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A diplomatic Dispatch to Versailles
Topic Started: Jun 5 2009, 03:48 PM (195 Views)
NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

St. Peterburg, Russia...

Paul in the last few weeks had been a very busy man. He resided over the defense of his country against a Dominion threat which sought a nuclear holocaust of his people, he has begun to organize a military coalition against the Dominion presence in Eleytheria-due which has meant sending word to both the German Kaiser as well as entertaining the family enemy of the Kasnyian royalty. Most recently he sent his Prime Minister to talk with other nations about a resistence to the Dominion on the European front and now he's hosting the exiled heir to the Holy Roman Empire and doing what he can to see to it he returns to the thrown of his own country.

In short, the Tsar was exhausted both physically and mentally but with the state of the world as it was he knew his work was far from done and an encrypted letter sent from his Prime Minister back to him from the secret summit reminded him of that. Prince Ribbenzoph's letter told the Tsar of the urgency in rallying more nations to the European front, with one primary nation being that of the newly liberated French. Personally Russia had good relations with the old monarchy as they were good friends with the Germans. Still though he did not believe in democracies as they did, he was a Tsar who could tolerate them.

Now it seems he needed to request their help, to ask them in aiding the European front when it opened up. Paul felt this was a task he had to take on since no other nation seemed willing. He contacted his Foreign Minister, Prince Nikolay Orlov to sent the following message.

FROM: The Russian Empire
TO: La République Yvelinais

Though the government of Russia did support the former government of Pascoag and has serious political and theological differences with the new government of Yvelinais, Russia would like to put these differences behind us as our two nations do suffer under the watch of a common enemy. With the permission of your government, Russia would like to send an ambassador to speak on behalf of the Tsar to your government on concerns of the European Region and the future of the remaining free states.
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Toussaint
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The government in Versailles was a radical one. Being bent on defending democracy both at home and abroad, and having recently overthrown a fascist regime to establish its new and liberal one, in which social mobility and societal opportunity were not the least of the blessings held dear by the population. After overthrowing the wicked and malicious government of Pascoag, La République Yvelinais had entered a Europe that was still in large part ruled by aristocracies and kings. Needless to say, relations between Yvelines and most other European powers weren't exactly warm and amiable- precisely why it was unusual for Versailles to receive a diplomatic outreach from the Russian Empire.

Monsieur Le Président, Georges Duval, read the Russian overture carefully, and at first laughed at the proposal. Old allies of the Fascist King Benjamen Lucien wanted to commence in dialogues with a free and modern nation? Indeed, it was a bizarre thing to see. That said, the world was at war. The Dominion had run amok across the world, and now Europe was the only continent that stood strong enough to throw Gassel away- and even then, Europe's chances of complete defensive victory weren't a clench. After deciding that the Russian overture was almost certainly a request for aid, one of Duval's ministers prepared to dismiss the message and was only debating on whether to respond snidely or leave the message dormant and simply throw it away.

Duval, however, had better plans. He could use whatever the Russian king wanted from Yvelines to his advantage, if he did it right. And so, with utmost expediency, he dispatched a response to Moscow.

Quote:
 
We have eagerly awaited the day when the Russians- or any European power, for that matter- would come out of their shells and reach out to our esteemed republic. We will receive your diplomat and speak with him properly. We, however, do have a single request. Do not humor us with low level diplomats who do not hold real decision making power. We wish to see only the highest echelons of the Romanov's "royal court" in Versailles- either the King himself, or his foreign minister, Mr. Orlov. Assuredly, we should respond accordingly. Should this request not be met, then a dialogue will not be possible, as in these times of crisis we only have the time for those who can make decisions.
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NRE
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FROM: The Russian Empire
TO: La République Yvelinais
The Russian Empire would only send our most honorable diplomat for a visit of this nature and will of course be sending Prince Nikolay Orlov, our Foreign Minister given that neither the Tsar nor the Prime Minister can been sent as this time. Still Prince Orlov goes with full authority to speak on behalf of the Tsar.


Posted Image

Prince Orlov was dispatched to the Republic as soon as Moscow had received the French reply. Paul wasn't sure what to make of tone he perceived in the French message. He wondered if there was more to their hospitality and openness than met the eye but in the end knew he could not waste time debating over the notion. He instructed Prince Orlov to convince to French to aid in the Europe effort, sending with the Prince the latest plans discussed at the Benasque Summit. Europe would need the French in the fight if securing the Baltic coast was to be achieved.

Prince Orlov took a deep breathe as the plane began landing, he honestly did not know what to expect from one of Europe's last remaining democracies.
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Toussaint
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No warm welcome awaited the Russian foreign minister. No grand assembly of reveling spectators stood ready for the arrival of Mr. Orlov, waving Russian flags. Instead, only a small band of about 20 or so radicals stood outside of the plane's landing site, waiving a Yvelinais flag, and shouting "Vive la Liberté!" moderately loudly. It certainly wasn't a welcome party fit for royalty. But then again, royalty didn't go very far in Yvelines.

Despite the cold reception of the Prince by the people, government officials quickly made their way over to Mr. Orlov, not the least of which was the Vice President of The Republic, Armand Leclerc. After a quick greeting, the group threw itself into a limousine, and made the 10 minute drive to the Presidential Palace.

The palace was a beauty to behold. Formerly the residence of the wretched royal family, the scene had long changed since the old days of tyranny. Not only was the former palace inhabited by a democratically elected leader for the first time in history, but it's grand gardens were also open to the public. Thousands of ordinary citizens strolled through the gardens, lightly sneering at the Russian Prince's caravan as it drove by. Supporters of the old regime weren't held in high regard by the revolutionary populace.

Posted Image
An image of the Presidential Palace.

The Russian Prince was hastily brought into the palace, where he was greeted immediately by the President himself, Georges Duval.
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NRE
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Prince Orlov sighed a lot to himself since landing in Yvelinais. He knew of the revolutionary type, thinking themselves high and mighty for bringing about real change no matter what the means were. Still he didn't not allow indignities displayed by the democratic french waver his personal beliefs. He was Prince Nikolay Orlov, Foreign Minister to the Russian Empire and Patriarch of the Orlov dynasty. His authority was ordained by the Tsar himself whose authority came to him by God almighty. When finally he reached President Georges Duval's chambers he bowed slightly in respect for the President of the free French people.

"President Duval may I say what a pleasure it is for me to be welcomed here in Yvelinais" he said Nikolay in his deep Russian accent. "His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Paul Georgovich Romanov II sends only the best wishes to your people, yourself, and your administration. He also wished for me to express that though we respected the former monarchy, we are open to all interpretations of their rule and certainly do not consider them infallible."

The Prince paused as he repositioned his spectacles on his face. In appearance, Prince Orlov was a fatherly looking figure. A man in his late 70s, he wore a snow white bear that he kept well trimmed that matched the thin white hair of his head. He was a plump man that had rosy cheeks and deep blue eyes. When he spoke, he did so calmly, in a light but commanding voice that many of his fellow nobles and aids had come to respect.

"As to the matter of my visit Mr President" said Orlov "Russia has come to discuss matters pertaining to military action against current Dominion occupational forces to be done in concert with forces already among Russia and other free states in Europe."
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Toussaint
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At the mention of the former monarchy, President Duval sneered. However, he retained his diplomatic composure, and continued to speak within the confounds of the diplomatic arena. Upon hearing the Russian motive for calling the visit- inviting Yvelines into the coalition- Duval internally sighed, as he could have called the woeful predictability of the reasoning. The coalition was in desperate need of aid, and Yvelines could throw a dramatic weight into the Allies' favor.

Already, Yvelines had given money and resources to several movements aiming to repel the Dominion, most notably the Marslavans and the Confederates. However, both of those movements represented peoples fighting for their respective freedoms. And in both cases, no actual military commitment was made by Yvelines. Duval toyed with the idea in his mind.

"Monsieur Orlov, joining the Coalition forces currently rallying against the Dominion is an immense request on your behalf. Although my nation is strong, proud, and free, tell me what my motive would be to stand against the Dominion forces? Furthermore, why should my Republic, which has been effectively shunned by the European community since its founding, join forces with old allies of the fascist Lucien oppressors, such as Germany, Rome, and your own homeland?"
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NRE
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Prince Orlov should have seen this coming. He worried the entire flight that the republicans would hold a grudge against Europe for their handling of the Republics founding and furthermore of the ties which were held between the old monarchy and the more established powers of the continent. That said he felt it was frankly obvious why they should join the fight as the alternative was being annexed into the Dominion. After all, theirs was a delicate situation as is all revolutionary governments. They come to power by the willing of the people, but the people are fickle creatures and in one quick moment they can just as well rise again an replace one revolution government with another. This instability which is commonly found in governments as young as Yvelines can most certainly exploited by juggernauts such as the Dominion if all out conflict isn't decided on as the first move.

"Russia understand the immensity of the request that we are personally making to your people and your government" said the prince choosing his words carefully. "However, surely the alternative of not acting should alone be at some small percentage motivation for action. Besides Mr. President, I should think if your government wishes to prove democracy's place on a continent which has for decades be strongly pro-monarchy, victories over this era's greatest monster would be a far test."

"Still I understand your prejudice to countries and governments such as the one I represent. However, you must understand as I previously have just stated, this continent has been a bastion for Monarchies for decades and such ideologies have been ingrained into the very soil, water, and air we breathe. Welcoming you to the world arena is a difficult process for our governments to undertake for this very reason. However, that does not mean that we are not prepared to make sacrifices to our own personal beliefs to remain current in this ever changing world."

"Why should your people fight Mr. President" said Orlov, "they should fight because they recognize that it is the right thing to do. Because regardless of our different political, ideological, or theological beliefs we are all still Europeans and if even one of the remaining free states chooses to remain neutral as the threat of complete domination by the Dominion looms over us, it shall surely spell doom for the entire continent."
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Toussaint
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"You seem awfully convinced that saving Europe's old guard is within our nations best interests. Currently, the forces of the coalition are the very same nations- with the very same leaders- who supported years of fascism and oppression within France. Not only did they support the rape of my nation, Monsieur Orlov, but the leaders of your nations and others who were in league with the Luciens actually had the nerve to condemn our own republic and remorse the loss of the old guard!" President Duval grew increasingly impassioned, before slowing down his speech.

"Monsieur, I realize the urgency of Europe's situation. And I acknowledge the dangers of the World Military Dominion, which are posed to all the world- my nation being no exception. I will possibly join your coalition. I ask only one incentive in return.

"Currently, weakly established monarchies pepper much of the European Continent. Certainly, some are established. However, for the many that have not had the opportunity to cement themselves into their nations fabric, Dominion domination has arrived. Most notably, I speak of the former Kingdom of Pyria and the Holy Roman Dominion of Spain. Following a victory over the Dominion, I wish to establish democratic Republics within those territories, to even out the balance of power in Western Europe that stands between democracy and monarchy. If you can guarantee me a spot at the table when Europe is redrawn following the Dominion's continental expulsion, consider Yvelines a member of the Coalition." Duval spat this out quite matter-of-factly.

"However, let it be known that should Yvelines be back stabbed in this process, it is not a thing that will be easily forgotten by either myself or my fellow country men."
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NRE
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Orlov began rubbing his forehead. It wasn't so much he had a problem with them joining the table, after all if they committed troops to the bloodshed then they had every right to join in the talks for reshaping Europe. His only concerns was that he wanted to plant democracy so close to the Roman Empire. It would be an ill favored move by the Tsar in the eyes of the Roman Emperor for sure. Was it a small enough price to pay to have the french fighting in Europe? He wasn't sure he could answer that question. Not to mention the spread of democracies increased the chances of someone as low bread as Gassel could rise from obscurity and dictate European policy. Still Russia had little choice in this matter.

"As far as the Empire knows anyone who openly commits to the fight against Gassel and the Military Dominion will be welcomed at any conference held at the wars end" said Orlov finally. "That said, if it is required Russia will have no problems openly supporting your delegations attendance should you be denied by other nations and will even go so far as to save a seat next to us if you do so wish."

Though perhaps a bit sarcastic, Orlov meant it if it gauranteed French involvement.

"However, Mr. President do keep in mind this agreement between Russia and your people goes both ways. If Yvelines desire to promote democracies within the region and beyond then the Russian Empire will do nothing to stand in its way so long as it is done in areas where central government is no longer present. However, should Yvelines instigate any instability within the governments of any established monarchy in Europe or abroad then Russia will see no further reason to keep diplomatic channels open between our two people. Though we cannot speak for all monarchs, the Tsar has never once forced his rule on any people that did not welcome it. Out of mutual respect, we hope the French will do the same."
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Toussaint
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The crudeness of the Russian ambassador did him little favors with wooing over the French. "We shall arrive and take whichever seat we get. However, if we are to involve ourselves in this affair, we would be the largest power in all the coalition. We expect to be treated with the respect that we deserve- crude remarks or betrayals will not be appreciated by our nation."

At Orlov's last comments, Duval could not help but feel the sting of insult. "Monsieur Orlov, rest assured that our foreign policies direction lies almost entirely with the goal of winning over Konigsburg's approval. Much as, I am sure, Konigsburg so desperately seeks amiable relations with us. Do note that unlike the monarchies which give rise to extremism- such as the one in Kasnyia did- democracies have a way of settling themselves out. It is not a government system that one can "force." If the people so will it, M. Orlov, they can elect their king, or their maverick. It's a much more beautiful system than you and your colleagues give credit for."

"Keep us informed on the progress of the operations against Gasselist Europe. We shall make the first strike."
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Orlov was not about to argue politics or ideology with the Frenchman, he had little time for it. Still the idea of Monarchies giving rise to extremism was a bit of a blow. Only weak monarchies gave rise to extremism, strong ones crushed it with vigorous gusto as if doing so with the hand of God itself. He found the President to be a bit too high and mighty for his liking, as was please to feel that the diplomatic visit was nearing an end.

"Russia will forward all materials necessary to keep you and your military apprised of the joint military operations of the European Coalition" said Orlov. "I was authorized to discuss nothing further with your government thus if there are no further questions or concerns I will return to the Empire with your official reply Mr. President."
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"Wonderful," Duval said, pleased of the meetings ending. "Send the Tsar my smooth regards."
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