London, November 14th, 1795
It was a grey, rainy day in the capital of the mighty British Empire. In fact, it was
one of the many grey, rainy days in London, and the beginning winter did his share of making a visit to this metropolis quite unpleasant.
The monotone rhythm of the falling drops could be heard in the library of King George III., making the room somewhat more comfortable, with its rustling fire and the dark mahogany furnish. It was early evening, and the King had summoned some of his advisors for a meeting. The whole atmosphere was more informal, though, everyone in the room sat in comfortable chairs around a flat table. Some drinks were in reach, and some of the present Lords even smoked a cigar.
Most of the attending nobles didn’t know why they were summoned, but with the ongoing war, such gatherings weren’t uncommon. When the usual small-talk about the latest races and the quality of the rain had ended (the general opinion being that this year’s rain couldn’t compete with the legendary rain of 1791), the King began to speak.
“Gentleman, I have called you because a few hours ago, the Prussian ambassador has requested an audience with me, which was granted. During this meeting, he expressed the wish of his King to sign an agreement with the United Kingdom, which would allow Prussian troops to cross our land in Northern Germany.”
This revelation caused no great surprise. In fact, the English government had already waited for this, and had wondered only how long it would take Friedrich Wilhelm to send his envoy. However, that it finally had happened didn’t mean that there was no reason for a discussion.
“So, they finally get themselves going. I had already started to doubt their commitment to this war.” William Pitt the Younger, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was the actual ruling man of the Empire. Since the American Revolution, and the defeat of the British troops in the following war, the King had had to grant the Prime Minister much of his power. The King’s inability to rule was made worse through the porphyria, an illness that eroded the mind and led to madness.
“After Düsseldorf has fallen, they sure want to have a way to liberate it again. The only possible route is through our territory,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lord Hayden.
“But they still show no sign of preparing an offensive against France. They’re too obsessed with their campaign in Saxony. What troubles me is that their little war is of no use for them, except…”
“Except what, Pitt?” The King was suddenly very interested.
“Except they plan to take the next logical step.”
“Which would be?”
“Which would be attacking Hessen, and such creating a corridor through Germany, where their troops can transfer without problem from Poland to France.”
The room was silent for a few moments when everyone pondered this theory. All came to the same conclusion. The King spoke first.
“Then it would only be prudent to grant them the Military access they want to have. That would protect our German holdings, if they’re really trying to gain supremacy.”
Hayden replied, “I doubt they would go this far, your Highness. But your point stands, nevertheless. I would also advise to let them know that we look upon their recent adventures with great alarm.”
“I agree. Prussia might be a little bit aggressive, but they still haven’t moved against Poland. Granting them access will direct their energies in other directions. The fall of Düsseldorf works in our favour, for now they have to take actions against our common enemy. So far, only we have been able to gain ground in this war, with our capture of Picardie.” With Pitt expressing his agreement, the matter was settled.
“Speaking of Poland, their ambassador, Count Oleg, has pledged for help against the Russian invasion. He thinks we could exert some diplomatic pressure on them.”
“I doubt so. Katharina is quite…
firm in her opinions. And we have more important things to contemplate than the division of Poland. Supporting them would anger three of our allies at the same time.”
“Why three?”
“Last week, the Austrian envoy, Baron von Temproben, has approached me to express his country’s interest in a part of the corpse of Poland. It seems the treaty that we thought was only between Russia and Prussia includes Austria, too.”
After the important things had been decided, the talk centred on the planned attack on Caux, before the gathering was dissolved.
George III.
