All-Parties Peace Conference

[Oneida]

There was something about the Archchancellor's stare that resonated with Vadas. He had seen it before, many times. He remembered his first trip to Hallein, the Carinthian Capital and one of the Dual Capitals of the Empire. It was a city that was as grandiose and ornate as Karcag, but in an uniquely different way. On that trip, he ran into a man by accident - a bump that did more harm to a child than it did a grown man. "Oh excuse me," the man said to him, to which Vadas responded in broken Carinthian with a thick Harkaner accent "Oh it is my fault sir, I am sorry." The man's smile turned to the very same look that the Archchancellor, leader of a tiny country that once swore loyalty to the Carinthian Emperor, was giving him.

It was the same look he had learned to give to the few Bergen who still lived in Harkány. They had retained a culture far closer to Carinthia than Harkány and they had the gaul to continue to live within the borders of the Kingdom. They stayed because they were either too poor, too stupid, or a misplaced sense of pride to their land. "I suppose it's a learned trait of the Empire," he thought to himself.

"Archchancellor," he began in a tone far less combative "I assure you the forty minute flight from Karcag was most enjoyable and relaxing - I am quite refreshed." It was clear the Bergen needed to save this conference, but it was equally clear that with Radek dead and Kadikistani troops deployed within Crotobaltislavonia, it wouldn't be a conference that could secure the peace. "It wouldn't be such a terrible thing for Bourgogne and Eiffelland to see a direct challenge so close to their homeland," Vadas thought.

"I shall take note that this conference has found it egregious that I would suggest strong support for the Yiddish people and criticized the Farrago Regime's brutal tactics for suppressing opposition. If it is all the same to those gathered, I am happy to continue with this conference. Allow me to share my colleagues' interest as to proof of any evidence that the Free State of Trivodnia acted in cooperation with General Radek to orchestrate a coup."

 

[Crotobaltislavonia]

Jedreck listened to the others of the conference and concluded his idea for forcing a Yiddish homeland was a non-starter. Pleasing The Dear Leader was not going to happen now, so Jedreck decided on some realpolitik rather than naked ideology. He stood.

"Madams and Sirs, let me address your points. Number one, I do not need to consult with my superior in Banja Luka. For the time being, any who wish to leave Crotobaltislavonia are at liberty to do so. Any any who wish to return home are at liberty to do so. Number two, Crotobaltislavonia has no desire to be the cause the turmoil in Germania. As has been reported, General Radek and his rebellion are at an end. I assure you, there is no longer any need for foreign troops to remain on Crotobaltislavonian soil. There is no need for peacekeepers to be deployed.

"This was an unfortunate episode. My country desires be a peaceful and prosperous neighbor to all nations we share borders with. Our only wish is to recede back into obscurity while we get our house back in order. Thank you."

 

[Bergenheim]

Archchancellor Vogt nodded, privately relieved that Jedreck had chosen to start being reasonable. She made a mental note to have Zweigler get him somewhere private and see if they couldn't work out some sort of private deals that would enrich and benefit Bergenheim, without the new Kadikistani masters necessarily being aware.

"I believe then we have our agenda set out, ladies and gentlemen." She said, chosing to see the disappearance of the Kadikistani delegation as a blessing rather than a defeat. "Since the situation in Crotobaltislavonia is stabilising and it cannot- and should not- be forced to accept any third-party peacekeeping forces not of its own choosing, the main issue that remains as the consequence of this crisis is the refugee situation."

She turned her attention to a delegate she had been neglecting. Now was their time.

"I believe Elbe has been showing us all exactly how best to handle the situation. Their refugee camps and provision of charitable aid on their borders has been exemplary. In terms of ameliorating the crisis, and providing the most care and best opportunities for those displaced by the unfortunate troubles, this is certainly an example to bare in mind."

How she would come to regret her words.

"I do not think it would be productive to try to use this diplomatic space to pursue questions of who started what or why. Naturally, I encourage the pursuit of the truth, and in the fullness of time, perhaps a cross-nation judicial inquiry could be set up, to weigh the evidence and determine fairly the casus belli of this crisis."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in.

"For us here, today, however, our priority should be helping those most in need."

 

[Elben]

Schlabrendorff had been completely ignored as the representative from Kadikistan left, but that was okay. As Vogt spoke, the count returned to his seat and nodded in acknowledgement of Elben's efforts to assist those in need both in and out of Crotobaltislavonia. He rose again to address the archchancellor.

"The charities operating in Elben thankfully have support bases that allow them to do their work with great efficiency. Those who do the work of God require little or no compensation beyond meals and a place to sleep. But I do look forward to working with you and Fist Zweigler on coordinating efforts to avoid unnecessary duplication."

 

[Crotobaltislavonia]

Jedreck nodded at Bergenheim and Elben's words. "The concern for Crotobaltislavonians is welcome and warms my heart. As I said, my country is happy to allow the refugees to remain abroad indefinitely. But I submit it is in everyone's best interests if they return home. My question is what can we do to make that return an attractive and easy option for my people."

The Foreign Minister stood and looked around, making eye contact with his fellows including Schlabrendorff and Vogt. "Crotobaltislavonia is a poor country, as we well know. I believe Elben has shown us the way by putting it's resources within Crotobaltislavonia itself. I believe assistance to make a return to homes, kin, and livelihoods as painless as possible is a better option than being a charity case while assimilating into a foreign land."

 

[Elben]

Schlabrendorff listened to jedreck and replied, "Your idea is sound. But many of the refugees are political enemies of the current regime. What kind of guarantees can you offer that they will be safe from reprisals if they return home? Is President Farrago's word good on this?"

 

[Crotobaltislavonia]

"I have been personally assured by The Dear Leader that all refugees returning home will met with open arms by the regime."

A lie of course. Jedreck hadn't even spoken with Farrago since last year.

"Crotobaltislavonia's enemies have already shown their hand and been dealt with. General Radek tried to unseat our Dear Leader. He and his small cohort of supporters paid for their mistake with their lives. Whatever foreign backers they had will surely think twice about meddling in Crotobalitslavonia's affairs in the future. No, there are no enemies among the refugees."