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December 9, 1941

Braeland Declares War on Japan
Joins U.S., British Coalition Following South Pacific Attacks

BRAELAND CITY, December 9 (BP) – The Government of Braeland formally declared war on the Empire of Japan, in the wake of its undeclared air strikes on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as well as its co-ordinated attacks on Guam, Wake Island and the British crown colony of Hong Kong.

Emerging from an emergency session in the House of Commons this morning where the declaration of war was tabled and passed, Prime Minister Sir Douglas Avery confirmed to the nation that it was now officially at war with the Empire of Japan.

“The Braelander Government has sought a peaceful resolution to the conflict that threatens the security of the Pacific. But Japan has made it abundantly clear that it has no interest in such noble efforts. This is a war no democracy has sought or desired. It is one purely of Japan’s making. Braeland is fully committed to defending our way of life and supporting its Allies in the face of this aggressive, war government of Japan. The mobilization of our armed forces that began in July is now being accelerated under the leadership of our Ministry of Defense. We go to our battle stations alongside our Allies in defense of freedom.”

Since the initial mobilization in July, Braeland has joined its neighbours Australia and New Zealand in providing coast watchers throughout the South Pacific; specifically, the Gilbert, Ellice, Tokelau and Cook Islands.

According to Under Secretary of the Navy Lewis Ellard, Braeland has three corvettes presently serving in anti-submarine warfare: the HMBR Arrow, HMBR McPhatters and the HMBR Hollard. In addition, there are some 800 ground personnel supporting New Zealand forces in Fiji as well as approximately 300 ground personnel serving farther away on Fanning Island. That is in addition to the aforementioned service and civilian coast watchers based in the Gilbert Islands, whose exact number remain classified.

United Leagues to Continue Despite War Footing

Despite the full mobilization of the Braelander armed forces, the Avery government informed United Leagues Commissioner Dr. David Westfall that its desire is for the United Leagues to continue to operate without interruption for the foreseeable future.

Elaborating on the matter following Parliament’s formal declaration of war, Deputy Prime Minister Simon Ryman stressed the role the United Leagues and its affiliated minor leagues could play in maintaining the nation’s morale.

“It’s extremely important that our way of life continue without interruption. It will be ‘all hands on deck’ as it were, as we face this unprecedented threat. But it is the government’s belief and, indeed, His Majesty’s belief as well, that baseball will be instrumental in maintaining the morale of our country. Of course, this does not mean that the Leagues will remain unaffected. While we have not passed conscription legislation at this time, the decision to serve in the Armed Forces is up to each individual player. Any native born player desiring to serve in the Armed Forces will be guaranteed a job in baseball once he returns. Ball clubs will also need to adjust as players they have under contract that are citizens of our Allies, such as the United States, may choose or be compelled to leave and serve their country.”

One of the foremost American citizens currently employed by the United Leagues is Brunswick Legends manager, Babe Ruth. A spokesman for the Legends Ball club, James Phibbs, said that the 46-year old Ruth has not yet communicated any decision to leave the club at this time, but is understandably concerned about this week’s events and the welfare of American soldiers based in Hawaii.

“Mr. Ruth understands that he is unable to have a direct share in America’s war effort. But I can confirm that he is at present making enquiries to the United States government about any role he may be able to play. The Legends will fully support our manager with whatever decision he makes in this unprecedented time.”