Spring Deadline Mon 23 Feb!

BAVARIA TO BREAK WITH HOHENZOLLERNS, UNITE WITH HAPSBURGS, ORLEANS
By GEORG SCHMID
MUNICH — Mere months after the ousting of French troops from the Hofbrauhaus, another group of foreigners are making news in the Bavarian Capital.  For the last three nights the Nymphemburg Palace has hosted emissaries from the Austrian monarch in secret conversations with key members of the Wittelsbach Dynasty and Bavarian Parliament.  Also rumored to be among the delegation was a representative from the French king.
It has become increasingly apparent that the Prussian Kaiser’s hold on the Kingdom of Bavaria is taking a more abusive and usurious direction since the insane King Ludwig II pledged loyalty to the new pan-German Empire not three decades past (a movement never intended to include Austrians).
The return to alliance with Austria (and the newly restored Orleans dynasty) makes perfect sense.  First, Austria has a long history of friendship with Bavaria, but not with Prussia.  Second, the Catholic Faith binds the countries in calling and identity.  Third, France and Austria have the military capability to liberate the Free State, and Bavaria has the wealth to make it worth their effort.  French support of an Austrian attack is virtually guaranteed success.
Further, with the Prussian emperor so concerned with costly expeditions to the Northwest, there is little he could do to win back either the Wittelsbachs or the Bavarian territory from an Austrian-French occupation.
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Austria Surrounded.  Italians, needing additional forces to defeat the French, threaten Trieste.  A French army in Bohemia is on the doorstep of Vienna.  Russians in Galicia near Budapest.  Turkish forces have secured key positions on the Eastern Front (Serbia is suddenly abandoned and vulnerable) and will soon be pouring out into the Mediterranean.  The lack of diplomatic contact between the Ottoman Sultan and the German Kaiser or English King signals that the Turkish conquest of Russia will occur through Austria. 
Key recommendations:
Rethink the Eastern strategy.  A Russian attack from Galicia into Rumania is likely and if combined by support from Budapest and a move toward Bulgaria by the navy in Greece would guarantee either expulsion of the Turk from Sevastopol or Rumania.  Limiting Ottoman power now is your only hope for long term containment.
or
Take Trieste.  The Italians are in no position to defend themselves, nor are the French or Germans able to launch any kind of effectual campaign.  The Italians are likely to attempt another move toward Piedmont to advance their Western border, with their naval advantage encouraging a campaign deep into Iberia. 
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To the King of Prussia, His Imperial and Royal Majesty, Kaiser Wilhelm II:
From the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, His Royal Highness Edward VII
Dear William,
Your congratulations and acceptance of our opinions on Europe’s future are our great sense of joy!  We do insist on making clear that it is not a surrogate we seek on the Continent, but a partner.  As we stated before, your influence in the Low Countries is natural, considerable, and proper.  We are directing our navies to support your navy from the Netherlands to Belgium.  Consider this our pledge of good faith.  This cooperation would be cemented by your agreement to build no more navies.  We will respect your territorial waters as an enduring testimony of our fraternity and respect.
Your Own Uncle and Your Friend,
Bertie
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