Brussels Peace Conference

[Master of Oblivion]

Prime Minister Paul de Smet de Naeyer, invites representatives from the following parties to attend a Peace Conference in Brussels:

The Kingdom of Serbia
The Kingdom of Montenegro
The Kingdom of Greece
The Kingdom of Bulgaria
The Shahdom of Persia
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
The Kingdom of Italy
The Russian Empire
The Italian Empire
The Ottoman Empire
The Republic of France

This peace conference has several goals. First and foremost we seek the immediate cessation of hostilities in the war known as the Ottoman-Balkan Conflict. Secondly, we shall seek compensation for Greece and Bulgaria for the aggression engaged in by the Turks. After that territorial decisions and the fate of the Ottoman Empire shall be discussed. Other parties may send observers to the conference but it should be remembered that it is the combatants that will be making the agreement. Are these states willing to attend?

[Huojin]

Estados Unidos Mexicanos

On behalf of the Latin American Court of Justice, we support discussions favouring a peaceful resolution, but continue our protest that without a neutral arbitration body the likelihood of all parties being brought to the negotiating table remains low. Nonetheless, we offer our hopes of an end to the bloodshed, and offer a delegation to be present in the event talks break down (... or fail to begin) so that, if sought by the belligerent parties, a recourse is available.

[Coin]

((With TRC having refused to actually act or speak diplomatically since Crete, will the capture of the Sultan - the absolute ruler - not mean that he is either kicked or that we get to impose terms?))

[scorpion]

(( As coin said, capturing the Sultan seems pretty unconditional to me. This conference would of made more sense last turn))

[TRC]

((I'm pretty sure I have been booted, considering I lost the war))

[Master of Oblivion]

((It depends upon whether you guys want to make this an unconditional surrender situation or still keep the Sultan as the head of state. Since there are about 8 parties all with different interests in the war, I think it makes the most sense to still have a peace conference. Alternatively Russia and its allies can impose one set of terms and the rest of the world can respond))

[Huojin]

((Isn't it conceivable that some kind of Young Turks 1908-style coup could've occurred, leaving a constitutional monarchical government to negotiate here? Although really we should be asking ourselves why the Sultan was anywhere near Constantinople at all.))

[Coin]

The Russian Empire commends the spirit of the German, Belgian and Mexican delegates now and previously, in wishing to hasten the peace process. Peace in the region is at last within our grasp, with the war's instigator, who had thus far avoided all efforts to negotiate a peace, in custody, and negotiations ready to be undertaken. Our fellow European powers will know it to be a given, but to avoid any doubt, the Ottoman sultan shall be accorded respect and conditions in custody worthy of his position, and a sustainable peace is necessary.

Our fellow Great Powers know it also to be a given that Russia supports a peace conference, and is presently encouraging discussions between the relevant powers, that a treaty may swiftly be signed. If Brussels would be the preferred location for the final signing we are quite contented; though another suggestion would be more local - perhaps Constantinople, Tǎrnovo, Sofia, Crete or Athens.

On a final note, we respect the Mexican position but do not believe that a Latin American court is the suitable medium for any resulting disputes to be settled, but discussions between the Great Powers.

[scorpion]

((Seeing as TRC withdrew from the Ottomans, I take it that is up to Dr. MoO PhD to respond as whatever Turkish state is left?))

[Coin]

The Imperial Russian government has spoken with many of the most relevant powers to the Turkish War - both allied and neutral - in our determination to come to a just settlement. The Great Powers of the French Republic, German Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, have given their indicative assent to this peace draft, which we believe indicates the merits of it to all parties. Russia could easily have unilaterally imposed far worse terms on the Turk, with some justice considering relative involvement, but has chosen a course respectful to our partners.

The Ottoman Empire must never again be in a position to threaten the young Balkan states, or hold Russian maritime trade hostage via the straits. Nor can she be left in a position to seek the destruction of the Armenian people. She must however remain a viable state, and thus her Turk heartlands are left intact by this treaty.

We leave the floor open to the remaining delegates to give their own thoughts; chiefly the British and Italian empires, but also those already witness to an earlier draft, who might wish to speak once more. Italy has responded not to our ambassador; and Britain was the subject of uncertainty due to a change of government. Tripoli and Cyrenaica have been left out of this treaty as not immediately relevant to this war, though we would leave the floor open to those concerned the Turk may not be able to maintain it, their fleet having been sunk by the Imperial Black Sea fleet.

Treaty of Brussels [Draft]

• The Ottoman Empire shall cease all hostilities, and recognise the independence and sovereignty of Greece, Serbia, Montenegro and Bulgaria. Reparations of 100c shall be paid to Greece, and 50c to Bulgaria.
  
  The Ottoman Empire shall withdraw from territory in Europe, the relevant regions being ceded to the allied powers as displayed in the map.
  
  British control of, and sovereignty over Cyprus shall be recognised by the Ottoman Empire.
  
  The Ottoman Empire shall cede the Aegean and Dodecanese Islands in their entirety, save Imbros and Tenedos, to the Kingdom of Greece.
  
  The Ottoman Empire shall recognise a plebiscite on union between Crete and the Kingdom of Greece.
  
  The Straits of Marmara and the Dardanelles, along with territory demarcated on either side of the coast, is ceded to the Russian Empire. The islands of Imbros and Tenedos off the Dardanelles are likewise ceded.
  
  The city of Constantinople shall become a neutral international city, with civil authorities composed of Greek, municipal Turk, and Russian representatives. German, Austrian, British, Italian, and French delegations shall also be present, guaranteeing the city is a neutral hub for commerce.
  
  The Russian Empire shall guarantee the rights of all nations to commercial access to the Straits, except in the instance of a general European war.
  
  The allied powers shall guarantee respect for, and freedom of, existing Austro-German concessions and investments in former and existing Ottoman territories.
  
  The majority of the six Armenian vilayets are ceded to the Russian Empire, along with the Pontic coast, subject to border alterations to better reflect ethnic Turk areas.
  
  The Ottoman Empire pledges to guarantee the equal rights of Christians within her borders, regardless of denomination, and to maintain the status of the Mount Lebanon Mutasarrifate and the Holy Places of Palestine in particular.
  
  The Ottoman Empire shall relinquish any claim to sovereignty over Kuwait, and respect British rights there.
  
  The vilayet of Basra [outwith Kuwait] shall be ceded to the Persian Empire, with a guarantee by Persia to respect the rights of existing commercial activities and Arab minorities.

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We await the comment of the relevant powers, and look forward to the quick implementation of a lasting peace for the Balkans and, it might be hoped, Anatolia and the Middle East. It should be added that Russia intends to implement a reconstruction plan for devastated areas of the Balkans, to help repair the damages caused by the sultan's aggression.

[scorpion]

The German Empire views these terms as fair to the parties involved. The Ottoman Empire is lucky to still be in-tact after not coming to the table to make terms before more soldiers died. Germany is happy to see this threat to peace in Europe concluded in this fashion.

-Chlodwig zu Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, Chancellor of the German Empire

[Master of Oblivion]

The Shah of Persia agrees to these terms. We are grateful to have some of our historic territory returned to us.

The Kingdom of Serbia accepts this peace deal. We had hoped that Serbian forces would have been rewarded more for their selfless participation, but we will accept the wisdom of our Russian Brothers

The Kingdom of Montenegro accepts this peace deal. We believe these arrangements are a step towards finding peace in the Balkans.

Bulgaria also accepts this arrangement. We are grateful for the opportunity to secure the territory of our co ethnics.

The Kingdom of Greece is somewhat underwhelmed with these arrangements. Our army and country have been decimated by the Turks. If this treaty does not provide more indemnities, Greece will need to look to outside investors.

[Flamelord]

Having had the opportunity to look over the terms as proposed by the Russian delegation, and with our own input to ensure that various French policy concerns are met, we agree to the terms that have been laid out here, and hope that the Ottoman Empire will see reason and accept. the longer the war goes on, the less certain the status of the Ottoman Empire as a political entity will be.

[Master of Oblivion]

I am being treated well by my Russian captors. They have shown me the peace deal and I have negotiated with them to the best of my abilities.

Though this deal pains my heart, it is out best chance for peace. I agree to the terms presented in this treaty and hope they can bring an end to this war that is ravaging across two continents. It will give my empire the chance to be rebuilt. We mourn the loss of Istanbul but understand that this is a necessary sacrifice for peace in our time.

Letter Signed by Abdülhamid II

[Langben]

Italy echoes Greece's dissatisfaction with the current terms.