NationStates Jolt Archive

The RPing is done here. But first we'll wait for more players. Patience everyone! And for those who haven't joined yet:

ooc/signup thread
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9297480#post9297480

factbook thread
http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=433504

Important!

Before you may RP, make your factbook in the factbook thread.

Ok, we got all the major players, let's get starting!

~Official Sharina TAG~

A new decade had begun. The Emperor Mutsuhito had called a conference of all the major generals and admirals. One by one they arrived at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, not knowing what would happen. Once they all were assembled in the antechamber the large doors to the throne room opened. They saw the Emperor, his son Yoshihito and his young grandson Hirohito (well known and at that time 9 years old) sitting on three cushions on a decorated dais. They all entered the throne room and bowed before the Son of Heaven, His Imperial Highness Mutsuhito, ruler of the Land of the Gods, Korea and Formosa. When they all sat down Mutsuhito began to talk

Emperor Mutsuhito: ”First of all, a happy new year all of you. Second, I want to discuss certain plans, both on the long term and the short term with you. I’ll first explain the goals I set for the next ten years.

-Become a dominating factor in the world.
-Become the dominating factor in the Pacific/East Asia area.

To achieve these targets a major build up of the armed forces has to begin immediately and with all our industrial capacity. I’ve developed a building program with the honorable Admiral Yutsushiko.

As the Emperor said this an old admiral bowed slightly towards the rest of the officers and the dais with the three Imperial figures. The Emperor acknowledged the bow and answered it. He then began reading the following numbers from a sheet of paper. When he was finished gasps were heard throughout the room.

“-5 Dreadnought Class Battleships
-8 Battlecruisers
-12 Coast Defence Ships
-6 Light Cruisers
-25 Submarines

Emperor Mutsuhito: ”I understand that you seem shocked by these numbers. If we manage to finish this program we’d have a very modern and excellent navy which only a few nations can resist. Admiral Yutsushiko will contact other nations and enquire if we could “order” at least some of these vessels at their shipyards.

For the army a large expansion will take place. A first mobilization of 450000 men will be held. The first recruitment posters will be spread throughout the Empire tomorrow. The training of these men will take 12 months of intense training (ooc. half a RL week). I want to arm them properly and train them in the best way possible. General Fukuoka will decide which rifle will become the new standard for the army.

Now I will come to the short term goals:
-Effective control over China and annexation of Machuria, Inner and Outer Mongolia and Hainan. Bejing/Tientsin area is also possible.
-Get a strong influence over Siam.
-Where ever possible make use of the situation elsewhere in the world. Tensions are rising on the Balkans; if it escalates in a full blown war in Europe we must make use of the situation.

First, to achieve the China goals, the forces in Formosa and Korea must be reinforced. I propose the following division of our forces, once the first and second line reserves have been called up: (555000 men)

-The First National Army will defend the outlying territories (Sakhalin, the Kurrils, Korea and Formosa). The Second National Army will defend the Japanese Home Islands. The forces which require retraining will receive it.
-The regular forces will be divided as follows
1st “Formosa” Army, 37500 men, 7500 cavalry, Formosa
2nd “Osaka” Army, 40000 men, 5000 cavalry, Formosa
3rd”Kyoto” Army, 40000 men, 5000 cavalry, Korea
4th “Tokugawa” Army, 40000 men, 5000 cavalry, Liaoning
5th “Cavalry” Army, 20000 elite cavalry, Korea
6th”Kenji” Army, 40000 elite men, 10000 elite cavalry, Korea
7th”Nagasaki” Army, 40000 men, 10000 cavalry, Korea
8th”Moshi” Army, 40000 men, 10000 cavalry, Korea
9th”Fondjo” Army, 40000 men, 10000 cavalry, Korea
10th”Shikuoka” Army, 40000 men, 10000 cavalry, Korea
11th”Okinawa” Army, 40000 men, 10000 cavalry, Honshu
12th”Northern” Army 47500 men, 7500 cavalry, Sakhalin/Kurrils

This results in: 90000 men in Formosa, 360000 men in Korea, 50000 men in Japan itself and 55000 on Sakhalin and the Kurrils. I don’t know yet how the mobilization forces will be divided, we will sort that out later.

About the Siam goal, a military and diplomatic mission will be sent in June this year. I want Siam to become a protectorate or a close ally. General Yabu and Dr. Hishoki will lead this mission.

The third goal…we can only prepare for that one to be ready, day and night, everyday of the year. Gentlemen, do you have any questions?”

All the officers were baffled by the enormous plans that were presented. Many thought it was impossible to reach these goals, only the Siam goal may be reached in time. They were really stunned and just stared at the Emperor. Finally one General had the courage to speak.

Gen. Ikiyaku: ”My lord, these plans, they’re…a bit ambitious arne’t they?”
Emperor Mutsuhito: ”Yes they are.”
Gen. Ikiyaku: “But…they’re also a bit hard to reach. These goals I mean. The other powers won’t accept if we occupy China and effectively control the country! Tha…”
Emperor Mutsuhito: ”Do you think I haven’t thought of that yet? Before we invade China, good contacts will be made with certain countries. We’ll have the support we need for this giant leap forward. For the first time in recent history, a non European nation will rule over Asia! We will decide the future of Asia, maybe even the world! Anymore questions?”

The officers were a bit more assured. They left the throne room after more polite bowing and formalities. What would the future bring?

Highly Coded Telegram to Japanese Embassy in London, for his Majesties Government

Greetings,
We would like to enquire about two things:
1- Is it possible for a mass order or the production rights for the Lee Enfield Rifle and carbine? We would pay handsomely and trade rights can be given.
2- We would like to expand our navy. Could your Ship wharves build a few ships for us? Again, we would pay handsomely and trade rights can be given.

General Fukuoka, Japanese Imperial Army
Admiral Yutsushiko, Japanese Imperial Navy

Highly Coded Telegram to Japanese Embassy in Berlin, for his Majesties Government

Greetings,
The Emperor and his government think that it would benefit both our nations if closer ties will be made. We hereby want to invite you for a conference to perhaps discuss any further bonds.

Emperor Mutsuhito

ooc. I worked a lot on this. Enjoy the RP folks!

Highly Coded Telegram to Japanese Embassy in Berlin, for his Majesties Government

Greetings,
The Emperor and his government think that it would benefit both our nations if closer ties will be made. We hereby want to invite you for a conference to perhaps discuss any further bonds.

Emperor Mutsuhitoooc. I worked a lot on this. Enjoy the RP folks!OOC: Kaiser Wilhelm was terrified of the Japanese and wanted someone to face the "Yellow Peril" on behalf of European "civilisation". That was one reason why he persuaded "Cousin Nicky" to start the disasterous Russo-Japanese War. ;)

Tzar Nicholas II sat in the war chambers in the Winter Palace, shivering. As usual, the winter had been bitterly cold, and the New Year hadnt brought round any change in that. It was a meeting with Grand Duke Nikoli and all of his senior advisers. The head of the IRN and RAAS were also present, General Admiral Dimitri Nechayev and General Vladimir Letzky respectively. The Tzar shook the Grand Duke's hand and sat down at the head of the table.
"Thank you all for coming. I realize the bad weather and appreciate your attendance." All the men nodded their heads.
"The world is a troubled place," the Tzar began. "Our country's alliance with France and Great Britain puts us in a strong strategic position, but we are still not safe. From the south comes a dark and dangerous enemy, the Japanese. They cannot be allowed to thrive in the world, and neither can the Germans. They are on uneasy terms with the rest of the world, so i have had new railways constructed throughout the Empire, spanning the whole way down to the Balkans and towards Austrian territory. They must be stopped if they decided to do anything foolish." All the men nodded in agreement with their leader. He smiled at their obedience and sat down. The Grand Duke arose.
"We have drawn up a strategic plan. This top-secret plan shall be known as Plan 19. It deals primarily with an Austrian-German invasion of our Soverign boarders. The new railways can have troops from all over the Empire at the Western Front in six days." The other men in the room recoiled in shock. Grand Duke Nikoli smiled at this. "Upon reaching the front they would of course begin assault accompanied by the RAAS and IRN," he said, nodding to the two leader. They nodded and smiled at him. "The plan also means that if the Japanese attack from the south at the same time, fourty to fifty percent of our forces can be moved within a week, leaving us plenty of troops at either end. It also means vital supplies can reach our men through these railways. Supply lines that can only be cut if the entire Empire falls in on us. Which will never happen," he added hastily, smiling towards the Tzar apolgetically. He nodded with a stern face and arose. Grand Duke Nikoli sat at this.
"This will take much preparation, and i have full confidence in you all, we can make this work. We must make this work. For Russia," he said patriotically.
"For the Tzar!" the other men said in unison. The Tzar smiled slightly and left the room. It was high-time Russia joined the West


Highly Encoded Telegram To Prime Minister of Great Britain

In light of our strong alliance, we would like to request the supply of 2,000,000 rifles and ammunition for them (approx. 50,000,000 rounds). We realize this is a lot and we shall pay handsomely for the supply.
Regards,
Grand Duke Nikoli, Cmdr i/c Russian Military

ooc. Wait a minute, where did you join? I thought Risen Empire was Russia...

A lone man, draped in fancy robes of silk and violet fabric, sat straight in his large throne set at the top of an intimidating array of steps. A large metropolitan city could be seen from one's vantage point at the throne, with a vista stretching towards the horizon, full of multiple pagodas and residential houses several stories tall. The courtyard in front of the garguantan set of hundreds of steps is surrounded by limestone walls, with several triangular roofs set on their tops. The courtyard seemed massive in proportion, dwarfing everything within and without, owing to tricks of illusion. The courtyard was filled with tens of thousands of soldiers arrayed in perfect straight formations. A red carpet ran from the bottom of the throne, down the stairs, and cut straight across the courtyard towards the exit which was comprised of two garguantan wooden and steel doors with fancy Chinese runes and cryptology inscribed throughout the double doors.

The man nodded once, and a single man began ascending the numerous steps, carrying a crown laid on a fancy pillow. The man took each step in measured strides, without hurry. After several minutes, he finally reached the top, and kneeled before the man sitting in the throne. The man in the throne slowly rose, and a collective hush spread across the giant assemblage of soldiers, officers, and citizens. The man holding the crown began speaking in subdued tones, full of respect and wonder.

"I present to you this crown. With it, rests the entire future and hope of the Chinese people. May you lead us into the future brightly, and reclaim China's rightful place."

The throne man nodded twice, as he took the crown. He shouted out, as it was necessary for there were no amplification devices invented yet.

"I accept this crown, and with this, I declare myself Emperor, and I shall be acknowledged as Emperor Guozu Zhuge. Upon this moment, the Guozu Dynasty is established. China shall suffer no more corruption, decay, weaknesses, and indecision. China shall grow strong, with your hard work and my leadership. China shall once again reclaim its rightful place as the master of Asia as it once had been hundreds and thousands of years hence, under the direction of the new Guozu dynasty.

Our people are destined for greatness, thus it has been declared, and let it be done!"

A thunderous cheer rose from the multi-acre courtyard, as each soldier, civilian, and officer added their voice to the surge of rapport. The soldiers began ceremonially raising and lowering their seven foot spears in a carefully orchestrated manner, adding to the grandness of the spectacle.

A new age has begun in China, one that would change the world irrevocably in the coming years.

http://www.glennpatton.com/China/China_Photos_fred/PRC_Soldiers_forbidden-city.jpg

ooc. Wait a minute, where did you join? I thought Risen Empire was Russia...
Awk feck, sorry guys, but i meant to sign up AS Yderia, RE is a puppet nation on NS, so i was on it when i found this, whoever is in charge, could you change it for me, or add a ..../Yderia thingy. Sorry for the confusion

Awk feck, sorry guys, but i meant to sign up AS Yderia, RE is a puppet nation on NS, so i was on it when i found this, whoever is in charge, could you change it for me, or add a ..../Yderia thingy. Sorry for the confusion

ooc. Ok, no problem.

Sharina: This could get nice :p

Emperor,
We, the Russian Empire wish to enter into an Alliance with your nation. This is so we can work together to overcome the problems that exist in the world today. Together we could be strong, in a world in which the strong prevail. We request a summit to discuss treaty terms, and any question you have, please relay them to us and they shall be addressed.
Kindest Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letzky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Office,
Moscow

Emperor,
We, the Russian Empire wish to enter into an Alliance with your nation. This is so we can work together to overcome the problems that exist in the world today. Together we could be strong, in a world in which the strong prevail. We request a summit to discuss treaty terms, and any question you have, please relay them to us and they shall be addressed.
Kindest Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letzky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Office,
Moscow

Secret Comminque to Russia:

Greetings.

I am honored that your people have chosen to seek an alliance and a summit to discuss the future of Asia. I am receptive to your overtures, as I believe that we need to stand united aganist Europeans who may seek to dominate our interests.

Please inform me where, when, and how you would like to hold the summit meeting. Please pardon the briefness of this comminque, but the less that is said, the better. We do not want critical information to fall in our potential enemies hands, do we?

Live well.
~Emperor Guozu Zhuge

10 Downing Street, London, England


Quite strangely the Prime Minister, Herbert Asquith, recieved both of the requests for arms at the same time. He first opened the Russian Telegram, and with a humph put it back down onto his desk, picking up the ornate Japanese envelope as he did so.

After reading both he stood from his desk. He refolded both of the telegrams into their original envelopes and then walked across the small, but brilliantly furnished office, to the plush door. He opened it and emerged into his Secretaries room.

"Bernard, get my car and call the Palace. I need to see the King immeadiately."

"Yes Prime Minister, shall I take the briefing papers for you to read in the car?"

"Yes Bernard. Now hurry, this is important"


At the front of Downing Street the Prime Ministers brand new automobile pulled up, and he boarded it carrying his briefing documents as well as the two envelopes. Two uniformed policemen took to the running board as the car pulled away towards Whitehall and headed for Buckingham Palace.


Very soon the car was driving along the Mall and the Palace was in sight. For January it was a surprisingly warm day, with sunlight streaming in through the cars thin windows.

They entered the main gates, and were waved through by the Red Coated guards of the Household Cavalry who were on parade in the courtyard.

A butler opened the door for the Prime Minister and conveyed him to one of the drawing rooms in the ornately furnished Palace, one of the Jewels of England. Inside was King Edward VII standing tall in his military uniform. Accompanying him was the Prince of Wales, who would later that year become George V with the death of his father.


The Prime Minister talked with the King for several hours. They discussed both of the telegrams in great depth, and afterwards the Prime Minister left to formulate the official response.


To: The Commanders of the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy
Via: Japanese Embassy, London
From: His Majesties Government England

The King and I have talked about your proposal and have come to a concensus agreement that the rest of the cabinet has also agreed to.

1. The license for production of the Lee Enfield Rifle and Carbine are unfortunately not for sale, however we feel that should you place a large order this can be met along with ammunition supplies over a suitable time period.

2. Unforunately due to our own ship building requirements in light of the expansion of the German High Sea's Fleet we are in need of all of our shipyards at the moment for our own vessels. However should any become available you shall be the first to be informed.

Good Day, and we hope that this answers your requests.





To: Russian Commander in Chief Grand Duke Nikoli
Via: Russian Embassy, London
From: His Majesties Government

Greetings from the government of King Edward VII. We are happy to announce that we are able to supply you with the rifles and ammunition that you have requested, for a suitable price.

His Majesty, and the Cabinet, feel that it is our place to help our Russian Brothers and Sisters to the most of our ability.

Obviously such a large amount of rifles and ammunition will take a considerable time to manufacture, and we cannot interfere with supply to our own Armed Forces.

Therefore we suggest a delivery shedule that is in keeping with the payment shedule. Lee Enfield is a nationalised company, and therefore we can guarantee the supply of these rifles over the next two years if payment is recieved in that period as well.

-End-

To: The Commanders of the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy
Via: Japanese Embassy, London
From: His Majesties Government England

The King and I have talked about your proposal and have come to a concensus agreement that the rest of the cabinet has also agreed to.

1. The license for production of the Lee Enfield Rifle and Carbine are unfortunately not for sale, however we feel that should you place a large order this can be met along with ammunition supplies over a suitable time period.

2. Unforunately due to our own ship building requirements in light of the expansion of the German High Sea's Fleet we are in need of all of our shipyards at the moment for our own vessels. However should any become available you shall be the first to be informed.

Good Day, and we hope that this answers your requests.


Highly Coded
To; Japanese Embassy for His Majesties Government, England
From; Japanese High Command

We understand your busy schedule for the naval build up in Europe. We will patiently wait till more room is available. We are sure that the waiting will be worthwile as British Shipyards are one of the best in the world.

As for the Lee-Enfield Rifle, we're sorry to hear that production rights aren't available. We would hereby like to order 1505000 rifles with enough supplies at a cost which you will decide. We are willing to pay extra for a speedy delivery, it is crucial that at least 450000 rifles can be delivered.

We also would like to propose a possible deal. You may build arms factory anywhere in the Japanese Empire (preferably Honshu, Kyushu or Korea). It would benefit us both as arms could be transported faster to your colonies in Aisa or the Pacific. Again we would like to pay handsomely for the factory placement and it's goods which it will produce.

Gen. Fukuoka

OOC: Kaiser Wilhelm was terrified of the Japanese and wanted someone to face the "Yellow Peril" on behalf of European "civilisation". That was one reason why he persuaded "Cousin Nicky" to start the disasterous Russo-Japanese War. ;)

I can believe that! But attitude must have changed a bit, certainly after the stunning victory (which it was) over the Russians. And I read in "Guns of August" (great book BTW, a must for everybody interested in WWI) that the Germans were anxious for a Japanese Alliance. When the false rumour went through Berlin that Japan had attacked Russia in the East the Germans stormed the embassy and celebrated "a sure victory over the Russians". :p

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen

TOP SECRET

Strategic Analysis of the Position of the Dual Monarchy
January 1st, 1910

[Excerpts]

The strategic position of the Dual Monarchy is perilous, to say the least. We are surrounded on three sides by enemies and have but one genuine ally - the German Reich. Compounding this position is the political fact of the German Reich's effective diplomatic isolation. Were war to break out today, it would be the Dual Monarchy and the German Reich against most of the rest of Europe.

RUSSIA

The enmity of the Russian Empire is virtually a given. Russia believes that it has a sacred duty to advance the territorial ambitions of its "little brother Serbs" - ambitions that would, if fulfilled, result in the effective dismemberment of the Dual Monarchy. In parallel with this, Russia covets a warm-water port on the Adriatic. This goal, too, could only be achieved through the destruction of the Dual Monarchy.

Until Russian imperial aims change, the best the Dual Monarchy can hope for is to forestall Russian aggression against us by maintaining a favourable balance of power against the government in St. Petersburg.

ITALY

While the Kingdom of Italy is ostensibly a part of the Triple Alliance, the reality is that neither the Dual Monarchy nor the German Reich can count on Italian support in a general European war. Indeed, we should expect Italy to change sides and ally itself with the Russian Empire at some point in the not-too-distant future: this would open the Balkans to Italian expansionism, especially in Greece, as well as helping Italy wrest control of Tirol and Trieste from the Dual Monarchy.

While Germany has expressed displeasure at the Dual Monarchy's insistence upon pursuing a vigorous programme of naval construction as a counterweight to Italy's naval buildup, we must stay the course and hope in the meantime to disabuse Berlin of its dangerous naivete with respect to Italy's trustworthiness as an ally.

SERBIA, ROMANIA, AND MONTENEGRO

The Slavic states of the Balkans, and especially the Kingdom of Serbia, pose a grave risk to the security of the Dual Monarchy. It is known that the Serbian government is agitating among the ethnic Slavs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and even dreams of wresting Croatia from the Dual Monarchy. We must steer a careful course between displaying strength in the face of subversion and avoiding provocation. Russia would like nothing better than a war between the Dual Monarchy and Serbia to serve as causus belli for an attack on our nation; such an attack would almost certainly escalate into a general European war.

OTTOMAN TURKEY, ALBANIA, AND BULGARIA

Historically, the Ottoman Empire and the Dual Monarchy have been enemies for over three centuries; nonetheless, with the emergence of the new Slavic states of the Balkans, the opportunity has arisen for détente with the Turks. Turkey no longer has significant holdings in the Balkans outside Albania, where the local Moslem population clings to Ottoman authority for protection against their Serbian neighbours. It is only a matter of time - perhaps a year or two - before the situation erupts once more into violence, this time as Serbia seeks to invade and conquer its Moslem neighbours.

The Dual Monarchy should use the opportunity to intervene on behalf of the Albanian populace, guaranteeing then their independence and also helping bring into being another Balkan state, this one more inclined to view the Dual Monarchy with favour. Such an intervention would also earn the goodwill of the government in Istanbul, which would like to protect the Albanian Moslems but has lost the ability to do so.

Moving from there, the Dual Monarchy - possibly with German assistance - should seek to forge a friendship, and if possible even an alliance, with the Ottoman Empire as a counterweight to Serbian, Russian, Italian, and Romanian ambitions in the region.

Bulgaria is also an important piece of the puzzle; it is deeply dissatisfied with the division of territory in the Balkans, and especially its failure to secure Macedonia. Also, Bulgaria has been allied with the Ottoman Empire for over a thousand years; the two nations must therefore be wooed and won as allies together.

GERMANY

Only to the north, in the German Reich, does the Dual Monarchy have a friend and ally. But our relationship has grown problematic due to German diplomatic isolation.

Germany dominates Europe, and Europe despises being dominated. Germany's exercise of European power, while it has tended to maintain the peace and stability of the continent, has also offended many nations. Germany, sadly, does no seem to realise this and continues to alienate the concert of nations. This places the Dual Monarchy in danger, for a Germany beset by foes in every direction is in no position to help us ward off the many foes that surround us as well.

FRANCE

Foremost among the enemies of the German Reich is the Republic of France. Yet, viewing this enmity from an historical perspective, it makes little sense. France has other enemies that should concern it far more than Germany, yet it ignores these enemies to focus all of its hatred, all of its energy, on revanche. Why?

The answer can be found in Alsace and Lorraine. In spite of the opposition of the Iron Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, these lands were taken from France at the very moment of Germany's ultimate triumph, sealing French hatred of Germany and making the pursuit of Germany's destruction the monomaniacal goal of French foreign policy.

As long as Germany holds these two territories, there can be no peace between these two nations.

GREAT BRITAIN

Historically, the Republic of France and British Empire should be enemies. Again and again, not just in Europe but worldwide, the interests of these two great colonial empires clash. Yet France and Great Britain are becoming allies against Germany. Why is this happening?

We have already spoken of France's fixation with Alsace and Lorraine, and the effect that has had on getting France to abandon its historical interests in Africa, the Mediterranean, the Indies, and the Far East, to Britain's great benefit. Now we must look at why Britain would join with France, a nation it has fought in countless wars since the martyrdom of Joan of Arc.

The answer lies in Germany's challenge to British commercial interests, as well as Germany's vigorous programme of naval construction. Of the two, we believe that the latter is far and away the more important.

The Imperial German High Seas Fleet is a source of tremendous pride to the Reich. It is also a dagger aimed at Great Britain's heart. Germany can not simultaneously build the second largest fleet in the world and expect Great Britain to be its friend; Britain's long-standing policy has been to prevent the rise of any combination of naval powers capable of threatening the British Isles with invasion. On that basis alone, opposition to the German Reich by Great Britain is a certainty.

BELGIUM AND THE LOW COUNTRIES

While Belgium and Holland are not significant military powers, they are important colonial ones. Belgium's holding's in Africa are vast, as are Holland's in Southeast Asia. Belgium, moreover, is an important centre of banking and commerce. It possesses the sixth largest economy in the world based on nothing more than banking, finance, investment, and trade.

Yet, due to its being surrounded by enemies, Germany has disastrously adopted a war plan that will, if carried out, add Belgium to its long list of enemies - and in the process almost certainly turn world opinion against the German Reich.

Because Germany faces the dangerous prospect of a two-front war, it has adopted a war plan requiring the rapid defeat of each of its foes in quick succession. Since Russia has tremendous strategic depth and can trade territory for time, the German High Command has decided that France must be defeated first, in a six weeks' war. To accomplish this, the Reich plans to turn the French left flank by marching through Belgium and falling on Paris. Unfortunately this means that Belgian neutrality, guaranteed by numerous treaties to which Germany is a signatory, must be shamelessly violated.

The rape of Belgium will be of little consequence should Germany succeed in smashing France, driving Britain's small professional army into the sea, and then defeating Russia in a massive invasion with its redirected army. But if anything goes wrong - and didn't Marshal Von Moltke once proclaim that "no plan survives contact with the enemy?" - then the invasion of an innocent neutral will weigh against Germany in the court of world opinion, so vital in a long, drawn out war.

A better solution by far would be to find a way to secure the German Reich without the need to violate the neutrality of Belgium - or any other country.

CUTTING THE GORDIAN KNOT

In any intractable situation, new strategies can be found by asking: "What one thing could be changed that, at a stroke, would completely alter our position?"

We believe that one thing would be a resolution of the problem of Alsace and Lorraine.

The Dual Monarchy must urge its German ally to give these two provinces back to France in return for a sea change in the attitude of the French Republic toward the German Reich. Resolving this dispute would take away any reason for French animosity toward Germany, paving the way for a new alliance structure in Europe, one that would transform the global balance of power at a stroke.

With Alsace and Lorraine returned, Germany would no longer be France's enemy. Instead, geography would draw France's "eye" west and south, in its natural direction, toward the Atlantic, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

In similar fashion, Germany's "eye" would turn east, in its natural direction, toward Poland, the Baltic lands, and the Ukraine.

If Germany and France could declare their mutual border to be, not a potential war zone, but a safe frontier, an avenue for trade and economic development, centred on the Rhine, the Low Countries, and Northern France, not only would each prosper immensely, but each would immediately enjoy a tremendous advantage over its other neighbours.

France, free of the fear of Germany, would dominate both the Italian and Iberian peninsulas; its power would make it the queen of the Mediterranean and the master of Africa. Only Great Britain would stand in the way of France becoming a truly global empire.

Germany, free of the fear of France, would be able to face the growing challenge posed by Russia. Side alliances with Sweden and Denmark would give it an overwhelming position of supremacy in dealing with the government in St. Petersburg, which would have no choice but to accept whatever demands Berlin might make of them.

The Low Countries, sandwiched between France and Germany, would necessarily contribute their not-insubstantial commercial and financial strength to the combined economic alliance. Both Holland and Belgium would also be undoubtedly eager to please their neighbours by granted trade concessions and favourable investment opportunities within their respective Southeast Asian and African empires, and in joining an economic system that ran from the Persian Gulf to the mouth of the Rhine, each would become fabulously wealthy.

The Dual Monarchy, by throwing its weight into this Grand Alliance, would complete the picture for both Germany and France. Faced by the might of the Dual Monarchy, the Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria, and Albania as well as Germany and the Scandinavian kingdoms, Russia would be completely outclassed. Faced by the Dual Monarchy on one side and France on the other, Italy would have no choice but to set aside its irredentist ambitions and accept the status quo.

Only Great Britain would have the power to resist such an alliance, and even then it would be faced by the fact that the combined naval strength of France and Germany would easily match that of the Home Fleet.

BRITAIN, THE MIDDLE EAST, AND ZIONISM

The British Empire, having secured India, seeks to extend its influence into the Middle East. Its growing presence in Egypt is but one pillar in its strategy of winning regional dominance, however. Its support of Zionism is the other.

For many years, influential Jews in Great Britain have pressed for British acknowledgement of their right to return to Palestine, where they would like to resurrect the long-vanished nation of Israel. Establishment of a large Jewish state in Palestine would permit Britain to more easily dominate the region; it would also, as a prerequisite, require the destruction of the Ottoman Empire. Following Turkey's demolition, British power would then be extended across the entire Fertile Crescent, as well as into Persia. The British Empire would then be even stronger than it is today. Or so run the plans in Whitehall...

It is neither in the interests of France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Japan, America, or any other colonial power to permit Great Britain to become even more dominant than it is today. Rather, the concert of nations should work to bring British power more in line with that of the other Great Powers. Consequently, British ambitions in the Middle East must be opposed.

Eliminating the Franco-German rivalry will allow France to strengthen its position in Africa while permitting Germany to reinforce the Ottoman Empire and preserve its influence in the Middle East. As far as Jewish emigration from Europe goes, it would be better to encourage Jews to leave Europe for America, where they have enjoyed some success, than to travel to Palestine, where they can only cause trouble. If there must be an Israel, let it become a metaphorical part of the American Dream and not a literal repeat of the tragedy of the Crusades.

INDIA AND ASIA

Ultimately, the basis for British power lies in the Empire's domination of India. Yet India is held by a total population - including civil servants and dependants - of less that 100,000 Britons. The lesson of the Sepoy Mutiny was that the Empire can not dominate India without the assistance of the Indians. Sadly, though, today's Indians seem all to willing to provide that assistance.

Yet opposition to the "Raj" in India exists, and is growing. Aga Khan and the All-India Muslim League, the Hindu Indian National Congress, the young labour organiser Mohandas Ghandi in South Africa's Natal province, and many others have been working to return to India self-government. This is a goal we should support, through financial and diplomatic means, as the end of the "Raj" will also mark the end of the British Empire.

Toppling British power in India, stabilising the Middle East and opening it to Central European commerce, displacing British influence in Egypt and replacing it with a French-supported Arab government, solidifying the peace of North-East Europe under a Franco-German entente, curbing the aggressive ambitions of Italy, Russia, and the Slavic states of the Balkans, and most importantly of all securing the borders of the Dual Monarchy in order to permit our attention to be directed toward political reform and internal scientific and economic development will ensure that the Dual Monarchy continues to thrive and prosper through the course of the 20th Century.

Washington D.C. 1908 Election
Just mere months ago, in a stunning turn of events, now again President Theodore Roosevelt had decided, against his earlier unwillingness, to do what no President has ever done before, run for that legendary third term. This was not unwise considering his popularity and aproval, and it seems to have paid off. President Theodore Roosevelt is the new Head of State, along with his very young and equally ambitious yet mysterious Vice President, Aaron Rosen.
Celebrations rang out all across the nation but were exceptionaly loud in New York, the Presidents Home State, and California, the vice presidents home state. What can we expect from this young vibrant duo? We can expect our questions to be answered in the Presidents speech this coming week.
James Carver, The Washington Times

Highly Coded Telegram to Japanese Embassy in Berlin, for his Majesties Government

Greetings,
The Emperor and his government think that it would benefit both our nations if closer ties will be made. We hereby want to invite you for a conference to perhaps discuss any further bonds.

Emperor Mutsuhito
Equally Highly Coded Telegram to German Embassy in Tokyo, for the Imperial Government and His Highness the Divine Emperor of the East

Greetings!
His Highness Kaiser Wilhelm shares your believes and wonders how you propose to strengthen the bonds between our two empires, and thus sends a representant to His Higness' Palace to further discuss this.

To The French Embassy In Berlin; To be relayed to the leader of Germany: The Republic of France would like to take back alsace and lorraine, if Germany Agrees, The Republic would be strong allies and trade partners, and great friends With The Republic of France.

To The French Embassy In Tokyo; to be Relayed to the leader of Japan: As The Master Of The Siamese Peninsula, The Republic Of France Would like to be strong allies with Japan. I think that being close allies would be beneficial for Germany, Japan, And France.



As a Car with the Emblem Of France proudly painted on the side, a begger on the street smiled. This was his chance. He could get a job. A real job. He Sat, begging quite loudly, trying to get the soldiers attention. Finally, one noticed. A car pulled up by him. He was welcomed in, and a soldier gave him some bread. He told him, that he now will live in a house a few minutes away from the Mass production Blacksmith he is to work at, where he will scoop coal into a furnace. He was so happy. This was his chance for an honorable life. His son, was to get a job as a soldier. It was his big day.

As a man with a purple robe swiftly walked by, he was privately content. His country was prospering. It was becoming an industrial power. The empires military was swelling, and his colonis growing and content, if not elated. Surely, this was a new age for France.

To The French Embassy In Tokyo; to be Relayed to the leader of Japan: As The Master Of The Siamese Peninsula, The Republic Of France Would like to be strong allies with Warta Endor. I think that being close allies would be beneficial for Germany, Japan, And France.

OOC:

Bold highlight by me.

In this kind of RP, we do not use our NS nations names. Instead, we use our RL nation names like China instead of Sharina, Japan instead of Warta Endor, etc.

Just a gentle pointer for RP'ing.

Here's A map:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/Defuniak/worldblank16.gif

Ok, I just got a "note to self" and one more edit.

The reason i have to post maps as images is because i can't figure out how to make a linky.... :(

Ok, I just got a "note to self" and one more edit.

The reason i have to post maps as images is because i can't figure out how to make a linky.... :(


Fix the space at the end bracket of my closing tag and it will be a linky.

[url=http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/Defuniak/worldblank16.gif] Linky[/url ]

Fix the space at the end bracket of my closing tag and it will be a linky.

[url=http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/Defuniak/worldblank16.gif] Linky[/url ]


Brilliant!

Yes, Linkys are amazing.

In the great sand sea of the Southern portion of the Arabian Peninsula just North of the English protectorate of Oman.

The white robes of the Bedouin billowed silently as he rode his camel through the stinging sands whipped by the desert winds.

Ibriham ibn Muktada rode with a purpose, he rode to carry a messege for the Saud family to the Englishmen.
He rode to seek the aid of infidels in doing Allahs work.

Ibriham knew the desert would not take him, because it was Allah who would carry him to the infidel armies to deliver the words of most honorable Saud.

It would be Allah who would carry him home with good news and it would be Allah who sway the hearts of these men to the cause of the one true God.

He bore the papers of an official envoy of the Saud family, and the english had if not supported the saud directly did wax supportive.

IN a few short hours he would be in English territory, and shortly after that, would be the begining of the greatest change the world would ever see.

To The French Embassy In Berlin; To be relayed to the leader of Germany: The Republic of France is ready to donate alscase and lorraine to Germany, if they promise to be strong allies and trade partners, and great friends With The Republic of France.Actually, you're supposed to be the one who ends up with Alsace and Lorraine; they were yours before Germany took them from you in 1870, and so he'd be giving them back in exchange for your friendship.
To the Government of the Third Republic of France,

We congratulate you on your recent diplomatic breakthrough with the
German Empire. We believe the arrangement will bring lasting peace
and benefits to both of your great nations.

As you are now an ally of the German Empire, we would like to join with
you in forging similar ties. To that end, the Dual Monarchy proposes that
we three sign a mutual defense pact, with the alliance of Germany,
France, and the Dual Monarchy to be called The Grand Alliance.

In two years, when the current Triple Alliance of the German Empire, the
Dual Monarchy, and the Kingdom of Italy expires, we would like to invite
the latter to join our alliance. Together, the four of us can guarantee
the peace of Europe against any nation that might disrupt it.

To the eternal friendship of the French, German, Italian, Austrian, and
Hungarian people!

Signed,

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the
Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen
To the Kingdom of Italy,

In light of the recent diplomatic breakthrough between Germany and
France, we believe it would be in the best interests of the Kingdom of
Italy to join this new alliance by pledging its support for the other three
members of the Grand Alliance.

Italy's current alliance with Germany and the Dual Monarchy expires in
1912. This would be a perfect time to transition to the new alliance.

We look forward to hearing that you will remain on as part of this
security arrangement.

Signed,

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the
Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. StephenTo the Sublime Porte (OOC: Ottoman Turkey),

Recent events in the Balkans have produced an undesirable degree of
instability. As the two great Balkan powers, we have an obligation to
use our influence with the younger, less stable nations of the region to
maintain peace and harmony.

The Dual Monarchy would like to begin a friendship with the Sublime
Porte. We know that our empires have been enemies in the past, but
we believe that it is now possible to put the past behind us and begin
a new era of cooperation in our mutual relations.

We look forward to hearing your favourable response.

Signed,

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the
Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. StephenTo the Kingdom of Serbia,

The situation in the Balkans is quickly slipping out of control. We would
like to see war avoided if at all possible. Serbia could be of assistance
by doing what it can to curb ethnic passions within the region. We
would view such moderation as a positive sign of willingness on the part
of Serbia to live in peace with its neighbors, including the Dual Monarchy.

We hope that our faith in you will not prove to have been misplaced.

Signed,

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the
Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen

The Arab had refused to speak to anyone whose rank he did not recognize...He knew if he remembered what decorations on the mens clothes was they would have to be important.

Once he had been brought to a sufficiently displayed peacock of a white man he produced a rolled mssege rom beneath the many folds of his robes.

It read as follows:

"To the most Honorable and Brave commander of the English Forces garrsioned in the Protectorate of Oman, Allah's blessing be upon you.

This man has come representing the intersts of the Saud Family, and the interests of the Crown here in this bridge of land between Asia and Africa.

The people of the deserts of these lands have held heavy the yoke of oppression for too long.

Unworthy men who claim to represent the interests of the children of Islam have truly become RobberBarons of the treasures of Desert.

So it is with a heavy heart I make this offer to you, to take to your most wise leaders for consideration.

We ask to purchase five-hundred Lee-Enfield rifles and sufficient ammunition for a sustained engagement of thrity days. We will pay for this in gold.
We ask for the generousity of the great English powers to match again that number to aid us in fighting our enemies that when the time might come that might of the Empire of the England might need the aid of a desert fox we make an oath under God, to be at side.

It is in the best interest of the Crown to aid us now, that we might aid her later.
The world of politics shifts as the sands of the desert, and it is only we that can fight from the depths of the Sea of Sand to strike into both Africa and Asia, to strike at ports and up to threaten those colonies of the Enemies of the Crown, for her enemies are ours, and most assuradely our enemies would be hers.

The Blessings of the Prophet be upon you,
Abd al Aziz, servant of Allah."

Emperor Guozu Zhuge sat at a long table, with his recently appointed military, economic, and cultural advisors. The table had several large tin tea pitchers, filled to the brim with China's famous green tea. The Emperor sat in an ornate wooden chair, inlaid with China's finest silk cushions, along with Chinese symbols describing the newly formed Guozu Dynasty. The advisors sat on cushions, as they were not allowed to sit in chairs as sitting in chairs opposite the Emperor would represent that they were equal to the Emperor, which in actuality they were not.

The Emperor swept the assembled council with his piercing gaze, making his presence and dominance clear. He began speaking in commanding tones, demanding nothing less than full and complete attention to each and every word down to their individual letter components.

"I have been formulating a plan to deal with the Japanese and the annoying Westerner Powers lording it over our Asian brethren along the southern border of our mighty China.

First of all, we must develop our infrastructure and industry so that China's economy can effectively support a modernized army similiar to the Westerners in terms of quality and equipment. As it stands right now, China's economy is underdeveloped, because of the Boxer Rebellion a decade earlier, along with the corruption and stangantion of the failed Manchy Dynasty.

Towards this end, we must construct railroad networks, build multiple factories of different types, begin exporting more goods and material to friendly nations, and drastically improve the level of education available to the Chinese people.

I have decreed that all Chinese temples are to be opened and operated as schools. In addition, public examinations are to be stepped up, and then institutionalized as colleges and universities. Our national budget must be modified to create an allocatement for education so that the Chinese people will not have to pay for education. A similiar system is in place in the United States, which has allowed it to produce great intellectuals like Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Alexander Bell, and the like. That, along with its multiple colleges and universities, has allowed the United States to have a powerful economy driven by an intelligent and industrious workforce.

We must create a similiar system in China for it to have any hope of catching up with the European Westerners in intellect, industry, and economy. I speak from experience, having been educated in such institutions in the United States."

The Emperor paused to take a sip of tea from his ornate golden teacup. He raised a hand and gestured for his advisors to speak up. None did, as they were memserized by the Emperor's passion and fiery demeanor. The Emperor smiled before continuing.

"Second, we must increase our military. Japan is probably eager to take the rest of Manchuria and possibly the resource rich areas of Mongolia. That is our immediate concern. Japan is poor in natural resources other than iron, thus it stands to reason that they would seek resource rich areas to exploit. It so happens that we control two, Mongolia and Manchuria.

If we deny the Japanese those resources, it cannot be much of a threat, because without those resources, it cannot build as formidable an military as we will be able to do so. Japan will be forced to rely on importing foreign resources, but it will be a mere trickle of resources compared to directly extracting them from Manchuria and Mongolia.

The first of the two main problems we must address immediately regarding our military situation is the lack of an military industry, such as gun factories, cannon factories, road and railroad networks, and so forth. We must immediately go about constructing those types of infrastructure, so our military will be able to be equipped independently of foreign assistance, while being more self-sufficient in regards to ammunition.

The second of the two main problems is the low numbers of experienced soldiers. Japan could very well have been slowly building up their soldier forces in the last several decades from a population base 1 / 10ths of ours. We need to institute a radical change in military policy to strengthen our weak military. The solution is conscription, or in other words, a draft.

This system has been implemented in the United States, which allowed it to quickly recover from its Civil War several decades ago, then manage to defeat an European power, Spain. According to several reports I requested from some of you earlier, even if we were to institute a one percent rate of draft conscription, we could easily raise at least four million soldiers. That should be sufficient to deal with any major Japanese incursion.

However, for this to be effective, we must construct gun and ammunition factories, along with developing efficient training regimen. Multitudes of poorly trained soldiers will amount to nearly nothing, while multitudes of well trained soldiers make a nation a Great Power.

For our training regimen, I have demanded that the training progam is to include Kung-Fu, as it is believed to greatly aid disclipine, agility, dexterity, and quick thinking, the most valuable assets a soldier can have on the battlefield.

However, all this cannot happen overnight. From some of your reports, it indicates that it may take several years before this modernization effort will be able to effectively bear fruit. Time is a commodity that we may not have, as Japan may be poised to strike at any moment.

All is not lost, though. The nation of Russia has secretly extended us an offer of an Alliance."

Gasps spread around the table, as the implications began sinking in amongst the assembled advisors and officers. The Emperor waited patiently as the officers regained their composure. One officer cleared his throat, and the Emperor nodded.

"Russia as an ally? Unthinkable, after their efforts aganist us in Mongolia during the Boxer Rebellion. What's to declare that the Russians won't stab us in the back, or turn traitor aganist us?"

The Emperor nodded once again, and raised his hand palm outwards. Silence prevailed over the assemblage.

"I am very well aware of that situation, General Sun Yong.

However, Russia has much to offer us. They can supply us with weapons, technology, knowledge, and assistance aganist Japan. Remember, Russia suffered a defeat aganist the Japanese, so we can use that to our advantage.

Japan is our common enemy. Russia can fight or defend for us until we reach full military strength, then we can crush any Japanese aggression towards us. By that time, the Chinese economy and military will be more than able to deal with any surprise Russian invasion. We will not be as easy to defeat or conquered as we were ten years ago.

However, if Russia actually stays true to their word this time around, it can be an useful ally to have. We can deal with the other Europeans easier with Russia on our side. In these times, we must make friends with several Westerners to ensure our survival, until we are strong and developed enough to defend ourselves effectively.

I am pondering whether to approach the United States with similiar overtures as Russia is doing with us. Perhaps the United States, with all of its geniuses and technology, would be a good friend to have. As far as I believe, the United States has never backstabbed anyone, and they appear to be a quite honorable people who keep true to their word.

The next several years will test China's resolve, but under Chinese hard work and our leadership, we will prevail, and emerge as a Great Power as we deserve to be. It is our time again, after hundreds of years of obscurity."

The silence in the room drew out for several minutes as the officers digested Emperor Guozu Zhuge's directives and plans. Eventually the officers began nodding one by one, signifying agreement and support of the Emperor.

Within the next several weeks, the reforms began to spread throughout China, and continued to gain momentum for many months to come. The time for change in China was at hand, and the challenges before the Chinese people will and must be met.

Equally Highly Coded Telegram to German Embassy in Tokyo, for the Imperial Government and His Highness the Divine Emperor of the East

Greetings!
His Highness Kaiser Wilhelm shares your believes and wonders how you propose to strengthen the bonds between our two empires, and thus sends a representant to His Higness' Palace to further discuss this.

Highly Coded Telegram to the Japanese Embassy. for his Majesties Government

Greetings great Friend!

We will welcome your representative with open arms. We would also like to
enquire if any of your shipyards has time enough to build a few ships for us.

To The French Embassy In Tokyo; to be Relayed to the leader of Japan: As The Master Of The Siamese Peninsula, The Republic Of France Would like to be strong allies with Japan. I think that being close allies would be beneficial for Germany, Japan, And France.

To the Japanese Embassy in Paris, for the President

We certainly agree that an alliance will benefit our three nations. As for
the Siam Peninsula, we are about to send a diplomatic mission to the nation
of Siam. It would be important to bring into our sphere of influence.

Emperor Mutsuhito, Divine rule of Japan, Korea and Formosa

Highly Coded Telegram
To: King Edward VII of Great Britain
CC: Prime Minister of Great Britain

Sirs,
The Tzar recognises your prediciment, and wishes to pay upfront, in GBP, upon confirmation of delivery. We would also like to invite you both to our Winter Palace so we can secure an official treaty against the current troubles in the world today. Thank you for replying to our request. Peace and long life to you both.
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Minister,
Moscow

Emperor,
The Tzar wishes to request your audience in the Winter Palace, at your discretion. A chariot is en route to your palace. We request you accept post haste as i have a feeling the world is on a knife edge so to speek. We would also like to request that you invite all of your other allies to the summit to discuss creating a safer world, together.
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Minister,
Moscow

To: Emperor Mutsuhito of Japan
From: Tzar Nikolas II of the Russian Empire

Emperor Mutsuhito,
The Tzar requests and audience to discuss formal peace proceeding in the spirit of unification for Asia. We wish to form an alliance so that together we can grow strong, in a world in which the strong prevail. Please reply,
Kindest Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Dimplomatic Ministry,
Moscow.

To: Tzar Nicholas
From: His Majesties Government

King Edward VII is more than happy to accept your offer of a conference at the Winter Palace. However unfortunately Prime Minister Asquith will not be able to attend as he has business to attend to in the United States.

The foriegn Minister will accompany the King, as will the Prince of Wales, to ensure that our delegation carries the necessary weight that the British Empire has in the world today.

The delegation will sail on the Armoured Cruiser Southampton and will leave for St Petersburg as soon as is possible.

Also with regards to the shipments of munitons, the Russian order has priority that is only below that of our own forces and then not by much. We hope to have the first shipment of arms to you before the end of July.

Regards from His Majesties Government




Communique Sent to the British Embassy, Washington DC

Seek to establish a precedent for the visit of the Prime Minister aboard the Light Cruiser Newcastle in the near future. Also make subtle enquires over American reaction to the proposal of an alliance treaty with the United Kingdom.

-End-

To the Japanese Embassy in Paris, for the President

We certainly agree that an alliance will benefit our three nations. As for
the Siam Peninsula, we are about to send a diplomatic mission to the nation
of Siam. It would be important to bring into our sphere of influence.

Emperor Mutsuhito, Divine rule of Japan, Korea and Formosa


To The French Embassy in Tokyo; to be relayed to the Imperial Government The Nation Of France would like to help with the Japanese Annexation of Siam. The Nation Of France would lend A hand by supplying arms and supplies to The Japanese Empire in the scenario of an Japanese Invasion Of Siam, In exchange for an Alliance with Imperial Japan. The Nation Of France Would Also like to Retain Its Territory in Vietnam.

To the French Embassy In Vienna; To be relayed to the Emperor of Austria: The Nation Of France Would Be Intersted in an Alliance With The Austrian Empire, And We have no demands. We Await your reply.

Communique Sent to the British Embassy, Washington DC

Seek to establish a precedent for the visit of the Prime Minister aboard the Light Cruiser Newcastle in the near future. Also make subtle enquires over American reaction to the proposal of an alliance treaty with the United Kingdom.

-End-[/QUOTE]

Coded telegram to: King Edward VII
From: President Theodore Roosevelt of the United Staes of America

It is to my understanding that you are sending Prime Minister Asquith to my country in the upcoming weeks. It would be my honor to host him here as I have very very important issues to discuss with him. As you are most likely well aware of, I have become the first President to win a third term, and in this third term, I entended to carry out my wishes for this thriving nation. However I dreamed of doing it without clashing with our founding President Washington's advice on getting involved in over sea affairs. I now realise that President Washington never set foot in the evolving Asain conflict, haha.
It was my administration, who came up with the idea of mimicking the European Imperialistic policy, and it has been a boon to the States. We have territories in the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Also, as you know, Japan wishes to control more of the Pacific. I fear that a clash between The United States, and the growing threat of Japan is inevitable. It is for this reason, that I, and my administration think that some sort of mutual agreement between our great powerful nations will come to help you. I am fully aware of the growing web of alliances entangling Europe and I know that no country could resist a friend like the United States. I also know that I would be going against my fore fathers advice, but I beleive it would benefit both of our nations greatly. My administration and I, will draft a paper for Prime Minister Asquith to view on his arrival in Washington. Until then I wish you good luck on the growing crisis in Europe and I would hope you wish me the same in Asia. I hope to see alot more of England in Americas growing life. I propose a toast, and when you recieve this message I advise you toast aswell, **raises up glass of scotch** To the reunification of the mother and her child.

Your friend, and soon to be ally, Teddy Roosevelt, The President of the United States of America,
Vice President, Aaron Rosen,
Washington D.C.

To: His Majesty King Edward VII of Great Britain
From: His Majesty Tzar Nikolas II of Russia

We are most pleased at the haste of our request and understand fully that your armed forces take precidence over our own. The required amount of ayment will be wired to the Central Bank of England with haste on the date of delivery. The HMS Southampton is welcome in the port of Saint Petersburg at it's disgretion. We regret the absense of the Prime Minister, although we fully understand his services are required elsewhere, and will make the King, and the Prince of Wales our most royal guests. We look forward to your arrival,
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majestys Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow

To: President Theodore Roosevelt, USA
From: Tzar Nicholas II of Russia

Mr President,
May I first congratulate you on winning a historic third term in office and say that we do not believe America could have a better leader than yourself. On a more serious note, the Tzar would wish to hold peace talks with yourself to from an alliance, in the hope of better uniting our countries. We are aware of your presence in the Pacific Islands and we have no problem with that, infact we welcome you, unlike the Japanese. We understand their war-like Emperor wishes to control Asia, including all Pacific Islands, and part of the Russian Empire. We have sent a peace deligation to prevent war, which still remains unanswered. We wish to ally with yourselves to prevent the spread of the Japanese into either of our sovreign states, and to promote peace and understanding throughout the world today. We look forward to an answer,
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majestys Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow

To: President Theodore Rosevelt, USA
From: Tzar Nicholas II of Russia

Mr President,
May I first congratulate you on winning a historic third term in office and say that we do not believe America could have a better leader than yourself. On a more serious note, the Tzar would wish to hold peace talks with yourself to from an alliance, in the hope of better uniting our countries. We are aware of your presence in the Pacific Islands and we have no problem with that, infact we welcome you, unlike the Japanese. We understand their war-like Emperor wishes to control Asia, including all Pacific Islands, and part of the Russian Empire. We have sent a peace deligation to prevent war, which still remains unanswered. We wish to ally with yourselves to prevent the spread of the Japanese into either of our sovreign states, and to promote peace and understanding throughout the world today. We look forward to an answer,
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majestys Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow

Coded telegram to Moscow
To: Tzar Nicholas II of Russia
From: Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States of America

Old Nicholas, how have you been? Firstly, I would personaly like to thank you for congratulating me on my win. Now, on a more important topic. I am very pleased to hear that you are more than ok with American presence in Asia. I am not going to hold this back from you Nicholas, America seeks territory in the warm waters of the Pacific. However, we have no intention whatsoever of going beyond the water and onto the mainland of Asia. I think some sort of alliance would benefit our nation in the quest of asian influence and resistence against Japan. However, there is far too much to discuss in the volley of telegrams. These are trying times, Nicholas, and I intend to persevere, America is a winner, as is Russia. Which is why I would like to Invite you to Washington to dine with me and several memebers of my administration. I feel this would be the most efficient way to work out a deal between our countries, not to mention the food will be great! Afterwards we could take a walk around the grounds and discuss the affairs of the concerning our two great nations. I cannot help but notice the growing friendship between your country, and Great Britain. I think this a great move for both, Russia and England. In fact, Prime Minister Asquith is coming to visit me in Washington very soon to discuss "bussiness". I propose we tri meeting between America, Russia, and England. That way we can discuss deals that benefit the three of us. What do you say to this, old Nicholas?

Your friend, and hopefull ally, Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States of America,
Vice President, Aaron Rosen,
Washington D.C.

OOC:

I'm getting lost here. There's so many secret comminucations and such I've lost track of who's chatting up with who. Besides, I'm not sure who has contacted China. I know Russia did, but not sure if anyone else has done so or plans to do so.

Once I know more, I can make more detailed IC posts and "responses".

OOC: Ok, well you cant actually use any of the details used in Secret Telegrams because....well they're secret! But I am the only one who has actually been in contact with China as far as i can see, so please feel free to proceed with the running of whatever country you own! What is it by the way?

OOC: Ok, well you cant actually use any of the details used in Secret Telegrams because....well they're secret! But I am the only one who has actually been in contact with China as far as i can see, so please feel free to proceed with the running of whatever country you own! What is it by the way?

OOC:

I'm aware they are secret TG's, but I need to keep track of who's TG'ing who, and what deals are happening because I'm not sure if they will involve China or not.

BTW, I'm the player behind China for those who don't know.

To: President Roosevelt
From: Tzar Nicholas II

It is good to see you havn't changed at all Teddy! We would be delighted to attend a meeting with yourself and Prime Minister Asquith. We are two close nations as I am a cousin of King Edward VII of Great Britain. Have to keep the old family ties srtong! Im sure the food wont be anywhere near as delicious as the meals here at the Winter Palace, but i would be glad to attend and ''check it out'' as you American's say. As to your presence in the Pacific, we are more than happy to see a friendly face around this place, and welcome you to co-inhabit our eastern ports if you so desire, just until you get a good grounding in the Pacific. Since the Triple Entente is basically a loose coalition and we havn't heard much from the French recently, we would like to form a new alliance group, i have several fantastic names for it, but we can name it later! We are of course worried about increased Japanese activity as well, and we would like to bring China into the proceedings. To be honest, i think they would be a useful ally purely because of their location and large population. I suggest you invite their new Emperor aswell, it may prove beneficial for us all! Glad to hear from you again Teddy, send over that comfy battlecruiser of your's and I'll be in Washington asap old friend!
Regards,

The Tzar of Russia, Nicholas II

OOC:

I'm aware they are secret TG's, but I need to keep track of who's TG'ing who, and what deals are happening because I'm not sure if they will involve China or not.

BTW, I'm the player behind China for those who don't know.
Rite then, read my last post, and chec page 2, apart from that, no one has actually contacted you as far as im aware. Glad to have you here though! Start telegramming and getting into current affairs lol

ooc. What I wonder, how does everybody now so sure that I'll attack China and Russia and have the greatest wish to expand in Asia while I just talked about it in a secret meeting with the Highest Officers of the Empire? I've read in most TG's (information which I won't use IC :p) that almost all natiosn want to make alliances "because of Japanese expansion/agression".

OOC:
Well basically we're just looking and learning, and ill quote you a wee bit from a Japanese history website to give you an example of Japan pre-1910. Personally im trying to save my own ass from another attack!

Dispossessed bushi become soldiers, policemen, and teachers with fall of feudal system and political reform. New national policy is to make Japan a rich and powerful country, to prevent invasion by Western powers. Emphasis is on building a strong military and strengthening industries. Japan becomes world power through victories in Sino-Japanese (1895) and Russo-Japanese (1904-05) wars. Korea annexed (1910-45).

I mean your strengthening your military and sitting on my doorstep (Korea), i really want/need allies. Plus i never said that you were going to attack, and if i did, t'was a typo!

ooc. No problem, if I'll attack, Japanese bravery and skills will roll up every resistence! (propaganda)

Hmm, yeah, but there're a lot of strange things which can happen. ;)

OOC:
Hahaha fair enough!! Now thats clear....on with the RP!!

ooc. What I wonder, how does everybody now so sure that I'll attack China and Russia and have the greatest wish to expand in Asia while I just talked about it in a secret meeting with the Highest Officers of the Empire? I've read in most TG's (information which I won't use IC :p) that almost all natiosn want to make alliances "because of Japanese expansion/agression".

OOC:

My Emperor discussed a possible Japanese attack into Manchuria and Mongolia with his advisors. However, my Emperor used logic to arrive at this conclusion because of prior Japanese actions in Manchuria and aganist China in the past.

My Emperor isn't naive or stupid, and he believes that Japan, Russia, and England are the main threats to China, and thus, is trying to modernize China to fend off any potential Japanese or English invasion, while trying to make friends with Russia either to buy some time, or to protect each other aganist Japan or the possible "Grand Alliance" forming in Europe.

Hope I made sense. :p

The cha ceremony…full of harmony and ancient traditions. The Emperor Mutsuhito, General Fukuoka and Admiral Yutsushiko and a consort of the Emperor participated in the ceremony. The consort served and with a smile backed out of the room.

Emperor Mutsuhito: “Ahhhhhh, cha. There’s one thing we can thank the Chinese for.”
General Fukuoka: “Yes, certainly, Sire. But I prefer sake!”
Emperor Mutsuhito: ”But not know dear friend. We must keep our heads clear. I want to discuss important things. First of all: China. Recently a new, young charismatic prince has become Emperor of China. He’s popular with the population and has begun reforms in education, industrialization and military. This is a serious threat. He’s re-modernizing the country and I think we must strike earlier than planned. I first wanted to wait till our navy is expanded, but by that time China, with more resources and production, will be more than prepared for us. The thing I fear the most is an alliance betwen Russia and China. They can swallow us together.
Gen. Fukuoka:"HA! That would never happen! They hate each other as much as they hate us! No way that that will happen."
Emperor Mutsuhito:"You never know, we mus be prepared. I think we must expand our plans. Our goals for the conquest of China must be clear. First: Bejing must be captured with the greatest speed possible. I intend to use the elite Cavalry and Infantry divisions for a surprise landing near Tientsin, capture the city and the port and force march on Bejing and capture the Imperial Family and the government. Meanwhile other forces will move into Manchuria from Korea and Liaoning. Now here comes the new goal in our schedule. At the same moment as we attack China, submarines will move into Vladivostok and attack all naval ships. The Main Fleet will remain a few miles (out of range) in the Japanese Sea and will wait for the surviving Russian Far East Fleet to come out and destroy it. Once that has happened men will be set ashore with the objective to capture Vladivostok. With the Far East Fleet out of action we can move freely over the seas. I intend to use the first wave mobilization forces for the attack on Russia. Via Manchuria and Vladivostok troops will move into Siberia and the Russian Far East. We will make them beg for peace!”
Admiral Yutsushiko: “Well, it is certainly ambitious. But Russian morale is low, very low. Revolutionists are very strong. If we defeat them again a revolution may break out like in 1905, and maybe this one is successful. China is something else. They may be weak at the moment, but if they get the time to grow stronger then we…

The Admiral was interrupted by an aid who came in with the latest telegrams. One from Russia and one from France. The aide gave the telegrams with a bow and left the room.

Emperor Mutsuhito: “Hmmm, why would Russia send a telegram? I’ll read that one first…*reads message*…Buddha be praised that you’re here! Russia invites us for a conference in St. Petersburg and a proposal for a alliance.”
Gen. Fukuoka: ”Reject! I want nothing to do with those northern devils! This is a grave ins…”
Emperor Mutsuhito: “Calm down friend, don’t let your personal history get to you. (both his sons were killed in the Russo-Japanese war) We need calm thinking, it could benefit us. Maybe…maybe we’ll have to call off our plans. First give peace a chance. Continue with the buildup, but don’t attack.”
Admiral Yutsushiko: “Whatever you decide, Son of Heaven is wise. I agree with you. May I volunteer for the mission to St. Petersburg? I can speak Russian perhaps that will be a bonus.”
Gen. Fukuoka: “I agree with the Admiral. Everything you say is wise and must be followed. What shall we do?”
Emperor Mutsuhito: ”Admiral, you’ll go to St Petersburg at once. Go with a Battle cruiser to Vladivostok and then via train to the Russian capital. The delegation will also include General Wazuri, Dr Hiru and General Hiro-Matsu. And of course aides will travel with you. Go at once, they’re all in Tokyo. I’ll send messengers to warn them.”
Admiral Yutsushiko: “Yes Exalted Ruler of the Land of the Gods. May Buddha and the gods watch over you and Japan.”

The Admiral bowed deep and left the palace. He went to his own residence and then to Yokohama where the rest of the delegation would meet him. The Nihon would take the delegation to Vladivostok. Meanwhile, the Emperor read the French telegram and was very exalted. This was good news, he ordered the preparations for the departure of the Siam delegation to be hastened.

Highly Coded Telegram to the Embassy in St. Petersburg, for the His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry

We accept the invitation for a conference in St. Petersburg. A delegation
lead by Admiral Yutsushiko will depart immediately and arrive in Vladivostok in
a few days time. It would be great if the rest of the journey could be made
by train.

The best in the future,

Emperor Mutsuhito

Highly Coded Telegram to the Embassy in Paris, for the President

Dear friend!

It is good to hear that we have your support. We have especially need for
naval vessels and aeroplanes. We would appreciate it if any of your shipyards has enough room and time to build certain vessels for us and if you can sell
us aeroplanes.

Our diplomatic mission will leave in one month (ooc. I’ll post later tonight
about that) and we hope the Siamese government will listen to our
reasonable demands. And we’ll accept and recognize your rule over Indochina.

Greetings and well wishes,’

Emperor Mutsuhito

Ooc. If one of the other mods could RP Siam, it would be great.

OOC:

My Emperor discussed a possible Japanese attack into Manchuria and Mongolia with his advisors. However, my Emperor used logic to arrive at this conclusion because of prior Japanese actions in Manchuria and aganist China in the past.

My Emperor isn't naive or stupid, and he believes that Japan, Russia, and England are the main threats to China, and thus, is trying to modernize China to fend off any potential Japanese or English invasion, while trying to make friends with Russia either to buy some time, or to protect each other aganist Japan or the possible "Grand Alliance" forming in Europe.

Hope I made sense. :p

It does make sense, but I thought China was one of the biggest enemies of China? Why not becoming allies with GBR or USA? (Japan was absolutly enemy number one :D)

Highly Coded Telegram to the Japanese Embassy. for his Majesties Government

Greetings great Friend!

We will welcome your representative with open arms. We would also like to
enquire if any of your shipyards has time enough to build a few ships for us.
While we are unable to provide you with all the ships your Empire needs we will happily try to construct any ships that you order.

To The French Embassy In Berlin; To be relayed to the leader of Germany: The Republic of France would like to take back alsace and lorraine, if Germany Agrees, The Republic would be strong allies and trade partners, and great friends With The Republic of France.

We will withdraw our troops and inform all citizens that they can choose between staying, and becoming members of the Republic of France or move and remain German citizens.

Oman


A medium sized military transport ship pulled into the harbour under its own steam. Deck crew and some of those standing idly by the quay watched as the ship moved closer to the dock, very close to one of the few cranes that operated there.

When the ship was in position the mooring lines were fastened, and a gang way was lowered from the ship to the quayside. At the same time the forward cargo hatch was thrown open and the crane hook dipped inside, reappearing a moment later with a pallet of crates attached to it.

Over the next ten minutes another four pallets were unloaded from the front cargo hatch, whilst local labourers under the watchful eyes of several soldiers unloaded several hundred smaller boxes.

Within the hour the ship had been pushed out of the harbour by a pair of antique tugs and was turning left, angling towards its original destination India.

Back on the quay a British Officer and a section of Colonial Troops all carrying rifles emerged from their barracks and formed up around the crates. The larger were full of brand new Lee Enfields, whilst the smaller contained magazines and ammunition. With some local guides they started marching out into the desert near the port where the exchange with the locals would take place.



Return communication to the Japanese Government

We do not currently have a delivery date for the rifles, however we will inform you of one when it becomes available. They are likely to be delivered in shipments of up to 10,000 at a time if this is satisfactory, with ammunition being delivered in quantities as it becomes available.

As for the establishment of arms factories in the region we will give that very serious consideration in the near future and give you an answer as soon as the issue has been decided.


-His Majesties Government.



HMS Southampton, mid way on its passage of the English Channel

King Edward was on deck smoking his pipe along with several Naval Officers who were accompanying him on his trip. Below deck the Prince of Wales was reading a novel whilst the Foreign Secretary was on the bridge of the armoured cruiser with the Captain. He was there when the forwarded telegram from the American President came through as well, and took it straight below to the monarch despite the light rain that now lashed the deck.

The Foreign Minister made a summary of the telegram before handing it over to the King. Really Edward could do nothing more than give his assent to the course of action that Asquith decided upon, however the Prime Minister and King had a close working relationship and each often asked the other for advice when decisions had to be made.

In this case the answer was made up before the King had finished reading the telegram. They may just get a brand new, powerful, ally to replace the French who had been remarkably quiet in the time gone past compared to their usual Gallic selves. A reply was sent that detailed this, plus English fears of a Japanese Empire that would threaten her colonies in Asia, including the most well known and precious India.

To the French Embassy In Vienna; To be
relayed to the Emperor of Austria: The Nation Of France Would
Be Intersted in an Alliance With The Austrian Empire, And We have no
demands. We Await your reply.OOC: Let's RP a gala signing celebration of the new pact between France, Germany, and the Dual Monarchy. Of course, the Italians are invited to be present, and we would hope that they would announce their willingness to enter the new Grand Alliance upon the expiration of the current Triple Alliance between Germany, Italy, and the Dual Monarchy in 1912.

Would you (France) like to set the stage for this?

Ooc. If one of the other mods could RP Siam, it would be great.I'll RP Siam, if you want...

[QUOTE=Relative Liberty]While we are unable to provide you with all the ships your Empire needs we will happily try to construct any ships that you order.QUOTE]

We would hereby like to order the following ships which can be build at your wharves:

-3 Dreadnought Class Ships
30,600t, 22 knots, 12-35.6cm/16-15.2cm (main guns, twelve 35.6cm and 16 15.2 cm guns), 1,190 crew (these are RL specifics of Japanese Dreadnoughts which were build during WWI)
-4 Battlecruisers
27,500t, 27 knots, 8-35.6cm/15-15.2cm, 1,220 crew

That would be it for now, we would appreciate it if you can build these ships.

Emperor Mutsuhito

ooc. Great! I'll RP the departure/arrival of my delagation later today.

ooc. What I wonder, how does everybody now so sure that I'll attack China and Russia and have the greatest wish to expand in Asia while I just talked about it in a secret meeting with the Highest Officers of the Empire? I've read in most TG's (information which I won't use IC :p) that almost all natiosn want to make alliances "because of Japanese expansion/agression".OOC: I beg your pardon!

The Grand Alliance has never expressed the opinion that Japan is a threat to our security or the security of our colonial possessions. Not yet, anyway. ;)

It does make sense, but I thought China was one of the biggest enemies of China? Why not becoming allies with GBR or USA? (Japan was absolutly enemy number one :D)

OOC:

My Emperor is thinking of extending feelers for more diplomacy with the USA. However, he is also thinking of expanding southwards into Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and perhaps even India. This would put China at odds with Britain and France as they own colonies in those areas. However, it is not definitive yet, and any actual invasion of these lands would have to wait until 1920 or later, though.

Allying with Russia would give China just enough time and strength to hold off any potential massive Japanese invasion. Russia has just as much to lose as China, as Japan has attacked both Russia and China in the past. Japan is China's and Russia's common enemy, so....

Besides, I'm curious, how did the Japanese find out about the budding Chinese + Russian relations? So far, the communications have been done in secret.

I'll put up another RP post detailing Chinese responses to Russia, a possible communication to the USA, and perhaps some detail about the progress of Chinese reforms.

ooc. Hmmm, well, I just got a bit angry about everybody seeing me as a threat! I know I'm dangerous, but still :p

The delegation for Siam was about to leave. It consisted of General Yabu, Lieutenant General Fukuoka (Yes, indeed the son of…He’s just as ferocious and nationalistic as his father) Dr. Hishoki and several aides and less important diplomats. The entire party will travel with the Dreadnought Kawachi but also a Battle cruiser and three destroyers will join as escort (and intimidation). A last telegram was send to Siam to announce their approximate arrival time and the entire delegation. The delegation will arrive in Krung Thep (Bangkok) in about two weeks (ooc. Not very important, NO, you could RP the arrival etc.) and they will stay as long as is necessary.

ooc. OMFG! My first short post! :eek:

OOC:Besides, I'm curious, how did the Japanese find out about the budding Chinese + Russian relations? So far, the communications have been done in secret.

If a special chariot/transportation method is being send to China to collect diplomats or something, you can't hide that, just as I can't hide the arrival etc. of my delagation in Siam and Vladivostok. A special transport to collect diplomats, that's a sign of good relations to me. But if I'm wrong, I'll change my post.

ooc. Not very important, NO, you could RP the arrival etc.I will look up the name of the King of Siam in 1910 and RP the visit.

ooc. http://www.friesian.com/perigoku.htm#siam7

Et voila! Could be usefull ;)

If a special chariot/transportation method is being send to China to collect diplomats or something, you can't hide that, just as I can't hide the arrival etc. of my delagation in Siam and Vladivostok. A special transport to collect diplomats, that's a sign of good relations to me. But if I'm wrong, I'll change my post.
Well it would've been disguised, and how could you have seen something like that? It would've crossed the boarder nowhere near Japanese territory. It wouldnt have been a pure gold carrage pulled by fifty white horses covered in Russian flags, it would've been discreet so that ppl didnt look at it and go ''hmmm, theyre becoming very chummy!'' Dont mean to be rude, but you pointed it out for us, we're just sorta returning the favour!

Ok, no problem. I'll change the post.

It wouldnt have been a pure gold carrage pulled by fifty white horses covered in Russian flags, it would've been discreet so that ppl didnt look at it and go ''hmmm, theyre becoming very chummy!''Do you have any idea how funny that is?

Igor Severnski: "Hey, look at that - a pure gold chariot pulled by fifty white horses covered in Russian flags. You don't see that every day."

Anna Petrovna (hitting Igor across the back of his head with a broom): "ИДИОТ! Go back to sleep! That's the sixth one today!"

Emperor,
We welcome you deligation, but request that you keep the size of the party to two deligates and one frigate. We are currently having some refurbishments at the Vladivostok Port and wish to cause the least amount of disturbance possible. The train journey shall be organised post haste, and we look forward to a strong peace together.
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow

Do you have any idea how funny that is?

Igor Severnski: "Hey, look at that - a pure gold chariot pulled by fifty white horses covered in Russian flags. You don't see that every day."

Anna Petrovna (hitting Igor across the back of his head with a broom): "ИДИОТ! Go back to sleep! That's the sixth one today!"
Lol!! i know!! But crossing into Chinese territory, empty, that would be seen as strange. The Tzar's had something like fifty of the fecking things dotted throughout the Empire!! Cheers for changing it Warta, wouldnt want to become enemys now would we lol?? ;)

Lol!! i know!! But crossing into Chinese territory, empty, that would be seen as strange. The Tzar's had something like fifty of the fecking things dotted throughout the Empire!!And with each of those you could buy a battery of 152mm howitzers...

And with each of those you could buy a battery of 152mm howitzers...
OOC:
Hahaha, but what if the Tzar decides to go for a Sunday stroll! No carrage!! You got many of those for sale??

Emperor,
We welcome you deligation, but request that you keep the size of the party to two deligates and one frigate. We are currently having some refurbishments at the Vladivostok Port and wish to cause the least amount of disturbance possible. The train journey shall be organised post haste, and we look forward to a strong peace together.
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow

To His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry

We will change them from a battlecruiser to a destroyer (frigates didn't exist at that time). About the delagation, we will change it to just Dr Hiru and Admiral Yutsushiko. We hope we haven't caused any problems.

ooc. heheheh, pretty stupid of me :headbang: should have thought a bit more clear :p

Maybe we'll become enemies IC, who knowes :p allies would also be possible

Emperor,
We are pleased to hear this, it was no problem, but we have no current room to dock a battlecruiser in Vladivostock. Even our own battlecruisers have had be moved. A shambles. We hope it wasnt any problem for you changing the size of the deligation, we wanted a more...personal negotiation. I hope you understand.
Kindest Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow.


OOC: Yeah it wudda seemed a strange reply: ''we agree to peace terms, hope you dont mind us sending the entire fleet and all our top advisers, just incase your government falls whilst we are there!'' LOL!!

Comminque to Russia
From: Emperor Guozu Zhuge

Greetings.

I shall be sending my Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lu Hong, to attend the conference that you granted us the honor of an invite. Expect my minister to arrive in St. Petersburg within two weeks, as there are very few railroads operating in China.

I look forward to entering a new age of unity and solidarity with your people, despite our past differences.

Live well.
~Emperor Guozu Zhuge

-------------------------------
OOC:

Not sure if St. Petersburg is where our alliance conference is gonna take place.

OOC:
Hahaha, but what if the Tzar decides to go for a Sunday stroll! No carrage!! You got many of those for sale??Uh, how about an automobile? (http://www.glacombe.com/images/garchduke.JPG) :D

Heh, General Fukuoka sr. (I now call him sr. since you have been introduced to "junior") wasn't in the delegation :D

Nice automobile NO, full of nice persons. To bad they were dead a few hours later...

Heh, General Fukuoka sr. (I now call him sr. since you have been introduced to "junior") wasn't in the delegation :D

Nice automobile NO, full of nice persons. To bad they were dead a few hours later...Ssshh. You weren't supposed to notice. :eek:

Comminque to China
From: Tzar Nicholas II of Russia

Emperor,
Your Minister is more than welcome at any time in our nation, and in St Petersburg as soon as possible. We understand that, and we can ratify that after the talks if things go to plan. Our past differences are meaningless in this new world we live in. Peace and long life my friend.
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow

OOC:
Yeah its in St Petersburg, in the Winter Palace. At this stage i believe Moscow was the capital but St Petersburg was still the residence of the Tzars. Correct me if im wrong anyone...

Heh, General Fukuoka sr. (I now call him sr. since you have been introduced to "junior") wasn't in the delegation :D

Nice automobile NO, full of nice persons. To bad they were dead a few hours later...
Hahaha, wasnt that the famous ''last smile''???

Just one thing, I enjoy the funny ooc. remarks, but let's keep them in the ooc forum...

OOC:

I'm ready to start the conference in St. Petersburg and hammer out alliance, plans, trade, etc. whenever you're ready, Yderia.

The Tzar entered the large War Chamber and walked to the head of the table. His top military adviser, Grand Duke Nikoli, took the seat to his left. The Chinese representative, a Minister Lu Hong was already present on the right hand side of the Tzar. He shook the small Chinese man's hand and sat down. The other two men sat down. Grand Duke Nikolas took out several small pieces of paper from a large briefcase. The Tzar stood up and cleared his throat.
"On behalf of the Russian people, and the court of the White Tzar, i welcome you to Mother Russia," he said warmly. The small Chinese man smiled and nodded, looking down at his own files. "We are glad our two people are becoming close, overcoming our troubled past in search of a brighter future. The world needs people like your beloved Emperor. A man i am proud to call 'friend'. Our actions today will change this planet forever. Thank you for this opportunity." he ushered to the small Chinese man and shook his hand. The Tzar took a seat and the Grand Duke shifted in his.
"I agree with His Majesty's assessment of the situation. This is not just a historic day for our two great empires, but for the world. But first, down to buisness," he said. Placing several sheets of paper side by side on the table. Lifting one and sliding it across to the Tzar, and a duplicate to the Chinese Ambassidor he read off the sheet. "This basically outlines the terms of the treaty as stated by the Russian Imperial Government. It states 'Should either Empire be faced with a threat of any intensity, the other is to respond with an equal, or greater military force', where applicable, of course. It also talks about a full disclosure of any new technology and the unification of our two armys, to a certain extent. The industrialisation and transport network of China is also to be developed in the first of many 'Five Year Plans' as outlined later in the treaty. I would like to use this opportunity to ask the Chinese ambassidor to state any terms his government has." The Grand Duke sat down and the small Chinese man rose up. Both the Tzar and the Grand Duke look at him eagerly awaiting his words....

http://www.huahin-tourist-information.com/chakri/images/king6.jpg

The retainers approached the King of Siam, keeping their heads low to show deference.

"Great King, a message has arrived from the Emperor of Japan. He sends his greetings and wishes to commence talks."

King Rama VI nodded. "Deliver to the Son of the Sun my greetings, and tell him I will recieve his emissary."

When the messenger had left, he turned to his Chief of Staff.

"When the Japanese arrive, we will demonstrate our military prowess, but in a quiet way. I want them to see that we have a modern army, equipped with modern weapons, and that we are quite prepared to defend our soil from attack."

"Japan comes seeking our submission, but Thailand is not anybody's subject. We could be somebody's ally, but only if it benefits us."

To the Republic of France

The King seeks to reaffirm his ties of friendship with the
French Republic, and remind the French Government of
the value of Siam as a buffer between French and British
possessions in South-East Asia.

Signed,
The King of SiamTo the United Kingdom of Great Britain

The King seeks to reaffirm his ties of friendship with the
British Empire, and remind His Majesty's Government of
the value of Siam as a buffer between British and French
possessions in South-East Asia.

Signed,
The King of Siam

While we are unable to provide you with all the ships your Empire needs we will happily try to construct any ships that you order.

We would hereby like to order the following ships which can be build at your wharves:

-3 Dreadnought Class Ships
30,600t, 22 knots, 12-35.6cm/16-15.2cm (main guns, twelve 35.6cm and 16 15.2 cm guns), 1,190 crew (these are RL specifics of Japanese Dreadnoughts which were build during WWI)
-4 Battlecruisers
27,500t, 27 knots, 8-35.6cm/15-15.2cm, 1,220 crew

That would be it for now, we would appreciate it if you can build these ships.

Emperor Mutsuhito
We will be happy to provide you with the ships you need, you may expect the dreadnoughts to be ready and manned in spring next year and arrive at Yokohama in an additional five months.
The battlecruisers will be ready about the same as the battleships arrive, and will need four and a half months to arrive at Yokohama or a port of your choosing.

Independent Hitman and Yderia. How do you guys want to do this meeting that America, Russia, and England are going to be having in Washington? Hit me back with suggestions please, thanks.

Independent Hitman and Yderia. How do you guys want to do this meeting that America, Russia, and England are going to be having in Washington? Hit me back with suggestions please, thanks.

OOC:

I believe that Russia has offered to invite China to this meeting as well. However, my China might end up at odds with England by 1920 or so because by then, my Chinese Emperor would want to take over Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc. south of China, which would be English and French colonies.

However, nothing is definitive yet. My China has to build a solid infrastructure and economy before it can even think of expanding aggressively outwards.

Lu Hong listened carefully to what the Tsar and his Grand Duke had to offer from Russia's end. As the two powerful leaders of Russia finished their speech, Lu smiled to demostrate that he appreciated what the Russians were offering. He took a moment to ponder exactly how he was going to phrase what concessions and deals his exalted Emperor had ordered him to pursure with Russia. The moment passed, as Lu cleared his throat.

Destiny is being made here.

Lu began speaking in respectful tones, for he did not want to offend the Tsar and incur Russia's wrath.

"Thank you, exalted Tsar. I am honored to hear of your proposals and what Russia is prepared to do for China.

First, your offer of sharing technology is accepted. China had been the fore-runner of technology thousands of years ago, being the first civilization to discover paper and gunpowder. We would be honored to share any future technological secrets in return for cooperation and similiar technological advances that your proud people may develop.

Second, unification of our armies would be somewhat difficult. There is the matter of two quite different languages, cultures, groups of traditions, and mentality between the Chinese and the Russians. In addition, our military is undertaking reforms, so it would be quite some time before it can be called 'equal' to most Westerner militaries.

Third, your offer of full mutual protection is accepted. We must stand united aganist those who have set their sights upon our lands, resources, and rich heritages. Case in example, our common enemy, Japan. It has attacked both of our lands within the last twenty years. Should Japan attack Russia, then China shall provide assistance to Russia to the best of its ability. Conversely, if Japan attacks China, then Russia is to support China to the best of its ability.

An ancient Chinese proverb rings true in such a situation. 'United we stand, divided we fall.'

Now onwards to what China can do for your proud Russian people.

China is prepared to open its borders to Russian trade and investment. We can engage in quite lucrative trade which would enrich our economies and peoples quite immensely. For instance, China could export large quantities of silk for luxurious clothing, and herbal teas to keep your people warm throughout your bitter winters. In return, Russia could export some firearms to help modernize the Chinese military, some manufactured goods, and also machinery such as tractors and mining equipment.

China is also beginning to undertake massive farming projects, connecting multiple cities via railroad, constructing several dams for irrigation and flood control, and massive mining projects are underway to increase our natural resource stockpiles. Russian investment in those projects would greatly accelerate Chinese industrialization, and thus, you will have a powerful ally.

China has also heard of your troubles in Europe, and if there is anything that China can do to help, we would be honored to do so. After all, allies and friends support and strengthen each other aganist those who seek to tear them down.

Finally, China is prepared to forgive Russia for all the past incidents and trangessions. We must put aside our past, and work for a better future."

Lu Hong leaned back, awaiting the response of the Russian leaders.



=================================================
OOC:

The red font is Lu Hong's thoughts. I will use this color to denote any character private thoughts from this point onwards in my RP. It will make it much easier for everybody to differentiate between actual spoken dialogue and private thoughts.

Crisis in the Balkans!

RP Thread (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9324182#post9324182)
OOC Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9324237#post9324237)

OOC: Please read both threads before posting. This is not a war - yet. It is an actual series of events that happened in 1911-1913, which - given that our game started in 1910 - would have already started to unfold. Most of the principals (well, at least Serbia and the Dual Monarchy) don't want this to escalate out of control and will be trying to contain the crisis.

Do your historical homework before you join, if you choose to join.

Communique to the Daul Monarchy

To the esteemed Dual Monarchs,

Just as you both want peace, so do we, if not more so. Ever since the fall of the Kingdom of Serbia and loss to the Turks on the plains of Kosovo and eventual annexation, Serbs wanted nothing more than to once again become united and independant people. Over the centuries we maintained our nationalism and waited patiently for an opportunity. This came about in 1878. Since then our only true goal has been unification of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovens as Yugoslavs and this has been reflected in our foreign policies.

Therefore, we ask in exchange for peace (and a non-aggression pact to solidify it) Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia-Slavonia be put under Serbian juristiction. In order to guarantee that we will never move past Slavic lands into Austro-Hungarian territory we wish to further discuss certain clauses in a possible non-aggression pact that will allow such a peace under the conditions we request to exist and be maintained.

Telegrams always take so much time, and only so much information can be sent. We hereby officially invite the Dual Monarchs to the Montenegren Royal Court in Cetinje for peace talks that will with God's grace usher in a new era of peace, unity, and prosperity for the Balkan region.

Reprsentative of the Kingdoms of Serbia and Montenegro
King Nicholas Petrovic Njegos, ruler of Montenegro

OOC:

I believe that Russia has offered to invite China to this meeting as well. However, my China might end up at odds with England by 1920 or so because by then, my Chinese Emperor would want to take over Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc. south of China, which would be English and French colonies.

However, nothing is definitive yet. My China has to build a solid infrastructure and economy before it can even think of expanding aggressively outwards.
Right I'm sorry I missed the post where Russia invited China, But as soon as I find it I will comment on it, in the mean time I have to figure out how we are going to hold this multi national meeting

To: Emperor Guozu Zhuge

From: President Theodore Roosevelt, of the United States of America

Hello, dear friend China. I have been in contact with the Tzar of Russia, and he has informed me of some valuable information. The Tzar has confided in me that his nation, and your nation are rubbing shoulders. Standing common ground against a common threat, and likley enemy, Japan. The Tzar has also advised me to invite you to an upcoming multi national meeting taking place in Washington D.C., between America, England, Russia, and hopefully yourself. I am not a fool Emperor Guozu. I know when opportunity knocks and I always, intend to take advantage of it. I see great opportunity in a closer relationship between the Emperor of China, and the President of the United States. I see a doorway to the riches of the east, through China (not in Chinese territory, ofcourse), and in return I see China, reaping the benefits of befriending an industrialized nation. However, like all too-good-to-be-true deals, there is a setback. I'm not sure if your aware of the relationship between America, and Great Britain. Our two countries are becoming closer and closer with each passing day, and in order to mantain my countries' companionship with England, England must agree on any kind of deal between China, and America. For I do not want to do anything untrustworthy behind the back of a new and strong ally. This is why I formally invite you, Emperor Guozu of the Chinese people, and any advisors you wish to bring, to come and dine with together with these other great nations at this event in the White house. There, and only there, with Russia, and England, can we discuss any further relationships between our two countries.

Looking foward to seeing you at my house, I'll bring the scotch, President of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt,
Vice President, Aaron Rosen,
Washington D.C.

To our neighbours and friends, the brave Serbian nation,

The peace-loving Kingdom of Romania salutes your decision and expresses it's simpathy towards your goals.

We hereby declare that Transilvania is a Romanian land. An agreement between Romania and the Dual Monarchy can only be reached if our claim on this teritory is recognized. Furtermore, the numerous Romanians living in the other regions of the empire must be placed under the authority of the Romanian state and must be allowed the right to govern themselves and to have schools in their own language.

The policy of Magyarization the Hungarian Kingdom practices must stop now! The thousand year opression of our brothers at the hands of their Hungarian rulers can no longer continue! :mad:

Bogmihia, prime-minister of Romania

Independent Hitman and Yderia. How do you guys want to do this meeting that America, Russia, and England are going to be having in Washington? Hit me back with suggestions please, thanks.
OOC:
Couldnt we just TG you our ideas and wishes and you (or one of us) could do the entire thing? Otherwise it'd be an individual post each, with an American post between them all, prob take ages! And just to clear things up, i had mentioned to USA about thinking about China, i never actually invited them! But i see the USA has done that anyway!!

HMS Southampton pulled along the quayside in St. Petersburg both the crew and the dockworkers braving the freezing temperatures to tie the ship along side.

Inside the ship however all was not well. Edward had fallen ill during the final stages of the voyage, and was even now being attended to by his personal doctor. The outlook was not good.

Even so, the Prince of Wales and his entourage as well as the Foreign Minister left the ship and prepared to see the Tzar. The Prince of Wales was wearing a military uniform adorned with ribbons and decorations whilst the rest of the men wore morning suits as they boarded their transport that had been provided for them.




The Prime Minister, midway across the Atlantic by now, did not recieve the Siamese communication. It instead went to Whitehall where it was answered by a high ranking member of the Foreign Office.



To: The King of Siam
From: The British Foreign Office

The British Empire has never underestimated the role that Siam plays in preventing Anglo-French friction in the region. We are however slightly misified by your wishes to reaffirm your friendship with the British Empire, could you please give us a suggestion on how you wish to procede with that intention.

Sir James Hokirk
His Majesties Foreign Office.

The Tzar greeted the Prince of Wales at the front doors of the Winter Palace. Upon hearing the news that the King had fallen ill during the voyage, the Tzar immediatly did two things.
''If the Southampton's doctors will permit it, i wish the King to be transferred to the hospital facilities in Moscow. They are the most advanced in the Empire. We shall post-pone our business until the King is better,'' he said to the Prince of Wales. The second thing he did was to go directly to his Telegram office.
''Can you get a Telegram to Prime Minister Asquith?'' he asked the officer. The young man nodded sceptically.
"I shall try my best, Your Majesty," he said, taking out a small piece of paper and a gold-lined pen.
"Message reads: King E-7 fallen ill during voyage, stop. Business post-poned, stop, see you in USA, stop." the Tzar stated. The man took it down and got to work. The Tzar patted him on the shoulder and left the room.
"I need a carrage to the HMS Southampton now," the Tzar demanded.

OOC (Out of Character to let you know, Atlantian Islands):

A couple of things.

First, when this Conference takes place in Washington, assume that my Emperor has already arrived there, so to simplify the complexity of RP'ing somewhat, considering there will be 4 players RP'ing this conference.

Second, I'm waiting to hear a response from the Tsar and Grand Duke regarding Lu Hong's dialog I posted last night.

EDIT: OMG! Quad-post, a world record! Sorry about that!

EDIT: OMG! Quad-post, a world record! Sorry about that!

EDIT: OMG! Quad-post, a world record! Sorry about that!

The news that the ships would be build in Germany was a relief for the Admiralty. They issued an order that the rest of the ships would be build in Japan itself. Even with an accelerated production it would take two years. Meanwhile the delegation for Russia had arrived in Vladivostok. The Admiral and the diplomat got off the ship and bowed to the waiting officer (I assume there's one). They both greeted him in Russian and waited for his reply...(you fill in the rest Yderia)

The delegation for Siam meanwhile arrived in Bangkok. Fukuoka jr. was talking with the convoy's Admiral.

Lt. Gen. Fukuoka: "Well, I hope this mission is successful. It would benefit both our nations, that's certain."
Adm. Togo: “I doubt it. The Thai are very nationalistic. They even stood up against France and England! It was unsuccessful though. But they still have to fear England. They're imperialistic, almost as bad as we are!"
Lt. Gen. Fukuoka: "Hahaha! Yes, indeed. But the Emperor has decided in his wisdom that we first have to try it in a diplomatic, peaceful way."
Adm. Togo: “Well, we'll see. Ah, we're docked, you can go ashore now."
Lt. gen. Fukuoka: "Thank you. I'll see you tonight."

The delegation went ashore. The military figures wore their most beautiful dress uniforms, with gold and silver decorations. The Army officers wore the white tropical uniform while the Navy officers wore their White/Light Blue Tropical uniforms. Regular sailors were also dressed at their best and stood in ranks on the deck. Large Japanese war flags waved on all the ships of the convoy. Also the Imperial Flag (a sixteen pointed chrysanthemum) was waving proudly in the air. All this show was ment to impress the Thai people and convince them that with the power of Japan, they would be safe. The delegation went ashore, bowed and greeted the welcoming party.

ooc. Just wondering, Yderia, will I have my meeting seperate from your meeting with China, or do I join later? It could be interesting if Japan and China meet each other on the diplomatic battlefield.

ooc. hehehe, indeed a record Sharina! Congrats!

ooc. Just wondering, Yderia, will I have my meeting seperate from your meeting with China, or do I join later? It could be interesting if Japan and China meet each other on the diplomatic battlefield.

I'm game for that. It'd be interesting to see what kind of diplomacy takes place if my Chinese diplomat, Lu Hong, is taken by surprise by the arrival of the Japanese delegate.

OOC:
Couldnt we just TG you our ideas and wishes and you (or one of us) could do the entire thing? Otherwise it'd be an individual post each, with an American post between them all, prob take ages! And just to clear things up, i had mentioned to USA about thinking about China, i never actually invited them! But i see the USA has done that anyway!!

lets just post everyones wants and deals OOC and keep doing it until we agree on everything because its going to be a 4 way meeting and there will be many demands to be meet, then when everyone is settled and done one of you guys (you guys are better at doing the whole conference setting, from what I read, than me lol) will relay the final information into a RP conference at the White House. How does that sound?

Excerpt from a letter from the Romanian prime-minister to the minister of war:

"Word has reached me that a promising young man has demonstrated a new type of aircraft propulsion, the jet engine I believe it's called, at this year's Aeronautic Salon in Paris. This young man is currently living in France, although he is a Romanian citizen; he is, in fact, the son of general Constantin Coandă, I believe you know him. Anyway, people don't seem to be paying much attention to his invention, which is really a pitty. I would like you to try and persuade him to return to Romania, to continue - in secret, of course - to continue his work on the jet engine. This new type of propulsion may just be the future in aviation. You may offer him a good position at the Romanian Technical University and large sums for research."

Excerpt from the minister of war's reply:

"It is my pleasure to announce you, sir, that Henri Coanda has accepted our offer. He will be arriving next month and is very optimistic regarding the chances of designing an improved jet airplane within the next year"

OOC: Henri Coanda really invented the jet airplane in 1910 (look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Coanda), although he didn't get support for further experiments. The Technical University is invented by me. :p

OOC
Has anyone here ever played Civilization III? If you enjoy these types of games Im sure that you will be hooked on that for months. Its about building your civilization from the ground up and running it anyway you want to. Its pretty sweet.
P.S. does anyone have a link to an updated map, because the one I have doesnt have countries like Romania on it and such. Thank you

Me Make map! And Yes, I play civilization. It's one of the best.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/Defuniak/worldblank17.gif

Excerpt from a letter from the Romanian prime-minister to the minister of war:

"Word has reached me that a promising young man has demonstrated a new type of aircraft propulsion, the jet engine I believe it's called, at this year's Aeronautic Salon in Paris. This young man is currently living in France, although he is a Romanian citizen; he is, in fact, the son of general Constantin Coandă, I believe you know him. Anyway, people don't seem to be paying much attention to his invention, which is really a pitty. I would like you to try and persuade him to return to Romania, to continue - in secret, of course - to continue his work on the jet engine. This new type of propulsion may just be the future in aviation. You may offer him a good position at the Romanian Technical University and large sums for research."

Excerpt from the minister of war's reply:

"It is my pleasure to announce you, sir, that Henri Coanda has accepted our offer. He will be arriving next month and is very optimistic regarding the chances of designing an improved jet airplane within the next year"

OOC: Henri Coanda really invented the jet airplane in 1910 (look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Coanda), although he didn't get support for further experiments. The Technical University is invented by me. :p

Before He Left, Henry Sold The republic Of France A copy of the designs for the jet engine, and now frances greatest mids are investigating the design and learning how to make it work.

OOC
Has anyone here ever played Civilization III? If you enjoy these types of games Im sure that you will be hooked on that for months. Its about building your civilization from the ground up and running it anyway you want to. Its pretty sweet.
P.S. does anyone have a link to an updated map, because the one I have doesnt have countries like Romania on it and such. Thank you

OOC:

I have Civilization I, II, and III. I'm getting Civilization IV this fall (I heard its gonna be released this fall or X-mas). I also have several Civilization spin-offs, like Alpha Centauri, Call to Power, Colonization, etc. However there is one thing that I feel there's missing from Civilizaton games, which is establishing a story or a short description of every major battle or city capture.

Anyways, I'm waiting for this American conference to start, or at least hear from Independent Hitmen and Yderia when we can start posting or discuss OOC'ly.

OOC:

I have Civilization I, II, and III. I'm getting Civilization IV this fall (I heard its gonna be released this fall or X-mas). I also have several Civilization spin-offs, like Alpha Centauri, Call to Power, Colonization, etc. However there is one thing that I feel there's missing from Civilizaton games, which is establishing a story or a short description of every major battle or city capture.

Yeah, Civ is a good one

Anyways, I'm waiting for this American conference to start, or at least hear from Independent Hitmen and Yderia when we can start posting or discuss OOC'ly.

We were talking about it on the other forumand I think we are going to do a 4 way AIM chat or something along those lines....go to the OOC forum and you will see.

Me Make map! And Yes, I play civilization. It's one of the best.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/Defuniak/worldblank17.gif
I may be mistaken, but I beleive that, that map does not have Romania on it, and Romania is a player controlled nation now

A new "U.S. dependent" territory, for America?

Ever since the U.S. win in providing Cuba with independence from Spain, America has planted American companies in Cuba to soak up all the resources and tropical foods that Cuba has to offer. Fact. At present day, Cuba has been a boon to the American market. Fact. American anylists speculate that Cuba only has more to offer America is the upcoming years and that they would not be suprised if America claimed Cuba as a U.S. territory. What do all these facts and proffesional opinions mean? They offer us a hint at what to expect in the near future, next month, or even tomorrow. They tell us that all evidence points to a claim of the Cuban Island, by America. When interviewing a Navy admiral who asked to remain unnamed, he said this. "It would not be unwise for America to adopt Cuba, for they are a gold mine of luxuries and resources, and would also be prime real estate for a military base". Yesterday, Vice President Aaron Rosen made a suprise appearance at the Washington Post to give his opinions on Cuba. When interviewed by reporters if a occupation of Cuba was likely he said this, "While I will explain the situation regarding Cuba in a second, the American people must not be so narrow minded on the topic at hand. Imperialism is a great thing for America, but not only that, it is a great thing for the people, who countrys' we are occupying. For they will reap the benefits of being annexed by a world class industrialized nation. Its a win win situation. On regards to Cuba my answer is, not only is it a possibility, but a possible new begining for American Caribbean imperialism'. A Survey found that most Americans would not disapprove of an American occupation of Cuba. One can only think. If imperialism has worked for the great nations of Europe, why would it not work for the mighty nation of America. More to come when more is revealed.

James Carver, Washington Post

Before He Left, Henry Sold The republic Of France A copy of the designs for the jet engine, and now frances greatest mids are investigating the design and learning how to make it work.


Yes, but he tricked the French. The designs he sold have quite a few "changes", if you know what I mean. :) The best French scientists will still be trying to figure out those designs twenty years from now. :headbang:

Meanwhile, Henri Coanda is returning to Romania driving his brand new Mercedes. :cool:

About the jet engine:

It is clearly in the rules that Jet Engines can't be used in 1910/1920 or something. Your plane is indeed a jet engine, it is invented (RL) in 1910 but it isn't useable as the wiki thing said. It took off once bu surprise and it crashed. Doesn't soudn useable to me!

What do the other mods (including tech/history advisor Norodna Odbrana) think?

The small Chinese man sat down after setting in place his terms. The Tzar stood up and cleared his throat.
"Well we understand all that has been said about the unification of our armies. I agree we need to become closer in the area of military, ie your attacked, we help, and visa versa. We also will help you with your industrialisation to an extent, as modernisation schemes in Russia are taking up resources aswell. The Motherland takes precidence over our allies." The small Chinese man nodded, just as the door to the War Chamber opened. A servant walked straight up to the Tzar.
"We asked specifically not to be disturbed!" the Grand Duke snapped to the servant. The Tzar shot him a dirty look and he sat down again. The servant whispered into his ear. He nodded with satisfaction. The servant quickly retreated, leaving the door open.
"I hadn't actually planned this, but it could work in our favour. Lu Hong, may i introduce Dr Hiru and Admiral Yutsushiko, of the Japanese Empire's deligation," the Tzar said cunningly as the two men walked in the door.

lets just post everyones wants and deals OOC and keep doing it until we agree on everything because its going to be a 4 way meeting and there will be many demands to be meet, then when everyone is settled and done one of you guys (you guys are better at doing the whole conference setting, from what I read, than me lol) will relay the final information into a RP conference at the White House. How does that sound?
Righteyo should we post demands in the OOC thread or what? If no one else wishes to do the actual RP-ing, ill do it!

ooc. Now I'm going to RP a few reasons Mutsuhito has for his aggressive policy. I hope it moves you...*bursts in tears, ruining his keyboard*

The Emperor and his grandchild, Hirohito, were walking through the gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The Emperor was very fond of the young fellow. Ahhhh, youth is the future, they will decide the fate of the world in twenty, thirty years. I'm old, to old. I'll resign in favor of Yoshihito. He was so distracted from where he was and what he was doing that he missed what his grandchild said...

Mutsuhito: "Yes Hiro-chan? What's the matter?"
Hirohito: "I like these walks with you, grandpa! We should do it more often!"
Mutsuhito: "Ahhh, but we're both busy with our tasks, neh?
Hirohito: "I know that you're busy with all sorts of things for the good of Japan, but I can easily skip lessons and..."
Mutsuhito: "Hahahaha! Skip lessons eh? Do you want to become the Emperor of Japan?"
Hirohito: "Oh yes of course! But I don't like lessons, especially math! The teacher isn't nice!"
Mutsuhito: "Hahaha, later on you'll meet many other people who aren't nice either. But we've to go back, so sorry. You have to go to your lessons, and I must discuss things for the sake of Japan and your future!"
Hirohito: "Awwwww, please let me go with you, just as with the New Year's meeting! I'll behave perfectly and serve Cha and Sake and..."
Mutsuhito: "Your lessons are more important. Go now, may Buddha and the gods protect you!"

Hirohito run away and was quickly followed by his personal guard and his teacher in weapon mastery, which was his favorite teacher. Mutsuhito watched them going to the living quarters of the palace and then walked towards the working quarters of the palace. When he turned a corner he saw General Fukuoka sitting on a stone, watching a waterfall and meditating. The emperor waited for a few moments, not wanting to disturb his wa or harmony. But the general turned and smiled. He stood up, bowed and said:

Gen. Fukuoka:"I sensed someone was near, my Lord. Shall we go on to the Palace?"
Mutsuhito:"Let's discuss the matters here. There's a bench over there, we could sit there."
Gen. Fukuoka:"Yes sire."

They walked to the bench and sat down. They discussed all kinds of smaller, non important matters before turning to the important matters of State.

Mutsuhito: "My old friend. I wish you to predict what will happen in Russia and Siam."
Fukuoka: "Ha, I wish I could, but I'll tell what I think what will happen. Russia first.

I think Russia is scared shitless, like an old dog which is threatened by its master with a whip. I predict they want an alliance, or at least a non-aggression pact to give them time to sort out their messy domestic business. Siam will be something different. They are very proud and they've stood up against France and Great Britain before. They won't give in easily, but in the end they'll see the light and agree with our terms. I advice..."
Mutsuhito: "I didn't ask for advice, friend. You think the Russian want an alliance or a NAP? That will never happen! I think the Czar hates us more than those filthy socialist bolsjevists! He has all the reason to hate us, we've defeated them before. If that fornicating Roosevelt hadn't come in with his demands and threats we would have aquired more Russian territories and concessions."
Fukuoka:"O yes, certainly. We should have got more, but if we continue our plans we'll get more soon, neh?"
Mutsuhito:"Maybe, but I'll first see what they want. Then we'll decide our course of actions...Fukuoka-San, have you never wondered why I do all this?"
Fukuoka:"Well, no sire. I think what you do is good for the country, and not to be questioned."
Mutsuhito:"Well...I want to leave Japan strong and healthy for our future generations. I want to pass on Japan as a power to Yoshihito, you can make Japan even greater and so on. The Gods and Buddha will it that we rule the world! Oho, not everything ofcourse, but that we have an influance like Great Britain now has on the world. That is what I intend."
Fukuoka:"That's very noble but it's also hard to make it succed. But I will help you and our future geneartions as best as I can."

ooc. awwwww, to bad I was busy writing my reply! I will reply for your conference later Yderia! This could get funny! :D

OOC: True, interesting idea though, thanks whoever it was (my memory is away with it today!)

IC: Prior to the Japanese/Chinese deligation's arrival.

The Tzar signed the sheet unhappily. Twelve carrages. Twelve! It was not something any King should have to do, especially the Tzar of Russia. But then again it was for Russia. The Carrages, made of solid gold, would be melted down, sold on the international market, and the money would go into the rebuilding of the social sector in Russia. The Tzar was afraid of the Bolsheviks, they held alot of power. The only way to please them was either abdication, or more for the peasants. This deal would end their struggle. Since abdication was out of the question completely, it would have to be the latter. Two hours after the Prince announced the new bill in the Square, there was rejoycing all over the Empire. The Russian people had began to dispise the Tzars because of their bad treatment of the peasants. That was about to change in a policy the Palace was calling ''A Hammer and a Sickle for Every Russian Citizen...Within Five Years''. The Tzar was glad that Russian children would recieve educations similar to those of the British or of the Germans. They deserved a place in the spotlights just as much as the westerners. He was glad that they would also serve him again now that their Tzar was looking out for them...

OOC: It was me who suggested a Japanese "drop-in" into the Russia-Chinese conference.

====================================================

The Chinese Foreign Minister Lu Hong did everything in his power not to exert any sign of surprise, shock, or anger towards the Japanese delegation. Hong just barely managed to maintain a facade of calmness as he turned towards the Japanese delegation.

Hong took the initative, speaking before any of the Japanese could.

"If I may be blunt, what are the Japanese doing here? I was not informed that the Japanese were going to attend these talks."

Hong awaited the response of either the Japanese or the Russian Tsar, whoever spoke first.

Righteyo should we post demands in the OOC thread or what? If no one else wishes to do the actual RP-ing, ill do it!
I was thinking an AIM chatroom that way theres no time in between and we will get more done

OOC:AIM? If you can get one organised ill go for that! I have msn if it helps!

IC:
The Tzar rose to his feet.
''Forgive me Ambassidor, I had not planned this, and I would've told you had I known. But i believe it is in all of our best interests to sit down and have a good old long chat about the future of a United Asia. Afterall, together we conquer, alone we fall. Is this suitable for both deligations?''

Lu Hong looked directly at the Tsar, and spoke respectfully, yet with a underlying firm tone.

"I support an unified Asia. However, this may be difficult with Japan's aggressive actions in the past and its expanionstic nature."

The Tzar heaved a sigh of relief. He offered the two Japanese men seats and they sat down at the table.
"Im glad we can all agree, and after all we are here to make changes, all of us, right?" he said looking at all of the diplomats in turn. The all nodded. Grand Duke Nikoli rose at this stage with permission from the Tzar and handed the two Japanese men pieces of paper stating diplomatic proceedings and aims of the Russian people in the Russo-Japanese Alliance. He gave the Chinese government a copy of the Japanese proposal aswell and also a revised outline of the Russo-Chinese agreement.
"Any further suggestions Gentlemen?" he asked

Communique to the Daul Monarchy

To the esteemed Dual Monarchs,

Just as you both want peace, so do we, if not more so. Ever since the fall of the Kingdom of Serbia and loss to the Turks on the plains of Kosovo and eventual annexation, Serbs wanted nothing more than to once again become united and independant people. Over the centuries we maintained our nationalism and waited patiently for an opportunity. This came about in 1878. Since then our only true goal has been unification of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovens as Yugoslavs and this has been reflected in our foreign policies.

Therefore, we ask in exchange for peace (and a non-aggression pact to solidify it) Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia-Slavonia be put under Serbian juristiction. In order to guarantee that we will never move past Slavic lands into Austro-Hungarian territory we wish to further discuss certain clauses in a possible non-aggression pact that will allow such a peace under the conditions we request to exist and be maintained.

Telegrams always take so much time, and only so much information can be sent. We hereby officially invite the Dual Monarchs to the Montenegren Royal Court in Cetinje for peace talks that will with God's grace usher in a new era of peace, unity, and prosperity for the Balkan region.

Reprsentative of the Kingdoms of Serbia and Montenegro
King Nicholas Petrovic Njegos, ruler of Montenegro"They're not serious, are they?" said Count Lexa von Aerenthal, Foreign Minister of the Dual Monarchy

"The note is dated 1 April 1911, but sadly, they do appear to be," said his secretary. "Shall I take dictation?"

"Indeed," said the Foreign Minister, with considerable displeasure.

To the Kingdom of Serbia

The Dual Monarchy must reject your offer of a non-aggression pact on
the terms you have put forward.

It is quite unusual for a nation to demand, as a pre-requisite for
guarantees against attack, the surrender of a quarter of another's
territory. Unusual enough, indeed, that we are tempted to remind
ourselves that large concessions make for larger appetites. Given
the extent of your demands, why should we expect that, upon
digestion of the prize you demand, you wouldn't decide you want
the rest of our nation? After all, if we concede to you our entire
Adriatic coast, in five years you will be that much stronger - and
we that much weaker. Such a deal is simply not in the interests
of the Dual Monarchy.

Besides, it is customary that nations exchange vows of non-aggression
simply for their own sake. Why shouldn't it be enough for us to offer
our guarantees against attack, in return for yours? Why do you require
concessions?

You speak of "uniting" your "people", and yet at no time in history has
Serbia held lands in Bosnia, Croatia, or Slovenia. We have no objections
to your efforts to regain what you lost to the Turks - although we do
not believe this should be accomplished by force - but to "regain" what
was never yours, on the other hand, is hardly a legitimate goal.

Then too, it seems that you confuse "Pan-Slavism" with "Pan-Serbism".
Why would it be natural for Orthodox Serbia to exercise control over
peoples who are neither Orthodox, nor Serbian? Ethnic Serbs are a
minority in each of the territories you demand; their inhabitants are
Bosniaks, Croats, and Slovenes by blood, Catholics and Moslems by
faith. It would seem more appropriate for them to remain where they
are, under a government that has no particular ethnic or religious
predilection, than to place them in a situation in which they would be
forced to become Orthodox and Serb, willing or not.

No, the people of these lands have done well under our government.
The possibility of the Kingdom of Croatia and Slovenia being raised to
co-equal status with both Crown and Empire is currently under consi-
deration; as for the Bosniaks, they have never been more prosperous
or better governed than they are today, and we have seated a repre-
sentative government in Bosnia and Hercegovina, with a corresponding
constitution and body of laws. Satisfaction with our rule is extremely
high in all of these lands; just a few malcontents, stirred up by
unwelcome outside agitators, disturb their peace. It is best that
they remain in our hands.

Serbia should abandon its efforts to create a vast "Pan-Slavic"
federation under Serb domination; were it to do so, we would gladly
extend it our hand and our protection. This notion of an ethnocentric
nation-state, organised around the imagined primacy of its people, is
a recipe for disaster against whose adoption we can not too strongly
counsel. If Europe comes to be so divided, the result will be bloodshed
beyond imagining along all the messy, ethnically mixed frontiers were
nations come together and the logic of consanguinity fails. Blood lines
will never cleanly correspond with national borders; in trying to make
them do so, untold suffering will be visited on the peoples of the World.

To be sure, our view is unfashionable; "nationalism" is the fad of our
day. Would-be "thinkers" assert that multi-national states are a thing
of the past, that nations must make ethnic "sense" to be strong.
Before proclaiming the Dual Monarchy to be a "dinosaur" for having
Germans, Poles, Czechs, Ruthenians, Italians, Slovenes, Croats, Bosniaks,
Magyars, and Wallachians all within the same frontiers, they would do
well to look across the Atlantic, at the streets of St. Louis, Chicago,
Milwaukee, Detroit, Pittsburgh, or any of the other great cities of the
thriving American West. As a famous American poet put it, "America
proves that Europeans can live together in peace and prosperity."

We prefer the American model of free-markets, Federal powers,
Constitutional law, and a lack of concern for ethnic differences.
At the end of the day, we believe nations that adopt this model will
still be standing long after the "nationalist" states have become mere
memories.

Signed,

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the
Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen"Und ganz offensichtlich," continued Aerenthal angrily, "Scheiße zeichnet Fliegen."To our neighbours and friends, the brave Serbian nation,

The peace-loving Kingdom of Romania salutes your decision and expresses it's simpathy towards your goals.

We hereby declare that Transilvania is a Romanian land. An agreement between Romania and the Dual Monarchy can only be reached if our claim on this teritory is recognized. Furtermore, the numerous Romanians living in the other regions of the empire must be placed under the authority of the Romanian state and must be allowed the right to govern themselves and to have schools in their own language.

The policy of Magyarization the Hungarian Kingdom practices must stop now! The thousand year opression of our brothers at the hands of their Hungarian rulers can no longer continue!

Bogmihia, prime-minister of Romania"Take another dictation," said the Foreign Minister with barely concealed fury.To the Kingdom of Roumania

Transylvania is territory of the Crown of St. Stephen and has been for
over 900 years. It has never been part of Wallachia, a South Slavic
land whose inhabitants migrated northward from former Roman territory
in the 12th and 13th Centuries.

It is true that Wallachians live through most of the Balkans, including
Transylvania and other Hungarian lands; this is to be expected of a
people who were little more than simple herder folk for the larger part
of their early existence, as herdsmen have always shown a proclivity
for ignoring borders. The large numbers of Wallachians who dwell in
Transylvania, then, are the consequence of their migration into that
land in search of greener pastures following the establishment of
the Kingdom of St. Stephen, rather than - as some Romanian historians
creatively claim - a sign that they were already living in the territory
before the arrival of the Magyars from Central Asia in the 9th Century.

As for the demand that territories inhabited by Wallachians, however
scattered they may be, must be "placed under the authority of the
Romanian state", such a demand is preposterous, as small groups of
Wallachians have wandered all over Europe. Surely the government
in Bucharest can not believe it has a legitimate set of territorial claims
against every other nation on the continent!

As for the policy of "Magyarisation", as you call it, is concerned - and
by which we believe you mean the teaching of the Magyar tongue to
students in territories under the authority of the Crown of St. Stephen,
perhaps you would like to challenge the right of the government of the
Russian Empire to teach Wallachians in Bessarabia the Russia tongue,
Britain's practise of teaching the inhabitants of India English, or
America's use of English as its legal tongue? Every nation chooses a
language to teach its students, not as an expression of cultural
supremacy, but as a way of ensuring that its citizens can understand
each other for the sake of commerce, and so that they can interact
with their government in the name of law and order. The demand that
this language be Romanian everywhere Romanians dwell - which is just
about everywhere in Europe - is tantamount to a demand that the
Powers of Europe all bow down and accept Bucharest as their master.

We will keep territories we have owned for 1000 years, and we will
teach our children whatever languages we choose to teach them, and
you will learn to live with it, if only because any effort on your part to
change the map of Europe by force will result in a call for assistance
to our allies in Germany, France, and Italy - an alliance whose might
you can not match.

Signed,

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the
Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen"Now," continued the Foreign Minister, "I would like you to ask our ambassadors to take interviews with the press. Have them remind the newspapers of the reasons why we annexed Bosnia and Hercegovina in the first place."Francis Joseph's Proclamation of the Annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1914m/bosherz.html)
6 October 1908

We, Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia, and Apostolic King of Hungary, to the inhabitants of Bosnia and Herzegovina:

When a generation ago our troops crossed the borders of your lands, you were assured that they came not as foes, but as friends, with the firm determination to remedy the evils from which your fatherland had suffered so grievously for many years. This promise given at a serious moment has been honestly kept. It has been the constant endeavour of our government to guide the country by patient and systematic activity to a happier future.

To our great joy we can say that the seed then scattered in the furrows of a troubled soil has richly thrived. You yourselves must feel it a boon that order and security have replaced violence and oppression, that trade and traffic are constantly extending, that the elevating influence of education has been brought to bear in your country, and that under the shield of an orderly administration every man may enjoy the fruits of his labours.

It is the duty of us all to advance steadily along this path. With this goal before our eyes, we deem the moment come to give the inhabitants of the two lands a new proof of our trust in their political maturity. In order to raise Bosnia and Herzegovina to a higher level of political life, we have resolved to grant both of those lands constitutional governments that are suited to the prevailing conditions and general interests, so as to create a legal basis for the representation of their wishes and needs. You shall henceforth have a voice when decisions are made concerning your domestic affairs, which, as hitherto, will have a separate administration. But the necessary premise for the introduction of this provincial constitution is the creation of a clear and unambiguous legal status for the two lands.

For this reason, and also remembering the ties that existed of yore between our glorious ancestors on the Hungarian throne and these lands, we extend our suzerainty over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it is our will that the order of succession of our House be extended to these lands also. The inhabitants of the two lands thus share all the benefits which a lasting confirmation of the present relation can offer. The new order of things will be a guarantee that civilization and prosperity will find a sure footing in your home."Our ambassadors need to stress that Bosnia and Hercegovina are in far better shape today, after 43 years of our government, than they were when we took possession of them (http://koz.vianet.ca/knowledge.htm). There is a Constitution and a Parliament, wherein the Orthodox plurality have 31 seats against 24 for the Moslems and 16 for the Catholics, reflecting the population breakdown (http://www.hercegbosna.org/engleski/aushu.html) - and all freely elected last year. These things we need point out to the press, and then ask: would Catholics and Moslems would have any say at all under Serbian rule?"

"And Roumania?" asked the secretary.

"Roumania concerns me. Serbia - if they're smart - will realise that they would be better off becoming our protectorate than our enemy. But Roumania," he shook his head and continued, "Roumania wants to foment war between us and Russia. That is absolutely clear. And so we must be very, very careful not to give it to them."

----- Secret, personally hand-delivered Communique to Romanian Prime Minister via Serbian royal messenger-----

Fellow Brothers,

We are honoured to have your support and we sympathize with your goals, which are very much common to our own.

We have placed claims on BH and C-S because of their very close ties and affiliation with us Serbs and the fact that a sizeable majority of of BH citizens are in fact of Serb descent.

We would be willing to consider recognition of your claims on Transilvania. However, we would wish to see statisical data on the citizens of Transilvania to see how clsoely related they are to your nation before we would do so.

We wish to improve diplomatic relations with fellow Balkan Brothers. There is a...lesser known alliance known as the Balkan League consituting Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Montenegro. We keep it secret because of a possible Turkish attack if they ever knew of such an alliance which we are note quite ready for, but expect to be by mid-1912. We are having an alliance meeting in Athens, Greece in 3 months time and wish to invite you to the table for a possible expansion to the Balkan League.

With kind regards,


Crown Prince Alexander
Kingdom of Serbia

Originally Posted by British Foreign Office
To: The King of Siam
From: The British Foreign Office

The British Empire has never underestimated the role that Siam plays in
preventing Anglo-French friction in the region. We are however slightly
misified by your wishes to reaffirm your friendship with the British Empire,
could you please give us a suggestion on how you wish to procede with
that intention.

Sir James Hokirk
His Majesties Foreign Office."Clueless idiots!" cursed the Siamese Foreign Minister. "Maybe by at least showing up and letting the Japanese know you give a damn about what happens to us, that might 'reaffirm your friendship'!"

"So what now?" asked his military attache.

"We see what the Japanese have to offer us for our friendship. And if it's worth the risk to our independence," he growled.

Italy, Turkey, Serbia, Romania, start checking the Balkan Wars RP thread (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9324182#post9324182)!!!

Posts pending there for Turkey and Italy.

Playing As: SAUD FAMILY(SAUDI ARABIA)

The English had choosen wisely to quitely and simply ensure desert support.

Bedouin of Ikhwan met the Royal soldiers.

The Ikhwan were dressed in the white traditional robes of the Bedouin, this explained some rumors the Brits might have heard of the White Army, those these men did seem impressive in a primitive sort of way, an Army they hardly seemed to be.

As they reached the supposed point of the exchange they passed more and more of these Ikhwan.

They would pass some, and then over the next dune would lay another handful and then another, the Officer in the first hour could have counted two-hundred none grouped any larger then ten.

Each time they crested a tall dune it seemed they multiplied among the surrounding dunes.
Where one expected lonliness in the empty desert was suddenly more people then in a large villiage.
It had become clear that the Brits were enveloped by Ikhwan fighters, for miles in every direction they stretched, or at least that was a safe wager.

Some sat atop calm eyed cud chewing camels, who make no mistake was were fleet of foot on hte deserts as any horse in the world could hope to be, others were mounted upon the short but sinewy Arabian Horses, these were the desert breds, a man educated on horse bloodlines would have counted hundreds of thousands of sterling pounds holding up the Bedouins who rode them. The single most sought after mounts in the world, and they had been as such for centuries, Alexander the Great rode an Arabian, and Cesar, and Napoleon, Geogre Washington, they were not recorded by written record but the owner of a desert bred Arabian mount could recite the beasts lineage for tens of generations. The only these Arabs prized more then the Arabian, was the Camel.

When finally they reached the meeting place the exchange was uneventful, several cases were given in return for the massive load taken from the Brits, three cases laden with plundered gold, it was unclear how much these Desert Knights could aquire, but when push came to shove they never seemed to run short.

As the Brits were led back by the Arab who had first contacted them the four-hundred Bedouins(at final count) were simply a memory, disappeared with the Western wind.

Soon the Saud and Ikhwan would be ready to move, but first it was time for a real meeting.

As the Soldiers were led back by the Arab he spoke to the lead officer.

"You have demonstrated you are willing to aid us for our promise of future aid to you. My master, the most Honorable Abd al Aziz, may the Prophet's wisdom guide him. He wishes to meet with the Local Governor, and indeed with a representative of the Crown for true.
He has stated that if you men are dealt with in a nfair manner and return such dealing in kind he should meet with the likes of you for a more formal agreement. I trust sir you will keeps this close to your heart, as there are those who would have a great need of this knowledge and use to eveil ends.
I will remain in Oman for the next twenty-five days for you to respond, and I will then carry your response to my master."
With the Arab simply spoke no more.

To the esteemed Dual Monarchs,

I offer my sincerest apologies for the telegram which was written in such a manner so as to be so easily misinterpreted.

We only requested the lands and never demanded them. I now see how rude and disrespectful of me it was to incinuate we wanted a NAP only if we would receive Bosnia and Hercegovina, and Croatia-Slavonia. Such basic and barbaric demand are not at all what I had in mind.

In the mid 1300's under Tsar Dusan, the Serbian empire extended to the Danube, and Zahumlje, all of Bosnia and Hercegovina was part of Serbia, and a sizable portion of Croatia-Slavonia was too(ooc: i hope my grasp of balkan geography is not misleading, if so I'll look further into the maps I have and refernces of what stefan dusan conquered).

The total territory of the A-H Monarchy is 261 239 sq miles. Of which, 16 421 is C-S, and 19 768 is B&H. That's about 13%, of which was Serbian land. In these lands are a total approximately 4.5 million people, compared to 51.3 million of the total A-H(8.8%). *data from 1910 A-H census* We have no wish to have Trieste come under our juristiction which would still provide you with a considerable section of the Adriatic Coast. We also have not asked for Dalmatia, which will allow you to maintain a large majority of the Coast as part of the Dual Monarchy.

As you are well ware there is a Yugoslav university and academy in Zagreb. In 1905 representatives of Croatia and Serb Dalmatians met at Zara and identified themselves with a policy of national unity. A major political party in the Croat parliament at Zagreb is becoming increasingly popular which is the Serbo-Croatian coalition. Bosniaks are also nothing more than descents of Slavic converts to Islam. All that has changed is their religion.

Whether or not these people are Ethnic Serbs, they are but minor differences. We are Slavs, we share the same history, the same language, and most certainly the same culture, regardless of any religious differences which matter not to a region which has had 3 major religions live in relatively peaceful coexistence for centuries. Let us not forget the Yugoslav Renaissance of the mid-18th century. The men that brought about this movement that brought a renewel of our national lives and literatures. It passed the bounds of Serbia, and stirred all of the Yugoslavs to a sense of cultural unity which has fostered the desire in all Slavs for a political unity. This is nothing more than evolution. Men such as Dositey Obradovic and Vuk Karadzic did much to remove the differences instilled by outsiders in the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. P. Preradovic, a Croatian wrote a famous Ode to Slavdom and allow me to emphasise Slavdom, not Croatdom nor Serbdom. Religious differences and influences by Western and Eastern nations have not broken our bonds of linguistic affinity and a common heritage of tradition and folklore, and no amount of propaganda by the Germans and Austrians involving the Urge to the East (ooc: I hope it translates to that) will change that.

We also draw concerns over recent articles in Austro-Hungarian newpapers about what would happen to non-Orthodox people should they become part of a Yugoslav nation. We are offended by claims that we would force anyone to become Serb Orthodox given our close relations with Croats and no attempts to convert them to a different sect of the same faith. What bonds us is(as previously stated) language, culture, and folklore, not religion. It is not a factor and never will be. (ooc: ha! tell that to the Balkans today) We are tolerant of other peoples' beliefs and will not do anything to remove that freedom. It is known that the reigning house of the Dual Monarchs must profess the Roman-Catholic faith, therefore your government really does have quite the proclivity for a particular religion.

Perhaps it would be best to begin anew. Our invitation still stands(of a NAP and nothing else).

Kind regards,


Reprsentative of the Kingdoms of Serbia and Montenegro
King Nicholas Petrovic Njegos, ruler of Montenegro

it should be noted when I say Slav I mean Yugoslav.

The Romanian prime-minister had a frown on his face as he began dictating to his secretary:

"Let's begin with the letter to Serbia, shall we?"
"As you wish, sir", answered his trusted man and started writing.

To our dear friend, Prince Alexander of Serbia,

You have requested evidence in support of our claims to Transilvania. The Hungarian numbers for 1910 are 53.7% Romanians, 31.6% Hungarians and 10.7% Germans. As you can see, the Romanians are a majority there, as they are in other regions of the Dual Monarchy. For a more detailed explanation, I will also send you my reply to Austria-Hungary, which will contain more information.

Bogmih, prime-minister of Romania

"Now let's move on to the second letter", said the prime-minister with a sigh.
His secretary's only answer was to better grab the pencil and wait.

To the Dual Monarchy's foreign minister,

I salute you.

Unfortunately, I couldn't help not noticing several mistakes in your reply which
show your ignorance on this matter. Maybe, if I enlighten you, your oppinion on the Romanians' position in your empire will change.

Firstly, we need to address your statement which said "Wallachia, a South Slavic land". Wallachia, as you call it, or Tara Romaneasca, as it is called in our language, is not a Slavic land, be it Southern or Northern. The Romanians are the descendants of the Roman colonists that came to this area 2000 years ago.

To move on to your next assertion ,you said that "the large numbers of Wallachians who dwell in Transylvania, then, are the consequence of their migration into that land in search of greener pastures following the establishment of the Kingdom of St. Stephen." This statement is illogical. Thriughout the history, all the people moving through this region have come from the steppes and advanced to the South and West. Why would the Romanians alone move contrary to this pattern? Transilvania, being a plateau surrounded by mountains, was very well suited to the defence against the migratory tribes from th East, that's why the Romanians endured there, like other people did in mountanous regions - the Welsh and the Basques, for example. Furthermore, our traditions and historical sources show that the two Romanian extrcarpathical states were founded by Romanians coming from Transilvania, which would be impossible without the Romanians already living there. In conclusion, saying the Romanians moved south of the Danube and then north again is like claiming that the French, running from the invading Frankish Germanic tribes, moved south of the Pyrenes and then came back north. It's an absurd statement in both cases.

I remember you also contested the existence of a Magyarization policy. To prove my point it is necessary only to provide you with the data from several of your own censuses.

Transilvania
Etnicyty/Year 1850 1900 1910
Romanians 59.5% 55.0% 53.7%
Magyars 26.0% 29.0% 31.6%
Germans 9.3% 11.9% 10.&%

The situation for our Romanian brothers is also serious - more serious, I might say - in Bucovina, a teritory that you occupied from Moldova in 1775. At that date, Romanians were the overwhelming majority. In 1848, they represented only 55.43%. In 1900, only 31.36%. The Romanians are still the most numerous nationality, but already they are no longer a majority.

As you can see, the hardships endured by our fellow Romanians make an alliance with you impossible until these problems are addressed. Hoping that my arguments have changed your oppinion, I tell you good by.

Bogmih, prime-minister of Romania

"Let's take a brake, Mihai, it's allmost lunch time"
"Excuse me, sir", interrupted the secretary, "but there is one more matter to be resolved today."
"Ah, yes, that invitation. I had forgotten the Serbian envoy awaits my answer. Please tell him it is my deepest pleasure and honour to be invited to their alliance. I wil certainly be in Athens three months from now. And now, let's eat. All this talking has made me hungry."

ooc. What excactly are your proposals Yderia?

The Japanese were also shocked to see their ancient arch enemy sitting at the table with the Czar. With much discipline, the managed to control their emotions and bowed politely to the Czar and to the Chinese.

Adm. Yutsushiko: "Ah, my dear friend, the surprise is mutual. But don't let the surprise stand in the way of our common goal, a great, powerful united Asia!"

The next ask required all the training and discipline of the Admiral. He felt the anger burning inside at the grave insult. He put his hand on his short ceremonial sword, which had been in the family for 500 years. He sat down with Dr. Hiru and looked at the presented sheet with proposals. He looked up and stared straight in the face of Lu Hong, hoping his anger and hate in his eyes was evident. He then looked away and waited for the Tsar to begin.

OOC: Well...its slightly different with Japan than China. I reckon just peace, a formal alliance i guess to come to eachothers aid as a United Asia.

IC:
The Tzar was beginning to grow uncomfortable in the tene environment.
"We realize that this is highly unorthodox, but it is the only way to achieve a United Asia in our opinion. And Admiral, please dont take that sword out, you're vastly outnumbered," he said smiling at the Admiral.
"The sheets i have just given you outline the alliance. Peace and understanding, semi-open boarders, advanced military co-operation. Either of your nations are attacked, the other two come to its aid. Can we agree on this?"

Admiral Yutsushiko: "Well, in name of the emperor I can agree to a certain extent. If some of the persons present here *short glance to Lu Hong* won't like to discuss important matters with us, I think it is a waste of time. Time which can be used to take some "aggresive actions" which is, of course, entirely according to our "expansionist nature". *smirks at Lu Hong*

"Admiral," the Tzar snapped. "This is not the place or time! These are peace proceedings, now can we all calm down and talk about this like the respectable men we are, or do I have to call security to seperate you all?" The room was silent for several seconds. "Good," said the Tzar, sitting down. "Now, Lu Hong, can we count on your consensus, and that of your government?"

Secret telegram from the Romanian foreign minister to his Russian omologue

We would be interested in a secret defensive alliance against Austria-Hungary and its allies. The alliance between A-H, Germany, Italy and France is already too strong and dominates the entire continent; in these conditions, it is only normal for the rest of us to try to contain them. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sir,
Russia wishes to know exactly what it is you want us to do? You have asked for an alliance to stop countries that as of yet have never threatened the sovreginty of the Russian Empire. The only way we can see that working would be for your state to become part of the Russian Empire. Then, and only then can we protect you from attack. Apologies for our reluctance, but we do not want to be dragged into a Western European War. Please reply.
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow

The admiral was shocked and a bit ashamed that he lost his control.

"Before my collegue speaks, I want to apologize for my bad manners. I lost control. I'm very sorry and apologize again."

ooc. Relative liberty, shall we RP your representative visiting Japan?

ooc. Relative liberty, shall we RP your representative visiting Japan?
OOC: I intend to RP it, but I don't want to interrupt the negotiations between Russia, Japan and China.

The Tzar put up his hands and smiled warmly.
"It's alright Admiral. We're all here to make a fresh start. Thank you for the apology. Now, would the Japanese Ambassidor wish to speak?"

Letter to Josef Nikoli Letsky, Russian foreign minister

The recent alliance between France and Germany means that, from now on, Germany can wage war against Russia without having to worry that a new front will suddenly open in the west. The fact that Germany ceded Alsace and Lorraine can only be motivated by their hope of gaining more in exchange for them. They can have two directions of expansion: in Europe, against you and in the colonies, against the British - who, last time I heard, were your allies. That's why I believe a DEFENSIVE alliance, as I have already said, might be usefull to your country. Note that I'm not proposing any aggresive moves against Germany or Austria-Hungary and the French have always been our friends.

If you do not wish an alliance, please say it so. But do not propose us again to become part of Russia. It would pointless, as we value our independence greatly. Best wishes to you and your monarch.

OOC: A war envolving Romania would not be a "Western European War". :p

OOC: I just remebered that the Russo-Japanese-Chinese negotiation is held in Petrograd, not Tokyo.

IC:
The German ambassador entered His Holiness the Japanese emperor's throne room, bowed according to custom and said in English, as he was uncertain wether anyone of the court spoke German,:
''Greetings your highness, ze holy emperor of Japan. As you know our two nations, ze Grand German Empire und ze Japanese Empire, have ben discussing ze possiblity of strengthening ze ties between our two empires, zus creating an unstoppable alliance zat stretches from Japan to Europe, from ze island of Hokkaido to French Guyana.
We have already discussed how ze naval yards of ze German Empire will help you augment ze strength of ze Japanese Imperial Navy, now we need to discuss how far we will take zis cooperation of ours, a formal and official alliance or a non-aggression pact.
A non-aggression pact would do little in ways of strengthening ze bonds between our two empires, while a formal alliance would make our power second to none.''

Dr. Hiru cleared his throat gave the admiral a look which said "shut up, you fool, or you'll ruin everything" and began to speak.

Dr. Hiru: "Ah, well. I am certain that it will benefit China, Russia and Japan if we become allies. If we become friends, no one dare to attack us, or oppose us in the Asian-West Pacific area. I have one question though. If Russia enters a European war, does that mean that Japan has to follow you into a war which will be fought thousands of miles from our homeland? That is the only objection I can think of. Ofcourse I'll contact Tokyo to ask what the Emperor thinks of this matter. As far as I can see there should be no objection."

As you know our two nations, ze Grand German Empire und the Japanese

OOC: So you CAN speak correctly if you try. :p Sorry, couldn't help myself. I'll now fade into darkness and let the negotiations continue.

Sir,
We Empathise with your predicament, but at such times as these, the Russian government cannot comit to a full scale defensive position in Romania. We are looking more for a peaceful resolution with our neighbours, as you should be too. However, we will send a small expeditionary force into your country if invaded. We will agree to sign an alliance that keeps you safe, but does not drag us into your wars to fight your enemys.
Regards.

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow.

The Emperor was very delighted that teh German ambassador began to speak in English. But he replied in German (which he knew a bit)

"You can talk German, my friend, I speak the laguage, though only a little. My son, Yoshihito, speaks it fluently. I prefer to discuss important matters through him. I do not trust my own ability to talk German good enough to discuss matters of state."

The Grand Duke coughed and rose to his feet.
"Of course, Mr. Ambassidor, we wouldn't want you to fight our battles for us. What we propose is a union saving eachother from invasion. If any of our countries is invaded, assistance should be rendered by the other two. Of course, this does not mean we will fight eachother's wars. Believe me, Russia has no intention of joining a Western conflict at all. Does this seem reasonable?"

OOC: Is anyone RP-ing the low countries, and what's their orientation if they are?

OOC. I believe we have a Holland, but it isn't very active.

Dr. Hiru: "I admit that your proposal was reasonable in the first place. I just want to make sure if joining a war with an ally was necessary. I must say that normally Japan would actively support its allies, no matter what the cause and no matter where the conflict is being fought."

The Emperor was very delighted that teh German ambassador began to speak in English. But he replied in German (which he knew a bit)

"You can talk German, my friend, I speak the laguage, though only a little. My son, Yoshihito, speaks it fluently. I prefer to discuss important matters through him. I do not trust my own ability to talk German good enough to discuss matters of state."
The messenger turned to the emperor's son and repeated the message in German.

...it should be noted when I say Slav I mean Yugoslav.What's a "Yugoslav"? ;)

OOC: The following is an actual quote from a book published in 1932 (Black Hand Over Europe (http://wap.macedonia.org/blackhand/serbian5.html)), so I figure it belongs in RP:"But," I ventured, "King Alexander himself declared in 1930, if I am not mistaken, that the incorporation of Bulgaria into the Yugoslav community would be most undesirable."

"Yes, indeed," rejoined the Doctor. "His Majesty said that. But events have happened quickly since then in Bulgaria and elsewhere. His Majesty has since completely changed his opinion, as I can prove to you, because he himself told me."

"Doctor, take care!" I said. "We are going into the realm of dreams. I spoke with too many people last year in Bulgaria not to know the truth; I questioned too many Europeans; there are too many of my compatriots established in the country since the War, who are thoroughly acquainted with it."

"Not in the realm of dreams at all," replied the Doctor. "No, in the realm of realities of tomorrow!"

"A Balkan Federation, eh?" I asked. " A first step towards the United States of Europe so ardently desired by Arstide Briand?"

"No!" thundered Radovanovitch. "As General Givkovitch said to you here last year, the United States of Europe is the panacea of a quack doctor, the politics of a paralytic for weak nations. We are a strong people, led by men who do not waste words, and are not paralysed, I can tell you!

"A Balkan Federation such as certain irresponsible foreign circles advocate, which would leave to each of its members its administrative autonomy, its own political regime and even its finaces and its personal army, is impossible! Those Utopias which certain lawyers would institute would have no other aim than to lull our vigilance in order to rob us!

"Our idea is a Federation grouping together all the peoples of the Slav race established between the Black Sea, the Aegean, the Adriatic, the Alps and the Danube. It will not comprise Greece, but the present Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Albania and the Slav populations still under foreign domination. Such an ideal is not possible, it is not desirable and it will not be realised, if it does not come into being by the crystallisation of all these peoples around the central nucleus, Serbia.

"That is how it will happen, sir. And it will inevitably happen either in peace or in war."The conversation took place in 1932, between the author of the book (Henri Pozzi) and the head of Press Bureau of the Presidency of the Council at Belgrade. It is clear from the full quote as well as the context that he meant that Czechs, Ruthenians, Romanians, Transylvanians, Croats, Slovenes, Bulgars, Albanians, etc., would all be governed by the Serbs.

Secret telegram to the Russian foreign minister

I warmly thank you for your intentions. I assure you that Romania will not start a war against Austria-Hungary and I promise that, if the Dual Monarchy will declare war against you, we will come to your aid to the best of our possibilities.

To the esteemed Dual Monarchs...OOC: It's singular; there's one monarch on two thrones.In the mid 1300's under Tsar Dusan, the Serbian empire extended to the Danube, and Zahumlje, all of Bosnia and Hercegovina was part of Serbia, and a sizable portion of Croatia-Slavonia was too...OOC: Actually, there's a lot of disagreement on that point, and so I've incorporated that into my position (same with Transylvania, BTW). We can argue over that in the OOC thread, but it should be noted by all that the governments on all sides interpreted history to fit their positions, which is what I'm doing here (although I actually do believe [in RL] that the Serb claim to these lands is far weaker than they make it out to be)We have no wish to have Trieste come under our juristiction which would still provide you with a considerable section of the Adriatic Coast. We also have not asked for Dalmatia, which will allow you to maintain a large majority of the Coast as part of the Dual Monarchy.OOC: Until Italy claims the Tirol, Trieste, and Dalmatia, and Romania claims Transylvania, and Russia claims Galicia and Ruthenia in the name of Poland, and the Germans claim Austria and Bohemia, which leaves me with what - Prague and Budapest?We also draw concerns over recent articles in Austro-Hungarian newpapers about what would happen to non-Orthodox people should they become part of a Yugoslav nation. We are offended by claims that we would force anyone to become Serb Orthodox given our close relations with Croats and no attempts to convert them to a different sect of the same faith.OOC: <peals of wild laughter>ooc: ha! tell that to the Balkans todayOOC: Maybe that's the difference in RP styles, but I won't make the Magyars any less stubborn or the Viennese any less anti-Semitic just because I "own" them.It is known that the reigning house of the Dual Monarchs must profess the Roman-Catholic faith, therefore your government really does have quite the proclivity for a particular religion.OOC: Yes and no. The k.u.k (and - BTW - if you're looking for an acronym for our nation, "k.u.k" is better than "A-H") government clipped the wings of the Church in 1870, when we rejected the doctrine of Papal infallibility. By 1910, it was actually very liberal on the issue of religious freedom.

Now back to the RP:Perhaps it would be best to begin anew. Our invitation still stands(of a NAP and nothing else).To the Kingdom of Serbia

Your offer of a non-agression pact is accepted in the interests
of the mutual peace and prosperity of our two lands. We also wish
to resolve certain outstanding trade issues (OOC: "The Pig War (http://www.onwar.com/aced/chrono/c1900s/yr05/fpigwar1906.htm)")
to our mutual benefit. Consequently, a meeting of our Foreign
Ministers along our common frontier for the purpose of hammering
out such arrangements is desired.

Signed,

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the
Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. StephenOOC: The meeting is assumed to be taking place in 1911. Send me the text of a proposed NAP (keep it short), and I'll amend and send it back. We'll go back and forth like this until an agreement is reached.

What's a "Yugoslav"? ;)

OOC: The following is an actual quote from a book published in 1932 (Black Hand Over Europe (http://wap.macedonia.org/blackhand/serbian5.html)), so I figure it belongs in RP:The conversation took place in 1932, between the author of the book (Henri Pozzi) and the head of Press Bureau of the Presidency of the Council at Belgrade. It is clear from the full quote as well as the context that he meant that Czechs, Ruthenians, Romanians, Transylvanians, Croats, Slovenes, Bulgars, Albanians, etc., would all be governed by the Serbs.

OOC: Firstly, I didn't post that. If I remember correctly, Slavic Byzantium did.
And you make a serious confusion. That guy said "all the peoples of the Slav race". Romanians are not Slavs, so they don't count. Besides, you disconsider the geographical boundaries. He wants to unite all the Slavs living "between the Black Sea, the Aegean, the Adriatic, the Alps and the Danube", which excludes the Romanians (both then and now, 90% of the Romanian teritory was/is NORTH of the Danube), the Czechs (separated from Yugoslavia by Austria) and the Ruthenians (who are Ucrainians, so closer to the Russians). Also, I'm yet to see a Transilvanian nation. Transilvania is just a region. It's like saying the Bavarian nation or theTexan nation.

Your welcome, and thank you for the offer, the sentement is mutual! Good luck my friend.

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow

The Tzar smiled.
"The Russian nation is of the same principles, Doctor. If we are all in agreement, then perhaps we should make it offical." The Grand Duke took out a large document and placed it infront of the Tzar, who scribbled an illegible signature in the space saying 'Tzar of the Russian Empire'. He placed the golden pen on the document and slid it over to the Japanese ambassidor, looking at him with anticipation.

>>Auf Deutsch, Naturlich<<

Your Majesty,
Your cousin, the Tzar Nicholas II of Russia wishes to invte you to the Winter Palace to outline a possible treaty between our two nations. Due to both our nations becoming close with the mighty Japanese, we believe it would be beneficial for us all to unite. Our nations were once close, its time to unify our peoples once again. Please reply,
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow.

Dr. Hiru was astounded. No one had even predicted it would go this fast. He looked at the Admiral who's face was calm but he saw in his eyes thathe was also surprised. He knew he had to check with Tokio first, otherwise the Emperor would never ratify the treaty.

Dr. Hiru:"Well, to be honest...I'll first have to check with Tokyo, otherwise the treaty may not be ratified by the government and the emperor, and we don't want that, neh? I'll return to the embassy immediantlyto contact Tokyo. The admiral can stay here of course."
Admiral Yutsushiko: "I will. Maybe I can talk about other things with His Majesty and Lu Hong meanwhile. I assume it won't take long Hiru-san?"
Dr. Hiru: "I will be back as soon as possible. I hope His Majesty and mister Lu Hong will have patience manwhile."

He waited for the Tzar's reply and left immediately (ooc. to speed things up, I assume you don't make any trouble). He sped towards the embassy, rushed inside and upstairs to the communications room. He immediately send a message to the imperial Palace and waited for a reply.

Meanwhile the Emperor listened to his son's translation. He nodded and said to his son.

Mutsuhito: "What do you think, Yutsuhito?"
Yutsuhito: "I think it is an honorable proposal. I'd at least make a NAP, an alliance may come later. I also advice you to purchase aeroplanes from Germany, and ask if they could build a factory for us. It would be very useful if we could produce planes in Japan itself."
Mutsuhito: "Ok, answer him that we'll agree with a NAP, but that we must think a little longer about an alliance. Also ask for an aeroplane deal, including the factory."

Yoshihito did as he was ordered to do and translate these things to the german ambassador.

Wallachia, as you call it, or Tara Romaneasca, as it is called in our language, is not a Slavic land, be it Southern or Northern. The Romanians are the descendants of the Roman colonists that came to this area 2000 years ago.OOC: And who left when the Romans abandoned the province of Dacia Trajana under pressure from the Goths in 271, relocating to Dacia Aureliana (better known as Moesia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moesia), and today called Bulgaria), after only 165 years of continuous settlement (which, BTW, was hardly enough time to fully colonize the region - thus the Roman colonists you refer to would have been no more than a few Imperial hangers-on, leaving the majority of the regions inhabitants to be the original Carpo-Dacian tribesmen). From that moment on, Transylvania was the possession of one Central Asia tribe after another.Thriughout the history, all the people moving through this region have come from the steppes and advanced to the South and West.OOC: Which is why, as explained above, the "proto-Romanians" fled from Dacia Trajana to avoid being overrun by the oncoming Goths, whose numbers and might were so great that they eventually shattered the Roman Empire itself.Why would the Romanians alone move contrary to this pattern?OOC: Because the great migrations from Central Asia ended with the arrival of the Hungarians and Bulgars in the 10th Century. Then, as with the Vikings of Scandinavia and almost every other nation living in the wilds of Northern and Eastern Europe, conversion to Christianity ended these people's lives of conquest and plunder (through its pacifying influence) and led within a century to the assumption of a pastoral existence everywhere on the part these newly converted peoples.Transilvania, being a plateau surrounded by mountains, was very well suited to the defence against the migratory tribes from th East, that's why the Romanians endured there, like other people did in mountanous regions - the Welsh and the Basques, for example.OOC: This is patent nonsense. If the mountains shielded these "Romanians" from invasion, then how is it that historical records clearly show the region falling to the Goths, and then the Huns, and then the Magyars? A mountain is no barrier if there is no one to defend its passes, and the truth is that these areas were too sparsely settled to be held against the great mass of horse-tribes pouring into Europe from Central Asia. That is a documented fact of history.Furthermore, our traditions and historical sources show that the two Romanian extrcarpathical states were founded by Romanians coming from Transilvania, which would be impossible without the Romanians already living there.OOC: Then your traditions and historical "sources" are wholly bogus, and indeed were probably manufactured - as were so many other "histories" - by nationalist romantics in the 19th Century, of the sort whose miserable "scholarship" (if you can call it that) alleged (for example) that the Scots were decendants of the ancient Scythians, because of the similarity in the two names.In conclusion, saying the Romanians moved south of the Danube and then north again is like claiming that the French, running from the invading Frankish Germanic tribes, moved south of the Pyrenes and then came back north. It's an absurd statement in both cases.OOC: <howls of derisive laughter>

Your own words implicitly admit the truth: that the "Vlasch" (a general exonymic term for anyone remotely Roman or Italian, as in "Welsh" for the survivors of Roman Britannia, "Walloon" for the survivors of Romanm Belgica, "Wlochy" for Italy itself and "Vlasch" or "Wallachian" for your people) were in fact driven back from the land their forefathers had begun to colonize by the invasion of the Goths, which was followed by the scourge of the Huns, into safer lands in present day Bulgaria, from whence they slowly made their way back north after the vast tide of humanity pouring in from the steppes had subsided.

Thus, we see the Wallachian principalities springing up on the north side of the Danube only in the 10th Century, with these groups spreading northward into Moldavia in the 12th and 13th Centuries. In contrast, history firmly establishes the Magyars as being in control of Transylvania from the 9th Century onward, with these lands being organized under their present government, the Crown of St. Stephen, in 1003 (records of the Church, held in Rome, confirm this beyond any possible doubt).Why would the Romanians alone move contrary to this patternOOC: Because herders frequently seek mountain-tops and follow mountain-ranges in an effort to find new pasturage, unlike settled peoples, who till the rich river basins and plains. This has been a known pattern in the Balkans for millenia, and manifests itself quite apart from the great movements of people that history prefers to follow. Thus, the Romanian migration into the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen has been largely an economic move, one that has manifested itself a few people at a time, over the centuries.I remember you also contested the existence of a Magyarization policy. To prove my point it is necessary only to provide you with the data from several of your own censuses.

Transilvania
Etnicyty/Year 1850 1900 1910
Romanians 59.5% 55.0% 53.7%
Magyars 26.0% 29.0% 31.6%
Germans 9.3% 11.9% 10.&%

The situation for our Romanian brothers is also serious - more serious, I might say - in Bucovina, a teritory that you occupied from Moldova in 1775. At that date, Romanians were the overwhelming majority. In 1848, they represented only 55.43%. In 1900, only 31.36%. The Romanians are still the most numerous nationality, but already they are no longer a majority.OOC: This data proves nothing and is entirely irrelvant besides. Wouldn't the natural consequence of urban industrialisation be an increase in the urban population? Germans and Magyars are the principal inhabitants of the cities, and as such one would expect that industrial delevopment would swell their numbers.

Not that this matters. You mistakenly believe that government should be based on ethnicity, as position which we have already totally rejected. Or were you planning claiming Cleveland next?Hoping that my arguments have changed your oppinion...OOC: Not a chanceTo the Kingdom or Roumania,

Spare us the recitation of so-called "histories" based on academic
work of the poorest quality.

It is regrettable that Roumania has chosen to make peaceful
relations with the Dual Monarchy contingent upon the surrender of
lands it has held for almost 1000 years. A more useful attitude
would be to accept today's borders as is and work toward a better
future.

In this spirit, the Dual Monarchy offers the Kingdom of Roumania
a non-aggression pact. If Roumania is willing to show its peaceful
intent by entering into such a compact, arrangements can be made
for our Foreign Ministers to meet in Budapest before the end of the
year (1911).

If this offer is not taken, it will not be [i]causus belli; it will,
however, demonstrate a hostile attitude on the part of the Kingdom
of Roumania toward the Dual Monarchy, and our foreign policies will
be adjusted accordingly.

Signed,

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the
Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen
OOC: As explained in my response to Serbia, history was used by everyone in the region as a political weapon. I am merely doing the same. My position on the origin of the Romanian peoples is the position taken by Hungarian scholars, and so would naturally be the official position of the k.u.k. We can debate it at length in the OOC thread, if you wish - I merely began the debate here so that people would understand that this kind of "scholarly" give and take was actually an important part of the Balkan political scene throughout the last half of the 19th Century and the whole of the 20th.

ooc. interesting debate NO, and maybe you'll start a world war, eventhough you do not want it.

The Tzar was happy that the negotiations were going so fast. If peace was secured quickly, he could spend more time on Russia, than on the rest of the world. He stood up after the Doctor left the room and walked over to the Grand Duke.
"Your dismissed Nikoli," he said, placing his hands on the Grand Duke's shoulders.
"But Tzar-" Nikoli began to object.
"I said 'dismissed'," the Tzar snapped. The Grand Duke lowered his head and rose to his feet.
"Yes, your Majesty," he said, bowing and leaving the room sheepishly. Once the door was closed, the Tzar smiled.
"Get these men some guest quarters," he ordered one of the servants in the room. He nodded and appeared over to the two ambassidors.
"Please follow me gentlemen," the servant said respectively. The two men rose, bowed to the Tzar and left the room.
"Admiral, could you join me please," the Tzar called as he left. The Japanese Admiral walked back in, closing the door behind him and sitting down again.
"I know what you're thinking. I'm going to fast. Understood. I know i am. We need this treaty to keep ourselves in the World Powers. We wish to grow strong, and we can only do this with your help. The Chinese are still a backward people, but with time they may be able to rise to our level. Imagine it Admiral: The combined forces of Asia. We would be unstoppable. Dont you agree?"

The Chinese Foreign Minister, Lu Hong, listened to the rapid exchanges between the Tsar of Russia and the two Japanese diplomats, noting every detail and important bit of information. As the Tsar began signing a piece of paper, then slid it over to the Japanese delegation, Lu Hong decided it was time for him to speal up on the behalf of his exalted Emperor.

"I do acknowledge that there has been bad blood between all three of us. We have been engaged in warfare with each other for a long time, yet we three are sitting here discussing a treaty. I believe that this does credit towards our civility, as we have not leaped at each other's throats in this conference room already.

China is under new leadership. A much more wise one, that has a lot of sense as opposed to the failed corrupt Manchu Dynasty. Most of our recent wars with each other occurred during the Manchu Dynasty, especially in the last century. The new Guozu Dynasty has no intentions of going to war with either one of your people. China prefers to focus on hostile Westerners, such as England, France, Germany, and the like who seeks to conquer Asia and crush all of our people under their heels.

My Emperor would be willing to sign this treaty on two conditions. First, our people are not to war amongst ourselves. Russia does not attack China or Japan, Japan does not attack Russia and China, and China does not attack Russia and Japan. Second, we must cooperate in endeavours aganist the English, French, German, and others, especially when it involves their Asian holdings.

Once we can agree on those two most critical things, then China will fully endorse this treaty."

Lu Hong leaned back, awaiting the response of the Russians and the Japanese.

>>Auf Deutsch, Naturlich<<

Your Majesty,
Your cousin, the Tzar Nicholas II of Russia wishes to invte you to the Winter Palace to outline a possible treaty between our two nations. Due to both our nations becoming close with the mighty Japanese, we believe it would be beneficial for us all to unite. Our nations were once close, its time to unify our peoples once again. Please reply,
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow.
Greetings Czar Nicholaus II, ruler of the Russian Empire and our friend.
His higness gladly accept your proposal and will begin his journey immediatly, with proper escort of course.

Naturally, but we request that you keep the deligation to two men (The Kiaser and one other) and that if travelling by ship, keep it to one light cruiser. This is not through distrust, but through lack of space, as all our ports are currently under renevation, our own navy has had to leave the ports temporarily. We hope you understand and that these arrangements are suitable. We look forward to your arrival.
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow.

Prior To Departure of Deligates:

The room was silent. The Tzar stood up.
"*ahem* Excuse me?" he said. "We agree with your first assessment, but we cannot agree with the second. We are allies with the English, and have no hostile intentions towards the Western powers of France and Germany, infact quite the opposite. We cannot wage war upon them, are we alone in this dilema, or will my Japanese counterpart agree with me? Why do you want them out, they are not attacking your country, nor mine. If we are alone in this assessment, so be it."

OOC: What too you so long China???

To the Emperor Guozu Zhuge of the Middle Kingdom,

In light of the reforms that are rapidly transforming your realm into a
modern state, the Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial
Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen
wish to relinquish to you our concession in the city of Tianjin, and in
place of that concession negotiate a comprehensive treaty pertaining
to trade, investment, travel, emigration, extraterritoriality and extra-
dition, and to do so on the same basis as we deal with other modern
nations.

Our ambassador is herewith grated plenipotentiary powers to negotiate
such an arrangement in our name.

Franz Josef I, Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia, and Apostolic King of
Hungary

Naturally, but we request that you keep the deligation to two men (The Kiaser and one other) and that if travelling by ship, keep it to one light cruiser. This is not through distrust, but through lack of space, as all our ports are currently under renevation, our own navy has had to leave the ports temporarily. We hope you understand and that these arrangements are suitable. We look forward to your arrival.
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow.We understand, and will limit the delegation to Wilhelm II von Hohenzollern, third Kaiser of the Grand German Empire and König of Prussia, and his most trusted advisor. They will arrive by carriage in a few weeks.

ooc. NO, shall I RP my delagation to Siam greeting the king and that you continue?

Admiral Yutsushiko (Dr Hiru as sped of to the embassy): "We are indeed on good terms with France, Germany and England. All of these countries are indeed considered friendly nations, even unofficial allies. I think that China as nothing to fear from Germany, maybe from France but you should always watch the Great British Empire. I do not mean it as a hostile threat against these countries, only our opinion of the threat level for us. And besides, Edward VII is a great and wise ruler, he won't declare war for nothing."

We look forward to his arrival, and the dawn of a new day for Russia and Germany alike.
Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow

Urgent message to the Japanese Embassy, for Dr. Hiru

Accept the proposal of alliance. It is a great benefit for us and our
nations. The Emperor has given his mandate, but aproach China about the
Plan 12 (ooc. Purchase of Manchuria and if possible Inner and Outer
Mongolia). Do not force China, they will not be initmidated.

We repeat, accept the proposal.

"The Admiral is right, King Edward VII would never declare war for no reason, neither would he wish to fight a war for no reason. And i can say the same for Kiaser Wilhelm of Germany, and indeed the French President. They are all honourable men. Is there any way to reconvince your Emperor, Lu Hong?"

OOC: Using my mystic powes of time alteration that no mere mortal can begin to comprehend I skipped the boring weeks that the journey consisted of and instead arrive at the Czar's palace in this post.

The servants announded that His Majesty Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert von Hohenzollern, Kaiser Wilhelm II of the Grand German Empire and König of Prussia had arrived, and with him his most trusted advisor.
The Kaiser stepped into the room and adressed the Czar:
''I greet you Nicolaus II, by the grace of God, , Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, of Moscow, Kiev, Vladimir, Novgorod, Tsar of Kazan, Tsar of Astrakhan, Tsar of Poland, Tsar of Siberia, Tsar of Tauric Khersones, Tsar of Grusia, Lord of Pskov, and Grand Duke of Smolensk, Lithuania, Volhynia, Podolia, and Finland, Prince of Estonia, Livonia, Courland and Semigalia, Samogitia, Bielostok, Korelia, Tver, Jugra, Perm, Vyatka, Bulgaria, and other territories; Lord and Grand Duke of Nizhni Novgorod, Chernigov; Ruler of Ryazan, Polotsk, Rostov, Jaroslavl, Bielozero, Udoria, Obdoria, Kondia, Vitebsk, Mstislav, and all northern territories ; Ruler of Iveria, Kartalinia, and the Kabardinian lands and Armenian territories - hereditary Ruler and Lord of the Cherkess and Mountain Princes and others; Lord of Turkestan, Heir of Norway, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein, Stormarn, Ditmarsch, Oldenburg, and so forth, and so forth, and so forth. You wanted to discuss matters with me that concern our two Empires, ja?

ooc. NO, shall I RP my delagation to Siam greeting the king and that you continue?Yes, start, and I'll pick up after you make your proposal. The ball is in your court.

Using my mystical powers of time travel i am able to go back and fourth between this meeting and the chinese/japanese one!

IC:
The Tzar cleared his throat and put on his best German accent and began speeking the language.
"Ja, mein Kiaser, how have you been? We wish to discuss a treaty to unite our two countrys in the spirit of co-operation und friendship. What do you say to a formal alliance, dear cousin. Fur dem Deutschen volke, eh?" He said, putting his hand out

Using my mystical powers of time travel i am able to go back and fourth between this meeting and the chinese/japanese one!

IC:
The Tzar cleared his throat and put on his best German accent and began speeking the language.
"Ja, mein Kiaser, how have you been? We wish to discuss a treaty to unite our two countrys in the spirit of co-operation und friendship. What do you say to a formal alliance, dear cousin. Fur dem Deutschen volke, eh?" He said, putting his hand out
''An alliance would greatly benefit our two countries, that is true. But first I must ask you what your stance is concerning the Balkan affairs and second, I must ask you what your stance is towards Japan.'' the Kaiser replied.

Lu Hong listened to the Tsar and the Japanese Admiral before continuing.

"I may have phrased it wrong, and please accept my apologies for that.

What I meant is that the British and French have considerable assets in Asia, and should they enter a war with any one of the three of us, the British and French bases in Asia would give them easy access to attack China and possibly Japan.

China has long memories of un-welcome British and French interference, most notably in the Opium Wars and the Boxer Rebellion. China does not want any British or French dominion over Asia, for they will use that to interfere with Chinese, Japanese, and Russian sovereignty. Germany seized a major Chinese city, Tienstin, during the Boxer Rebellion, and China does not forget that. If Germany chooses to interfere with Chinese affairs again then China will have no choice but to defend itself.

To put it bluntly, China's three rivals with bad blood in Europe are the British, French, and Germans. Most other Europeans are of no consquence to China, such as Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Italy, and so forth.

Once again, I speak on the behalf of my sovereign Emperor that if there should be any future British, French, or German interference, invasions, or aggression aganist China as they have done so in the past, then my stipulation shall take effect. However, if Britain, France, and Germany stay in Europe and do not interfere with Chinese affairs, then there shouldn't be any problems.

I hope that has clarified my position on this issue."

To the Emperor Guozu Zhuge of the Middle Kingdom,

In light of the reforms that are rapidly transforming your realm into a
modern state, the Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial
Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen
wish to relinquish to you our concession in the city of Tianjin, and in
place of that concession negotiate a comprehensive treaty pertaining
to trade, investment, travel, emigration, extraterritoriality and extra-
dition, and to do so on the same basis as we deal with other modern
nations.

Our ambassador is herewith grated plenipotentiary powers to negotiate
such an arrangement in our name.

Franz Josef I, Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia, and Apostolic King of
Hungary

Comminque to Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary
From: Emperor Guozu Zhuge

Greetings.

I am honored that you have decided to approach the Chinese people with an offer of diplomacy and discussions regarding Chinese modernization and more interaction with your proud people.

I would like to invite your diplomats to the Forbidden Palace in Peking, so we may begin discussions, and also so that you may be able to see Chinese modernization firsthand. It is my hope that our two peoples may improve relations, and perhaps even enrich each other through trade.

Thank you.
~Emperor Guozu Zhuge

OOC: And who left when the Romans abandoned the province of Dacia Trajana under pressure from the Goths in 271, relocating to Dacia Aureliana (better known as Moesia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moesia), and today called Bulgaria), after only 165 years of continuous settlement (which, BTW, was hardly enough time to fully colonize the region - thus the Roman colonists you refer to would have been no more than a few Imperial hangers-on, leaving the majority of the regions inhabitants to be the original Carpo-Dacian tribesmen). From that moment on, Transylvania was the possession of one Central Asia tribe after another.

Trajan didn't just conquer Dacia. This province was the most intensively colonized province in the Roman Empire and the great majority of the colonists came right after the conquest, so it could have been 165 or 1000 years, it's still irelevant for the number of colonists. And, strictly speaking, Dacia Aureliana didn't replace Moesia. It was created from a portion of Moesia to give the impession that the empire is not shrinking. "Look, we haven't retreated from Dacia, we still have that province!" "But it was north of the Danube. Now it is to the south?" "Details, details."

OOC: Which is why, as explained above, the "proto-Romanians" fled from Dacia Trajana to avoid being overrun by the oncoming Goths, whose numbers and might were so great that they eventually shattered the Roman Empire itself.

I don't remember hearing about the Spanish leaving Spain because of the Visigoths or Italians leaving Italy because of the Ostrogoths. Btw, the Goths are Germanics and you said Transilvania was ruled by Central Asian tribes. Just nitpicking. I'm sure it was just a figure of speech. :)

OOC: Because the great migrations from Central Asia ended with the arrival of the Hungarians and Bulgars in the 10th Century. Then, as with the Vikings of Scandinavia and almost every other nation living in the wilds of Northern and Eastern Europe, conversion to Christianity ended these people's lives of conquest and plunder (through its pacifying influence) and led within a century to the assumption of a pastoral existence everywhere on the part these newly converted peoples.

The Bulgarians arrived in the 7th century and the migrations didn't end after the Hungarians' arrival. The Pechenegs and later the Cumans raided the steppes.

OOC: This is patent nonsense. If the mountains shielded these "Romanians" from invasion, then how is it that historical records clearly show the region falling to the Goths, and then the Huns, and then the Magyars? A mountain is no barrier if there is no one to defend its passes, and the truth is that these areas were too sparsely settled to be held against the great mass of horse-tribes pouring into Europe from Central Asia. That is a documented fact of history.

Sorry. I didn't mean to suggest there was an independent Romanian state occupying the entire Transilvania fighting bravely against the barbarians from the steppes. :) But probably there were small political entities enduring in the mountains, which certainly weren't well suited for "the great mass of horse-tribes". I have used the analogy with Wales and the Basque country and I will use it again. These regions, also, have never known a united state. They have always been divided into several small states, maybe because of the fragmented nature of the teritory. And the Goths, the Huns or the Magyars are mentioned in Byzantine or Western chronicles simply because they were making themselves known (as in invading, raping and pillaging, of course :p ).

OOC: Then your traditions and historical "sources" are wholly bogus, and indeed were probably manufactured - as were so many other "histories" - by nationalist romantics in the 19th Century, of the sort whose miserable "scholarship" (if you can call it that) alleged (for example) that the Scots were decendants of the ancient Scythians, because of the similarity in the two names.

It's Hungarian historical sources. The Romanians were not writing very much at the time. And I can also give you as circumstantial evidence the placing of Wallachia's and Moldova's capital cities. In the begining, they are in the mountains, close to the border with Transilvania and they move into the plains gradually, in several stages.

OOC: <howls of derisive laughter>

Your own words implicitly admit the truth: that the "Vlasch" (a general exonymic term for anyone remotely Roman or Italian, as in "Welsh" for the survivors of Roman Britannia, "Walloon" for the survivors of Romanm Belgica, "Wlochy" for Italy itself [in the Polish tongue] and "Vlasch" or "Wallachian" for your people) were in fact driven back from the land their forefathers had begun to colonize by the invasion of the Goths, which was followed by the scourge of the Huns, into safer lands in present day Bulgaria, from whence they slowly made their way back north after the vast tide of humanity pouring in from the steppes had subsided.

How did I admit that? :confused: I didn't say the French actually migrated to Spain. It was an example to show how absurd this sounds. The French were not pushed into Spain by the Franks. Why would the Romanians be pushed into Bulgaria by the Goths?

Thus, we see the Wallachian principalities springing up on the north side of the Danube only in the 10th Century, with these groups spreading northward into Moldavia in the 12th and 13th Centuries. In contrast, history firmly establishes the Magyars as being in control of Transylvania from the 9th Century onward, with these lands being organized under their present government, the Crown of St. Stephen, in 1003 (records of the Church, held in Rome, confirm this beyond any possible doubt).

Again, I have to repeat the Hungarians made themselves known by invading Western Europe. The Romanians stayed in their mountains, so nobody heard about them.

OOC: Because herders frequently seek mountain-tops and follow mountain-ranges in an effort to find new pasturage, unlike settled peoples, who till the rich river basins and plains. This has been a known pattern in the Balkans for millenia, and manifests itself quite apart from the great movements of people that history prefers to follow. Thus, the Romanian migration into the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen has been largely an economic move, one that has manifested itself a few people at a time, over the centuries.

Why do you think Romanians were only herders? And if they were, why couldn't they have remained in the Carpathians on its mountain-tops? Any horse-army would have found it impossible to follow them there. And if the Romanians came from the Balcan peninsula, why the are the Vlachs in Northern Greece and the Romanians from Romania-proper separated by a wide stretch of land uninhabited by any Romanian?

OOC: This data proves nothing and is entirely irrelvant besides. Wouldn't the natural consequence of urban industrialisation be an increase in the urban population? Germans and Magyars are the principal inhabitants of the cities, and as such one would expect that industrial delevopment would swell their numbers.

Why is it irelevant? The natural consequence of urban industrialization is an increase of the urban population through migration from rural areas, not because the city inhabitants start having more children. The contrary is true, actually, so, all things being equal, the numbers of the Germans and Hungarians should decrease, since they live mostly in the cities.

Not that this matters. You mistakenly believe that government should be based on ethnicity, as position which we have already totally rejected. Or were you planning claiming Cleveland next?

On what basis was Hungary created in 1867? The Hungarians wanted to rule all the teritories inhabited by Hungarians.

OOC: As explained in my response to Serbia, history was used by everyone in the region as a political weapon. I am merely doing the same. My position on the origin of the Romanian peoples is the position taken by Hungarian scholars, and so would naturally be the official position of the k.u.k. We can debate it at length in the OOC thread, if you wish - I merely began the debate here so that people would understand that this kind of "scholarly" give and take was actually an important part of the Balkan political scene throughout the last half of the 19th Century and the whole of the 20th.[/b]

You have made your position known. I have made my position known. I don't think I'll manage to persuade you of my oppinion and I'm sure you won't persuade me. Unless you reopen it, I consider the debate is over.


To the Dual Monarchy,

We can accept today's borders, but not the agressive policy of assimilation led against the Romanians from Transilvania, Bucovina, Banat and Partium. I have nothing against the Romanians learning Hungarian, but they must also be able to use their language in schools and in the local administration. You have already granted similar rights to the Czechs. Would it be so difficult to extend them to thr Romanians? The Hungarian laws already stipulate that the minorities are to be allowed schools in their own language and bilingual local administration, wherever possible. Because of these two words, the Hungarians continue to ignore the first part of the law. We can't accept a non-aggresion pact while you are figting a cultural war against the Romanians living in your country. If these words will be eliminated and we'll se Romanian schools and bilingual Hungarian-Romanian and German-Romanian local administration, your proposal of a non-aggresion pact will be accepted. We can't accept a non-aggresion pact while you are figting a cultural war against the Romanians living in your country.

The Tzar smiled a little and closed his eyes, sighing deeply. "We will come to your aid if attacked, but as i have said before, we are not going to fight eachother's battles. If your Emperor begins a war with France, Germany or Great Britain, the treaty is null. Its the same for ourselves and the Japanese. We wont help you in a war you start, or prevoke. Apart from those situations, we will assist you, or one another. Is that suitable?"

"Ahh yes the Japanese. Honourable people, they are fantastic at Russian. Do you know the Japanese ambassidors learnt Russian in less than a week! We are currently in proceedings to form an alliance with them. And as for the Balkan crisis...we wish to keep well away from it. That...that is a very dangerous place at the moment, we dont want to interfere. And yourself, Kiaser?"

"Ahh yes the Japanese. Honourable people, they are fantastic at Russian. Do you know the Japanese ambassidors learnt Russian in less than a week! We are currently in proceedings to form an alliance with them. And as for the Balkan crisis...we wish to keep well away from it. That...that is a very dangerous place at the moment, we dont want to interfere. And yourself, Kiaser?"
''I myself have no interest in the Balkan at this moment, though our ally, the Dual Monarch of Austria-Hungary has expressed his interest. I see no reason why we wouldn't sign this alliance and I will happily come to aid my Russian brothers, should they need it.''

The Tzar smiled a little and closed his eyes, sighing deeply. "We will come to your aid if attacked, but as i have said before, we are not going to fight eachother's battles. If your Emperor begins a war with France, Germany or Great Britain, the treaty is null. Its the same for ourselves and the Japanese. We wont help you in a war you start, or prevoke. Apart from those situations, we will assist you, or one another. Is that suitable?"

Lu Hong nodded.

"That is acceptable.

China simply does not want British, French, or German interference, aggression, or dominance in China or the Asia region ever again, after the Boxer Rebellion and the Opium Wars. China has no plans on invading Britain, France, nor Germany, thus, they will inevitably be the agressors, not China. In such a situation, Russian and Japanese aid would ensure the survival of Asia aganist said aggression by the other Europeans.

That is my point in its most basic form possible."

To the Kingdom of Roumania,

Your refusal to accept our offer of a non-aggression pact implies
a desire to attack us at some future date. The world will note
your aggressive intent and judge you accordingly; in addition, you
have recieved fair warning that any attack on our soil will provoke
a response, not only from ourselves, but from our allies.

Signed,

The Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the
Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of St. Stephen

Admiral Yutsushiko: "I agree. It is certainly true that those countries hold a strong presence in Asia, even in China itself!
( http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/chin1910.htm )
What should we do about that, my dear Lu Hong? Large parts of the country are spheres of influence of France, Britain and China and, I admit, of Japan and Russia. Do you have any plans for to get control of entire China?"

The Kingdom of the United Netherlands would like to express its relief that tensions between France and Germany, and that there is no possibility of being caught in the midst of a war between them. Holland is eager to join the Grand Alliance of continental Europe.

When the admiral was just finished with speaking Dr. Hiru entered the room again. He was clearly excited and he began to speak rapidly to Admiral Yutsushiko in Japanese, explaining everything, including the Machuria proposal (this in codewords ofcourse). He then turned to the Czar and Hu Long and said.

Dr. Hiru: "My dear friends. Tokyo has accepted! I may sign the treaty."

Lu Hong responded in a quiet, yet firm voice.

"My sovereign Emperor does not want any part of China to be held by Europeans, nor have any part of China become subverted by Britain, France, or Germany. Towards this end, the Emperor is prepared to undertake any means necessary to make China whole again.

Allow me to pose a question to the both of you regarding both of your countries.

How would you feel if Japan was partitioned into pieces? Or if you had Westerners rolling over what you hold dear? What about your culture, traditions, society, and people? The same goes for Russia.

Once China is fully free of British, French, German, and other European influences, then China can become a powerful ally. Just imagine, if Russia is in need of supplies should it find itself fighting the whole of Europe, then Russia will be able to defeat Europe with China's assistance.

The same goes for Japan. From what I know, your people are somewhat resource starved. If you find yourselves in a war with an European, or an American nation, you will be able to prevail with the aid of the Chinese people with their industry and resources.

I truly believe that if Russia, China, and Japan were to unite, then the fate of Europe and the rest of the world shall be sealed. We, the Asians, are the rightful rulers of the world. We have been around as a civilized people for thousands of years, before Britain, France, Germany, and even the Ancient Romans were loose groups of barbarian tribes.

Why should we bow to Britain, France, and Germany if they are the newborns compared to us Elder Civilizations?"

Kreynoria']The Kingdom of the United Netherlands would like to express its relief that tensions between France and Germany, and that there is no possibility of being caught in the midst of a war between them. Holland is eager to join the Grand Alliance of continental Europe.The Dual Monarchy (k.u.k) welcomes the Kingdom of the United Netherlands into our Grand Alliance and urges the other members (France, Germany, and Italy) to embrace this initiative as well!

Oman, five days before the Arab has said he is to leave the territories

The Governors House was modest, compared to some of those found in other parts of the empire. It stood only two floors high, and was only slightly larger than a normal town house in Islington in London. However this was marked as special, not only because it held the highest ranking British officer in the area, but because it was also brand new. The Governor sat outside drinking tea on a small section of plush green grass that had been imported from England and was then kept watered by some advanced irrigation. If there wasn’t the heat the Governor could have been in the garden of his previous home in Surrey.

Alas here he was stifling in the heat of some God forsaken colony somewhere on the shipping route between England and India. But it was better than malaria ridden Africa. At least here he got to see the occasional ship of the Royal Navy as it transited either to or from England.

Now he could see approaching the path a pair of British Officers of the Colonial Battalion stationed at the nearby fort. With them the man in white he supposed was one of the Saud, noble warriors no doubt but were they of the type that Britain would befriend. If it caused menace to France, or better still Germany, that may divert their attention away from building the navy and so threatening England directly it was worth it. At least that was what Whitehall had decided when it handed over the weapons, even though they had been paid handsomely for them he was still not completely at ease with giving weapons to tribes who could quite easily simply turn them on the British. He supposed that they were men of honour, a trait he hoped to discover during the course of their meeting.

As the party approached he stood in the shade offered by the large umbrella that covered his table and the three chairs arrayed around it, and offered his hand to the visitor……

HMS Southampton, anchored off the docks close to St Petersburg


Edward VII remained in his bed, doctors in close attendance. They were all rather worried about the King, who had been in perfect health at the start of the voyage. One of them looked out of a porthole in the cabin and saw a motor launch approaching.

In the motor launch came the Prince of Wales, with about half of the party that had originally gone ashore with him. The rest along with the Foreign Secretary would be staying to meet with the Tzar, and then go on with him to America when the time came.

As soon as the Prince and his party were onboard Southampton began hauling up the anchor, the giant coal bunkers were already feeding the engines that were ready to take the armoured cruiser back to Portsmouth where the Royal party would disembark, their personal train was already waiting in a siding to take them to wherever the sick King desired.





British Naval Base, Singapore


Admiral Lord Leighton Newcastle paced the forward deck of the brand new Battlecruiser HMS Inflexible, the new flagship of the British Pacific Fleet. His spotless white uniform, complete with standard issue navy shorts, shone in the bright sun as he walked back towards the bridge. Aft of him a set of crewmen were scrubbing the top of a turret, not because it particularly needed it but because it gave them something to do.

In a few hours the Battlecruiser, along with the Cruiser’s HMS Aurora and Orion would leave port and go to gunnery practice with all of the weapons available to them. The admiralty had issued new instructions to increase the training of the already well trained and disciplined Royal Navy, especially in Gunnery skills. To replace the shells that would be expended on these two days of day and night firing a ship had left the Med Fleet base at Malta and was heading to Singapore full of 11” shells and a variety of others for the ships smaller armaments.

There had been rumours that some of the ships of the Pacific Fleet, or possibly of China Station, would be visiting Siam in the near future. These were being dispelled by the officers to the men, however there was a feeling that a voyage there would be soon to occur after the foreign office issued a memo for the Navy to be alert of Japanese or French vessels sighted in the area.

Article from Stockholm Daily Newspaper

This morning saw an emergency calling up of the Riksdag to see to allegations about the King, specifically about his extramarital...affairs. Previously in Sweden, as with most nations, such things have been ignored, but there is a special case with our current monarch. Two nights ago, King Gustav was caught in a guest bedroom of the palace by one of his guards in bed...with one of his manservants. The allegations have forced the Riksdag to come together and consider whether they want this Monarch to stain the great reputation of Sweden. Also, the entire Bernadotte family has been called together in Stockholm to consider these allegations against their family members.

More details will be provided as soon as possible.

Russia, England, and China IM me on aim - Obrian9819 so talk about our forway conference and figure out when to have it then when we agree on a time I will set up a chatroom

Sorry, i dont have IM, i have MSN, is dat ok?? Anyone wants to add me from the 4-way and i can relay my stuff to them...apocalypse_engineer@hotmail.com

The Tzar smiled at Lu Hong as the document was passed over to him.
"I am glad Japan has signed. Your Emperor is extremely wise, Admiral. He knows a good deal when he sees one." The two men bowed. "And Lu Hong," he continued, sighing gently. "You must understand, we realize the problem, and empathise with your predicament, but unless you use diplomatic actions to remove the Europeans, we can support you. However if you use military strategies, the treaty is void. That is as simple as I can put it, my friend. We do not want to get into a war. This conference is discussing peace, not how to begin a war. Is this suitable with your Emperor"

"Ahh mein Kiaser, this is music to my ears! We prepose an alliace of trade, military support and understanding, cultural blending, industrial development, and two-way assistance in increasing military strength of both our nations. Come, we shall discuss it more over Linzensuppe, i know it's your favourite." The Kiasers eyes widened and he grinned, following the Tzar closely!!

OOC: Who doesnt like Linzensuppe!?

The Admiralty, Whitehall


Around one of the many large tables in the Admiralty were gathered some of the most powerful men on the planet. Present were the Commanders of the Home Fleet, and the Battlecruiser Squadron, Admirals Jellicoe and Beatty as well as most of the Cabinet and several members of the Admiralty staff.

This meeting was merely a formality, the decision to build the vessels had been made in effect by Germany and her naval expansion. So the keel’s of five Iron Duke Class Battleships were to be laid down at shipyards across the country. The ships would have ten 13.5” main guns, and a secondary armament of 6” guns. They had been slightly redesigned to be capable of speeds up to 22knots and now had five submerged torpedo tubes as opposed to the four originally proposed.

After this was stamped a man in the uniform of a Commander picked up a telephone and made a call to the yard to get the process moving as quickly as possible, even an hour earlier would be good for these vessels.

They then decided to authorize the production of two more Invincible Class Battlecruisers, and eight more Minotaur Class Armoured Cruisers. A board of less important men would decide how many more destroyers the Royal Navy would commission this year.

Admiral Yutsushiko: "If Japan was divided and split up by colonial powers, not that would ever happen, I would be angered and I would not rest untill Japan was Japan again. But it'll never happen, for a few reasons. The Japanese population would never accept a foreign ruler. Japan is too strong and as China said, resource poor, so it isn't worthwile as colony."

Dr. Hiru: "I agree with Admiral Hiru. Dear Lu Hong , would you like to visit the Japanese Embassy and perhaps join us in a lunch or dinner?"

In Siam the delagation was on its way to the palace to meet the King. Lt. General Fukuoka had asked Admiral Togo to join them. He was very famous in the world after defeating the Russian Baltic Fleet at the battle of Tsushima. Maybe it could persuade the King. After a short trip they arrived at the palace and entered it. The walked long through the corridors and then entered the throne room. The entire delagation bowed deep to the King

Lt. Gen. Fukuoka: "We bring you greetings from the Son of Heaven, your Majesty. We would also like to talk about certain things."

The Tzar smiled at Lu Hong as the document was passed over to him.
"I am glad Japan has signed. Your Emperor is extremely wise, Admiral. He knows a good deal when he sees one." The two men bowed. "And Lu Hong," he continued, sighing gently. "You must understand, we realize the problem, and empathise with your predicament, but unless you use diplomatic actions to remove the Europeans, we can support you. However if you use military strategies, the treaty is void. That is as simple as I can put it, my friend. We do not want to get into a war. This conference is discussing peace, not how to begin a war. Is this suitable with your Emperor"

Lu Hong responded to the Tsar as the treaty papers were being handed to him.

"I support this treaty and its principles. China is not seeking to start a war, as it has no desire to become the aggressor. However, England and France may start a war if diplomatic options fail, thus this is my concern. It will be England and France who will initiate any war aganist China, not the other way around."

Lu Hong took a quick glance over the treaty papers, and noted the signatures of the Tsar and the Japanese Admiral Yutsushiko, with a blank third space. Lu Hong took the pen and delicately signed his name upon the treaty in Chinese characters.

Lu Hong looked up towards the Tsar.

"It has been said, thus let it be done."

At that moment, the Japanese delegation offered Lu Hong lunch at their embassy. Hong was immediately suspicious, as the Japanese were long-time enemies.

What if they take this opporunity to murder me? Or have an 'accident' befall me? If I accept, I will be heading into the tiger's den, of there is little hope of escaping if something goes wrong. But on the other hand, with great risks comes great rewards. Besides, if the Japanese did try something here in Russia, it would reflect badly upon the Japanese in the eyes of the Russians. I know what I need to do.

Lu Hong looked straight at Admiral Yutsushiko as he pushed the treaty papers back to Tsar Nicolas II.

"I will accept the lunch invitation. Our people need to start improving relatiosn with each other at one point or another, and we might as well take this opporunity to do so."

The Forbidden Palace, Peking.

Emperor Guozu Zhuge went over several reports, analyzing their contents and information about the ongoing reforms in China. An court attendant walked up to the Emperor's throne, and knelt before the Emperor. The Emperor took a minute to finish reading a page on the report before he noticed the court attendant.

"Rise. What is the purpose of your visit?"

The attendant slowly rose to his feet, and spoke quietly and reverently.

"The ambassadors from the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary are here."

The Emperor arched an eyebrow, somewhat surprised at how quickly the Austrian diplomats arrived.

"Send them in for an audience. Dismissed."

The attendant bowed and glided out of the Emperor's throne chamber effortlessly, without making a sound.

Stockholm Daily Newspaper

King Gustav V Diposed!

After an astounding 6 day trail, it was announced by members of the Riksdag that by an overwhealming majority of 310-39, King Gustav V is no longer permitted to hold the Swedish Crown.

This stunning verdict was brought on by the sordid and gut-wrenching evidence provided by state prosecuters revealing that King Gustav has indeed, carried on multiple, usually intimate relationships with various male servants of his court, all while maintain a facade of happiness and romance with his beloved wife. In his defense, Gustav claimed that: "made virtually no difference to his marriage" and that: "These relationships have not and will never influence my judgement."

However, the Prosecution shot back, claiming that these affairs prove the "mental instability" of King Gustav and that 'this unspeakable atrocity is a disgrace to the Swedish people."

In the end, members of the Riksdag, called into emergency session to debate on the proceedings of the trail and the punishment of the King, took only 30 minutes to decide on their verdict.

Now, with a vacant throne and King Gustav V in route to his estate near Goteborg, intense debate has arisen on which of the former King's three sons is to take the throne. Already, Prince Wilhelm at his home near Smalandia, has offered his candidacy for the throne while his older brother, Prince Gustav, has condemned the trial, claiming that it was "biased and unjust" and he will "uphold his Father's throne against all who may defile it" referring to his younger, more ambitious brother who in times past he has called a "Scoudrel" and a "Right-wing lunatic."

With tensions heating up in Stockholm, it may not be long until the struggle becomes violent.

Cuba officially U.S. territory

With anti imperialists rioting in the streets, and Bussiness owners celebrating in their offices, it was either way, an intersting day for Americans when President Roosevelt anounced that Cuba was officially a United States territory without a shot having been fired.
Cuba is has been eyed by imperialists since the end of the Spanish-American war, when we set up Bussiness all across the island. Cuba has been viewed with hungry eyes by Bussinesses because of its rich land riddled with resources and tropical fruit. To the analyists, however; it isnt the the land we are claming, its the proof that were continuing along an imperial path. But, with only a small minority of anti imperialists opposing American imperialism, it is seen as a good move by the American people.
Also, like Vice President Aaron Rosen stated, we are helping the people whos land we claim. We bring all the wonders of a first world nation to these 3rd world lands. At the word go, the government and companies alike set up all sorts of facilities across the island. From schools, police stations, hospitals, and fire stations, to Stadiums, recreational facilities, ports, and military bases.
In conclusion, it can be sumed up that, emperialism is not only a good thing for our country, but a blessing for the unfortunate 3rd worlders whos lands we claim. We can only hope that America continues its imperialistic spree.

James Carver, The Washington Post

Now the Japanese/Chinese deal was signed, and United Asia was inevatible, the Tzar had a feast fit for kings prepared. The Japanese and Chinese ambassidors were meeting privatly, this disturbed the Tzar. What if they plotted against him? Luckily the German diplomats were on their way, and the American conference was comming. Russia had powerful allies. It was time to make Russia strong again. Stronger than anyone else. The Tzar didnt want recognition as an industrialized nation. He wanted nothing short of recognition as a Super power. And nothing would stand in his way!

Peles Castle, Sinaia, Romania

We are witnessing the weekly meeting between the Romanian prime-minister and the king, Carol I.

The elderly monarch has a worried expression on his old face.

"It has reached my years that you have made several aggresive proposals to our neighbours, the Austrians."
"Indeed, Your Highness, but.."
"Don't interrupt me". The king raised his voice. "You know very well we don't have the military strength to back these claims. You also know the Austrian emperor is allied with the German Kaiser, my cousin and France seems to have joined this alliance."
"These reasons alone should have been enough to prevent you from acting foolishly, but it looks like you need more. After the war of independence of 1877, we have entered a secret alliance with Germany and Austria, to which Italy joined later." The prime-minister gasped, but the king ignored him. "It has remained a secret known only to myself and the prime-minister at the time, because, as you know, the Romanians are overwhelmingly pro-French and the scandal would have been enormous had the treaty become public news."
"But w-why did you do that, Your Majesty?", stutterd the prime-minister.
"What do you know? You were just a young boy at the time. We had just won our independence. The international situation was still volatile. And we were not yet recognised as an independent state by many european countries, Russia included. Its armies were station at our borders. I had to do something.I used my personal connections with the Kaiser to preserve our independence and joined his alliance with Austria-Hungary. You see now why you did such a big mistake?", concluded Carol I.
"I see, Your Highness, but it seemed like such a good moment! Serbia had just issued similar requests and I hoped we could use our combined pressure to obtain a better treatment for the Romanians and Slavs living in the Empire. Unfortunately, Serbia backed away and ...". His voice trailed away.
"On the brighter side", he said with renewed energy, "we can repell any attack made by Austria-Hungary alone. The Carpathian mountains are high and we can defend the passes with half the men we have. Of course", he hurried to add seeing his monarch's expression, "we will give them no reason to attack us."
"You'd better. I don't want to ask my cousin again for help, like I did 30 years ago. Once in a lifetime is more than enough. And how would you feel about finally making the alliance public?"
The prime-minister scratched his chin and looked ou the window. He seemed reluctant to disagree with the king.
"Your majesty, the Romanian people still care very little for the Austrians and even less for the Hungarians. The announcement would cause an enormous uproar. Even your dinasty might be in danger. Remember the public reaction from 1870 against you, a German, when Prussia attacked France?"
"And yet France is now allied with Germany."
"Indeed, but only because Germany returned the two provinces occupied in 1870. The Dual Monarchy hasn't done anyting similar. This is what the common people will think."
Now it it was the monarch's turn to gaze through the window. After a long silence, he said:
"Very well. For the moment, we'll do as you say. The alliance will remain a secret." He raised from his chair. "This meeting is over. Good by."
The prime-minister saluted king Carol and left the chamber. He was worried. The king was not aware of how serious a threat to his rule was that alliance.

OOC 1: I didn't invent that secret alliance. It really existed, but, as in the case of Italy, things changed after the begining of the war. The king made the alliance public and wanted to join the war against the Entente, but the public oppinion was so stronly opposed to his intention, that he had to change his mind.

OOC 2: Where is Slavic Byzantium? I was invited by him to a secret meeting in Athens with all the Balcan states. I guess I'll have to hold the meeting only with Bulgaria, Greece and Montenegro. :p

The Tzar signed the sheet unhappily. Twelve carrages. Twelve! It was not something any King should have to do, especially the Tzar of Russia. But then again it was for Russia. The Carrages, made of solid gold, would be melted down, sold on the international market, and the money would go into the rebuilding of the social sector in Russia. The Tzar was afraid of the Bolsheviks, they held alot of power. The only way to please them was either abdication, or more for the peasants. This deal would end their struggle. Since abdication was out of the question completely, it would have to be the latter. Two hours after the Prince announced the new bill in the Square, there was rejoycing all over the Empire. The Russian people had began to dispise the Tzars because of their bad treatment of the peasants. That was about to change in a policy the Palace was calling ''A Hammer and a Sickle for Every Russian Citizen...Within Five Years''. The Tzar was glad that Russian children would recieve educations similar to those of the British or of the Germans. They deserved a place in the spotlights just as much as the westerners. He was glad that they would also serve him again now that their Tzar was looking out for them...Tsar, depicted as a child in an oversized hat, sits on the ground and weeps as one of his golden carriages is hauled away with a sign on the window proclaiming "SOLD!".

Behind the Tsar is the Winter Palace, in front of which are parked a score of carriages. Above the Tsar are his thoughts: "Alas! Now I only have 38 of them in which to ride!"

Meanwhile, behind the Winter Palace and the Tsar's back, a evil-looking monk - Rasputin - tiptoes away with a bag full of gold."The Tsar is treading a very dangerous course," said Count Lexa von Aehrenthal (http://www.geocities.com/veldes1/aehrenthal2.jpg) to his host, Baron Leopold Berchtold (http://www.geocities.com/veldes1/berchtold.jpg). "He appears to believe that a small infusion of gold will correct the vast systemic issues that afflict his empire. Of course, he is wrong, and natürlich, he will fail."

"And that's not a good thing?" offered Baron Berchtold.

"No, it is not," replied Count Aehrenthal. "Better no reform than a little. Our dear Tsar Nicholas does not seem to realise that - by this simple gesture - he has granted legitimacy to the political program of the Socialists. When it fails - as it must - he will have to do more."

"If he can," mused Berchtold.

"Oh, he can," said Aehrenthal, pausing to take a sip of his coffee, and then waving the cup at his host. "Vorzüglich! Give Maria my compliments ... but as I was saying, good Leopold, he can - but the cost!"

He lowered his cup and fixed his host and protegé in the eye. "Are you familiar with the theories of Karl Marx?"

Baron Berchtold was startled. "Really," he began, in the defencive, "I don't put much stock in what the Socialists say..."

"Nor do I," agreed Berchtold, "But the great Chinese general Sun Tzu said that we should know our enemies. So I've grown quite familiar with Marx and this Lenin, his ideological heir."

"Most people - including most Socialists, by the way - believe that the 'Great Workers' Revolution' will start in Germany, England, or America," he began, and noticed Berchtold nodding in agreement, having heard this too. "But Marx and Lenin, in a series of letters written in the last years before the old German's death - agreed that it would happen first in Russia."

"Russia?!?" said Berchtold, with obvious surprise. "But Russia is too backward..."

"Russia," said Count Aehrenthal softly, "Has the most pronounced set of class differences in Europe, not to mention the most autocratic government. Everywhere else, workers have some hope of dragging themselves up into the ranks of the what Marx derisively termed the 'bourgouisie'. But not in Russia. Without serious, structural reform - of a sort that can only be achieved by the reconstruction of the current system in the most radical way imaginable - the lower classes have no hope at all of higher aspirations. None!"

"Then the Tsar's plan is doomed," exclaimed Berchtold. "What's the problem?"

"The plan he conceives of today is doomed," Aehrenthal agreed. "Which means he will be forced to draw up a new plan. A more radical plan."

Berchtold looked puzzled, so Aehrenthal continued. "In Russia, it's all about class and birth. You're either one of the elite or you're nothing. And above it all is the Tsar, running a government that is utterly despotic. Now, the aristocrats - the offspring of the boyars that Ivan the Terrible sought to bring to heel - still try to challenge the Romanovs. They do this through the Duma - which is ineffectual - and they do this through a set of internal alliances. Of course the Tsar can't trust any of them, any more than Ivan did - yet together they still don't have the power to restrain him in the way that other European monarchs are restrained."

Aehrenthal saw Berchtold's shock, and so continued before his host could speak. "It's true, mein freund! Our beloved Kaiser and King can't spend a dime unless he gets legislative approval, and neither can any of the other Crowned Heads of Europe. Except for the Tsar, that is." He paused to sip more coffee before continuing. "The Duma is worthless, as I said. The Tsar doesn't need it. Still, it, tries to rein him in, and will continue to do so until it succeeds or it is gone."

"That," said the Count with emphasis, "Is the central struggle of Russian court politics. And given that the ideology du jour is socialism - it is all the rage, you know - why should it be any surprise that even the aristocracy should think and speak in the language of socialism, and that the struggle - at least from the perspective of the aristocrats - should be seen as a socialist struggle?"

"Yes," he finished, "The great irony of Russian politics is that the aristocrats, the supporters of the Duma, the Mensheviks - and yes, even the industrialists, since state control of industry and commerce in Russia is so tied up in Imperial red tape that you can't even start to run a business without approval from the Tsarist bureaucracy - all are one and the same."

"So," said Berchtold, "You're telling me that the aristocrats, if they won, would turn Russia into what - a socialist constitutional monarchy?"

"Not a monarchy. They'd have to get rid of the Romanovs," the Count replied. "There's simply no basis in Russian political culture for limiting his power, and if they didn't he'd take everything back from them in a fortnight. No, if the aristocrats take power, they will establish an 'enlightened' parliamentary regime - one that will give lip service to socialism and let them continue raking in their profits. With all the current red tape, licenses, monopolies, and what-not, of course, but now dispensed by the party du jour instead of the Tsar and his ministers."

Berchtold considered this before asking, "So where do the Bolsheviks come into this?"

Count Aehrenthal chuckled. "I told you that in Russia, everything is about social class. You've seen the fight at the top, between the Romanovs and the rest of the aristocracy. The Bolsheviks represent the very bottom."

"Then it's a three way battle," offered the Baron.

"Yes, for now," replied Aehrenthal, "But with only two outcomes."

He sipped more coffee, and then thanked his host as the latter poured more before continuing. "If the Bolsheviks win, they'll depose the Tsar and exile the aristocracy, just like the Jacobin Club did in Revolutionary France. But then they'll have to run the country, and the only way to do that is to give the Russian people another Tsar. Not an actual nobleman, mind you, but a dictator to whom the peasantry can transfer their allegiance. A dictator who will be worse than Napoleon was."

"That is hard to imagine," mused Baron Berchtold.

"But that is what will come of a Bolshevik takeover," stated Count Aehrenthal authoritatively. "But now consider this: the Tsar's strongest support comes from those very peasants who, were the Tsar gone, would probably fall all over themselves to raise a Bolshevik like Lenin to power. Today, they're Tsarists, but tomorrow they'd be Bolsheviks if there were no Tsar. Which really means," began Aehrenthal, slowing down for emphasis, "That in a real sense, they're Bolsheviks today."

Berchtold looked puzzled, so Aehrenthal continued.

"For the Tsar to change the lot of the peasants, he must destroy the aristocracy, because it is they who hold the peasants down, not the Tsar. He can only enrich the peasants at the expense of the elite, through the largesse of the State - which is largely his creature - and so now that he has made the enrichment of the peasants his programme, he must see this thing through to its end. He must destroy the aristocracy, dissolve the Duma, and assume all power - in the name of reform, for the good of the people. He must, in essence become a Bolshevik himself, even if he never calls himself a Marxist."

Berchtold was speechless.

Aehrenthal kept going. "Either the Mensheviks - who are the aristocracy, once you look at them closely - take control of Russia, and make it the liberal state they want it to be, or the Bolsheviks - who are basically the Tsarists, whether they realise it or not - take control instead, and turn it into a 'dictatorship of the proletariat', as Marx puts it. In the latter case, does it matter if it happens under Lenin or Nicholas II? It's all the same."

"Except," he continued after a moment, "For one 'little' difference. If the Tsar becomes a de facto Bolshevik - which he must ultimately do now that he has chosen this path, at least if he wishes to survive - then he will have the backing of the Russian Orthodox Church and the assumed legitimacy of divine-right monarchy behind him. These are things no peasant-elevated dictator could ever hope to have. That will make him the most dangerous man in the world."

"We must be prepared for that. We must stop him from gaining that kind of power, and do so by whatever means may be at our disposal."

Dr. Hiru: "Great! May I suggest tomorrow as a date for the lunch? And, your Majesty, I would be honored if you're able to join us later in the afternoon and maybe join me for dinner? Maybe we could all dine together and dine and celebrate the new alliance? And just one more question, when do we announce the alliance, or do we hold it secret?"

"The Tsar is treading a very dangerous course," said Count Lexa von Aehrenthal (http://www.geocities.com/veldes1/aehrenthal2.jpg) to his host, Baron Leopold Berchtold (http://www.geocities.com/veldes1/berchtold.jpg). "He appears to believe that a small infusion of gold will correct the vast systemic issues that afflict his empire. Of course, he is wrong, and natürlich, he will fail."

"And that's not a good thing?" offered Baron Berchtold.

"No, it is not," replied Count Aehrenthal. "Better no reform than a little. Our dear Tsar Nicholas does not seem to realise that - by this simple gesture - he has granted legitimacy to the political program of the Socialists. When it fails - as it must - he will have to do more."

"If he can," mused Berchtold.

"Oh, he can," said Aehrenthal, pausing to take a sip of his coffee, and then waving the cup at his host. "Vorzüglich! Give Maria my compliments ... but as I was saying, good Leopold, he can - but the cost!"

He lowered his cup and fixed his host and protegé in the eye. "Are you familiar with the theories of Karl Marx?"

Baron Berchtold was startled. "Really," he began, in the defencive, "I don't put much stock in what the Socialists say..."

"Nor do I," agreed Berchtold, "But the great Chinese general Sun Tzu said that we should know our enemies. So I've grown quite familiar with Marx and this Lenin, his ideological heir."

"Most people - including most Socialists, by the way - believe that the 'Great Workers' Revolution' will start in Germany, England, or America," he began, and noticed Berchtold nodding in agreement, having heard this too. "But Marx and Lenin, in a series of letters written in the last years before the old German's death - agreed that it would happen first in Russia."

"Russia?!?" said Berchtold, with obvious surprise. "But Russia is too backward..."

"Russia," said Count Aehrenthal softly, "Has the most pronounced set of class differences in Europe, not to mention the most autocratic government. Everywhere else, workers have some hope of dragging themselves up into the ranks of the what Marx derisively termed the 'bourgouisie'. But not in Russia. Without serious, structural reform - of a sort that can only be achieved by the reconstruction of the current system in the most radical way imaginable - the lower classes have no hope at all of higher aspirations. None!"

"Then the Tsar's plan is doomed," exclaimed Berchtold. "What's the problem?"

"The plan he conceives of today is doomed," Aehrenthal agreed. "Which means he will be forced to draw up a new plan. A more radical plan."

Berchtold looked puzzled, so Aehrenthal continued. "In Russia, it's all about class and birth. You're either one of the elite or you're nothing. And above it all is the Tsar, running a government that is utterly despotic. Now, the aristocrats - the offspring of the boyars that Ivan the Terrible sought to bring to heel - still try to challenge the Romanovs. They do this through the Duma - which is ineffectual - and they do this through a set of internal alliances. Of course the Tsar can't trust any of them, any more than Ivan did - yet together they still don't have the power to restrain him in the way that other European monarchs are restrained."

Aehrenthal saw Berchtold's shock, and so continued before his host could speak. "It's true, mein freund! Our beloved Kaiser and King can't spend a dime unless he gets legislative approval, and neither can any of the other Crowned Heads of Europe. Except for the Tsar, that is." He paused to sip more coffee before continuing. "The Duma is worthless, as I said. The Tsar doesn't need it. Still, it, tries to rein him in, and will continue to do so until it succeeds or it is gone."

"That," said the Count with emphasis, "Is the central struggle of Russian court politics. And given that the ideology du jour is socialism - it is all the rage, you know - why should it be any surprise that even the aristocracy should think and speak in the language of socialism, and that the struggle - at least from the perspective of the aristocrats - should be seen as a socialist struggle?"

"Yes," he finished, "The great irony of Russian politics is that the aristocrats, the supporters of the Duma, the Mensheviks - and yes, even the industrialists, since state control of industry and commerce in Russia is so tied up in Imperial red tape that you can't even start to run a business without approval from the Tsarist bureaucracy - all are one and the same."

"So," said Berchtold, "You're telling me that the aristocrats, if they won, would turn Russia into what - a socialist constitutional monarchy?"

"Not a monarchy. They'd have to get rid of the Romanovs," the Count replied. "There's simply no basis in Russian political culture for limiting his power, and if they didn't he'd take everything back from them in a fortnight. No, if the aristocrats take power, they will establish an 'enlightened' parliamentary regime - one that will give lip service to socialism and let them continue raking in their profits. With all the current red tape, licenses, monopolies, and what-not, of course, but now dispensed by the party du jour instead of the Tsar and his ministers."

Berchtold considered this before asking, "So where do the Bolsheviks come into this?"

Count Aehrenthal chuckled. "I told you that in Russia, everything is about social class. You've seen the fight at the top, between the Romanovs and the rest of the aristocracy. The Bolsheviks represent the very bottom."

"Then it's a three way battle," offered the Baron.

"Yes, for now," replied Aehrenthal, "But with only two outcomes."

He sipped more coffee, and then thanked his host as the latter poured more before continuing. "If the Bolsheviks win, they'll depose the Tsar and exile the aristocracy, just like the Jacobin Club did in Revolutionary France. But then they'll have to run the country, and the only way to do that is to give the Russian people another Tsar. Not an actual nobleman, mind you, but a dictator to whom the peasantry can transfer their allegiance. A dictator who will be worse than Napoleon was."

"That is hard to imagine," mused Baron Berchtold.

"But that is what will come of a Bolshevik takeover," stated Count Aehrenthal authoritatively. "But now consider this: the Tsar's strongest support comes from those very peasants who, were the Tsar gone, would probably fall all over themselves to raise a Bolshevik like Lenin to power. Today, they're Tsarists, but tomorrow they'd be Bolsheviks if there were no Tsar. Which really means," began Aehrenthal, slowing down for emphasis, "That in a real sense, they're Bolsheviks today."

Berchtold looked puzzled, so Aehrenthal continued.

"For the Tsar to change the lot of the peasants, he must destroy the aristocracy, because it is they who hold the peasants down, not the Tsar. He can only enrich the peasants at the expense of the elite, through the largesse of the State - which is largely his creature - and so now that he has made the enrichment of the peasants his programme, he must see this thing through to its end. He must destroy the aristocracy, dissolve the Duma, and assume all power - in the name of reform, for the good of the people. He must, in essence become a Bolshevik himself, even if he never calls himself a Marxist."

Berchtold was speechless.

Aehrenthal kept going. "Either the Mensheviks - who are the aristocracy, once you look at them closely - take control of Russia, and make it the liberal state they want it to be, or the Bolsheviks - who are basically the Tsarists, whether they realise it or not - take control instead, and turn it into a 'dictatorship of the proletariat', as Marx puts it. In the latter case, does it matter if it happens under Lenin or Nicholas II? It's all the same."

"Except," he continued after a moment, "For one 'little' difference. If the Tsar becomes a de facto Bolshevik - which he must ultimately do now that he has chosen this path, at least if he wishes to survive - then he will have the backing of the Russian Orthodox Church and the assumed legitimacy of divine-right monarchy behind him. These are things no peasant-elevated dictator could ever hope to have. That will make him the most dangerous man in the world."

"We must be prepared for that. We must stop him from gaining that kind of power, and do so by whatever means may be at our disposal." Man that was AWESOME. your a great writer! That was really really interesting. keep it coming.

OOC: I liked that cartoon :)! I agree, we should get you to do the USA/China/Russia/GB conference, you'd be fantastic!!

IC: Standing infront of the Duma

''My learned collegues,'' the Tzar began, standing at the podium. ''Over the past few years Russia has slipped into submission. There is no middle class anymore. There is you, the aristocracy, the creme de la creme of Russian society. And then there are the peasants. This cannot be!'' he exclaimed, slamming his fist on the podium. All the men in the room jumped. ''Whilst this gap has been widening, you have all been standing around, scratching your heads, wondering how you can gain more money. And you say you represent the Russian people. Bagh! As of now, the Duma is dispersed. I am dissolving the Duma, only to replace it with a People's Parliment. I am sickened and disgraced that we have let this slip so far, and i am going to do everything in my power to make sure that this is ratified. I hope you are all ashamed!'' the Tzar spat on the ground and left the room, listening to the roars behind him. His minister of the Interior, a man by the name of Vladimir Ivanovich Kowalsky was waiting in his carrage when he returned.
"How did it go?" he asked, leaning forward as the Tzar sat down.
"I dissolved the Duma, begin a campaign. I want a parliment representative of the People before the winter salstus." The Tzar demanded, taking off his gloves. Kowalsky nodded, whilst jotting down his demands on a sheet of paper. "Oh and Vladimir, get rid of that Rasputin fellow. He's been getting a little too close to my wife. You know what to do." he said, smiling. Kowalsky smiled and raised an eyebrow.
"Is that all, my Tzar?" he asked. The Tzar pondered for several moments.
"What do the people want Vladimir?" he asked, sighing deeply.
"They want an end to suffering, your Majesty." he said. The Tzar nodded. What more was there he could do. Give them their own parliment. Educate the next generation, build them hospitals etc.
"In good time my friend...in good time," the Tzar said, gazing out the carrige window at the crowd gathered on the street to wave him off.


To: The Dual Monarchy
From: Nicholas II, Tzar of Russia
Russia is interested in a formal Alliance with your mighty Empire, in light of our recent dealings with your friend's and allies, the mighty Deutsch Reich. Please reply with your answer as soon as possible.
Kindest Regards,

Josef Nikoli Letsky,
His Majesty's Diplomatic Ministry,
Moscow.

OOC:

Are you going communist, Yderia? Also, do you have any plans for Lenin and Stalin? This may have an effect on China, as in RL, communism in China was influenced by Russian communism.

OOC: No Russia is NOT going communist at the moment, repeat, not going communist. I havnt decided about Lenin and Stalin, and when i decide abot Communism at all, ill let you know about Chinese Communism. At the moment, there is no Communism. Im just trying to merge the social classes in Russia....to a certain degree!

ooc. AWESOME NORODNA ODBRANA!!! Really, it's deep, well writen.One of the best RP's I've seen (No offence Sharina, you're still the best all round RPer I know :D )

The Emperor was not feeling very well. But he still worked on. Today he was in a important conversation with Gen. Fukuoka and Yoshihito in the gardens. The discussion was about the stationing off the mobilized forces, the plans with China and Russia and what to do in the near future.

Gen. Fukuoka: ”I still think the alliance with China and Russia is a bad thing. We should have attacked! We would have defeated them and…”
Emperor Mutsuhito: “We would defeated them in the first battle, yes, and maybe the second and third and fourth, but the Russians will bring their enormous army against us. World opinion would have been against us and we would have been alone.”
Prince Yoshihito: “But father, what about the Germans, they’re our friends and possible allies! They would have attacked Russia from the west while we roll up the Eastern Armies and China!”
Emperor Mutsuhito: “My son, do me a favor. Could you go back to the German ambassador, who should have finished his lunch by now. Go further with the talks, and try to get the best possible deal.”
Prince Yoshihito: ”Yes father.”
Emperor Mutsuhito: ”Hmm, he’s young and energetic, a possibly fatal combination. I don’t hope Hirohito will be the same. But the division of the army, you’ve made a list?”
Gen. Fukuoka: ”Yes, Sire. I’ve made a list.

1st “Formosa” Army, 37500 men, 7500 cavalry, Formosa
2nd “Osaka” Army, 40000 men, 5000 cavalry, Formosa
3rd ”Kyoto” Army, 40000 men, 5000 cavalry, Korea
4th “Tokugawa” Army, 40000 men, 5000 cavalry, Liaoning
5th “Cavalry” Army, 20000 elite cavalry, Korea
6th ”Kenji” Army, 40000 elite men, 10000 elite cavalry, Korea
7th ”Nagasaki” Army, 40000 men, 10000 cavalry, Korea
8th ”Moshi” Army, 40000 men, 10000 cavalry, Korea
9th ”Fondjo” Army, 40000 men, 10000 cavalry, Korea
10th ”Shikuoka” Army, 40000 men, 10000 cavalry, Korea
11th ”Okinawa” Army, 40000 men, 10000 cavalry, Honshu
12th ”Northern” Army 47500 men, 7500 cavalry, Sakhalin
13th Army 45000 men, Kurrills
14th Army 40000 men, 5000 cavalry, Sakhalin
15th Army 80000 men, 10000 cavalry, Formosa
16th Army 85000 men, 5000 cavalry, Korea
17th Army 85000 men, 5000 cavalry, Kyushu ”
Emperor Mutsuhito: “Oh, well. I trust your judgment. Now I’d like to rest. I’m an old man who needs to sleep.”
General Fukuoka: “Oh, let me help you, Sire.”

Together they walked off, the Emperor leaning on the still strong but old general Fukuoka. Soon the park was a place of peace and tranquility once more…

ooc. I'm afraid we'll have a funeral soon. :D

Man that was AWESOME. your a great writer! That was really really interesting. keep it coming.Hey, I'm on a roll (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9341499#post9341499). :D

<Posting as my alter ego>

OOC:

Are you going communist, Yderia? Also, do you have any plans for Lenin and Stalin? This may have an effect on China, as in RL, communism in China was influenced by Russian communism.I don't know about Stalin, but right now Lenin, Krupskaya, and Trotsky are all living in Vienna. Just in case you didn't know.

In Siam the delagation was on its way to the palace to meet the King. Lt. General Fukuoka had asked Admiral Togo to join them. He was very famous in the world after defeating the Russian Baltic Fleet at the battle of Tsushima. Maybe it could persuade the King. After a short trip they arrived at the palace and entered it. The walked long through the corridors and then entered the throne room. The entire delagation bowed deep to the King

Lt. Gen. Fukuoka: "We bring you greetings from the Son of Heaven, your Majesty. We would also like to talk about certain things."OOC: Keep going... ;)

ooc. I'm afraid we'll have a funeral soon. :DMe too, in 1912 (which is next week, I believe).

OOC:

NO, I RP'ed your Austrian delegates arriving in my Chinese Emperor's room in the Forbidden Palace. I'm waiting for the Austrian delegates to offer their deals or whatever.

Upsala, Sweden

"I am glad all of you could join me tonight. After all, we have some pressing issues to discuss." Prince Wilhelm shouted, silencing the laughter and harsh words of the smokey room around.

Around Wilhelm were his devouted supporters: Old Generals of many years past, their faces appeared to be eteched in stone to young idealists, constantly chattering about while downing various alcoholic beverages from the bar at the edge of the room. Each man had been attracted to the Prince's stirring rhetoric in their own independent way. Some thought of him as an enduring light of freedom against the aboslutionist Monarchs and Liberal Politicians who had ruled Sweden for many decades. Others saw him as the only hope to restore Sweden's former status on the continent as a great power. But no matter the reasons, they had devouted their once meaningless lives to the Prince and his ideals in the hope of something better. Now it appeared as if their support was going to pay off.

Once the room was completely silenced did the Prince continue to speak:

"As you may know, my father, a known supporter of the Liberal cause and a puppet of the Riksdag was ousted today, ironically by his won supporters. Although the man was crazed and foolish, spending more time with his male companions than with policy and reform, he was a far lesser threat than my dear older brother."

A series of dull cheers filled the room. Just as silence once again shrouded the room, Wilhelm revealed what appeared to be a small black book from his back pocket. The book itself appeared to be rather old, its pages torn and stain. In one solid motion, he lightly threw the book on one of the front tables, allowing his curious followers to gaze upon it.

"Whats this?" one of the supporters replied, his tone filled with bewilderment.

"That my firends is the book of our enemy, the book of Boleshiveks and Jews, who strive to destroy the fabric of our country. That is Marx's Communist Manifesto, the Bible of my brother and the heart of our enemy. With it, they create violence and rebellion, they destroy all that we cherish and instead, replace it with a system of hate, a system of destruction, a system of slavery."

A great roar of digust engulfed the Bordello, as Wilhelm's words met the ears of his followers. The book itself was tossed and torn, as many patrions unleashed their wrath of hatred upon it. Finally, a lanky young man, no old than 17 or 18, grabbed the book and tossed into the fire. In a matter of moments, the tattered remains of the Manifesto were reduced to mere ash.

"In this book is a festering sore upon society as we know it and it must be destroyed, along with those who support it. For years, my brother and his friends in the Riksdag have held this book in their highest regards, claiming that it was the savior of all peoples and a binding force for all Swedes. This is a lie, my friends! A enormus lie! Under this binding force, he and only himself would control the riegns of power, controling everything we Swedes did. Everyday of your life, you would be watched and harassed by the government. You would work in a government factory for hours on end, toiling your life away while being payed a meager salary. At home, you would be stripped of your luxuries as everyone would be forced to live in so-called 'equality'. And if you or your loved ones said anything, anything at all against the Tyrant, you would never see your family or friends again. Is that the kind of life you want to live!?"

An enormus chorus of 'NO's filled the room, as supporters were disgusted by the Prince's powerful words. Each man in the room, once indifferant and happy, enjoying themselves while gluping down their favorite drinks were now rallied into a hateful mob. A mob beant on destruction.

"Now my friends, the time has come. We must destroy these threats to our well-being. It is time that we claim the throne for ourselves and destroy this plauge on our nation. I ask all of you now, on this night to return to your towns and villages, tell them what I have told you. Tell them of the dangers of Socialism and rally them to our cause. Then, my firends, we will march to Stockholm and destroy this treachery and make a new, and better government. A government devouted to the rights of its people, a government that keeps to its own matters instead of those it does not belong in. A government that reveal the best of our countrymen and lead us to glory!"

By now, the mass of followers, already enraged were swept into an uncontrolable firestorm. One by one, each of them filed out of the building and into the darkness around them. In a matter of hours, the words of Prince Wilhelm were heard across the countryside. Many villagers who had never heard of Socialism were swept into the malestrom of fury and they too spread the word. By morning, citizens in Sweden awoke to a country in change. A country on the verge of Civil War

Upsala, Sweden

"I am glad all of you could join me tonight. After all, we have some pressing issues to discuss." Prince Wilhelm shouted, silencing the laughter and harsh words of the smokey room around.

Around Wilhelm were his devouted supporters: Old Generals of many years past, their faces appeared to be eteched in stone to young idealists, constantly chattering about while downing various alcoholic beverages from the bar at the edge of the room. Each man had been attracted to the Prince's stirring rhetoric in their own independent way. Some thought of him as an enduring light of freedom against the aboslutionist Monarchs and Liberal Politicians who had ruled Sweden for many decades. Others saw him as the only hope to restore Sweden's former status on the continent as a great power. But no matter the reasons, they had devouted their once meaningless lives to the Prince and his ideals in the hope of something better. Now it appeared as if their support was going to pay off.

Once the room was completely silenced did the Prince continue to speak:

"As you may know, my father, a known supporter of the Liberal cause and a puppet of the Riksdag was ousted today, ironically by his won supporters. Although the man was crazed and foolish, spending more time with his male companions than with policy and reform, he was a far lesser threat than my dear older brother."

A series of dull cheers filled the room. Just as silence once again shrouded the room, Wilhelm revealed what appeared to be a small black book from his back pocket. The book itself appeared to be rather old, its pages torn and stain. In one solid motion, he lightly threw the book on one of the front tables, allowing his curious followers to gaze upon it.

"Whats this?" one of the supporters replied, his tone filled with bewilderment.

"That my firends is the book of our enemy, the book of Boleshiveks and Jews, who strive to destroy the fabric of our country. That is Marx's Communist Manifesto, the Bible of my brother and the heart of our enemy. With it, they create violence and rebellion, they destroy all that we cherish and instead, replace it with a system of hate, a system of destruction, a system of slavery."

A great roar of digust engulfed the Bordello, as Wilhelm's words met the ears of his followers. The book itself was tossed and torn, as many patrions unleashed their wrath of hatred upon it. Finally, a lanky young man, no old than 17 or 18, grabbed the book and tossed into the fire. In a matter of moments, the tattered remains of the Manifesto were reduced to mere ash.

"In this book is a festering sore upon society as we know it and it must be destroyed, along with those who support it. For years, my brother and his friends in the Riksdag have held this book in their highest regards, claiming that it was the savior of all peoples and a binding force for all Swedes. This is a lie, my friends! A enormus lie! Under this binding force, he and only himself would control the riegns of power, controling everything we Swedes did. Everyday of your life, you would be watched and harassed by the government. You would work in a government factory for hours on end, toiling your life away while being payed a meager salary. At home, you would be stripped of your luxuries as everyone would be forced to live in so-called 'equality'. And if you or your loved ones said anything, anything at all against the Tyrant, you would never see your family or friends again. Is that the kind of life you want to live!?"

An enormus chorus of 'NO's filled the room, as supporters were disgusted by the Prince's powerful words. Each man in the room, once indifferant and happy, enjoying themselves while gluping down their favorite drinks were now rallied into a hateful mob. A mob beant on destruction.

"Now my friends, the time has come. We must destroy these threats to our well-being. It is time that we claim the throne for ourselves and destroy this plauge on our nation. I ask all of you now, on this night to return to your towns and villages, tell them what I have told you. Tell them of the dangers of Socialism and rally them to our cause. Then, my firends, we will march to Stockholm and destroy this treachery and make a new, and better government. A government devouted to the rights of its people, a government that keeps to its own matters instead of those it does not belong in. A government that reveal the best of our countrymen and lead us to glory!"

By now, the mass of followers, already enraged were swept into an uncontrolable firestorm. One by one, each of them filed out of the building and into the darkness around them. In a matter of hours, the words of Prince Wilhelm were heard across the countryside. Many villagers who had never heard of Socialism were swept into the malestrom of fury and they too spread the word. By morning, citizens in Sweden awoke to a country in change. A country on the verge of Civil War


Seceret Telegram
To be fowarded to: Prince Wilhelm of Sweden
From: The President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt

Greetings from America, Prince Wilhelm. I was shocked and disturbed at what Sweden uncovered in your father. However, I believe that everything happens for a reason, and after your outstanding demonstration against Socialism, and all that it stands for, I believe I have found that reason. As soon as word of your speech hit the streets and passed by the American embassy, I was fowarded everything I could be on your teaching. I strongly urge you to keep strivingy for a defeat of Socialism, and beleive that your oppositon of Socialism will make it into the history books. That being said I I would like to offer my help. Firstly, I propose you establish a Capitalist, and anti socialist based government for Sweden. For I beleive that Sweden has much to offer the open market (Just a humble Americans opinion ha ha). Second, I would like to assist you in your goal on defeating socialism. I would like to offer my help in two ways. One, I would be happy to lend some American troops to help you establish a steady government in Sweden. And, second. I would like to do one of the two. Invite you to the White House so that we could discuss how America and Sweden can help each other in our beleifs about Socialism. Or, Invite myself to Sweden to discuss the same, as I do realise you are in a bit of a difficult situation. I beleive we have alot to offer each other, and I truely admire you courage to speak up against this plague that is sweeping our free world. I wish you only the best of luck in establishing your government and I would wish you to reply to me as soon as possible.
Good luck, and God bless,
Teddy Roosevelt, President of The United States of America

OOC Narodna Odbrana, the conversation you posted between the noble Austrians conversing about Marxism, was that supposed to be seceret or public because Teddy Roosevelt would love to discuss those matters with Austria-Hungary.

OOC: I haven't been on much lately, as some business has popped up.

"And Let It Be Done!"

The President was openly in a good mood. The Document He Had Just signed was a contract, for the building of 350 Bunkers, In Vitnam, with 50 colonial troops each, with 3 HM9 Mahine Guns, Due to the recent arms study of A Mr. Jaque Mallileu. The Soldiers are each armed with one M1 Garand Rifles with 50 rounds.

Here is the total of Defensive Bunkers Being Placed Throughought The colonies of France.

~350 Bunkers in Vietnam, as well as 20 seaside batteries
~75 Bunkers and Coastal Batteries in Madagascar
~25 Bunkers In Mozambique, as well as 5 seaside batteries
~600 Bunkers And Seaside Fortifications All through French East Africa

These Military Fortifications have been paid with Government Military Budget, Which Is Swelling Do to the chances of A major war with France In the not so far away future.......

OOC Narodna Odbrana, the conversation you posted between the noble Austrians conversing about Marxism, was that supposed to be seceret or public because Teddy Roosevelt would love to discuss those matters with Austria-Hungary.OOC: Private, in so far as we are speculating on the direction that Russia will move in the future.

While I would not go so far as to call the Dual Monarchy a anti-communist state, it is definitely a conservative one, but more in the proto-libertarian sense than anything else.

OOC: Private, in so far as we are speculating on the direction that Russia will move in the future.

While I would not go so far as to call the Dual Monarchy a anti-communist state, it is definitely a conservative one, but more in the proto-libertarian sense than anything else.

OOC: It cant be anti communis,t as there is no such thing as communism, yet ;)

However when there is something public by the Austria-Hungary government along the lines of fighting socialism and the bolsheviks, Teddy Roosevelt would LOVE to speak to the King.

OOC:

NO, I RP'ed your Austrian delegates arriving in my Chinese Emperor's room in the Forbidden Palace. I'm waiting for the Austrian delegates to offer their deals or whatever.After offering gifts to the Emperor, in accordance with oriental custom, the diplomats got down to the business of presenting their proposals.

The Dual Monarchy, they explained, recognised the new government of the Middle Kingdom as an equal in the realm of international affairs (at least in the sense that all modern nations are equal under law, from the humblest to the greatest). As such, for the Dual Monarchy to maintain a concession at Tianjin was an insult to the Middle Kingdom which must be corrected immediately. Therefore the Dual Monarchy would, on January 1st, 1912, withdraw its military forces and surrender control of its concession, including the fortress there, to Imperial Chinese forces. No one higher than a Chinese governor need attend, and the k.u.k Ambassador to China would represent the Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.

In place of the humiliating terms of trade, travel, extradition, and extraterritoriality all of the other Powers currently maintained toward the Middle Kingdom, the Dual Monarchy would offer the Middle Kingdom the exact same terms it offered any other nation in these important areas of international law. The Dual Monarchy's treaties with France and the United States were offered to the Emperor as an example of what should be drawn up between the two Powers, and the equal nature of both signatories was stressed throughout.

After a handsome mid-afternoon feast, the talks continued. Immigration and emigration should also be handled in reciprocal fashion, but here the Emperor was offered much discretion. The relationship could discourage such movement of people (as was the case in the Dual Monarchy's treaty arrangements with Great Britain) or encourage them (as was the case with the United States, where naturalization of each nations citizens was automatic after five years residence in the other country). This did not need to be decided immediately, and in fact it was suggested that both sides study and discuss the issue for a couple of years before reaching a decision, which could always be applied retroactively to the starting date of the new relationship.

Then the k.u.k. Ambassador mentioned that the previous dynasty had ordered the construction of warships from the Dual Monarchy in the past, and it was suggested that this could happen again. The suggestion was made that the Emperor send a delegation to visit the k.u.k. Reichsmarine's principal naval base at Pola and inspect the Dual Monarchy's various warships of all sizes to determine if any were suitable to its purposes. If so, negotiations could begin on a construction schedule for the Imperial Chinese Navy.

On the subject of infantry arms, the k.u.k. Ambassador suggested that the Imperial Government contract with Steyr to manufacture Steyr 1907 machine pistols and Steyr-Mannlicher M1895 8x50 magazine rifles in China, perferrably somewhere in Guangdong Province, near Shanghai. Manfuacture under license on Chinese soil would be far less expensive than direct purchase, would overcome potential limits on the size of purchases, and would help China build a domestic arms industry and thereby help it become self-sufficient in the realm of defense.

Finally, the k.u.k. Ambassador asked if the Emperor had given any thought to an economic model for his country. Different nations approached the matter of economic development in different ways, he explained. Russia regulated every aspect of industry to ensure that all industrial activity was in accordance with Imperial interests; Japan had replaced its old feudal system of furnishing each vassal of the Emperor with arable land with a new system wherein these vassals were supplied industrial concessions instead. The Dual Monarchy, on the other hand, was moving towards a model of economic deregulation and so-called laissez faire capitalism. If the Emperor wanted to pursue this approach, or even learn more about it, he could send advisors to study at the k.u.k. Exportakademie and the Universität Wien in Vienna, which were rapidly becoming key centers of study in the fields of business and economics.

At last, bidding the Emperor good evening and both expressing the wish that he would think about these things and indicating that they would await his reply, the diplomats withdrew to permit the Emperor time to think on their suggestions.

OOC: Nothing fancy here, just trade and technical cooperation.

OOC: It cant be anti communis,t as there is no such thing as communism, yet ;)

However when there is something public by the Austria-Hungary government along the lines of fighting socialism and the bolsheviks, Teddy Roosevelt would LOVE to speak to the King.Emperor and King. Both titles are equally important (hence, "Dual Monarchy").

Emperor and King. Both titles are equally important (hence, "Dual Monarchy").
Ofcourse, Emperor and King

Playing As : The Al Saud Family/ Saudi Arabia

Abd Al Aziz had received the weapons from the english a little over two months ago, he had then ordered his Ikhwan into Rub al khali this was deep and deadly desert, if one did not know their way death would take them in days, it was near the English so the Turks was receive double jeopardy if they wandered into the Brittish protectorates and then there was simply finding an Oasis not rnged by Ikhwan Bedouin.

In the tents of Aziz, a great discussion was being held between him and his familiars.

Ziod "I despise this dealing with the kufr against fellow Muslims, I say you must rebuke and denounce your own actions, and return the weapons and abandon the gold. Our fight with the Ottoman Turks is no cause for dealing with these Europeans and bringing them to our lands."

Aziz "bah, The Europeans are already here, and the Ottomans will fall to them, one of them. The Germans, The English, some one--and if they fall with Mecca in their possesion then Mecca will fall to the Godless. If we strike now, then none of these will what happens in one strip of desert that is not their own, they will revel in the routing of the Turks.

The English themselves will gain much, we can dictate the crossing of the whole peninsula and strike at the Suez before it too is captured by the hands of the Godless.
Most importantly, Ziod, if we hold Mecca, then our brothers across the world will know that we side for Allah in truth and our actions are blessed by him, I mean surely it is only by the will of Allah that we stand a chance against the Turks in Mecca and Medina.
So you see, we must do it this way, for if we strike atthe English or any other Europeans without first taking Mecca we lose first and foremost the support of the English throne, and secondly we do not have yet the support of those who will flock to us once we hold the Mecca. If take and hold Mecca I tell you our numbers will be endless, if we fail it is God's will.
What say you?"

Ziod " I understand your logic brother, it does not mean that my heart finds any truth in it. I fear this may not be the path to take, this could weaken our forces if the battle is prolonged."

Aziz "I tell you this, once Mecca and Medina are ours the Turks will flee the Hijaz, for now the Ikhwan number only twenty thousand, but give me the Hijaz and I tell you in a month that number will triple, and where my armies were numbering sixty thousand so too shall they swell three fold.
With that we will take the Sinai, and perhaps even into Egypt or north in to Europe."

Ziod "I do not believe these things will happen, but I remain your faithful servant, and if it truly is faithful that I am how can I not trust you to lead me to Mecca."

---------------------------

The Next Day


The dawn had come with caravans of Bedouin women and children, coming in tothe city of Mecca, this was common, well after a fashion it was, usually they had men with them to help with their goods they would sell at evening bazaars. This time there was none, just women, children and the elderly.

It would be near a quater into the morning, when the first lookouts would spot the single Bedouin North of the City on a tall dune, and one in the West, and the East and South.

In each direction up upon high points outside the citities stood these men, some sat, but the four there and not going anywhere, but since no real crime was being broken and the Desert was not inviting to anyone, no gaurds appeared to coming, of course in the lower dunes they would find a nasty surprise, over four-hundred fighters scattered in the rescesses surrounding the lookouts, in total five hundred in the North, five-hundred in the South, five hundred in East, and five-hundred in the West.

The first strike would come as the men to the north and South would strike full force from both directions at once, the men in the North would remain, and feign a weak side, while East and West would attack half strength, fihgting as 250 men instead of 250. This free the remaining 250 (East and West) to move into pincer and Harrassing positions.

One-hundred men of each of the fighting forces would be armed withthe new Enfield rifles, they would hold their fire to draw out Ottoman defenders, once in the open and believing the would have an even exchange the riflemen would engage them first at range, and then close the distance on Horse and Camel back.
Luckily the Bedouins had already experience firing a bow from horse back, so too would they have with the rifle fire.

The Saud Family Gaurd under direct command of Abd Al Aziz, numbering five-hundred, would strike in a third wave after the flankers to pierce the city defeses, all five-hundred of the men would be armed with the Enfield and sabre.

The main forces were of course armed with muskets and slings as well as the famous Beoduin spear which was one of the deadliest weapons fielded in the Desert for melee combat.

The Turk defenders would be cut to ribbons, or this plan was that of a mad man and Allah's will never had anything to do with it.

The Emperor sat in his throne late at night on the very day of the extremely interesting communications with the Austrian delegates. Emperor Guozu Zhuge continued to ponder upon what had been said and discussed, and his mind worked in over-drive, trying to process all the possibilities.

The Austrians offered equality, naval manufacturing, weapon industries, and economic advisors. This seems too good to be true, Austria giving China exactly what it needs to industrialize and become strong enough to ward off any of its enemies, conventional and unconventional. There has to be a hidden agenda or a price attached to this incredible offer.

However, Austria is located thousands of miles away, and they have no colonies. With their aid in industrialization, China will become able to ward off anyone, through sheer numbers and devotion of will. I must make a deal with the Austrians, for the future of China is at stake.

The Emperor began murmuring to himself, and finally made his decision.

The next day, he called in the Austrian diplomats and set out his offer.

"Greetings, honorable Austrians.

I have pondered long and hard through the entire night about the deals and offers that you have offered towards me and my people. I have come to a decision, and I believe that it is in the best interests of not only China, but Austria-Hungary to enter a new era of friendship and cooperation.

Now, regarding each point that you were generous to make yesterday...

First, the handover of Tienstin and Austrian holdings in China back to rightful Chinese rule shall never be forgotten. For this, I shall pledge Chinese support for your people.

Second, regarding the purchase of naval vessels. I would like to continue this arrangement, however, I would like to expand on it. I would like to inquire into having your people help build shipyards in China, to alleviate the loads on your own native shipyards. I am prepared to pay extra for the extra effort to do so. In addition, this endavour could boost your naval fleets somewhat, as your people would be able to produce more ships than before, and more rapidly at that.

Third, your offer of constructing infantry weapon factories is greatly appreciated. In addition to factories that will build Chinese defensive weapons, I am more than willing to have additional factories built so to help your arms industry produce more weapons, taking a load off your industry, freeing it up to focus on other tasks.

Finally, your offer of economic advisors is exactly what China needs. China currently has a lot of raw resources, both in agriculture and minerals / ores. We need an effective method to develop those sectors, thus enabling China to maximize usage of those resources. This in turn will allow our factories and shipyards to operate much more efficiently, while opening up vast new avenues for food and agricultural exports.

Overall, I believe that China will become a very good trading partner with your proud people, enabling both of our people to achieve undreamed of prosperity and economic boosts. Our two peoples will be able to stand aganist unsurmontable odds through our solidarity with each other.

I would like to ratify those deals with your people as soon as possible. The earlier we do this, the stronger our two people will become in the long run."

The Emperor leaned back in his throne, awaiting the responses of the Austrians.

OOC: Keep going... ;)

ooc. Ok, I'll write the entire proposal as you did with China.

Lt. General Fukuoka: "First off all, I would like to present you a gift from the Son of Heaven."

A Sergant came up, holding a cushion with a ceremonial, golden and silver katana. It was an ancient sword, once the possesion of Tsukahara Bokuden, a legendary swordsmaster of the 14th century.

Lt. Gen. Fukuoka: "This is the legendary sword of Tsukahara Bokuden, one of our most famous heroes. He was a sowrdsmaster and a highly respected Samuria. The Son of Heaven thinks its fit for you, my lord."

The Sergant bowed and presented the sword. Once it was accepted the sergant bowed again and left the room. Fukuoka continued to talk.

Lt. Gen. Fukuoka: "Now on to serious matters. The Empire of Japan would like to propose an alliance to your nation. In addition a protectorate role, in which Japan would be responsible for the protection of Siam and it's interests. If you're afraid about your independance, don't worry. You may still decide the policy on Domestic terrains and foreign affairs to some point. For the protection of Siam we could send troops if you request it. We would also like to propose a trade deal, we will send manifactured goods to you in return we buy rubber, tin and other resources.

We are also willing to invest in Siam by building factories, workshops and start bussiness. The Emperor and I are convinced this proposal will benefit both our nations."

Fukuoka bowed again and waited while the proposal was translated and for the reaction of the king. He hoped he had convinced the King, or that they at least were intimidated by the large presence of Japanese Naval Power.

The Emperor leaned back in his throne, awaiting the responses of the Austrians.The k.u.k. Ambassador hesistated for a moment. Do we have the capacity to help the Chinese build shipyards? He wondered. As he began to speak - for as a diplomatic he had learnt to think while talking, he came to a decision. In dealing with a friend and possible future ally, honesty - even brutal honesty - is often best.

"We are pleased that the Emperor of the Middle Kingdom sees merit in our proposals, and will immediately contact Vienna so that the necessary measures can be taken to implement our agreement. With respect to the construction of shipyards, however, I will caution the Emperor that while we are quite eager to do this, I am not at this moment certain if the engineers and capital needed for such an endeavour are available. For our part, then, until I hear from my superiors, I will pledge us to work vigourously toward this goal, with the timetable to be determined in the near future," he said.

"Your Imperial Highness will understand that we had not expected this request, and while we are pleased to do what we can to honour it, I can not pledge our government to such an endeavour until I know that we are capable of it. I can, however - based on my understanding of the hearts of my superiors - say that they will want to do this, and will do evrything in their power to see it done, to whatever extent we are able."

"Am I correct then, in assuming that we have a deal?"

OOC: You caught me off guard with that one! I'm sure that we can do it, but we'll both need to calculate the cost and timetable to make it work.

Seceret Telegram
To be fowarded to: Prince Wilhelm of Sweden
From: The President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt

Greetings from America, Prince Wilhelm. I was shocked and disturbed at what Sweden uncovered in your father. However, I believe that everything happens for a reason, and after your outstanding demonstration against Socialism, and all that it stands for, I believe I have found that reason. As soon as word of your speech hit the streets and passed by the American embassy, I was fowarded everything I could be on your teaching. I strongly urge you to keep strivingy for a defeat of Socialism, and beleive that your oppositon of Socialism will make it into the history books. That being said I I would like to offer my help. Firstly, I propose you establish a Capitalist, and anti socialist based government for Sweden. For I beleive that Sweden has much to offer the open market (Just a humble Americans opinion ha ha). Second, I would like to assist you in your goal on defeating socialism. I would like to offer my help in two ways. One, I would be happy to lend some American troops to help you establish a steady government in Sweden. And, second. I would like to do one of the two. Invite you to the White House so that we could discuss how America and Sweden can help each other in our beleifs about Socialism. Or, Invite myself to Sweden to discuss the same, as I do realise you are in a bit of a difficult situation. I beleive we have alot to offer each other, and I truely admire you courage to speak up against this plague that is sweeping our free world. I wish you only the best of luck in establishing your government and I would wish you to reply to me as soon as possible.

Good luck, and God bless,
Teddy Roosevelt, President of The United States of America


Prince Wilhelm read the President's telegram with surprise. After all, the Americans were supposed to be Isolationists, devouted to their side of the ocean. Now it appeared as if they wished to intervene in the events of their elder European nations without even a forethought to the implications of their support, how foolish.

But what does it matter, we need all the allies we can possibly have, Wilhelm thought to himself. Striding towards his desk, the Prince removed a piece of paper from one of the many deep cherry wood drawers along with a black ink pen that stood lifelessly on the desk's surface. In a matter of moments, Wilhelm had begun writing his response:



To: Washington DC, United States of America
From: Upsala, Sweden

President Roosevelt:

I thank you dearly for your support against the
Socialist Menace that grips by beloved nation.
For years, we have endured under its tyranny
and now is the time for change.
As of now, my supporters across the nation
and within our military ranks are preparing to
overthrow this debachury and establish a new and better system of government.

However, my brother's support is
large and far reaching and he will be difficult to defeat alone.
Yet with the help of foriegn nations, we shall triumph.
Thus, I would personally like to ask what type of support
your nation is willing to offer. Although the majority of the
Swedish Armed forces is under my influence, the
threat of intervention by Norway or Denmark is
great and in the event of invasion by either of the
two nations, my glorius fighters would be destroyed.

Secondly, the
Swedish Arsenal of weaponry is sadly outdated,
due to years of Liberal budget cuts against our military arsenals.
Thus, our forces will require stockpiles of modern
weaponry if they are to succeed.
This weaponry may can payed for in full after the
hostilities cease and our economy is running
appropriately to the demands of the Modern Age.

Lastly, my brother still controls this nation with an
Iron Fist and sadly I could not journey
Washington for fear of being
apprehended by his Customs Agents.
However, once my power upon the
Swedish throne is secure,
I shall consider aranging a visit to your humble estate in Washington.

Again, I thank you for your support to my cause and
wish you well in your travels.

Signed,

Carl Wilhelm Ludwig
Duke of Södermanland
The Kingdom of Sweden

"Ahh mein Kiaser, this is music to my ears! We prepose an alliace of trade, military support and understanding, cultural blending, industrial development, and two-way assistance in increasing military strength of both our nations. Come, we shall discuss it more over Linzensuppe, i know it's your favourite." The Kiasers eyes widened and he grinned, following the Tzar closely!!

OOC: Who doesnt like Linzensuppe!? OOC: IS this before or after the attempt to merge social classes in Russia?

Gen. Fukuoka: ”I still think the alliance with China and Russia is a bad thing. We should have attacked! We would have defeated them and…”
Emperor Mutsuhito: “We would defeated them in the first battle, yes, and maybe the second and third and fourth, but the Russians will bring their enormous army against us. World opinion would have been against us and we would have been alone.”
Prince Yoshihito: “But father, what about the Germans, they’re our friends and possible allies! They would have attacked Russia from the west while we roll up the Eastern Armies and China!”
Emperor Mutsuhito: “My son, do me a favor. Could you go back to the German ambassador, who should have finished his lunch by now. Go further with the talks, and try to get the best possible deal.”
Prince Yoshihito: ”Yes father.”OOC: I can't answer him if he doesn't arrive and give a proposition.

To: Prince Wilhelm of Sweeden
From: Tzar Nicholas II of Russia

Your Highness,
We could not help but notice the current...'instability' that exists today in Sweeden, due to your current political state. Whilst I realize that Russia and your nation have never been overly close, I wish to ratify this. Therefore, we are obliged to help you, in any way available. With our large army, we can have support in Sweeden within a week and a half. Please reply if you wish for our assistance.

Nicholas II of Russia,
Friend and Ally.

OOC: IS this before or after the attempt to merge social classes in Russia?
Before, why?

Before, why?
OOC: The conservative aristocracy from Prussia might not like reducing social differences in Russia.

''Such an agreement would most certainly be mutually beneficial. I will happily sign the agreement and make it official at once... after the Linzensuppe of course.'' said the Kaiser, imagining a grand alliance of the worlds most powerful countries, stretching from far Asia to South America. It would be a grand alliance indeed.

OOC: I see where you're coming from. It wouldnt destabilize an alliance in the future would it?

IC:

After finishing the Linzensuppe, the Tzar tapped his glass with a knife. The Kiaser looked up, with bits of potato still in his bushy moustache, smiling like an amused child.
"My German friends. Now we have finished our soup," he said, smiling at the Kiaser, "We'd better get down to buisness. The alliance we seek is to stop our enemys taking what is rightfully ours. We propose a full share in military technology, spoils, and of course, allies. Tell me, my dear cousin. How are your relations with the Americans?" he said, quizzically, whilst slidding a document over the table with a pen on top....

OOC: I don't really know yet, I have decided to play Kaiser Wilhelm II as fairly liberal, but opposed by a conservative Prussian aristocracy.

IC:
''We maintain a neutral relationship with America. They have yet to do something that either impress me or concern me, though many of the nobles consider them too liberal.
As for the agreement, I will sign it if you could define ''waht is rightfully'' yours?'' answered the Kaiser, whiping his moustache clean with the serviette.

"We are in the same situation, Kiaser. We are unaffected as of yet by their liberality. But they have begun expansion into the Pacific. This concerns me slightly. Let us hope they do not come much further. Would you agree?" he asked, looking at the ground, pondering for several seconds. "And what I cosider to be ''rightfully mine'' would be the Russian Empire, as it stands today. My expansionist feelings are a little supressed at the moment. Besides, we are as constant as the Northern Star, my friend, the Russian and German Empire's shall never crumble. Now that we have eachothers motives understood, what do you say to signing the treaty, mein Kiaser?"

ooc. Ok, I'll write the entire proposal as you did with China.

Lt. General Fukuoka: "First off all, I would like to present you a gift from the Son of Heaven."

A Sergant came up, holding a cushion with a ceremonial, golden and silver katana. It was an ancient sword, once the possesion of Tsukahara Bokuden, a legendary swordsmaster of the 14th century.

Lt. Gen. Fukuoka: "This is the legendary sword of Tsukahara Bokuden, one of our most famous heroes. He was a sowrdsmaster and a highly respected Samuria. The Son of Heaven thinks its fit for you, my lord."

The Sergant bowed and presented the sword. Once it was accepted the sergant bowed again and left the room. Fukuoka continued to talk.

Lt. Gen. Fukuoka: "Now on to serious matters. The Empire of Japan would like to propose an alliance to your nation. In addition a protectorate role, in which Japan would be responsible for the protection of Siam and it's interests. If you're afraid about your independance, don't worry. You may still decide the policy on Domestic terrains and foreign affairs to some point. For the protection of Siam we could send troops if you request it. We would also like to propose a trade deal, we will send manifactured goods to you in return we buy rubber, tin and other resources.

We are also willing to invest in Siam by building factories, workshops and start bussiness. The Emperor and I are convinced this proposal will benefit both our nations."

Fukuoka bowed again and waited while the proposal was translated and for the reaction of the king. He hoped he had convinced the King, or that they at least were intimidated by the large presence of Japanese Naval Power.King Rama VI (http://www.thailandlife.com/rama_vi.htm) viewed the sword with some amusement. My kingdom for a sword. An exquisite sword, and so I should be flattered, but...

He then looked at the Japanese general. A tiger, he thought. They are all tigers. Well then, they must know that I am a white elephant.

"This is a great gift, and one that the people of Siam will treasure. It will be placed in our National Museum, for all great peoples should have such a museum - don't you agree? - in which they can hold their nation's greatest treasures."

He then turned to one of his ministers. "Get the illuminated copy of the Ramayana that was prepared on the order of my great-great-great-grandfather and bring it at once." The minister gaped, and then hustled off. Rama VI continued. "The founder of our dynasty, Rama I, wrote the Ramayana, a great epic, as an expression of the soul of our people. We give it to the Son of the Sun, to reside in your National Museum."

Now, he thought, we are even.

Yet we can not long defend ourselves against these tigers, let alone do so without great cost to our people, he mused. And the British and French, while they might assist us, would never leave once they had come to protect us. Who do I want to dominate us, then?

Is that the only choice I have?

"We will trade with the Japanese people. This is in everyone's interest. But it will not be just our raw materials for your finished goods. Siam may not have many factories, but that will soon change, and when it does, we will trade some of our finished goods for yours, and both of our great peoples will benefit from this exchange," he began.

"We accept your offer of alliance, with the condition that Japan consult with us prior to using our soil as a base of operations against either Britain, France, or China. We place no similar condition on the use of coaling facilities sited on our soil," he continued.

"Siam agrees to consult with Japan prior to entering into any trade compact with any other nation, and to refuse trade with any nation Japan deems an enemy, whether Japan is at war with that nation or not. We also agree not to enter into any kind of military alliance with any nation unless Japan is also that nation's ally, and then only after consultation with Japan prior to making such an agreement."

Finally, King Rama VI said, "Japanese citizens will be extended the same rights with respect to extraterritoriality extended to French and British citizens. In all other respects, however, we shall retain full sovereignty over our lands."

"You may return to the Son of the Sun and tell him that the people of Siam have found in his people a great friend and ally." The minister having returned with the copy of King Rama I's Ramayana, Rama VI had his minister lay the classic manuscript before General Fukuoka. "With this exchange of gifts, let us proclaim the eternal nature of our peoples' friendship."

OOC: Rama VI is not willing to have his people exploited by Japan. He is willing to be a junior partner in an alliance, as long as Japan does not use his territory irresponsibly or place his country in a position where its defeat might result in its annexation by France, Britain, or China.

Rama VI wants Siam to grow to be an industrial nation like Japan, and is willing to accept quite a lot of Japanese "investment" in his country if the long-term effects will be beneficial to his people. He accepts that for now most of what he can offer Japan is raw materials, but he is not willing to see his people used as mere slave labour. If Siam is treated (and nurtured) as a Japanese "neocolony", with an eye toward eventually making it the first of Asia's "Tigers", he will be happy.

The k.u.k. Ambassador hesistated for a moment. Do we have the capacity to help the Chinese build shipyards? He wondered. As he began to speak - for as a diplomatic he had learnt to think while talking, he came to a decision. In dealing with a friend and possible future ally, honesty - even brutal honesty - is often best.

"We are pleased that the Emperor of the Middle Kingdom sees merit in our proposals, and will immediately contact Vienna so that the necessary measures can be taken to implement our agreement. With respect to the construction of shipyards, however, I will caution the Emperor that while we are quite eager to do this, I am not at this moment certain if the engineers and capital needed for such an endeavour are available. For our part, then, until I hear from my superiors, I will pledge us to work vigourously toward this goal, with the timetable to be determined in the near future," he said.

"Your Imperial Highness will understand that we had not expected this request, and while we are pleased to do what we can to honour it, I can not pledge our government to such an endeavour until I know that we are capable of it. I can, however - based on my understanding of the hearts of my superiors - say that they will want to do this, and will do evrything in their power to see it done, to whatever extent we are able."

"Am I correct then, in assuming that we have a deal?"

OOC: You caught me off guard with that one! I'm sure that we can do it, but we'll both need to calculate the cost and timetable to make it work.

Emperor Guozu Zhuge extended the Austrians a rare Imperial smile.

"We have a deal.

As for the shipyards, it would benefit our two nations enormously, as it will be possible to increase both our shipbuilding capacities by twofold or even threefold. We will be able to produce many more ships to sell to foreign countries, ensuring a very healthy income. The returns on this investment in shipyards would be multiple factors higher than the initial investment.

It is my hope that Austria's economists, industrialists, and people will be able to cooperate with the Chinese people with all of its untapped material wealth. Thus, our two peoples will be able to reach epic proportions in prosperity and economic strength.

Go in peace and prosperity."

The Emperor leaned back once again, quite pleased with what has transpired that afternoon with the Austrians.

Playing As : The Al Saud Family/ Saudi Arabia


The Ikhwan and the rest of the Al Saud forces began their descent from the dunes on the city of Mecca, they would strike as planned(previous post).

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OOC: OK, the Hijaz was under Semi-Ottoman control they did have forces in the Hijaz, the Saud truly gained control of the Hijaz when Mecca and Medina fell tothem--I am RPing an attack on the City of Mecca a few years early--just a few.

Now I saw someone request to be the Ottoman, however I have seen no other activity.

I also saw Wart say he would RP as the Ottoman's, an Arab revolt in Mecca at this time being a very organized event with this large a number of troops is unprecendented in the Peninsula, also the large amount of repeating rifles used is unheard of to date.
SO it would be a surprise to fores garrisoned their, and unlikely that Mecca would have a vast number of forces because that would have enraged most Arab Muslims in the region anyway.

So be it the gent who proposed to RP the Ottomans or Warta I need an Ottoman--unless I have permission to RP the taking of the Hijaz myself--if no one is interested.

I am just trying to be true to the time period as the Saud did not as of yet control the Hijaz.

To: Prince of Wales for Great Britain
From: Tzar Nicholas II of Russia
CC: Prime Minister Asquith of Great Britain


You Majesty,
I hope my dearest cousin, Edward, is well again. We were worried about him whilst you were in Russia. We hope all is well, and we would like to extend an invitation for him, or for yourself to re-visit our state to finalize the negotiations. Also, the payment for the armaments has already been wired to the Bank of England, so whenever you can, please get them shipped to Moscow. Thank you.
Regards

Nicholas II, Tzar of the Russian Empire

ooc. We have an Ottoman Empire player. he joined yesterday or something. He's muslim himself so I doubt he would give up the holy city without a fight ;)
And for RP purposes, is the alliance between Russia, China and Japan kept secret, or not?

Lt. Gen. Fukuoka was astounded when he was handed the book. He was beyond relief that the King accepted. His father had threatened that if he failed, seppuku would follow. He bowed deep, as deep as they normally bowed for the Son of Heaven himself, the head touching the ground. The entire delagation followed. When he straightend again he said a few words before bowing again, this time less deep.

Lt. Gen. Fukuoka: "My lord, I assure you that we have no attack plans in the near future on either England, France or China. But we would like to station a small army in Siam if you approve it. Just for protection and to let the world see that we stand united. If you would like it, officers and men could be trained either here by Japanese forces or in Japan itself at the military academy. It is your choice. I am about to leave for home again, but I'll wait till you have a reply."

He waited patiently for the translation and for the king to formulate his reply.

Meanwhile, things at home didn't look good. The Emperor was very weak and ill. He had to stay in bed for three days now, general Fukuoka and Prince Yoshihito taking the control of the Empire. Every free moment they were at the bed of the ill Son of Heaven. Yoshihito was also charged with the task of negotiating with the German embassador.

Prince Yoshihito: "I'm sorry, exuse me for the waiting, but my father the emperor is very sick. I'm afraid he'll die soon. But let's discuss other things. We happily accept your proposal of alliance. Indeed, I have a draft here for us to sign. I've also a few other questions. Is it possible for us to purchase Aeroplanes from Germany? We need an expanded Airforce, ours is very small. Adn is it also possible for the germans to set up an Aeroplane factory in Japan?"

OOC: If he is Muslim, I imagine he would want ME to have it. Being I am RPing the rightful holders of the lands of the Prophet(blessings be upon his name), as opposed to Turks.
Or you know it could turn into a much larger war in Arabia then it was historically :eek: .
By the way has anyone noticed the size of his military--and that the Janissary troops were disbanded and disolved nearly eighty years revious to our opening.

Prince Yoshihito: "I'm sorry, exuse me for the waiting, but my father the emperor is very sick. I'm afraid he'll die soon. But let's discuss other things. We happily accept your proposal of alliance. Indeed, I have a draft here for us to sign. I've also a few other questions. Is it possible for us to purchase Aeroplanes from Germany? We need an expanded Airforce, ours is very small. Adn is it also possible for the germans to set up an Aeroplane factory in Japan?"
''I hope he get well, he is a great man.'' the German answered.
''As for the aeroplanes I think the Kaiser would be willing to provide his allies with what they need, though it would be much easier to manufacture them here in Japan than to send them via ships from Germany. That is why I think the construction of factories in Japan so that you can build them for yourselves than to ship them from Germany.
Shall we sign the agreement then?''

"But we would like to station a small army in Siam if you approve it. Just for protection and to let the world see that we stand united. If you would like it, officers and men could be trained either here by Japanese forces or in Japan itself at the military academy. It is your choice. I am about to leave for home again, but I'll wait till you have a reply.""That is a kind offer, and I agree that a Japanese force is needed to show our solidarity. A full army is probably unnecessary, however, and might strain Siam's resources, since we would have to provide you supplies. A corps of two divisions, with an attached artillery brigade, would be more than sufficient for the purpose, we believe. But these matters are best handled by our seconds. Could you leave a liaison here to meet with my General Staff and begin defense planning?"

An army! he thought. That would be more troops than in the whole of French Indochina and Burma combined. Even the corps I've proposed will be seen as a provocation, but I dare not agree to less.

"As for training, we will ask the General Staff to draw up a list of command officers to be sent to Japan for training. Training for lesser officers should, of course, be conducted here to avoid a strain on your resources," he continued.

"Also, my General Staff and I were already in the process of drawing up plans for the creation of an Air Corps. Should the pilots be trained here or in Japan? That I will leave to your discretion."

"Now," he said rising, "I must attend to religious duties. Like the Son of the Sun, I am as deeply involved in the spiritual leadership of my country as its political leadership. Travel safely, and know that you are welcome whenever you return, General Fukuoka."

I am fearful, he thought, for the fate of my people. Yet if we handle this properly, great things may come to them from it.

As he receded down the hall, he wondered why a King who loved his nation so should have to bear such a great burden. Does the Buddha feel this much pain when he strives to save the world?

OOC: Rama VI had a reputation for being a good king who did as much as he could to improve the lot of his people. Thus, my efforts to depict his as conflicted.

The Siamese Air Force was actually created in 1913, the same year as the Dual Monarchy created its Air Service. My historical research indicates that the Thai have always been fast to adopt new technology.