Ottawa, the broadcast had already begun.
"Good afternoon, citizens. I am your Prime Minister, Mackenzie Powell. I am deeply sorry to disturb everyone at such a time.
"Yes, today I bring bad news. The rumors that had been circulating were true. We have been defeated.
"The London Government and the Continental Alliance have signed an armistice treaty. Perhaps some of you have already heard of it—the Vienna Agreement previously published in the newspapers.
"Under the enemy's military pressure, the London Government was forced to relinquish all overseas dominions and colonies, Canada included.
"I know none of you wish to accept this terrible news. Neither do I. But now, you must patiently hear me out.
"In order to save Canada, we have given everything over the past two months, yet the outcome has not changed.
"Perhaps some people believe that the homeland abandoned us. At first, I thought so too. After all, before those grand officials in London, we had always been considered a cut below.
"But after receiving the materials sent from home, I realized I was wrong. This time, we were not betrayed. The enemy was simply far too powerful.
"I have already sent the materials to the newspapers, and everyone will soon see them. I fear none of you can imagine the miserable state of the homeland now.
"Our ports are burning amid raging flames, our factories are weeping beneath the roar of enemy artillery. Even Downing Street and Buckingham Palace are now nothing but ruins.
"This was an unequal war. We dragged along a pack of useless pig teammates who could do nothing but cause trouble, then went off to fight the whole world alone.
"Enough. I will not go into the details. Read the newspapers yourselves—the actual situation is absolutely more severe than what I