The CSA thanks France for it's hospitality. The 3rd Class Cruiser Carthage in the company of her sister Roswell will be embarking the Secretary for his trip to France (via Le Havre). He expects to arrive on or about December 28th.

Le Havre, by that time will be hosting the single largest concentration of Confederate Naval power.

Quote from: guinness on November 21, 2008, 09:13:00 AM
The CSA thanks France for it's hospitality. The 3rd Class Cruiser Carthage in the company of her sister Roswell will be embarking the Secretary for his trip to France (via Le Havre). He expects to arrive on or about December 28th.

Le Havre, by that time will be hosting the single largest concentration of Confederate Naval power.

Wonders if the Confederates are planing to blow the Hell outa someone...

Peace by superiour firepower.  Mostly called pieces.

Quote from: maddox on November 21, 2008, 09:17:23 AM
Peace by superiour firepower.  Mostly called pieces.

LOL well unless its a "Peace squadron" I dont see how the Swiss can do anything, just dont have the firepower to play yet 2 incomision Arcadias, and 2 more almost finished (h115 if I rushed them) isnt much to throw at any of the worlds navies honestly

A recap of the ships bound for Le Havre, just in case anyone is keeping score:

BB Oklahoma 18,500 t 8x13.5" 1500 pounders 20 knots
BB Arizona 18,500 t 8x13.5" 1500 pounders 20 knots
AC Hatchitigbee 6,000 t 5x7.5" 250 pounders 27 knots
AC Bukatunna 6,000 t 5x7.5" 250 pounders 27 knots
AC Opelika 6,000 t 5x7.5" 250 pounders 27 knots
PC Charlotte 3,500t 5x5.5" 75 pounders 27 knots
PC Nashville 3,500t 5x5.5" 75 pounders 27 knots
PC Carthage 3,500t 3x6" 100 pounders, 8x4" 25 pounders 27 knots
PC Roswell 3,500t 3x6" 100 pounders, 8x4" 25 pounders 27 knots
AO Spruce 6,496 t, 3x5.5" 75 pounders, 15,756 t oil 21 knots

The nearest available Zionite representative will be in attendance. New Zion wants to know what the hell is going on.

Once the Colombians read their newspapers, they'll contemplate participation.

Quote from: The Rock Doctor on November 21, 2008, 10:04:10 AM
Once the Colombians read their newspapers, they'll contemplate participation.

Sorry, for once not inviting GC wasn't an intentional sleight. WW was primarily concerned with trying to get the players as he understood them around the same table.

The Colombians would probably, grudgingly, accept that explanation. 

Besides, if they're at the table, they probably need to commit to a position.  Until then, they don't have to.

The Empire of Italia would like to thank the Confederate States of America and the Republic of France for hosting this Conference.

The Emperor will be sending his chosen representative Consul Spurius Valerius Maximus to personally attend the Conference.

Orange position is that CSA does not have the slightest authority in the matter whatsoever. If they want to hold a conference, they can hold it in Richmond, and see whoever would attend.

As far as the Iberian unwillingness shows - to even disclose the source of distress - the talks are bound to fail.

OOC
and it would be a month's waste of useless roleplaying with predictable lack of results

Official letter delivered by the Habsburg Ambassador, hinted to have been dictated to the Foreign Minisitry by the Monarch Himself:

Quote from: guinness on November 21, 2008, 08:39:27 AMWithout being privy to the evidence against the Zionists, I must emphasize that the Confederate States considers the sort of military action apparently planned against them to be ill advised.

1 - taking action against Red Scum is always a Good Thing; the Habsburg Kaiserundkoenigreich considers the evidence sufficent to undertake a punitive action;

Quote from: guinness on November 21, 2008, 08:39:27 AMThere is also, I understand, information that the Ottoman navy may be on the move, opening up the possibility of a wider war. It is our feeling that now is the time for intensive diplomacy to prevent this. We do not find it in the best interest of any of the potential belligerents to fight again the most recent war in the Balkans.

2 - if the Ottomans leave us alone, we leave them alone; if they start shooting, then they'll be deserving of everything they get in return;

Quote from: guinness on November 21, 2008, 08:39:27 AMTo that end, I offer the services of the Confederate States to mediate in negotiations between the aggrieved parties with the goal of finding a peaceful settlement to present grievances. I propose (with the indulgence of France) that such negotiations open in Paris in ten days time. I intend to leave personally for Paris immediately, and I hope to see you or your representatives there.

3 - see point #1 - one does notnegotiate with terrorists - one hangs them; the Imperial-and-Royal Realm does not see any need for a Conference of Powers - punishing subversives from a "banditenstat" should be too trifle a matter as to arouse  the interest of the Powers.

December 25, 1914

The Richmond Times-Dispatch

President Roosevelt Holds Christmas Eve Press Conference
Explains Aims of Secretary Wilson's Mission to Europe

Richmond -- President Roosevelt hosted the press late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve to answer the many questions about Secretary Wilson's hurried trip to Europe.

When asked just what the crisis was in Europe, the President explained: "Two years ago the Pope was assassinated in Rome. One of the greatest mysteries of our time has been who was responsible. Our Italian allies now believe they have answered that question, and with other prominent Papist nations in Europe, are mobilizing for war. Secretary Wilson felt it morally imperative to take diplomatic action to try to head off bloodshed."

When asked whether or not the Confederate States was not still allied with Italy, and bound to aid in Italy defense: "The Alliance with Italy is indeed strong. If another state was responsible for the attack on the Pope, we recognize that act as an attack on Italian sovereignty, and that the Italian empire is within it's rights to act, and that we would be duty bound to support them, both with words and with actions, to the best of our ability. One of the aims of Secretary Wilson's trip to France is to consult with our Italian allies in order to assess where our responsibilities lie. Was the assassination of the Pope the work of a lone madman, or the product of a carefully constructed conspiracy orchestrated from another state? It seems obvious that several other states are convinced the case was the latter, but before we join our ally in action, we need to be sure that it was not a case of the former."

When asked whether or not the President supports the Secretary's stated aim for the parties involved to negotiate: "Of course I support the Secretary. If there is any way to prevent bloodshed through negotiation, I agree with the Secretary that we are morally obligated to pursue that peaceful path. However, it is not the opinion of this government that the time for talk lasts forever. If the evidence is compelling, and the minds of our ally and others are made up, we may well also be forced to act."

When asked if Confederate forces would be mobilizing in case of a military contingency: "We have already positioned at or on the way to Le Havre the single most powerful concentration of Confederate naval power. If we deem participation in a conflict resultant from this crisis necessary, that squadron would become a most powerful contribution."

In closing, the President remarked: "Gentlemen I, like you, eagerly await word of Secretary Wilson's mission, and am hopeful that peace and goodwill among nations will prevail during this holy season. However, if the CSA is required by the facts to act on behalf of our Italian allies, we will do so. Let no nation misunderstand: the Confederate States of America is a peaceful nation which is reluctant to swing the sword prematurely. However, when the requirement to swing our sword becomes clear because of the actions of other nations, be they overt or covert, we will swing it without hesitation nor abandon."

The Iberian Government thanks the Confederate Government for its offer but Madrid has nothing to talk about.  Madrid suggests that Richmond might want to talk in greater detail with its ally in Rome.

OOC: Since there's sentiment that negotiations would be fruitless and we shouldn't waste time role playing it, I'll go ahead and move things along...

December 28, 1914

The last day of the hurried voyage from Norfolk to Le Havre had been cold, damp and dreary. The fuel bunkers of the Carthage were nearly empty. Woodrow Wilson was quite ready for this trip to be over. 10 days of hard driving across winter North Atlantic seas had done nothing for his mood.

As the two Confederate cruisers rounded the Cotentin Peninsula, a cold rain fell, and the midday light already had begun to fade. Wilson stood silently on Carthage's bridge alone with his thoughts. His mission, a longshot to begin with, already looked like a failure. Still, he thought, he must try.

Four hours later, the dim afternoon light of had faded to darkness as Carthage and Roswell maneuvered toward the narrow breakwater that marked the opening of Le Havre's inner harbor. Brightly lit outside the breakwater, the Confederate Overseas Squadron waited, brightly lit in the night. A steam launch from Oklahoma approached as Wilson donned his think winter coat and top hat and prepared to transfer to Oklahoma for the night.

When he came aboard the Confederate Battleship, Admiral Wainwright greeted him formerly. "Mr. Secretary, it is my honor to welcome you aboard the Oklahoma. Please allow me to show you to your cabin. I'd also like to invite you to share a late dinner."

Wilson was shown to the Oklahoma's guest cabin, which was well appointed, at least for a Confederate ship. It was equal in size to the Captain's or Admiral's inner cabins, and ajoined a sitting room customarily used for entertaining aboard, but which was reserved for his use for the night. The accommodations were significantly more comfortable than those aboard Carthage had been.

Dinner was served in the Admiral's dining room, and was an intimate gathering, consisting only of the Secretary, the Admiral, the Captains of Oklahoma and Arizona, Oklahoma's Executive Officer, and Wainwright's favorite Captain James of the Charlotte. Wilson uncharacteristically imbibed in the excellent Bordeaux which the French had provided several cases (among other varieties) of as a welcoming gift for the squadron in Marseilles.

"Mr. Secretary, I hope you find the wine to your liking. Of the varieties the French and the Italians provided us, I find this to be the best we have samples so far. We'll have plenty available for some time though. I had to convert the athletic equipment locker aboard to a wine cellar to secure it all!"

Wilson nodded in agreement. He was no connesieur, but it was excellent.

As the first course was served (fresh local game hen on a bed of field greens), Arizona's Captain asked: "Mr. Secretary, I hope you don't mind my inquisitiveness, but could you please tell us what the hell is going on? What news we've been able to gather is what we're reading in the French press."

Wilson looked up. That was a good question. "To the best of my understanding, the Italians are blaming the Zionists for the murder of the Pope two years ago, and feel obligated to exact their revenge."

"Well, if the Zionists did kill the Pope, I imagine the Italians have cause." Offerred Oklahoma's executive officer, a French-Irishman originally for Louisiana.

"Yes, Commander, if it is true that the assassination was carried out as part of a plot organized by the monarchy in New Zion, I expect I'll agree. I intend to look their foreign ministers in the eye to try to ascertain the truth of all this myself."

The second course was served. Rack of lamb with artichokes.

"Admiral, my compliments to the chef. This food is excellent." Wilson declared.

"Thank you Mr. Secretary" the Admiral responded, "he has reveled in the opportunity to sample the various cuisines on this journey. If you'd like, I can offer you something rather different to try."

Wilson nodded in assent, and the Admiral turned and whispered his request to one of the stewards. The officers and the secretary proceeded to devour their lamb.

"Mr. Secretary, what if the Italians are speaking the truth, and the Pope's assassination was part of a Zionist plot. What do we do then? Are we not still allies." The Captain of the Oklahoma asked.

Wilson sighed and put his fork down. He looked around the table. "The President and I had scant time to discuss it, but I expect that, should diplomatic entreaties fail, that we will be honor bound to provide our support. The most logical way to provide material military support is, of course, this squadron."

None of the Officers looked surprised. Knowing glances were exchanged. This was exactly the contingency they were already preparing for.

The steward returned with what appeared to be a sort of cutting board. Arrayed in rows on the center were a number of small slivers of salmon, laid on beds of rice.

"This is a delicacy we discovered in Japan. It is very fresh salmon, caught locally, over a bed of specially prepared rice, which we've brought with us from Japan. The white item in the corner is pickled ginger root. In general this is also served with a preparation of a sort of horseradish, but we've already run out of that. They call this sushi. To eat it, you can pick it up with your fingers." The admiral picked up a piece of the nigiri to demonstrate, and slid the entire construction in his mouth.

"The Japanese eat this sort of like we eat sandwiches."

Wilson wasn't so sure, but decided that now was a good time to be open minded, and sampled his own.

"This is quite good. It's so simple, but so elegant." The Secretary observed.

"That would describe much of the Japanese culture as we observed it." Wainwright replied.

"I'll have to make it a point to visit someday then," said the Secretary.

The impromptu sushi course was followed by a desert of French pastries and cheeses purchases in Le Havre that day.

"Mr. Secretary, if your mission is hopeless, why bother? Why cross the Atlantic in such a hurry, in the winter no less, to be ignored or insulted by so many other nations?" Captain James asked.

Wilson looked down in his hands for a moment before looking up to speak. "Because, there is a chance, even if ever so dim, that a peaceful compromise to end this crisis must be found. I feel I have a duty to try."

"Gentlemen, I hope you'll excuse me. It has been a trying trip, and I need rest before the trip to Paris tomorrow." Wilson rose from his seat and shook Wainwright's hand. "Thank you for you hospitality. I hope that your grand around the world trip can continue uninterrupted, but I fear that you will soon be getting a much closer view of this crisis than I."

With that, Wilson left for his cabin.

"Gentlemen. We have, as yet, no orders, but I expect we should make immediate preparations to depart at any time for Djibouti." The group broke up. Wainwright caught James by the arm on the way out. "Could we have a word for a moment?"

"Alistair" Wainright addressed James by his given name. "The only orders I've recieved thus far are that Carthage and Roswell are now attached to the squadron. We're big enough now, that if we have to see some action, I'll need to delegate some of my command. I'd like to temporarily appoint you a Rear Admiral, and put you in charge of all four third class cruisers as our scouting wing. I'll retain direct command of Oklahoma and Arizona and the Hatchitigbees. James was surprised. Of all the Captains in the squadron, he was far from the most senior. "Thank you sir, but you know my position on the Captains list."

"Yes, I do, but out here, the Captains list means less to me than being ready if we have to get in a fight. You're the man for the job, and I'll expect the other Captains to fall in to line."

"Thank you sir. I've got much to do then. If you excuse me." James left for his launch and the short trip back to Charlotte.

The next morning, Wilson arose early, having slept very little in the five hours since he went to bed. He was greeted rather unceremoniously at the dock at Le Havre by a member of the Paris embassy's staff, and by a low level functionary from the French Foreign Ministry.

"Sir, if you will, we need to hurry. The French have reserved us a car on the next train to Paris, but it leaves soon." The three men boarded a horse drawn hackney carriage for the short trip to the train station, and then the trip to Paris.