Es Geloybte Aretz - a Germanwank

[carlton_bach]

30 April 1907, Lodz

“General Ferber”, Moisei Uritzki pointed out quietly, “I am surprised to hear this. A vote throughout the army?”

“Damn goyishe foolishness.” the general said curtly. “That was all Dmovski's idea.”

The newspaperman's eyes widenened. “Seriously?”

“Yes. We need a delegation to discuss the future of Poland, and the Germans want to start setting upo a state soon. But I was for handling it through the Army Council. We trusted Pilsudski. The conservatives, though, they were all going on about how the people had to be asked and stuff. They figure a lot of good Catholics in the Red regiments will vote for Dmovski if their priests tell them. So, we'll be having a vote. And the Germans are going along with it, it's liable to work. They're even providing the papers.” He shook his head in disbelief. “Meshuggeh, I tell you. Transporting ballot papers to all units at the front.”

“Maybe,” Uritzki said cautiously, “but certainly – interesting. It'll strengthen your position.”

Ferber looked up. “My position? How's that?”

”General, the Jewish Brigade – and we really need to start calling it a Jewish Division now – numbers at least a quarter of all effectives in the National Army. Not counting franc tireurs,. But franc tireurs don't vote. That is a serious votiong bloc.”

Ferber shrugged. “They'll all vote for Pilsudski. Everyone with half a heart will. It's a foregone conclusion.”

“I don't think so.” Uritzki cocked his head and looked at the general. “The men love Pilsudski, but they feel Jewish first, Polish second. Often quite a distant second, especially after the Garski fiasco. Keep in mind they're all reading the Yiddish papers, too. If we tell them to vote for you, they will.”

“Me?” Ferber was genuinely shocked. “I can't. I'm not even … I'm needed in command. Someone's got to keep this outfit running.”

“Just an example.” Uritzki rubbed his hands. “But say they vote for – Rasbinovicz's too scary, Garski's too provocative, Grynszpan's an apikoyres, Lewin's German – say they vote for Landauer.”

“The rebbe?”

“Why not? The whites are putting forward Archbishop Popiel as a serious candidate. Anyway, suppose they vote for him,. He'd be a serious voice at the table fior the Jewish cause.” Uritzki saw doubt in Ferber's eyes. “The Germans are going to be quite willing to go along with this, no worries there. They are impressed with your units' performance, you know.”

“But what about Pilsudski?” General Ferber interjected rather sheepishly. “I can't just – it wouldn't be right to - “

“Run against him? You wouldn't. You're just one of the names, anmd he's going to come out ahead any way you silce it anyway. But think about it!”

Ferber scratched his chin. He would have to talk to Rebbe Landauer about this idea. It sounded crazy, but Uritzki was usually smart enough. Still, if they were going to do this, it would need to be quick. The vote was in June and the conference would start in September. Maybe with a Jewish representative. It wasn't like he hadn't been dreaming of things like this, but he couldn't quite reconcile his mind to the idea that they were actually happening. At that rate, he'd be parting the Mediterranean with his sabre to lead the people to the Promised Land by 1910.

 

[Monty Burns]

At that rate, he'd be parting the Mediterranean with his sabre to lead the people to the Promised Land by 1910

I, for one, wouldn't mind an ASB-offspring of this great TL...

Now while I don't really get that vote thing and what it is for - after all it's not unusual that enlisted men do not vote - if they must do this a Jewish representative is a good idea. Also for Pilsudski, for which that Rebbe should be an ally in that council. Of course, a democratic vote and founding of the state will only endear the Polish rebels fighting the vile Russians even more to the Anglosphere. As would a humble German Emperor, trying his utmost to save money on his personal conduct and collect money for the war against the Eastern Barbarians while visiting the US. Wouldn't do harm if he still has problems to walk and shows off his injuries.

 

[carlton_bach]

I, for one, wouldn't mind an ASB-offspring of this great TL...

Now while I don't really get that vote thing and what it is for - after all it's not unusual that enlisted men do not vote - if they must do this a Jewish representative is a good idea.

It's ultimately the outcome of a bit of politicking that will backfire spectacularly. Originally, the plan was that the Army Council would nominate delegates, but that became a case of too many chiefs. Then, the suggestion was to nominate candidates by unit. The conservatives realised they would lose that one because many otherwise Catholic, conservative and patriotic Poles are fighting in 'Red' units aligned with Pilsudski's party. Their vote would, of course, go to Pilsudski. Their best hope would be civilian voting, but they couldn't organise that, and their suggestion of intergrating the church hierarchy as representatives of the nation did not go down well with the Socialists. So they came up with the one man - one vote scheme in the hope that many fighting men would vote for the candidate the archbishop likes.

What they didn't know was that the Jewish Brigade has a) far more regular troops than most of their outfits and b) a working press to guide public opinion. The Army Council is still pretty disorganised, with many commanders exaggerating the numbers of their units and orders frequently treated as optional suggestions. They came up with the scheme not quite knowing what it would entail, but the Germans were happy to go along with it because any governing body has to be better than the one they have.

 

[Obfuscated]

It's ultimately the outcome of a bit of politicking that will backfire spectacularly. Originally, the plan was that the Army Council would nominate delegates, but that became a case of too many chiefs. Then, the suggestion was to nominate candidates by unit. The conservatives realised they would lose that one because many otherwise Catholic, conservative and patriotic Poles are fighting in 'Red' units aligned with Pilsudski's party. Their vote would, of course, go to Pilsudski. Their best hope would be civilian voting, but they couldn't organise that, and their suggestion of intergrating the church hierarchy as representatives of the nation did not go down well with the Socialists. So they came up with the one man - one vote scheme in the hope that many fighting men would vote for the candidate the archbishop likes.

What they didn't know was that the Jewish Brigade has a) far more regular troops than most of their outfits and b) a working press to guide public opinion. The Army Council is still pretty disorganised, with many commanders exaggerating the numbers of their units and orders frequently treated as optional suggestions. They came up with the scheme not quite knowing what it would entail, but the Germans were happy to go along with it because any governing body has to be better than the one they have.

Also probably at least one German (Jew maybe even) involved in that decision who had an inkling what would happen.

 

[Athelstane]

It's ultimately the outcome of a bit of politicking that will backfire spectacularly. Originally, the plan was that the Army Council would nominate delegates, but that became a case of too many chiefs. Then, the suggestion was to nominate candidates by unit. The conservatives realised they would lose that one because many otherwise Catholic, conservative and patriotic Poles are fighting in 'Red' units aligned with Pilsudski's party. Their vote would, of course, go to Pilsudski. Their best hope would be civilian voting, but they couldn't organise that, and their suggestion of intergrating the church hierarchy as representatives of the nation did not go down well with the Socialists. So they came up with the one man - one vote scheme in the hope that many fighting men would vote for the candidate the archbishop likes.

What they didn't know was that the Jewish Brigade has a) far more regular troops than most of their outfits and b) a working press to guide public opinion. The Army Council is still pretty disorganised, with many commanders exaggerating the numbers of their units and orders frequently treated as optional suggestions. They came up with the scheme not quite knowing what it would entail, but the Germans were happy to go along with it because any governing body has to be better than the one they have.

It's interesting to see this early, proto-, version of the conflict of clashing visions of Polish destiny of 1918-1921 played out over a decade earlier.

In our history, the opposing forces coalesced in Pilsudski's Międzymorze - a broader, more pluralistic, albeit more expansionist vision - versus Dmowski's pure Poland, one where minorities (including Jews) would be polonized. Here, of course, the opportunity for a recreated Commonwealth are more limited, given German power and imperatives; but the basic clash remains.

And yet it's also true that neither man represented a reactionary throwback. Dmowski had little use for the older, traditional social order, especially in the countryside; he's more of an Ataturk than a Petain (though analogies limp). And Pilsudski's Międzymorze was as much a strategic imperative as it was a fond longing for a glorious Polish past. And in either vision, the Catholic Church in Poland was bound to play some significant role. Just as it surely is going to play one in this future, too.

Nonetheless, while Pilsudski of this timeline is not quite that of ours, he seems to be more promising material for Ferber and the Jews than Dmowski, and at some point, they have to realize that. These electoral machinations seem better directed at creating enough political leverage to keep Pilsudski honest, and the backing he might need to face down the polonizers to create a more...pluralistic Poland.

 

[carlton_bach]

01 May 1907, southeast of Zanzibar, Indian Ocean

'Battle Stations' was one of those phrases you felt easier saying when you did not think through their meaning. A battle station was where you went and stayed, waiting for the shells and splinters, the fire or water to find you while you carried out your assigned duty. HNLMS Friesland had been in action several times in the course of her career, but up to now, these engagements had been limited to coastal bombardments and landings of Marines. She had been built with that in mind, and approaching a more powerful enemy was not a comfortable position, even knowing that they were under no obligation to fight. In the long months of shadowing the Russian fleet in its anchorages at Mafia and Daressalam, they had never come close enough to merit clearing for action. But now, Vitgeft had come out in force. The towering bulk of his battleships – the flag on looming Peresvyet, the lower silhouette of Poltava following behind, and they could see this through their telescope by now - was screened off by four cruisers, making a slow progress south and out into the ocean. AS yet, they were out of effective gun range, though if they had really wanted to, they could have tried ranging shots at the smaller Dutch vessel. Captain Koster was fully aware of the danger, but determined to shadow the fleet closely. They were running at very low power, most likely to preserve coal. No tenders and only two torpedo boats followed them. If he were to lose them and there really were colliers hiding out somewhere at sea, they could wreak havoc unchecked., He tried not to imagine what Peresvyet's guns could do to the anchorage at Batavia, should she ever get there.

“What do you think they are up to, Sir?” Ensign Dekkers asked quietly. The captain approvingly noticed his hands clasped tightly behind his back. If you held them there, you could squeeze as hard as you wanted with nobody to spot your nervousness. It was more becoming of naval officers that the fidgeting with telecopes, dividers and grease pencils that he had seen the Germans do. More British, too. He wondered what Admiral Vitgeft was doing right now. Did he spare a thought to his dogged little pursuer?

“I'm not sure.” the captain admitted. “If they are aiming to meet tenders, they are liable to scatter sometime soon. In that case we will have to try hanging on to the flagship and telegraphing our position while we can.” He did not add that in this case they were likely to have to tangle with one or more of the Russian cruisers, outgunned and outranged. “If the Germans really drove away all of their colliers, they are probably heading south to intern themselves with the Portuguese.”

Dekkers blinked. “Why the Portuguese?”

“The British won't allow them in Zanzibar”, Koster explained. “The government issued a communique: all belligerent ships are banned from British waters.”

The ensign thought about that. The British could not possibly have anything capable of stopping this naval might in Zanzibar. But if you had the Royal Navy, you didn't really need the force on hand. The knowledge you had it somewhere was enough. Vitgeft would have been insane to try forcing his way north. The fact he had left port at all suggested the Germans were pushing them hard on land. And of course his coal supply had to be very low. The ships were running on quarter steam at best. They might end up burning mess tables and floorboards before they reached Lourenco Marques. If they did. What would they do if they ran out? Would Vitgeft transfer coal to the cruisers and scuttle his flagship? Or do it the other way around? What could he do, other than sit there waiting for anyone to tow him away?

A torpedo boat was approaching, moving at what seemed remarkable speed compared to the lumbering force. Dekkers picked up a telescope to take a closer look. A wireless signaller stepped onto the bridge, saluting. “Captain, a signal for us from Peresvyet. They sent in the clear, in French. Admiral Vitgeft wishes to avoid bloodshed and discuss terms of surrender.”

Captain Koster bristled. “That is out of the question! We can easily outrun his force, even if he outguns us. The Dutch navy does not yield to superior numbers without a fight!”

Dekkers swallowed drily. What now? Helm orders, a mad dash out of range?

“I'm sorry, Sir, I believe you misunderstand.” The signaller looked worried. “Admiral Vitgeft intends to surrender his fleet to you. Do you accept?”

Koster nodded wordlessly.

 

[Predictably.Damaged]

The greatest day of the Dutch navy in how many centuries is that?

Very good as always.

 

[carlton_bach]

The greatest day of the Dutch navy in how many centuries is that?

Very good as always.

Well, they always wanted a proper battlefleet...

 

[B_Munro]

The greatest day of the Dutch navy in how many centuries is that?

Hey, it's only 240 years since they were sailing up the Thames and humiliating the Brits - it's only a couple and a bit...

Bruce

 

[Stendhal]

You do not fool me, Carlton !

 

[wietze]

Hey, it's only 240 years since they were sailing up the Thames and humiliating the Brits - it's only a couple and a bit...

Bruce

and only 219 year since the successful dutch invasion of britain (after all that is what the so called glorious revolution was)

 

[Stendhal]

How about:

The Imperial East African squadron will for the duration of the conflict repair to HNLM ports in the Antilles.

The fleet and its men shall remain Russian officered.

The Orthodox religion and habitual diet of the Russian crews will be respected.

No Russion personnel in Dutch hands shall be rendered into the custody of non-White troops.
​

Although I still expect them to scuttle.

 

[wietze]

why antilles? the dutch east indies makes a lot more sense.

After all it was a ship of the east indies fleet that they surrendered to.

maybe they scuttle, maybe not. BUt they surrendered to the dutch, not to the germans, that was a political move. So they might not scuttle after all.The russian naval officers are walking a thin line here, remember the geneva convention has been smashed by the russians themselves by sinking dutch rescue ships.
So just handing over the ships on no other condition than fair treatment is the best they can get right now. If they do not behave (ie do something like scuttling) might get them a rather rough treatment.

 

[Monty Burns]

why antilles? the dutch east indies makes a lot more sense.

After all it was a ship of the east indies fleet that they surrendered to.

I guess the Dutch fear that whatever the Russians have left of their Pacific fleet could then become more active. At the moment, That is a very quiet spot.

Remember also that while Britain and the US disencourage such an action by the Russians, the Russians ITTL are seen as irrational and barbaric. So better leave the DEI aside, as these islands were of major importance to the Dutch.

 

[carlton_bach]

03 May 1907, Paris

“It never rains but it pours, doesn't it?” Georges Clemenceau rubbed his temples. Foreign Minister Pichon smiled apologetically.

“I suppose it was to be expected. We underestimated the strength of the Ottomans as much as the Italians did. But what are we to do?”

He nudged the Italian ambassador's note with his finger, setting it fluttering. The brief text was best described as a brazen attempt at blackmail: support us, or we will ruin your foreign policy. It was not phrased in these terms – indeed, it was to all appearences as humble a supplication as you found in the intercourse of European nations – but that was what it amounted to. The Italian government, bogged down with its efforts to conquer the Cyrenaica, announced its willingness to expand the theatre of war to naval operations against the Ottoman coast, approaching Greece as a potential cobelligerent. Of course the Greeks would be more than happy to pick off a few islands, knowing that they would enjoy the Italian's reinsurance against intervention. Assuming they would – which was not at all a given. The agreement did not cover anything beyond the Italian seizure of Libya. What if the deal was off...? And even if it was not, the sultan could hardly stand idly by and do nothing while Italian ships bombarded his coast. He would send out his navy, close the straits and choke off the Russians' lifeline. And with French investment in Russian debt, French interest in limiting German gains and lengthening the war, French dependence on weakening Germany's economy – they could not let this happen.

The Italians had them over a barrel. And they could not even be nasty about it, given how they wanted Rome in a formal alliance. The price of that was Libya. And wasn't it just Clemenceau's luck he got to spend French capital and influence to secure it!

“First, we request the Italians to refrain. Then, we neutralise the straits. French ships will be stationed off the Dardanelles to protect the safety of merchant shipping in this time of international tensiopn. I will speak to the British ambassador personally to ensure there are no misunderstandings.” Clemenceau wiped his forehead with his silk handkerchief, sighing heavily.

“He will not take that well.” Pichon protested.

“He will have to. But you can also assure him we will put every pressure on the Sublime Porte to cede Libya peacefully.” The prime minister gritted his teeth. “This is going to cost us. You have carte blanche – give them assurances, subsidies, bribes, loans, what it takes. Threaten war if they don't go along. I'll trust you to negotiate well.”

Pichon nodded. “I think if I take a forceful enough line, the sultan will cave relatzively cheaply.” he assured Clemenceau.

“Good. But you must impress it on the Italian ambassador that we are utterly serious about the neutralisation of the Straits. If Italian warships show up, we will have to engage and destroy them. The credibility of French power requires it.”

 

[The Sandman]

So I take it Monsieur Clemenceau hasn't yet heard about the Russian intent to default on their debts?

Because if he actually thinks the Russians intend to pay back any of what they owe to France, he's in for a very unpleasant surprise.

He also fails to consider that if the Ottomans are forced to cede Libya to the Italians, they more-or-less have to go to war against Russia to maintain some degree of credibility as an independent power. Especially given that at present the Italians are losing.

And, of course, the British have no good reason not to just throw both Italy and Russia under the bus by telling the French that this proposal is unacceptable.

 

[Obfuscated]

So either the Ottoman decide to go 'fuck it, kill them all' - choking the russian lifeline in the process - or Italy and France go from peaceful, benevolent neutrality to "No, you go fuck yourself" with a side order of british "Oh, we will secure the straits, don't bother old chap." intervention.

Of course this being a french diplomatic effort c) 'All of the above + surprise' is also in the cards.

 

[Kvasir]

Interesting update which raises some interesting questions.

Considering that this is a Germanwank in the same way that America is wanked in the OTL, it is highly likely that Carlton is not planning on France joining this war against Germany. Any territorial gains against France are hugely problematic and verge on ASB, and Germany doesn't need to defeat France militarily to dominate them and also hold on to Alsace Lorraine.

But what is still an open question is the Ottoman Empire. It certainly would benefit Germany for the Ottomans to enter the war against Russia, but might it be a far larger (and less ASB) wank if Germany defeats Russia without Ottoman involvement?

We already see that the Russian mindset is precluding a surrender that is not absolute. Even though it will be a huge struggle for Germany most of us probably believe it at least possible for Germany to push South into Ukraine. Once there, the possibility of a German controlled Caucasus becomes interesting.

If the Ottomans are too preoccupied in Africa to reap the rewards of a collapsing Russia, Germany might be able to add this area to their sphere of influence. Maybe. Or is this too much of a stretch?

 

[carlton_bach]

04 May 1907, Moscow

“It is an utter disaster.” Prince Sviatopolk-Mirski gently set down his crystal goblet, white wine glowing golden in the light of the candles reflected by the damask tablecloth. “I siomply no longer know how to put this any other way.”

Grand Duke Nikolai held his gaze, noticing the nervous darting of this guest's eyes. It was a familiar sight these days, the furtive sideways glance as you said things that would offend the patriotic spirit. He sighed inwardly. If a man like Mirski had to worry, then who did not?

“I agree, excellency..” he said. “And the facts are more worrying even than the press account suggests.”

Sviatopolk-Mirski looked at him quizzically. “How could it be worse? An admiral disobeying direct imperial orders?”

“Following these orders was impossible.” Nikolai said curtly. He was not technically in the naval chvain of command, but being the uncle of the Czar made people answer your questions. He made a point of being well informed. “You must realise that the original plan was to intern the ships with a neutral power. Admiral Alexeyev had instructed them to go to Zanzibar, but the British stopped that. The new order was to head for Mozambique. That was when Alexeyev was countermanded and Vitgeft received instructions to seek battle with any enemy ships he could find – already at sea, and with practically no coal.”

“How?” The diplomat's eyes lit up with surprise. According to the press, Vitgeft had disobeyed orders to engage the enemy by instead striking his flag in fear.

“Apparently, Dr Dubrovin had developed the idea that the coal supply of a captured enemy ship could be distributed among the cruisers that could then hunt down colliers.” The grand duke snorted dismissively. “Impossible, as I understand it. But the orders were given, and posted throughout the fleet. Remember, the men had been told they were headed for intrernment, now they heard they were going into battle. Sick lists were already huge, morale was low, and according to what the Dutch are saying, the officers effectively no longer had control of their crews. Vitgeft felt he could not take the ships back, given the fate of the sailors in Lindi, so he handed them over to the Dutch to save his men's lives. The Admiralty is to receive his papers under cartel, so we will no doubt learn about his side of the story.”

“He will have a lot of explaining to do.” Mirski remarked.

“No need.” Nikolai said bitterly. “He's dead. Shot himself after he had ordered the surrender of his fleet. Suicide is becoming something of an occupational hazard for our admirals, I should say.”

The prince shuddered, realising the enormity of what had happened. No wonder the government was pushing a different story. What kind of message would it send to their army, desperately trying to stop the advancing Germans and Austrians in Poland and Galicia, if they learned that navy men had simply refused to fight? What if this happened in encircled Lemberg? What if it happened in Riga, in Viborg or Moscow?

“I am sure you understand why we have not been told.” Nikolai pointed out superfluously. “But you were speaking of Galicia. I assure you I share your concern over the role of the Patriotic Union, that much we can agree with.”

Mirski stroked his greying beard. “I am very unhappy with the degree to which we have to rely on their organisation for so many things. They run most of our hospitals, they feed our troops wehen the supply breaks down and send their own units to support them. I've heard that a lot of their druzhinas by now are better trained than regular reserve troops. We rely on them for bond drives and labour organisation. You hardly see a factory owner and war ministry contractor without the PU lapel pin. Even the Okhrana depends on them now. It is frightening,”

The grand duke nodded, sipping his Rhenish. “Indeed. To consider that we must worry where these men's loyalties may lie if it ever came to a head concerns me.”

'If it came to a head'. Their eyes met, and the two men shared a brief mental image of Dubrovin, ensconced in the imperial apartments, his spartan folding cot within shouting distance of his czar. How much power did this man actually wield already? How many of the green tentacles that the Russian war effort was now shot through with ended with him? He had too many enemies to sleep soundly in Moscow. Back in old St Petersburg, he might already have fallen victim to court intrigue, but the nobility were out of their depth in the new Kremlin-centred world.

“But bear in mind, the PU troops are also the most loyal there are. I have never yet heard of their units mutinying.” Nikolai looked out of the window at the sun-drenched garden, thinking back to the terrifying days of 1905, when the army and empite had begun to dissolve under their feet. Dubrovin and his men had saved them then. How much ingratitude to consider him an enemy now! “Any hope we have of victory lies with them, I fear. Only they will make the sacrifices and display the hardness required to wear down the enemy.”

“Victory?” Mirski asked inadvertently, checked himself and apologised.

“Victory. Of sorts.” Nikolai waved the objections aside and took a deeper drink of the wine. “Any outcome that will not be an entire humiliation,. After what we have done, we cannot be defeated. The consequences of being at Germany's mercy do not bear thinking about.”

 

[Tyr Anazasi]

The British would want to neutralize the Dardanelles- but only if THEY would control them. Controlled by the French would not be very much better than controlled by the Czar. Especially as the French are the Allies of Russia. So they will object. STRONGLY object. And France will back down. Italy will be pissed off by nearly everyone. Well, the Germans had given them a Card Blanche against the Ottomans in Libya, but if they were not able to win, well... Britain would be seen as a kind of traitor. Thus there were now two options for them. Either to rely more on Germany or more on France. I guess the latter will happen though, as Britain is in Germany's boat. But with Britain threatening off the French the Greek would not act and thus the Italian dreams of Italian Libya are just that, dreams.

Also if I understood it correctly the Russians did not default completely but only the freight for the coals.