Ammendment of the London Protocol of 1829

[Luc]

Ioannis Kapodistrias, Head of the Provisional Greek Government

To His Majesty King George IV of Britain, His Majesty King Charles X of France and Navarre and Tsar Nicholas I, Emperor and Autocrat of the Russians

I, Ioannis Kapodistrias, as the Head of State of the Hellenic Republic, humbly address all of you in order to mend to our wishes. The three great powers of Britain, France and Russia greatly supported Greece in its struggle for independence, and the establishment of a central Greek government seated in Nafplio, and for that, we are in extreme debt with your most noble league. However, the Greek state would enjoy to re-open diplomatic talks with the league, in order to ammend the London Protocol of 1829. As we all know well, Russia recently sealed the peace with the Ottoman Empire in the Treaty of Adrianople, after defeating it on the battlefield several times. Greece, though not openly supporting the Russians, was a great Diplomatic supporter of the Tsar and his efforts in a local and International level, and in exchange we would greatly appreciate if the three great powers of Britain, France and Russia would ammend the London Protocol of 1829 in order to award the loyalty of the Greek Government and People, we would enjoy especially for more territorial grants in the North, and for a complete and total separation from the Ottoman Government in Constantinopolis. We await the Response from the great powers.

[Red John]

Tsar Nicholas I, Emperor and Autocrat of the Russians does of course support the Greek plight, as fellow members of the Orthodox faith and the proud descendants of the Roman Empire. It is the opinion of both the Tsar and indeed the people of Russia that it is imperative, at this time, for an independent Greek monarchy to be established.

There can be no return to the status quo for the proud Greek people - an independent state must be established as soon as possible. Although Russia would support an enlarged Greek state composed of it's rightful land, we would also not be against a partition as such.

Russia supports the idea of an independent Greek state, free from Ottoman dominance and led by an Orthodox Christian king.

[Smyg]

Prime Minister Severin Løvenskiold

With his Majesty Charles III John of Norway, and, ah, Sweden, being presently occupied, I have been asked to deliver a formal statement on behalf of the United Kingdoms.

Although we acknowledge the ancient Scandinavian ties to the people of Greece, whose Emperors many of us served once, we have had little to no connection to the region since then, and must hold ourselves fully neutral.

However, Norway-Sweden acknowledges that an immediate settlement to the matter would be beneficial to all parties, and gives our best wishes to the Great Powers in solving the issue, as none can do so but the greatest of kings and diplomats.

[Huojin]

AUSTRIAN EMPIRE

The Austrian Empire believes that the need for a final settlement in respect of Greece is required - one which will lay such issues to rest for the foreseeable future, and end the cycle of conflict in the Balkan region.

We therefore propose that Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire be secured, with its borders set finally at a line running from the Maliac Gulf in the east, along the banks of the Aspropotamos river.

On the subject of the future rule of Greece, there can be no doubt that a Christian King is required in order to safeguard the future of the inhabitants of that kingdom. However the Great Powers must recognise that to introduce one of their own nobles into such a role would risk upsetting the balance of power on the continent. As such, we must look to the noble houses of the smaller states of Europe, whose lineages are no less distinguished, yet whose position may further guarantee stability and independence from the whims of any sole Great Power.

To that end, the Austrian Empire suggests that the Great Powers convene to support and place upon the Greek throne Prince Luitpold of the House of Wittelsbach - a young prince of a distinguished line, who will surely rise to the challenges and dignity of the role under the sure and steadfast guidance of a well-appointed regency and the careful oversight of the Great Powers.

[Red John]

Russia disagrees with the assertion that placing a candidate from one of the great powers would upset the balance of power; family does not equate to suzerainty. On the contrary, we believe that placing a candidate from one of the houses of the great powers would do an immense amount of good in stabilising the fledgling state and avoiding civil unrest. A Romanov, a Habsburg, a Hohenzollern - these names carry with them a great deal of respect and prestige.

It is with this belief that we would propose a Romanov candidate; Michael Pavlovich of Russia. As far as Russia is concerned, he is the ideal candidate to lead the Greek people during these troubling times; a distinguished military man and of course a faithful believer of Christian Orthodoxy.

Regardless of whether he is chosen or not, Russia must make it clear that if the great powers have any interest in ensuring stability within Greece, they must choose a candidate that is an Orthodox Christian - be it from birth or conversion.

We invite further discussion on candidacy for the Greek throne, and also would ask Ioannis Kapodistrias for his input. As the head of state for Greece and as a man who knows the Greek people well, any insight that can be given on Greek views for their preferred candidate would be appreciated.

[Cephal]

The British Empire extends it's full support to the Greek People in this matter. We believe that the Greek People should be given a chance to properly flourish under an independent christian king. We second the proposal by the Austrians to put forward Prince Luitpold of the House of Wittelsbach on the Greek Throne and will back him in his bid for the throne. We also believe that the lineage to rule Greece should be made distant from the lineages of the Great Powers to ensure stability in the balance of power in Europe.

We are also willing to help secure the territorial grants being asked for by the Greek Government with our diplomatic means.

[Red John]

It is one thing for a minor close to being of age to be a viable candidate for the throne, but Russia is baffled by the insistence of placing a 9 year old at the helm of a newly independent state.

We would like for a suitable explanation to be provided as to why both Austria and the United Kingdom believe such a long regency under Bavarian rule is appropriate.

[Huojin]

AUSTRIAN EMPIRE

We earnestly hope that this new position of the Russian government is not to be the guiding influence in their future foreign policy - for such lack of concern for the balance of power between the Great Powers is concerning. Austria must oppose firmly the emplacement of any noble from one of the Great Powers - even were he to descend from the noble line of Charlemagne himself. We cannot conscience the risk that such an appointment would unbalance the delicate and hard-fought peace negotiated at Vienna.

It is also noteworthy that the Greek people have been and are overwhelmingly tolerant of religious belief. Catholic communities have been present since the 13th century, while Jews have dwelled there since the Apostle Paul. Even the followers of Mohammed are accepted amongst the Greeks. The notion that the Greeks would be unwilling and prejudicial in this regard is nigh-on absurd, gentlemen.

As for the youth of Prince Luitpold, it is a simple matter - that his appointment will reap no immediate benefits for any party, were any seek even to court favour in choosing him. Under the regency of others and the oversight of the Great Powers, all plotting must be frozen and stopped cold as time elevates him to the throne. Were we to appoint an ambitious young King to the Greek throne, the danger is compounded that some young noble may be either manipulated or manipulate himself such a position for immediate gain. The Greek nation is young, and a period of stability and growth for both its nationhood and its king would be appropriate and encouraging.

[Smyg]

Prime Minister Severin Løvenskiold

If we wish for a candidate who represents no Great Power, a Bavarian prince - a man whose family are the heirs of the Holy Roman Emperor, and at the very heart of Prussian-Austrian tensions - is a poor choice. Why not then a prince from Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Wallachia, Serbia, Moldovia, Sicily, Spain, Portugal...

[Red John]

The notion that the Greeks would tolerate a foreign king, led by foreign advisors and following a foreign religion is also nigh-on-absurd - but that is exactly why Russia has invited the Greek representative to speak and state the desires of the Greek people.

Appointing a young, easily swayed boy to the throne of a country that seems to have won its independence through force of arms against a state that has oppressed it for centuries is in our view madness. For the argument to be made that a 9 year old cannot be tempted over the course of a decade is ludicrous.

The Greek nation is young - that is exactly why a firm, guiding hand is needed to take the nation and stabilise it in wake of independence. Appointing a boy who does not understand the words his subjects speak, their culture or their beliefs is inviting discord not only within the fledgling state, but also the Balkans as a whole. The king will sit within his Ivory tower and be held responsible for the actions of these yet unnamed advisors - who equally do not understand the Greek people's values or culture.

Russia proposes a Romanov candidate not out of desire to upset the balance of power - we propose it because of the shared history between Russia and Greece which will aid in stabilising efforts.

We are entirely willing to abandon our proposal if another, more suitable candidate is produced. We remain unconvinced of the commitment the great powers have to ensuring stability within Greece and the Balkans - proclaiming a boy, who has existed for a mere year longer than their hard fought war for independence, as their leader is insulting.

Russia earnestly hopes that this proposal is not indicative of the great powers of Europe favouring short-term stability over long-term stability - that would be worrying indeed.

[Andre Massena]

The Kingdom of Sardinia nominates King Charles Felix's kinsman and heir, Charles Albert, as a compromise candidate for the Greek throne. His ascension would not upset the balance of power and he would be a very capable and fit monarch. We propose that upon my death, should the powers of Europe accept this arrangement, Charles Albert would abdicate the Greek throne, take the Sardinian throne, and leave the Greek throne to his second son, Prince Ferdinando.

Alternatively, we also propose Prince Eugenio Emmanuele, the Count of Villafranca, from the Villafranca cadet branch of the House of Savoy if the statesmen of Europe believe it would be unwise for a new king to have to abdicate his throne.

[Luc]

Georgios Glarakis, Foreign Secretary of Greece

To all the delegates present in this very conference,

Firstly, the Greek Delegation must express that it is very content with the current situation, since the powers of Europe seem to be truly concerned with the future of greece, and for that we are very thankful. Secondly, we would like to state our opinions in the proposed candidates by the powers.

As of this moment, the candidate that mostly seems to favour the Greek Government is the Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich of Russia. Despite being a faithful servant of the Orthodox church, he is also a battle-proven commander, and a man of a balanced age, being not too old, nor too young.

Prince Luitpold, who has been put forward by the Austrian Delegation and Supported by the British, is not the most favourable candidate in the eyes of the greek government. Our main concern with him being obviously his age, the young Prince is only eight years old, meaning we would need to cross through almost a decade of Regency, that in many political situations has proven itself to be mortal to the stability and well-being of the state. Yet, despite his age, still remains a viable candidate, also taking in consideration he would need to convert to the Orthodox religion if he was ever to be crowned king.

We also thank the input of the Swedish delegation, and the Candidacy of Prince Charles Albert on the behalf of the Sardinian delegation to the Greek Throne. We will, however, pass this, since we believe Prince Charles Albert should remain in Sardinia to rule the kingdom he was groomed to command. We are ready to discuss more on the issue, and still await a comment from the French delegation, that is very sought for.

[scorpion]

Under no circumstances would we recognize a Romanov as King In Greece. Such a move would upset the balance of power greatly in favor of the Russian Empire as pointed out by the Austrian Empire.

The Ottoman Empire can also agree to the suggestion of a boarder being a line running from the Maliac Gulf in the east, along the banks of the Aspropotamos river. Also, as the Austrian Empire has suggested.

[Smyg]

Under no circumstances would we recognize a Romanov as King In Greece. Such a move would upset the balance of power greatly in favor of the Russian Empire as pointed out by the Austrian Empire.

The Ottoman Empire can also agree to the suggestion of a boarder being a line running from the Maliac Gulf in the east, along the banks of the Aspropotamos river. Also, as the Austrian Empire has suggested.

Would you accept another Russian Orthodox prince, who is not of the Tsar's own blood? Perhaps Prince Alexander Gorchakov, a 32-year old brilliant diplomat who while Russian Orthodox speaks both French and German, and descends from the Rurikids?

[scorpion]

Under no circumstances would we recognize a Romanov as King In Greece. Such a move would upset the balance of power greatly in favor of the Russian Empire as pointed out by the Austrian Empire.

The Ottoman Empire can also agree to the suggestion of a boarder being a line running from the Maliac Gulf in the east, along the banks of the Aspropotamos river. Also, as the Austrian Empire has suggested.

Would you accept another Russian Orthodox prince, who is not of the Tsar's own blood? Perhaps Prince Alexander Gorchakov, a 32-year old brilliant diplomat who while Russian Orthodox speaks both French and German, and descends from the Rurikids?

The Ottoman Empire favors the recommendation of Austria, and Great Britain. That is Prince Luitpold of the House of Wittelsbach. He is the only choice that has been brought forth that offers thought to the balance of power within Europe. I fear that any Russian noble taking the seat of the Greek monarch would cause future issue in the region.