The Mithlond Conference, July 1908

[Tanthalas]

Pubilus Rutilius Rufus: It would appear to me what is at issue here, is more a disagreement over this canal than anything.  The Netherlands has been against it from the beginning, while the Swiss have pushed for it all along.  Italia offers to send her fast cruiser squadron to the region to peruse any pirates that may be lurking about, Provided that basing facilities can be arranged.  As for the Allies, it would appear on paper at least that some are fought out, while others are capable of continuing operations, although to what effect I would not be able to say.  Whatever the problems between the Netherlands and the Swiss are I would encourage them to settle them in a gentlemanly fashion, including a Duel if such is necessary to assuage their honor.

As to the sale it is the position of Italia that this is more of a statement of Rage at other members of the current coalition than a position of actual truth, I am quite sure that the representative of the Netherlands did not truly mean what was just offered.  That said Italia would be interested in leasing one island to serve as a base of operations for our fast cruiser force during our antipiracy patrol if such becomes necessary

[Borys]

Przewalski was slowly coming to his wits after the shocking Nederlands proposal. He was trying to think of all possible implications and ripples on Neutrals. And he failed. It was too much to soon.
Approached by the Swiss Ambassador he agreed to a minor change to the treaty - a point, so relevant previously, with the Dutch proposal and acceptance - was now moot.

[Korpen]

Somewhat bemused by the austrian reaction, as they after all were well informed that this is what would happen if they broke their word.

[Borys]

There are some who consider the Austrians to be dim witted.
:)
Yes, I failed to draw the logical conclusion -
Kra Canal -> untenable NOI -> abandon NOI to Swiss
Silly me.

[Korpen]

There are some who consider the Austrians to be dim witted.
:)
Yes, I failed to draw the logical conclusion -
Kra Canal -> untenable NOI -> abandon NOI to Swiss
Silly me.

Incorrect, rather the point is that Austria hade pledged not to seek a separate peace, and they broke word. And i was fed up with the fact that austria was negotiating against its allies and on behalf of the enemy more then anything.

So yes, silly you.

[Borys]

OOC
Wearing two hats - player and moderator - sometimes is difficult.  I judged that the good of the Game called for bringing the 2nd Pacific War to a close ASAP. Even if it was somewhat unfair to certain PC countries. I decided that dieing for the Kra Canal was not in the interest of the game. I tried to keep things as even handed as much as I could. If I failed, I herefore applogise for my failings.

However, you were offered compensation for the continued existence of the offending Kra Canal. You did not want it. Nor did you wish to consider alternative courses of action. And I simply do not understand your stance over the Kra Canal, as my view of the strategic situation is different. I do not consider the NOI to be untenable. It can be held, but not by Dutch strength alone. To hold it the Netherlands needs diplomacy. But your skills in drumming up international support are comparable to Desert Fox's. I am not being sarcastic (I hope) - I am stating what I see.
Good luck in the next war you begin. I expect you to be alone.
Borys

[The Rock Doctor]

Eduard Torres surveys the commotion in the conference room, and turns to face his advisors.  "You", he says to the most junior aide, "Approach the CSA delegation and find out if they still have a stock of hard liquor."

The aide scurries off.

"You - return to the embassy and relay a summary by telegraph to Cartagena.  I expect the President to be incommunicado at sea, but at least the Cabinet will be made aware of matters.  Hopefully Ricardo will restrain himself."

That aide scurries off.

"You - schedule a meeting with the Swiss for a few days hence.  The Lady in Red, if she will still be here, else the ambassador.  The topic will be the post-war situation, whatever it has proven to be."

The third individual, an intermediate policy advisor, nodds and walks away.

"You - schedule a meeting with whichever of the Allies are available.  At the very least, I'd like to hear their thoughts on Hainan and Formosa."

The fourth individual, the embassy's trade attache, does as he's told.

"What am I missing?", he askes the diminished delegation.

"The French observer bolted out of here several minutes ago", the military attache notes.

"Then we'll schedule something with them too", Torres replies wearily, waiting for the first aide to return with word from the Confederates.

[Borys]

The third aid runs into Przewalski.
- The islands, you inquire? The Dowager-Empress decided to reward the "loyal servants" the Japanese with them. The attitude in Peking is that - ruling Exiles caste aside - the islands share a common history with Japan and Korea, i.e. Swiss rule, and a resulting common culture. Different from that of the Mainland. And white minorities too. Thus "binding their fate" is an act of benevolence, as they should fare best among those they resemble the most.  The Nederlanden were also considered, but were not interested.
- Interestingly, the "Most Faithful Tibutuary" - the Count winked - the DKB is to be granted Viet-Nam. To compensate them for their losses against the Swiss Daemons. It seems that here again European rule has produced certain local traits which the Middle Kingdom finds undesirable in its subjects.

[Borys]

Ahoj!
I split off some analuytical posts to the Meeting Room.
Borys

[Desertfox]

- The islands, you inquire? The Dowager-Empress decided to reward the "loyal servants" the Japanese with them. The attitude in Peking is that - ruling Exiles caste aside - the islands share a common history with Japan and Korea, i.e. Swiss rule, and a resulting common culture. Different from that of the Mainland. And white minorities too. Thus "binding their fate" is an act of benevolence, as they should fare best among those they resemble the most.

Oh the irony! :D

At this point, even if the Germanics backed out, the Dutch and Swiss conflict would be at worst an even match.  At best The Dutch likely have the advantage in terms of ships and multiple minefields.  They might not have much offensive punch but they have enough to keep the Swiss out and bloodied

Ithekro, are you trying to continue this war or to end it? ;)

I have to say, after getting over the shock, I find this situation extremly ironic. Had the Germans and Austrians decided to stay neutral, so long ago in October, this war would have been over by November, and the bulk of the NOI would still have been Dutch. 

[P3D]

So what is the situation on the treaty negotiations?

[Korpen]

So what is the situation on the treaty negotiations?

There seems to be agreements, but nothing signed yet.

[The Rock Doctor]

It sounds as if the conference is over, but the Colombian delegation will remain in their hotel in Mithlond for a few days more.

[Tanthalas]

Italia will do the same just incase GC wishes to get drunk =P

[Borys]

The Count confers with the alpha male of the Swiss represenatation. The Switzermaenner works a bit on the paper.

***********************************
Peace Treaty of the 2nd Pacific War
1.  Formosa is ceded to a member of the Alliance, other than the Middle Kingdom.

2.  Hainan is ceded to a member of the Alliance, other than the Middle Kingdom

3.  EMPTY -

4.  New Guinea - in its entirety - shall revert to pre-war borders.

5.  New Amsterdam and Tasmania shall be evacuated by Allied forces and revert to Swiss jurisidiction.

6.  The Aleutian Islands are ceded to Japan.

7.   Japan shall evacuate Tinian and Aquijan, which shall revert to Swiss jurisdiction. Japan will pay the Swiss 9$ and 0.5BP for damages to the Saipan facilities.

8.  Swiss transfers of Keeling, Christmas and the Swiss Chagos to Orange shall be recognized by the Allies as a full and proper jurisdictional transfer.

9.  EMPTY

10.  All costs incurred as a result of the war are borne by the warring parties.

11.  Full and expeditious transfer of prisoners of war, and the right of civilians to emigrate if their territory changes jurisdiction as a result of the above.

12. Signing of the treaty implies cessation of hostilites by signing party.
********************************************************

signed by Count Przewalski for the Habsburg Realms and Deutches Kaiserreich Brandenburg