The Situation in Singabolah
Within thirty hours of the first entry into Reichland, some forty
sorties had been flown and around 13 000 Reichen civilains
airlifted. A massive fleet of civil and military aircraft had been
requitioned for the formidable task; from Singabolah Airlines
Boeings to C-130s right down to Piper Warriors of the Youth Flying
Club. They clogged all available air routes into the country,
landing at whatever airstrip that had not been cratered by runway
denial munitions.
The operation was progressing quickly. However, the population of
Reichland (excluding all able-bodied men, who had opted to stay and
fight) went well into the millions, and even if all the aircraft in
the world were to be to Reichland, they still would never be able
to whisk all of them away in the short span of time left. It is
near impossible to carry out large airborne evacuations; it
consumes too much fuel and saves little. It also carries political
reprecussions as well, as the Israelis found out went airlifting
Fashalas out of Ethiopia.
If only Prussian and Reichen aircraft could be released to help in
the evacuation, then thier task could have been much easier.
However, Foreign Minister Jayapapaya had advised Emperor Kaiser not
to let any Reichen aircraft participate in the airlift, as they did
not want a repeat of the Filght 30 incident. Prussia's air force
had also been completely grounded. Despite its apparent willingness
to help, SENSE panners were suspicious that Prussia would attempt
to assist its Teutonic sister state should war break out.
The mission of the rescue workers was further impeded by the
refugees that they were sent to evacuate; most were adamant to go
and insisted on staying and fighting to death. Occasionaly, some
patriotic Reichens would add to the confusion of the moment by
breaking out into rousing renditions of 'Reichland Uber Alles' at
irregular intervals. It took some coaxing on the part of the
Singabolan pilots and crew to convince them to board the
planes.
There were tearful seperations and farewells, as men saw their
wives and children off, most likely for the last time. It was a
heart rending sight, affecting even the surliest Singabolan Ah Beng
on the rescue flight.
On departure from Reichland, the aircraft would turn and make for
the Sea of Fuschs, where they passed through the Xing Shianan naval
cordon unmolested. Much waves and friendly smiles were passed
between the two sides, but the Singabolans were worried that the
Xing Navy would 'accidentally' illuminate them on radar and send
several SAMs streaking their way. They seemed very prone to making
mistakes these days. As a guesture of goodwill, the Singabolan
escorts carried only four Sidewinders each for self-defence, and
allowed themselves to be herded by XSN X-35s through the
blockade.
Upon arrival in Singabolah, the transports disgorged their human
cargo, who were quickly ushered into buses at the airports. These
brought the Reichen refugees to camps that had been hastily erected
outside major cities to accomodate the massive influx of refugees.
While not exactly five-star hotels, the camps were made as
comfortable as the budget allowed. Each could hold up to two
thousand internees. On arrival at the camps, the refugees were
briefed in English and German on the current situation and the camp
regulations. Thoroughly bewildered, they given their sleeping and
food allotments before being released.
Most began immediately preparing to set up camp, or took advantage
on the free handouts being offered by aid workers. A massive
donation drive in Singabolah had taken place, but the results were
quite disapointing, most Singabolans being a miserly bunch and
suspicious of helping the tradional enemies of SENSE. Disgusted by
their inactivity, several prominent members of the society had
stepped forward to offer finacial help and goods. The work of these
philantropists did not go to vain; suddenly, medical supplies,
clothes, food and other sundry items were available to the
refugees.
Meanwhile, the Singabolan government had made its decision. The
32nd Division, spear head of the Singabolan armoured forces, and
the 21st Division, consisting of semi-elite Singabolah Guards
units, would be deployed to Prussia to participate in an invasion
alongside the forces of Xing Shiana, 440 and 220 MHZ, and
Shingapooru should a war on Reichland be declared by the War
Council. They would also stay for the subsequent peace keeping
operations that would follow the fall of Reichland. In addition, a
squadron of F-16Cs would be flown into provide air support to the
Guards and the tankees. Singabolah would also provide behind the
lines support, along with 440 MHZ.
When the Reichen refugees saw this, many were disgusted with the
Singabolan government's apparent double standards. They were
especially unhappy that they were now being incarcerated by enemies
of their country. Rumbles of discontent rippled among the
camps.
Meanwhile, ethnic Germans in the capital Singabolah City had
emerged to stage peace rallies; these gatherings were quickly
suppressed by Singabolan security services.