Chapter 64: Balkan war
The Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Geschov, felt a deep sense of satisfaction as he disembarked from the train. The negotiations had been tough, but ultimately fruitful. Although Bulgaria had ceded 4,000 square kilometers of coastal, grain-producing territory—a significant portion given that the country's total area was just over 80,000 square kilometers at the time—the strategic and material gains were substantial. Romania, a key member of the Balkan League, now stood as a bulwark against potential threats from the rear. Moreover, Bulgaria had secured a large cache of munitions, crucial for accelerating the army's war preparations.
Accompanied by Foreign Minister Tiras Rocky, Prime Minister Geschov headed straight to the royal palace to report to King Ferdinand I. Although they had already sent a telegram detailing the outcomes, certain nuances—especially concerning Romania's attitude and the intricacies of the negotiation process—were best conveyed in person.
Upon their arrival, before either minister could utter a word, King Ferdinand I greeted them with a warm smile and words of comfort. "Thank you for your hard work. This negotiation was not easy, but I am very satisfied with the results," he said.
"Everything is for the benefit of the kingdom," both ministers responded in unison, echoing the king's sentiment.
"Tell me about the process of this negotiation," the king requested. While he was aware of the basic outcomes through the telegram, he was keen on hearing a detailed account.
"Your Majesty, since the negotiation was primarily my responsibility, allow me to elaborate," Prime Minister Geschov stated, and with the king's nod, he began recounting every detail of his discussions in Romania.
King Ferdinand I listened intently, not interrupting Geschov's narrative. The room was filled with the Prime Minister's voice, recounting the tense moments and strategic maneuvers of the negotiation.
After Geschov finished, he expressed a lingering concern. "Your Majesty, throughout my discussions with the Romanian Prime Minister, I couldn't shake off the feeling that they were overly eager to provide us with arms."
The king looked puzzled. "Why do you think that, Prime Minister? From your initial report, I didn't get the impression that Romania was particularly keen on arming us."
"It may just be an instinct," Geschov admitted. "But it seemed to me that every time I pressed on the issue of arms, the Romanian Prime Minister would relent a bit too easily. Initially, I didn't think much of it, but upon reflection, it felt deliberate. We estimated securing arms worth 4 million Levs would be a victory; instead, we ended up with more than 7 million Levs worth."
The room fell silent as they pondered the Prime Minister's intuition. King Ferdinand I finally broke the silence, "Regardless of Romania's intentions, this influx of arms significantly bolsters our military capabilities, which is paramount. Our focus must remain on securing Macedonia and Thrace."
With the king's perspective clear, discussions shifted to another potential ally: Montenegro. This small, mountainous nation on the Adriatic Sea, with a population of less than 300,000, harbored a strong anti-Ottoman sentiment and maintained a standing army of 18,000. Despite its size, Montenegro was a fierce contender.
Previously, Bulgaria had sought Russia's opinion on including Montenegro in the Balkan League, but Russia had advised against it due to Montenegro's radical stance in international affairs, which could potentially disrupt the alliance's broader goals.
However, with the recent display of the Ottoman Empire's military vulnerabilities in its conflict with Italy, King Ferdinand I was reconsidering Montenegro's inclusion, independent of Russian influence.
"Prime Minister, I am contemplating bringing Montenegro into our alliance. What are your thoughts?" King Ferdinand proposed, indicating he had been mulling over this idea for some time.
Prime Minister Geschov furrowed his brows, considering the implications. "Your Highness, I support the inclusion of Montenegro, but I suggest we proceed once we are fully prepared."
"Why the delay?" the king inquired, puzzled.
"I fear Montenegro might act prematurely against the Ottomans, given their intense hatred. It's crucial that we first bolster our strength with the Romanian arms shipment," Geschov explained.
"Can we expedite the arms delivery from Romania?" the king asked, eager to advance his strategy.
Foreign Minister Tiras Rocky interjected, "Your Majesty, I can send a telegram urging Romania to expedite the delivery. Given our recent agreement and good relations, they should comply."
Pleased with this proactive approach, King Ferdinand I nodded in agreement. Subsequently, a telegram was dispatched to Romania, emphasizing the urgent need for the arms.
When the positive response from Romania arrived, assuring delivery within a month, King Ferdinand I was elated. "Excellent. We can now invite Montenegro to join the alliance."
Following the king's directive, Foreign Minister Tiras Rocky sent an invitation to Montenegro. After three days of deliberation, the Montenegrin government responded positively, and Prime Minister Lazar Tomanovic led a delegation to Sofia for formal talks.
After five days of negotiations, Bulgaria and Montenegro reached an agreement. Montenegro was promised a territory of 4,500 square kilometers near Kosovo, a significant acquisition for such a small nation. In return, Montenegro committed to deploying 30,000 troops for a joint offensive against the Ottoman Empire.
With Montenegro's inclusion, the Balkan League was now poised to challenge the Ottoman hold on European territories, marking a significant shift in the regional power dynamics and setting the stage for a confrontation that would reshape the Balkans.
On September 24, 1912, in the ornate office of the Crown Prince, a discussion on the ongoing conflict between Italy and the Ottoman Empire unfolded. Edel, the Crown Prince, was seated across from Carust, the Chief of the Guard, who was briefing him on the latest developments.
"Now Italy has occupied Rhodes, Kos, and the Dodecanese Islands, drawing perilously close to the Ottoman mainland. I fear the Ottomans will soon find themselves cornered," Carust explained, detailing the Italian naval operations. Despite the escalating costs of war, which had ballooned from 800,000 to one million liras a month, the local Arab populations had yet to be subdued.
"Even if the Ottomans were to capitulate, the local Arabs in Libya would continue to be a source of great difficulty for Italy," Edel remarked, reflecting on the burdens Italy faced in the war. History would later validate his observations, as Italy struggled to establish effective control over Libyan territories until 1920. The Italian military campaigns under Generals Pietro Badoglio and Rudolf Graziani, initially intended as punitive measures, devolved into acts of severe repression, fueling continuous resistance from the Libyans until the execution of their leader, Omar Mukhtar, on September 15, 1931.
As Edel and Carust discussed these matters, a guard interrupted with a message. "Your Highness, Minister of Foreign Affairs Barnosk requests an audience."
"Let him in," Edel responded, turning to Carust. "You may leave us."
With a bow, Carust exited, and soon, Foreign Minister Barnosk entered, looking particularly harried given his recent efforts to manage relations amidst the Balkan tensions. Romania, though leaning towards the Allies, maintained a careful balance with the Balkan states, adding to Barnosk's responsibilities.
Upon entering, Barnosk wasted no time. "Your Highness, Bulgaria has sent word. The Balkan states have convened and are prepared to issue an ultimatum to the Ottoman Empire on October 4th, demanding autonomy for Macedonia and Thrace."
Edel, contemplating the ramifications of this move, toyed with a pen on his desk. After a moment of silence in which only the ticking of the clock filled the room, he made his decision. "Send a telegram to Bulgaria. Inform them that Romania will declare war on the Ottoman Empire three days after their declaration."
"Very well, Your Highness. I will relay our decision immediately," Barnosk replied, bowing slightly.
As Barnosk turned to leave, Edel suddenly called out, "Wait."
Barnosk turned back, a questioning look on his face. "Yes, Your Highness?"
"What has the Prime Minister been up to recently?" Edel inquired, his tone carrying a hint of suspicion.
"Prime Minister Bretianu has been focused on hospital construction and has been consulting his ministers about the situation in the Balkans," Barnosk answered cautiously.
"Very well. You may go," Edel dismissed him, and Barnosk exited with a relieved sigh, aware of the underlying scrutiny in Edel's question.
Alone in his office, Edel sighed deeply, feeling the weight and allure of power. He had grown increasingly accustomed to these feelings, a testament to the inherent selfishness of human nature.
Resolving to discuss the matter further, Edel decided to visit his father, King Carol I, who was now in his seventies and had largely retired from the rigors of governance. Walking through the corridors of the palace, he found his father by a window, watching Queen Elizabeth and Princess Sophie Marie enjoying tea in the garden, with the aide-de-camp, Adrian, at his side.
Approaching quietly, Edel greeted him, "Father."
King Carol turned, his face lined with age. "Edel, what brings you here?"
"Father, the Balkan states plan to issue an ultimatum to the Ottoman Empire for the autonomy of Macedonia and Thrace. I have decided that Romania will join the war three days after Bulgaria's declaration," Edel disclosed.
King Carol, though weakened by age, responded with a sharp insight. "The Ottoman Empire has indeed fallen far. I wonder if the Balkan states will end up fighting among themselves over the territories."
"If that happens, it could present an opportunity for Romania," Edel added, sharing his strategic thoughts.
Pleased, King Carol nodded. "Your thinking is sound. I'm eager to hear more of your thoughts on this."
As they delved deeper into discussion, Adrian discreetly left the room, ensuring their privacy.
Meanwhile, the Balkan states, including Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro, were mobilizing their forces. On October 4, 1912, they issued their ultimatum to the Ottoman Empire, which was summarily rejected amidst ongoing conflicts with Italy. Montenegro was the first to declare war on October 8, followed by Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece on October 17, and finally Romania on October 21.
Thus began a new chapter in the Balkan Wars, with the nations of the peninsula united against the fading might of the Ottoman Empire.
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