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| Something New in Central Europe | |
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| Topic Started: Mar 23 2013, 07:56 AM (290 Views) | |
| Alberto | Mar 23 2013, 07:56 AM Post #1 |
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Longtime ago the Holy Roman Emperor, in the person of a Habsburg, ruled a vast area spanning from the Alps to Brandeburg. His dominions included Bohemia and Prague was one of the Empire's capitals. Then, sometime in the XVth century, after years of vexations, the imperial government burnt Jan Hus, a great preacher, theologist and leader. This proved to be too much and the following decades saw a bloody war which led to the independence of Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia, and the birth of Marslava. On the other hand the Habsburg slowly receded, their power declined and their dominions shrinked. Soon the house was divided in many branches, one of them in Budapest, the other in Vienna. In he rest of Central Europe mercenaries and other war lords went havoc and created their own little states in order to institutionalize their plunder of the territories they oversaw. For a while it looked that the Austrian branch had found back its ancient splendour as the state of Austro-Bayern extended under the suspicious eyes of Prague. However, Austro-Bayern crumbled and Marslava remained, surviving many wars and the onslaught of the World Military Dominion. The area had been peaceful since then, the Haugsburg had left the throne, the Marslavan Grand Dukes had lost it and then re-gained it. While Europe was distracted by the events in Cologne, the Austrian people had re-emerged in the political scene, under a new form. Gone were Emperors and Arch-Dukes, the new state was a democratic, constitutional republic. It was an extremely interesting evolution and, possibly, a new ally and friend for the Grand Duchy of Marslava. Indeed, except Porcu, Europe did not count many like-minded states: the autocracies, dictatorships and empires were still dominant. For all these reasons the Grand Duke Ottokar retained that he should fly to Vienna heading himself a Marslavan delegation. He considered that, given the past history, Marslava should treat as a priority the establishment of some ties with Vienna. He also wanted to establish whether the Austrians could be a danger to Marslava or not. For years the priority of Marlsava's diplomats and generals had been to maintain the status quo and an area of security around the Grand Duchy. More specifically, no major power was to be allowed to emerge in Central Europe unless it could integrate with Marslava inside some form of alliance. Vienna, beautiful as ever, was already visible from the plane. The Marslavan delegation was discussing the incoming encounter with the government of the Federation. Opinions diverged, but all agreed that it was important to see what the Austrians were up to. The opinion was that the Federation's independence should be respected, as long as it did not threaten the stability of the region. This could be reached through an alliance (which perhaps was to encompass Brandeburg) or through other options. There were indeed some in Prague who watched with apprehension the development of a new states in Austria and who would give a lot to see it crumbling... Luckily, the Grand Duke was not one of those. Edited by Alberto, Mar 23 2013, 08:00 AM.
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| Whal | Mar 24 2013, 11:19 AM Post #2 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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The Federation of United East German States had formed largely as response to the growing presence and dangers of outlying peoples within Europe. Traditionally, since the fall of the Holy Roman Empire and Austro-Bayern, the nine independent Austrian states delegated a system of self-rule, uniting only under times of great duress on the region. Any onlooker could compare the Austrian provinces to the Ancient Greek city states of the old classical era, when encroachment from foreign powers was answered by a stanch united front. The current religious turmoil unfolding in Europe was closely watched by each provincial government, until the decision was reached that Austria should be united once more, if just not for protection, but for survival as a whole. To the newly formed nation's right, stood the proud and powerful Grand Dutchy of Marslava. A large progressive state which encompassed former Hapsburg Bohemia-Moravia. The Austrians, now officially "East Germans", largely regarded the Marslavan state with a combination of respected admiration and ambivalent distancing. Largely the consensus was that because Marslava was at war against the Genesisians, their conflict could quickly become an East German problem, as troops from both sides would be engaging right on the Federation's doorstep. However, the prospect of an alliance with an economically and militarily adept nation so close by did have its merits, and many in the East German Parliament were willing to adopt open minds. At the head of this new Austro-German state, was Bundesprasident Dieter Krupp, a social democrat, and ardent supporter of opening talks with bordering nations who could propose mutually beneficial deals which would strengthen the region. At his side was the new foreign adviser to the Bundesprasident, Jochim von Franke, and the Minister of Interior, Anke Brandt. The three engaged in some logistical discourse just outside on the tarmac of Vienna International Airport as they waited for the arrival of the Marslavans. |
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| Alberto | Mar 25 2013, 01:02 PM Post #3 |
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The Grand Duke Ottokar Ist stepped out of the plane. Outside, he was welcomed by the sight of the imposing uhlans which formed the honor guard. The weather was decent and the day, thought the Grand Duke, would be fine. Him and his aides were welcomed by the Bundesprasident in person, a socialdemocrat akin to the Nadia Starikova who was now leading the Marslavan government. They were brought to the same Schönbrunn Palace where the sovereigns of Austro-Bayern had once resided. Now, the palace was the see of the president and had sobered up, as it was more appropriate for a republic. Nonetheless, the impression was that, through the choice of the location for the talks, the the East Germans had done all they could to make understand that they valued this encounter. After an exchange of the usual politenesses, the Grand Duke deemed appropriate to talk about the future relations between Marslava and the Federation. He remarked:" What happens in Austria is extremely important for Marslava, for this I am glad to see it overseen by a stable and responsible government" He continued "because of their democratic government and social-democrat policies, Marslava and the Federation are extremely similar states which ought to cooperate more". Cooperation between the Czechs and the Austrians was not new, argued the Grand Duke, who remembered previous agreements with the Haugsburg, such as the formation of a confederation between Austro-Bayern, Hungary and Marslava. That was longtime ago, he admitted, but it showed clearly that there was a past of cooperation between the two states. "Marslava is extremely keen to establish trade relations, as well as a visa free regime in Austria. Central Europe is an extremely promising space where Marslava aims to create a free market area: Marslava and the Federation will find convenient to lower tariffs on each other products as well as allowing the passage of each other's citizens without the issuing of visas" The Grand Duke continued "moreover we propose to proceed to sign a defensive alliance (which would not however cover the war that Marslava is currently fighting in Germany).". The Grand Duke had made his case, or at least he felt he had done so, now it was the turn of the federal president to speak up his mind and outline what he saw to be the future of the relations between Marslava and the Federation. |
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| Whal | Mar 25 2013, 05:09 PM Post #4 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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The East German delegation was extremely pleased with the various suggestions proposed by the Marslavan Grand Duke. The Federation had similar intentions in regards to a prosperous trading relationship, and the proposal to lower tariffs on each other's exports was accepted graciously. Additionally, the Federation also agreed with the issuing of travel visas for each other's citizens, as unrestricted travel between both nations was necessary for a sharing of cultures. Equally as important to the new Austro-German state, was the proposed military defensive pact. Even though there were some in the Federation who regarded such a step to be dangerous, the Bundesprasident approved and stated, "I see no problem in signing such an agreement. Our two nations share a similar set of ideals that are largely, without some exceptions, not present in European leadership. Such a pact will allow us to defend these ideals and hopefully inspire other's to do the same." Like the Grand Duke, Krupp also had some proposals he wished the Marslavans would accept. The Federation possessed some of the most prestigious universities and military academies in all of Europe and the new leader wished to invite the Marslavans to partake. "I believe that a mutual state supported and funded education outreach program be adopted by both our governments. This will allow students from both our countries to take advantage of the massive resources we collectively posses." He proposed. "Additionally, both Marslava and the Federation would mutually benefit from an exchanging of military advisers to help better train each others armed forces. With the growing conflicts escalating around Austria at the moment, the Osterwehr would benefit greatly from Marslavan instruction and my countries competent, but small, military must be able to react effectively to any form of attack." Dieter Krupp had laid out his proposals in a manner he believed would intrigue the Marslavans, and he hoped they would agree. |
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| Alberto | Mar 28 2013, 04:37 PM Post #5 |
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"The exchange of students and researchers is perfectly acceptable to us" said the Grand Duke "however I have to enquire in your intentions for the future. Which disorders are occurring in Austria ? And what do you intend to do about them ? " these were important issues for the Marslavan sovereign, who added another thorny issues "Marslava is interested in preserving the status quo at its south. Any change of the current situation must be agreed between our governments, and this includes territorial expansions by both our states". Once these issues would be sorted out, made understand the Marslavans, military cooperation would become easier. |
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| Whal | Mar 28 2013, 08:04 PM Post #6 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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The Bundesprasident was taken slightly aback by the Grand Duke's request at discussing Austria's current issues. He pondered what issues the Marslavan wished to know about, and more importantly, which issues he should be told. "Well, The Federation, like other central European states, is currently facing issues regarding illegal immigration, impending religious conflicts, and minor civil squabbles. These are not unheard of elsewhere, and I believe them to be of little value to our alliance." Krupp stated. "Also, in reference to our military situation, Marslava should not be alarmed. Presently, the Federation seeks no additional territory, but it hopes to expand into the remainder of East Germany sometime in the future. However, this will be a democratic annexation and the Federation will only act upon such desires with the support of it's neighbors." He stated reassuringly. The Bundesprasident also had some additional questions for the Grand Duke. "From what we have observed, the Marslavan government has undergone a recent change in leadership, am i not correct? Could you inform us on your future goals regarding the Crusade, Expansion, and International Relations? Also, the Federation possess a small fleet of merchant escort vessels which are in need of repair and re-armament. Would you be willing to allow us access to your Black Sea port of Sinop for this task on a re-occurring basis? All of the cost for rearming, repairs, and refueling would be provided and paid for by East Germany, of course. |
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| Alberto | Mar 30 2013, 05:53 AM Post #7 |
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The president of the Federation had replied with sincerity to the questions made by the Grand Duke, who now had to reply as sincerely as possible to the questions that the Austrian leader had posed him. "Marslava is currently in an alliance with Porcu, its main friend and partner in the continent. Porcu has been attacked by the Crusader troops and that is why we have intervened in Cologne ; our purpose is not to annex any territory, but simply to help an ally to kick out of Europe aggressive and expansionist forces. For what concern the future, Marslava does not plan any expansion and intends to build an area of trade and partnership in Central Europe." The Grand Duke considered that he had said enough and passed to another subject "I am grateful that you replied franly to my questions regarding the intentions of the Federation and, hence, Marslava will cooperate militarily with the Federation through the sending of military advisors and joint training. Moreover, the harbour of Sinop is open to any ship sailing under the Federation's flag." He concluded by saying:" I am convinced that, now, Marslava has a new friend in Vienna and you should know that the Federation has acquired a new ally in Prague. Unless there is any other point you would like to discuss, I propose that our respective foreign offices elaborate a draft for a treaty of friendship between our two countries". |
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| Whal | Mar 30 2013, 03:41 PM Post #8 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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The Grand Duke's explanation was exactly what Dieter Krupp wished to hear. For a long time, many in the East German Parliament were concerned with Marslavan ideas of expansion which could potentially threaten the security of the Federation. With the promise that Marslava desired no more territory in Europe, at least territory that could threaten Vienna, Krupp could shatter these fears and convince Parliament to co-operate with Prague. Moreover, The Bundesprasident was elated at the Grand Duke's reply. "I, and the people of Austria, are extremely grateful for your friendship and the use of your port. If there is ever anything you desire from us, please do not hesitate to ask." With no more requests Krupp was ready to discuss and sign a proposed treaty of friendship. "I do believe I have nothing more to request from you at the moment", he joked. "If you have a treaty you wish to propose, I would be more than willing to review it." |
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| Alberto | Apr 4 2013, 04:09 AM Post #9 |
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Treaty of Vienna I) The Grand Duchy of Marslava and the Federation of East German States hereby recognizes each other's sovereignty, as well as the integrity and inviolability of each other's borders II) The parties to this treaty will hereby commence diplomatic relations, with the exchange of delegations in each other's capital III) The Parties pledge to not recur to war in their relations with each other Economic Relations IV) The parties to this treaty pledge to lift visa requirements to each other's nationals, as well as limiting immigration controls V) They engage to easen restrictions on investment of capital and the possibility of opening businesses in the respective countries VI) They engage in restricting tariffs to each other's exports, with the goal of realizing a free market zone between the two countries Culture and Education VII) The parties to this treaty will establish a joint committee of officials and academics which will have the tasks of: VII.1) Supervising a program of exchange of students in each other's institutes of study VII.2) Supervising a rogram of exchange of academics and researchers in each other's institutes of study and research VII.3) Fund joint research programmes VIII) A programme of exchange of workes will be started, allowing East Germans and Marslavans to receive renumerated training in the other country Security and Defense IX) The Grand Duchy of Marslava and the Federation of East German states pledge to intervene milutarily in favor of the other if it is attacked in European territory IX.1) This clause does not apply to the war that Marslava is currently fighting in Germany X) Marslava will dispatch a mission of military trainers and advisors to the East German forces XI) Marslava and the Federation will start a programme of exchange to take place during the officers' training XII) The parties to this treaty will endeavour to commence joint research projects in the sector of defense and security |
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| Whal | Apr 4 2013, 02:38 PM Post #10 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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"We foresee no problems with this treaty and, in fact, regard it as the beginning of healthy friendship. We look forward to a long-lasting partnership between Vienna and Prague." the Bundasprasident stated, very pleased. He then proceeded to sign the document. "Please, feel free to resume your stay in Vienna in the luxurious Gran Wien Hotel, completely on us." Krupp finished. |
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11:31 AM Jul 13