Die Konferenz von Kairo - IC 1870 REAL WORLD RP

[Brissia]

Gustaf was astounded. Not only had Bismarck openly agreed to the expansion of Britain's influence, but King Charles had also openly suggested a possibility of the Habsburgs supporting a socialist France. Truly, the world was going mad.

"Your Majesty...", Korabel'nikov tried to hide his surprise, "such a possibility is impossible, and not just because of the Communards radical ideology! The nature of their structure gives way to destabilization. They'll never rise to true power. However...if the Commune does indeed somehow take control of the military and economy, I am sure that the powers of Europe will be quick to crush it."

The German quickly glanced at Milyutin before addressing the British delegate. "I don't believe that Britain should have any claims to Algeria. Britain had no involvement in the Franco-German War, and the matters of France, and of her possible territories, should be kept to those who sacrificed their men to fight the French, the three states of Central Europe: the Northern German Confederation, the Southern German Kingdom, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire."

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMAIL OF EGYPT AND THE SUDAN

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870

Baffl'd, Isma'il humoured the farce.

Mustafa Fahmi spoke on his behalf. "Very well. After a brief period of inquest and a formal investigation, such a list of all those culpable and responsible shall be handed over to the fair hands of Austro-Hungary whom, His Majesty prays, shall seek the truth to the matter.

"And if such allegations prove true, then we pray that no quarter shall be given upon the guilty hands."

Isma'il still wondered, though, what massacre they were all talking about. And if it was related to the British ultimatum.

The King now spoke. "We may have had our quarrels, but they must end here. What is imperative, what is paramount, is that we all agree on the single premise. That the Commune is not wanted in France, nor in Europe. That the Commune's days are numbered, and that it shall stand alone in the ruined houses, in the shattered avenues of Paris."

"The illegal regime built upon the bones of Trochu shall be as the Cadmus that fifty-five years ago sowed the land with dragon's teeth. Armed men emerged in 1848, and it will do the same again. Truly, has Europe forgotten the price they paid in the rise of the Petit Corporal? Does it not remember the price our ancestors paid, the sacrifices our forefathers made?

"There shall be nought but chaos, blood, and death to emerge. If Sweden and Prussia are apt to see fields of blood and ash, they shall be alone in this astute master plan. If His Majesty King William wishes to see the Rhine run red, then so be it."

"What is imperative, what is paramount, is that no measure of force shall be withheld to extinguish the fire of revolution."

"Blanqui delenda est."

[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

---

As the Austrian delegate quickly and mercilessly returned fire at the Egyptians rather than go into specifics as to how Austria would aid in the restoration of France, certainly without addressing the number Milyutin had proposed, the Minister got a feeling that perhaps his, not particularly tactful, remarks had hit a nerve. But rather than pursue the issue, as perhaps Gorchakov would have wished to do, Milyutin was happy to move on; for the time being.

The count coughed politely. "I wish to associate myself with the remarks of His Majesty Sultan Ismail. My government feel obligated to speak at this conference for those who no longer has a voice to raise. For monsieur Trochu who in the most vile manner was slain by the Communard monsters. If we permit monsieur Blanqui and his unlawful regime to prosper in France how long before the anarchistic and communistic groups in each of our countries will use similar methods. The Emperor of Austria and Russia both know the fear of daggers in the night, let us not permit those who would wield them to grow in power. Blanqui delenda est, indeed." The Minister spoke.

After a moment's pause to let his words sink in Milyutin spoke again. "Pertaining to the matter of Algeria recognition of Algeria as property of France is vital to my government, how the territory is handled until the resurrection of a true and just form of government in France is a matter I consider less of a priority. The first priority must be to build a France worthy of possession of Algeria."

[Phoenix2012]

North German Confederation
Norddeutscher Bund

---

Otto Von Bismarck, Chancellor of the North German Federation

"I fear that my intentions have been misunderstood."Bismarck remarked,
"I did not mean in any way to suggest that I support the Commune. I don't. A socialist France is very much undesireable. I fully expect that the Commune will collapse soon. What I intended to suggest was for us to oversee the establishment of a capable government in France, not to help the Commune rise to power. I will see to it that the Commune cooperate with our efforts. And as to Algeria, I did not mean that Britain should have any claim to it, but only to help rebuilding if they should offer to do so. I agree that the Nations involved in the war are those who should oversee the rebuilding, but I do not object to those willing to help the funding of it. I do hope that I have cleared any misunderstanding of my intentions."

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMAIL OF EGYPT AND THE SUDAN

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870

"Then I propose, 1. The contracting parties shall neither aid, support, nor commend the illegitimate Paris Commune and its actions.

"2. The Fourth Republic shall be recognised as the only legitimate government of France.

"3. The borders of the Fourth Republic shall remain uti possidetis."

"4. A ceasefire shall be declared between the North German Confederation, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, and the South German Kingdom on the one part and the Fourth Republic on the other part, until such a time when a general peace has been ratified by all parties.

"5. The present custodianship of the territory of Algeria shall be decided amongst the North German Confederation, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, and the South German Kingdom.

"6. Said custodian(s) shall be given mandate to administer Algeria in France's name until such a time that France may reassert its lawful possession of the territory, whereupon the territory of Algeria shall be returned to France both in name and in actuality.

"7. The contracting parties will refrain from all agitation or propaganda against the governments or all state and military institutions of the Fourth Republic of France.

"8. The International Society for the Rebuilding of France shall be the sole legitimate representative tasked with channeling aid to France.

"9. The International Society for the Rebuilding of France shall be staffed with French citizens only.

"10. The contracting parties shall each contribute a minimum sum of £500,000 in any shape or form."

Isma'il took a quick glance around the room. "All in favour?"

[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

---

It didn't take Milyutin long to find his first objections against the Sultan's proposed treaty. "Let me first of all declare that the Russian Empire does not know this fourth republic. The present legitimate government of France is the third republic led by monsieur Theirs." Milyutin declared before turning his attention to the more serious issues he found in the treaty. The border delineation. "Furthermore the Russian Empire completely rejects the article three. The Russian Empire has on prior occasions made clear that it believes that the French department of Bas-Rhin, most of Haut-Rhin and Moselle and parts of Meurthe shall be seceded to the North German Confederation in general and Prussia in specific in recognition of the French responsibility for the war between France and Prussia. But that third parties shall benefit from this war by seizing other French territories Russia shall not condone. Any unlawful seizure by bellicose third parties of French territories and assets shall be viewed with the utmost skepticism in Saint Petersburg." Milyutin declared, gazing at both the sultan and the Austrian.

The Minister paused for a moment before picking article ten as another point of contestation. "Furthermore, although my proposal that Austria-Hungary ought pay a hundredfold more to the reconstruction of France than Egypt was not exactly meant literally I happen to concur with Chancellor Bismarck that the sum may not be improper. For Austria-Hungary to pay fifty million pounds sterling I consider proper and prudent." Milyutin stated. "In finality, though perhaps not the most important of issues, the proposed solution for Algeria does not much behoove the Russian Empire. All participants at this conference should jointly decide any custodianship for French territories held in trust for the Third Republic." Milyutin spoke.

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMAIL OF EGYPT AND THE SUDAN

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870

"Monsieur Milyutin, the Third Republic of Jules Favre has stepped down; at present a republic no longer exists. The Third Republic is gone, therefore a new Republic must be restored in its stead. What name it bears is irrelevant, though for now it shall be called, within these halls at least, the Fourth."

As for Adolphe, however, this pleased the Potentate greatly. "Indeed, We concur, a Government headed by Thiers is a most prudent solution, and We are confident that under his wise governance France may find itself back in the Concert of Europe. But as you say, it would be best to leave the Frenchman alone for the moment regarding their choice in leadership."

But Egypt's colonies... The colonies, were they truly needed? Canton, Saigon, Dakar — what good did it bring to the Nile, when its sole purpose now was to unite the Nile Basin?

With a concealed grimace, Isma'il nodded. "While that may seem to be the case, France must, too, acknowledge its responsibility in unwarranted aggression and violence culminating with dishonourable attacks on Belgium and Egypt. If Alsace-Lorraine and the lives of countless thousands of Frenchmen is such a payment for the death of a single Prussian ambassador, then We must agree that Senegal and Cochinchina at the very least would be the cost for the lives of seven-and-fifty and many more within Egypt's protection cut down and torn by the Frenchman's hand."

Breathe. Breathe. His heart wasn't as good as it was in his youth, but it challenged his worn physique; it was something that greatly troubled the scion of Muhammad Ali. It was a matter of family. Britain and Russia, they would not care for the fact that the French had killed their diplomats — it was not only his honour that he had defended.

"For the blood of the Nile on Marianne's hands, for the blood of British and Russian ambassadors on Marianne's hands, and for the blood of my own lord uncle on Marianne's hands. But if such is to be your will, Monsieur Milyutin, then We shall see to it that the return of France's rightful territories is discussed with a representative of the legitimate French Government when such a body actually rules over Paris for once, and the tricolour flies over Versailles again."

Isma'il forced a breath into his lungs, blanking the rage out for the moment. A smile resumed to perch atop his visage. The French-influenced decoupage of the Shepheard's glowered in the afternoon sun; verily, it was almost time for lunch, and it would not do best to stall lest their stomachs growl — lest his stomach growl.

"But very well, is Austria's gift to be delineated before the others, as the Russian plenipotentiary proposes?

"And if the fate of Algeria is to be decided anytime soon, then it must be now. Algeria: French in name, French in actuality, or French in the future?"

[Phoenix2012]

North German Confederation
Norddeutscher Bund

---

Otto Von Bismarck, Chancellor of the North German Federation

Bismarck was somewhat taken back by the Egyptian's remark about the French territories. While he mostly agreed with the Russian, there were a few points he wanted to add...

I readily agree with Mr. Milyutin's proposals, and in addition, I would like to express that the ceasefire proposed will not be accepted by Prussia without a formal surrender on the part of the French government. Mr. Milyutin's proposals about the French departments are indeed valid. I do deem it wise to support Mr. Thiers as the head of the new Republic. It would be best if the political management of French colonies, including Algeria, are left to those directly involved in the war, namely, the North German Confederation, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, and the South German Kingdom, until the French government has recovered sufficiently.

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

KING ISMAIL OF EGYPT AND THE SUDAN

Cairo, Cairo Governate
21 September 1870

"It cannot be that you are foreign to the act of negotiating a general peace, Monsieur Bismarck; the Bavarian Subduction was just six months ago."

Had he caught the madness Alexander II possessed? Would it spread within these very halls?. "An armistice on both sides will buy ample time for you and yours to discuss the French surrender. You may set your terms upon the negotiating tables, if that is to be your wish, but the fighting must cease; the children have wept enough."

"As for our mutual friend, while it would be in the interests of Egypt for Adolphe Thiers to be installed at the helm of the Republic, that will mean direct intervention in French affairs; we have already discussed this intimately.

"But perish the thought, for the present moment, at least. It would be gauche to deny a guest the luxury of a good lunch, and it is waiting for you in the next hall. We shall resume our discussions after a short one-hour break."

[Seljuq Kyiv]

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MISRIYYAH

CHANCELLOR NUBAR PASHA

Cairo, Cairo Governate
24 September 1870

The Armenian Chancellor grinned. "This brings us, Your Royal Majesties and Honourable Gentlemen, to the true purpose of our congress."

With a gesture, attendants unfurled charts and maps upon the hewn mahogany, under the glittering chandeliers of the Hotel, every crystal a veritable sun that shifted on the paper.

http://i.imgur.com/fJXVbGk.png

Nubar Pasha cleared his nicotine-ridden throat; he'd had one too many Greek cigarettes."As of present, here are the current borders of territories upon the Dark Continent under effective occupation. An approximation of our best cartographers, of course, but it should suit our purposes.

"Our first question is to determine the legitimacy of Swedish settlements in Southwest Africa, just off the border from present British settlements, and whether they are a threat to British sovereignty; and while we are at it the present borders shall be acknowledged uti possidetis, yes?"

If matters ran smoothly, the pie would be opened, and the birds would begin to sing.

[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

---

Enjoying his lunch privately Milyutin was lost in pondering how best to accomplish the Russian ambition of derailing the Cairo Conference's division of Africa. Not simply because Milyutin was generally opposed to the subjugation of Africa by European powers, he could vividly picture what his dear brother Nikolay would have had to say about such a partitioning, but because a partition in 1870 would be a disaster. Perhaps the Egyptians and Austrians was blind to the problem but Russia was not. Only one country in the world could prevent the United Kingdom from dominating Africa, if a partition was decided without it while it was weak then British hegemony was certain.

Therefore the obvious course of action would have been for Milyutin to ally with Egypt, or even Austria-Hungary to prevent British domination. Yet Milyutin felt not the least bit inclined to do so. Though initially taken by the Egyptians, the promise of an ally able to strike the Turk in the rear while Russia struck at the front, the meteoric and, in Milyutin's opinion, unstable, rise of the African country had unnerved Russia. So strange as it was Milyutin was more inclined to support the British threat then the Egyptian promise, certainly he favored it over the Austro-Hungarian ambition. The British aspirations where far more sensible and agreeable than the Egyptian and Austrian ones.

So when the Egyptian chancellor reconvened the conference Milyutin instead of returning to the negotiation table immediately penned a quick note handing it to one of his aides. "Please deliver this to Lord Granville." Milyutin stated before heading back to the negotiation table.

My Lord,

I would like to ask for a private discussion on the matter of Namibia, and the Swedish colonization of Africa. The Russian Empire may be willing to persuade Sweden to concede it claims to Namibia.

Count Dmitry Milyutin

[Timothia]

The Empire of Brazil
Señor Lucas Carvelho

---

The time had come for Lucas to speak up. He wanted to avoid making any mistakes, but he also wanted to avoid coming across as nervous. Brazil had her ambitions and ends which they intended to get to, and Lucas aimed to achieve those ends.

"If I may, highnesses and gentlemen..." Lucas finally spoke up. It almost seemed like the other participants were surprised, but Lucas pressed forward with what he intended to say.

"This pertains - be it somewhat indirectly - to the question at hand. The Empire of Brazil is quite interested in obtaining colonies along the currently-unsettled coastline of Western Africa: that is our primary goal in this conference. We do not wish to challenge any of the currently-established claims or already-settled coastlines, but we do worry that our projected claims would conflict with other nations. We are prepared to settle and spare no expense on this land as part of this conference. We intend to colonize the unsettled portions of this region." Lucas swept his fingers across the map, then quickly drew his hand back. "With the blessing of the honorable and royal members of this Conference, of course."

[The Norrland]

Cairo, Egypt

September 21st 1870

King Charles had finished his lunch and returned to the table. It been quite a good meal, to say the least. When he returned, he saw Chancellor Pasha leaning over a map of Africa, and talking of the to be Swedish Colony north of British South Africa.

The King sat down, and begun to speak.
"You must be mistaken, Chancellor Pasha, for our colonists are not predicted to arrive for another few months. As for the matters of a threat to British South Africa, that is nonsense. We have no intention whatsoever of contesting any other sovereign nation's claims to the Dark Continent, if they are backed up with physical expressions of said claims.

The only thing we ask is that Britain nor any other nation does not order the expansion of their lands or colonies to be set up between the site of our to be colony, and the Portuguese territory to the north."

[Seljuq Kyiv]

A temporary timeskip to the 24th to settle this matter, at least, before we get into anything else, so that 1875 can arrive much sooner. As in my post above.