NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This is for members of the E20 RPG only. PLease check out the main thread here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=497568).

IC:
After several weeks of delays, the conference finally kicks off on January 6th, 1907.

With the invitaions sent, all that was needed was the arrival of the foriegn delegates. The entire city of Odessa was cleaned up, with the City Hall set aside for the conference. Soldiers, men from the Guards Corps, provide security. Despite the dress uniforms, they carry servicable Mosin-Nagants, with the vicious triangular bayonet fixed. Security is tight. It is even rumored that the Tsar's deaded secret police are combing the city for spies and dissidents.

Inside city hall, roaring fires warm the conference room and guards are posted outside. The Foriegn Minister of Russia, Alexander Izvolski and a small team of trusted aides await the foriegn dignitaries...

King Carol I is the first to arrive, joined by his usual netourage of ministers, advisors and bodyguards. He gives a polite bow to the Izvolski before he sits, smiling.

"I am honored to have been invited."

ooc
consider Serbia present in the form of their Foreign Minister

The Greek Foreign Minister Alexandros Skouzas also is attending.

Izvolski opens the meeting with the following statement, "Gentlemen, you are all representatives of different Balkan nations. As of now, the question is what are we to do with them? You are some of the most powerful nations in the area and I think it would be fitting for us to combine our powers to ensure that the area is secure for our interests. Bulgaria must be brought to heel and all of you would of course like some more territory."

"Then there is the looming specter of the Austrian Hungarian Empire. They area threat to all of us, especially our esteemed Serbian friends. What I propose, in order for us to stabalize the Balkans and protect ourselves from Germanic aggression, is that we sign amongst ourselves a Balkan Alliance, swearing that we will come to the aid of the other should they be attacked by an enemy. Together we can best the forces that would seek to destroy us. Comrades, join Russia in standing against the Germanic foe."

Alexandros Skouzas looked nervous, and adjusted his collar. He knew that the King would not take too kindly to that statement, and it would be best not to report it back to him. Educated at Heidelburg University in Germany, trained in the Prussian army, and married to Kaiser Wilhelm II's sister, Princess Sophie of Prussia, (in 1889), ensured King Constantine's sympathies lay with the Germans, even if the Government disagreed sometimes. Skouzas knew it would be in Greece's best interests to appease Russia, rather than Germany, but what could he do? For now, nothing.
"I believe we should first of all cast our eyes towards a closer, and very real enemy. Bulgaria, Albania, and the enemy within them, Macedonia, which is rightfully Hellenic, as is certain areas of Albania."

King Carol, himself a relative of the Germanic roylaty nodded. "Though we may need mutual protection in the future, I believe we must concentrate on Bulgaria and Albania for the moment. I would not want to upset my cousin in Berlin, anyway..."

The Foreign Minister nods, "Of course, of course. You will have Russia's full diplomatic support should you decide to take care of these looming threats."

"Perhaps when Romania...and other nations...have retaken Bulgarian land which is rightfully theirs, a puppet Government can be established, under our control. Of course, this might involve some Russian manpower."

"Quite possibly, although we cannot be seen to intervene directly. It might provoke the Austrians. Now, Russia is prepared to offer your countries monetary aid. In return we ask only that you remain our close friends."

Greece confirms its commitment to peace with Russia, but states it is worried by the current situationin Bulgaria, with Romania now seeking close friendship with the Bulgars.

"We do not believe that the Rumanians are seeking a closer relationship with the Bulgars. Our intelligence reports otherwise." He looks at the Rumanian king, "Are they, your Majesty?"

Carol nods, smiling. "O f course....with the Bulgar king in Bucharest, he can be arrested and held. this will cut the head from the Bulgarian military, making their initial response slow and confused."