Chapter 36: Support for Germany
In the early days of March, under the auspices of Germany, Austria-Hungary was poised to announce a semi-mobilization. Concurrently, Germany dispatched a stern diplomatic note to Russia, demanding recognition of Austria-Hungary's sovereignty over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The note explicitly warned that continued Russian support for Serbia in the Bosnia and Herzegovina dispute would provoke military responses from both Germany and Austria-Hungary.
Amidst these escalating tensions, Crown Prince Edel found himself abruptly drawn into the crisis while he was attending a theatrical play. A pressing telegram from Germany necessitated his immediate attention.
"Your Royal Highness, His Majesty requests your presence," announced Chief Adrian, intruding upon Edel's day at the office. The message was unusual; King Carol I had largely withdrawn from the day-to-day governance, entrusting it to Edel to prepare him for future kingship. Only matters of utmost importance would now require his intervention. Edel, puzzled by this sudden summons, speculated that it must relate to a significant national issue.
"Who is with my father at the moment?" Edel inquired, seeking clarity on the nature of the summons.
"The German Ambassador, Mr. Baslob, is with His Majesty," Adrian replied.
A sense of urgency gripped Edel as he made his way to King Carol's chambers. Upon entering, he found his father and the German ambassador alone, a sign of the meeting's gravity. Adrian discreetly closed the door behind him, ensuring their discussion remained confidential.
"Father, what matter requires my attention?" Edel asked, masking his confusion with formality.
"There is a matter at hand that necessitates your counsel," King Carol stated gravely.
"Please, proceed. I will consider it with all due seriousness," Edel responded, sensing the weight of the issue from his father's tone.
It was Ambassador Baslob who took the lead in explaining the situation. "Your Royal Highness, to ensure we address this matter with precision, allow me to explain. We seek Romania's support concerning the Bosnia and Herzegovina issue. As you are aware, the relationship between Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire is aligned against Russian overreach in the Balkans, which is intolerable to any peace-loving nation."
"What specific support do you require?" Edel interjected, keen on understanding the full scope of the request.
Without showing any irritation at the interruption, Ambassador Baslob elaborated, "We anticipate potential obstinance from Russia. Should that occur, we hope Romania will join us in a punitive response against Russia. In exchange, Germany is prepared to absolve your nation of its debts. Furthermore, we support the right of the Moldavian people to self-determination."
Edel grasped the implications immediately. A declaration of war against Russia by Germany and Austria-Hungary, with Romania's participation, could erase over 200 million marks of debt and potentially grant greater autonomy to the predominantly Romanian-speaking region of Moldavia.
The revelation was staggering, and Edel needed time to formulate a response. Both the king and the ambassador patiently awaited his decision.
Reflecting on the historical context, Edel recalled that prior to World War I, there had been no direct conflict between Germany and Russia. The involvement of Romania in this scenario was unprecedented and seemed linked to his own actions, particularly Romania's financial indebtedness to Germany. Germany perceived Romania as tilting towards the Allies, a suspicion strengthened after Ludendorff's reports on Romanian military capabilities. The German Emperor now sought to test Romania's allegiance.
"Mr. Ambassador, may we have two days to deliberate on this matter? It is of considerable magnitude and requires thorough discussion," Edel requested, seeking to buy time.
"Of course, Your Highness. I shall return in two days," Baslob agreed, understanding the need for careful consideration on such a significant issue.
Once the ambassador had departed, King Carol turned to Edel, "What is your perspective on Germany's proposal?"
"Father, I need to reflect on this further. It is not a decision to be made lightly," Edel replied, his mind racing with the potential consequences of their choice.
Edel retreated to his office, instructing his staff not to disturb him. He immersed himself in a comprehensive review of the geopolitical landscape, particularly the capabilities and intentions of Russia. Despite financial aid from France, Russia had not fully recovered from the repercussions of the Russo-Japanese War, and its military readiness was questionable. Politically, Russia was unstable, with frequent disturbances and socialist movements challenging the Tsar's authority.
After hours of analysis, Edel concluded that Russia was unlikely to withstand a concerted military challenge from Germany and Austria-Hungary. This realization shaped his decision.
Emerging from his office, Edel found his chief guard waiting anxiously. "Your Highness, you have been secluded for hours," the guard expressed his concern.
"I need a meal, and then no further disturbances," Edel instructed, his mind made up.
After eating, Edel returned to his father's office to discuss his decision. "Father, after careful consideration, I believe we should support Germany's request," he declared.
"Explain your reasoning," King Carol urged, intrigued.
"Russia's economic frailty and political instability make it unlikely to sustain a prolonged conflict. Moreover, our current dependency on German support for economic and military matters leaves us little room to refuse their request without severe repercussions," Edel explained.
King Carol pondered his son's analysis, recognizing the prudence in aligning with Germany at this juncture.
Two days later, when Ambassador Baslob returned, he was met with a resolute Edel. "Thank you for Germany's consideration. Should the situation escalate into military action against Russia, Romania will stand with Germany," Edel affirmed, committing his nation to a path that would significantly shape its future.
Kaiser Wilhelm II, upon receiving the news that Romania was willing to align with the Allies in the current crisis, could hardly contain his satisfaction. He spoke to his Chief of Staff, General Helmuth von Moltke, known affectionately as Mooch, "I knew the Hohenzollern family would stand united, and Romania has certainly not let us down this time."
"Yes, Your Majesty," General von Moltke replied, equally pleased with the development. "I will instruct the staff to incorporate Romania into our Eastern Front plans. This will certainly mitigate our previous concerns about preparedness."
Romania, after all, boasted a formidable army and possessed the food and oil reserves Germany desperately needed. Additionally, the nation's industry was flourishing—Volkswagen, for instance, had established the largest car production plant in Europe there, which could now support German logistics.
Meanwhile, in Romania, Prince Edel summoned his Chief of Staff, General Prieshan, to devise an emergency military exercise plan. "Your Royal Highness, may I inquire about the nature of this exercise?" General Prieshan asked.
"The scenario will simulate a sudden Russian offensive. Our forces will need to mobilize swiftly to the battlefield and repel the invaders," Prince Edel explained, envisioning a display that would demonstrate Romania's military prowess to Germany.
"Understood, Your Highness. I shall return to the staff and commence preparations. We will begin the exercise in three days and aim to reach the designated location within a week from its start," General Prieshan responded, eager to test the newly reorganized army's capabilities.
Back at the General Staff Headquarters, Prieshan and his team worked tirelessly over the next three days to finalize the exercise plans. Once complete, he reviewed the fatigued faces of his staff and ordered the distribution of the plans to the divisional headquarters, directing them to initiate movements on the third day following receipt of the orders.
As the telegram from General Staff Headquarters reached the various divisional commands, a flurry of activity ensued. Orders specifying marching routes were relayed down the chain of command, eventually reaching the company level.
In the barracks of the Romanian Third Division, Devasili nudged his friend Tor Ti, who had been daydreaming about his village. "Tor Ti, have you packed your gear? We begin a six-day march tomorrow."
"I know, Devasili. It's just hard not to think about Jimina," Tor Ti confessed, referring to his girlfriend whom he met every Sunday. The unexpected drills disrupted his plans, much to his chagrin.
"If you don't get moving, Sergeant Billek will have your head," Devasili warned. Their squad leader, known as the 'Grumpy Bear', was notorious for resolving disputes with his fists—a method he employed frequently, even with their platoon leader.
No sooner had Devasili spoken than the imposing figure of Billek appeared. Spotting Tor Ti unprepared, he bellowed, "Tor Ti, why aren't you ready? Do you need another reminder?" His voice boomed, and spittle flew, causing Tor Ti to tremble.
"Sir, I—I will be ready shortly," stammered Tor Ti.
Billek patted him on the shoulder, a grim sign that trouble was imminent for the poor soldier.
The following day, Tor Ti joined the marching column, his face bruised, a testament to Billek's harsh methods. Despite the evident pain, the soldiers dared not laugh, all too aware of their sergeant's temper.
"Are you alright now?" Devasili asked with concern.
"It hurt last night, but it's better now," Tor Ti replied, trying to muster a smile.
In Russia, the debate over how to respond to Germany's threatening demands was intensifying. Foreign Minister Izvolsky advocated for support to Serbia, emphasizing the empire's influence in the Balkans. The Finance Minister warned of economic ruin, recalling the near bankruptcy from the conflict with Japan. The military, represented by General Jilinsky, assured they would defend Russia fiercely if war were declared.
As discussions reached a fever pitch, an aide interrupted with a telegram for Prime Minister Stolypin, which reported Romania's military maneuvers near the Russian border—an apparent collaboration with Germany and Austria. This revelation prompted Stolypin to advocate for concessions to avoid conflict.
Nicholas II, after hearing all sides, reluctantly agreed. "Inform Germany that we recognize Austria-Hungary's sovereignty over Bosnia and Herzegovina and will counsel Serbia to restrain itself," he decreed, settling the matter with a heavy heart.
This decision marked a significant diplomatic victory for Germany and Austria, effectively curbing Russia's ambitions in the Balkans and defusing a potential crisis. Serbia, facing immense pressure, had no choice but to comply, putting an end to its anti-Austrian mobilization and protests. The looming threat of war, for the moment, was averted.
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