The murmuring of the Italian people gets more unruly as the Italian leadership continues to flounder in the quagmire of indecision.

King Emanuel is said to be spending more time alone as he tries to recover from Tittoni's indecretions.

A diplomatic envoy was sent to the Sultan carrying this message: Kindest Sultan we are glad to hear you are well. There was a rumor starting that an assasin had taken your life and we are glad to hear that it was just that a rumor. As to landing our fleet back into Greece, we will have to decline that generous offer since we are in the process of rethinking our long term strategy. We would be willing to assist you into that fair land if you so wish. Also our friendship is steadfast with out neighbors to the east.

To Théophile Delcassé: Our dear French Friends, as you have most probabally noticed the Italian troops are wandering aimlessly to the north, which leaves the homeland wide open for invasion. So we are going to have to kindly request that the French fleet not enter the Tyr Sea at this time. Our most humble apologies.

The Kaiser has sent word to her Majesty and the President of the French Republic that he is open to demilitarizing his Ruhr Valley, so that no unit may ever enter it, which would be sufficient to promote peace in his opinion. But if France intends to occupy the region the Kaiser declines. He shall, if necessary, allow the British, who through tough times shown him both aggression and peace (but always in the sake of peace), to occupy the Region of Ruhr for One to two years, and then for the British to be peaceably removed.

To King Emanuel,

the Kaiser asks what the intentions of your new long term strategy may be, and if it be war with our Empire, we pray you reconsider. We shall ask our neighbors to be gracious to us as we shall be gracious to them.

if the Ratification of the 3 Nation treaty is to be upheld at this point, the Germans fully ratify it so that any nation that makes itself an enemy of one of them shall be the enemy of all. We humbly wait for the opinion of France and Britain.

To our cousin the Czar,

thank you for your compliment on Austria's Imperial Forces movements. We would like to honour your troops aswell; they show much dicipline in the preparations of war. Would this war not be directed to us, we would even be more happier. But if the fight must be fought, we will fight.


To King Victor Emanuel,

you have evicted us for long enough and even now present poor excuses, a stray minister. We say: be honest or get your government in order. The agression was clear enough, and punished. We strongly advise the Italian government to mind their own business and to retreat their armed forces into their little peninsula, or they will be dispatched.

Two weeks ago Austrian troops have lifted the Italian rule over Greece. Imperial troops were welcomed, whereas the Emperor has no particular interest in olives he does have a nose for antiquities. Early reports state that Greece's olive gardens were looted for the past year, with the population getting more and more unruly about missing their precious olive oil.


To all other nations we again raise the point: has the Italian government ever been clear about their intentions? For the Sultan, perhaps. For France, perhaps. The Austrian government however, needed all the intelligence they could get, reading between lines and such to prevent a full scale invasion in our Illyric provinces. I warn the fellow rulers of Europe: these spaghetti eating smooth talkers cannot be trusted.

With all due respect,

Primeminister Georg von Staufenberg

An Wilhelm II, Kaiser Deutschländes,

Your Brüder Franz-Jozef regrets the fact that the Austrian Empire has not been able to help her German brother. We are threatened by many sides and must spend our energy in defending our great nation. Should we have a more free hand, we would sicher help you.

However, now we humbly ask for your help. It has come to our attention that the Italian presence in Tyrolia and Bohemia not only disturbs Austrian territorial integrity but also poses a threat for Germany itself. We offer you the possibility to work together to end this Italian expansionalism. For all we know, they could be headed for Poland.

We would also give attention to the words of King Victor Emanuel, about 'rethinking their global strategy'. Knowing Italy's governments eufemisms a bit, this must most certainly mean 'team up with France and invade Germany'. However, it could also mean 'Fool the Austrians and try to kick their ass once more'. Our spies are on the move as we speak to find the truth about Italian targets. Strategic sources suggest that since Austria first moved her fleet to Trieste, Italy counted on still having Greece, and so enough supplies for a mobilization of an army in Venice, to have three armies advancing east. In this light, rethinking strategy could very well mean the first explanation...

Vielen Bisschen,

Franz-Jozef

To our friend the Sultan,

we are very happy His Majesty survived the murder attempt on him last month. The Emperor was schocked by this cruel plan. Intelligence sources suggest - with a certain reliability -that a certain 'Tittoni' was after it. We hope the Sultan is again in good health.

While we respect the help of Turkey to the Russian Empire *koff* juggernauth *koff* we would like to ask what the Austrian Empire has ever done wrong to her neighbour. The Austrian Empire has respected the partition of the Balkans in the favor of peace. No agressive attempt has been made against the Turkish forces in Bulgaria. And, however the Greek complaints about the Turkish fleet in the Aegean Sea (they consider it theirs) the Austrian Empire has no reason to oppose to its presence. And still, we hear only threats and smooth talk to Italy from the Turkish goverment. We would like to know what the Sultanate really wants and how the Austrian Empire could perhaps assist it with?

Greetings,

Georg von Staufenberg

It matter not what the Austrian Empire wants, for while you have been distracted by Russia and Italy, we have produced an *unstoppable robot army*, which will sweep our enemies before us! MWHAHAHA!

{whispered message from an aid}
What do you *mean* the robot army isn't ready? Execute the scientists!

Uh, we'll get back to you all

{ie: work sucks, layoffs abound, will be busy for the next few hours}

{Ignore the last post; I'm just going mental today}

To our neighbors:
We are gratified that the nations of France, England, and Germany appear to be putting aside their differences. We suggest that we consider doing the same, as it would bode poorly for us if the western powers took our strife to be an invitation for 'peacekeeping forces'.

We understand that Italian fleets may be needed elsewhere, and accept the gracious Italian offer to support the Ottoman presence in Greece. We call upon Austria to accept this.

Austria has asked what the Ottoman long term plans are. In truth, we have none, except a peaceful frontier. We are concerned with the growth of any power at the expense of the other, and the long term consequences for world stability - and, bluntly, our own security interests.

With just three hours on the clock remaining until the deadline, the silence of some nations disturbs the Austrian government. Have telegraph lines dropped out or have some powers been quaranteened?

To the Sultan,

we certainly appreciate your concern for peace on the Balkans. You share that concern with the Austrian Empire. If we all could life in peace and prosper, the world would be such a better place. However, we must reject your demands to enter Greek territory. The Austrian government does not see the right Turkey means to have to own Greece. Two years ago we stated that Greece should not be occupied by a Turkish force, cause the sentiments that would rise by the inhabitants. Back then Austria agreed to let Italy control the territory. But now we've driven out the Italian opressor, as he has systematically attacked Austrian holdings. The Austrian army is there to protect civilians and to sponsor our defense against agressive Italians and Russians.

To the Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, and the Protector of Greece

The Kaiser's Telegraphs are commonly slow during the morning hours, and does apologize. We have wondered the same question of "Rethinking long term strategy" as this announcement comes as the people of Bohemia have been incurred upon after word that the Italians would not do so. The Kaiser is a forgiving man, and will ask once more that the Nation of Italy return to its homeland. Should Italy decide that it would rather pursue war with Germany, Our nation shall gladly accept the aid of Osterreich (No umplats for me). Should the Italians beseech the intervention of France, as France has even so done to them in recent time, Germany calls upon Her Majesty, Queen of the British Empire, to aid her German ally against such aggression. We hope Italy shall heed our warning, for Germany has never threatened their people.

We praise Austria for its protection of Trieste and fine military maneuvers. We shall hope that the Austrians not pursue an aggressive foreign policy, but we understand the need to fend off any and all aggressors.

If Italy shall enter Silesia or attempt to conquer Munich, we shall discuss the situation with the nations abroad. But We stand by our Word to our German Brothers to the South.

Her Majesty has no such treaty with Italy, but recognizes Italy as an ally of France. Her Majesty would urge the French to use the diplomatic powers at their disposal to put an end to the Italian push into Germany.

Britain does hope for peace between France, Germany and herself, and would hate to see the whole thing fall apart because of Italy's aggression.

Excuse the Kaiser, he is not sure if he implied that Her Majesty had any treaty with Italy, but understands no such agreement exists betwixt them.

Germany once again asks if France and Britain would like to join the aformentioned 3 nation treaty.

At a rare press conference King Emanuel of Italia states:

Fair citizens be assured that your beloved king is doing all that he can to get back in good graces with our near neighbors. I am in the process of recalling our wandering horde from the north and repositioning our naval units for better protection. As a country we are going to regroup and see what the next year brings.

Thank-you, and may the free flow of pasta continue.

The Kaiser has sent word to her Majesty and the President of the French Republic that he is open to demilitarizing his Ruhr Valley, so that no unit may ever enter it, which would be sufficient to promote peace in his opinion. But if France intends to occupy the region the Kaiser declines. He shall, if necessary, allow the British to occupy the Region of Ruhr for One to two years, and then for the British to be peaceably removed.

France has taken it upon herself to take the Ruhr without regard to the messages of Germany. Germany once against states that it will allow the British to Occupy the Region of Ruhr for a time of One to Two years, for we have less to fear from them, or we shall allow no military presence in the region. We ask France to respond, for it has not in quite some time. If peace is what you seek you should find these measures acceptable, as we do not approve of your current occupation of Ruhr.

Official message from the Austrian government:

The Imperial Strategic HQ will postpone finalizing for a while to give the nations of Europe more time to discuss and negotiate. As we are Europeans, we will go to sleep now :) Tomorrow morning a decision may be made.

Thank you and goodnight.

NEWS FLASH!!!

Open revolt in Italy. The people of the land we found laughing in the stret at ineptness of the standing government to execute a battle plan. The magistrates even now are holding secret meetings to overthrow King Emanuel and his cronies. It is believed that next fall there will be new leadership in Italia.

Her Majesty sends Greetings to both the leaders of Germany and France.

To Germany She wishes to state that as long as the French incursion is brief and goes no further, then it is an appropriate response to your incursion into her territory. It somehow seems unjust that you should abuse trust, and then dictate what you think is a fair response. France had to deal with your unannounced presence in her lands. I'm sure you found the move into Ruhr unsettling. Perhaps this will be a lesson to the importance of communication.

To France: Her Majesty is reminded of the adage "a cord of three strands is not easily broken" and hopes that this is a momentary incursion into German realms. She understands your silence as you are giving Germany a taste of their own medicine, so to speak, but would remind His Grace that the Kaiser did remain true to his word, for whatever reasons, and immediately pulled his troops back.

With the Italians in revolt and the southern lands becoming more and more tumultuous, Her Majesty urges you both to either ratify the treaty or not. The balance of power should be maintained for as long as possible.

Sir Abernathy of Hull

Germany responded to the wishes of France, and France has not even spoken to our nation. We have stated time after time that a french presence in Ruhr is not acceptable. We have said many times that we will allow British presence in thae area since they are further away and able to act more reasonably under these circumstances. We will provide the British with the necessary supports if desired.

A german army stayed in Burgundy for once season and left. If France intends to "give germany a taste of its own medicine" it should do likewise. Germany fears that France will use this oppurtunity to take further German land out of reparation. France declared it had to right to do this, it does not.

The Kaiser formally states that he joins the treaty with Britain, so that we shall prosper together through mutual defence and protection. We hope that her majesty shall openly acknowledge this treaty between us.

To the French: We shall join with you once you have left the Ruhr, whether it be by force or not. You used force upon Germany, as was your right, and we did not defend. We returned home to Germany. Likewise we think it only right that you should do the same. We shall find it troubling if France believes it has the right to indefinitely occupy the Ruhr. We had one that you feared, but Germany is surrounded is surrounded by the French and Italian.

If either France or Italy enters into French territory with the support of the other than we ask Her Majesty if she will not act with the German nation to remove such invaders.

Excuse The Kaiser, he made a few mistakes which may lead to confusion.

If France or Italy shall aid the other into German territory we ask Her Majesty if she shall act with the german nation to remove such invaders. We remember the precautions that England took with France, and we think it only wise (since our situation is much different from the one France previously held) that such precautions shall be made with Germany.

We ask that France not incite war, and that it listen to the requests of Germany. We seek peace, and hope that France can be included in what it now the 2/3 Nation treaty.

The Austrian government asks the Czar if his intententions are only defensive. The Russian Empire has until now generously answered to our declaration of war. For that we thank her. Maybe a solution can be forged, profitable to both our nations.

Austria hopes also that Italy's troops do know the way home; it's Venice, not Vienna. It seems the disarray in the Italian government has also spread to the strategic HQ. We hope a new government can be installed soon, one we can talk with sensible.

Furthermore, the Austrian Empire regrets the loss of the province of Greece to greedy Turks. At the moment there is nothing Austria's military can do to drive them out again, while the Greek people cry out in agony, being conquered by the Turks once more. To other nations we suggest to closely watch the Sultan's uncontrolled actions.

Britain is not a nation to be used as leverage. She is her own sovereign nation. To rashly take France territory, withdraw, and then assume we will automatically sign a treaty with you smacks us as a, forgive the vernacular, CYA thing to do. IF France continues its press into Germany, we are not saying that Britain will not come to your aid, merely that we are not obligated to. Even if we were to immediately affirm the treaty, it was the Kaiser's act of aggression that started this whole mess, and I don't think the treaty means coming to your aid when you have done something rash.

We agree, in principle, that if France does not back out of Germany, then it would be more retribution than called for, but do not automatically assume which side Britain will take in this manner.

We will acknowledge a three country treaty, but for a treaty between either Germany or France alone, we must renegotiate.

Her Majesty still wishes to hear form the Minister of France. She has not decided which side, if any, Britain would take in a war between France and Germany. She does say that Belgium should be considered part of the Realm for now and if Britain decides to remain neutral, be it a short or long time, pressure in Belgium will quickly escalate things.

Britain, no where did Germany say we expect you to do anything. We did not intend for it to mean that the treaty was explicitly between Germany and England. In fact, we attempted to reconcile this by refering to the treaty as the 2/3 nation treaty (since you had said you had join it, unless we misunderstood, and because we have too, making two of three). We have only asked if Britain might aid us against French and Italian aggression. Of course understand that you have complete sovereignty.

We stated we would prefer an english presence in Ruhr much more than French, as we have less to fear from you. We stated this may times. We did not say "England, come get rid of France for us" We are not going to use force against the French unless they stay in the Ruhr for a prolonge period of time. In which case the movement will be announced to its full extent.

If Britain wishes to say that the mutual defense treaty will not take effect until France signs then so be it. Our intent is not to say that the treaty is exclusive, but that France has yet to show any support for it, and we are hesitant to recognize French acceptance while they are still in Ruhr.

We hope this has cleared up the Kaiser intentions.

'For French eyes Only"

Greetings Théophile Delcassé:

As the new leader of the Italian band and hoping to remain in good graces with our neighbor, I was wondering if you needed any asistance on my north border. I seems we have stumbled into a position to be of some help to you if it is needed.

Please respond, your friend Rossiloni the new leader Italy.

To the Czar: Let us know if we can Support you in some way this round.

The Sultan watches the events in Italy with concern, but hopes to maintain friendly relations with the new government

To neighbours of France:

Alas, we have been late in responding to the many concerns and comments by our neighbours, allies, and not-so-allies. Please accept my apology. France has been busy rebuilding the eastern regions of our nation that were damaged in recent tumultuous events.

To Germany:

You will find that once it is broken, the trust of France is not easily rebuilt, but a result of pressure from Great Britain, and because all statements thus far have been conciliatory, we will try.
In order to demonstrate how uncomfortable foreign occupation can be, the French army will remain in Ruhr for two seasons. This will be collateral that must be accepted if we are to ratify a defense treaty with Germany.

As a result of this conciliatory rhetoric, we will therefore support Germany and react badly to Italian assault.

You have (conditionally) our support internationally.

To Great Britian:

You have asked us very strongly to avoid war with the Germans and we 'reluctantly' accept, with the proviso of occupation and no second chance.

We would be willing to accept an unconditionally defense treaty, provided you do not move agressively against us, and do not encourage or aid others to do so.

To Italy:

France has grown incredibly concerned at the instability occuring in our ally to the southeast, we are no longer sure as to whther we can still call Italy an ally. Our concerns of late have still not been adressed.
What precisely are the Italian fleets up to, and what is Italian strategy? All we have heard from the pasta nation have been vague and disturbing descriptions of disorder. If it is necessary to restore order, we would even offer our Mediterranean fleet as a stabilizing force in Rome.

It is absolutely necessary for King Emmanuel, whoever is now in charge, to respond.

To Turkey:

It is advisable for the Sultan to take heed of the warnings of Austria. France does not wish to involve herselfin the events of the eastern mediterranean, but it may soon become necessary if Turkish and Russian forces stray too far west...

Thank you all,

Théophile Delcassé
French Minister of Foreign Affairs

To leader Rossiloni of Italy,

The only help the Kaiser can see coming from Italy for France is an invasion of Munich, which is wholy unwarranted. We act that you reconsider any movement against Germany.

To the Sultan i have no wish to block you in so to speak so maybe i can offer assistance for the glorious turkish troops to move to serbia and then hoepfully have to reciprocated.To the italien king maybe a move to vie would be a good move i hear the women there are beautiful

To Theophile Delcasse i think you will find that neither russian or turkish troops have strayed west at all well at least not enough to trouble France.

To 'Band Leader' Rossiloni of taly:

We had not yet recieved the new dispatch from your new government when we sent our message. We welcome your offer, but we will delay joint operations against Germany for the time being in the light of these new diplomatic developments.

What are your intentions in other theatres?

Théophile Delcassé
French Minister of Foreign Affairs

Her Majesty is most pleased with the dispatches coming from Berlin and Paris. She is amicable to a treaty but will not do so until France has left Ruhr and the three nations are back to where they were when this whole mess started.

Her Majesty is also unsure about the unstable government of Italy and shows some concern.

Her Majesty is most happy that she does not yet have to decide between her two neighbors and hopes for a peaceful future for the two nations.