MOVING MEETING a WW I ATL PoD

10 The Russian Patient

NoMommsen

Donor
Haven't forgeotten this one here ... just a lot of "distractions"

01.08.1914 Saturday

18:00 Berlin City Palace The 'Stars-Hall'

With the secretary gone Tirpitz once again comes back to his seemingly pet topic. Despite the assumed declaration of war being read to the russians [1] just an hour ago, he proposes some kind of toning down message to be sent to St.Petersbourg [2]. Her majesty as well as the empire have to get rid of the odor of aggression. Maybe an intimate letter to the Tsar, as the one just sent, could serve here as well.

That finds strong reverbarations especially with Wilhelm II. There is still the last letter from Nikky from earlier this afternoon, he doesn't have a suitable answer for, that might fit between any matey and family feelings he has and this unfortunate rushed declaration, he doesn't even know the exact wording of as he hasn' seen it yet. The Chancellor informed him only about its broader terms by phone

Jagow, takes up the Grand Admirals strand and suggests to let such an answer sound as explaining, relativating the declaration just read to the russians. Though he doubts it having any effect on their doings, maybe even reaffirming them, rendering it as evidence for a german step back, diplomatically it would pass the blame on them, when hostilities commence, helping to appease not only England but also and especially the neutral powers. Though thinking of he doesn't add : who just became neutrals [3]. And in case it has the hoped for effect, it would give the Great General Staff the needed time to prepare fighting from the empires eastern borders, when necessity arises.

Time, a rare resource. The immediate threat of war in the west at least postponed, Bethmann-Hollweg also becomes friendly to the idea. More than the others concerned about domestics he sees a chance to improve his and the goverments position before the Reichstag and especially the SPD. Time to learn their attitude better, maybe even influencing it into the right direction with worker suppresive tsarist russia becomming even more the aggressor, despite some very last attempts by the Kaiser himself. That would give an appeal towards the workers and the SPD much more weight [4].

Been pleased with the work for the letter to England, Wilhelm II wishes to do the same in this matter also and sends an adjutant to fetch the Tsars letter from his study as well as his former own one. While reading Nikkys message by himself, he lets the others glance over the latter.
Nitpicking starts right away. It assumes a mobilization that hasn't even been declared yet. The Tsar also seems to give himself the right to approve it, just another provocation if not insult. Doesn't it confesses the already watched military measures taking place, also on Germanys borders ? Some render it as just another attempt to lull the Kaiser and thereby improving the russians own lead regarding their military preparation.

At first the conversations running turns even more aggressive, when first bits 'n pieces of an answer are thrown into the discussion, big words forged to please the Kaisers muse, but start to concern Bethmann-Hollweg and Jagow. Not having the exact wording of their own declaration at hand, only the remembrance of its awkwardness, matters are more delicate, than with the rather open and undecided affair of the Lichnowsky-telegram. But Jagow at least remembers the last, the crucial sentence [5]. Given the french habbit of playing with and turning words meanings : ample space to „interprete“ [6].

Their efforts to calm down the discussion are met by the rucurrence of a wee glimmer of hope in Wilhelm II mind [7] and therefore he relies more on the two politicians in drafting the letter to the Tsar, somewhat sidelining the militaries present, leaving them to their own discussions, beside Tirpitz, who's idea it was in the first place.
Having achieved an also the Kaiser satisfying result, Bethmann-Hollweg nevertheless asks the Kaiser to leave its dispatch to him, as it should be accompanied by some information to the now perhaps most important members of the diplomatic corps, Poutalés and Lichnowsky.

Wilhem II consents.


[1] Tirpitz knew in (only) broadest terms of from todays Reichsrat meeting with the chancellor.
[2] He did so OTL also.
[3] like ; Italy, Bulgaria, Romania
[4] as proposed to Bethmann-Hollweg just before he went to this meeting (became IOTL THE mayor part of Wilhelm II 2nd „balcony speech“)
[5] The oriiginal wording :
„..., S.M. L'Empereur, mon Auguste Souverain, au nom de l'Empire, relève le défi et Se considère en état de guerre avec la Russie.“
(„..., H.M. The Kaiser, my sublime sovereign, accepts, in the name of the empire, the challange and considers a state of war with Russia.“)
[6] The wording of the first draft regarding this last sentence :
„..., S.M. L'Empereur, mon Auguste Souverain, au nom de l'Empire, déclare accepter la guerre qui Lui est octroyée.“
(…, H.M. The Kaiser, my sublime sovereign declares to accept the war granted to him.“)
The last „granted“ results from a misperception of the french word „octroyée“ by Count Mirbach, who wrote this draft. He thought of the german „oktroyieren“ which means „impose“ or „force upon“.
[7] See chapter „The Telegramm“, last sentence.


As it will (ITTL) still take some time until this letter "To Russia ... with Love" is formulated, as well as the according further correrspondence, ... not appendix today. But it will come, I promise. :)



EDIT : Kinda "remake" with some more content added ... and IMO suiting a bit better what I will come up with.
 
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11 Showstoppers

NoMommsen

Donor
having a ... wee bit edited the former chapter, now also a follow on.


01.08.1914 Saturday

18:20 Berlin City Palace The 'Stars-Hall'

Wilhelm feels reliefed, having in his opinion successfully managed another problem. But there's still an hitch nettling him. Though mercurial in changing his mood, Wilhem II seldomly forgets, especially if he renders himself been snubed and offended.
Getting serious again he turns to the representative of the Military cabinet. There's an issue of todays occurrence, that her majesty wants to be cared for, a rather prussian though to some extent also imperial affair , but of no concern for the navy. Therefore he orders Tirpitz and Müller to return to the Landwehr-channel [1] to inform the Chief of the Admirality Staff to attend the Kaiser, as he seeks urgently his advice, regarding their former discussion [2].
A bit reluctant, being excluded from a seemingly interesting issue, Tirpitz complies. The navalists show their respect to the Kaiser and turn to the doors, met by an adjutant, announcing another messenger from the foreign office. While Jagow hurries to get the note, Tirpitz moves aside, and stays.

Whatever the State Secretretary might have expected or hoped for, It is even better. Skimmimg the rather short message on his way back he appruptly stops. Between some jolly outcries Jagow reads :
„My Gentlemen, your majesty, another message from Prince Lichnowsky ! Sent from London at 10 past 2 this afternoon :

„Following telegram 205. Sir William Tyrell was just with me to tell me, Sir Grey wants this afternoon make proposals to me for Englands neutrality even … now listen … even in the case, that we have war with Russia as with France. I see Sir E. Grey at 3:30 and will report immediatly.
Lichnowsky“

Once again joyous laughter fills the hall. Brushed away the darkening clouds a moment ago. Wilhelm II orders champagne to be brought, his favored 'champagne rosè' [3] to celebrate. [4] Even the messenger gets a glass offered by the Kaiser, to never forget this epochal moment.
After some sips and touching glasses all around, Wilhelm II remembers Moltke, as he was guided out of the hall like an old man. His Chief of the Great General Staff qill be in dire need for every encouragement and cheer up there is, for his new task. Short determinded he sends Plessen to his study [5] to inform him about the good news.

It takes some time for the Kaisers General Adjutant to return. Not sensing the latters consternation Wilhelm II asks about Moltkes reation. Plessens rather mutters an answer, that Moltke was not able to take the call. Still lightminded Wilhelm II makes some remarks of the Chief of the Great General Staff surly being too busy at work.
But Plessen doesn't join his sovereigns mood. Instead of turning up by a confirming smile, the tips of his mustache seem to depress even further down. They know each other too well for Wilhem II not questioning his confidents behavior.
Maybe he has been away from earnest military work for too long, being a courtier for decades now, but he's not one of those petty politicians around. To hell and fresh ahead ! He is still a soldier of his King and Kaiser. So he avows, that Moltke had left the Great General Staff about half an hour ago.

An eyeblink, then another one and still another one this takes to finally reach the Kaisers mind, resulting in a silent, somewhat clue- and helpless :
„But … my … orders?“



[1] Location of the Marine office as well as the Admiraity staff.
[2] See chapter „The English Patient“, section 6
[3] Not to be confused with the cheap, too sweet sparkling wines of the our 80ies and 90ies.
[4] The message, its reading at the meeting and the champagne are OTL.
[5] Where there is a telephone.
 
12 An Emperor at Work

NoMommsen

Donor
A somewhat longer chapter this time. ... and almost the end of this part of describing a POD.

There will in hopefully not too long a time follow the promosed part about the happenings at the Great General Staff regarding Moltke, but then ... I will be run out of some steam and will have to consider the following part (there will be one :)) of how this plays out further its ... butterflies.



01.08.1914 Saturday

18:35 Berlin City Palace The 'Stars-Hall'

As the others became aware of the stunned Kaiser facing a deadly seriuos Plessen, their chatter ceases, glasses are put cautiously down, listening to the General Adjutants report. Yes, at least the commands for the western Corps have been orderly processed. Wilhelm II asks about the work for an eastern deployment, he ordered this lieutenent colonel, Pappen or Tapen, to look for. Plessens story of what he ardeously extracted from Tappen [1] let part of the audience seek gingerly some distance.

It works in the Kaisers face, his colors changing from from pale white to hot red and back again. Besdie the insubordination Wilhelm II is moved maybe more by a perception of being personally deceived. Didn't he give in almost every request of Moltke ? Not intervening in the maneuvers anymore, not interfering with military planning, accepting the more than sparse information, Moltke gave him. All military power he kept were personell matters, often acting on behalf of Moltkes wishes [2] also. And now, in the moment of dearest need he leaves him, vanishes like a burglar in the dark. It can almost be heard, as the last string of a once firm bond finally snaps.
„This … is … flag-of-the-flag, desertion, mutiny if not outright HIGH TREASON !“

That shrugs of the reticence everyone had befallen. They now beleaguer the Kaiser, trying to soothe, to dissuade him from overhasty conclusions. Moltke can't have conducted treason, not a Moltke. Probably he's fvisiting troops or confering with other generals. Weak excuses, fabricated out of the fear of rashed decisions and futile.

Wilhelm II breaks free from this siege and bellows commands. Mutius shall find out about Moltke whereabouts. As the latter has forced him to, he, the Kaiser now „grants“ him his last wish. With immediate effect he's released from all duties and powers and until further notice to appear in front of his sovereign, he has to be rendered under house arrest. Though he hopes that whatever remnants of honor left within Moltkes heart makes it unnecessary, even guards might be posted at his residence.
„Write it down !“
Wilhelm II barks and another adjutant runs to fetch paper and a pen, scribbing hastly down the Kaisers words.

Plessen is ordered to rectify the situation at the Great General Staff and get them to work as demanded. He is the most senior, serving officer of the whole empire [3] and the last one left he renders truly loyal to him. Should there be any objections against him : he can state to act in the Kaisers name. After that Plessen just can't air any objections of his own.

Quickly glancing over them before signing, Wilhelm II hands the written orders personally to Plessen and Mutius before they go.

Lyncker gets at least a wee glimmer of hope, that not only his own worst foreboding might be avoided, as he and Marschall are instructed to present her majesty as soon as possible a list of at once available generals, suitable for higher duties, though not specifying, what task that actually means.

Turning towards the last 'unserved' military the Kaiser rather gruffly asks Tirpitz , why he's still there. He shall move as already commanded to inform and send Hugo v.Pohl [4] for report. He wants to be informed on the Admiralitys plans and preparations regarding operations in the Baltic Sea against Russia. And these shall better be of a decisive nature.

At last the astonished or rather appalled politicians remain. Whatever Bethmann-Hollweg or Jagow hesitantly attempted to say, the Kaiser cuts them short with a resolute handwave. They shall prepare whatever they deem necessary to diplomatically pursue the wished for effects of his letters to King George V as well as to the Tsar. And inform him on the latters dispatch as well as of every other news comming from London or St.Petersbourg. This time he wants to stay on top of things.

With the last functionary gone, Wilhelm II finally runs out of steam. His champagne mood vanished he orders a servant to take away the glasses and bottles, regretting a bit their waste. Then he retires to his study.

But the Kaisers working day hasn't ended yet.




[1] I You will get this story also. ... in another update.
[2] I.e. the promotion of Kuno v.Steuben to General of Infantry before becomming director of the Prussian War Academy
[3] Seniority was defined by a mixture of actually reached rank and active serving time. Plessen was Colonel General, ranking as Fieldmarshall since 1908.
[4] Chief of the Admirality Staff
 
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