Three Hurrahs for the German Peoples!

[Sarah Tintagyl]

[quote]
[b]To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Germanic Union
From: Jessika Adler, Director of Foreign Affairs of the Austrian Revolutionary Council
Subject: Restoring Diplomatic Strength

CC: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Duchy of Kurland[/b]

[i]Excellency,

There is no doubt in any of our minds that the past of the German peoples, now situated in Austria, Germania, and Kurland have been inflicted with grief, terror, and loss. With the passing of the Haas Wars for Empire, there is the chance for Central Europe to come together once more, and hopefully eternally, as friends and comrades. Austria has watched monarch after monarch fall to the strife of war and revolution, likewise we have seen Livonia perish from anarchy and our Northern Neighbors deal with tyrants and despots who seem to never disappear. Centuries ago, Germany was the undisputed leader of Europe. Her armies moved with vigor and gallantry to defend the Rhine River against French encroachment. Together with Austrian armies, they formed a terrific and massive war machine that which likes the world has never seen and though we have suffered defeat, we have never had to drop our hearts because of it.

The sturdiness of our people depends on our fervor and our friends. Which is why I have taken the liberty to invite Germania and Kurland to a diplomatic meeting in Vienna to talk about creating a Tri-Lateral German Pact, uniting our three peoples. Perhaps not politically, but in spirit and in strength.

I anxiously await your arrivals.

Sincerely,

Jessika Adler[/i]
[/quote]

[Rauchen]

Duke Alaric sent notice of his agreement and set off immediately in his private jet for the meeting in Vienna. He would be accompanied only by two Marines, whom he would order to remain with the plane when he arrived.

[Kaiser Martens]

This was deemed to be of such a high importance, that both Arild Lange and Saskia van den Meer of the Althing Triumvirate showed up, while historically only one Althing Lord had been sent to such meetings. There was a great deal of speculation about this and it was decided to keep the meeting absolutely secret. There was even a sense of disbelief - how could the Austrians still favor Germania after all that happened? The leaders felt rather ashamed of presenting themselves in Austria, visibly so.

But there they were, in their smart, business suits, exploring the future.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Upon their arrival in Vienna, both Alric and the Germanian Representatives would be escorted by Austrian Guard to the Rathaus. Most of Vienna had been going under reconstruction and the city was finally getting back on it's feet, the government buildings had been refurbished, still however, maintaining their Old World charm. Roads had been paved and as the limousines took the representatives from the airport, or if they decided to enter Austria via vehicle, the city streets were once again alive with civilian life. Salons and conservatories offered the escape for the middle and upper class to debate Republican politics and the state of the country, while music halls and indoor soccer stadiums brought entertainment to all walks of Viennese and Austrian life.

They would arrive at night, just as the city began to lite up and would be ushered to Jessika Adler's quarters in the government building. She received the Duke and the German Representatives with a welcoming smile and gestured them to sit at her desk in the black leather chairs surrounding her.

"I apologize for inviting you all so suddenly, but I feel this kind of diplomacy needs to be sudden and interactive between our peoples. Also if any time during the discussions you need water, something to eat, coffee, by all means ask and I can have one of my maids get something for you. That said, what I am interested in and what Austria is interested in, is the creation of an eternal peace between the nations of German Speaking Europe. Kurland is new to this neighborhood, but I can speak from history and experience that Northern and Southern Germany have not been at peace for more than twenty years at a time and it has done horrible things to our population and our trust. Another destructive war cannot be allowed to happen again, whether this is done through demilitarization, treaties, or a literal wall, something must be brought to light.

My personal plan is a tri-lateral agreement between Germania, Kurland, and Austria, binding us to each other in matters of defense and of course if the unfortunate event of a down fall, it will be up to our pact to maintain order across the German States. A Mutual Defense Pact I believe would be the most effective, but I am up for questions if Your Excellencies have them."

[Kaiser Martens]

"I do think that you are making us an offer that we cannot refuse. I think that it is time that we prove to the world that we can make things work, that Germania isn't just a bunch of wildmen with axes and that the South, now Austria, is a country which can be strong, and capable of being again that which it once was - Europe's Heart."

"In these times, which seem to be lacking when it comes to stability, we need to remember that we're a family, even if a dysfunctional one, we need to band together and protect one another's interests - one another's citizens and their new-found freedoms."

"I am sure that the Folksthing will approve."

[Rauchen]

"I am wholly in favor of this idea. The German peoples' reputation has been tarnished by recent instability and war, and the world has come to expect hostility betwixt the German states. We must break this stereotype and begin working towards a stable, cooperative pact. I can support the defense clause and a possible downfall clause, and the Diet has been insisting on strong German and Austrian relations anyway."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

That night, after the first round of discussions the Kurlandic and German ambassadors were sent to one of the hotels in Vienna. As the day before a limousine would come to take them to the second day of meetings with the Austrians. However, in the morning, the news of the recent coup in the capital was the first thing to hit their ears. The limousine came as scheduled, but instead of heading to the Rathaus, the Austrian Guards escorted the foreign Representatives to Hofburg Palace and led them to the back gardens, where Empress Theresia, still dressed in military clothes from the morning stood waiting for them.

"Excellencies," she grinned and gestured to a white wire-rim table with cups of tea and crackers already laid out. "I want to first say I apologize for the sudden surprise of everything. It has been a very hectic night for me, having nearly been shot twice and everything going crazy, but meeting with you all should return my mind to a bit of normalcy." She sat down at the table and slouched back. Not the most lady-like thing for an Empress, but her demeanor made up for the mannerisms in an inherent inner strength that she had not possessed before. Her skin and aura literally seemed to shine. "That said, I have been reading the notes that Fraulein Adler prepared for the meeting and I agree with most points and..." She stopped and chuckled. "Oh where are my manners, I haven't even asked if now with a new government Kurland and Germany would still be interested in an alliance."

Theresia pushed herself up and clasped her hands together. "I will say that the Empire would still be very interested in pursuing the necessary relations with your nations." The Empress flipped open Adler's notebook and scanned through. "Still a Tri-Lateral Agreement culminating in a Mutual Defense Pact, but I would also like to expand this to a cultural exchange and open border program. One of the reasons I believe the German states have had so many problems is because we don't understand our origins. Adler talked about building trust, I want to take it one further, I want to build prosperity. But the treaty would mainly stay the same." Then turning to the Germans, the Empress smiled. "I would also like to discuss the possibility of an Austrian purchasing of land on either the Benelux Coast or the Norwegian Coast to build a naval base with access to the Atlantic. Austria will be beginning to pay for a mercenary fleet, before our own shipyards can begin to produce the proper amount of material and arms and I am curious of Germany's thoughts on this request."

[Kaiser Martens]

The Germanians are rather surprised by the whole situation. It is only to be expected, the Austrians themselves were surprised as well. Lange and van den Meer are seen to talk among themselves in a low voice, and if that weren't enough, in dutch so as to conceal things further. Still, the others can get the main thing of it, they're obviously wondering if MDPing Austria at that point would end up in another utter disaster.

Then, back to Hochdeutsch: "Please excuse us for a moment your Highness."

They leave the room. It takes them several minutes to return, and Saskia speaks,

"Under normal circumstances after this show of unstability we would decline such a pact, but we feel that if we do not step up and back Austria when it actually needs it, nobody else will. We will take the risk, and we will as well grant you a territory for a base somewhere in the western coast of Scandinavia as well. We will not [i]sell[/i] it though, consider it to be some kind of belated reparations for all the trouble we had caused."

[Rauchen]

Alaric appeared completely unmoved by the changes in circumstance, merely raising an eyebrow when explained the situation by the Austrian guards. He'd expected a reformation of the Austrian government since the end of the Brüderkrieg, albeit not in this fashion, and certainly not so long after.

At the meeting, he sat at the wire-rim table, sipping tea and watching Empress Theresia with an almost-bemused expression. While the Germans deliberated outside, he spoke, "Presuming that the Austrian royalists have complete, undisputed control over Austria, I have no real issue with this sudden change. Clearly, if the people are not rioting in the streets, and not kept in check by a military presence, then this government has their support. Realizing this, I see no reason not to recognize the Hapsburg government, and I'm still in favor of a trilateral agreement."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

When the Germans had gone off to discuss amongst themselves, Theresia turned to Alaric, smiling at the puzzled look on his face and in his voice. "I can assure you, Your Grace, that Austria is well within control by the Royalist Government. The problem we have had with Republican Extremists, I believe have all died out. There may be pockets throughout the country, but they are small and easily controlled. I blame myself to be honest, my sisters and I were not ready for the sheer responsibility that came with running Austria at first. But we grew, we made mistakes, and I believe things have finally changed for the better. Our recent diplomatic success is evidence of this, but I appreciate that we can still have an agreement with Kurland."

As she spoke, Theresia turned her head with Alaric as the German committee returned from their private negotiations. After their response, she nodded. "Austria cannot bear another round of anarchy as we've had. There were quite a few voters who supported a referendum to return to Germany, so I believe this would be the last chance to get things right in Vienna. A chance that I would say, you should be willing to take a bet on, especially given that our recent troubles were a direct correlation with Haas' invasion of the homeland."

Taking a sip of tea she continued, "That said, what territory would you have in mind for ceding the base?" Then with her eyes spreading wide, she put down her tea cup and tapped her lips with her fingers. "Oh, I nearly forgot, Austria will be upholding it's alliance with Athens. I know of the recent troubles between the two superpowers and I would like Germany's opinion on the matter. Austria is trying her best to smooth out the tension in Europe to prevent another war from breaking out."

[Kaiser Martens]

"Pockets...every country has 'em. They always will, anyways. Neither of us can deal with another batch of anarchy, that is for sure...but Austria has to strive, be this the last chance or otherwise, simply because if it ceased to exist, Haas would in a twisted way win. We'll always be committed to asisting the land and the fact that we are talking instead of ignoring one another is a good omen."

Lange takes out his PDA, which is made to show a map of Northern Germania.
"Aalesund. I think this spot might just do the trick. What might you think?"

Van den Meer narrows her feline-like eyes sharply. "As for Athens. We will not hold it against you that you should want to continue being allied to them, but we wouldn't be able to assist you if you went into a war to defend them, for they wish us dead and have also blocked us. They have several extremist policies, have trampled the rights of the French, and have some kind of anti-nationalist Gestapo. Frankly I do not know what you are doing involving your fine nation with the likes of them, but to each their own."

Edited August 25, 2011 by Kaiser Martens

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Theresia chuckled as she put her tea cup down. "I believe I'm starting to understand how a middle child feels in a family. The Germans distrust the Romans and the situation is reversed across the Alps. In the future, I would like to do what I can to start healing the broken bonds between the South and the North, if Vienna is able to reconcile with Berlin, I can't see why Athens and Rome will be incapable of doing so. As for France, we have struck a deal recently, allowing Austrian protection of the territory consisting of Paris and the surrounding regions. I can assure you Frau van der Meer, the rights of the French will no longer be trampled. Athens is a fine nation, just as Germany is a fine nation, I am sure as time passes both parties will see the benefits of their neighbors."

Then taking the PDA from Lange's hand, the Empress looked over the terrain displayed on the map and smiled. "It will suit us perfectly, thank you Herr Lange. That said," she rose from her chair. "If no one has anything else to discuss I can prepare the draft of our treaty for signing. A tri-lateral agreement between Austria, Germany, and Kurland. Shall we proceed?"

[Rauchen]

[quote]Theresia turned to Alaric, smiling at the puzzled look on his face and in his voice.[/quote]
OOC: Bemused, not bewildered.

IC:

"I have nothing more to add," Alaric said, waving his hand in a nonchalant fashion. "At least, until I see a rough draft of the agreement."

[Kaiser Martens]

"If the Greco-Romans were to let go of their French colony in the way which you describe, the electorate of Germania [i]might[/i] just be able to see them in a bit of a nicer light. Hm. Well, as far as we two are concerned, we will try and convey a better image. Ultimately we're only the hands, not the brain, you understand? Yet it is always worth a shot."

Then, they both nod.

"Very well. Let us take a look at that draft."

Funny. Was "Germany" somehow defending France? Who'd have ever considered such a thing?

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"We are in negotiations with the Dalmatians for the restoration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A united Danubia once again, of Austria and her Hungarian neighbors. If the talks are successful, I will be holding a ball in Budapest. Perhaps there, with the Athenian delegation we could begin the first discussions on piecing Europe back together."

By that time a servant had come over with a piece of parchment and handed it to the Empress with a curt bow. She thanked him and with another sip of tea, set the treaty draft in front of the representatives. "I hope this meets Your Excellencies expectations."

[quote]

[size="5"][center][i]Der Brüderpakt[/center][/size]

[size="3"][center][b]Preamble[/b][/center][/size]

In light of recent warfare and internal strife throughout the German States, the sovereign nations of the Germanic Union, the Duchy of Kurland, and the Empire of Austria have come together as one body politic to align themselves together in order to prevent future strife. The following treaty binds these nations together in friendship, protecting Central Europe and the German States from internal and foreign threats. In addition, this treaty also exists to prevent further fighting between the German States while creating open borders for increased travel and trade. This treaty is thus a hope for a Central Europe which can prosper and know peace.

[size="3"][center][b]Article I - Sovereignty [/b][/center][/size]

The Sovereignty of the Three States shall not be questioned or otherwise infringed upon by either. Each nation will abstain from military acts of aggression, acts of espionage or the effecting of economic sanctions when such actions are directed at a signatory to this pact.

[b][center][size="3"]Article II - Mutual Defense[/size][/center][/b]

The Three States recognize that an attack on one is an attack on the other, and therefore will provide any and all requested support be it military, financial, or political. This obligation is moreover conditional to wars whereby one of the signatories to this pact is an initial point within the overall conflict, or otherwise participating within a coalition that was itself initially defensive, and not the aggressor within the war. In addition, the Three States in cooperation with each other, should be advised to hand any threatening information over to the respected governments in order to foster a better defense throughout Central Europe.

[center][size="3"][b]Article III - Optional Aggression[/b][/size][/center]

Subset i) Should either signatory choose to execute or participate in a policy of aggressive war, economic sanctions, or otherwise; each signatory is encouraged but not obligated to support this policy by whatever means they deem appropriate.

Subset ii) In the event of such a policy this article may constitute an independent legal casus belli.

[size="3"][b][center]Article IV - Economic & Trade Affairs[/center][/b][/size]

Subset i) The Three States pledge to eliminate tariffs on goods that are not produced within their neighbor's nation. The Three States further pledge to mutually reduce, or eliminate tariffs on goods produced by already well established and competitive industry within each respective nation. Finally the Three States agree to established a standard trade code in order to foster transaction between the two nations. Such will be managed by a jointly chaired trade commission tasked to oversee and manage Central European trade relations.

Subset ii) The Three States are encouraged but in no way required to provide economic assistance or aid when requested.

[size="3"][center][b]Article IV: Cancellation[/b][/center][/size]

Subset i) Should Article I, Article II, or Article IV be violated by either signatory, the counter signatory may choose to immediately dissolve this pact in its entirety.

Subset ii) Should either nation come to decide that they no longer wish to be bound by this pact, it may be cancelled at any point. However its articles will remain in effect for 47 hours after either private or public notification of the activation of Article V.

Signed for,[/i]

[b]The Austrian Empire,[/b]

[i]Maria Theresia von Hapsburg[/i]

[b]The Germanic Union,[/b]
[i]
Lady Saskia Günthersdottar van den Meer
Lord Arild Tildasson Lange [/i]

[b]The Duchy of Kurland,[/b]

[i]Alaric I von Ösel
Herzog des Kurland [/i]

[/quote]

Edited August 27, 2011 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Rauchen]

Alaric scanned the treaty carefully, and upon reaching the bottom, said, "Would it be possible to include a mutual intelligence clause? Share any information that could in any way affect the security of any of the signatories. We should assist each other before war begins, not after." He handed the treaty back to Theresia. "And to celebrate this momentous occasion, a reunion of the German brother states, I propose we name this treaty der Brüderpakt."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Theresia took out a pen from her uniform and scribbled a bit over the draft. When she was done, she handed it back to Alaric. "I believe this would better suit your needs, Your Grace? As to your idea of the Brüderpakt, I couldn't agree more."

[Rauchen]

"That is good enough for me." Alaric took a pen from the pocket of his suit and signed the treaty with a flourish.

Alaric I von Ösel
Herzog des Kurland

[Kaiser Martens]

"The Dalmatians, willing to compromise like that? I'll be damned. Hungary must giving them trouble if they're willing to consider such a thing, I bet."

---

Signed,

[i]Lady Saskia Günthersdottar van den Meer
Lord Arild Tildasson Lange[/i]

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Very good." Theresia said folding up the document and handing it to one of the servants. "It will be faxed to your respected capitals in the morning, but as of now, this alliance is official." She turned around in the chair for a moment and called out. "Excuse me, Elsa, if you would be so kind as to tell the Chamberlain to bring one of my bottles of champagne. This alliance is a cause for celebration."

"I will have one brought up right away, Your Majesty." The maid said with a curt bow as Theresia turned back to her guests.

"Hopefully, this will be the end of infighting between at least Austria and Germany. Though I have to say, Duke Alaric, I have not heard much about Kurland and I think I would like to visit it in the future. The Baltic states have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, from what I've heard." But her conversation was cut short as Elsa arrived at the table with the bottle of champagne and four glasses. "Thank you very much and that will be all."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The maid smiled and bowed as she left the table.

Taking the bottle, Theresia popped the cork as the bubbly began to run down the sides of the glass. After pouring a bit of champagne in each, she raised up her own glass and smiled. "To Central Europe and the Greater German States, may they forever prosper."

[Rauchen]

"You are too kind," Alaric said, smiling. "It is true that the Baltic has beautiful cities and a beautiful landscape, though I daresay its far less dramatic than the soaring Alpine mountains that you have the great fortune of seeing almost every day." He accepted a glass of champagne and raised it in a toast. "May we all prosper in the years to come."