Balance of Power - The Great Russian War (1903-1904) (The End)

[Donerail]

We would hope for a resolution to this conflict, but doubt the willingness of the Russians to negotiate in good faith. There is a certain irony to being the nation to declare war and next to present oneself as the one advocating for peace, and to declaring war on a nation partially because of their naval buildup while going through a naval buildup oneself. If the Russians are willing to present evidence that they will negotiate fairly, then we will do so, but we will not waste breath in fruitless negotiations.

[Donerail]

I mean, the US was in peace talks with the Vietnamese for years while the war was still going on. Going ahead would be most realistic.

[Donerail]

So I'm the last to be in war with you Snowstalker hmmm

You and the Austrians.

[Donerail]

To clarify: Japan continues to recognize and trade with the current Tsar. We urge a swift end to Europe's war.

[Donerail]

His Imperial Majesty The Emperor of Japan Addresses the International Community

My friends and allies,

What madness has the world descended into? This 'Great Russian War' began as a naval clash between the navies under my command, and under that of the Tsar. We called on our allies to assist us in achieving a resolution, and the Tsar called on his. We have since reached such a resolution - that issue is settled. There is no reason to continue a war after it has been settled. Yet now we still remain in conflict. This is not a conflict that should involve the exchange of huge swathes of Europe; this is certainly not a conflict that should involve the destruction of independent and sovereign nations. It is absurd that this conflict could be summarized as "Russia attacked Japan so Austria annexed Montenegro." Let these people keep their independent state - especially since these independent states have not been bested in battle by the Austrians. We also have concerns about how this will affect the European balance of power. The Concert of Europe has, to some extent, mediated tensions in Europe since the end of Napoleon. Berlin's aggressive expansions into the Baltic threatens to upset this balance and give Germany an upper hand over the other European powers as well, so it is puzzling to see why nations like the United Kingdom are taking such a bellicose line.

For the benefit of us all, to maintain the European balance of power and prevent a generation of bleeding in the Balkans, end this war and end it reasonably.

[Donerail]

To whom does the international community refer to as Alexander IV? Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich? Or do you mean newborn Tsarevich Alexei, who would presumably rule through a regent?

[Donerail]

To whom does the international community refer to as Alexander IV? Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich? Or do you mean newborn Tsarevich Alexei, who would presumably rule through a regent?

The Tsarevich, at least we do.

Just noticed, his name was indeed "Alexei", not "Alexander", lol.

Well, let it be Alexei I then.

I assume that the Kaiser was not named Alexei's godfather in this timeline.