-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
That's a nice event, I was wondering were it came from. Regarding the Viriatios I was pretty sure the plan wasn't scrapped and they actually sent them.
From what I've read, they scrapped the idea of having an official, government-sponsored Viriatos that was actually under the Portuguese Army... But many Portuguese still volunteered with the Nationalists and were still referred to as "Viriatos"
January 1939 - February 1939
Portugal Looks Eastward
Europe Heats Up
January of 1939 had marked the end of the extended and bloody Spanish Civil War, with Franco emerging from the flames of war as the ruler of a far-right authoritarian Spanish State. With the end of the war, peace returned to the Iberian peninsula, and a nervous Portuguese population was put at ease when it was clear that there was no longer a threat of Spanish in-fighting spilling over the border. But while the eyes of Portugal were locked on Spain and the struggle between Nationalist and Republican, much had transpired in Europe, and the political situation at the end of the civil war was a far different one than it hadbeen at its start.
1937 saw the invasion of China by Imperial Japan and the conclusion of Italy’s expansion into Abyssinia, 1938 marked an increase in Hitler’s territorial expansion in Germany with the Anschluss of Austria and the absorption of the Czechoslovakian Sudetenland. And just a few weeks following the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War, Germany annexed what remained of Czech territory and established a puppet government in Slovakia. The air in Europe was tense, but Portuguese ambition was quickly growing -- and the Estado Novo was on the move.
Seeking Friends & Allies
The success of the Viriatos in helping secure a Nationalist victory was a boon to popular opinion, and favorable reaction to Portugal’s intervention and support for Franco’s regime increased dramatically.
Riding this wave of popular opinion, Prime Minister Salazar and President Carmona traveled to Madrid near the end of January 1939, where they met with Franco and signed the Portuguese-Spanish Treaty of Mutual Defense and Prosperity, a document which created what was commonly called the Iberian Alliance. Spain was in need of allies and support while rebuilding from the Civil War, and Portugal saw an opportunity to trade resources and technology with Spain to help accelerate Portuguese research & development.
Not long after the creation of the Iberian Alliance in Madrid, Carmona and Salazar traveled further eastward at the invitation of Italian ambassadors and signed the Anti-Comintern Pact, a political move which curried favor for Portugal with Italy and Germany. Salazar remained skeptical of Hitler’s plans, but the involvement of Soviet troops in the Spanish Civil war was enough to spook many Portuguese politicans, who loudly clamored for Portugal to sign the pact and work to keep communism off of the peninsula.
Portugal Mobilizes For War
The end of the war in Spain gave Salazar the security he needed to begin advancing his agenda of colonial expansion for Portugal. The entry into the Iberian Alliance was accompanied by the mobilization of the army, calling up reserve soldiers to bring the army’s standing units up to full manpower. It was time, Salazar declared to the members of the National Assembly, for Portugal to take to the seas and reclaim its place as a leading colonial nation.
The most obvious target was Brazil, which had broken away over a century ago, and whose independence remained a wound on the pride of Portugal. South America was rich in opportunities for expansion, but any invasion of South America would require a nearby naval base, as the navy’s transport fleets lacked the range to launch a direct landing. In the future, with enhanced naval technology and an ally in the region, such a move would be possible, but Navy Chief, Admiral Jaime Afreixo, was adamant that an effective campaign into the Americas was not yet possible.
There was also the prospect of expanding the African colonies, but most of southern Africa was under the control of the Allies, and the Treaty of Windsor would preclude a direct military campaign against the United Kingdom or its allies. Furthermore, to challenge the UK, even in a colonial war, would be impossible for Portugal’s small force. While Belgium had officially declared neutrality following Germany’s remilitarization, it was expected that the Belgians could return to the Allies sooner rather than later, making an invasion of Belgian central Africa unwise.
It was President Carmona who suggested the deployment into Asia. Portugal controlled the valuable seaport at Macao, off the southern coast of China, which offered a launching point for operations in southeast Asia. And within fleet operating distance of Macao sat the small nation of Siam, wedged between British India and French Indochina, but alienated from both. An effective naval assault, Carmona proposed, could quickly bring Siam under control and establish a mainland colonial footing in Asia.
Salazar and the commanding officers of the army agreed -- Portuguese rule would come to Siam.
Portugal Looks Eastward
Europe Heats Up
January of 1939 had marked the end of the extended and bloody Spanish Civil War, with Franco emerging from the flames of war as the ruler of a far-right authoritarian Spanish State. With the end of the war, peace returned to the Iberian peninsula, and a nervous Portuguese population was put at ease when it was clear that there was no longer a threat of Spanish in-fighting spilling over the border. But while the eyes of Portugal were locked on Spain and the struggle between Nationalist and Republican, much had transpired in Europe, and the political situation at the end of the civil war was a far different one than it hadbeen at its start.
1937 saw the invasion of China by Imperial Japan and the conclusion of Italy’s expansion into Abyssinia, 1938 marked an increase in Hitler’s territorial expansion in Germany with the Anschluss of Austria and the absorption of the Czechoslovakian Sudetenland. And just a few weeks following the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War, Germany annexed what remained of Czech territory and established a puppet government in Slovakia. The air in Europe was tense, but Portuguese ambition was quickly growing -- and the Estado Novo was on the move.
Seeking Friends & Allies
The success of the Viriatos in helping secure a Nationalist victory was a boon to popular opinion, and favorable reaction to Portugal’s intervention and support for Franco’s regime increased dramatically.
Riding this wave of popular opinion, Prime Minister Salazar and President Carmona traveled to Madrid near the end of January 1939, where they met with Franco and signed the Portuguese-Spanish Treaty of Mutual Defense and Prosperity, a document which created what was commonly called the Iberian Alliance. Spain was in need of allies and support while rebuilding from the Civil War, and Portugal saw an opportunity to trade resources and technology with Spain to help accelerate Portuguese research & development.
Not long after the creation of the Iberian Alliance in Madrid, Carmona and Salazar traveled further eastward at the invitation of Italian ambassadors and signed the Anti-Comintern Pact, a political move which curried favor for Portugal with Italy and Germany. Salazar remained skeptical of Hitler’s plans, but the involvement of Soviet troops in the Spanish Civil war was enough to spook many Portuguese politicans, who loudly clamored for Portugal to sign the pact and work to keep communism off of the peninsula.
Portugal Mobilizes For War
The end of the war in Spain gave Salazar the security he needed to begin advancing his agenda of colonial expansion for Portugal. The entry into the Iberian Alliance was accompanied by the mobilization of the army, calling up reserve soldiers to bring the army’s standing units up to full manpower. It was time, Salazar declared to the members of the National Assembly, for Portugal to take to the seas and reclaim its place as a leading colonial nation.
The most obvious target was Brazil, which had broken away over a century ago, and whose independence remained a wound on the pride of Portugal. South America was rich in opportunities for expansion, but any invasion of South America would require a nearby naval base, as the navy’s transport fleets lacked the range to launch a direct landing. In the future, with enhanced naval technology and an ally in the region, such a move would be possible, but Navy Chief, Admiral Jaime Afreixo, was adamant that an effective campaign into the Americas was not yet possible.
There was also the prospect of expanding the African colonies, but most of southern Africa was under the control of the Allies, and the Treaty of Windsor would preclude a direct military campaign against the United Kingdom or its allies. Furthermore, to challenge the UK, even in a colonial war, would be impossible for Portugal’s small force. While Belgium had officially declared neutrality following Germany’s remilitarization, it was expected that the Belgians could return to the Allies sooner rather than later, making an invasion of Belgian central Africa unwise.
It was President Carmona who suggested the deployment into Asia. Portugal controlled the valuable seaport at Macao, off the southern coast of China, which offered a launching point for operations in southeast Asia. And within fleet operating distance of Macao sat the small nation of Siam, wedged between British India and French Indochina, but alienated from both. An effective naval assault, Carmona proposed, could quickly bring Siam under control and establish a mainland colonial footing in Asia.
Salazar and the commanding officers of the army agreed -- Portuguese rule would come to Siam.
Portugal is getting some new territory in Asia! Hopefully... Big old Brazil is a little scary right now with it's high IC, and unfortunately without a base somewhere nearby, my fleets can't reach to do an amphibious landing on South America, so that will have to come later. Once WWII hits, allying with either the Allies or Axis will give me rebasing abilities near South America, so I'll probably take a shot at Brazil in the early 40's sometime. For now, I'm headed to Siam to expand Portugal's empire eastward.
And a few new events -- just like other countries, having your troops volunteer and win gives a little perk -- in this case, a blueprint for the tech path I put Portugal on, and a new infantry unit made up of those Viriatos who stayed in military service. The Iberian Pact is another custom job -- historically there was a non-aggression agreement between Portugal and Spain that said they would cooperate if anyone invaded the peninsula... So the option to sign the pact makes Portugal and Spain guarantee each other's independence and get a non-aggression pact. I opted to go for the full-out alliance, mostly so I can mooch some blueprints off of Franco
And lastly, in my reading, it seems that Italy invited Portugal to sign the Anti-Comintern Pact, but they refused. So I added the ability to do so via decision, although an AI Portugal will rarely choose to. Thanks for reading so far!!
And a few new events -- just like other countries, having your troops volunteer and win gives a little perk -- in this case, a blueprint for the tech path I put Portugal on, and a new infantry unit made up of those Viriatos who stayed in military service. The Iberian Pact is another custom job -- historically there was a non-aggression agreement between Portugal and Spain that said they would cooperate if anyone invaded the peninsula... So the option to sign the pact makes Portugal and Spain guarantee each other's independence and get a non-aggression pact. I opted to go for the full-out alliance, mostly so I can mooch some blueprints off of Franco
And lastly, in my reading, it seems that Italy invited Portugal to sign the Anti-Comintern Pact, but they refused. So I added the ability to do so via decision, although an AI Portugal will rarely choose to. Thanks for reading so far!!
Heh. Whenever I read Jaime, my mind automatically adds Lannister. Other than that... go get'em (and maybe you can snag Indonesia from the Dutchies once WWII starts in earnest)!
Yeah, I'm thinking that World War II will give me plenty of good opportunities... I just have to watch out for the UK, because if I end up with an open front against the Brits I definitely won't last long :\ And knowing HoI AI, it's not like the UK will fall.
February 1939 - June 1940
Operation Rafaela: Occupation of Siam
A New Navy, A New Colony
It was a gloriously clear and cloudless, though cold, day when thousands of eager Portuguese gathered on February 4, 1939 at the naval base in Setubal. The crowd was large and joyous -- some waving Portuguese flags, others carrying banners of the Republic Navy, some just marveling together at the show of force from their country’s military. There was a lot of Portuguese pride on display in Setubal, the fruit of an extended campaign of propaganda leading up to this day, promising Portugal's first overseas conquest in many years.
In the water, the ships of the Republic Navy First Fleet sat docked and waiting, with the flagship battlecruiser Lisbao at the center of the formation. As Prime Minister Salazar stepped up to a microphone to address the crowd, a faint chorous of the Portuguese national anthem could be heard scattered around the crowd:
Heroes of the sea, noble people, brave and immortal nation, raise once again today, the splendor of Portugal!
Salazar masterfully aroused the passion and pride of the crowds, recounting the history of Portugal’s many oversea discoveries and conquests as one of the greatest nations to explore the seas. It was Portugal, strong and unified, that deserved a place among the nations as a colonial power, with Portuguese colonies spread across the map. And today, with the departure of the First Fleet, the road to Portugal’s re-emergence would begin. Other countries had had their day in the sun, but now Portugal would claim her own lands during a time of great change in Europe and throughout the world.
Among the haze of memory, Oh Fatherland, one feels the voice of your distinguished forefathers, that shall lead you to victory!
The ships pulled away from port, their decks full of sailors and soldiers waving energetically to their friends and family on shore, receiving the shouts and cheers of their countrymen as they departed for a nearly two-month voyage to the distant Portuguese seaport at Macao. It would be a long trip before they even saw combat, but the three divisions of troops leaving their homeland were in high spirits. As it left into the open sea, the Lisboa fired a ceremonial volley from its cannons, joining the sound of artillery to the singing voices.
To arms, to arms! Over land, over sea, to arms, to arms! For the Fatherland, fight! Against the cannons, march on, march on!
The Admiral of the First Fleet
The voyage to Macao had been a long one, and the fleet hadn’t arrived in China until March 30, 1939, marking the end of a long trip and the beginning of some much-needed shore leave. But that leave hadn’t lasted long, as prepartions needed to begin immediately for the occupation of Siam. For a week, the Portuguese troops enjoyed their time ashore and recovered from two months spent traversing the seas from Europe to Asia. But just under a month after the fleet’s arrival, Portugal declared its intent to occupy Siam, and the fleet departed for its first combat mission since the modernization of the navy.
It was now the evening of May 7, and Admiral Canto e Castro, commander of the First Fleet, stood comfortably on the command bridge of the Lisboa, with the two light cruisers Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia flanking the flagship to either side. It was a glorious feeling, finally sailing foreign seas aboard the newest and strongest warship of the Estado Novo, prepared to claim new lands for Portugal for the first time in his lifetime. Admiral Afreixo had the higher honor of being the Chief of the Navy and serving on Salazar's cabinet, but it was Canto e Castro who would have the distinction of winning glory out in the field.
The NRP Lisboa, flagship of the First Fleet,
saw its first combat action during Operation Rafaela.
Up ahead, the groups of destroyers screening the fleet were engaging the tiny collection of ships that passed for a Siamese navy. Two flotillas of destroyers that looked almost as ancient as the Portuguese Reserve Fleet back home, were making their best effort at dislodging the powerful Portuguese ships from the Bay of Bangkok, but to little avail. Canto e Castro’s fleet vastly outgunned their enemies, and it didn’t take a long battle for the Siamese destroyers to be destroyed. That minor victory allowed the fleet to turn back to its main mission -- supporting the invasion on the ground. The heavy cannons of the Lisboa turned to face the mainland, and the sound of heavy artillery shook the bridge as the bombardment of Bangkok began. The Admiral looked on with a smile, seating himself on the bridge and waiting news of victory.
Three Battles That Crushed Siam
The Republic Marine Corps had already landed along with the 5th Army Corps in Nakhon Sawan, and while the infantry were digging in to defend the city against reinforcements attempting to advance from the south, the Marines had begun their assault on Bangkok. With the surrounding bay under control, the fleet conducted a relentless shore bombardment to cover the advance of the Marines into the city. The single unit of specialied mountaineers fielded by the Siamese put up a valiant fight, but faced with the superior strength of the Portuguese Marines and taking constant fire from three capital ships, there was little the small force could do. The defenders eventually fled into the nearby Chon Buri region to regroup, leaving Bangkok to the Marines.
Total control of the Bay of Bangkok allowed heavy fire support to aid the landing forces in securing the capitol.
With the Siamese beaten back, the Marines moved quickly to secure Bangkok. With the presence of the First Fleet preventing any escape by sea and troops closing in all around, the capitol was secured on June 1. After three days under captivity, the Siamese government announced its surrender to Portugal on June 4, meaning that Portugal had managed to invade and subdue Siam in only a month. Now the country was under Portuguese control, and the Siamese industry would help fuel the continued expansion of the Estado Novo’s war machine.
The fate of Siam was decided by three key battles, each one a decisive Portuguese victory.
The invasion force remained in Siam for another year suppressing partisan activity, and stayed in place until a proper military police force was sent over from the mainland to relieve them. Two divisions of MP forces were left to oversee security in occupied Siam, and the victorious troops boarded their transports and the First Fleet returned home to Portugal, where all eyes had turned to the belligerence of Germany and Hitler’s daring declaration of war.
Operation Rafaela: Occupation of Siam
A New Navy, A New Colony
It was a gloriously clear and cloudless, though cold, day when thousands of eager Portuguese gathered on February 4, 1939 at the naval base in Setubal. The crowd was large and joyous -- some waving Portuguese flags, others carrying banners of the Republic Navy, some just marveling together at the show of force from their country’s military. There was a lot of Portuguese pride on display in Setubal, the fruit of an extended campaign of propaganda leading up to this day, promising Portugal's first overseas conquest in many years.
In the water, the ships of the Republic Navy First Fleet sat docked and waiting, with the flagship battlecruiser Lisbao at the center of the formation. As Prime Minister Salazar stepped up to a microphone to address the crowd, a faint chorous of the Portuguese national anthem could be heard scattered around the crowd:
Heroes of the sea, noble people, brave and immortal nation, raise once again today, the splendor of Portugal!
Salazar masterfully aroused the passion and pride of the crowds, recounting the history of Portugal’s many oversea discoveries and conquests as one of the greatest nations to explore the seas. It was Portugal, strong and unified, that deserved a place among the nations as a colonial power, with Portuguese colonies spread across the map. And today, with the departure of the First Fleet, the road to Portugal’s re-emergence would begin. Other countries had had their day in the sun, but now Portugal would claim her own lands during a time of great change in Europe and throughout the world.
Among the haze of memory, Oh Fatherland, one feels the voice of your distinguished forefathers, that shall lead you to victory!
The ships pulled away from port, their decks full of sailors and soldiers waving energetically to their friends and family on shore, receiving the shouts and cheers of their countrymen as they departed for a nearly two-month voyage to the distant Portuguese seaport at Macao. It would be a long trip before they even saw combat, but the three divisions of troops leaving their homeland were in high spirits. As it left into the open sea, the Lisboa fired a ceremonial volley from its cannons, joining the sound of artillery to the singing voices.
To arms, to arms! Over land, over sea, to arms, to arms! For the Fatherland, fight! Against the cannons, march on, march on!
The Admiral of the First Fleet
The voyage to Macao had been a long one, and the fleet hadn’t arrived in China until March 30, 1939, marking the end of a long trip and the beginning of some much-needed shore leave. But that leave hadn’t lasted long, as prepartions needed to begin immediately for the occupation of Siam. For a week, the Portuguese troops enjoyed their time ashore and recovered from two months spent traversing the seas from Europe to Asia. But just under a month after the fleet’s arrival, Portugal declared its intent to occupy Siam, and the fleet departed for its first combat mission since the modernization of the navy.
It was now the evening of May 7, and Admiral Canto e Castro, commander of the First Fleet, stood comfortably on the command bridge of the Lisboa, with the two light cruisers Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia flanking the flagship to either side. It was a glorious feeling, finally sailing foreign seas aboard the newest and strongest warship of the Estado Novo, prepared to claim new lands for Portugal for the first time in his lifetime. Admiral Afreixo had the higher honor of being the Chief of the Navy and serving on Salazar's cabinet, but it was Canto e Castro who would have the distinction of winning glory out in the field.
The NRP Lisboa, flagship of the First Fleet,
saw its first combat action during Operation Rafaela.
Up ahead, the groups of destroyers screening the fleet were engaging the tiny collection of ships that passed for a Siamese navy. Two flotillas of destroyers that looked almost as ancient as the Portuguese Reserve Fleet back home, were making their best effort at dislodging the powerful Portuguese ships from the Bay of Bangkok, but to little avail. Canto e Castro’s fleet vastly outgunned their enemies, and it didn’t take a long battle for the Siamese destroyers to be destroyed. That minor victory allowed the fleet to turn back to its main mission -- supporting the invasion on the ground. The heavy cannons of the Lisboa turned to face the mainland, and the sound of heavy artillery shook the bridge as the bombardment of Bangkok began. The Admiral looked on with a smile, seating himself on the bridge and waiting news of victory.
Three Battles That Crushed Siam
The Republic Marine Corps had already landed along with the 5th Army Corps in Nakhon Sawan, and while the infantry were digging in to defend the city against reinforcements attempting to advance from the south, the Marines had begun their assault on Bangkok. With the surrounding bay under control, the fleet conducted a relentless shore bombardment to cover the advance of the Marines into the city. The single unit of specialied mountaineers fielded by the Siamese put up a valiant fight, but faced with the superior strength of the Portuguese Marines and taking constant fire from three capital ships, there was little the small force could do. The defenders eventually fled into the nearby Chon Buri region to regroup, leaving Bangkok to the Marines.
Total control of the Bay of Bangkok allowed heavy fire support to aid the landing forces in securing the capitol.
With the Siamese beaten back, the Marines moved quickly to secure Bangkok. With the presence of the First Fleet preventing any escape by sea and troops closing in all around, the capitol was secured on June 1. After three days under captivity, the Siamese government announced its surrender to Portugal on June 4, meaning that Portugal had managed to invade and subdue Siam in only a month. Now the country was under Portuguese control, and the Siamese industry would help fuel the continued expansion of the Estado Novo’s war machine.
The fate of Siam was decided by three key battles, each one a decisive Portuguese victory.
The invasion force remained in Siam for another year suppressing partisan activity, and stayed in place until a proper military police force was sent over from the mainland to relieve them. Two divisions of MP forces were left to oversee security in occupied Siam, and the victorious troops boarded their transports and the First Fleet returned home to Portugal, where all eyes had turned to the belligerence of Germany and Hitler’s daring declaration of war.
First campaign is a win! And now it's time to make a choice... Should I continue to expand Portugal into Asia by trying an invasion of the Dutch East Indies, or get a bit bolder and head into Africa? Indies might be easy, but I think I might be up for the bigger challenge this time...
You should share these events with us!
I don't like the idea to get into the Japanesee plans. Siam was an Axis member ...
I don't like the idea to get into the Japanesee plans. Siam was an Axis member ...
You should share these events with us!
I don't like the idea to get into the Japanesee plans. Siam was an Axis member ...
Alternate history for the win
East Indies would require a naval buildup, since the Dutch probably have a solid fleet... But I have a great opportunity to invade South Africa as well, with the addition of maybe some more calvary. One is a straight up desert invasion, the other a long campaign of island-hopping.
I would go for the dutch east indies. The region would probably be easier to conquer than the dark continent, if you could win the seas. How much do you think you'd have to build up your navy to take on the Dutch?
I would probably need to build a second fleet to work alongside the one I have now, which is a BC, two CLs and I think 6 DDs. Plus some extra transports and probably another marine division or two.
East Indies may yet happen, but it would require a decent amount of extra buildup -- for practical reasons (long waits without activity suck) and narrative reasons (after the signing of the Tripartite Pact, Germany and Japan wouldn't take kindly to more intrusion in the Japanese sphere of influence) I think I'm heading to South Africa. It also contains a nice bit of Portuguese history I can flesh out in the next post. But I wouldn't rule out an island-hopping campaign in the Indies later!
East Indies may yet happen, but it would require a decent amount of extra buildup -- for practical reasons (long waits without activity suck) and narrative reasons (after the signing of the Tripartite Pact, Germany and Japan wouldn't take kindly to more intrusion in the Japanese sphere of influence) I think I'm heading to South Africa. It also contains a nice bit of Portuguese history I can flesh out in the next post. But I wouldn't rule out an island-hopping campaign in the Indies later!
June 1940 - August 1941
Operation Rosalia: Bridging the African Gap
The Meeting at Hendaye
Prime Minister Salazar had taken an overnight train to meet General Franco, and the two men sat inside a spacious train car, flanked by Portuguese soldiers to one end and Spanish soldiers to the other. Between the two men was a map of Europe that in no way resembled anything that either man had in his library just a short year ago. A vast swarth of Europe was now colored gray, representing the expanses of land that Hitler's Germany had either taken or conquered in the Third Reich's explosion to power. That grey stretched from Poland to the French coast, and it wrapped around the deep blue of a captive French state led by Marshall Petain's Vichy regime, not officially a member of the Axis but thoroughly under Hitler's thumb.
There were several squares and markings over the Iberian Peninsula on that map, representing the position of Portuguese and Spanish soldiers guarding their borders. Franco's army had stacked several divisions along the French border shortly after the Spanish Civil War, and a combination of Spanish and Portuguese troops (with the professionalized Viriatos Legion still in Spansh territory) garrisoned any possible amphibious landing zone for an invading force. The Iberian Peninsula was sealed tight by a wall of troops.
"Hitler has come to me in private, seeking my cooperation with the Axis," said Franco, surveying the map without making eye contact with Salazar, "He has offered us full control over Morocco in exchange for Spain's allegience. I told him that I wouldn't deliver an answer until I spoke with you."
"We are in a difficult situation," Salazar said back to him, leaning back in his seat, "If we choose to enter the Axis, we will be at war with the United Kingdom and the Allies. Not only would this cause discontent in Portugal over the breaking of our long-standing treaties, but it would also put our transport fleets at the mercy of the Royal Navy. We transport resources and supplies between Portugal, both African coasts, India, and Siam... Our fleet is modest, but we could never hope to secure our convoys against the British fleets. Our convoys would be interdicted, and anywhere outside of Iberia would become an easy target for attack."
Franco nodded, as his eyes traced the many long sea routes that Portuguese ships would have to take to deliver their supplies and bring critical strategic resources back to the peninsula. He also looked over the imposing bloc of Axis territories.
"That much is true," Franco agreed, "But there is also the threat of Germany. If we join the Axis, we will be assured of our protection by both Germany and Italy, both of which command powerful forces. And if we refuse, Hitler may begin to perceive us as a threat, and we could be the next ones to fall to the Wehrmacht's attacks. It seems Hitler has two priorities: control those who will work with him, and destroy those who won't."
It was a daunting dilemma, either way. Portugal and Spain were among the only countries in Europe that were not under the control of the Axis or in the crosshairs of Hitler's armies. Joining the Axis would mean facing the mighty Royal Navy, and refusing to join could mean that Hitler would take by force what Franco and Salazar would not give him.
"Perhaps a compromise can suit us," Salazar suggested after a few moments of quiet, "Inform Hitler that the Iberian Alliance wishes to remain officially neutral, and stay out of the war between Axis and Allies. However, assure him that we recognize the legitimacy of the Third Reich's claim to Europe; and as a gesture of support and goodwill, Axis forces will be granted free passage through the Iberian Peninsula, including the exclusive use of Portuguese and Spanish ports. That will keep us out of the greater war, but it should be enough to keep the Axis nations from carving up our land amongst themselves."
"I hope your theory is right," said Franco, nodding solemnly. "I will inform Hitler of my decision tomorrow."
The Pink Map
General J.A. Lobato Guerra cleared his throught to bring an end to the small chatter in the warroom. Assembled before him was a group of his fellow officers representing each branch of the armed forces, and amongst them was President General Carmona, presiding over the meeting. General Lobato Guerra turned and gestured toward an easel, which held a canvas map of Africa marked with a pink hue.
"In 1885, Portugal presented a document which came to be known as the Pink Map, which outlined the Portuguese claim on a corridor of land connecting the coasts of Angola and Mozambique, thus connecting Portugal's colonial African holdings via land. That claim was eventually denied, as the British intervened and prevented us from claiming and occupying the connection between the coasts. Since the British delivered their famed Ultimatum in 1890, much of this central African land has remained under control of the crown."
There was some light grumbling among the officers gathered, some of whom were old enough to remember the denial of those lands in their youth.
"These lands remain under British control, and a military conflict with the United Kingdom remains undesirable. Neither we nor the Spanish, nor even the two of us combined, possess the naval strength to engage the Royal Navy, and war with the British would almost certainly mean the loss of many, if not all, of our colonial territories. Instead, we have chosen to connect our African colonies by a different path."
He flipped over the map to reveal a present-day map of Africa, color-coded by diplomatic alignment.
"Shortly after the German invasion of Europe began, the newly-elected leadership of South Africa chose to withdraw from the Allies and maintain neutrality. This means that the United Kingdom is no longer aligned to defend South Africa, and should have no involvement in any conflicts involving the nation. Therefore, it has been decided that the next step in the expansion of the Portuguese colonies is to seize South Africa as a means of establishing a single, continuous land connection between Angola and Mozambique."
The General flipped the easel one more page, which reavealed a close-up of South Africa, with drawings noting a series of troop movements.
"Operation Rosalia will entail a three-pronged invasion of South Africa. From Angola, a force of cavalry units, supported by armored car brigades, will advance southward along the coastline. From Mozambique, a force of traditional infantry will expand both west and south, while the Marine Corps stages an amphibious assault at Cape Town. All three of these forces working on conjunction will cut off access to all of South Africa's seaports, and the three units will then surround and invade the capitol at Johannesberg."
"According to our estimates, we should have all of our forces in place to begin the operation by the end of July 1941, and we have set up an anticipated timetable, according to which we should be able to achieve victory by no later than February of 1942. Reserve units will remain on standby to be transported to the front as needed -- once the amphibious assault on Cape Town is completed, our transports can be sent with a small escort to return to Lisbon to pick up reinforcements while the main body of the First Fleet remains in position to support our forces on the ground. And we, gentlemen, will be the men who can say that we made the Pink Map a reality."
Operation Rosalia: Bridging the African Gap
The Meeting at Hendaye
Prime Minister Salazar had taken an overnight train to meet General Franco, and the two men sat inside a spacious train car, flanked by Portuguese soldiers to one end and Spanish soldiers to the other. Between the two men was a map of Europe that in no way resembled anything that either man had in his library just a short year ago. A vast swarth of Europe was now colored gray, representing the expanses of land that Hitler's Germany had either taken or conquered in the Third Reich's explosion to power. That grey stretched from Poland to the French coast, and it wrapped around the deep blue of a captive French state led by Marshall Petain's Vichy regime, not officially a member of the Axis but thoroughly under Hitler's thumb.
There were several squares and markings over the Iberian Peninsula on that map, representing the position of Portuguese and Spanish soldiers guarding their borders. Franco's army had stacked several divisions along the French border shortly after the Spanish Civil War, and a combination of Spanish and Portuguese troops (with the professionalized Viriatos Legion still in Spansh territory) garrisoned any possible amphibious landing zone for an invading force. The Iberian Peninsula was sealed tight by a wall of troops.
"Hitler has come to me in private, seeking my cooperation with the Axis," said Franco, surveying the map without making eye contact with Salazar, "He has offered us full control over Morocco in exchange for Spain's allegience. I told him that I wouldn't deliver an answer until I spoke with you."
"We are in a difficult situation," Salazar said back to him, leaning back in his seat, "If we choose to enter the Axis, we will be at war with the United Kingdom and the Allies. Not only would this cause discontent in Portugal over the breaking of our long-standing treaties, but it would also put our transport fleets at the mercy of the Royal Navy. We transport resources and supplies between Portugal, both African coasts, India, and Siam... Our fleet is modest, but we could never hope to secure our convoys against the British fleets. Our convoys would be interdicted, and anywhere outside of Iberia would become an easy target for attack."
Franco nodded, as his eyes traced the many long sea routes that Portuguese ships would have to take to deliver their supplies and bring critical strategic resources back to the peninsula. He also looked over the imposing bloc of Axis territories.
"That much is true," Franco agreed, "But there is also the threat of Germany. If we join the Axis, we will be assured of our protection by both Germany and Italy, both of which command powerful forces. And if we refuse, Hitler may begin to perceive us as a threat, and we could be the next ones to fall to the Wehrmacht's attacks. It seems Hitler has two priorities: control those who will work with him, and destroy those who won't."
It was a daunting dilemma, either way. Portugal and Spain were among the only countries in Europe that were not under the control of the Axis or in the crosshairs of Hitler's armies. Joining the Axis would mean facing the mighty Royal Navy, and refusing to join could mean that Hitler would take by force what Franco and Salazar would not give him.
"Perhaps a compromise can suit us," Salazar suggested after a few moments of quiet, "Inform Hitler that the Iberian Alliance wishes to remain officially neutral, and stay out of the war between Axis and Allies. However, assure him that we recognize the legitimacy of the Third Reich's claim to Europe; and as a gesture of support and goodwill, Axis forces will be granted free passage through the Iberian Peninsula, including the exclusive use of Portuguese and Spanish ports. That will keep us out of the greater war, but it should be enough to keep the Axis nations from carving up our land amongst themselves."
"I hope your theory is right," said Franco, nodding solemnly. "I will inform Hitler of my decision tomorrow."
The Pink Map
General J.A. Lobato Guerra cleared his throught to bring an end to the small chatter in the warroom. Assembled before him was a group of his fellow officers representing each branch of the armed forces, and amongst them was President General Carmona, presiding over the meeting. General Lobato Guerra turned and gestured toward an easel, which held a canvas map of Africa marked with a pink hue.
"In 1885, Portugal presented a document which came to be known as the Pink Map, which outlined the Portuguese claim on a corridor of land connecting the coasts of Angola and Mozambique, thus connecting Portugal's colonial African holdings via land. That claim was eventually denied, as the British intervened and prevented us from claiming and occupying the connection between the coasts. Since the British delivered their famed Ultimatum in 1890, much of this central African land has remained under control of the crown."
There was some light grumbling among the officers gathered, some of whom were old enough to remember the denial of those lands in their youth.
"These lands remain under British control, and a military conflict with the United Kingdom remains undesirable. Neither we nor the Spanish, nor even the two of us combined, possess the naval strength to engage the Royal Navy, and war with the British would almost certainly mean the loss of many, if not all, of our colonial territories. Instead, we have chosen to connect our African colonies by a different path."
He flipped over the map to reveal a present-day map of Africa, color-coded by diplomatic alignment.
"Shortly after the German invasion of Europe began, the newly-elected leadership of South Africa chose to withdraw from the Allies and maintain neutrality. This means that the United Kingdom is no longer aligned to defend South Africa, and should have no involvement in any conflicts involving the nation. Therefore, it has been decided that the next step in the expansion of the Portuguese colonies is to seize South Africa as a means of establishing a single, continuous land connection between Angola and Mozambique."
The General flipped the easel one more page, which reavealed a close-up of South Africa, with drawings noting a series of troop movements.
"Operation Rosalia will entail a three-pronged invasion of South Africa. From Angola, a force of cavalry units, supported by armored car brigades, will advance southward along the coastline. From Mozambique, a force of traditional infantry will expand both west and south, while the Marine Corps stages an amphibious assault at Cape Town. All three of these forces working on conjunction will cut off access to all of South Africa's seaports, and the three units will then surround and invade the capitol at Johannesberg."
"According to our estimates, we should have all of our forces in place to begin the operation by the end of July 1941, and we have set up an anticipated timetable, according to which we should be able to achieve victory by no later than February of 1942. Reserve units will remain on standby to be transported to the front as needed -- once the amphibious assault on Cape Town is completed, our transports can be sent with a small escort to return to Lisbon to pick up reinforcements while the main body of the First Fleet remains in position to support our forces on the ground. And we, gentlemen, will be the men who can say that we made the Pink Map a reality."
Another event mod at work... I added a check to the Meeting at Hendaye event, so that if the Iberian Alliance is active, some extra events fire. If Spain decides to join the Axis, an event fires for Portugal giving them the chance to follow Spain into the Axis, or stay neutral. If Spain stays out of the Axis, I triggered in this event you see in the post to grant military access to Germany. Hitler is expanding all over Europe, and it didn't seem realistic for him to just totally leave the Iberian Peninsula alone without trying to work the Axis in there some way or another.
And South Africa just fell into my lap... Via an election event, right after WWII started South Africa bailed on the Allies and went neutral... Which mean nobody is going to come and stop me from ransacking them A bigger challenge than Siam for sure, and don't rule out the island-hopping mission in the Indies either! But I don't have the navy for that mission, and it's no fun if I just let another 3-4 years burn by building a navy without doing anything else fun in the AAR. So now we try and claim South Africa!
And South Africa just fell into my lap... Via an election event, right after WWII started South Africa bailed on the Allies and went neutral... Which mean nobody is going to come and stop me from ransacking them
A bigger challenge than Siam for sure, and don't rule out the island-hopping mission in the Indies either! But I don't have the navy for that mission, and it's no fun if I just let another 3-4 years burn by building a navy without doing anything else fun in the AAR. So now we try and claim South Africa!
Very interesting AAR here, and very good work with Portugal! First Siam, now South Africa will be added to your colonial empire. I look forward to seeing how your fight with the Afrikaners pans out, since they may be a very tough opponent.