Switzerland?

Switzerland as an independent power? I had not thought about this but I am
surprised it was not absorbed into

the NSL, perhaps even a driving force behind its creation. This led on to a
more useful chain of thought. The NSL will probably have a federal structure
like modern Germany, each

state having a high degree of control over its own internal affairs. The

military would be centralized but maybe not the militia (volksturm or whatever
they call them now). I can't really imagine two states fighting

but It is a cute idea. Colonies might be split up into new states as they
increase in population.

Then there is the story of a conversation between the Kaiser and a Switzer.
Switzerland could put half a million men under arms, so the Kaiser asked what
would happed if he sent that number of men against them, "shoot once" was the
laconic reply. What would happen if I sent one million men against you asked
the Kaiser, "shoot twice" was the reply.

> Michael Blair wrote:

It's mentioned seperately from the NSL, and if it were part of the NSL I can't
imagine they'd be fond of Swiss mercs running around working for whomever.
BTW, aren't Swiss Mercs banned by treaty, even before they start using poison
gas?

> The NSL will probably have a federal structure like modern Germany,
The
> military would be centralized but maybe not the militia (volksturm or

Landwher. Older, more traditional, no Nazi connotations, and was in use
by Austro-Hungarian Empire, from which the NSL draws many traditions.

> On Mon, 1 Feb 1999, John M. Atkinson wrote:

> Michael Blair wrote:

absolutely! whilst there is more than one other power, switzerland will make
its money through banking, information and diplomacy. there is no way swiss
banks could remain so secret in a country like the NSL, and very few people
would be happy negotiating treaties and contracts in swabian territory.

> BTW, aren't Swiss Mercs banned by treaty, even before they

currently, only the vatican is allowed to hire swiss mercenaries.

Tom