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France: Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean can retreat to North Africa or Portugal or Spain (north coast) or Spain (south coast) or Western Mediterranean
Message from England to all
Very, very funny, a very clever practical joke. How did someone manage to
issue phony results for S1903M and what happened to the real results?
Message from Germany to Italy
Well, now I've seen everything. Very nice stab. You are the master. I
was worried about FIA ganging up on Munich. Guess I didn't need to.
It'll be a long time before the next moves, but looks like it's time to
pull BOH out of there. Too bad I didn't move to SIL this turn. I could
have had a build also.
Message from England to Italy
Good Roberto,
Good, good, good, Roberto!
My goodness you are exciting.
Now I know a little more about how you are going to "control" Austria. And
I know more about how I am going to control Germany. You are going to help
me, that's how.
Uh, that's quite a monster you have created in Turkey. Is it possible you
supplied him with a little more muscle than you intended? Will he now
follow your lead like a grateful puppy dog or will he develop a mind of his
own?
I would be very naive not to assume that you have prepared two options for
your western strategy, prop up France or take part in the feast. The
former option limits my growth, but it limits your own growth also. [At
this point I don't think an objective observer would list England as any
kind of immediate threat. Turkey and Germany bear closest watching
now.] The latter option permits me to grow within limits defined by you
and permits you to grow faster also. In the long run an English/Italian
relationship is more desirable and more stable than EG or IF, because we
have natural defense lines running between us.
Here is what I think was very smart about your move. You will now be much
more compact. It is very difficult to control events when you are spread
from one end of the Mediterranean to the other. Also, it would have been
very difficult to get those last Turkish centers.
I suspect now you may be able to solicit German cooperation against
Austria. Be careful, though You can never be sure of what he will
do. Once again he surprised me with unexpected moves. I was expecting Swe
holds and Bal->Prussia with the goal of Russian/German cooperation against
Austria.
More later, rest assured.
Dazzled in England,
Ivy Wingo
Message from Russia to Italy and Turkey
Damn! I decided not to support Gal-War
because I didn't want to dislodge War and have
it retreat to Ukr, so he moves there anyway.
I told EG that I was unaware of your switched
plans from Rum S Gal-Bud. I'm hoping that
seeing IT instead of AI will keep Germany from
attacking StP. More later.
Nick.
Message from Master to all
Extension at player's request. Everyone take a week off!
Doug
Message from Russia to Italy and Turkey
Gentlemen,
I'm glad that we've got a week to hash this out. 8-)
I've told EG, and E, and G that I was unaware of the IT
vs. A plan. My order of Gal-Bud, in keeping with the
original GRT plan has proved useful in selling this idea.
I actually ordered it because I didn't want War to retreat
to Ukr, or to allow Vie-Gal, Boh-Vie to succeed. Since
Bud S Ser-Rum was also possible, I figured Gal-Rum, Mos-War
made the most sense.
When you talk to EG, please ignore the existance of
RIFT, and talk as IT. I'm hopeful that this will make
G leave StP alone. I'm open to ideas for the Fall, but
lean toward Gal-Bud with support.
In Friendship, and Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
Thank you, thank you, a thousand times, thank you. I was nervous as a cat
waiting for that result. I'm glad to see my instincts have not abandoned me
completely.
I'm ready to charge full steam ahead with the IT as though no disruption had
occurred. We've got some time before the next deadline, but let's not
become complacent about it; I'd like to get a plan for the fall shored up as
soon as we can. My goals are to secure Tri and Gre for you, Ser and Smy for
me, without losing either Rum or Con. I'm not worried about my army being
destroyed in your assault on Greece, since I can just rebuild it, but I'd
rather get it moved out gracefully if possible.
I can't believe the Russian. He told me he was going along with your plan,
then ordered differently. Supposedly it's because he didn't want War
retreating to Ukr. A reasonable argument I suppose, but he should have let
me know beforehand instead of finding out in the results. On the other
hand, perhaps I should thank my lucky stars he didn't; if he had expressed
strong reservations about your plan, I might not have gone along with it
myself.
Since Bla will be needed to protect Rum or Con, it seems Austria won't have
any opposition in Sev, which actually works well for me. I have not written
to Russia since the result, but his initial thought is for Gal-Bud with
support. I plan to encourage him to order Gal-Bud, but whether or not to
provide support will be determined by IT plans. At the moment, I favor
focusing all our efforts on IT concerns, and letting Russia go hang.
Anyway, needless to say I'm feeling much better now about the future of this
game. I look forward to working with you. Please write at your convenience
with any thoughts.
Best regards,
Ali
Message [from Turkey] to all
DATELINE: CONSTANTINOPLE
Turkey's capital city erupted in riots yesterday, as
the political crisis that has gripped the country
devolved into bloodshed. For months, there has been
widespread concern that Ali Baba, the self-proclaimed
Supreme Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces, would
attempt to overthrow the government of Sultan Suleiman.
The Sultan has not been seen in public since Baba seized
control of the army, and many believe he is either
imprisoned or dead.
Violence erupted when the Sultan's Cabinet Ministers
received an anonymous tip outlining Baba's battle plans
in his war against Italy. Dubbed "Operation Roulette",
the plan signaled a radical shift in Turkey's foreign
policy. One minister, who spoke anonymously, joked that
it ought to be named "Operation Russian Roulette",
predicting that Turkey would be overrun by its enemies
should it be carried out.
The Cabinet, taking advantage of Baba's absence from
the capital, passed a resolution stripping Baba of his
military rank and political titles. The resolution
cited reports from government psychiatrists who claimed
that Baba was a certifiable paranoid-schizophrenic.
Couriers were sent to the front lines to countermand
Baba's orders, and an anti-Baba political rally was
staged on the Capital steps.
What started as a small political rally turned ugly
when the details of Baba's plans were revealed. Mobs
of angry Turks took to the streets and Baba was burned
in effigy. The violence was only worsened when news
reached the city that Baba's orders had ultimately been
carried out, resulting in the strongest military
successes of Baba's career. As news of the victory
spread, the mob turned on its leaders, and some of the
ministers were literally torn limb from limb.
Baba himself re-entered Constantinople to find the
city in chaos. After learning of the Cabinet action, he
immediately placed the remaining ministers under house
arrest, disbanded the Cabinet and proclaimed martial
law. He then proclaimed himself Emperor, thereby
abolishing the last vestiges of the Sultanate.
Reaction from the world community has been mixed.
Baba claims that he will continue to abide by agreements
made under the Sultan, but some nations have so far
refused to recognize his new government. The Political
Sector in Constantinople has been barricaded, and no
journalists have been allowed entry. Rumors are on
every tongue that each individual Embassy is in fact
surrounded by troops and tanks.
Baba seems to be in control of the military for now,
though his political troubles are far from over.
Conservatives in Turkey have argued that Baba's
government is illegitimate, and have called for an
uprising to return the Sultan to power. And although
Turkish forces have seized Smyrna, several factions
there have vowed to fight for a return of Italian
control. They claim that under Roberto, life was
beautiful.
The streets of Constantinople are quiet today, and
Turkish paramilitary units have enforced a strict
curfew. There is rising concern that the city appears
to be in control of Baba's personal guard, instead of
Turkish army regulars. The official Turkish news media
is currently releasing pro-Baba propaganda, and is
proclaiming evidence of mass graves in Serbia. However,
journalists have been barred from going anywhere near
the area, so these reports cannot be independently
confirmed.
Message from Austria to all
The Austro-Hungarian ambassador to Italy has been recalled.
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
I'd like to get started talking about the fall move. I realize we've got a
wait before the deadline, but I thought I'd get started while it's fresh on
my mind.
The most obvious combination I see at first glance is Ser S Bul-Rum,
Gre-Bul, Bla-Con, Smy-Con, Ion S Alb-Gre, EMS-Aeg. This would protect Rum
and Con, while ensuring you Greece. Support from Ion can only be cut from
Aeg, in which case Gre-Bul and Alb-Gre are unopposed. I'm thinking EMS-Aeg
to cut any unwanted support for my self-bounce in Con, and since EMS can't
move out anyway if Ion is supporting the Gre attack.
The drawback to this approach is it doesn't protect Trieste. I believe it
will be easy to convince Russia to order Gal-Bud, especially if we tell him
we'll support the move. That leaves Vienna, but it's by no means certain
that Germany would order Boh-Vie (although it's clearly worth talking to him
about it). The only other option to cut support is Gal-Vie, Ser-Bud, but
I'm not sure Russia would go for that even with a promise of Tri S Gal-Vie.
So the only way I really see to guarantee Tri is Ser S Tri. Unfortunately
this weakens protection of either Rum or Con, assuming Bul-Rum, Gre-Bul,
then Rum loses to Ukr S Bud-Rum if I use Bla to bounce in Con. This may not
be Austria's most likely move, but with Rum vacant he's sure to consider it.
It might be possible to leak some news to Austria that I won't be attacking
Sev, leaving him unopposed there. That's certainly not something to be
relied on either, though.
Anyway, that's my initial assessment. Does any of the above match what
you're thinking? Your relationship with Germany should be improved now
you're out of Tyr; what do you think the prospects are that between the two
of us we could convince Germany to order Boh-Vie?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts,
Ali
Message from Italy to Germany
> Well, now I've seen everything. Very nice stab. You are the master. I
> was worried about FIA ganging up on Munich. Guess I didn't need to.
> It'll be a long time before the next moves, but looks like it's time to
> pull BOH out of there. Too bad I didn't move to SIL this turn. I could
> have had a build also.
I tried to tell you without actually telling you. :)
Roberto
Message from Italy to Turkey
> I'd like to get started talking about the fall move. I realize we've
> got a wait before the deadline, but I thought I'd get started while
> it's fresh on my mind.
It's my anniversary today. If it's all right, I think I'm going to take the
weekend off and have a fresh look come Monday. I sure wish Russia had gone
along with my suggestions since we wouldn't have to worry about defending
Trieste this fall.
The top priority should be limiting the number of Austrian centers next year
regardless of who ends up with them. If that means Russia gets a build (or
doesn't have to take one off), then that's fine.
More next week.
Roberto
Message from Germany to Italy
Roberto:
I'm still impressed. Never saw that one coming, and I like to
visualize all the angles.
Maybe we can trade some information now. I went to BOH, because
Turkey told me that it was likely that you were moving TYR there. As
you can see I have designs on northern Russia. I didn't want your army
up there, helping Austria. But more than that I didn't want to be
fighting you, because I can see that there can be a time when we can
greatly benefit each other.
I explained this to Austria before the moves, but not to you. As I
figured he'd just pass it along anyway.
My question is; Was there email passing between you and Austria talking
about you moving to BOH? This would be the fall of 1902.
After I moved into BOH and looked around, I said to myself. That Turkey
is a master diplomat. He got me to move in here.
I won't be sending out much mail in the coming week. I think my short
term goals will be northern Russia. I don't really want to get
involved in the Austrian situation. But if someone needs help, and is
willing to offer a return then I'm all ears.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Italy
Roberto:
Well you've got Austria screaming. Much like Russia did earlier.
There have been a couple earlier moves where someone did the opposite
of what his 'ally' thought would happen. But hardly a peep came out
then. I'm talking about your attack on Turkey and England swinging over
against France.
I suspect that this means that the 'big lie' wasn't employed in those
situations. I know Ivy never told France that he 'wasn't' coming after
him. I'm betting that you never told Turkey that you weren't going into
EAS.
I'm thinking out loud here. Because before the last moves you said
definitely that Munich was safe. That's the way it turned out. I tend
to believe those kind of pronouncements.
Is there a question in all this? Not really. In my meandering way I
guess that I'm pointing out that there are times when I like to see
something definite. Like last move I told Ivy 'I'll support BEL with
RUH' not 'BEL will be safe'. This last turn Russia told me that
'there will be an attack' I assumed that he meant he was attacking BUD,
but it was so vague that I just attacked him.
I think I'm just laying the groundwork for a miscommunication free
alliance in the future.
Fredd
Message [from Russia] to all
> Broadcast message from England in 'titleist':
>
> Very, very funny, a very clever practical joke. How did someone manage to
> issue phony results for S1903M and what happened to the real results?
You didn't really expect everyone to form alliances in 1901/1902, and then
Carebear their way to the end of the game, did you? We've all Soloed more
than once, and a Solo here means a great deal, so I, at least, expected some
rather bloody stabs.
Message [from Austria] to Austria and Italy
Gentlemen,
Why am I sending this anonymously? Because I wish the message to be
unobscured by the messenger.
Italy can use his fleets to dislodge the Austrian fleet in the Aegean. One
can assume that Italy would retreat to a center if one were available.
That center would presumably be Turkish, yet could Turkey blame Italy for
the loss of his center?
Beyond that, what will Italy do if Turkey doesn't pass him Greece as
planned? That would leave Turkey with two builds, none for Italy.
Austria, would you forgive the stab and resume an AI alliance in that case,
or would you let Turkey devour both of you?
Kiki Cuyler
Message from Master to all
We'll also have an extension from Aug 14 to Aug 20 -- hopefully,
we'll get the retreat and maybe the fall moves before that player
departs (if he's comfortable with his moves before leaving).
Doug
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
Austria is trying to get my support for Ukr-Rum,
and not listening to why Gal-Rum would be better. He
claims that he doesn't think he can retake Tri, but
that may just be because he doesn't want me thinking
about Gal-Bud or Vie. Beyond the obvious TyS-WMed,
what do you have planned? Any chance of Tri S Gal-???
Germany seems content to let IT flourish, and I
suspect that he covets StP and War. This strikes me
as a recipe for an Eastern stalemate, but I've never
been able to get Fredd to listen to me. No word from
England, (or France, obviously) recently. What are
you hearing?
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Italy to Germany
>
> It'll be a long time before the next moves, but looks like
> it's time to pull BOH out of there.
>
Is there any possibility of Boh-Vie? Perhaps as compensation for moving out
of Tyrolia. :) If not, I can go another direction.
> Is there a question in all this? Not really. In my
> meandering way I guess that I'm pointing out that there
> are times when I like to see something definite. Like
> last move I told Ivy 'I'll support BEL with RUH' not
> 'BEL will be safe'. This last turn Russia told me that
> 'there will be an attack' I assumed that he meant he was
> attacking BUD, but it was so vague that I just attacked him.
> I think I'm just laying the groundwork for a miscommunication
> free alliance in the future.
I'm sure you can appreciate the fact that I could tell only Turkey about my
spring orders. I couldn't afford my moves not to have succeeded. If you
read back thru my press, in the past the words were [paraphrasing] 'Tyrolia
will be holding'. The spring press was 'Tyrolia will not interfere'.
There's a subtle hint there. If you need reassurance about how detail
oriented I can (and need) to be, you can ask Turkey. Rest assured, when the
appropriate time comes, I will be a stickler for details.
> I went to BOH, because Turkey told me that it was likely
> that you were moving TYR there.
Interesting. I recall telling you Tyrolia would be holding. Why would you
believe Turkey (who at the time was my logical target) over what I told you
myself? Regardless, I even recall telling Turkey Tyrolia would be holding.
In the future, if you get information from another power about what my units
will be doing, just ask me for confirmation. If the move goes against your
goals, we can discuss it. Like I said, I told you Tyrolia would be holding.
To make a move to counter mis-information given to you from another power is
surely a recipe for disaster.
> But more than that I didn't
> want to be fighting you, because I can see that there
> can be a time when we can greatly benefit each other.
Seeing how I am/will be the sole power responsible for keeping England on
his side of the MAO, I suspect there won't be too many people with Italy as
their number one target.
> I explained this to Austria before the moves, but not to you.
> As I figured he'd just pass it along anyway.
He did not pass it along. To Austria's credit, he doesn't dwell in 'soap
opera' press.
> My question is; Was there email passing between you and Austria
> talking about you moving to BOH? This would be the fall of 1902.
Yes. He had been asking for Tyr-Boh during '02. I never confirmed or even
hinted that I would make that move.
You maybe interested in knowing why I stabbed Austria. I'm not just some
suicidal maniac who goes about stabbing this-then-that. Austria failed to
agree that Turkey should be the primary target even to the point of allowing
Turkey a build. I wasn't going to sit and try to take Turkey out by myself
while England turned the corner on the MAO.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to Turkey
>
> I'd like to get started talking about the fall move. I
> realize we've got a wait before the deadline, but I
> thought I'd get started while it's fresh on my mind.
>
I've had time to analysis the board.
> The most obvious combination I see at first glance is Ser S Bul-Rum,
> Gre-Bul, Bla-Con, Smy-Con, Ion S Alb-Gre, EMS-Aeg.
>
> The drawback to this approach is it doesn't protect Trieste.
And that's a significant drawback in my mind. How about the following:
(it's similar to your combination)
bul-rum
ser s bul-rum
gre-bul
smy-con
here come the differences
alb s tri
ion-gre
ems-ion
bla s bul-rum
Using the above orders, here are the results based on Aegean potential
moves:
aeg-con: you keep Smyrna and I get Greece as planned
aeg-bul: you keep Greece and I keep Smyrna; we can swap next year
aeg-gre: same as aeg-bul
aeg-smy: you remain even; I would gain one (a fleet headed west); and we
easily support you into Smyrna next year
aeg-ion: I doubt Austria would make this move but if he does, I must point
out that I would make out like a bandit. This is not necessarily a bad
thing long-term as I would use the builds to shore up the holes in defending
Trieste (and possibly used to help take Vienna) and get some fleets out west
ASAP before France folds the tent up and heads out of town (he's hinted that
unless EG are pressured soon, he's just going to 'give up'). As it is, I
have to be wary of English fleets heading into the Western Med now that
France let him into the MAO one turn sooner than I expected. Smyrna again
would be yours next year and I would hope to recover a center somewhere
(France perhaps) to make up the loss. If not, I think my eastern most fleet
would be available for a disband.
aeg-eas or aeg hold: same as above but if Austria makes either of these
moves, I'd eat my shorts!
Make note that I discarded the combination that included BLA-SEV even though
it gives Austria a chance at SEV. Russia couldn't possibly be upset with
you for not bouncing Austria and it gives you a glorious excuse to station
an army in Armenia so that you can secure SEV for IRT (otherwise known as
IT).
> I believe it will be easy to convince Russia to order Gal-Bud,
> especially if we tell him we'll support the move.
>
He's asked if Trieste is available to support him to Budapest. I'm half-way
wanting to issue the support since I think we can get him to build in STP
(if available) which would, of course, threaten Norway and that would be a
good thing for Italy. Would you be at all upset if I issued the support
order and it succeeded?
> That leaves Vienna, but it's by no means certain
> that Germany would order Boh-Vie.
>
I've asked but I'm not relying on an accurate answer. I'd rather take it
upon myself to defend Trieste.
>
> So the only way I really see to guarantee Tri is Ser S Tri.
>
See above as I advocate for Alb s Tri allowing you to use Serbia in defense
of Rumania.
> It might be possible to leak some news to Austria that I
> won't be attacking Sev, leaving him unopposed there.
>
Ever heard of something falling on deaf ears? 'Steamed' is the best I've
heard of how Austria feels about me right now.
> Your relationship with Germany should be
> improved now you're out of Tyr;
>
Yes, he was happy with my move and has hinted that he will be moving Bohemia
north now. I suspect he will move Munich west as well.
I look forward to your comments. I'm available all week but I was the one
requesting the next extension. I hope to have my moves for fall entered
before I leave.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> Austria is trying to get my support for Ukr-Rum,
> and not listening to why Gal-Rum would be better.
>
Explain to me why you thing Gal-Rum would be better. I must admit, at first
glance, I'd have to side with Austria on this one. Ukr-Rum saves you from
having to worry about Ukr-Mos, Ukr-Sev, and Ukr s Pru-War. There are a lot
of things the Ukranian army could do this fall to hurt you and it would seem
like arguing with Austria at this time would be counter productive. Agree
with him and then do something else if you must. (I know you don't like to
lie but Austria won't be around long enough to retaliate.)
> He claims that he doesn't think he can retake Tri,
He can't, unless Turkey stabs me this turn (a possibility I've taken into
consideration but I've warned Turkey that my eastern fleets would remain in
the event of a stab and I'd not make myself available to stop England).
> Beyond the obvious TyS-WMed,
> what do you have planned? Any chance of Tri S Gal-???
Yes, I would be happy to issue a support order for a Galician move to either
Vienna or Budapest.
As far as my other moves, Turkey and I are in negotiations for swapping
Greece and Smyrna. Nothing concrete yet but it's only a matter of time.
> Germany seems content to let IT flourish, and I
> suspect that he covets StP and War. What are
> you hearing?
>
Yes, Germany has told me the same but I wouldn't expect him to tell me
differently. I wouldn't be surprised to see him move to Tyrolia this fall.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to England
>
> I will be in the Western Med by fall on my own.
^^^^^^^^^^^
There you go again. And you knew this prior to the Spring results. You
know, being the only psychic in the game probably breaks gunboat. I'm going
to have to check with the moderator. We may have to find a replacement.
>
> Leaving Western Med off limits would be the key to a very profitable
> relationship between us.
>
I hope you can understand my necessity to move to the Western Med this fall
(assuming a logical and sane retreat by France). The east is looking for me
to make sure you do not cross into the WMS too soon. It is not intended as
an aggressive move but rather a defensive move. I can still do just as much
damage from the WMS as I can from GOL but I would feel more comfortable
closer to Tunis with my lone western fleet.
>
> p.s. Is England part of Iberia also? Just how big is this place?
>
England no, Scotland yes. :)
> Uh, that's quite a monster you have created in Turkey. Is it
> possible you supplied him with a little more muscle than you
> intended?
Not really. I'm supposed to get Greece back this fall. We will see what
happens. In any event, as long as he keeps building armies, I have no
problem with Turkish growth (in moderation of course).
> Will he now follow your lead like a grateful puppy
> dog or will he develop a mind of his own?
He has been warned that if he doesn't follow my lead, the fleet currently in
the MAO will most likely find its way into the Ionean. He wasn't too keen
on that thought so I think he'll work with me.
> I would be very naive not to assume that you have prepared
> two options for your western strategy, prop up France or take
> part in the feast.
Those are the two options. Propping him up would have been easier had he
held the MAO this turn. I'm a bit late in getting there now. I've never
really had any intentions of propping him up though.
Is there a specific proposal as to the division of property?
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Germany to Italy
> You maybe interested in knowing why I stabbed Austria. I'm not just some
> suicidal maniac who goes about stabbing this-then-that. Austria failed to
> agree that Turkey should be the primary target even to the point of allowing
> Turkey a build. I wasn't going to sit and try to take Turkey out by myself
> while England turned the corner on the MAO.
This would be the same reason that I bounced Russia in SWE. He just
couldn't bring himself to agree NOT to build in STP. I figured that if
he couldn't say that he wouldn't do that, then that was really what he
wanted to do. Bounce.
Fredd
Message from Austria to Italy
Though I have withdrawn my ambassador, I will still read your messages; if
you nevertheless prefer to maintain deniability by utilising grey press,
that is also acceptable.
> Italy can use his fleets to dislodge the Austrian fleet in the Aegean. One
> can assume that Italy would retreat to a center if one were available.
^^^^^
I assume this should read "Austria"?
> Beyond that, what will Italy do if Turkey doesn't pass him Greece as
> planned? That would leave Turkey with two builds, none for Italy.
> Austria, would you forgive the stab and resume an AI alliance in that case,
> or would you let Turkey devour both of you?
I would look at the situation as it would then stand, ruling out nothing.
Ferdinand
Message from Russia to Italy
> Message from Italy to Russia in 'titleist':
>
> > Austria is trying to get my support for Ukr-Rum,
> > and not listening to why Gal-Rum would be better.
>
> Explain to me why you thing Gal-Rum would be better.
Well, if Austria was serious about AR vs. IT, and expected me to stab
Turkey, he should be willing to see me grow to 5 Centers and build two,
so that I can shore up my defenses against Germany, and attack Turkey,
while he disbands A Ukr. Gal-Rum also reduces my threat to his Home
Centers. If he sincerely wanted my cooperation, he should offer me Rum,
as I offered it to Turkey to secure my alliance with Ali. I also felt that
if I
agreed with him too quickly, he'd doubt my sincerity. 8-) I did finally
agree to support Ukr-Rum, though I failed to say that I would support it
with A Gal. He'll probably go for Sev anyway.
> > He claims that he doesn't think he can retake Tri,
>
> He can't, unless Turkey stabs me this turn
Ali says Austria is begging for support to Tri. My question to him was
mostly a sincerity test. He gave me no indication that he had any interest
in Tri, so I conclude that he's not negotiating in good faith.
> Yes, I would be happy to issue a support order for a Galician move to
> either Vienna or Budapest.
>
> As far as my other moves, Turkey and I are in negotiations for swapping
> Greece and Smyrna. Nothing concrete yet but it's only a matter of time.
Hmmm, if we want Turky to build Armies and push Northwest to
block Germany, you might be better off letting him keep Gre this year,
while you send your Fleets West.
Nick.
Message from England to Italy
Roberto,
>> I will be in the Western Med by fall on my own.
>
>There you go again. And you knew this prior to the Spring results.
"Western Med"
That was ugly. I meant Mid-Atlantic. I expected that France would defend
Mid-Atlantic from Brest in the spring. But since I would then have the
North Atlantic I knew I could force the Mid-Atlantic in the fall.
>> Leaving Western Med off limits would be the key to a very profitable
>> relationship between us.
>
>I hope you can understand my necessity to move to the Western Med this fall
>(assuming a logical and sane retreat by France).
It is not a necessity, but I accept your choice. I have (and had) no
intention of going there, because my future depends on cooperation with
you. The move to Lyon would have given you greater flexibility in that you
would have been adjacent to two French targets.
That you have a certain loyality to France is understandable, if only
because the two of you have kept the peace so far. And he is such a
friendly chap. However, now that you have ceded eastern power to Turkey, I
would think that you have to dominate the western Mediterranean. I have
never seen an Italy standing at the end of a game who has not participated
in the dismantling of either Turkey or France. I don't think it can be
done.
>The east is looking for me
>to make sure you do not cross into the WMS too soon. It is not intended as
>an aggressive move but rather a defensive move. I can still do just as much
>damage from the WMS as I can from GOL but I would feel more comfortable
>closer to Tunis with my lone western fleet.
I don't mind. Move there if you must.
>Is there a specific proposal as to the division of property?
Well, let's make the obvious proposal. You get Marseilles and Spain; I get
Brest, Paris, and Portugal. I know it seems a bit unfair that I pound
myself against France with all my might for so long and you walk in with
one unit and take 40% of the gain. [See Russia and the defeat of Japan in
WWII for precedent!] But any sound Italy/England relationship has to
acknowledge the natural boundary between us at Gibralter.
I anticipate a rapid increase in friction between Germany and me. We both
know that the German/English boundary is unstable whereever one attempts to
draw it. At some point our mutual self interest is certain to break down.
Germany should be getting StP and probably Warsaw and possibly Moscow
before he comes face to face with Turkey. If he gets those centers faster
than I get French centers, then I have serious problems. Your potential
difficulties with Turkey are less. Even if Turkey grows faster than you --
I think he will -- it will be hard for him to attack you directly.
In the short run then, I need you more than you need me. If we take out
France together, I expect then to be at war with Germany. It just seems to
be a natural consequence of the position.
Ivy
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
Sorry for the delay in my response. I've been working on a last-minute
project to put a band together for a gig this weekend, and it's consumed a
fair amount of time. Nevertheless, I'm eager to get a consensus on what to
order in the fall. I don't have your press in front of me, but I believe I
remember most of it. If I fail to address something you mentioned, please
let me know.
I have to confess I had some concerns about your proposed combination. It
seems to me there are too many ways I could end up without a build. I'm
hopeful we can come up with a more straightforward plan that has a high
probability that we'll each build one.
Austria has written me with an "I'll do anything you want so long as I can
hurt Italy" letter. I've replied favorably to his press in hopes I can
guide (or at least determine) what he will do. He seems to think the odds
are that I'll string him along for just such a purpose, but I don't see it
can do any harm. He is most interested in attacking Trieste, and the last
thing I heard from him indicated Bud S Vie-Tri, Aeg-Ion, Ukr-Mos or Sev.
I'm also getting some funny press from Russia. I think he's quite nervous
about the prospect that I'll build armies and come attack him. He initially
favored Gal-Bud, then it was War-Mos, Gal-War, and he's also talked about
combining with Austria against Rumania. I think there's a reasonable chance
I'll face a 2-unit attack on Rumania, but I'd be surprised if AR coordinated
their efforts there. I can't imagine either would agree to give it to the
other (though I could well be wrong in this assumption).
England and Germany have been very silent lately. They've both encouraged
me to build a fleet (or fleets) this year, and I don't think either was too
enthused that I didn't embrace this suggestion. So, no news really from
them, other than indications that they both intend to stay allied. Which is
to say, no news at all really.
It seems to me that you favor Alb S Tri over Ser S Tri. I can understand
and appreciate that you may feel you can't trust me yet, and so you'd rather
support Tri yourself. Of course, if I were going to attack you I would just
tell you what you want to hear, then attack anyway. I assure you I have no
such intention. I can also appreciate your desire to move your fleets out,
and indeed nobody would be happier to see that happen than I. But I'm not
sure that putting 2 supports on Bul-Rum would be the best course of action,
and A Ser is in a good position to work against Austria.
In any case, how about these alternatives:
I: Tri Hold (or S Gal-Bud)
I: Alb S Ion - Gre
I: EMS - Ion
T: Ser S Tri
T: Gre - Bul
T: Bul - Rum
T: Bla S Bul - Rum (or -> Con)
T: Smy Hold (or -> Con for the bounce)
or:
I: Tri - Bud
I: Alb - Tri
I: EMS - Ion
T: Ser S Tri - Bud
T: Gre - Bul
T: Bul - Rum
T: Bla S Bul - Rum (or -> Con)
T: Smy Hold (or -> Con for the bounce)
I think supporting you to Bud has some promise. If Bud S Vie-Tri, then
you'll gain Bud, and Tri still be Austrian but will be vacant. Austria will
still be at 3 centers max, so even if Bud disbands or is destroyed, he won't
be able to rebuild in Tri. If Vie S Bud-Tri, then you'll bounce the attack
and stay in Tri. Seems to me that Tri is pretty well covered under that
scenario. There's a chance you wouldn't gain Gre, but also a chance of
picking up both Bud and Tri (as in Vie S Bud-Tri if we can convince Russia
to order Gal-Vie).
Either way, this would mean I'd be under-protected in either Rum or Con,
depending on what I do with F Bla. Even if I self-bounce, there's a chance
of unwanted support. Also, there's a possibility that Austria will bounce
you in Ion, but other than that I don't see any risks to Italy. Despite the
risks, though, I'd prefer something along these lines than all-out support
for Rum and possibly moving out of Smy.
What do you think? I will also be out of e-mail contact this weekend, so
hopefully we can get a solid plan in place before France's retreat
processes. I think that we should be able to come up with a solid
combination, especially if we can guide (or determine) what Austria and
Russia decide to do. By the way, I have no objection to Tri S Gal-Bud, nor
would I be especially worried if the attack succeeded--as long as Italy
remained an ally of Turkey.
Let me know what you think of the above, or if I've left anything out.
Ali
Message from Italy to Turkey
>
> It seems to me that you favor Alb S Tri over Ser S Tri. I
> can understand and appreciate that you may feel you can't
> trust me yet, and so you'd rather support Tri yourself.
>
One quick comment before I absorb your proposal and move some pieces around
the board.
Lack of trust on your part was not a reason for my suggestion of Alb s Tri.
Lack of trust for Russia and Germany to issue an order breaking support was
more to the point. I'd prefer to take it upon myself when available.
Albania seemed a logical choice given Serbia could be used for defend
Rumania. An attack on Budapest is certainly not out of the question and I
definitely prefer Ion-Gre as opposed to Alb-Gre.
> He is most interested in attacking Trieste, and the last
> thing I heard from him indicated Bud S Vie-Tri
One last comment. I have heard from Russia that Austria has told him he
doesn't plan on attacking Trieste since the odds of such an attack being
successful are minimal. Somebody is lying. The question is, who?
More later this afternoon.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
I've been staring at the map, and I think that Ion-Tun/TyS might be
prudent. I don't know why France didn't support MAO last turn, since
there was no way to take Eng, but given the English Fleet in MAO, I
don't think you can afford to delay the push West.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
I'm on my way out the door, so I'll have to be brief. It looks like we're
very close to a consensus, so we should be able to iron out the details once
the retreat is in.
The latest I'm getting is that Austria plans Bud S Vie-Tri, and wants Ser S
Vie-Tri. He says he's playing Russia along with the notion of Gal S
Ukr-Rum, but that he doesn't intend to attack Rum. I'm trying to get him to
order Aeg S Gre, allowing for Ion-Gre, EMS-Ion. Russia tells me he's still
talking to Austria about Gal S Ukr-Rum, but that he intends Gal-Bud. I get
the impression Russia's not real eager to tell me what he's doing, for fear
that I really will side with Austria to stab you. There are many reasons
why this would be madness, and while I'm pursuing the notion with Austria, I
will strictly abide by my agreements with you.
Anyway, gotta run. I'll write again Monday, hopefully we'll have a retreat
result by then.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Turkey to all
Fellow Powers of Europe,
I will be escaping the clamor of Constantinople, retreating into the hills
for a few days of meditation, reflection, and hallucination, ah, I mean,
religious instruction. I regret that our clerical staff is still working on
sorting and interpreting incoming messages, and I will do my best to address
the situation upon my return. The bureaucracy around here is horribly
inefficient, and if things don't improve, heads will roll.
Until then,
Ali Baba
France: Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean → Portugal
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