NationStates Jolt Archive

A formal invitation to Warsaw was sent to the nations of Incognitia, Bautzen, Caxistan and Germany.

To be blunt, my friends, war is brewing in Europe. One would have to be blind or deaf to ignore this fact. It will not be an isolated conflict; Europe will be entirely swept by it. As such, alliances must be consolidated. If we do not want our homes to be ravaged by the might of the Western Powers, we must unite. Hundreds of years of history binds us together. We must not let this long-lasting friendship be deteriorated by petty dealings. I therefore invite your nation, along with the others listed below, to a conference in order to unite the whole of Central Europe into a formal military alliance. This conference shall be held in Warsaw, in a few weeks.

In hope for a better future.

The Grand Duke of Warsaw Karl Szymon.

"Oh dear. The man clearly has no sense of history. We have never been anti-Warsaw, because our focus was always on the Mediterranean, but they have always existed on a knife-edge."

"However...best not to give him a history lesson."
"Why?"
"Add Warsaw's voice to the chance of a full alliance with Caxistan and Bautzen. Germany won't go near it, if we already have, they'll just try wrecking tactics.
Caxistan may well be unwilling to ally with us in that way; they see the risks.
However, Bautzen is now in a more jingoistic way, they might be willing.
And since we know war is coming, the more resources we can call upon..."

"Very well. Send a party. Timothy Veer will do."
"The Private Secretary?"
"Yes...he is second in line on foreign policy, and I feel a re-shuffle coming on, so he'll be first in line when he leaves. That's big enough to respect the conference."
"I shall see to it he is informed."

To: The Grand Duke
Incognitia will happily discuss the issues facing us. Our Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Timothy Veer, will be attending to represent our voice.

bump

OOC: I had to make my Foreign Minister get shot didnt I!

IC:
"Sir, we have recieved a message from Warsaw. They request that we attend a conference regarding a possible alliance betwenn the Triple Alliance and the Nations of Incognitia and the German Empire." An aide to the Prime Minister told the highest ranking non-noble in Bautzen.

"when it rains it poors hugh," The Prime Minister groaned. "Well so be it send our Ambassador to Warsaw as our representative. I need Minister Higgens' second in command to be here for the time being trying to deal with the Incognitian catatrophe. Tell our Ambassador that I dont want him to commit to anything without my express consent, understood? Good, now I have a Zeppelin to catch."

"Sir, where are you going, shouldnt you remain here?" The aide replied.

"I'm going to Incognitia, I have buisness to attend to regarding this latest fiasco at the conference there. So quickly send out my orders then have my car brought up, I have buisness to attend to..."

ooc: Since Germany and Caxistan aren't active, I'll just go along with you guys for now.

Insde the Royal Palace, the Prime Minister of Warsaw Dominik Franciszek awaited the arrival of his fellow delegates. He was a few hours early, he only hoped the others would arrive on time.

OOC: I aren't what now?

OOC stand-in for IC:
Yeah, 't sound's fun, dude.
Diplomacy dude, like, arrives, y'know.
I'll get a decent post up later. Just assume some Graf whatshisname zu somethingoranother has arrived in on time and in a fashion that becomes of him.

Timothy Veer arrived on the standard airship service, with a couple of aides.
His brief was simple: to gain any strengthening of relations with Caxistan, Bautzen and Warsaw that could be achieved at a reasonable cost.

If this meant involving Germany...this might be acceptable, but only under very careful circumstances.
After all, Germany and Incognitia together could partition most of Europe. There was just a very heavy question mark over whether they could be trusted...and whether such a revolution would be worth the cost.
The Tyrant would have to make such a decision...and even he could not make it without consulting many others within Incognitia, and perhaps also the Reichgone.

As a smooth diplomatic operator, and second most senior man with a foreign policy brief, Mr. Veer was adjudged suitable for this role. Let it begin.

Thomas Mason arrived at the council via a limousine from the Bautzonian consulate. He had spent most of the previous day trying to figure out how he was going to manage to keep everyone happy without committing to anything. For those were his orders, his only orders. He was not to commit Bautzen to anything and so he left this morning planning on grasping for any leverage he could get. Largely that was centered on the chaos surrounding the assasination attempt on those attending the Waldenburg-Jagaro conference. And so he walked out of the limo with his personal guard and a couple aides and walked towards the building in which the council was being held.

At noon, the Conference began. The Prime Minister Dominik Franciszek rose from his seat and spoke thus to the delegates: "On behalf of the Grand Duke, I welcome you to Warsaw. Since Caxistan has not reply to our summon and time is getting short, we have decided to carry on without them. So without further ado, let us begin."

"We are here today to discuss the military alliance of Central Europe agaisn't the Western Menace. A simple look at the map of the World is enough to understand my point." The Prime Minister walked a few paces backwards and came back with a map which he laid on the table.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y52/Darth_Sin/worldmap1914_v5.png

"Imperialism at its finest. The Illar Empire holds more territory than any other nation combined. With their ally Waldenburg, they rule the Americas, Africa as well as southern Asia. We also believe them to be in league with the Anj Reich, who have refused all diplomatic negotations with the German Empire thus far. If this is true, then what exactly prevents them from taking the whole world? Their navy is far unmatched. It would take years for a single of us to even manage a fair fight. If they wanted, this whole map could be painted in red. Should such power be left unchecked? No, we must unite. I believe that a united Central Europe could stand agaisn't Illar and its allies. I am not talking about war here, but diplomatic independence. Freedom, is what I am offering."

OOC: Just a hint, here. The Illar Empire and the Waldenburg Empire are.. not on the best of terms. We're little more than a hop, skip and a jump away from going to war, at this time, especially as the Illar ambassador to the treaty table regarded the issue we're going to war over was just shot five or six times with a machinegun, and suspicious eyes are looking at Waldenburg.

And keep in mind the naval disparity in this universe isn't as marked as that of the real-life 1914 - yes, the Illar navy is the best one in the world, but it probably couldn't be held to a two-power standard, especially when it comes to dreadnoughts - maintaining an empire the size of the Illar one requires a disproportionate amount of battlecruisers, cruisers, destroyers and torpedo boats, in comparison to other navies, making it less effective than its size would indicate.

Oh, and the Illar army is lacking. Really, really lacking. It's a decent size, but it's not designed for anything other than purely defensive static warfare. But other than that, continue. Remember, though.. we're readying our paintpots, Turbikistan. We're readying them, and we're coming for you... DUN DUN DUN!

No, seriously. Go on. This is interesting.

The Byzantium League sends a message to the Warsaw Conference:
If Alliances are to be consolidated, why not invite the members of the Treaty of Rome? Truely then would you consolidate power.

OOC: Point taken, hyper.

IC:

The members of the Treaty of Rome are invited to the Conference, but only as oberservers until further discussions are held.

"We do not believe, sir, that we have anything to fear from an alliance between Waldenburg and Illar."

"Nor, in fact, should we align purely on the grounds of geographical proximity."

"I will now lay out the situation as it is seen in Incognitia:

We have warm relations with the Anj Reich, and know they have not negotiated with the German Empire because that Empire does not recognise Anj sovereignty over most of their own lands.
We, likewise, have no relations or deals with the German Empire because geopolitics and long tradition lead us to mistrust and be wary of them. I say this quite openly; all recognise it.
I wish to state now, that my government takes no pride or pleasure in the fact that our army is larger than we would wish, to preserve us from German expansion, and support our Anj allies against the same threat.
If we could be assured that there was no threat; if we could be certain that we had a secure and lasting peace with the German Empire...that would be a great achievement, cherished in Incognitia and Anj.
It would also...produce a great uncertainty in diplomacy."

A brief pause, still standing, to allow that to sink in.

"At present we believe the greatest threat to peace is Waldenburg; their erratic, arrogant and aggressive tendencies are most worrying.
Next is the tension between ourselves, the Anj; and the German Empire. This has a disturbing potential to blossom into full-scale conflict, or 'total war' on a shattering scale.
After this comes Illar, either internal or external conflict.
We do not believe any other power of a significant size likely to cause conflict; we used to think such of the Treaty of Rome, but no longer consider this likely - nothing has been heard from Serbia in a long while, nor from Rome, and Byzantium...we have reached understanding with."

"So, while I am instructed to seek out alliance with Caxistan, Bautzen and Warsaw, and was invited to this conference on those grounds, as I understand it...my first interest is what our German friend has to say.
Can our governments deal?"

Slowly, with the dignity that became of a man in his position, Johann Hermann Freiherr von Richthofen rose from his chair. With an important look on his face, an aura of eminence around him, he removed his monocle, firmly polished it with a white handkerchief, as he answered the Austrian envoy.
‘’I do believe and hope we can,’’ he said, putting his monocle back in place.
‘’It is true that our two nations have a history of mutual animosity and distrust. It is also true that there exists a tradition of enmity between the Anj Reich and the German empire, due in no small part to the refusal of Germany to recognize Anj claims to their European provinces other than Belgium and the Netherlands.’’
‘’Germany has sought to change this, as the situation is detrimental not only to the parties involved, but to all of Europe, should this animosity burst into outright war. His Majesty Emperor Frederick V offered recently, in a private message to the Anj, and I do no think I am exceeding my authorization by telling you this, to recognize Anj claims to these same three provinces, in exchange for a mutual agreement of non-aggression between our two nations. The Anj Reich did decline this offer, and in their answer affirmed their position as hostile towards Germany. If the members of this conference require it though, we are willing to repeat our offer to the Anj people.’’
‘’As for our relations with the Incognitian empire, we are willing to pursue the same policy of peace that we have offered the Anj. Given the nature of the historical differences between our two nations, I believe this would be better discussed in private. I would appreciate it if you, gentlemen,’’ he said, turning to the other envoys and representatives, ‘’would excuse us while we discuss this further.’’
‘’And as for our relations with the rest of the invited countries, we wish nothing but the best of relations with all of you.’’

The Byzantium delegate quietly takes a seat in the back to observe the proceedings.

Bautzens ambassador sat back taking it in, well it seems that he wouldnt have to do anything to derail this massive Central European Alliance as the two nations who are already not part of the current triple alliance have decided to go off and take their own negotiations into more private arenas. So be it now I get to watch and see how Warsaw deals with this little failure of theirs.

OOC: I'm quite confuse here, you both accepted my offers in TG...

OOC: I'm quite confuse here, you both accepted my offers in TG...

I said I'd be happy to ally with Bautzen and Caxistan if that was achievable.
The only reason for that, as opposed to friendly neutrality? Germany.

If I can cut a deal with Germany, a deal that I can trust (crucial point there, trust), then I don't need Bautzen or Caxistan as allies, for all that I appreciate good relations with them.

I said I'd be happy to ally with Bautzen and Caxistan if that was achievable.
The only reason for that, as opposed to friendly neutrality? Germany.

If I can cut a deal with Germany, a deal that I can trust (crucial point there, trust), then I don't need Bautzen or Caxistan as allies, for all that I appreciate good relations with them.

OOC: Why would you deal with a nation you never really trusted to begin with, when you have three perfectly friendly nations, willing to deal?

OOC: Why would you deal with a nation you never really trusted to begin with, when you have three perfectly friendly nations, willing to deal?

OOC: *Sigh* I hate to say I told you so, but I told you this wouldnt work out.

OOC: Why wasnt I informed about this thread?
Nobody told me that it existed.

"Now, gentlemen, I know it seems odd, asking you to leave so that two opponents may speak in private.
We were, after all, asked here to achieve a broad, overarching deal.

And do not misunderstand me; my government still aims to achieve agreement with Bautzen, Caxistan and Warsaw.

However, so that you not be dragged into a war between the German Empire and Incognitia...it is necessary that we talk. We are taking the opportunity of a time when high-level representation from both governments is at the same table.

So I beg of you, be patient. Let us make our deal, between the two of us. These discussions could be critical."

OOC: It's not a deal with Germany in opposition to one with you guys. Fact is, if Germany and Incognitia are both in talks with your alliance...we have to reach a rapport with Germany before anything can move forward, else each of us could use wrecking tactics to prevent the other from reaching agreement, and the talks are pointless.

OOC:
Assumed that TI and me are left alone, or can go to a different room where we can discuss privately.

IC:
‘’Herr Veer, what has been said is true. A long history of animosity does exist between our two nations, as well as between Germany and your Anj friends, and it is clear that there exist several bars to the signing of this treaty and the forging of a longlasting friendship between our nations.’’
‘’Anj we have tried to approach in recent times, offering to recognize their claims to the Nordmark, the Northern March; the Duchy of Saxony and that of Lower Lorraine; Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Westphalia and the Palatinate; and what other names by which the territories are known to us. We have offered to recognize Anj claims to these lands in exchange solely for their promise not to wage war against Germany. They declined in the harshest of words, insulting our honour. We are not offended, confident in our might and dignity, and will offer them this again for the sake of stability. We ask that you use your diplomatic influence over Anj to make them accept this offer.’’
‘’We have also promised to lend our support to Waldenburg in their quest to defend their sphere of influence against Jagadonian expansionism. Not wishing to soil the fields of Europe with the blood of our sons, we are willing to limit our support of them to that of our prayers and our supplies, not sending troops to their aid, should you require it. This is not a decision to be taken lightly and without forethought, as the straits controlled by Waldenburg are the only way for our merchant ships to travel from our colonies to Germany. In exchange for not going to war with Jagado, we require that you persuade the Anj to open the Kiel canal for us, with an deal concerning taxing of German ships similar to that which we have with Waldenburg.’’
‘’The third bar to the peaceful signing of this treaty I think, is the lack of clearly defined spheres of interest in Europe. Often have the Anj, the German and the Austrian states clashed over trivialities where our respective spheres have met, often with much unnecessary bloodshed. This risk we must eliminate. Clear lines should be drawn on the maps of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americans; lines that separate our spheres of influence and interest, lines which we pledge not to cross or upset in any way.’’

"A most accurate assessment of the difficulties we face. For our part, we are prepared to put what pressure we can upon the Anj.
However, we suggest that simply making the agreement reciprocal might suffice: mutual recognition of one another's territory in return for a mutual promise not to wage war on one another.
Waldenburg...well, this is a difficult position. I cannot speak for the Anj, but would believe them extremely likely to permit the passage of merchant shipping through the Kiel Canal.
I will be honest with you, that passage of warships may well be more difficult to arrange. However, I am confident that a deal can be achieved.
Finally...any discussion of spheres of interest should I believe be entirely separate from this discussion. It carries a potential for division and argument which could wreck our chances of establishing a deal now."

"So, I would propose this. That we sign, now, a provisional treaty of peace and non-aggression, recognising one another's lands and colonial holdings.
I suggest that the deal be made conditional on the Anj accepting the suggestion of mutual recognition of lands and pledges of peace.
I do this in our interests, for we do not wish to sell out our Anj friends, and we cannot in all conscience pledge to peace with your fine country if our friends to the north may yet find themselves at war with you.
Then, if agreement can be reached on the Kiel Canal, Germany agrees not to aid Waldenburg with direct military involvement. If not, we will merely ask of you a gentleman's agreement, that our forces and yours not come directly into combat, as that could inflame tensions."

"Finally, we agree to meet as soon as may be to discuss...the other matter. I am in agreement with you that we should agree where each of us may act, and where each of us should not act without the agreement or invitation of the other. This will help greatly in preventing tension in the future."

’’Then, given that the Anj too adheres to this treaty of non-aggression and allow us passage through the Canal of Kiel, I see no bar to the signing of this treaty, Herr Veer.’’
‘’I insist though, and I must emphasize this matter, that the treaty is valid if and only if Anj too will make this pledge of non-aggression, and allow us passage through the Kiel Canal on the same conditions that Germany has negotiated with Waldenburg, and that this conference is followed immediately by a secret agreement between the three of us, Anj, Germany and Incognitia, that determines the boundaries and extent of our nations’ diplomatic, economical and military interests.’’
‘’If and only if all three conditions are met, Germany will abide by this treaty.’’

"I can promise you that the Anj will adhere to a non-aggression treaty as long as they believe it is in their interests.
That may not sound like much reassurance, but I am confident that they will not make war on you if our aid is not forthcoming; likewise I do not believe your nation will attack Anj so long as you know we will stand for them, so Incognitia's desire for peace should hold the pact firm short of lunacy from the Reichgone or Kaiser."

"The Canal deal the Anj will hold to. It is a small price to pay in return for fighting Waldenburg alone, not Germany also, in Denmark; with luck, the war there will be swift, and your shipping will soon be able to pass the Oresund as normal."

"Spheres of influence...we can of course negotiate. If your government can accept leaving grey areas, where we both may intervene, then agreement there should be reasonably swift."

"And so, I thank you. I believe we are finished here. I will send word home, so the Anj can be informed and preparations can begin for our little three way conference."

''I am satisified with you word as a gentleman and representative of the Austrian state, and I am sure my emperor will be as well.''
''Shall we then return to the other members of the conference, that we might discuss matters that concern not only us but the whole of Central Europe?''

"Certainly. We have been somewhat rude in abandoning them for so long, however it was an important issue to address, which could very easily have wrecked the talks entier"

He called for a messenger to inform the other delegates.

"Well have them join us then if they've finished their little chat!" The Bautzonian Ambassador, and conference representative snapped at the messenger. "We have important buisness to discuss and I think I speak for all of the representatives here when I say that I want to move along with this!"