Edge of Europe - A Belgian Interactive AAR

[Scrapknight]

Non-Secret Ballots: Aye

Excellent work on the part of the Ministry of Justice. This is a great day for the rights of the Belgian people.

 

[Jako473]

I would like to announce that I am joining the armed forces. I have had training, as most nobles had, and would feel that my best assets would best be served in the military.

-Arthur Van Der Goltz

 

[G.K.]

Gentlemen, please excuse my recent absentions in the parliament, but I have been very busy with my duties as Prime Minister. Anyway, here I am, and I'll hopefully address at least some of the most pressing issues:

At first, let me welcome our new delegates, especially Mr. de Ruyter and Mr. van der Wyngaert. It is pleasant to know that your father's legacy goes on, Mr. van der Wyngaert. You can acheive great things in the future, young man. I will most certainly reserve some time to visit your father's club sometimes.

Bishop van Buskirk, and others, thank you for your support of our ambitious plans. As for the MoW memo you could have seen, we are not resigning on building up our military. We just need to wait until the budget is stabilized, so that our new armament plans, mostly focusing on our naval power, can be enacted. The expansion efforts can wait for now, at least until our army is ready. After all, while respecting HM's wish to seek for alliance - and I assure you that Mr. Aerts is doing his best - we also realize that Belgium must be ready to fight alone, if needed.

As for the recent reforms by Mr. Peeters, I'm glad to see that they enjoy such wide support.

Non-Secret Ballots: Yes

And finally, let me be the first who welcomes you into service, Mr. van der Goltz. I believe you shall serve Belgium with courage and - most of all - loyalty.

 

[ThunderHawk3]

De Graaf 1851-1852: Alliance and Albania​

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The knife-edge GLP-led liberal coalition in victory in the 1851 General Elections left De Graaf to form a government with two deputy Prime Ministers and appoint officials from three parties. Eventually, the GLP ceded three ministries - Commerce, Justice, and Education - to the NDP and War to the CUP. Most importantly, the treasury remained with the Moderate Liberals. Pierre-Claude de Espaňa would head the treasury for the De Graaf government. Under de Espaňa's implementation of laissez-faire policies, the tax burden on both the lower and middle classes were reduced considerably from their post-war highs under Beauffort. This, combined, with the passage of the Non-Secret Ballots amendment to end the widespread practice of political gerrymandering (which was passed by the first and only unanimous vote in the Chamber of Deputies on any significant piece of Belgian legislation in the nation's history) quickly shaved away at the revolutionary attitudes that blossomed in wartorn Flanders. By mid-1851, the radical Flemish Liberation Movement and its militant counterpart had ceased to exist.

Unfortunately for De Espaňa, the tax cuts also reduced revenues to the point that the nation was deficit spending. The treasury would lose about 1000 francs a day until mid-June, when revenues suddenly spiked owing to the introduction of pit coal to the large Wallonian and Flemish coal industries. Modernization of the coal mining industry, heavily overseen by the Savarin Commerce Ministry, continued until 1852, when increased usage of railroads by mines and the introduction of coking brought government revenues back into the green. Budgetary surpluses were directed into the Van Dyke Education Ministry and the military, which was having problems of its own.

1. Coking greatly increased mining efficiency in Belgium​

At the start of 1851, the Belgian army numbered 60,000 standing, but this was not enough to satisfy King Prosper-Louis. He had made a demand of De Graaf that was far less reasonable than it had at first seemed: build a first-rate military or ally with another Great Power. The foreign office quickly ascertained that neither France nor the UK was interested in alliance with Belgium and turned to the North German Federation for possible support. However, despite warming relations between the two powers and continued overtures from Belgium, Aimus Aerts was forced to admit that Belgium was little closer to an alliance with the NGF in 1852 than they had been in 1850. The Interior Ministry, under Potiquet, coordinated an aggressive recruiting campaign in Flanders with Poisson and Diaz, but despite a 9,000-man increase in the army's size by mid-1852, Belgium actually slipped in terms of global military power.

While general economic prosperity might have been enough to please some, it was not enough to please the King - and neither, as it happened, was it enough to please Wilhelm Vanderhoof, who had returned to government as minister without portfolio. He used his position to explore the idea of Belgium's place in the mission to civilize, colonization, and imperialism. However - as was quite obvious to most observers - there was not a scrap of land considered habitable worldwide that had not already been settled or locked away by the greater seafaring powers. Some said that Vanderhoof considered proposing an invasion of the small Asian nation of Bali to the Prime Minister, but his ambitions were cut ironically short when, in the course of his investigation, he found that the Dutch were already plotting to establish a protectorate in Bali and he exposed their plans to the world.

2. The Netherlands already had a long history of colonial meddling in Bali by 1851​

The retirement of Jean-François van der Wyngaert, Viscount of Sint-Niklaas, who had led the Foreign Office since 1836 - refusing to leave his post even on account of coup and foreign invasion - hit Belgium hard. However, Aimus Aerts was able to successfully finish a long-running of scheme of Du Sint-Niklaas, and on September 17th, 1852, succeeded in convinced Brazil to sign a common market treaty with Belgium, bringing foreign rubber and tropical wood into the domestic markets. However, the success was very short lived. Just two weeks later, a greatly distressed messenger raced into the foreign office with an unsettling message: after years of boiling tensions in Eastern Europe, Russia had issued an ultimatum to the Ottomans demanding freedom for Albania. Belgium had been invited to an emergency conference in Vienna to attempt to resolve the matter. As a reply was urgently required though the conference was still some time off and the Prime Minister was not available, Aerts - acting on his own recognizance - announced that Belgium would attend the conference in Vienna. The announcement was published in all the papers the next day.

3. Ottoman rule in Albania dated back to the 15th century.​

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Player Actions Needed:
A crisis is brewing in Albania! The Russians demand Albanian freedom from the Ottomans and Belgium has joined Austria, the NGF, the UK, and France in declaring interest in the crisis.

You should determine - perhaps by vote - what Belgium should do and who to support.

 

[Jack LEagle]

((Are the Ottomans a Great Power?))

((Where do the other GP's stand on this issue?))

Hendrickx addresses the Chamber:

Fellow deputies, I confess a feeling of inadequacy when faced with this crisis. I have directed my political attention mostly to our domestic problems, and have not given much thought to the ins and outs of foreign affairs, particularly those that do not involve Belgium. Now we are faced with a decision that could have grave consequences, up to and including involvement in a major war!

I do not fault Minister Aerts for his decisive intervention to have Belgium join the Vienna conference. If we are to be a Great Power - and we are! - we must accept the burden of participating in international mediation and arbitration.

But I don't believe we are in a position at this moment to decide who, if anyone, we should back in this crisis. We lack crucial information about the details of the current European situation. I call on the Government to provide those details so that we all can intelligently debate and decide upon our future course.

I thank you for your kind attention.

Maarten Hendrickx, Deputy for Mons

 

[Tapscott]

Gentlemen, let me be blunt. We are in no position to wage a war against the Ottomans, especially if France, Britain or the NGF side with them. Our military is still very understaffed, and nothing short of a complete military mobilization will likely make us competitive in a war. We can only pick a side once we see where the rest of the other Great Powers stand, otherwise we risk annihilation.

~ Pieter Blauvelt

 

[yourworstnightm]

We need to cozy up to the Great Powers. I don't care about Russia and the Ottomans. But we should follow what Britain, France and the NGF does to better our relations with them. If however our neighbors seem to pick different sides, then we're in trouble. I don't envy the foreign ministry. Belgium should not be a battlefield over some damned foolish thing in the Balkans.

 

[Scrapknight]

I agree with Minister Aerts that coming to the Congress of Vienna was an extremely wise move. We need to show that we make our own fate, rather than letting the other powers play their games and decide for us.

What decision we should pursue is another matter. As the Commerce Ministry is responsible for international trade negotiations, I have some degree of experience in international affairs, and must say that I am torn. It is tempting, on the one hand, to argue for Albanian freedom, as they suffer under the yoke of a foreign power with whom they have irreconcilable differences, as we have. I have always stood for liberty, and that means liberty abroad as well. The Albanians more than deserve their own nation-state. On the other hand - and this is what more concerns me - the Albanians would simply be transferred from Ottoman domination to Russian domination. The Albanian state would be illiberal regardless of the victor in the Congress, so freeing it would be little (though nonzero) progress. Given that, let us look at the political reality: For all of their internal issues, I and frankly the rest of the Belgian nation have no quarrel with the Turks. All else being equal, I would like to see the empire under better hands, but the status quo works out well enough for most involved. Frankly, the empire is so weak and decentralized at this point that its Balkan domains almost have de facto autonomy anyway. Moreover, supporting the Russians a mere five years after they fought our men at Bruges and the Tsar swore the destruction of our state is unthinkable. If the British or French or even the Germans or Austrians would be the protectors of the new state, I would join their side, but this is clearly a brazen attempt by the Russians to carve out a new protectorate on the Mediterranean, something which any liberal with a conscience ought not to allow. I am therefore at this time inclined to support the Ottomans, but I am willing to hear arguments to the contrary.

On another note, Minister Vanderhoof, I am certain there must be some inhabitable territory we could reasonably claim. Is all of Indonesia already spoken for? What of Indochina? The Kingdoms of Cambodia, Dai Nam and Luang Prabang all face foreign encroachment, but speaking with the Vicomte du Sint-Niklaas at BEAC meetings, he was open to the possibility of investigating one of those regions. What of India? Surely there is some place we could at least acquire a port in.

 

[Marschalk]

Gentlemen, frankly speaking, I do not see, why Belgium should support the independence of Albania. It has been an Ottoman territory since 1431 – and even before that, it was never truly independent. Byzantine empire, Bulgaria, Serbia, different Angevin Crusader princes ruled this territories, having acquired them by conquest or colonization. Why should it suddenly become a sovereign state? In what way is it different from the absurd claims of the Flemish radical nationalists, who wanted secession? Should we encourage such things in other states, when we oppose them in Belgium?

Maybe, it is a matter of faith? No, a vast majority of Albanians is Muslim. Maybe, the population is oppressed? No, Albanian people occupy a privileged and outstanding position in the empire. Two dozen Grand Viziers were of Albanian descent, Albanians hold numerous administrative and military offices, they are the pillars of the Ottoman policies in the Balkans. So, why does this independence issue is suddenly being discussed? It is quite clear.

Different Albanian warlords and robber barons are encouraged by the Russian Bear. They want to return the country to the blessed feudal times, while the Tsar wants to turn this region into his playground. The Ottoman Empire is rather uncivilized – but this Albanian state, ruled by clan chiefs, will be even more so. It is not very good, that the Ottomans hold such vast territories, but will it be better, if Emperor Nicholas gets them? Why should we help our enemy, who tried to turn us into Dutch slaves, acquire another obedient puppet?

Actually, the main question for us is the following one: whom will UK and NGF support. We have warm and cordial relationships with the Germans, and try to improve them with the United Kingdom. It is important for us to work out the decision together with them.

- Jacques-Anne, Marquis de Beauffort, Deputy for Brabant

 

[Plutonium95]

I honestly do no care about the actual cause for this crisis, Albania will be no more free one way than it would be the other, we must instead look at the opportunity to further our own ends. What we must consider is the actions of the other great powers, specifically the NGF. From what I have heard it seems that the NGF and Great Britain are likely to back the Ottomans and the Russians and France are likely to back the Albanians. It seems like it should be obvious which side we should be backing, but I also feel that we should wait until we are sure that the Ottomans have their support, we don't want to find ourselves alone against France and Russia.

-Anthony M. Dewitt

 

[Ticket Cookie]

I can only agree with and support Mr. de Beauffort's wise words: the Albanians are certainly less oppressed under the Ottoman than under tsarist yoke.
Either way, we cannot afford a war against our neighbours on this issue, and I would tend to stay neutral, except if the UK and especially the North German Federation also support the Ottoman Empire.

I do hope that the Prime Minister will allow the Parliament to vote on the issue, as there is this time no hurry.

- Théodore Van der Noot, Marquis d'Assche and Deputy d'Haren.

((The OTL parallel ))

 

[SirkTheMonkey]

I believe that it would be in our best interests if Parliament were allowed a non-binding vote on what course the government should take with regards to the Albania Situation, with options for instance of supporting a side in the conflict, following the lead of one of the other great powers, or staying neutral. Then the government, through the Foreign Minister, will act with regard for not only the wishes of Parliament but also the complex and shifting scenario that the Congress is sure to present.
Alternatively, Parliament could appoint a multi-person delegation of those known to be reliable and available for immediate travel ((access to the Coldfront channel)) to attend the Congress with the Foreign Minister. This delegation would be given full authority to act on behalf of the Belgian people, their Parliament, and their King, with regard to the matters being dealt with. Decisions would be made by vote or consensus with one member, preferably the Foreign Minister if he can attend, having the power to break ties or deadlock.

- Leopold Percival Willems-Hopegood

 

[Harpsichord]

I am glad that by spearheading political reform I, along with my fellow Ministers, have calmed the revolutionary elements of Flanders. We used no force, we simply brought this nation and its people prosperity and good government. I hope that the Vlaamse Beweging will see that Liberals are not the enemy of Flanders.

 

[Gen. Marshall]

I congratulate the Cabinet! The people of Flanders are overjoyed, for the practices of Gerrymandering have finally been outlawed, and their voice will finally be heard.

They should hang the fellow who decided to claim Belgian interest in Albania, though. War is all well, but waging one to protect some Balkan people in a conflict as shady as Liberal election victories is ill-advised at best. Let's take on the Dutch instead, while the other Great Powers are busy.

- Josef P. de Ruyter, CUP member

 

[theAhawk]

I congratulate the Cabinet! The people of Flanders are overjoyed, for the practices of Gerrymandering have finally been outlawed, and their voice will finally be heard.

They should hang the fellow who decided to claim Belgian interest in Albania, though. War is all well, but waging one to protect some Balkan people in a conflict as shady as Liberal election victories is ill-advised at best. Let's take on the Dutch instead, while the other Great Powers are busy.

- Josef P. de Ruyter, CUP member

I would counsel my honourable friend against such hasty action. We are in no fit state to go about fighting a war, neither militarily nor fiscally. Indeed, I would extend this advice to our diplomats as the conference approaches - to commit ourselves to one side or other would be folly without either clear evidence of what is to be gained or where the wind is blowing.

---

((Vote breakdown for Non-Secret Ballots Reform:

Yes	21
No	0
Abs	15

Key:
Parties (clockwise from top): CCP, VB, Ind, CUP, MLP, NPD
Coalitions (clockwise from top): CCP, VB, Ind, Government
Votes: Green - Yes, Grey - Abstain, Red - No))

 

[yourworstnightm]

Belgium is in no shape for war against France, the UK or NGF. If our neighbors pick different sides we might just have to stay out of the mess. If they all pick one side we naturally join that one.

 

[Plutonium95]

I firmly believe we will not see a war over the independence of a small Balkan nation. What we will see is an opportunity to further our prestige in the world as well as the opportunity to show other nations that our views are in line with one another. We must simply bide our time until the sides are clear, then declare our support.

-Anthony M. Dewitt

 

[NikoHoI3]

I would like to start off by saying that I am glad our new Minister of Foreign Affairs has gone to Vienna, as a Belgian delegate, and not allow foreign nations to dictate this nation's foreign affairs. Furthermore, I would like to voice my opinion on the "Albanian Crisis". Our economy is slowly rebounding, we do not need to get ourselves involved in a foreign crisis which does not matter to the Belgian people, nor does it aid Belgium, as a whole, in anyway. I am a strong supporter of an isolationist agenda on foreign policy, and it is my belief, most Belgians are too. Therefore, I believe that this nation should remain neutral in the crisis, and focus our efforts on the economy.

Thibault Potiquet, Minister of Interior, Deputy for Tournai

 

[Davout]

I agree with M. Van Cock and M. de Beauffort that we should look to join whichever side the NGF and Great Britain join. Hopefully the weight of our support would then dissuade the opposing coalition from escalating the matter to war. If the NGF and Great Britain pick opposing sides then the matter becomes trickier and we will need to see which side France takes. At worst, we should leave our decision to as late as possible to see where the majority for force lies as the deciding vote is always the most appreciated.

 

[unmerged(718634)]

Firstly, I, as Minister of Finance apologize for the issues regarding the budget deficit leading up to the economic boom of June. The efforts were very well to relieve the heavy taxes implemented on our working classes during time of war.

Secondly, on the topic of what I now see dubbed as the "Albanian Crisis." I agree with the men here who have stated that this is not a question of fighting for Albanian Freedom or not. If it was, I would support it. I believe in the strife for freedom of subjugated peoples as after all did we not fight for our own freedom from the Dutch just Twenty-some Years ago? Yet, this situation is not a question of that. It is simply a ploy of the Russians attempting to establish a "friendly" state and weaken their long time rival in the Ottoman Empire. This is quite simply an attempt to establish what would be nothing less than a puppet state, to strengthen Russian standing after their defeat at our own hands and to establish increased Russian power in the Mediterranean. I would also state that this is not a moral decision between two states. Although I am in general opposed to the Ottoman Empire on the basis that it is a truly Absolutist State that has, to an extent, led to some serious discrimination against peoples of the Baltic Region, I would not find Russia a better alternative. Rather a worse one. The Tsarist nation is just as ruthless and Absolutist and it would be worse simply for the fact that Russia is Orthodox and Christian dominated whereas, unless I be seriously misinformed, Albania is Moslem a religion that obviously is more tolerated under the Sultan.

Although we have obviously not yet discovered the standing of our neighbors, so I would suggest to await the result of Vienna to discover their stance.

P. C. de Espaňa, Minister of Finance

((I would have spoken more on the Financial thing if needed, but I simply lack the time. I got back from a CC Race at 9:30 and after running a 5k in 95-100 degree weather, I have little interest in staying up any longer. I'll be able to be more involved tomorrow))