URGENT NEWS BULLETIN
2 May 1894
The government of Ethiopia, recently embroiled in a crisis over colonies with Egypt, has come to Germany to seek German aid. The Foreign Ministry, Chancellor's office, and Office of the President preserved German neutrality in the original crisis because of the upcoming elections. They felt it improper to let whomever led the new government be saddled with a war they did not approve. However, now Ethiopia has openly invoked their alliance with us. This is no small war: in addition to Egypt's patron, the Byzantine Empire, France has also decided to support Egypt's claim to the colony.
We are in the midst of a Communist uprising in Italy as well. Although it is not serious, and the Gendarmerie assures the people of Germany that everything is under control, any significant troop movement to Italy to stop it might weaken our French frontier.
Should we decide not to support Ethiopia, it is almost a certainty that they will lose. This could present... opportunities for Germany in the future, as a weaker Ethiopia would open up Africa to German inroads. At the same time, we would lose our staunchest ally. If we decide to support Ethiopia, they will almost certainly win, and we might be able to weaken France by annexing more of their land. Either situation has benefits for Germany and also carries risks.
I have asked the Ethiopian government to wait until after the elections are finished, but they have insisted on a German declaration within the month. Therefore, I request the Foreign Ministry's response and the Reichstag's decision as soon as possible.
German Ambassador to Ethiopia
((For the purposes of any forthcoming vote, the NLPD and UAI are still separate and DutchGuy/Bretters are not seated in the Reichstag.
@Dr.Livingstone has to respond first, however, and then the Reichstag may vote accordingly. Any information requests need to be in ASAP. The disputed area is Cyrenaica.
France's army is almost as large as ours -- 149 brigades to 185 -- but our tech level is slightly higher -- 19 military techs to 17. The Byzantines have another 104 brigades, but a tiny fleet (9 ships), so they should not present an issue, as I think most of it that is in South America. We have a larger and more advanced fleet than France. The other countries in the war are minors and not worth considering.
Ethiopia has 110 brigades and a small fleet of its own. It is the junior partner in all senses of the word.
One last point. If Dr. Livingstone elects
not to assist Ethiopia, the Reichstag must replace him with a vote of no-confidence if they do wish to pursue a war. They cannot force the Foreign Minister to declare war. Similarly, this initial decision must be Dr. L's alone -- he cannot ask the Reichstag to decide for him.
So, it's all on you, Dr. Livingstone.
Make your choice!))