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Confidential
 
As the Prussians had been asked to stay, such had of course its reason. Not just to be present at the conference in Alba Iulia, but also for the next part of the diplomatic plan of action. They would be sent an invitation to partake in a meeting together with Romania and Muscovy, in order to discuss possible relations.
 
To Moscow meanwhile, another message would be sent.
 

To the Grand Prince and Tsar of Muscovy,
 
Altough the ways of our two countries have crossed in the past, notably in the Crimean, sadly, there has not yet been any extensive diplomatic arrangement with you. In the interest of finding arrangements and to establish possible ties across Eastern Europe, we would like to invite you to Bucharest, in order to meet with us, as well as the Prussians, in order to discuss matters pertaining the relationship between Muscovy and the Eastern Bloc and Muscovy and Prussia. We would hope you will enjoy our hospitality at the Royal Palace in Bucharest.
 
With regards,
Maria I de România

 

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A private reply would be made:

 

Dear Maria I de România,
 
Our nations have, indeed, had relatively little relations aside from our interactions on the Crimea. On behalf of the Muscovite people and the Tsardom, I gracefully accept your invitation and will personally visit the city of Bucharest. I look forward to meeting with you and the Prussians.
 
Regards,
Mikhail Ivanovich Romanov,
Grand Prince and Tsar of Muscovy
Edited by JEDCJT
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Confidential

 

The meeting in Bucharest between the Grand Prince and Tsar of Moscow and the monarchy of Prussia and Romania would be held discreetely, without much public glamour. For the time being, such was deemed politically unfavourable and thus Maria ruled out media coverage of the event, lest the public opinion be majorly influenced, despite no secure outcome. However both, royalty of Muscovy and Prussia would be shown hospitality as guests of Greater Romania in the Palatul Regal in Bucharest.

 

nPw6oL0l.jpg

Old photograph of the Palace in 1946

 

Still, the Tsar would be greeted at his arrival by a detachment of the Royal Guard and his car would be escorted to the Palace, lest some anarchist or communist cause trouble. One never knew, after all. Maria I meanwhile would await her allies and the Muscovite at the entrance, hoping everything would go smoothly.

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Tsar Mikhail Ivanovich Romanov admired the sight of the Palace as he approached, and made it be known to the leader of the Royal Guard detachment that accompanied him. He would warmly greet his Romanian counterpart Maria I (and convey his admiration for the Palace), and the Prussian Crown Princess Schëre von Hohenzollern at the entrance.

Edited by JEDCJT
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Maria would greet the two guests with a friendly smile, showing them in, to the ornate interior of the Royal Palast of Bucharest. The interior of the Palace was a held in historicist baroque, a clear display of royal might and dignity, while however also showing elements of Romanian national pride, the coat of arms of the House of România and the aquila with symbolic attributes of power. Clearly, this palace had been outfitted once to demonstrate the pride of a Balkan nation that had just found its national freedom and unity after centuries of foreign rule, and was now striving for national greatness, uniting elements of old monarchy with the new straints of nationalism that had arisen after the French Revolution. And in a way, this was also how Maria understood her nation, as a power on the Balkans, shaping policy and uniting all Romanians under Tricolorul and the Aquila.

 

The palace's interior would be still filled with servants and guards, ready to follow wink or word to obey royal orders, as was their duty as servants to the crown and subjects to their neo-absolutionist monarch. As Maria guided the guests to the meeting room, a historic location, in which the Queen preferred to meet foreign dignitaries and where such important meetings had taken place, as the signing of the sixth Treaty of Bucharest, she'd casually ask the Tsar. "If one might ask, how is Muscovy faring these days? One reads a lot about ultranationalists, which is quite worrying, as well as Muscovite eastward expansion, so it seems you are quite active over there."

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"We are faring as well as we can be," the Tsar replied. "The ultranationalists make quite a news in Muscovy, given the forceful and fiery rhetoric utilized by their leader Markov and his followers. One should be concerned regarding their actions and rhetoric, but they have assiduously complied with our laws so far, so they are not of great concern to us as of yet. As for our eastern territories, we are working to bring them to our high standards. The instability that once ravaged the regions have been resolved, and we have been making great efforts. including but not limited to infrastructural improvements, to improve the quality of life for our new citizens throughout the aforementioned regions. We have been, as you put it, active over there.

 

"If I may ask, how is Romania and Prussia doing these days?" The Tsar inquired, addressing Maria and Schëre von Hohenzollern.

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"Well, the recent collapse of the Spartan state, trouble in Switzerland, overall, we could do worse.", Maria stated quite straightforward. "Crises all over the continent, yet we survived and continue to persevere. Naturally, we are not in the slightest pleased by such developments, which caused Romania much trouble, but they are dealt with in an orderly fashion and Romanian interests are respected. Even if at times some countries needed to be shown their place...A very unfortunate measure, but it had to be taken."

 

As the group arrived in the main meeting hall, Maria would offer her two guests to take a seat at a long table in the middle of the room and asked whether they desired any tea or coffee.

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"I will have tea, please and thank you." The Tsar replied. "As for Europe, it is a shame that crisis and instability have all but become the norm in the state of order in the European Continent. It is good to hear that Romania and Prussia have been maintaining peace and order in this particular region of Europe."

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"We are indeed blessed to have neighbours in Eastern Europe that cooperate with us and who hopefully keep this a peaceful haven inmidst the storm that is Europe these days.", Maria stated, waving a servant to pour the group tea. Although she watched the tea enter the cups, prepared to remember the face of the servant to have them whipped or otherwise punished, should they fail to do their duty orderly, it seemed, such measures would not be needed. The Queen took it, the servants had learned...

 

"It is our opinion, and that of the Bloc, that it would be quite desirable, to establish some sort of cooperation with Moscow. As it stands, I would think, we do share certain values, the Bloc wants a secure Eastern border, the Russians want a secure western border, as we are continually forced to deal with the antics of Central Europeans and you, I guess you might want to look eastward, where there is the unstable regime in Siberia. Or what would you think?"

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Although his face was schooled in a friendly expression, the Tsar inwardly frowned at the implications behind Maria's words, that Russia's actions in Europe were "antics", something negative that had to be contained. And it was the way she casually mentioned that Russia focus her attention to the East, as if Russia was unworthy to participate in European affairs...
 
Though if taken another way, it could be a tacit admission that Siberia lay in Russia's sphere of influence. Perhaps it could be an useful and convenient place to dump political enemies there...the bears were becoming fatter and more unruly nowadays.
 
"You are correct in that we desire a secure western border, given our interactions in the past," Tsar Mikhail said as he sipped his tea. "One way to achieve this would be a non-aggressive treaty between Romania, Prussia, and Russia, and the Bloc and Russia, and with arrangements similar to one we hold with Sverige. A trade pact should be a good way to facilitate increased relations between our countries, and perhaps a cultural exchange program or something to enhance understanding of our respective cultures..."
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Maria, oblivious to how the Tsar would perceive her words, would think for a moment about the Tsar's words. "Well, I thought, maybe it would be good to have a more encompassing agreement, settling our respective interests, in order to have lasting cooperative relations." For a moment she would take a sip from her cup, before continuing. "Russia is a protector in the Baltic, as well as co-protector in the Crimea. Has Russia any plans for these regions?"

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Tsar Mikhail mulled over this interesting question. Was Maria trying to probe for something...? "Our plans are to continue the status quo, that is, to prepare the Baltic regions for eventual independence. The same goes for the Crimea in conjunction with your officials. You spoke of a more encompassing agreement and the setting of respective interests, what do you have in mind?"

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The Queen would nod, somewhat expecting such a reply. While not ideal, it was still workable. "Well, while we have little issue with keeping the status quo in the Crimea, should you favour such, there has been a certain interest by our allies in the Southern Baltics, notably in Eastern Prussia and Lithuania, both which Russia administers in one way or another and which have a certain historic value to our friends in Prussia and Belarus." The Queen would take a sip from her tea, letting the statement as it was for a moment, before continuing.

 

"Naturally, I am merely expressing an interest, not a demand. However, should a settlement be found that takes these interests into account, I am sure, Russia could expect not merely a secure western flank, but I would think of a treaty to acknowledge Russian interests in the East more actively. As it stands, it would be my desire to see harmony in Eastern Europe, and a cooperation between our countries that will allow for peace and stability from the Oder all the way to... say... the Lena. Naturally, with Siberia comes not just wasteland, but natural riches, as well as opportunities and true Russian greatness. Now, that is just a crude outline, which we may discuss, if the Tsar would find it acceptable in principle. After all, this we'd hope be a two-way street."

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The Tsar raised his eyebrows at his Romanian counterpart's words, particularly her expression of interest on her allies' part in the Baltic regions. He knew it was merely a statement of interest, something which was harmless per se, but he found it interesting that Romania, as part of the Eastern Bloc, would oppose any Russian 'expansion' yet it would seemingly condone the expansion of its allies into the Baltics? And any territorial acquisition based on 'historic value' was a double-edged sword, if not a dangerous slippery slope.
 
"I think we might be able to accommodate your interests in some way or another, but I cannot make guarantees on this," Tsar Mikhail spoke. "However, I will point out that the present status of Putingrad Governorate (OOC: Kaliningrad Oblast) cannot be altered at this time because the people there do not desire it. As for Lithuania, any change in its status will have to be decided by the people, as our priority there is to prepare them for independence. If, however, the people should voice their desire to join your allies, arrangements can be made to accommodate your interests, but ultimately the initiative remains with them and them alone.
 
"However, we can make special trade arrangements through the aforementioned regions. We can arrange for the reduction or elimination of tariffs and other protective policies for imports and exports from your nations, and from the Bloc as a whole, if you wish. The same could go for visa requirements, as to facilitated easier access to Putingrad Governorate and Lithuania. This can be the topic of discussion for us to address.
 
"As for Siberia, we have no overarching plan to expand into Siberia, even although there have been talks among my ministers in the Government. Notwithstanding the fact that such expansion would overstretch Russia and render her vulnerable to outside forces, we will see no immediate benefits that would justify such expansion. As you stated, Siberia is a frozen wasteland, and any efforts and expenditures on extracting its natural resources may outweigh the resources itself."
Edited by JEDCJT
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As the Tsar finished, Maria would merely sign and take a sip from her tea. For a few seconds, there would be serene silence, before the Queen actually responded. "What a pity. Well, I guess, the people know what is best for them... we monarchs are merely their servants, slaves to popular opinion. We don't stay vigilant and whoops... a Soviet mob might shoot us in the cellar..." Maria would take one more sip.

 

Once the cup rested on the saucer again, she would again lighten up a bit. "Well, some things can't be helped, I guess. It was merely an interest on our part. I am sure, over time there will be things we can cooperate upon. And while you may not seek much in the East, you can rest assured that our Bloc will be no threat to you, as long as Russia does not stir any trouble in Europe that would naturally make such guarantees pointless. But as it stands, we have aligning interests regarding Alvonia and the security of our border, so I would hope that such does not happen."

 

With a bright smile, Maria would finish. "Indeed, weren't these quite productive talks? Would you want to add anything, your Majesty?"

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"You can rest assured that Russia will be no threat to you and to the Bloc as a whole, as long as they do not stir any trouble in Europe," the Tsar said with a smile as he drained his cup and set it on the saucer. He was not mocking them, merely reiterating Maria's words in slightly altered form. After all, it was a two-way street. 
 
"The talks were quite productive, for they helped us clear the air, to put it this way, between us, and helped set forth our expectations, hopes, and goals on the issues that concern us. I think we have covered everything here. Are we in agreement with a non-aggression treaty, trade pact, and others that we have discussed here today? If so, I can draw up a document that would put our verbal discussions in writing for your perusal."
Edited by JEDCJT
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Maria could not help but chuckle for a moment, hearing the Tsar's words. "My, my, are you implying my word could not be trusted? Surely, our understanding on our mutual border and how we both stay on our respective sides should be fine as is... an understanding of sorts... We focus on our West, you focus on your East... and neither minds the other..."

 

Pondering for a minute, the Queen then merely asked in a surprised tone. "Did I ever talk of non-aggression? I cannot recall such happening. Is there a reason to fear your attack?"

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"Well, I did propose several ways to secure our respective borders, one which was a non-aggressive treaty between Romania, Prussia, and Russia, and the Bloc and Russia, one similar to the one we hold with Sverige. The discussion just channeled to the topic of an encompassing agreement and respective interests. At that time, I'd thought that we could draw up a formal treaty based on our discussions at the end, as is the norm in diplomacy. This is not to imply that your words could not be trusted, of course. If not a treaty, we could go with our understandings of sort." 

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Schëre coughed slightly when she realised that the threat of an economy treaty was quite real. With it becoming the normal for such things to be tossed around like candy, with zero regard for the actual economic effects of such an agreement, one would have to be wary of such an agreement. Russia, however, could actually provide and be provided for, and there could actually be benefit to such a treaty.

"A trade agreement would be a good boost and complement to all of our nations, I do believe. What stipulations specifically would you see being enforced?", she asked.

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For a moment, Maria wondered whether the Tsar was serious. But she'd quickly returned to smiling, as she answered in a rather carefree manner. "Well, one brings to paper what one cannot trust in word of mouth alone. And I conclude treaties when necessary, for I do not need unnecessary paperwork. Do I need a treaty to know Russia will not attack my allies or us? Do I need a treaty to assume that Russia will not senselessly stir trouble for the Bloc? Do I need a treaty to guarantee that the current border will be preserved? Well, the answer is short and concise: No. I do not need a treaty. For I doubt you'd be malevolent or stupid enough to unnecessarily pick on the Eastern Bloc and Prussia, which share the longest border with you, from the Baltic to the Black Sea."

 

With one last sip, Maria emptied her cup. But with the tea, also her smile was gone. "The Bloc has no interest in what Russia does in its East, just as we have no interest in grand economic treaties with a country that provides little. As long as Russia does not cause trouble to the Bloc, we shall not cause trouble to you. It is easy as that, my dear Grand Duke of Muscovy and Tsar of Russia. And you can take my spoken word, or you can try convince me as to why I put a signature under a treaty that only gives me and my dear allies what we already have? Would be a waste of ink and my time."

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So signing treaties were 'unnecessary paperwork' and a 'waste of ink and time'? How interesting. The rest of the world should adopt that view of thinking. "I'll take your spoken word, my dear Queen of Romania," the Tsar said as his lips curled up in a smile. "I do wish the rest of the world and society shared your views." Turning to Schëre, the Tsar spoke: "I suppose one of the stipulations could be that certain tariffs should be reduced, except for certain products and industries that are deemed vital to our economies, as to promote and increase trade."

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Maria chuckled. "I agree, it would be easier if more people shared my wisdom." Then she turned to Schëre, gave her a bit of a surprised stare, before continuing. "And I do not think Russia holds anything that is of interest to our country that would contribute positively to our economy. While nice in theory, such an agreement adds nothing and would merely be competition to our domestic industries and agriculture. I doubt such be in Prussia's.. in anyone's interest."

 

Turning back to the Tsar, Maria would stand up. "Well, it seems we are done. What a productive meeting, it truely is great to get along with one's neighbours... especially given we cannot choose whom we border. While at the current time we need no treaty with your country, feel free to meet us again, should the circumstances be more conductive... and this be an actual two-way road, where people give, to get something in turn."

 

She then would gesture the Tsar to follow her, so as to be escorted outside and back to his vehicle.

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Private to Russia

 

"Given recent events and raised security concerns, we hereby inform you that the Straits to the black Sea will be closed for an indefinite amount of time to any and all Russian military vessels. Attempts to still cross through will be considered hostile acts and will be acted upon as such. Russian military vessels will be allowed to pass again, once Russian military traffic is no longer a potential threat to million of Her Majesty's subjects. We thank you for your consideration and reserve for ourselves the right to modify this policy as the situation develops."

-Mihaela Constante, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greater Romania

 

Confidential

 

Two battleships, Basarabia and Moldavia, as well as six additional corvettes would be deployed to Constantinopol to guard the northern entrance of the Straits, while all four Romanian destroyers, together with four frigates would be stationed in Sevastopol, together with an increase of the Crimean garrison to 7 motorised infantry divisions and 3 marine infantry divisions.

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