written by RebelPilot09 – MPBS Journalism Manager
Tension is brewing on the international stage as war between Germany and France + Frisia has begun. In a joint ultimatum from Frisia and France to the Germans, they alleged Germany of hostile behaviour, including threats to national security and espionage. The ultimatum dictated that Germany was to surrender chunks of German-Frisian land to the State of Frisia, and parts of the Saarland to the French. The listed consequences dictated a state of war and military intervention if demands were left unmet. Germany’s response was bleak. They did not meet the demands, and called the ultimatum illegal. As a result, a joint-military attack within the German city of Dusseldorf took place, and there have been an unconfirmed number of both military, civilian, and law enforcement casualties reported.
The Federal Government of the Union of Columbia threatened war with France and Frisia if they were to not cease an attack. In a release from the U.C. Secretary of State and Mayflower Secretary of State, A1exCarter, the following statement was made to the United Nations:
“The Union of Columbia is deeply concerned over the outbreak of hostilities between the French Republic, Frisia, and Deutschland. This conflict threatens not only the regional stability but also the broader international peace and security. In our capacity as a member of the Security Council, the Union of Columbia has issued an explicit ultimatum to the principal belligerents, France and Germany, to cease hostilities and engage in immediate negotiations to bring this war to an end. A 24-hour window was granted for de-escalation. Regrettably, the French Republic has made clear its refusal to pursue a negotiated peace within the prescribed timeframe. Should this grimness attitude continue and the war not be brought to a quick halt by the conclusion of the deadline, the Union of Columbia shall consider a state of war to have existed. Let there be no doubt: the Union of Columbia does not take the path to war lightly. But we will not permit the unchecked spread of violence to undermine the international order. If peace cannot be secured through dialogue, it shall be imposed through resolve.”
This was accompanied by a twenty four hour period to follow the demands of the UOC to return to peace. At the time of writing, the clock is at around four hours, and should no action be taken, the UC Secretary of State will consult the Federal Senate (made up of game admin staff) to initiate a state of war.
Many are now wondering whether or not war will happen, but in the final hours before the UOC intends to employ military action against France and Germany, people are beginning to worry about conscription to military service and the possibilities of invasion of the UOC.
The following is speculative and unconfirmed as of yet:
- Should war be declared, the Mayflower National Guard is almost certain to be federalized,
- Should manpower be lacking, it is minutely possible that the Mayflower Selective Service may draft some individuals to be conscripted into the Mayflower National Guard or UOC Army.
- Should war be declared, the Mayflower Public Broadcasting Service may reopen the Wartime Service, a special broadcasting and reporting section in which all news relating to the war will be broadcast under.
- Should war be declared, it’s unlikely combat or strikes will occur within the vicinity of the UOC.
- Should war be declared, it’s highly likely that Federalized MNG soldiers will be deployed to Europe.
At this time currently, there is no state of war between the Union of Columbia and any foreign power. However, the deadline is rapidly approaching, and the demands from the UOC have not been met, which means war is plausible. MPBS would like to assure all citizens, that should a state of war exist, MPBS will continue to provide a mainstream source of information and coverage of the conflict, including reports live from the Warzone; MPBS will continue to provide an unbiased and fact-checked coverage of the brewing conflict. MPBS also would like to advise that nobody should panic. Should war take place, it is rather unlikely that any combat or strikes will occur within the Union of Columbia. Most combat will be centralized in Europe, where the three primary combatants reside.
In the rare case that combat or military strikes take place in UOC territory, MPBS will utilize the Emergency Broadcasting System to alert civilians of the threat, and provide emergency advice. We will work cohesively with agencies including the National Guard, State Police, Emergency Rescue Services, and the Federal Emergency Response Agency to provide emergency resources should an incident occur. Again, avoid panic, as this situation is highly unlikely.