The Sword of Damocles (Gameplay Thread) (Early 1930)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

1. We consider allegations against Germany as baseless. Germany did not join in declaration of war against Bulgaria, but had to honor her diplomatic and military obligations when Greece and Serbia declared war on her allies. International relations are based on honoring one's commitments. We would do exactly the same thing if Germany were attacked. Chancellor Marx tried his best to prevent current crisis from escalating, so his reputation of a man of peace stands. Greece and Serbia are agressors here and their agression will not be tolerated.

2. The Ottoman Empire had no hostility toward Hungary. As a show of our good will, we'll restore 40% of previous oil sales to the Magyar Republic.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdülmecid II, Caliph of Islam, was deeply saddened to receive the news of the passing of King-Emperor George V. The King was a formidable presence on the world stage and said stage will never be the same after him.

His Sacret and Imperial Majesty wishes all the best for King-Emperor Edward.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The German Empire does not anticipate any hostilities against the Magray Republic.

While we share the British concerns about escalation, we must correct an obvious error. The German Empire joined the hostilities after Greece and Serbia broke the peace by declaring war on our Ottoman and Romanian allies. Diplomatic commitments must be honored, since we would expect our friends to act the same way, if the war was declared on us.

The German Empire, in accordance with the Ottoman Empire, wants to show good will and proposed the immediate ceasefire between our alliance and Greece and Serbia, so our relations can return to states quo antebellum without futher complication.

As of the Italian statement, given their own share in provoking the Iberian crisis, we shall have no futher comment.


(Somewhat leaked to the media: German Foreign Ministry manages to convince the Ottomans to lift remaining oil restrictions on the Magray Republic. Statement is expected shortly)

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The Ottoman Empire wishes to confirm the joint initiative with Germany to put an end to hoslilities with Greece and Serbia without any futher political consequences. It was the Ottoman policy for long time to maintain a respectful peace with Greece and we remain committed to this, despite all adversities.

We would respectfully ask the Italian Empire to consider to cease making futher needlessly provocative statements. If the European crisis escalates, it won't be the Ottoman Empire and our allies to take this step.

(Asked about the situation in America, a senior official within the Ottoman Foreign Ministry just said: "we have no f**king idea what is going on there)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

But if the Ottoman Empire and Germany truly wanted peace,
May I ask why they're not proposing a ceasefire with Bulgaria as well?

Bulgaria provoked the crisis and the Ottoman Empire had every right to defend their straits against such terrorist actions. It is in interest of the entire Europe that these facilities will remain open.

We might have asked about the French involvement in Spain, but we think there's no constructive point in bringing both Spain and Bulgaria, when we are discussing Hungary,

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

But if the Ottoman Empire and Germany truly wanted peace,
May I ask why they're not proposing a ceasefire with Bulgaria as well?

Bulgaria provoked the crisis and the Ottoman Empire had every right to defend their straits against such terrorist actions. It is in interest of the entire Europe that these facilities will remain open.

We might have asked about the French involvement in Spain, but we think there's no constructive point in bringing both Spain and Bulgaria, when we are discussing Hungary,

If I read correctly, both Italy, the United Kingdom and Hungary are expressing concerns about the recent actions of Germany and the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans, and that includes Bulgaria.

Bulgaria never attacked the Ottoman Empire, France is willing to mediate if necessary in order to end the conflicts, the conflicts in all the Balkans.

And Spain haven't directly attacked France either. Bulgaria might not have "directly" attacked the Ottoman Empire, but their failed secret operations within the straits are more than enough for any power to react.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

But if the Ottoman Empire and Germany truly wanted peace,
May I ask why they're not proposing a ceasefire with Bulgaria as well?

Bulgaria provoked the crisis and the Ottoman Empire had every right to defend their straits against such terrorist actions. It is in interest of the entire Europe that these facilities will remain open.

We might have asked about the French involvement in Spain, but we think there's no constructive point in bringing both Spain and Bulgaria, when we are discussing Hungary,

If I read correctly, both Italy, the United Kingdom and Hungary are expressing concerns about the recent actions of Germany and the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans, and that includes Bulgaria.

Bulgaria never attacked the Ottoman Empire, France is willing to mediate if necessary in order to end the conflicts, the conflicts in all the Balkans.

And Spain haven't directly attacked France either. Bulgaria might not have "directly" attacked the Ottoman Empire, but their failed secret operations within the straits are more than enough for any power to react.

If I recall correctly, you did try to mediate between Italy and Spain. Why not letting mediation between Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire?

We cannot accept mediation on Bulgaria at this moment, although we welcome an initiative regarding ceasing hostilities with Greece. As of Spain, it's clear that no futher attempts at offering a mediation will influence the situation there, so we have no futher comment on the Iberian Peninsula.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Ottoman Petroleum Authority lifts restriction on sales to the Magray Republic.

This will not, in any way, affect our plans to increase trade with Japan and China.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Ottoman Empire is surprised with the mischaracterisation of German action during the course of this crisis. Germany did not declare war on Bulgaria and declared was on Greece and Serbia only after said countries declared war on Germany allies. They simply honored their commitments, as any country would do.

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German Foreign Ministry:


We commend the British Empire for their concern that the situations in the Balkans should not escalate. We see no disagreement here, on the very contrary. We are, however, a bit troubled with misperception that Germany is an "aggressive" side here. We have notified our allies in Constantinopole and Bucharest that we will not be joining an action against Bulgaria, but, when Greece and Serbia declared war on our allies, we have no choice but to honor our commitments. Would France do nothing if another country declared war on Italy? Would the United Kingdom sit idle by when Australia or South Africa are attacked? Obviously not.

Greece and Serbia can end this conflict at any time. Germany has no issues with the Magray Republic and we protest against accusations that we seek conflict with Bucharest. If there is ever war between the Magyar Republic and us, we won't be the side who broke the peace. How that misconception appeared in the first place is a mystery to us.

As of the provocative statement by the Russian Provisional Government, we wish them all the luck in dealing with their own internal problems without unnecessary distractions.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

France would like to reiterate that it would back any initiative his friends from Russia, the UK or Italy would have in mind regarding the Balkan crisis.

With all due respect, France, Italy or the Russian Provisional Government have displayed unwarranted hostility toward Germany and the Ottoman Empire, so we can't see them as constructive force in calming down tensions in the Balkans.

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British interest in solving the present crisis is most commendable. The Ottoman Empire is firmly resolved never to rule out diplomatic solution whenever it's possible.

The British-Ottoman relations went off the wrong start at the beginning of this century, with two wars fought between us. These were sad times and we are likewise resolved not to let these sad times return in our relations.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The British-Ottoman relations went off the wrong start at the beginning of this century, with two wars fought between us. These were sad times and we are likewise resolved not to let these sad times return in our relations.

OOC: You mean when Spamage  (playing the UK) destroyed your country by mounting a coalition of basically everyone against you? And that in the end you took your revenge by convincing the USA, Germany to go war against them?

It's ancient history now

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Ottoman Empire believes it would be inconsistent for France and Italy to demand a ceasefire in the Balkans, while they embarked on intervention in Spain. We are, obviously, not fit this time to offer any mediating services, but we strongly suggest that a neutral part takes an initiative.

OOC: In my defense I was plotting that before he joined as the Ottomans Besides, that world war ended up being a blast.

OOC: Yes I know, Snowstalker was later trying to set me against you during the war with Russia by sending your PMs on the Ottomans before I joined, lol.

In my defense, I was actually least inclined within the alliance to go to a full-blown war. I wanted to focus a bit on Persia. Heck, I even had a deal with Dr. Cynic not to declare war on France.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

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I would like to remind you that Italy and Spain did accept the German mediation. I would be glad you could accept the English mediation as well, something you haven't accepted yet!

And we would like to remind you you show no willingness to work a solution out, as evident by German statement which side sabotaged the talks.

The Ottoman Empire invited the United Kingdom to put forward their proposals. Unlike France and Italy, that set their minds on intervene in Spain from day one, we don't rule anything out that can constructively and satisfactory end the crisis.

(OOC: war on words in fun, right guys?)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

How about all powers, in interest of peace, agree on simultaneous ceasefire in the Balkans and in the Iberian Peninsula and hold a peace conference?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

How about all powers, in interest of peace, agree on simultaneous ceasefire in the Balkans and in the Iberian Peninsula and hold a peace conference?

So you're saying you would be willing to cease fire completely???

Would you? Because neither Ottoman nor German Empires will accept diplomatic double standardsw.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

How about all powers, in interest of peace, agree on simultaneous ceasefire in the Balkans and in the Iberian Peninsula and hold a peace conference?

So you're saying you would be willing to cease fire completely???

Would you? Because neither Ottoman nor German Empires will accept diplomatic double standardsw.

I'm asking you the question first!

We are willing, if it goes both ways.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

How about all powers, in interest of peace, agree on simultaneous ceasefire in the Balkans and in the Iberian Peninsula and hold a peace conference?

So you're saying you would be willing to cease fire completely???

Would you? Because neither Ottoman nor German Empires will accept diplomatic double standardsw.

I'm asking you the question first!

We are willing, if it goes both ways.

I truly didnt know that the Ottoman Empire is taking decisions based on what France does, I'm flattered!
My answer is yes, I will accept a ceasefire after communism is destroyed and plans to quit Spain intact.

Well. with this kind of approach we might said "we will accept a ceasefire after Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia are destroyed", but we'll stick to our original proposal.

Still, we would like to dispatch an envoy to Paris to see whether we can agree on something.

(OOC: we're a bunch of bloody hypocrites, aren't we )

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

How about all powers, in interest of peace, agree on simultaneous ceasefire in the Balkans and in the Iberian Peninsula and hold a peace conference?

So you're saying you would be willing to cease fire completely???

Would you? Because neither Ottoman nor German Empires will accept diplomatic double standardsw.

I'm asking you the question first!

We are willing, if it goes both ways.

I truly didnt know that the Ottoman Empire is taking decisions based on what France does, I'm flattered!
My answer is yes, I will accept a ceasefire after communism is destroyed and plans to quit Spain intact.

Well with this kind of approach we might said "we will accept a ceasefire after Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia are destroyed", but we'll stick to our original proposal.

The difference with you is that France doesnt plan to annex Spain. This is a war against communism not against Spain.

The Ottoman Empire doesn't plan to annex Bulgaria, but to prevent any future terrorist attacks inspired by Sofia.

Still, sending your troops to kill Spanish people is not necessarily war "not against Spain".

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Oh well, we tried ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Unfortunately, stubborn Giaours in Rome were of dissending opinion.

In this case, we must declare that no peace can be made with Bulgaria until the threat is neutralized. We will not accept double standards in relations between the powers. But we confirm our, jointly with Germany, offer of immediate cessation of hostilities with Greece and Serbia.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Let the world remember that Bulgarians are ethnically Turkic people, who were unnaturally slavicized and Christianized. For too long were their used by certain powers as a weapon against their cousins, but we shall not stand for it anymore.

Let the world remember the Ottoman Empire reached a hand with an offer for peace in Europe, not just the Balkans, but our hand was bitten by so-called men wearing skirts. No, we're not refeering to brave Scots, if there's any doubt.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

(OOC)



Men wearing skirts you say?

There are no janissaries anymore. RIP FF.

(OOC)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Ministry of Foreign Affair, Constantinopole

The Ottoman Empire is gravely disappointed with Greece persisting to continue with hostilities we did not seek in the first place. There's a just demand from the Ottoman people to avenge this unwarranted insult, BUT the Sublime Porte wishes to make one more attempt at securing peace, with such moderate conditions.

1. Eastern Trace to become a demilitarized zone, but no territorial changes.
2. Greece pledges not to enter into any alliances with foreign powers.
3. Cession of some islands close to the Turkish coast (a measure of protection for us)
4. Some payment to Albania to cover invasion damage, but no territorial losses for Greece
5. No reduction of Greek armed forces nor payments to the Ottoman Empire
6. Some neutral power/powers to guarantee the agreement.

This is our last effort. If Athens reject this, let the history record we had no choice but to strike a counterblow.

Due to geographic factors, the Ottoman Empire believes our German and Romanian friends are better positioned to attempt a peaceful resolution with Serbia. We will not, however, accept any agreement that would damage our Bosnian allies.


His Sacred and Imperial Majesty is pleased with the news of President Roosevelt’s accession to power in the United States. Given history of close friendship and partnership between our two powers, His Majesty’s government is looking forward to rebuild ties that were damaged by previous isolationist administrations and offers any help to our American friends.

The Ottoman Empire recognized and will continue to recognize Field Marshal Chiang Kai Shek’s government as the only legitimate government of China (your destination, Tefik). We salute his valiant efforts to restore peace to his great country. We are hoping for a quick and peaceful resolution of the Hongkong crisis and are willing to mediate if requested.

The Ottoman Empire is cautious about supposed „war crimes” in Bulgaria. This is not the first time Bulgarians engaged in shameful propaganda. The Bulgarian Tsar put his own people and his own family at risk, using them as live shields in war zone. May Allah have mercy on his soul.

The Ottoman Empire congratulated Prime Minister Kerensky on his successfull dealing with the radicals.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty is shocked with the Bulgarian Tsar persistence of walking down the path of madness. No sane man would have sacrificed thousands of his own people to the bombs, just to keep this conflict going. No sane man would have sacrificed his own daughter, while he himself enjoys confort and safety. No sane man would plunge the entire region in bloody conflict just to evade responsibility for ordering a cowardly terrorist attack on his neighbour.

We have no other choice but to conclude that the Tsar is of no sound mind and therefore cannot be considered a competent party in any negotiations. This sad man's place is in the insane asylum. We hope responsible people in the Bulgarian government will be able to represent their country in any resolution of this conflict.


With a deep distress, His Imperial Majesty the Kaiser must concur with the obvious fact his dear cousin had gone insane. Sad!

(OOC: Old timers, remember when we were declaring Nicholas II incompetent? )