Die Konferenz von Kairo - IC 1870 REAL WORLD RP

[Seljuq Kyiv]

Part of the 1870 Real World RP. If interested, apply therein.

THE CONFERENCE OF CAIRO
21 - 25 SEPTEMBER 1870

RESOURCES
Map of Ottoman Possessions and the immediate region
Map of Africa as of 17 September

AGENDA

1. Rebuilding and Rejuvenation of France
2. The Bombardment and Massacre of the Native Population of the Zambezi River Basin by the Portuguese Empire
3. Procedures and Protocols of Acquiring Territories in the Dark Continent of Africa
4. Delineating Borders
5. Heightened Militarism and Aggression from the Kingdom of Italy upon the Pontifical States

PARTICIPANTS
Kingdom of Egypt
United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland
United States of America
North German Confederation
Russian Empire
Austro-Hungarian Monarchy
Kingdom of Italy
Kingdom of Spain
Portugese Empire
Kingdom of Sweden
Brazilian Empire

---

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMA'IL OF EGYPT AND THE SUDAN

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870

In the past weeks interest regarding Egypt could be said to have skyrocketed, but to have stated it in such words would be dreadfully missing the impact it had caused. As foreign delegates, reporters, and big names poured into Alexandria and Port Said in the droves, they were greeted by the finest of neo-Mamluk architecture influenced heavily with the French. Truly, downtown Cairo had been modeled after Paris, the City of Lights, itself, and it was expected to be a major administrative and residential hub in coming years.

In the streets the New Army of Egypt, eschewing their Turkish roots and adopting a more Westernised model, flashed glittering sabres in a display of miltary prowess and horseback skills against an enemy suspiciously clad in French and Ottoman uniforms, demonstrating that an Eastern backwater had achieved victory against a Continental Power if not a taste in good uniforms. Their stunts, atop Arabian horses and replicating the nomads of the steppes, wowed audiences from all around.

But Cairo was nothing if not the heir of thr legendary Library of Alexandria in literature. An extensive pet project of incumbent Minister of Education Ali Pasha Mubarak, the Egyptian National Library and Archives was opened for the first time, possessing documentsas old as Roman Aegyptus itself.

And in the museums and hotels, exhibitions and displays publicised the recent discovery of several tombs in the Valley of Kings, as well as the reclamation of Egyptian relics from French museums; the Venus de Milo stood garbed in a modest jilbab. In essence the Alid Dynasty now claimed legitimacy from five thousand years of history of an Egypt that was now free. Premiering too was Giuseppe Verdi's long-awaited and much-acclaimed Aida.

And then the coronation, a sacrosanct ceremony wherein Ismail of Egypt bore the Twin Crown upon his own brow; mandate came from God, who had guided his path to this long awaited moment, before being sworn in in front of his cabinet by accepting the Sword of Muhammad Ali, the very same sword that vanquished Turks all the way to Konya. The festivities would be remembered for years long after, and such a buzz had not been seen since the opening of the Canal.

But his excitement had to be ceased, for the moment. Business was at hand.

Taking a sip to water his throat, Isma'il moved on. "Our first agenda, Royal Highnesses and Honourable Gentlemen; France. The damage wrought upon it by the combined forces in the Franco-German War has proved to be great, much too great a brunt for such a nation to bear. Thousands, if not millions, of francs and livres will have to be invested to give the state a fighting chance.

"Recognising the part Egypt played, as an agent of the Ottoman Empire, in the war, We hereby pledge our support to the Second Empire of France." Isma'il gave it a moment to sink in; the Republic was gone, the Commune damaged beyond repair.

"But what say you, O Royal Highnesses and Honourable Gentlemen? What shall be done for France?"

[Brissia]

"Well, personally, it is in Austria's interests to fill Frances power vacuum by itself. However, if such a thing is unacheivable, I think that France should be left as a neutral state, without a colonial empire to speak of." Gustaff stopped, rubbing his chin.
"What shall we do about the socialist and republican sides of France?"

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMAIL

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870

"They were but upstart warlords warring over the shattered remains of the Empire after the Emperor's capture at Sedan, and only exacerbated the situation.

"Regardless, there is nought of them left. Versailles has capitulated; the 'Third Republic' has left the shores of France permanently.

"Egypt wishes to see the rightful monarch, the Emperor who has always been a friend of Egypt, His Imperial Majesty Napoleon the Third restored to the throne of the Second French Empire —"

Isma'il finished thus. "— as part of the Treaty of Versailles which Egypt signed in goodwill."

[Brissia]

"Rebuilding the monarchy will result in socialist dissatisfaction, which will lead to more rebellions and wars. In fact, the war which brought France to it's knees before the German nations was started by the radical actions of socialists! We cannot risk such an incident repeating itself! We must somehow either please them, or greatly punish them."

[Of the Quendi]

The Russian Empire is protesting the absence of France at this conference. It condemns the unlawful seizure of French colonial and naval possessions by Austria-Hungary and Egypt and subtly hints at the possibility of a Russian war declaration against either parties if they do not compensate France.

(all of which is very difficult to do in an upfront OOC thread)

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMAIL

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870

"Indubitably, indubitably. The doctrine of socialism yet remains in the 'proletariat' of France, and it is no easy beast to be released. There is much work to be done as to what this 'pleasing' will entail, as well as 'punishment' — Egypt wants no more blood on its hands than the brave warriors of the Seine."

Isma'il remained oblivious to the West's allegations of a massacre in Paris. Indeed, officially, no such event occured. Only a parade through the streets of Paris that was compromised, betrayed and resulted in a hasty flight, and subsequent Austrian, Prussian and Bavarian ransacking and raiding.

The cause of such a Teutoburgian march was, purportedly, the firing of a French cannon. What transpired next remained unclear.

"Nevertheless, Egypt wishes for peace to be restored to France. If it is satisfactory, an international mandate over France, at least until its recovery, to protect it and its interests from external perpetrators.

To the Russian delegate he turned. "And as for the absence of France, there currently exists, as you must definitely know, Your Royal Majesties and Honourable Gentlemen, a power vacuum in France, which shall last as long as the rightful Emperor remains in the safe custody of the allies, comrades rather, of the North German Confederation and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Furthermore, his sole heir is in exile in Britain.

"A monarch must be restored to France for lasting peace and stability. We cannot stress this more." Spoken clearly, this was a term Isma'il viewed imperative, and would not budge.

"Rest assured, Egypt has returned all naval vessels in its possession to the Second French Empire." Isma'il took several large sips of his glass of spring water, reinvigorating his resolve. "All compensation and such shall be discussed herein within these halls."

[Of the Quendi]

The City of Cairo
Cairo Governorate
The Sultanate of Egypt

---

Count Dmitry Alekseyevich Milyutin, Minister of War of Russia

September 21st, 1870

---

Since arriving in Cairo with Grand Duke Constantine Milyutin had been trying to figure out what to think of this newest country in the world and its sudden rise to prominence. On paper Egypt looked like the most obvious partner the Russian Empire could hope for. A country on the back of the decaying Ottoman Empire eager to supplant the Turks as the dominant Islamic state quickly nearing Anatolia Egypt was an obvious ally against the Porte.

But also a country that made decisions that was insufferable to Saint Petersburg. The Austro-Egyptian Alliance, the Egyptian invasion of France and seizure of French colonies had all made Milyutin more sceptic of Egypt. Not only had the country been hopelessly compromised as a Russian ally by making an enemy of France. Since the recovery of the Emperor from his illness caution had been the Russian policy and taking a chance with a country that had presented a great power with an enduring cause for enmity was not something Milyutin was inclined to do.

The Egyptian situation increasingly reminded Milyutin of the Japanese one. But where Japan would soon find its conquests assailed by Russian troops Milyutin still hoped that a confrontation with Egypt could be avoided. For that reason he was quite pleased with the Egyptian approach to the rebuilding of France, an item on the agenda that had surprised the minister of war. Though the Egyptian proposal struck him as naive it at least wasn't anti-French as the Austro-Hungarian one.

So with a cough Milyutin decided to speak on the subject of France. "The communard filth that seeps from Paris threatening to set Europe ablaze in revolutionary uprising must be quelled that much is clear." Milyutin declared. "1871 must not be allowed to become yet a year as 48. I am however quite confident in the ability of the French to suppress the Commune on their own. The entire officer's corps and everyone outside of Paris opposes monsieur Blanqui and his pest, they will not prevail." Milyutin confidently analyzed the situation in France, certain that the ideology of the Communists could never hope to prevail in the fundamentally conservative French countryside or in the reactionary army.

Still Milyutin was equally certain that the time of the Second Empire was at an end. Napoleon III ultimately held responsibility for the disastrous French defeat and was unlikely to enjoy much support in France. Pity, Milyutin admired the Bonapartist government. But it was not for Russia to decide who ruled France and there where others who could rule, and rule well. "As for the future form of government in France I see no reason why it should concern this conference. An election must be held and the people of France heard, until then monsieur Thiers can rule as far as Russia is concerned." Milyutin declared.

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMAIL

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870
"Verily, though there yet remains the matter of food and shelter. The people remain starving, and their houses nought but ash and smoke. France must be fed, clothed, and sheltered, for it cannot on its own. If all, Your Royal Majesties and Honourable Gentlemen, goes well, an International Society for the Rebuilding of France, that shall supervise all such needs shall be established henceforth.

"The future rebuilding and rejuvenation of a France is a concern of this conference, and who will lead the nation is a point of much consideration for it affects the success or failure of our endeavours.

"That is most wise; sir Thiers has shown himself to be a skilled statesman, and the man Marianne needs to pull her out of the rubble and into the light. Nonetheless, Egypt remains a proponent of an Empire, and proposes that the Prince Imperial Napoleon IV who is in exile at Kent should return to proclaimed regent, even if nominal, until such a time that the local populace shall determine their future ruler."

Isma'il needed more input from the rest of the nations. Surely, some would see the virtue of restoring the monarchy?

"But that is a fair point; France could be given the right to self-determination." The word would mark the rest of the conference, he was sure. "What must be discussed is the degree of intervention permitted by external forces, if at all. Should the nations of the Mediterranean sit back and watch as France unfolds from its shambles, or lend a helping hand and decide for her?

"How far will we go to secure a stable government for France? Or, cry the Frenchmen, laissez faire?"

More to the point, rather; would this new leader be appointed by the regional powers of this conference; would the funding, lobbying, supporting and aiding of potential candidates be permitted; would this new leader be elected by a vote, or appointed by a government body; who shall make up this government body?

[Brissia]

Gustaf sat quietly, waiting for the Egyptian to say what he needed to say. When Pasha stopped, Korabel'nikov looked at Milyutin sternly. "I suspect that Frances absence from this conference is due to the fact that both the Dual Monarchy and the Kingdom of Prussia are still in a state of war with France. Austria-Hungary will not be returning Algeria and Corsica, along with the six ironclads captured during the war. It is France who should be paying the retributions! They were the ones who attacked Prussia, seemingly for no reason other than their inability to control their populace. They're the aggressors, and should pay for their acts."

"However, my nation is willing to aid France out of it's predicament. Indeed, Napoleon III should not be put on the throne, for it was he who let the socialists get out of hand. On the other hand, we must not let the populace choose their own leader, for the majority is either socialist or uneducated, and sometimes even both! There must be a specially-nominated body of educated men who will decide the fate of Marianne!"

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMAIL

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870

"We suspect the larger reason why there is no representative of the French government is because there is no French government. The land of Gaul lies in anarchic shambles, and a Royal is our best chance at stability.

"But you have a point, sir. There still remains a war involving the North German Confederation, the South German Kingdom, and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. And as long as such a war lasts, there can be no rebuilding nor rejuvenation.

"Therefore We beseech to the representatives of Berlin and Vienna; what crimes have been committed have long been repaid, all three aggressors -- Bonaparte, Trochu, Favre -- have been vanquished, the land destroyed four times over. Forsooth, the many crimes France has inflicted Egypt has been forgiven, and repaid tenfold."

"This war is already won, Your Royal Majesties and Honourable Gentlemen. Let this war end now, uti possidetis."

Sultan Isma'il retired for the moment.

[Of the Quendi]

The City of Cairo
Cairo Governorate
The Sultanate of Egypt

---

Count Dmitry Alekseyevich Milyutin, Minister of War of Russia

September 21st, 1870

---

Calmly returning the gaze of the aggressive and uncompromising Austro-Hungarian delegate Milyutin pondered where the boldness and courage of the old empire came. Two crushing defeats over little more then a ten year period had hardly given the Austrians much cause for bravado. "If the participation of France in war is cause for exclusion from this conference one could ask if not Austria-Hungary ought be excluded as well, monsieur." Milyutin replied politely, taking a certain childish pleasure from addressing the man in French.

But the guilty pleasure of humor put aside Milyutin was concerned. The Austro-Hungarian insistence on retaining control of Corsica and Algeria, crucial French territories, was unacceptable. Russia had formulated a plan for what it could and could not accept when it came to peace terms. Alsace-Lorraine for Prussia and a war indemnity was pretty much it. The weakening of the French colonial empire or naval forces was, simply put, insufferable. Not only would such a weakening give the British Empire a free hand in Africa, Asia and the high seas but it would leave no power in Europe able to stand up to Prussia, should such a need ever rise.

The Russian position was therefore simple, a humiliation of France would be met with a proportional Russian response. "France is due to pay indemnities to the country they attacked; Prussia. The fact that Austria-Hungary chose to escalate the Franco-Prussian War does not warrant giving Austria-Hungary any indemnities and it would greatly displease the Russian Empire should Austria-Hungary choose to keep territories and lands to which it has no right." Milyutin spoke.

Then, with a sigh, he reluctantly decided to entertain the discussion of the future leadership of France if just for a few minutes to convince the Egyptian and Austrian delegations of the futility of what they proposed. "As for the leadership of France I fail to see why it should concern anyone outside France. That the communards cannot be allowed to remain in force should be clear to all, but what further happens to France can't possibly concern this conference. Russia most certainly will not spend its resources to install an unpopular regime only to see it fall on lack of popular support, have we not been there before?" Milyutin said, hesitating only for a moment to consider if perhaps it would have been wise to let Austria and Egypt install some unpopular puppet only to see their influence in France vaporize with the first revolutionary revolt in the unstable country, before deciding not to lead them on.

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMAIL

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870

Oh, the leviathan he had unleashed.

"Settle down, Honourable Gentlemen, and lay your quarrels to rest.

"It appears this discussion has detracted our attention from the predicament. Truly, We have misjudged; this is not the place nor the time. The matter shall be dropped entirely.

"Moving on, it is clear that whoever shall be the shepherd of the flock of France shall have a tough time ahead of him, that much is certain. The proposed International Society for the Rebuilding of France will need the necessary funds and support to achieve its goal. Therefore Egypt pledges £500,000 for the moment to launch this endeavour.

"This amount shall be channelled into the reconstruction and restoration of Paris.

"We further propose that the Society shall be chaired by a representative each from all of the nations gathered in this conference today. The charity of rebuilding of France shall therefore be shared by all, and in this vein, the cordial bond and understanding may be further strengthened. The committee shall further be headed by a representative of France.

"Moreover, the International Society shall be supplied with ample experts and officials of varying skills and merits to heal the wound that has been inflicted. Architects, city planners, agricultural overseers, et cetera., from the nations of this Conference. Shall this be satisfactory?

"This much, in Egypt's opinion, should do for now. Should all these terms be agreed to, the Conference shall adjourn to the next agenda."

[Kryskov]

Earl Granville, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, waited for the three delegations to stop talking. Suddenly, he was cut off by the Egyptian delegation's proposal to move on.

"Hold on for one minute, Sultan. The government of the United Kingdom is offended by the disregard for our previous political agreements with France. The United Kingdom has guaranteed the French Third Republic's body and constitution as the only legitimate government in France, and any attempts to install an alternate government will be viewed as an act of aggression." Granville continued, this time on the rebuilding of France.

"Furthermore, the UK will pledge 500,000 in addition to our pre-arranged support with the government. However, it is not in the best interests of the French nor the Egyptians for Egyptian personnel to be sent to France, given the barbaric actions of Egyptian troops previously there. The UK also demands that France assemble its own architects, planners, and etc, only sending outside personnel to perform an advisory role. France will need to stand on its own feet, and this will reduce outside influence anyways."

[Brissia]

"To add on to what Mister Granville said," Gustaf nodded at Earl, acknowledging his point, "Egypt, as a state, had no involvement in the Franco-German War. Egyptian troops were under the Austro-Hungarian border, thus being representatives of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The Egyptian troops were, pardon my wording, mercenaries, hired during the establishment of the Vienna Accords. Thus, the state of Egypt should have no involvement in the future of France."

Korabel'nikov realized that if he allied himself with Granville, Austria would have a higher chance of retaining its colonies and naval assets. Gustaf planned to follow the path of Prussia, forming a strong bond with the United Kingdom.

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMAIL

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870

His face was a composed mask that hid the incredulity inside, bemoaning what Austria would think it could achieve by aligning with Britain; the balance of power demanded a France with colonies.

"Twenty-three Egyptian Auxiliary Divisions,", he half-corrected, half-protested. "And France, ever the aggressor who had committed crimes against the people of Egypt, made this as much our war as it was the Prussians'. Though We do not believe France had committed any aggression against the Monarchy of the Danube, no?"

"Regardless, the war must end at once, and all parties, whether involved or not, must do their part in rebuilding France. Human decency demands it."

Turning to the British diplomat that had refused to address him by his proper style, he spoke. "Mr. Granville, there is none such republic at the moment. Trochu's Government was ousted in the coup of Paris, and Favre's deigned to step down after a humiliating surrender at Versailles. We imagine their remnants, if not already mobbed and lynched by the wrathful populace of France, have fled to the greener pastures."

"Due to the power vacuum, Egypt and Prussia had thought it best that the Emperor returned to the throne. We would not have acted so had We known the Third Republic's position as the only legitimate government of France had been guaranteed."

"Your word is kept for the present, and if it is the will and aspiration of the people, a Republic shall be restored. Egypt shall not intervene in this respect any longer."

"While the usage of 'barbaric' could be argued, it was indeed unbefitting for Toulon to be taken under cover of night, and the inadvertent outbreak of smallpox in Versailles, though contained swiftly with barely any losses, remains deplorable."

"But agreeing this much, the Society shall only serve a financial purpose, and will be fully staffed by native Frenchmen."

Sultan Isma'il turned to the window, the sun already breaking into noon.

[Of the Quendi]

The City of Cairo
Cairo Governorate
The Sultanate of Egypt

---

Count Dmitry Alekseyevich Milyutin, Minister of War of Russia

September 21st, 1870

---

Milyutin observed with curiosity as the Austro-Hungarian delegate seemingly disowned the Egyptian minister in his eagerness to agree with Lord Granville. Casting a discreet glance towards the sultan Milyutin felt a little sympathy for the man. To have taken his backward savage nation out of darkness and towards civilization only to find his closest ally indifferent couldn't be nice. Was the ground burning under the Egyptian Empire, Milyutin wondered.

That was however of little concern to Russia and Milyutin soon turned from the sultan towards Lord Granville. The traditionally cool relations between the United Kingdom and the Russian Empire had improved much of late. Maybe one day the two countries could even be allies. That did however not make Milyutin concerned about the near omnipotence the British navy achieved the moment the Egyptian and Austrians shortsightedly partitioned the French Navy. The Franco-German War, though the United Kingdom had not been a participant, had made the United Kingdom the sole master of the seas.

It would have concerned Milyutin if not for the pro-French tendencies of Granville and his Liberal compatriots. They seemed to understand that it was not in their interest to keep France from becoming strong again, they seemed willing to compromise and they too seemed concerned by the toppling of political order on the continent. They where not the foe at the Cairo Conference. "I am sure we can all appreciate the Egyptian contribution, measly as it may be, to the reconstruction of France." Milyutin declared looking over at the isolated sultan caught between an angry Britain and an indifferent Austria. "Russia certainly can." He stated adamantly giving the man a polite nod of his head.

Turning to the Austrian delegate Milyutin quickly continued. "But you are right monsieur Korabel'nikov, the responsibility for what crimes Egyptian soldiers committed in France ultimately lies with Austria-Hungary under whose authority these mercenaries where. Lord Granville has already generously committed a half million pounds, guileless as the British government is in this matter, our impoverished African hosts has done the same though the soldiers was not under Egyptian colors, and Russia, equally blameless shall follow suit. What then shall be the contribution of the mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire, culpable as it is of the massacre in Paris? From so esteemed an empire I would expect no less than a hundredfold as generous a donation as the one given by Egypt." Milyutin declared.

[Kryskov]

"And, to tack on to what Mr. Milyutin has suggested, we wish to see the safe return of Algeria and some French naval vessels back to the Third Republic." Granville took time to observe the room. Austria was seemingly closer to Britain, but Granville would not be fooled. Austria was just as loathed as the French, except this time there were fewer powers to control it. Egypt seemed to cling to the stupid idea that France had been the aggressor. How could these Muzzie savages know better? Granville considered that thought before dismissing the Egyptians as ignorant. Russia, though, was the real key. Britain needed good relations with the Third Rome.

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMAIL OF EGYPT AND THE SUDAN

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870

By his own beard, Isma'il had certainly lost the vigour of his youth. As a young man he had mastered the intrigues of decadent Istanbul, charmed the personalities of the West, survived the onslaught of his half-uncle who wanted the throne to pass to his own son (a tragedy then, his drowning in the Nile -- if not for Nubar he would have gone down with him), and won battles with poisonous tongues with the Sultan as well as those of lead in the Sudan.

As khedive, he had brought the West to Egypt, constructing more railroads per habitable kilometer square than any other nation where it once had none, created a booming industry with Western machinery that rivalled Western dominion, phased out slavery. As khedive, Egypt boomed and rose like the disk of the sun from the depths of the Nile; as khedive, Egypt was poised to be an equal of the West.

But it could not.

It was then that the Sultan realised the folly of his life's works. He may have held the largest colonies in Africa; he may have owned the engineering feat that was the Suez Canal; he may have possessed territories from Senegal in the west to Canton in the East; he may have been more progressive than the Ottoman Empire; he may have dealt the killing blow to the Great Power that was France; he may have had the Venus de Milo on display in the Cairene Museum; he may have been the staunch protector of the Christians and the Jews and all the various races under his dominion.

But as long as he was the backwards Oriental, the olive-skinned Savage, the shifty-eyed Musulman, the spawn of Ishmael, the barbaric Easterner; as long as he was the Other, Egypt would never be seen an equal. No matter if Egypt had the entire Nile Valley under its sway, and the hoards of gold of Timbuktu, and the dark jungles of the Congo; no matter if the lands of Egypt drifted from Africa and attached itself to Europe; no matter if the world was burning and Egypt held the only way out.

Egypt would never be an equal of the West.

Egypt would never be the West.

While a rebellious fire now burnt in his eyes, it also meant that Isma'il had to do the one thing he despised the most. The one thing he had been taught all his life. The one thing that had kept him safe from the ire of his half-uncle the Khedive. The one thing that bought him another day all his life. The one thing he hadn't taught his children, in shame of what he had become. The one thing he excelled in.

Isma'il had to suck up to the West.

"We suppose We must concede, Mr. Milyutin is correct. As soon as the auxiliaries arrived on the shores of France, Egypt no longer held any sway over them; the chain of command was passed to Austria, and as such were entirely under the will and volition of the Dual Monarchy as well as its banner.

"Truly, any victories achieved by the 'mercenaries' would be attributed to the high command and good intelligence of the Danube. And vice versa."

Tongue-in-cheek, Isma'il made an effort not to remind to himself the vast sums of booty he had taken from the campaign lest it was betrayed upon his visage.

"Recognising Egypt has not much to offer in terms of financial aid, it is the Nile's understanding that so many houses were torn asunder with shot and shell, dysentery and cholera spread like wildfire in the aftermath, and much farmland was devastated in the advance through the Rhineland. Therefore Egypt offers £200,000 more worth in blankets, medicine and food at the moment, for it is the lowest rungs of society that were hit hard by the conflict. More aid shall come from Egypt, if that is to be the will of this Congress." His empty glass was refilled with more refreshing spring water.

[The Norrland]

---

---

21st September 1870

Cairo

---

King Charles was sitting listening to the foreign delegations take their turns at speaking, when he finally decided to join the conversation.
"Although I have been hearing rumors about the current state of French military, economics and politics, I am still not entirely certain as to what is actually happening in the French Republic. All that I am certain about, is that the North German Confederation has seized the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine, and that a socialist revolution is currently underway. May one of you please enlighten me on what has happened thus far in said revolution?" The King asked the men sat around the table.

---

[Timothia]

The Empire of Brazil
Señor Lucas Carvelho, newly assigned Ambassadorto Egypt

---

This was Lucas' first major appointment of his life. He had gone through all the years of primary school, he had been educated at both Oxford and Harvard, and then he had spent four years as a history professor in Rio de Janeiro. He had met with several senior diplomats, but he had never actually held a post. He had applied as a diplomat, and his credentials clearly separated him from the rest of the crowd.

Within the last two months, he had gone through intense mental and educational training so that he could join the diplomatic staff in Istanbul. But the world was rapidly changing, especially in matters of international politics. Who - just a few short months ago - would have imagined that the Ottomans would splinter like they had? Everything had changed so much in 1870, the entire planet had turned itself upside down. When it was all over, he was forced into a position he had never dreamed of holding: Head Ambassador to Egypt.

As he was setting up the embassy in Cairo, he heard about a conference that was being planned in Cairo. He found that hard to believe at first, but then he was shocked to discover not only that there was as conference, but that it would involve all of the major powers. It seemed to be a primarily-European affair, and then he received an official telegram from the Emperor Dom Pedro II.

He had been assigned to represent Brazil at the Cairo Conference.

Here he was, sitting near some of the most influential men in the world. He was outgoing by nature, but the magnitude of the stage he was on caused him to hold his tongue quietly. He figured that he should allow everyone else to do the speaking so that he wouldn't embarrass Brazil. Before the end of the conference, he would bring up the western tip of Africa. His orders were to acquire land in west Africa, so he didn't plan on bringing it up until it was appropriate.

So there he sat, silently taking in his first experience and waiting for someone to address him.

[Phoenix2012]

North German Confederation
Norddeutscher Bund

---

Otto Von Bismarck, Chancellor of the North German Federation

Bismarck listened to the conversation, somewhat troubled by the matter at hand: the Fate of France. He had already made up his mind. He would support Britain over Austria, but hopefully improving relations with Russia as well...

"As I understand it, since Austria claims responsibility for the actions of the Egyptian Troops, who fought for the Austrians in France, then Austria should take full responsibility for the results of Egypt's actions. Indeed, I see no reason why Austria will not contribute an extra sum for the damages that have resulted from their decisions. The sum that Mr.Milyutin has named seems perfectly agreeable. As to Earl Granville's suggestions, I find them perfectly agreeable. An independent France will better stabilize the Balance of Power in Europe, and I support that the former teritorry of Algeria be returned to French rule."

He sat back, waiting for others to contribute or react to his decision...

[Brissia]

'Indeed, the Egyptian troops were under Austro-Hungarian jurisdiction, and thus my nation takes full responsibility for them. However, it is in the Dual Monarchies understanding that since those troops were under Austro-Hungarian jurisdiction, Austria-Hungary has the right to punish them as our government see's fit."

Gustaf turned towards the Sultan, his face stone cold. "Therefore, I ask the Sultanate of Egypt to either provide the names of the troops who have taken part in this massacre, and give permission to the Austro-Hungarian gendarme to search for them, or for the Sultanate to give the criminals to Austria-Hungary, so that they may be judged for their actions against the French government. Furthermore, they are to be punished for their lack of discipline and for disobeying orders."

"As for Austrian Algeria..." Korabel'nikov turned to Bismarck, who had seemed to change greatly over the year. "If our goal is a stable and non-socialist France, do you really think that Algeria will help in achieving that goal? A colony requires money, resources, law enforcement! I can hardly believe that France, in it's current state, can provide such things to control Algeria. Algeria will only prove to be a burden to the barely-existing state. Therefore, I propose that Austria have control over Algeria until France is rejuvenated, and give it back once the current French government feels that it is ready to take on such a weight."

"Austria-Hungary will aid in the restoration of France, both monetarily and physically. Our troops are currently lazying around, waiting for a peace treaty to be made, and some work will do good for them."

[Kryskov]

"Perhaps we can reach a more reasonable agreement with Algeria. I propose that Austria and Britain turn the Algerian colony into a Trust Territory. Under this classification, Algeria would technically belong to France, though it would be placed under our joint, international administration until a time where the Socialists can be pacified and the Republic restored. On the fact, we wish to ask that Austrian troops aid our war effort once more and rescue the democratic government in Tours."

[Phoenix2012]

North German Confederation
Norddeutscher Bund

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Otto Von Bismarck, Chancellor of the North German Federation

Bismarck nodded in agreement with Gustaf's statement about the Punishment of Egyptian troops.
Of course, if you claim responsibility for the actions, it would be fit for you to find and punish the offenders.

Regarding Algeria, I did not mean that Algeria would be forced back into an uncapable French rule, but for it to be returned to France when the time is right. For your nation's actions in France, I think that you'll see it fit for you to help, along with Britain, to manage the territorry of Algeria for the time being. Of course, such a thing would only be temporary, until a successful French government can re-establish order...

[The Norrland]

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King Charles XV

Cairo

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After listening to what Karl said, he had informed him of the current state of affairs before moving back to behind his King, he leaned forward upon hearing something about the state of French affairs in Algeria.
"Would a 'capable' French Government include the newly founded French Commune, if they were to be able to secure control over their nation's entire military and economy?" The King asked.

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