The French Connection

[Markus Wilding]

"We will not withdraw, for these lands are not French, they were Snowhavenish, and now they are Alpine."
 
[Classified][/size]
With increased fear that Alvonia’s sabre rattling will lead to conflict, preparations for an adequate defence of the Italian peninsula were drafted by the military brass. For Cisalpina to survive, any conflict with Alvonia would have to take place in Helvetica, and to ensure that, Cisalpina would have to take the initiative. The brass however, had no idea where the Alvonian troops where. There was an easy way to remedy this, Eurofighter Typhoons, AMX-11s, and light planes would begin flying patrols over Switzerland, their mission would be to locate and map the positions of Alvonian troops.[/size]
 
OOC: This should get it's own thread[/size]

 
OOC: Indeed.
IC:

 

Cisalpina recon planes would not find Alvonian troops in the Italian or Germanic areas of Switzerland, although there were numerous Fernspäher and Pioniers present in the French Swiss and well as provinces that had once belonged to France proper. A few could be seen joined together with Sd.kfz 2, Sd.kfz 90, and Marder 1A4 APCs/IFVs, as well as the occasional ADATS or Flakpanzer. None of the anti-aircraft weapons would fire, but would lock on to the Cisalpina planes if they ventured too close.

[Triyun]

The Royal Navy's Mediterranean Squadron began to make its way towards the Western Mediterranean centered around its three carriers.  The Fleet would begin hiding its EM emissions in order to help mask its movements as it went towards the crisis situation.

 

[b]Classified Dispatch to the Cisalpania:[/b]

 

Britain offers it support to the Cisplanian Cause.  We are prepared to offer material support in the form of arms, and intelligence support.  We are prepared to offer more significant support if another nation moves to support France.

 

FU (which are not only my initials but what we say to France)

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Private to the Cisalpine Republic and Alvonia

 

"Romania stands with its earlier statement, and would hope that both parties accept arbitration of this conflict, so that no escalation of this conflict takes place."

-Maria I de România

[Rudolph]

Private  (To both Alvonia and the Cisalpine Republic)

 

"The Kingdom would like to repeat to both that it stands by its earlier statement, and would like to make note that the involvement of any non-Mediterranean power in this highly delicate situation will not show anyone a favorable light with the Kingdom or its neighbors. That being said, the Kingdom calls for a preventative ceasefire to seek possible diplomatic solutions to this."

 

Respectfully,
Kralj Dragojev Belojevic

[Markus Wilding]

Private to the Cisalpine Republic and Alvonia

 

"Romania stands with its earlier statement, and would hope that both parties accept arbitration of this conflict, so that no escalation of this conflict takes place."

-Maria I de România

 

 

Private  (To both Alvonia and the Cisalpine Republic)

 

"The Kingdom would like to repeat to both that it stands by its earlier statement, and would like to make note that the involvement of any non-Mediterranean power in this highly delicate situation will not show anyone a favorable light with the Kingdom or its neighbors. That being said, the Kingdom calls for a preventative ceasefire to seek possible diplomatic solutions to this."

 

Respectfully,
Kralj Dragojev Belojevic

 

 

Classified - Top Secret!

 

A message was sent to both stating that Alvonia would be willing to talk with the Cisalpina Republic, so long as historic French regions are respected.

Edited August 17, 2014 by Markus Wilding

[Rudolph]

Private  (To Alvonia)
 
"The French Empire as it stands is still reorganizing internally, barely paying but the slightest of attention to the rest of the world. Integration of the french former Snow Haven land would just add needless mess to the French Empire and I understand that they are your allies but at this moment in time, re-integration of the french portion of Snow Haven will be nigh impossible. To that end, I highly request that Alvonia comes to the negotiating table in Beograd before this can escalate and non-Mediterranean powers get involved further."
 
Respectfully,
Kralj Dragojev Belojevic

 

 

[hr]

 

Private  (To both Alvonia and the Cisalpine Republic)
 
"The Kingdom sends its well regards to both countries and it sincerely wished that the recent communique would be on a more positive note but alas, situations never lead to that. The Kingdom requests to be the arbiter of this dispute between Alvonia and the Republic in the city of Beograd. To that end, we invite both sides to come to the negotiating table in Beograd before this can escalate and innocent blood is needlessly spilled."
 
Respectfully,
Kralj Dragojev Belojevic

[Aggressivenutmeg]

[Classified]
 
Alvonian troops were still moving through the northern parts of Helvetica, steaming towards Geneva and the route down into the rest of former Snowhaven. The brass made the call to move out. The Italians would sacrifice control over the majority of Switzerland in order to present a more effective defence of the Italian peninsula and the current positions in Savoy. Alpine troops would sweep down from the Great St. Bernard Pass and quickly seize the crossroads town of Martigny in Valais. Martigny was a crossroads town controlling the mountain passes into Italy and France. Controlling Martigny would ensure the security of the St. Bernard Pass leading into Italy and the Col de la Forclaz leading into Haute-Savoie. The Alpini would take up positions in the mountains around the town while infantry and light armour would fortify positions in the villages that surround the town on the valley floor. Most importantly, the Great St. Bernard Tunnel would be wired with explosives, ready to be collapsed if the Germans made it through.
 
Similarly, Alpini troops already in Ticino would move to secure the Gotthard Pass, one of the most important routes through the Alps, and the smaller Nufenen Pass to secure their west flank, while the eastern approaches into Ticino would be protected by Alpine troops stationed around Blenio to watch over the Lukamier Pass. In between the Gotthard and St. Bernard Passes, Italian troops would take the Simplon Passand move into the mountains south of Brig.
 
To secure the rest of the approaches into Italy from Switzerland, troops would move into Graübunden taking the town of Splügen to control access to the Splügen and San Bernardino Passes, as well as the Bernina Pass, Julier Pass, the town of Silvaplana, the Septimer Pass and the Maloja Pass. Control of these passes would prevent the Alvonians crossing into northern Lombardy.

Finally, the Umbrail, Stelvio and Tonale Passes would be secured to stop Alvonian troops coming in through South Tyrol. Because it was still a disputed region, cisalpine troops would not enter the region proper, merely guard the passes to prevent themselves being outflanked. With all the Alpini units securing Ticino and Martigny, these other passes would be guarded by dismounted mechanised infantry and some bersaglieri battalions. The second consideration was to ensure that any attack by the French would trap Italian troops in the mountains. A combination of infantry, light armour and artillery would be used to defend the present Italian positions in Savoie and Haute-Savoie, while the troops that had secured Nice and Cannes days before would dig in in the hills above the towns and prevent the French accessing the coastal roads.
 
The final preparations would be to properly rig all tunnels through the Alps leading into Italy or Italian occupies areas with explosives, in the same manner as the St. Bernard Tunnel, and to position reserves on the Italian side of the alps and prepare armoured and bersaglieri battalions to maneuver and counter attack any Alvonians that made it through the defences in Switzerland - a very real possibility. While the defences in the passes were formidable, they would by no means be invincible. It would also be possible for the Alvonian troops to simply go around them by scaling the mountains and escarpments of the Alps. With luck, the position that the italians put themselves in would present such a challenge to the Alvonians that would either back down, or be in a weaker position when negotiating.
 
------
 
[Private to Britain]
 
"We thank you for you offer of support and it is most welcome. Currently we are lacking in both MANPAD and long range SAM systems and body armour. If Britain is capable of providing either of these would be in your debt."
 
[Private to Alvonia, Romania and Yugoslavia]

"We would be willing to negotiate over the future of Gallia Transalpina and Helvetica."

Edited August 17, 2014 by Aggressivenutmeg

[Rudolph]

Private  (To Cisalpine Republic)
 
"The Kingdom is pleased to hear the news from the Republic on accepting our invitation, and we shall expect the delegation from the Cisalpine Republic in two days time. If the time schedule is not accommodating enough, do be kind enough to let the Kingdom know and we shall fix appropriately."
 
Respectfully,
Kralj Dragojev Belojevic

 

[hr]

 

Private  (To Romania)
 
"The Kingdom wishes to extend its invitation to arbitrate the delicate matter between Alvonia and the Cisalpine Republic to our friend and neighbor in Romania. We hope to see you soon in Beograd to put this chapter of history behind us."
 
Respectfully,
Kralj Dragojev Belojevic

 

[Markus Wilding]

Private

 

Foreign Minister Finn Powers would be sent to Beograd to represent Alvonia in the negotiations.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Private Reply to Yugoslavia

 

"We shall personally be in attendance, in order to see that this matter is settled swiftly, elegantly, without unnecessary complications and in a manner that is benefitial to the continental order and peace. I would hope you can accommodate us fairly."

-Maria I de România R.R.

[Aggressivenutmeg]

[Private to Yugoslavia]

 

"I will personally be in attendance. I would like to thank you for stepping in and offering to mediate the dispute. With luck, this matter may be settled without the conflict escalating." - Achille Oberti, Secretary-General of the Directorate

[Rudolph]

(OOC: I'm just going to skip straight to where everyone starts entering the meeting room if you all don't mind.)

 

Private

 

Just after the treaty with Romania was signed to peacefully exchange the Romanian provinces that the Kralj had administered in their intervention within the lands of Romania, Dragojev would travel from his rather quaint office in the former national seat of power of the former Serbian nation to his home in Beli Dvor, known as the White Palace in the Royal Compound of Beograd.

 

 

 

 

Dragojev's entire Grand Council would attend as his aides in this coming negotiation, as he himself arrived early to ensure that the entirety of the Beli Dvor was secured as it could be while helping his staff in preparing the refreshments for everyone involved. The brown-haired monarch sincerely hoped that this trumped up idea of his would work to ensure peace for his neighbors, the Kralj having no desire to see blood being spilled needlessly as he prepared and dressed into his formal cloth, a rather ornate yet simple looking teapot sitting on top of the table as he waited for the coming storm, knowing that he and everyone else had to endure for the good of everyone involved.

[Triyun]

We will begin shipment right away.

 

-FU

 

Convoys of 3 roll on roll off ship escorted by a frigate and littoral combat ship would leave from British Ports sailing out to Atlantic with cargo manifests declared for Cyprus, out through international waters towards the Cisalpine Republic.

 

A dispatch was sent proclaiming the British Position adhering to three principles:

 

1)  Any neighbor can dispute this but they need to make the claim themselves for it to be legitimate.

2)  A diplomatic solution in a conference should be attended by those who would actually administer the land.

3)  If a government is to busy to put out a press release, its probably too busy to administer things like safe drinking water, and protecting kids from criminals and thus should not be looking to take more land.

[Markus Wilding]

Finn came in and instantly set about finding the alcoholic drinks, looking for a good whiskey or scotch to drink. Upon finding the suitable poison, he then sat down at a chair, ready to get the meeting started.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Confidential

 

The Romanian monarch would arrive with a small detachment of her guard, as well as half a dozen personal assistents, who were to assist the Queen abroad. While the guards would respectfully hand over the security duty to Yugoslav security personel, once they arrived at Beli Dvor, the servants, armed with nothing but Maria's luggage, envelopes containing documents pertaining the matter or not, the Queen's personal travelling lecture and other more private matters that would hardly pose a threat unless misused in a very barbaric manner.

 

Also, a small package would be carried by the Queen personally. Guessing security would be strict, Maria would only hand said package over to the Yugoslav guards at the entrance after much thought. Still, she would fix a lock on the box, telling the guard that received it to safeguard it till later, and not to look, lest he would want to make a monarch his enemy... underscoring the "subtle" threat with a most hostile glare.

[Aggressivenutmeg]

Achille Oberti and his entourage of aides and sycophants would arrive last, although not too long after the Romanian delegation. "Buongiorno, vostre Maestà." Achille said, before giving a short bow to each of the monarchs. "To our host King Belojevic, I present to you a bottle of Lambrusco di Sorbara. A fine wine from Modena." Achille motioned for one of the aides (or sycophants, he really couldn't tell them apart) to present the bottle to the Yugoslavian ruler. He would then turn to the Alvonian minister. "And Buongiorno to you as well signor Powers."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

After politely greeting the Cisalpine Secretary-General at the entrance, Maria would enter the palace, exchange with her servants the parasol for a file with papers and then take a seat at the meeting, looking for one closer to Yugoslavia, and further away from Alvonia.

[Rudolph]

Private

 

Dragojev smiled as he finally rose from his chair, the Tyrian purple cloak that the Kralj wore flowing with the motions, "Welcome all to the famous White City of the Serbs!" he greeted exuberantly as he nodded towards the Cisalpine Secretary, "I thank you for your generous gift, Signore Oberti," he said as his aide brought him the bottle of Lambrusco di Sorbara, "And a good year too," he added before chuckling, nodding to his aide who placed the bottle of exquisite wine in the conference's room impromptu refreshment bar's wine rack.

 

The Kralj took a moment to observe where each of the sovereign's were seated, slightly noting with a morbid sense of amusement that the Alvonian Minister was seated to his right and the Romanian Monarch on his left, with the Secretary being seated next to the Romanian Monarch. Banishing the humor of the situation, he nodded to each as he swiftly sat in his seat.

 

"I am very grateful and appreciate to see that each of you arrived and are participating in this negotiating table in Beograd, it shows that all of us want to prevent blood being shed needlessly and for that, I am thankful," he started as he nodded to his aides who calmly gave each sovereign a map of the contested area between Alvonia and the Cisalpine Republic. "What my aides are handing to each one of you is a centered map magnified between France, Alvonia and the Cisalpine Republic as they stand. The blank area between the three being the former country of Snow Haven having been compromised of former Switzerland and french land given to provide the neutral state with a port and access to the Mediterranean. Since France has sadly been isolationist with their focus on internal reorganization, the borders of France in the map are simply there to provide a better view of the former area of Snow Haven."

 

"I'll refrain from stating anything for now until the negotiating table knows fully what the Alvonian and the Cisalpine governments want with respect to the territory of former Snow Haven but before fully tackling the main issue, I'll cede the floor to Regină Maria I if she wishes to say anything beforehand. If not, we shall continue on with Signore Oberti and proceed from there."

 

 

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Maria waved her hand, as she merely stated. "Our country merely hopes that peace can be preserved and that the situation does not spiral out of control. We would like to first hear the two sides, before making any further statement, though it is our wish to not escalate this matter beyond the four of us, unless such is really necessary." With that, the Queen would lean back, awaiting the Signore to start.

[Aggressivenutmeg]

'Grazie Il tuo maestà.' Oberti said, giving a slight nod to the Romanian monarch. 'Before the recent dispute began, the former state of Snowhaven had been embroiled in a state of anarchy, the causes of which remain unknown to us. When we made the decision to send troops across the border we announced to the world our intention of rescuing the region from it's chaotic situatino. We feel wholly violated by Alvonia's provocative and unwarranted invasion of Helvetica, especially when they - and the nation they claim to be acting on behalf of - had been ignoring the situation developing in Snowhaven for so many months. The Senate does not see fit to allow Alvonia or France to govern a region that they had neglected for so long.'

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"Hmmhmm, thank you for presenting your case, Signore Oberti.", Maria responded, after hearing the statement. Turning to Powers, she would now address the Alvonian. "Could you please present the Alvonian view, Herr Powers? Short, concise and politely, please."

[Markus Wilding]

"First off, I ask Signore Oberti to not use such loaded language. We didn't 'invade' Helvetica, we moved in to secure it just like you did. Secondly, would you very much like it you had internal adjustments to make and could not, for reasons unknown to anyone but yourself, act to protect a region you had given to a new nation? You can call it whatever you want, but Alvonian and French interests align in this area, and it's in Alvonia's best interests that French land not be divided up until France can have her voice known." With that, Finn downed another whiskey, looking to the monarchs to gauge their reaction.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Maria would look with certain disappointment at Powers. "Well, I would think we called a conference to settle the issue, not postpone it. I see no French delegate articulating French interests, so sadly there can be no French position to be taken into consideration. It would be rather nonsensical to stall a solution unnecessarily for countries that seemingly cannot be bothered to care. We thus decline any notion of waiting till France might actually bother itself with this issue. Is there any actual Alvonian, read, non-French, position on your part, Herr Powers?"

[Markus Wilding]

Finn turned to Maria, "You're not understanding me. I'm not saying postpone this until France starts sending messages with well-wishes, I'm saying that Alvonia doesn't want France cut out of the deal totally because this happened to come at a bad time. You want the non-French part of Alvonia's position? We don't believe in cutting up land that doesn't belong to us. We don't want to see families divided because some foreigner came in and forced their will on the land. Alvonia doesn't turn her back on her friends, and we're not going to let that happen here."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"We could just have the whole going to the Cisalpine Republic then. No carving up of anyone.", Maria commented bluntly. "There is no French position, lest I missed the presence of a French delegate."