natural events and simple, unpredictable chance. Crown Prince Pujie was taken from us through a simple failure of mechanical engineering and the capricious whims of fate, while Crown Prince Puren was recently endangered by an assassination attempt. Were he to be lost, our only Imperial heir would be his infant son, who would take his claim to the throne of Manchukuo from being the Emperor's half-nephew.

A strong Empire needs a strong, indisputable line of succession, one which stems from direct descent from His Imperial Majesty, the first of Manchukuo's Emperors and our nation's great founder. However, the unfortunate truth is that, as yet, His Majesty's honored wives have yet to produce an heir, leaving us with our current situation. Given the ongoing Japanese preoccupation with the East Indies and the concomitant lessening of their attention regarding our internal affairs, I believe now is a good time to revisit the issue of the Imperial succession and for His Majesty, if it is his will to do so, to consider taking new wives to provide for his House and the future of the Empire itself.

This is not an easy topic for me to address and I do so wholly out of my dedication and lifelong devotion to His Majesty and to His Majesty's Empire. I welcome the thoughts and input of my fellow ministers and of the Legislative Council.

Zhao Jun
Secretary of State for Defense

 

[Noco19]

The Imperial Succession is indeed a matter of great importance, and I commend Secretary Zhao Jun for bringing this matter up to discussion.

Our beloved Emperor Kangde, along with the Imperial Household, constitute our very Manchukuoan core. His rule provides a divine beacon, an inspiration to all people, regardless of their position, from our farmers, to our soldiers, and to our politicians. Without His Imperial Majesty, we would be but a hollow shell, devoid of soul. We need but look at the Soviet Union for such terrifying examples.

Thus, the strong continuation of Emperor Kangde's bloodline is in direct correlation to Manchukuoan advancement and survival. By that thought, a direct heir is necessary to ensure a stable and magnificent rule, such to the magnitude as Emperor Kangde. It is indeed unfortunate that the Emperor's noble wives have not yet produced an heir. I support the possibility of His Imperial Majesty considering to seek new wives to continue his legacy onward.

The Emperor's will and happiness are the paramount factor in these discussions, and I would never seek to impose upon his personal affairs. I humbly state my opinion to express the importance and support behind Secretary Zhao Jun's statements.

- P.M Bai Li

 

[Ab Ovo]

Operation Tientsin; 1942

The death of Tingzhe Soon​

With the assurance of peace with China, the Imperial government soon put a plan into action to eliminate any Qingist dissidents threatening the status quo and safety of the Empire. On January 28th the protectors of Manchukuo went into action. First, the Mukden Palace, residence of the Office of Confucian Affairs, was stormed by members of the Imperial Gendarmerie. Fighting between the Gendarmes and the guards of the complex was intense in some places but resistance was generally negligible and Minister Taiguang was arrested to stand trial for sedition.

Next, Foreign and Transport Secretaries Xi Qia and Sun Qichang were seized by Internal Affairs operatives and charged as Qingist reactionaries. According to orders from on high, they were both immediately tried by palace functionaries and executed outside the Palace. Concurrently, the offices of the Qing Restoration Party in Newchang were stormed by Imperial troops and their occupants arrested for high treason. Hours later an Imperial rescript was issued illegalising the 'ideology of Qing restoration as contrary to the wishes of the Emperor, the security of Manchukuo, and the will of Heaven'. Qingists and suspected Qingists were soon arrested en masse across the Empire as trials took place; and Manchukuo turned her focus back to the war effort.

---

Tingzhe Soon is now dead
The position of Secretary of Foreign Affairs is open
The position of Secretary of Transportation and Communications is open
Qingism is now outlawed
The QRP is now defunct and illegal
En Taiguang is now under arrest

 

[RedNomNoms]

THE FAR EASTERN ZIONIST JEWISH COUNCIL​

First I must thank the generous Minister Zhao for his acceptance of the FEZJC's proposal on the creation of a Jewish brigade, and look forward to working with him in the future in defense of the Great Empire. The Emperor has been very kind to us, and we will be proud to fight alongside our Manchu brothers to defend ourselves from the Red Threat to our north. Additionally, I humbly present this resolution to His Majesty, the Emperor of Manchukuo:

RESOLUTION #2: PETITION FOR A NATIONAL JEWISH HOMELAND IN SAKHALIN

Citing the need for a National Jewish Homeland in order to promote Jewish culture and identity, and remember the Emperor of Manchukuo's unending kindness, the Executive Committee of the Far Eastern Zionist Jewish Council has drafted this resolution as a petition to His Majesty requesting a National Jewish Homeland.

I. Explanation of Request
i. The FEZJC is a Zionist Council, and seeks the establishment of a Jewish Homeland.
ii. The FEZJC recognizes His Majesty, the Emperor of Manchukuo as an eternally kind benefactor of the Jewish people, and therefore has turned to him for such a large request.
iii. The FEZJC has concluded that by granting such a request, His Majesty, the Emperor of Manchukuo would also benefit by the creation of a vibrant Jewish community in the Empire

II. Points of Request
i. The FEZJC requests His Majesty, the Emperor of Manchukuo create the Jewish National Homeland in Sakhalin.
ii. The FEZJC proposes the new Jewish homeland be created as the Grand Duchy of Beth Hadash
iii. The FEZJC proposes the Grand Duchy of Beth Hadash be an autonomous state within the Great Empire with the successor of the FEZJC as its government.

[x] Seal of Approval of the Executive Committee of the Far Eastern Jewish Zionist Council

~Abraham Kaufman, Chairman of the Far Eastern Zionist Jewish Council

 

[Noco19]

Qingism, that vile ideology, has been vanquished by our heroic Imperial Gendarmerie. Their stance against our brothers in the Republic of China was completely unacceptable, disrespecting both the nation of Manchukuo and His Imperial Majesty. With that internal threat defeated, we may focus with renewed passion and strength against the Soviet mongrels. Replacements for the Qingist ministers will be found soon, and presented to the Emperor.

The petition for our loyal Zionist community is quite intriguing. Allowing such a homeland would give a large degree of autonomy to our Jewish people, but their commitment to Manchukuo has well surpassed any cost. I will lend my full support to the establishment of Beth Hadash, as an autonomous state, still guided by Emperor Kangde. Much expectation for greatness will be levied upon this "vibrant Jewish community".

To continue on Minister Zhao's point of Imperial Succession, I will take this time to present my daughter, Bai Yuming, in the hopes that His Imperial Majesty will find her to his liking. My daughter is indeed treasured by me, and her well-being and happiness would no doubt be brought upon, by serving as an honorable wife. From birth, my wife and I have afforded all expenses to ensure the proper teaching any dutiful and humble lady possesses. Should she be worthy of His Imperial Majesty's attention, arrangements will be made immediately to accommodate his wishes.

- P.M Bai Li

 

[Ab Ovo]

Imperial Foreign Office​

Dear Chairman Kaufman,

I have much pleasure in conveying to you, on behalf of His Imperial Majesty's Government, the following declaration of sympathy with Jewish Zionist aspirations which has been submitted to, and approved by, the Cabinet.

"His Imperial Majesty's Government view with favour the establishment in Sakhalin of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of the object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious' rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Sakhalin, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country".

I should be grateful if you would bring this declaration to the knowledge of the Zionist Council.

Yours sincerely,

袁承謝

Yuan Cheng-Tse,
Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs

 

[Tapscott]

Confession of En Taiguang

A Short Statement was released by En Taiguang while he was in police custody.

I plead guilty to all crimes levied against me. I have betrayed the Emperor, and the Empire. My goals were to undermine the entire political establishment, and create a new political entity just to further my own petty goals. I plead guilty.

~ En Taiguang, Minister of Confucian Oversight

((For those who were not on ColdChat, I am resigning from the game. Cheers for the interesting times, and have fun!))

 

[etranger01]

Department of Public Safety​

I am pleased to see that His Majesty's Jewish subjects have been granted a state of their own within this Empire; whereas the Soviets consigned their Jews to a desolate swamp, His Majesty, in His infinite wisdom, has granted His Jewish subjects a land ripe for settlement and rich in natural resources. It is yet more proof that Manchukuo is a true multi-ethnic state where all peoples might live in harmony under His Majesty's divinely-inspired leadership and a sign of the great esteem in which His Majesty holds His loyal Jewish subjects.

After consultations with Chairman Kaufman and with His Majesty's blessing, I have prepared this Public Safety Order in Council for review by His Majesty's Government and the Legislative Council.

Public Safety Order in Council #139: Regarding the Formation of a Jewish Brigade
I. The Department of Public Safety shall raise a brigade of soldiers from the Jewish communities within Manchukuo for service in the Manchukuo Imperial Army.

II. This brigade shall consist of 3,000 men and shall be known as the 1st Far Eastern Zionist Brigade "Seraphim".

III. The 1st Far Eastern Zionist Brigade "Seraphim" shall be a semi-autonomous unit and its disposition during operations shall be determined by the Secretary of State for Defense.

IV. The 1st Far Eastern Zionist Brigade "Seraphim" shall be led by Jewish officers and assisted by Jewish support staff. The Colonel of the 1st Far Eastern Brigade "Seraphim" shall be given the honorary title "Gideon".

V. The 1st Far Eastern Zionist Brigade "Seraphim" shall be given special training and equipment for counter-insurgency and asymmetrical warfare.

VI. The 1st Far Eastern Zionist Brigade "Seraphim" shall be based out of the city of Harbin until such time as the Jewish homeland in Sakhalin is established.

On a personal note, should His Majesty choose to consider new wives or consorts, I offer my sister, Zhao Mei, as a possible candidate. She is my family's sparkling gem, both clever and beautiful, having recently graduated from a ladies' school in Hsinking. It is my hope that she meets with His Majesty's approval.

Zhao Jun
Secretary of State for Defense

 

[Noco19]

While it is respectable that En Taiguang chose to accept his guilt openly, he is still a traitorous Qingist dog and an enemy of Manchukuo, by betraying the people and His Imperial Majesty. I expect he will face the full extent of the law, for his evil acts and thoughts.

My support goes to the brave military men, fighting the Soviets for rightful Manchukuoan lands. While I may benefit our nation within these chambers, debating propositions with my fellow Councillors, our future lies now in the hands of men like Minister Zhao Jun. May they find further strength from my words, and fight onward. For the glory of Manchukuo! For the glory of Emperor Kangde!

- P.M Bai Li

 

[son of liberty]

I am over committed, and must withdraw. I will enjoy reading this though.

 

[Ab Ovo]

The Death of Empress Xiaokemin

Portrait of Empress Xiaokemin as Empress of Manchukuo​

As Imperial troops advanced into the USSR; a great tragedy struck at home. On February 12th, the Empress Wanrong died of an opium overdose in her chambers. When the Emperor was informed during a meeting with the Secretary of Defense, he famously shrugged and according to Zhao's memoirs "took one of the maps and wrote an edict banning opium on the back; before going back to our meeting". Her death was announced in the papers as "having occurred in the midst of prayers to her ancestors". There was no funeral procession, and her body was interred in the Western Qing Tombs according to her wishes. However as the issue of a new wife arose, a far more pressing concern came to the attention of the government.

The harvest of opium was legal and lucrative in Manchukuo; a legacy of the earliest days of staunch Japanese control when opium was a key part of funding the Japanese machine. Even after the Fàngshǒu opium continued to be grown both in legal and illegal quantities and controlled by a unofficial Japanese conglomerate. Estimates from the Opium Monopoly Bureau were upwards of thirty million yen in profit; and illegalising the substance now (as the Emperor long wished to do) would severely chill relations with Japan. Publication of the Imperial Edict was frozen and it was up to the government to decide what to do.

 

[Revan529]

I must beg the Emperor not to interfere in the market; whilst my factories have no major investment in the production or sell of opium, the Manchurian Industrial Development Company and other more agriculture-based businesses in the Empire. To ban opium would likely cause great harm to the economy of both Manchukuo and my homeland.

Also, in light of the tragic death of the Empress, I have a young daughter of appropriate marrying age; it would be a great honour if you would take her into consideration.

~ Satō Daichi, Manager of the Manchurian Industrial Development Company, Jinzhou Division

 

[Noco19]

Opium has long been a sickness amongst our people. The immediate ban of the production of opium will improve Manchukuoan health tremendously, and should be carried out forthwith.

I am shocked that certain individuals in our nation value profit over the well-being of the people. While they proclaim the effects on our economy to be mighty, their real fear is losing the grasp on the opium-addicted masses and their pay. This blatant attempt at mind indoctrination and profiteering is against the very safety of Manchukuoans. His Imperial Majesty is correct in opposing opium, and recognizing it as the Malady of Manchukuo it truly is. Any edict or proposition achieving this noble goal, will have my complete backing.

- P.M Bai Li

 

[NikoHoI3]

The Russian people mourn the loss of the Empress. May Her Soul Rest in Peace.

Opium, I believe should continue to be legalized in Manchukuo. It is a booming business, and if it is to be closed; millions would loose their jobs. This is a tragic incident, but we must not ban opium and allow businesses to fail. Our economy to go into the ground, and deteriorate our relations with the Japanese government; our closest friend.

~ Nikolay Vakhrushev, Leader of the Monarquic Part and of the Russian Representation Council

 

[Dadarian]

Internal Memo on Early Activities of 1942 involving the Ministry of Security
Written by - Zhao H. Wei, Minister of Security​

Introduction: the following is to address the changes in Manchukuoan politics across Early 1942.

Details: concerning the current troop movements into the USSR. This is a positive movement, to remove Communist control over true Manchurian land. However a comprehensive plan on the control and adaption of Primorye to Manchukuoan rule will be needed in the near future.

Concerning Operation Tietsen. It was a complete success, the trials of the Qingist traitors shall be soon be transcribed for the public.

Concerning the use of the Jewish Émigré, it is a positive coup for the Imperial House. The Emperor has now guaranteed Jewish loyalty.

Concerning the banning of opium, it might be a bit hasty in implementation. Domestic illegality is completely acceptable and desired, however the shipment of Manchu opium to China, Mongolian, Dutch East Indies, Indochina and Burma may be very desirable.

Concerning the new talk on the heir of the Imperial House and the quest for a new Empress, the MoS finds that only one that is loyal to the ideals of the Emperor and the future goodwill of the Imperial House to be acceptable.


((I'm in a deadzone, IC more tomorrow, sorry for the AFKness))

 

[RedNomNoms]

THE FAR EASTERN ZIONIST JEWISH COUNCIL​

The Jewish people of Manchukuo mourn the loss of the Empress, and we pray her eternal soul may rest in peace.

Yitgadal veyitkadash sh'mei rabba. Amen.

Our thoughts will turn to the eternally kind Emperor, and extend a hand of support and shared grief in his time of hardship.

We must, however, look at the cause of the Empress' death, and it is opium. While the Executive Committee of the Far Eastern Zionist Jewish Council could not come to the required two-thirds majority consensus to pass a resolution on the matter, I personally am for the prohibition of opium within the Great Empire of Manchukuo. It causes good men to lose their morals, and families to fall apart. None can deny this in the Emperor's time of mourning, and I hope the legislature of His Majesty's Government will prohibit it.

Now, in response to the generous Minister Zhao's proposition on the creation of the Seraphim brigade, the Executive Committee has unanimously approved a resolution adopting the proposition and I am proud to announce the Far Eastern Zionist Jewish Council and the peoples she represents will be a proud contributor to the defense of the Great Empire of Manchukuo. An elite brigade named after the warrior angels of flames that guard Adonai himself will be this contribution, one that will surely protect our people, all peoples of the Empire, and secure ourselves a National Homeland in Sakhalin.

~Abraham Kaufman, Chairman of the Far Eastern Zionist Jewish Council