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Message from Austria to Turkey
Not only was I correct about Ven-Tri, but also about Russia's northern
opening. An army in Armenia would be so useful now :-). But I do
understand being loathe to make oneself a solitary target.
I also notice that France's fears were not unfounded; Mun-Bur is quite
aggressive in a full press game. But the northern opening may serve its
purpose for a little while, and keep England from helping out against
France. While our attack on Russia may free England, our attack on
Italy will also free France, so I don't think we need to worry about
too-quick settlement of the western triangle.
Our tactical advisors urge Ser s Bul-Rum, bouncing Russia. If we can
also get Germany to bounce him in Sweden, he'll have no builds, and fall
quickly. I still worry that if Germany suspects we plan to take out
Russia quickly, he'll not cooperate; while Germany doesn't want a strong
Russia, he also needs some Russia lest Austria-Hungary overrun him while
his forces are still committed westward.
Have I overlooked anything important?
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to Italy
I'd say that turn went well for us. Most pleasant was the RT
bounce in Bla. While it doesn't necessarily mean no RT alliance
exists or will be formed, it at least slows any advance of Turkish
fleets to the Med. Specifically, it means that a Lepanto attack
cannot be stopped.
Our ambassador to Turkey is going to offer him support for Rum-Bul.
If his "war" with Russia is real, he may accept. That will prevent
at least one build (Russian), and further distract Turkey from the
Lepanto; it also will make it harder for Turkey to seek or gain
Russian help once he realizes we're attacking him.
The RG bounce in Burgundy wasn't disappointing, either. It makes
it less likely that French fleets will soon be free to sail into
the Mediterranean.
Since you've already done Germany the favor of not moving into
Tyrolia, perhaps you could encourage him to bounce Russia from
Sweden. I'd prefer Russia as weak as possible, both because he's
Turkey's most natural ally and because that's where I'm headed once
Turkey begins to fall.
I urge the convoy to Tunis, now more than ever; the free tempo that
Turkey's bounce has granted us should not be wasted by diverting
the Ion fleet.
Idalia, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to Russia
A northern opening? Now I understand why you wanted Warsaw
free to move to Ukr.
I still prefer that Rumania be occupied by a fleet, so that
you can build a second fleet immediately. Otherwise, it
will be difficult for us to break down the Turkish defense.
I may try to keep Trieste available to build a second fleet
myself; while that's unusual, if an IT alliance forms, it
may be needed.
Is there anything I've overlooked?
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to France
Was the Burgundy bounce pre-arranged? Neither Mar-Bur nor
Mun-Bur is particularly common; both at once makes them seem
coordinated.
The most interesting dynamic seems to stem from Russia's
northern opening. That will tend to distract England's
attention from the west. Neither EG nor EF will succeed very
quickly. FG, on the other hand, might succeed very quickly
indeed.
Good luck.
Felicia, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to England
Of all the powers in a generally conservative 1901, you seem to
have come out the worst. While FG didn't actively attack you,
their bounce in Burgundy certainly appears to have been
pre-arranged. And the Russian move to St. Petersburg probably
threatens your Scandinavian influence, especially Norway.
If Germany doesn't bounce Sweden, you're almost certainly
facing at least an RG alliance, possibly FRG. But FRG is
probably bad for Germany in that he's a natural next target for
FR.
You can force Norway, of course, by using Nwg to support the
convoy there. But France will get 3 builds: Pic-Bel cannot be
stopped by Germany, and your Nth fleet has more important tasks
than interfering with Bel.
To me, at least, it seems an EG alliance is your only hope, and
it may not be easy for you to achieve.
Good luck.
Edna, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to Germany
Too much beer. But I'm here now. Have I missed anything?
Oh, OK; no, I'm not planning to go to Tyrolia.
Wow, three builds for France? How'd he do that? He got Russia to distract
England, I see, and tied up your free unit with an arranged bounce in
Burgundy.
I'm going to go sleep off a hangover; I'll get back with you soon.
Hopefully, before the moves process this time.
Grace, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from England to Austria
>Of all the powers in a generally conservative 1901, you seem to
>have come out the worst.
Thanks for cheering me up.
>While FG didn't actively attack you,
>their bounce in Burgundy certainly appears to have been
>pre-arranged.
It was, and I knew about it.
>And the Russian move to St. Petersburg probably
>threatens your Scandinavian influence, especially Norway.
Yes, and this surprised me. I must at least consider forcing my way into
Norway now. That's something I didn't count on before.
>You can force Norway, of course, by using Nwg to support the
>convoy there. But France will get 3 builds: Pic-Bel cannot be
>stopped by Germany, and your Nth fleet has more important tasks
>than interfering with Bel.
A France with 3 builds is a France with a head of steam. And we can all
tell from the press this this France has to be a powerful player.
May I assume that the Trieste bounce was also arranged? Ditto for Black Sea?
Ivy Wingo
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 6&7 Results:
First, I wanted to wish everyone a very happy Bastille
Day. This being our national holiday, I have been busy
with festivities and have not been very communicative. I
apologize for that. But sometimes, the people are more
important than my neighbors in Europe. I even missed an
update on the Tour de France. Fittingly a Frenchman took
today's stage. Although he rides for a team in a
different country, we take pride in his accomplishment
all the same. This is his second stage and gives the
Turk's 20 points and a tie for first in the standings.
The prior stage was taking by Jaan Kirsipuu from AG2R.
He rides for none of our teams.
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 0 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Germany (Telekom): 20 points
Italy (Fassa Bortolo): 0 points
Russia (Robobank): 10 points
Turkey (CSC): 20 points
Doug (O.N.C.E.): 0 points
Selected Standings:
1. Jens Voigt (C.A.) 29 hours, 51 minutes, 29 seconds
2. Laurent Jalabert (CSC/Tascali) @ 2:34
5. Igor G. Galdeano (ONC) @ 5:00
9. Christophe Moreau (FES) @ 5:20
15. Lance Armstrong (USP) @ 5:56
19. Jan Ullrich (TEL) @ 6:23
Current Leaders:
Yellow Jersey: Jens Voigt [50 points] - no one
Green Jersey: Erik Zabel [20 points] - Germany
Polkadot Jersey: Patrice Halgand [20 points] - no one
Message from France to Austria
Ms. Felicia:
I am sure that the bounce in Burgundy is equivalent to
the bounce in Trieste.
You must have a strong relationship with Russia. You
both left Galicia open. That shows a lot of trust on
both your parts. Russia went further to send an extra
North. Is that boldness, trustfulness, or cockiness?
Perhaps a bit of all three.
You and Italy must be pleased with the Bounce in the
Black Sea. It keeps Turkish fleets out of the
Mediterranean, just a bit longer. Although he can now
move Ankara to Constantinople and still build in Smyrna.
All-in-all a nice opening for both of us. My
congratulations to you and your leaders.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to Austria
> A northern opening? Now I understand why you wanted
> Warsaw free to move to Ukr.
I thought that the combination of leaving Gal open and
moving an Army north would encourage Germany to let me
take Swe this Fall. (Of course, I've been wrong before...8-)
Also, it should help sow confusion in the west, and opens
the possibility of harrassing/supporting England or Germany
to keep the west from resolving to quickly.
> I still prefer that Rumania be occupied by a fleet, so that
> you can build a second fleet immediately. Otherwise, it
> will be difficult for us to break down the Turkish defense.
True, and with the conflict in Trieste, (or was that pre-arranged?)
you need security in the east. If I move the Army to Rum, though,
I should be able to get useful information from the Turk regarding
his plans for '02, and that might prove more useful.
> I may try to keep Trieste available to build a second fleet
> myself; while that's unusual, if an IT alliance forms, it
> may be needed.
Yes, if it ends up AR vs. IT, we'll both need to build Fleets
more often than we might normally, and starting early is a good
idea.
> Is there anything I've overlooked?
Not that I can think of at this point.
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Austria to Russia
> True, and with the conflict in Trieste, (or was that pre-arranged?)
Well, sort of. I heard that Italy was seeking German approval for
Ven-Tyr, so I encouraged Ven-Tri instead, after you and I had settled
the Gal question, knowing I could bounce it. Italy, also, didn't
really commit to an attack, since he moved Rom-Apu rather than Rom-Ven.
Having preserved the possibility of peace there, I'll encourage him to
continue Lepanto-ish, against Turkey. That should make Turkey's
defense harder, as well as giving Italy some other target than
Austria-Hungary. Of course, with France's 3 builds, perhaps it would
be better long-term to try to send Italy west. If I propose that,
however, it may seem I'm just setting him up. Perhaps you could
encourage him in that direction?
> If I move the Army to Rum, though, I should be able to get useful
> information from the Turk regarding his plans for '02, and that might
> prove more useful.
If we're attacking Turkey, I don't think information is as valuable as
the extra fleet. If you're still undecided about attacking him, then
we'd better discuss why. I would be uncomfortable leaving both you and
Turkey alone, and attacking Italy with both of you behind me; and it's
nearly impossible for Austria-Hungary to succeed against Turkey without
help from either Italy or Russia.
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to England
>> Of all the powers in a generally conservative 1901, you seem to
>> have come out the worst.
>
> Thanks for cheering me up.
You're welcome.
> A France with 3 builds is a France with a head of steam. And we can all
> tell from the press this this France has to be a powerful player.
This is supposed to be a championship, and France is probably one of the top
seeds. If his press seemed poor, I'd think that was intentional anyway.
Of course, that doesn't reduce the threat the three-build France poses,
first to you, but in the long run to all of us. Austria-Hungary favors an
alliance between England and Germany to address the threat. And if Russia's
strength and northward moves are impeding that, then perhaps Austria-Hungary
should work to refocus his attention.
> May I assume that the Trieste bounce was also arranged? Ditto for Black Sea?
The Black Sea didn't surprise me, but I can't state for certain that it was
pre-arranged. Trieste was semi-arranged: Italy was encouraged to order
Ven-Tri, and I ordered Vie-Tri to keep it safe whether he moved that way or
not. As I suggested earlier, everybody was being very conservative.
Edna, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to France
> I am sure that the bounce in Burgundy is equivalent to
> the bounce in Trieste.
No, not exactly. But perhaps the effects are similar.
> You must have a strong relationship with Russia. You
> both left Galicia open. That shows a lot of trust on
> both your parts. Russia went further to send an extra
> North. Is that boldness, trustfulness, or cockiness?
> Perhaps a bit of all three.
His was the most adventurous opening of 1901; but there wasn't
much competition for that title.
> You and Italy must be pleased with the Bounce in the
> Black Sea. It keeps Turkish fleets out of the
> Mediterranean, just a bit longer. Although he can now
> move Ankara to Constantinople and still build in Smyrna.
Of course. Slow, cautious, and solid.
> All-in-all a nice opening for both of us. My congratulations
> to you and your leaders.
There was a question (from our ambassador in Italy, I believe)
about how France would tend to react to Tunis being occupied by
a fleet, as opposed to an army. I speculated that France might
prefer an army there, but some guidance from you would not be
unwelcome.
Message from Russia to Austria
My Dear Ralassa,
> I heard that Italy was seeking German approval for Ven-Tyr, so I
> encouraged Ven-Tri instead, knowing I could bounce it.
I see.
> with France's 3 builds, perhaps it would be better long-term to try
> to send Italy west. Perhaps you could encourage him in that direction?
I'll do what I can, though unless we see EG vs. F, I doubt that my
encouragement would have much effect. England has said from the beginning
that he plans F Nwg-Nwy, and I've told him that I will move A StP-Fin this
Fall for the purpose of securing Swe, so I suspect he'll order Yor-Nth-Bel,
to keep France from gaining those 3 builds.
> If we're attacking Turkey, I don't think information is as valuable as
> the extra fleet. If you're still undecided about attacking him, then
> we'd better discuss why.
I expect that I will order F Sev-Rum, and build F Sev, but I haven't
finalized that decision, yet. I am committed to AR vs. T, but if the Turk
were to suggest that I move to Bla this Fall, and then Con in the Spring,
with the intention of moving to Aeg next Fall, I wouldn't turn him down.
(I wouldn't move out of Con next Fall, either, but... 8-)
In Alliance,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from England to Austria
Dearest Edna,
>Of course, that doesn't reduce the threat the three-build France poses,
>first to you, but in the long run to all of us. Austria-Hungary favors an
>alliance between England and Germany to address the threat. And if Russia's
>strength and northward moves are impeding that, then perhaps Austria-Hungary
>should work to refocus his attention.
Interesting. I was about to send you an e-mail along these lines, but you
raised the subject first. Russia may try a bounce in Norway, but a more
sophisticated approach would be Norway->Finland followed by a build in StP.
If that happens, I don't see how Germany and I can focus on France.
It would be wonderful if you and Turkey could frighten Russia in the south,
where he has left himself weak. Frighten him to death for all I care.
Is there anything I can do on the diplomatic front to aid you in such an
endeavor?
Most sincerely,
Ivy Wingo
Message [from Russia] to all
Tsar Nicholas,
I would like to bring your attention to a most serious problem facing our
fatherland. We are almost bankrupt. The agriculture minister is failing
in his duty to feed us, and our industry, while great, is backward
compared to the great European powers. We must take steps now to
secure a strong foundation for our future economic growth.
Russia more than any other country needs a proper economic foundation
for her national policy and culture. International competition does not
wait. If we do not take energetic and decisive measures so that in the
course of the next decades our industry will be able to satisfy the needs
of Russia and of the Asiatic countries which are---or should be---under
our influence, then the rapidly growing foreign industries will break
through our tariff barriers and establish themselves in our fatherland and
the Asiatic countries mentioned above. Our economic backwardness
may lead to political and cultural backwardness as well.
In order to modernize our industry and provide this secure foundation, I
propose that we undertake to greatly increase the breadth and scope of
our railroads. The presence of railroads, especially in the far reaches of
our interior provinces is vital to tying our economy together and reaching
our production goals. This railroad must stretch from St Petersburg, to
Moscow, to the ore fields of the Ukraine. It must reach from the
granaries of Warsaw to the farthest village in Siberia and the eastern
coast of our great country. Only with a strong, vibrant railroad, can we
unite our country and at the same time provide our military with the
transportation backbone needed to protect our national security from the
imperial powers of the west.
In this let us learn from the United States, whose Trans-continental
railroad has opened the vast expanses of territory purchased by Tomas
Jefferson. We have an even greater expanse of earth to unite, let it be
by rail!
In order to fund this effort, we will need capitol. I estimate that it
will take the resources of fourteen additional great cities such as
St. Petersburg to supply the vital expansion of our industry. Some of
this will come from the benefit of the railroad itself. Efficiency in
production and shipping will pick up some of the slack. However,
every effort must still be given to obtaining the resources of Europe for
our growth. Whether this be by trade or by conquest, I will leave for
you and our generals to decide. I beg of you not to let this matter drop.
If we do not obtain these resources, I fear that 100 years from now, our
country will be as backwards as it is today, while the great powers of the
west, and perhaps even the pitiful United States of America will have
passed us in all areas of greatness. I do not wish to see our fatherland
exploited by the European powers like they have Africa and the isles of
the sea.
I await your comments.
Respectfully,
Sergei Witte
Minster of Finance
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 8 Results:
Rabobank's Erik Dekker (RAB) sprinted to a wet and cold
stage victory Sunday in Pontarlier beating other
breakaway companions Stuart O'Grady (CA), fifth today,
will again wear the yellow leader's jersey. The main
peloton finished 35 minutes behind. Can the top
contenders make up that difference in the Mountains?
The Russian pick up their second stage and now join the
tie for the lead.
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 0 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Germany (Telekom): 20 points
Italy (Fassa Bortolo): 0 points
Russia (Robobank): 20 points
Turkey (CSC): 20 points
Doug (O.N.C.E.): 0 points
Selected Standings:
1. Stuart O_Grady (C.A.) 34-hours 57-minutes 18-seconds
3. Bram De Groot (RAB) @ 21:16
11. Laurent Jalabert (CSC) @ 31:57
12. Bobby Julich (C.A.) @ 33:49
13. Igor G. Galdeano (ONC) @34:23
17. Christophe Moreau (FES) @ 34:43
24. Lance Armtrong (USP) @ 35:19
27. Jan Ullrich (TEL) @ 35:46
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Austria
Ms. Felicia:
I am sorry that my answer about the bounce was so
flippant. My answer was meant to be an answer. Since I
believe your bounce in Trieste was pre-planned, I assume
that you would understand that my bounce in Burgundy was
pre-planned. It is, however, a statement of a lack of
trust between Germany and France. I assume the same is
true for Austria and Italy. You apparently trust Russia
more?
As for the Italian fleet in Tunis. It seems a weaker
move. He should keep his fleet in the Ionian in order to
keep his options open. If Roberto wishes to discuss it
further with France, he should do so himself. I am
available. I do appreciate your starting the
discussions, but it seems more appropriate for him and I
to carry on those conversations.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to all
> Tour de France Stage 8 Results:
>
> Rabobank's Erik Dekker (RAB) sprinted to a wet and
> cold stage victory Sunday in Pontarlier beating other
> breakaway companions
Ah, the Dekker lad! He's from a good union family, you
know. They are the managing partners in the Black&Decker
tool company.
V. I. Lenin,
European Union Steward for Russia, (and Team Rabobank).
Message [from France] to all
BG> Holey Openings Diploman, we final got things underway!
DM> Yes, Boy Gambit. The openings were extremely conservative. No one seemed
to want to annoy anyone else.
BG> Well, the Russia seemed to have some balls. He sent an army North, which
sure must annoy Ivy Wingo.
DM> I suppose you are right. Perhaps he is the only one willing to stick his
neck out.
BG> I like that. I think that it is a smart move. A bold move among
conservative ones can make the different and get him a leg up on the
competition.
DM> Or it can set him up for a fall. Only time will tell.
Message from Austria to England
> It would be wonderful if you and Turkey could frighten Russia in the south,
> where he has left himself weak. Frighten him to death for all I care.
>
> Is there anything I can do on the diplomatic front to aid you in such an
> endeavor?
Russia, perhaps, would be less distracting if he lacked the build to back
up StP-Fin. A bounce in Sweden would solve at least half of that problem.
As to the other half, I will discuss it with Turkey.
Edna, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to Russia
> I'll do what I can, though unless we see EG vs. F, I doubt that my
> encouragement would have much effect. England has said from the beginning
> that he plans F Nwg-Nwy, and I've told him that I will move A StP-Fin this
> Fall for the purpose of securing Swe, so I suspect he'll order Yor-Nth-Bel,
> to keep France from gaining those 3 builds.
Does England trust you enough for that? If his trust is misplaced, he'll
get no builds, and will have angered France. That's a risk he may not take
if your Mos-StP was a surprise to him. If, of course, you've a record of
honesty with him, such as prior warning of Mos-StP, then he may be more
willing to believe you. Your assumption that he'll go ahead with the plans
you'd already heard about suggests you did, indeed, discuss this with him
ahead of time.
As to Italy only heading west in case of EG vs F, I'm more concerned about
FG vs E; a fast decline of E would be soon followed by France in the Med.
It would take a lot of fleets for you and I to set up the Med line against a
strong France. My thought was, Italy sent west could hit France before
England was dispatched, and/or delay French incursion into the Med until
Turkey was no longer a problem and our fleets were free to sail west.
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to France
> I am sorry that my answer about the bounce was so
> flippant. My answer was meant to be an answer. Since I
> believe your bounce in Trieste was pre-planned, I assume
> that you would understand that my bounce in Burgundy was
> pre-planned. It is, however, a statement of a lack of
> trust between Germany and France. I assume the same is
> true for Austria and Italy.
I had no complaints about your response to my Burgundy
inquiry; it answered my questions with admirable brevity.
> You apparently trust Russia more?
Yes, on that occasion.
> As for the Italian fleet in Tunis. It seems a weaker
> move. He should keep his fleet in the Ionian in order to
> keep his options open. If Roberto wishes to discuss it
> further with France, he should do so himself. I am
> available. I do appreciate your starting the
> discussions, but it seems more appropriate for him and I
> to carry on those conversations.
Certainly; I am glad my judgement of the situation was
accurate as far as it went.
Felicia, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Italy to Austria, England, France, Germany, Russia, and Turkey
Gentlemen,
I had an all-day presentation at work today. I will be in contact with
everybody tomorrow.
Roberto
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 8 Results:
Russia's Serguei Ivanov (FAS) took stage 9 of the 2001
Tour de France in a classic solo effort. He barely held a
break away from the main pack at the finish line.
Tomorrow the riders will finish with a climb of the
legendary Alpe d'Huez and the standings should shake
up considerably.
This win for Fassa Bortolo gives Roberto his first
points. Congratulations.
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 0 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Germany (Telekom): 20 points
Italy (Fassa Bortolo): 10 points
Russia (Robobank): 20 points
Turkey (CSC): 20 points
Doug (O.N.C.E.): 0 points
Selected Standings:
1. Stuart O_Grady (C.A.) 38-hours 55-minutes 30-seconds
3. Bram De Groot (RAB) @ 21:16
11. Laurent Jalabert (CSC) @ 31:57
13. Igor G. Galdeano (ONC) @34:23
17. Christophe Moreau (FES) @ 34:43
23. Lance Armtrong (USP) @ 35:19
27. Jan Ullrich (TEL) @ 35:46
Tomorrow the Race Begins!
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to Austria
My Dear Ralassa,
>Does England trust you enough for that?
It doesn't seem so. I didn't view Mos-StP as
particularly, let alone exclusively, anti-English, but
everyone else seems to.
>If his trust is misplaced, he'll get no builds,
>and will have angered France.
Yes, but unless I want to cripple England, and
throw the West to France very rapidly, I have no reason
to order StP-Nwy, and I don't see helping France as
being a good idea. I'd much rather have the West end
1901 at 5-5-5 or 5-5-4, than 6-5-3.
>Your assumption that he'll go ahead with the plans
>you'd already heard about suggests you did, indeed,
>discuss this with him ahead of time.
No, it's just indicative of my, appearantly
unusual, perspective on my opening. My decision to
open to StP was made after hearing from you that
Germany hadn't expressed interest in AG solidarity,
and from England that he hadn't brought up the
possibility of anti-Russian actions. That combination
made me wonder what Germany had planned ( a Centifuge,
perhaps?), and I decided I needed to move to StP.
Since I had no anti-English intentions, if didn't occur
to me that someone else might think that I did.
>As to Italy only heading west in case of EG vs F, I'm
>more concerned about FG vs E; a fast decline of E
>would be soon followed by France in the Med.
I'll mention "my" concern about France's growth
potential to Italy, again. I tried to get him to open
to Pie, so that you wouldn't have to worry about him,
and we wouldn't have to share the Turkish spoils with
him, but he was not impressed with my arguments.
In Alliance,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Austria
My Dear Ralassa,
> Does England trust you enough for that?
It doesn't seem so. I didn't view Mos-StP as
particularly, let alone exclusively, anti-English, but
everyone else seems to.
> If his trust is misplaced, he'll get no builds,
> and will have angered France.
Yes, but unless I want to cripple England, and
throw the West to France very rapidly, I have no reason
to order StP-Nwy, and I don't see helping France as
being a good idea. I'd much rather have the West end
1901 at 5-5-5 or 5-5-4, than 6-5-3.
> Your assumption that he'll go ahead with the plans
> you'd already heard about suggests you did, indeed,
> discuss this with him ahead of time.
No, it's just indicative of my, apparently
unusual, perspective on my opening. My decision to
open to StP was made after hearing from you that
Germany hadn't expressed interest in AG solidarity,
and from England that he hadn't brought up the
possibility of anti-Russian actions. That combination
made me wonder what Germany had planned ( a Centrifuge,
perhaps?), and I decided I needed to move to StP.
Since I had no anti-English intentions, if didn't occur
to me that someone else might think that I did.
> As to Italy only heading west in case of EG vs. F, I'm
> more concerned about FG vs. E; a fast decline of E
> would be soon followed by France in the Med.
I'll mention "my" concern about France's growth
potential to Italy, again. I tried to get him to open
to Pie, so that you wouldn't have to worry about him,
and we wouldn't have to share the Turkish spoils with
him, but he was not impressed with my arguments.
In Alliance,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Turkey to Austria
Tamara,
> Not only was I correct about Ven-Tri, but also about Russia's northern
> opening. An army in Armenia would be so useful now :-). But I do
> understand being loathe to make oneself a solitary target.
Indeed. Perhaps you could send a prepresentative from your excellent
intelligence network to train Turkish agents. You did seem to hit things
quite on the money. And thanks for your understanding on Arm, I just felt
it was too big a risk to take alone.
> I also notice that France's fears were not unfounded; Mun-Bur is quite
> aggressive in a full press game. But the northern opening may serve its
> purpose for a little while, and keep England from helping out against
> France. While our attack on Russia may free England, our attack on
> Italy will also free France, so I don't think we need to worry about
> too-quick settlement of the western triangle.
Russia's northern opening is good news for us both. As for the bounce in
Bur, I can't rule out the possibility that it was pre-arranged to keep
everyone guessing. It's clear why France was so bent on getting Russia to
move Mos north; it greatly improves his chance of picking up Belgium. I
think we'd both be wise to keep a sharp eye on France.
> Our tactical advisors urge Ser s Bul-Rum, bouncing Russia. If we can
> also get Germany to bounce him in Sweden, he'll have no builds, and fall
> quickly. I still worry that if Germany suspects we plan to take out
> Russia quickly, he'll not cooperate; while Germany doesn't want a strong
> Russia, he also needs some Russia lest Austria-Hungary overrun him while
> his forces are still committed westward.
If you're agreeable to Ser S Bul-Rum, then I gratefully accept. Please let
me know one way or the other, and please be honest; I don't want to rely on
support that turns out not to be there. But if you'll support it, then I'll
be glad to order Bul-Rum, Ank-Bla. This coordination of efforts would go a
long way in cementing AT relations and building our mutual trust.
Germany has not written me since the moves. England has, and he implies
that both he and Germany are upset with the Russian opening. If the FG
conflict in France is genuine, then it would be natural for them to combine
their forces against Russia as well. I will be writing them both to inquire
further on the matter, and will report when I can learn more.
> Have I overlooked anything important?
The only other question I have is what to do about Italy. If he is hostile,
are you ready to commit to fighting both him and Russia at the same time?
Do you still favor the plan of hitting Russia first? Please let me know.
Looking forward to your reply,
Ali Baba
Message from Italy to Austria
>
> I'd say that turn went well for us. Most pleasant was the RT
> bounce in Bla. While it doesn't necessarily mean no RT alliance
> exists or will be formed, it at least slows any advance of Turkish
> fleets to the Med.
>
I would agree. The northern army move by Russia caught me by surprise.
Definitely weakens his southern flank but just as important causes England
to react which may occupy more Russian units in the north than normal. If
we can expedite the Turkish attack, we have an opportunity to control the
board.
I'm going to need to keep an eye on France as he will most likely gain three
units this fall. I have to be careful about pushing too far east and
leaving my backside exposed. A lot will depend on his builds.
> Our ambassador to Turkey is going to offer him support for Rum-Bul.
> If his "war" with Russia is real, he may accept. That will prevent
> at least one build (Russian), and further distract Turkey from the
> Lepanto; it also will make it harder for Turkey to seek or gain
> Russian help once he realizes we're attacking him.
>
Very good idea. Let me know how he responds.
> The RG bounce in Burgundy wasn't disappointing, either. It makes
> it less likely that French fleets will soon be free to sail into
> the Mediterranean.
>
Not too sure about this. I heard from England, prior to the results
arriving, that FG had pre-arranged a bounce in Burgundy. The bounce doesn't
necessarily signify an adversarial relationship.
> Since you've already done Germany the favor of not moving into
> Tyrolia, perhaps you could encourage him to bounce Russia from
> Sweden. I'd prefer Russia as weak as possible, both because he's
> Turkey's most natural ally and because that's where I'm headed once
> Turkey begins to fall.
>
I've opened up conversations with Germany. Have not heard back.
> I urge the convoy to Tunis, now more than ever; the free tempo that
> Turkey's bounce has granted us should not be wasted by diverting
> the Ion fleet.
>
The convoy seems like the most logical choice at this juncture.
On to new business. What are your plans for Vienna this year? If you're
headed to Galicia with the intent of army builds in Vie and Bud in the
winter, I could move Trieste to Tyrolia and begin my army push north that we
previously discussed. I would also be content with moving Trieste to
Tuscany to demilitarize our border and to provide some security against
France. Any advice?
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 10 Results:
In what was sure to be a legendary performance, two-time
defending Tour champion Lance Armstrong launched a
brilliant attack on the final ascent of the day--the
legendary Alpe d'Huez--and stomped to a stage win over
German Jan Ullrich by nearly 2-minutes. He earlier
bluffed his competitors into thinking that he was
struggling. He would make a good Diplomacy player, N'est
pas?
This win for US Postal Service gives Ivy his first
points. It seems that the wealthy is being spread
around. Next we need someone from Domo-Farm Frites to
take a stage. (Not to mention ONCE, they are typically
close.)
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 10 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Germany (Telekom): 20 points
Italy (Fassa Bortolo): 10 points
Russia (Robobank): 20 points
Turkey (CSC): 20 points
Doug (O.N.C.E.): 0 points
Selected Standings:
1 François Simon (BJR)45 hours, 34 minutes, 9 seconds
4 Lance Armstrong (USP) @20.07
5 Joseba Beloki (ONC) @21.42
6 Christophe Moreau (FES) @22.21
7 Jan Ullrich (TEL) @22.41
14 Laurent Jalabert (CSC) @28.06
29 Bobby Julich (C.A.) @42.07
Message from Austria to Turkey
> If you're agreeable to Ser S Bul-Rum, then I gratefully accept.
> Please let me know one way or the other, and please be honest; I don't
> want to rely on support that turns out not to be there.
I am ordering Ser s Bul-Rum, with this message. I am only a little
nervous, which seems to me the right level of anxiety: if I'm completely
comfortable, I'm not taking enough risks.
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to Italy
> Not too sure about this. I heard from England, prior to the results
> arriving, that FG had pre-arranged a bounce in Burgundy. The bounce
> doesn't necessarily signify an adversarial relationship.
I heard that too, after the moves. Still, a Germany who eagerly adopts an
FG at this point is begging to get sandwiched between the resulting huge
France and the northern-oriented Russia, after England is gone. I'm
hoping for EG.
> On to new business. What are your plans for Vienna this year? If
> you're headed to Galicia with the intent of army builds in Vie and Bud
> in the winter, I could move Trieste to Tyrolia and begin my army push
> north that we previously discussed. I would also be content with moving
> Trieste to Tuscany to demilitarize our border and to provide some
> security against France. Any advice?
I just heard from Turkey agreeing to Ser s Bul-Rum. He may just be
setting me up for bouncing me out of Gre, but I'm inclined to take the
risk. Given that, I'd lean toward also moving Vie-Gal and getting a head
start there. Russia, split between north and south, should have no good
tactical response, and strategically, Turkey won't be quick to come to his
aid if he is looking at gaining Rum and/or Sev. That should leave Turkey
isolated once the Lepanto reaches his shores.
Accordingly, I would appreciate Ven moving (other than to Tri :-).
Ven-Tyr would be my first choice, but depends on your relationship with
Germany. If Germany is unhappy with France, he might prefer Ven-Pie,
which puts pressure on France without directly threatening him (it can't
make progress without a lot of support.)
Idalia, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Turkey to Austria
Tamara,
> I am ordering Ser s Bul-Rum, with this message. I am only a little
> nervous, which seems to me the right level of anxiety: if I'm completely
> comfortable, I'm not taking enough risks.
Heh heh. I find the only times I'm completely comfortable are the ones
where I've overlooked something important. In any case, you won't regret it
in this case; I've ordered the attacks on Rum and Bla, and I look forward to
an anti-Russian campaign.
England is all for anti-Russian participation, and he predicts that Germany
would be on board as well, at least at first. I've not heard from Germany
himself however; have you?
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from Turkey to Austria
Tamara,
I don't know why I forgot to mention this before. Any luck working things
out with Italy? He's never indicated to me any plan to attack you, so I
hope you're ok there. Anyway, I was wondering if you'll be able to attack
Galicia? If you can, it would make a world of difference.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from Italy to Austria
>
> Accordingly, I would appreciate Ven moving (other than to Tri :-).
>
Dang! Now I have to change my orders. :)
> Ven-Tyr would be my first choice, but depends on your
> relationship with Germany.
Ven-Tyr it is then. I haven't heard from Germany for almost a week now.
I'd prefer to have his approval before moving to Tyrolia. Perhaps my troop
move north will wake him up and get him talking.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Austria: Fleet Albania → Greece
Austria: Army Serbia SUPPORT Turkish Army Bulgaria → Rumania
Austria: Army Vienna → Galicia
England: Fleet North Sea CONVOY Army Yorkshire → Belgium
England: Fleet Norwegian Sea → Norway
England: Army Yorkshire → North Sea → Belgium
France: Army Marseilles → Spain
France: Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean → Portugal
France: Army Picardy → Burgundy (*bounce*)
Germany: Fleet Denmark → Sweden (*bounce*)
Germany: Army Kiel → Holland
Germany: Army Munich → Burgundy (*bounce*)
Italy: Army Apulia → Ionian Sea → Tunis
Italy: Fleet Ionian Sea CONVOY Army Apulia → Tunis
Italy: Army Venice → Tyrolia
Russia: Fleet Gulf of Bothnia → Sweden (*bounce*)
Russia: Fleet Sevastopol → Rumania (*bounce*)
Russia: Army St Petersburg → Finland
Russia: Army Ukraine SUPPORT Fleet Sevastopol → Rumania
Turkey: Fleet Ankara → Black Sea
Turkey: Army Bulgaria → Rumania (*bounce*)
Turkey: Army Constantinople → Bulgaria (*bounce*)
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