Grostenquin, France

1953 – Exercise Coronet – National Archives of Canada


Note: This bulletin gives the general background of Exercise Coronet. Further communiqués will be published as the situation demands.

Exercise Coronet

23 Jul 53

Communiqué No. 1

Grostenquin is situated in Fantasia which has had strained relations with its neighbour Westonia for a number of years. One of the reasons for dispute is a strategic area, Eiffel, formerly Westonia and now in Fantasia, which is highly valuable because of its mineral resources. Uranium has recently been discovered in Eiffel and Westonia is anxious to regain this territory and is exerting every diplomatic and political effort to attain this aim. So far these efforts have been fruitless.

Although it is known that Fantasia is in possession of the secret uranium process, it is believed that Westonia has acquired similar knowledge through espionage. The recent spy trials at Hemering and Guessling indicate that Fantasia'’ security was breached in several vital points.

Westonia is demanding a plebiscite in the Eiffel in the hope of regaining this territory. Fantasia has been stalling for some time. Finally, on the 23 Jul 53, Westonia sent an ultimatum to Fantasia to make a firm decision by the 25 Jul, otherwise Westonia would wash its hands of the whole affair and Fantasia would be held responsible for the consequences.

The situation is electric and as a result the presidents of both countries have decreed that the population should be prepared to work long hours – if necessary until 2100 hours – during this cold war. The armed services of both nations are being mobilized. Informed sources believe that Westonian forces will be marshaled completely by the 24 Jul. Fantasian forces should be mobilized by 25 Jul. End of communiqué.

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