WARNING: THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS CONSIDERED CLASSIFIED INFORMATION BY SEVERAL AUTHORITATIVE BODIES. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY CLEARANCE LEVEL REQUIRED TO READ THIS MESSAGE, YOU WILL BE CHARGED WITH CORRESPONDING OFFENSES AND BE SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATE PUNISHMENT.
BEGIN TRANSCRIPT (translated from telegraph code):
To Fowley,
I hope this transmission finds you well.
I wish to inform you of our efforts regarding the commission into the Vesmos Empire's full war capacity, and that the division put in charge here in Sidos is no longer capable of fulfilling the mission.
All our spies are dead.
On the eighteenth of March 1929, Agent Randolph, Taxi and Tinker assumed civilian identities as Blue tier citizens in the Vesmos Empire, one as a teacher, another as a worker in the Ministry of War, and another as a new recruit into the Imperial Army's Officer Academy respectively. These agents had sufficient prior experience and had shown great distinction in the field, yet our reports from all three ceased sometime during July of 1934. Although their fates are still unclear, it is assumed they are dead.
What we have learnt during those three years has been compiled into a report being sent through military couriers and will arrive shortly, however it is best to notify your superiors in the RIB now of the current situation we face.
Some things we have learnt:
- Vesmos's capacity to wage war is vast. Their strength lies in their number due to a combination of large population size and widespread, yet short-lived conscription, however this time varies between citizen classes.
- The selection of the Vesmos Army is of a high standard. Bar foot soldiers, and other low-ranking personnel often filled with Green and Grey tier citizens, officers and other Blue and Red tier citizens are educated thoroughly. Although military education is a centre-point, starting at the age of five, other subjects are also extensively covered.
- Army personnel above the rank of Lance Corporal make extensive use of the Wand weapon system, a commonality found with all higher ranking personnel as well as officers and some police forces (particularly riot control).
- Significant affordances are given to the Ministry of War, such as control over budgeting, rations, foreign policy as well as large sway in domestic policy and police conduct. Their intelligence agency attached to the MoW has recently revamped itself in response to the Geverde-Sidos military alliance, researching and taking on board new tactics and methods of operation.
Some things we have not learnt:
- Their large arms capacity is still unknown to us, as well as the extent of their Air Force. Due to the Wand system being so potent, there has been a noticeable lack of heavy weapons and machinery being integrated into the army, despite other facets of society heavily industrialising.
- The full extent of their reserve population is still unknown, as census data was not able to be obtained and is not currently published. Through extrapolation, it has been estimated the number can be placed roughly between two and four million soldiers.
- The extent as to which rebel groups and resistance alliances are affecting the country is still largely unknown. Due to secretive nature of the crackdowns and tight control over state media, it is unclear as to the full extent of these organisational activities, and the value in aiding them.
Inform your superiors, and our report shall arrive in due time.
From Bixy.
