[Forum Game] World in Revolution: 1900 Mk. II

[Ab Ovo]

A statement
from the Office of HM The King of Albania
​

Господи, Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, помилуй мя грешного​

We are greatly distressed by reports emanating from the Ottoman State concerning the savage and deplorable treatment of Christian peoples within the Empire. While We recognise that the Ottoman foreign ministry has assured the international community that these reports are baseless, it is nevertheless imperative that concrete action be taken to ensure that this remains the case. The statement issued on the initiative of Our beloved cousin is one which has the full backing of the Albanian state and We specifically entreat His Majesty The Sultan to acquiesce to its terms -- lest the spirit of Mars once again plague the land. Likewise, We must express Our particular concern regarding the status of those ethnic Albanians still subject to Mehmed V. While, again, We have faith and trust in the constitutional realities of Ottoman governance, the fact remains that the Golkap government does not appear to share the ideological commitment to toleration expressed by its predecessor. Substantive measures must be taken by the new government to demonstrate the safety and security of the Christian peoples of the Ottoman State. In this regard accepting the fair and just ultimatum of the Russian government would be a very positive first step; and lay the groundwork for a prosperous co-operation between the Ottoman State and the Christian powers of Europe.

Although the vast majority of Our subjects, as of yet, remain partial to the Mohametan faith of their forefathers it would be unconscionable for Us not to speak in defense of Our Christian brothers and sisters; both in Armenia and across the length of the Empire. As although the Kingdom of Albania is and shall remain committed to a policy of religious toleration, given that the Christian doctrine is held by a majority of ethnic Albanians outwith the borders of the Kingdom it is only natural that We express Our deepest concern -- within our capacity as King of Albania -- for the rights of all Ottoman Christians. Should guarantees of the rights and protections of the Ottoman Christian population not be swiftly forthcoming from the Sublime Porte, We fear for the consequences.

In the Year of Our Lord 1910,

Teodor IV
by the grace of God, King of Albania

 

[aedan777]

The accusation of brutalities by the Ottoman Empire against its Christian minorities is a most serious one, which Romania considers most disconcerting, if true. By the terms of the Treaty of Bucharest, the Ottoman Empire is held to protect and respect the rights of its Christian minorities. If it were proven that the Ottoman Empire truly engaged in atrocities during the rebellions of the Armenians, then Romania would be compelled to suspend the defensive clauses of the Treaty of Bucharest, until such a time that it has been ascertained that the Ottoman empire is compliant with the Treaty. Romanian reconciliation with the Ottoman Empire has been fundamentally based on the post-coup efforts made by the Ottoman Empire to respect and accept its Christian minorities. If the Ottoman empire reverts to older methods of dealing with its Christian minorities, Romania would feel it necessary to reconsider its relationship with the Empire.

However, at present there is an absence of clear evidence of Ottoman wrong-doing. Only rumors and hearsay exist to substantiate the claims of Ottoman brutality against its Christian minorities. Under such circumstances, the Russian ultimatum seems wholly unwarranted and premature. The Ottoman Empire previously has offered to allow an international body to investigate the claims of brutality in its conflicts, and it seems most proper to accept this offer, and determine the veracity of claims of Ottoman wrongdoing, before issuing an ultimatum. Romania would gladly offer observers for the body, and if the Ottoman Empire was found guilty of the crimes it is accused of, would wholly support punishment against the Ottomans. We hope that this measure is resolved with as little bloodshed as possible.

In other news regarding atrocities against rebelling minorities, the horrific actions taken by the Hungarian Honved against the Romanian minorities of Transylvania are abominable. Thousands of civilians were brutally killed, and the captured rebels marched in inhospitable conditions into Romania, thousands dying in the process. These are not in any way the actions of a civilized nation, and Romania calls for an immediate end of to the frightful policies being enacted in Transylvania. Unlike the supposed events in the Ottoman Empire, there exists an abundance of evidence of Hungarian atrocities, including thousands of eyewitness reports from those it forced over the border, in an emaciated state. We call for international condemnation of this event, and demand that Hungary also provided restitution for those in Transylvania who have suffered from this monstrous and barbaric assault by the Honved.

-Ioan Lahovary, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Romania

 

[Dadarian]

"The recent policing action in Transylvania was meted out by the Honved against an itinerant population of bandits and nomads in the form of the Gypsy menace. After engaging in widescale tax revolts, the Honved were well within their bounds to cast out the nomadic people of bandits and thieves. Furthermore, the Imperial and Royal Governments did not engage in uncivilised internment in camps, and instead simply let them walk across the border. Furthermore, these bandits, these Gypsies sought to destroy the Danubian Dam, a symbol of greatness, prosperity, and the Triple Crown! It will not be abandoned, and indeed will be risen an additional 10 ft in order to show once and for all the mightiness of the Dam and the power of the Imperial and Royal industries!

The accusations of our dear neighour, the بسبب، رومانيا the Kingdom of Romania are most shocking. The Imperial and Royal Kingdoms would never treat our Romanian population, if there were any, in such a way. Indeed, if one were to check the demographic data collected earlier this year, it would be found that the population of Transylvania is primarily Hungarian. However, being a generous and gracious Christian state, HIRRM has decided to turn the other cheek at the accusations of the Romanian state, and instead work diligently to rebuild the Danubian Dam so that cheap power can be sold to Romania, and power given to even their poorest peasant."

~ Agenor Graf Gołuchowski, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the K.u.K.u.K Franz Josef

 

[Cloud Strife]

La Troisième République at the beginning of 1910

Président Castelnau and Général de division Joseph Joffre observing maneuvers​

The first step to recovering glorie for France was to gain more allies; the North African Pact signed between France, Spain, and Portugal was the first step to building a stable Western Europe. The two cornerstones of the pact, the division of Morocco between France and Spain, and solving the Hispano-Portuguese Economic Enmity, by a timely loan to Portugal to allow it pay Spanish industrial concerns in exchange for severing the Treaty of Lisbon, were laid down after delicate negotiations between the three powers. French Morocco's iron ore would contribute to industrialization in the métropole and the Franco-Portuguese Company would conrol various colonial concessions worth $150m annually, for at least the next decade or so until the Portuguese could pay off the loan's principle. The French Government had taken the unusual step to use it share of profits to establish a benefits fund for the families of veterans who fought in la Débâcle; education for sons and daughters of causalities and pensions for those disabled from the fighting would be funded. Spread across so many thousands, the benefits would not be much but President Castelnau wanted to do something for the sons of France who went off to war and did not want to tarry in beginning the process. He had commanded on the front, ordered men to their demise, and wanted his poilus to have more than lip service done for them.

After the excitement of 1909 many expected the government to settle into the usual patterns of bickering about nonsense but any expected pivot to normalcy was ended by news from Germany. The Kaiser had not reduced his forces as many expected he would do so after the war; he increased them. The German Government had lengthened conscription from 4 to 5 years, added more than a dozen new divisions that could be stood up in a future war, and had stepped up its propaganda campaign against its former Habsburg allies. Who would the Germans turn their attention to next, if directed now at an old ally of Germany then what more against historical enemies? The governing coalition of the Republican Federation, Popular Liberal Action, and French Action called on their colleagues on the left and center-left to lend their support for a comprehensive geostrategic plan to give maximum effect to the defense of France. The Left would either be forced to back the proposed National Defense Bill or be seen as weak on Germany. With the public still angry at how the Radical's Republic fought the war, there would be little choice for the bulk of left-leaning deputies to side with the government.

The National Defense Bill set overall goals, namely, the straightening of the Army for to take advantage of new theories of defense-in-depth and for offensive maneuvers plus the reinforcement of the Navy. The actual details would be worked out by the Conseil supérieur de la guerre and the Conseil supérieur de la marine and then referred back to committee for final funding approval. The only public announcement made on reforms thus far was a notice that the loi de recrutement would be altered, expanding conscription from a two-year to three-year term of service. This was timed with the official announcement of the annexation of French Morocco to dampen some of the pushback from the doves about the new policy. The conscription reform was mean to even the odds by a useful margin against the Germans in the event of an emergency and would used to test the waters of public enthusiasm for a more pro-active approach to building French hard power.

Meanwhile, the Armenian Crisis created new uncertainties. The potential for war between the Ottoman Empire and Russia had come at an inopportune time. With St. Petersburg distracted, Berlin could be tempted to act on its obvious designs against Vienna and Budapest. Then there was the crisis in China, which pitted the British, Japanese, Americans, and in some respects the Russians against each other.

The world had entered uncertain times and the time for passivity was over.

On the advice of Premier Thierry, Castelnau had resolved to send an envoy to Kaiser Franz Joseph of the Austro-Hungarian-Croatian Empire by the end of the month.

 

[etranger01]

The United States of America
Hail, Columbia
​

In order to ensure regional security and to intensively test the new-model battleships recently commissioned into service, elements of the Atlantic Squadron of the United States Navy will undertake a series of exercises in the southern Atlantic Ocean in the coming year. We fully expect that these war games will prove enlightening and useful, and that the presence of the Squadron will best ensure the stability of the region.

Truman H. Newberry
Secretary of the Navy

 

[Olligarchy]

Spanish Cabinet of 1910

With the government of Presidente del Consejo de Ministros de España Antonio Maura Montaner now confirmed and sworn in by the King, it is the Cortes Generales honour to announce the Cabinet of the Hispanic Monarchy for the next four years.

Cabinet of Antonio Maura Montaner (1910)
Minister of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness & the Treasury: Faustino Rodríguez-San Pedro Diaz-Argüelles
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation: Miguel Primo de Rivera
Minister of Justice: Joaquín Sánchez de Toca y Calvo
Minister of War: José Ferrándiz y Niño
Minister of the Interior, Public Works, Employment &Social Security: Manuel Allendesalazar Muñoz

-----

Treaty of Olivença (1910)
Recognising the recent tumultuous changes around the world as having negatively affected the stability and long-term viability of the Treaty of Lisbon, the Kingdoms of Spain and Portugal declare their intent to begin a conscious uncoupling. Whilst the original treaty was signed in good faith by both parties, recent events have made it clear that the treaty as is cannot survive in its present form. Hence, the Treaty of Olivença enforces these changes:

Article I: The Cancellation
The precepts of Articles i, ii, iii, iv and v of the Treaty of Lisbon are to be cancelled, starting from 1915 (?) to give adequate time for both parties to rearrange their economies and for any citizens and businesses to relocate back to their native soil.

Article II: Compensation
The Kingdom of Portugal, recognizing that it has benefitted immensely from both Spanish industry and investment agrees to repay the Spanish State the estimated gross value of Spanish investment in the country totaling 1 billion pounds sterling. This money is to be placed by the Spanish Government into a secure fund separate from its revenues and expenditures, to be used to compensate for any losses suffered by Spanish businesses or individuals returning to the country on a case by case basis.

Article III: The Future
The Kingdoms of Spain and Portugal recognize that though the Iberian Economic Area outlined by Treaty of Lisbon may have failed, the future of Iberia should remain a peaceful one, and agree to a non-aggression pact which is to be maintained until 1915, at which stage it is renewable every five years.

The Kingdom of Portugal also agrees to reaffirm its intent on joining the North African Pact.

For Spain

For Portugal

​

 

[Olligarchy]

Spaniards, Moors & Other Fantasy Creatures
Rebirth of Globalista Spain​

In the aftermath of the 1910’s election, the newly formed government of Prime Minister Maura found itself in a strange situation, where their earlier ’Africanista’ policies had already been fulfilled before their majority government could even take over. Morocco, a long-term prize and aim of past Spanish Governments had been brought to heel by the now disenfranchised Reformists, and no matter how many minor riots Maura’s government put down, they could not claim those to be real victories. They’d campaigned for expanded military spending, and had also gotten it, but… what now?

The answer strangely could be found to the North.

The newly forged alliance with France and the added security that came with it, prompted Spain to take a long, hard look at the map and come to the realization that though Spain was still far from a true Great Power, her age old advantages: namely location, easily defensible terrain and the hardiness of her people, made her an ideal candidate for global reach. Control of Morocco gave Spain substantial control over the Pillars of Hercules as well, and the newly strengthened Armada meant that there were very few countries outside the Great Powers that could match Spanish arms. Arms, which whilst dulled could still pack a hefty punch by sheer numbers and technology alone.

To that end, in a speech at the opening of a gala, Prime Minister Maura announced his new views on a ‘Globalista’ Spain, and after serious consideration began to chart out the governments next four years.

Another piece of the puzzle came into place when Major José Millán-Astray was invited to a private dinner with King Alfonso; whom had been quite taken by the manner and tales of the charismatic young officer; and the chat that stretched to the wee hours of the night resulted in Millán-Astray proposing the creation of an institution similar to the French Foreign Legion… only loyal to Spain, and Spain alone. The King, quite enchanted by the idea took it to heart.

What followed was a pitch by His Most Catholic Majesty to his own Prime Minister in the next private briefing, and Maura found the notion appealing. Spain was surely to be a global power, so surely she’d require a force capable of operating globally? To that end, he presented the Operaciones Especiales Bill before the Cortes, calling for the creation of two new units: The Spanish Legion, to be composed of men of Latin or Hispanic descent meant to act as shock troops all over the Spanish world, and the Regulares, a force of native Islamic Moroccan Troops aimed at defending Spains holdings in North Africa and make use of the native populace in the armed forces.

 

[Cloud Strife]

A communique to Austro-Hungarian-Croatian Government from the French Government; @Dadarian

​

I have the pleasure of writing on behalf of His Excellency, Noël Édouard Marie Joseph de Curières de Castelnau, President of the French Republic, to arrange a meeting with His Imperial and Royal Majesty, Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, King of Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia and Lodomeria and Illyria; King of Jerusalem etc., Archduke of Austria; Grand Duke of Tuscany and Kracow, Duke of Lorraine, of Salzburg, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola and of Bukovina; Grand Prince of Transylvania; Margrave of Moravia; Duke of Upper and Lower Silesia, of Modena, Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, of Oświęcim, and Ćeszyn; Princely Count of Habsburg and Tyrol, of Kyburg, Gorizia and Gradisca; Prince of Trent and Brixen; Margrave of Upper and Lower Lusatia and in Istria; Count of Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg, etc.; Lord of over the Windic march, on various matters of state. We also request the attendance of His Imperial and Royal Majesty's Ministers of State to discuss certain technical matters with their French counterparts.

We look forward to hearing the Triple Monarchy's answer.

Signed,
M. Delcassé, Ministre des Affaires étrangères

 

[Dadarian]

A communique to Austro-Hungarian-Croatian Government from the French Government; @Dadarian

​

I have the pleasure of writing on behalf of His Excellency, Noël Édouard Marie Joseph de Curières de Castelnau, President of the French Republic, to arrange a meeting with His Imperial and Royal Majesty, Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, King of Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia and Lodomeria and Illyria; King of Jerusalem etc., Archduke of Austria; Grand Duke of Tuscany and Kracow, Duke of Lorraine, of Salzburg, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola and of Bukovina; Grand Prince of Transylvania; Margrave of Moravia; Duke of Upper and Lower Silesia, of Modena, Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla, of Oświęcim, and Ćeszyn; Princely Count of Habsburg and Tyrol, of Kyburg, Gorizia and Gradisca; Prince of Trent and Brixen; Margrave of Upper and Lower Lusatia and in Istria; Count of Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg, etc.; Lord of over the Windic march, on various matters of state. We also request the attendance of His Imperial and Royal Majesty's Ministers of State to discuss certain technical matters with their French counterparts.

We look forward to hearing the Triple Monarchy's answer.

Signed,
M. Delcassé, Ministre des Affaires étrangères

"What does the French Republic desire?"

~ Agenor Graf Gołuchowski, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the K.u.K.u.K Franz Josef

 

[Nax24]

Spanish Cabinet of 1910

With the government of Presidente del Consejo de Ministros de España Antonio Maura Montaner now confirmed and sworn in by the King, it is the Cortes Generales honour to announce the Cabinet of the Hispanic Monarchy for the next four years.

Cabinet of Antonio Maura Montaner (1910)
Minister of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness & the Treasury: Faustino Rodríguez-San Pedro Diaz-Argüelles
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation: Miguel Primo de Rivera
Minister of Justice: Joaquín Sánchez de Toca y Calvo
Minister of War: José Ferrándiz y Niño
Minister of the Interior, Public Works, Employment &Social Security: Manuel Allendesalazar Muñoz

-----

Treaty of Olivença (1910)
Recognising the recent tumultuous changes around the world as having negatively affected the stability and long-term viability of the Treaty of Lisbon, the Kingdoms of Spain and Portugal declare their intent to begin a conscious uncoupling. Whilst the original treaty was signed in good faith by both parties, recent events have made it clear that the treaty as is cannot survive in its present form. Hence, the Treaty of Olivença enforces these changes:

Article I: The Cancellation
The precepts of Articles i, ii, iii, iv and v of the Treaty of Lisbon are to be cancelled, starting from 1915 (?) to give adequate time for both parties to rearrange their economies and for any citizens and businesses to relocate back to their native soil.

Article II: Compensation
The Kingdom of Portugal, recognizing that it has benefitted immensely from both Spanish industry and investment agrees to repay the Spanish State the estimated gross value of Spanish investment in the country totaling 1 billion pounds sterling. This money is to be placed by the Spanish Government into a secure fund separate from its revenues and expenditures, to be used to compensate for any losses suffered by Spanish businesses or individuals returning to the country on a case by case basis.

Article III: The Future
The Kingdoms of Spain and Portugal recognize that though the Iberian Economic Area outlined by Treaty of Lisbon may have failed, the future of Iberia should remain a peaceful one, and agree to a non-aggression pact which is to be maintained until 1915, at which stage it is renewable every five years.

The Kingdom of Portugal also agrees to reaffirm its intent on joining the North African Pact.

For Spain

For Portugal
​

[X] Venceslau de Lima, Minister of Foreign Affairs

"It is done... after ten years it is done..."

 

[Cloud Strife]

"What does the French Republic desire?"

~ Agenor Graf Gołuchowski, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the K.u.K.u.K Franz Josef

A communique to Austro-Hungarian-Croatian Government from the French Government; @Dadarian

In response to the general atmosphere of uncertainty among the Great Powers, the Government of Frances wishes to extend a hand friendship to the people of the Austro-Hungarian-Croatian Empire. We hope a state visit by our President and members of the Cabinet would reinforce the seriousness of our offer and lead to successful negotiations for a non-aggression pact between the Triple Monarchy and the Republic, as a first step towards better relations between our two peoples.

Signed,
M. Delcassé, Ministre des Affaires étrangères

 

[Julius Maximus]

Treaty of Kavadartsi​

All signatories hereby immediately agree to the terms of the treaty outline below once signed:

1.) All currently combating signatories (United Macedonian State/United Balkan Revolution (from here on known as the United Macedonian State), Ottoman Empire) agree to cease all hostilities.

2.) All signatory states recognize the Sovereignty of the United Macedonian State.

3.) The Ottoman Empire will immediately begin the withdrawal of troops to coincide with the borders provided in Figure 1.

4.) The United Macedonian State, Kingdom of Greece and Kingdom of Serbia will begin to take both civil and military control of the territories ceded to their respective states in Figure 1 with the intention of assuming full control over the region within a period of three (3) months. (Transfer will begin February 15th and end May 15th, 1910).

5.) The United Macedonian State, Kingdom of Greece, Kingdom of Serbia, and Ottoman Empire agree to allow the free movement of Bulgars, Greeks, Macedonians, Serbs, Albanians, Aromanians, and Turkish peoples that wish to move to one of the other signatory states due to the border negotiations. Any peoples that wish to relocate will be provided free transportation by the signatory states to the border with their destination signatory state for a two year period (1910 - 1912).

6.) In turn with the Referendum of the Autonomous State of Salonica between The Kingdom of Greece and The Ottoman Empire, the border changes will be made final (The Salonica Referendum, in the event the Kingdom of Greece is found to win said referendum shall determine the final border shown between The Kingdom of Greece and the Ottoman Empire), and all sides may conduct their borders as sovereign states. All nations will begin, continue, or renew trade relations with the other signatory states depending on their prior trade status.

7.) All signatory nations shall uphold the newfound peace in the Balkans, and in moments of crisis shall gather for conference to discuss in civil fashion a solution to such a crisis.

Figure 1: Permanent borders post Salonica Referendum​

Signatories:

[x] Signed, The Ottoman Empire

[x] Signed, The United Macedonian State (United Balkan Revolution)

[x] Signed, The Kingdom of Greece

[x] Signed, The Kingdom of Serbia

 

[Luftwafer]

[X] Serbian representative

 

[Ranger900]

Treaty of Kavadartsi​

All signatories hereby immediately agree to the terms of the treaty outline below once signed:

(...Cut...)


Signatories:

[x] Signed, The Ottoman Empire

[] The United Macedonian State (United Balkan Revolution)

[] The Kingdom of Greece

[] The Kingdom of Serbia

[X] Tane Nikolov, designated delegate for the United Balkan Revolution, now United Macedonian State.

 

[Ab Ovo]

Government of Albania
Qeveria e Shqipërisë

Regarding the Treaty of Kavadartsi
​

Whilst His Majesty's Government is of course thrilled to see the final establishment of peace in the Balkans, His Majesty specifically wishes to denounce -- in the strongest terms -- the complete lack of consultation with the Albanian government concerning the disposition of historically Albanian lands. His Majesty's Government immediately calls for the initiation of bilateral discussion with both the Greek and Serbian governments concerning the issue of ensuring proper governance over Northern Epirus, Mirdita, and other ethnically and historically Albanian regions which were granted -- without basis -- to the Kingdoms of Greece and Serbia by the Ottoman State. Furthermore His Majesty's Government calls upon the Italian government, her fraternal benefactor, to assist the Kingdom of Albania with these negotiations. His Majesty's Government also calls upon the Russian government to assist Albania in seeking the revision of this unjust treaty; in light of familial ties between our two nations and with regard to the future of friendly relations between our two great nations.

Finally, the Kingdom of Albania formally extends recognition to the United Macedonian State. It is the hope of His Majesty's Government that the Macedonian government will, having assumed the heavy responsibility of governance, see fit to moderate the radical rhetoric which has characterised their struggle for independence.

Sincerely,

Myfid bej Libohova,
Foreign Secretary of the Kingdom of Albania,
on behalf of His Majesty Teodor IV of Albania

 

[aedan777]

Due to the signing of the Treaty of Kavadartsi, recognizing the legitimacy of the socialist group claiming control over the region of Macedonia, the Kingdom of Romania must question the prudence of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the Serbian signatory and any Greek who may sign it. The threat socialists pose to the established civilization of Europe is immense, and accept their control over a region, however remote and poor, is most careless and dangerous. Entrenched in Macedonia, the diabolic grip of Socialism will become firmly lodged into Europe, able to worm their tentacles throughout the Balkans given time. If the Ottoman Empire is insistent on allowing such a nightmarish scenario to be possible, then Romania will greatly rethink its commitments regarding the Treaty of Bucharest.

Further, due to both the recognition of the Socialists, and the seemingly arbitrary nature of the borders agreed upon in the Treaty of Kavadartsi, the Kingdom of Romania offers Romanian citizenship to any of our Aromanian cousins who feel endangered by the instability of the region and are able to reach Romania. Living space in Dobrudja will be provided to any who embrace this offer.

-Ioan Lahovary, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Romania

 

[von_Rundstedt]

His Majesty's Government will gladly send observers to ensure fair and free elections to oversee the referendum for Salonica. May peace and prosperity reign between the Greeks and Turks from now on.

~Henry Charles Keith Petty-Fitzmaurice, 5th Marquess of Lansdowne

 

[Ranger900]

A Free Country
The Aftermath of the Revolution Part 1
​

Krusevo, Current Capital of the United Macedonian State

The men that had comprised the leaders of the original Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization sat in the room of their provisional Capital Building, joined by a few other members that had come with the international brigades. The air was full of tension, fingers tapping tables, and everyone looking to the door of the room. The tension wasn't with eachother, the tension was that they were waiting for the last member of their group to arrive. Tane Nikolov, the man in charge of War Plan East, and the one they had designated as the delegate to the treaty was supposed to be arriving shortly with the news.

A treaty that might have seen their dreams of an independent state realized, or set them on the course of years of conflict that they might not win. Damyan Gruev sat at the head of the circular table as he played at his beard. Bandages along his arm from where an Ottoman bullet had nearly killed the President of the revolution at Debar. The man, and indeed most leaders of the revolution understanding that to rally the hearts of their soldiers, they needed to lead from the front themselves. He had been planning for this day, and his eyes drifted to some of the other members of the party. Those he had talked to over the past few days.

Then the door nearly broke off its hinges as Tane came in. The large bulgarian man cut an imposing figure with his rifle over his shoulder. "It is done Companions! We are free!"

There was cheers throughout the room, and they only grew louder and more enthusiastic as they saw the treaty themselves. The territory they gained through their devotion to independence. Though soon enough Gruev would stand up and motion for the rest to quite down. Leaning forward to place his palms on the table as the rest of the leaders of the Revolution sat. "Now we must plan for the post war situation. No longer are we a revolution, instead we are now a state, and we must conduct ourselves for the betterment of the people that are now under our provisionary leadership."

"We have already seen just how the world considers us. While some were willing to arm us directly, the states of the world held us at much further then arms length. This may have been workable while as a revolution, supported from abroad by popular movement." Gruev nodded toward two men who were the most 'radical' of the original IMRO. Yane Sandanski and Georgi Delchev, were both red dyed socialists. Though of different groups. Sandanski being one of the first to call for a completely independent Macedonia, and Delchev being more middle ground on the topic. Yane would be easy to deal with, he had extensive ties to some Turkish organizations that could be used against him. Delchev on the other hand could not. "As a state it cannot work though. We need to be able to maintain international relations. I've been considering this since the beginning, and many I have asked have agreed. Our best hope to keep the power with the people, while still allowing us to be a member of the international community is to adopt a governance much like that of the United States of America. A republic without a king. Not full disassembly of government but as close to a government of the people as possible."

There was some uproar but not much. Only the die hard socialists really expected anything different. The majority of those at the table nodded to their provisional president.

Yane stood up and stated. "And what of us, will you bow to international will and put us in chains?"

"Of course not." Gruev said, giving Yane a steady, piercing stare. The force of will of the Provisional President enough to cow what many saw as one of the more ambitious members of the organization. "I ask you to please step back from the political arena for now Yane. You and Delchev both. These early years will be the most important. Stability needs to be our primary goal and we cannot risk infighting within the government itself."

Yane and Delchev both made moves to speak up again, but a slap on the table by Tane silenced them. The bear of a man glaring as well. "Let him finish."

"Thank you Tane," Gruev nodded to the bulgarian. Then turned back to Yane and Delchev. "I'm not asking either of you to leave politics forever. For now though we need to show the world that we can work with them. Five years is all I ask, then you can form your party and rejoin politics, form your own party then if you wish. As long as you remain within the bounds of the constitution we will begin to set today then I do not care what you do once the grace period has passed."

Delchev sat back down at that. The younger man satisfied that he would get his chance later. Yane though ooked around the room for support, and while the few that had been added from the International Brigade seemed like they might speak up. They were few and knew this was not their issue to speak. Not to mention the only man in the room that was armed right now firmly seemed to support Gruev. Finally Yane sat down as well, nodding. "I do not like it, but I can see the logic. I hope you have no plans to cut us out from the drafting of our constitution?"

"No, we are still friends after all, and you have both fought for this country as hard as I. It would be villainous of me to disbar you from the next few days of drafting." Gruev gave a small smile to those at the table. "Now, let us begin. We have much we need to discuss."

----

Victory!
A Speech by Tane Nikolov to soldiers of the Revolution.

"Men! Today marks the day of our victory! With the Treaty of Kavadartsi we are free. Free to move forward and develop a state of our own. Free to decide for ourselves, what the future of the Balkan Peoples within Macedonia will be. To those of you from lands afar. We thank you greatly for your service. Those from lands truely distant, those from England, France, and other states across Western Europe. Now you may return to your homes, to your families, or if you have no such place to return to. The Provisional Committee offers any foreign soldier to settle down and make a home within our borders. To become a citizen of our new country. To any that came from our neighbours. To the Greek, Bulgar, Romanian, Serb and Albanian. You are free to settle here as well, for the United Macedonian State stands by its statements that all ethnicities and religions within its borders shall be treated equally. You are free to return to your homes as well though. The State will provide extra funds to make the return trip to your home country if you wish. To those who live here, live within the borders of our new country. We ask you to stay with the service. The coming months, and the years following will be difficult times. For even though we have won our freedom, now we must craft a country. As soon as we are able to you will be demobilized and allowed to return home. As soon as we are able to ensure that you, and your families will be able to live a life of safety and comfort without worries of conflict both foreign and internal. But for now, put those thoughts to the side, for tonight we celebrate! To our victory, to our freedom!"

(Effect: Demobilizing the International Division. The Three Local Divisions are to remain mobilized)

---

A Private Message Regarding the Message from the Albanian Kingdom
​

The United Macedonian State greatly appreciates the show of support of the Kingdom of Albania in recognizing the sovereignty of our country. We wish to ensure the Kingdom of Albania that steps are already being taken to forge what was once the United Balkan Revolution into a state that can function on the International Stage and that over the coming years will be a peaceful neighbour ot the rest of the Balkan States. Once the transfer of land has been formalized, and the UMS properly begins to administrate the region it has been awarded within the Treaty of Kavadartsi we wish to begin the development of trade between our two nations, and believe that co-operation between our two states could be greatly beneficial to both.

We understand the Kingdom's concerns over the current borders, but assure the Kingdom that with their formal complaint on the issue. The United Macedonian State is willing to assist in ensuring a civil discourse between the Kingdom of Albania and the Kingdom of Serbia, along with any other states that wish to be involved in said negotiations over the contested region, and is willing to offer the city of Priplep as a neutral ground for the negotiations to take place.

Sincerely,
Provisional President Damyan Yovanov Gruev of the United Macedonian State.

 

[Luftwafer]

A statement regarding the 'Macedonian State' to President Gruev

​

The Serbian king has considered the situation carefully and in a considered manner. He, in consensus with his ministers and the entirety of his majesty's government, has decided to call for a removal of all 'socialist' elements from the Macedonian government, in three points.

1) The Disarmament and demobilisation of the so called 'international brigade' with its members being expelled from the Balkans and back to their nation of origin, by their consent or force if nessecary.

2) The banning of socialists from the formation of a government or foundation of a party, clearly allowing a socialist party is just the first steps of a new and evil regime based upon values incompatible with the civilised world, to this extent we demand that it as an ideology is banned and its opinions removed.

3) The arrest and expulsion of key socialist leaders such as Mr Yane and his compatriots. These men preach hatred against all we hold so dear, and must be treated as enemies of not just the state but the world.

Until these conditions have been met, the Serbian-'Macedonian' border will be heavily scrutinised and all exports are to be levied with an additional 50% tariff, until these conditions are met.

 

[Ab Ovo]

Government of Albania
Qeveria e Shqipërisë

Regarding the Serbian imposition of tariffs
​

After extensive consideration, His Majesty's Government has declined to support the Serbian imposition of tariffs on the Macedonian state. While Albania certainly shares the concerns of the Serbian government -- viz. the pervasive socialist influence that has historically been present within Macedonian politics -- it is the opinion of His Majesty's Government that the most effective way to ensure a normalisation of Macedonia within the context of wider European diplomacy is not the usage of ultimatums or punitive action. Rather, the Albanian government supports an inclusion of the Macedonian state within the community of nations; solely for the purpose of supporting the domestic self-strengthening of a moderate government. Continuing the (albeit well-founded) ostracisation of the Macedonian state for fear of radicalism can only be self-defeating, providing fuel for the insidious scheming of socialists while weakening the position of reason and moderation.

Sincerely,

Myfid bej Libohova,
Foreign Secretary of the Kingdom of Albania,
on behalf of His Majesty Teodor IV of Albania