WesWorld

President Kazy Grinys, surveyed the dawn just begining to creep up over the waking capital of the Republic of Lithuania. This was the second time in his political life that he had occupied, Lithuania's highest national office. Ideally he hoped that it would end better then his first presidency, Grinys thought wryly. Ex-President Smetona's leaving the country would hopefully help things settle down, Grinys thought to himself. That and the political dominance the Lithuanian Democratic Coalition had achieved in the Seimas, not that Grinys expected that to last for very long, Lithuanians being Lithuanians they would soon be fighting and disagreeing vemently amoung themselves over the next burning issue to face the Seimas. Still it was something to have gotten here.

Grinys turned back to his desk, already stacked high with documents, memorandum and various files and letters that all urgently required his attention. The paper war, was something Grinys had not missed in his days out of political office, now he found himself being reimersed in it with a vengence. Grinys sighed quietly, and resumed his seat.

The military reforms already underway from Smetona's regime had to go forward, they would be expensive in the short term, but in the long term very necessary to Lithuania's national security. Grinys felt confident that he had picked the right man to superintend those reforms - Field Marshal Pranas Tamassaulo, was a thorough going professional military man, who while having a soldier's distaste for politics, well understood the necessity of having to accomodate there realities. Tamassaulo had pitched into his new job as Minister of National Defense with considerable aplomb and enthusiasm. Thankfully the rest of the government's Council of Ministers was also finding it's feet and rapidly coming to grips with the problems of post-civil war reconstruction.

Grinys wasn't too happy with some of the political decisions, Smetona had made during his term of office, the Treaties of Stockholm and Kaunas, troubled Grinys deeply - he'd been more then slightly appalled by the deals made with the Germans and the Russians when he'd heard about them from friends and in the newspapers - he could well understand the reasoning behind them, but that didn't make him any more happy with their existance and his incoming government's very practical need to abide by them.

Still that was a worry for another day, the present had concerns enough for him, Grinys thought quietly, and picked up the first batch of files in front of him and began to read.

September 4th, 1935:

The Wilno-Lithuanian Cease-fire Conference in Stockholm, abruptly came to an end, perhaps an irrevocable one, today. Amid stormy accusations and retorts, both the Lithuanian and Wilno delegations left the table. The continued revelations over the "Edykes" Massacre and the presistant issue of Wilno "soveriegnty" have reportedly shipwrecked the conference, dispite some earlier promising accords on mutual issues.

King Carl Philip reportedly made repeated attempts to keep the conference both in order and on track, without success, dispite assistance from Ambassador Leskien of Lithuania, and allegedly one member of the Wilno Delegation. All efforts however seemed to have been for nought. Rumour has it that both delegations very well might be recalled if this current imasse cannot be statisfactoral resolved.

Such a result might lead to another out break of violence in the Wilno area, and great public anxiety is being expressed in Lithuania over such a development. President Grinys assured the Seimas, today, that his government was doing everything in it's power to smooth over difficulties and reach a tangible solution to this troubling episode in the Republic of Lithuania's history.

Ok this might make it more difficult to nominate King Phillip for a Nobel, but it is more realistic than everyone making nice. Unfortunately.

Still, all must remember the brightest feature, that civilians are not paying the cost of ongoing war. Though I expect the engineers and relief detachments are busy still fixing the problems spurring from the fighting.

The Dutch will be donating some tractors, tents, axes, saws, stoves, water purifiers, clothing (old uniforms) all will be needed. I can't imagine winter in Lithuania being much fun without house & home.

Likewise Atlantis will send tents, building materials, medical supplys and trucks.

Field Marshal Pranas Tamassaulo looked up from the Lithuania Diplomatic Corps report he was reading, The Foriegn Office had forwarded it to him with considerable dispatch. The Cease-fire Conference in Stockholm, was not going well. Hardly surprising really, Tamassaulo thought.

After a long moment, Tamassaulo tossed the report down on his desk and stood up, he began to pace around his office. This development didn't bode well for the immediate future, and perhaps could herald a return to fighting in the disputed Vilnius area. Tamassaulo scowled at that thought, well - the so-called Wilno Republic would be in for a surprise if that happens.

An aide opened the door to his office, suddenly. Tamassaulo looked at the officer, questioningly. The man looked pointedly at his superior officer, and glanced at the phone on the field marshal's desk.

"The President is on line one, now. sir."

Tamassaulo nodded and the aide, retreated from the officer to leave him alone for what promissed to be a difficult and delicate conversation. Tamassaulo walked back to his desk, took a deep breath and picked up the phone.

"Switch Office." He said briefly. A response came back almost immediately.
"Please put the President through." Again a crisp response sounded in the ear piece, and the voice of President Grinys came abruptly across the line from the Presidential Palace.

Stockholm

Rumors are abounding that King Carl-Phillip has ordered that both the Lithuanian and Wilno delegations to the peace talks be taken to Coldmere for relaxation, with the 2 delegations being booked into seperate Casino's for a week.

In Confirmed Reports, the King has ordered to immediate despatch to Lithuania of tents, construction materials, and a battallion of engineers to be dedicated to the reconstruction of housing facilities, and urban areas decimated by the fighting

Field Marshal Pranas Tamassaulo waited a moment before speaking. President Kazy Grinys broke the brittle silence on the phone line before he did.

"Marshal Tamassaulo, I need your professional opinion on the breakdown of the ceasefire conference." Grinys said coming straight to the point.

Tamassaulo frowned, the president didn't need his political advice, he had the prime minister and the foreign minister for that, so he must be seeking a military opinion - that didn't bode well. The Army really wasn't ready for another bout of sustained combat operations, casualties had been heavy, munitions expenditures had been even more so, stocks of necessary equipment were in a state of flux, as unit establishments were frantically being refilled to cover losses, and new materials equally frantically built up to replace the short falls.

Much the same was going on with the personel, killed, wounded and discharge men had to be replaced, new recruits be absorbed into existing and newly formed units. Too many resources were being stretched to the breaking point. True assistance was comming in from certain, friendly sources and this was having a major impact, but time was still vital - time to rebuild, time to retrain and above all time to reconsider and examine strategic and tactical options.

"Mr. President... I assume you are refering to the possible military consequences of this development?"

"Yes. Field marshal, put bluntly I need to know, if and I emphasis IF the conference breaks down complete and the cease-fire ends, what are are options for dealling with Wilno." Grinys responded flatly.

"I see, Mr. President." Tamassaulo paused a moment to order his thoughts. "The military situation is not a good one, sir. Much of the Republican Army and Security Troops are in the end process of demobilizing the emergency raised national guard and security auxiliary battalions, except for the regular army divisions which are being re-organized and the new Army Tank Corps which is in the process of becoming operational."

There was a moments silence on the line as Grinys absorded this, it probably confirmed what he already new in some detail.
"Understood, Field marshal, how rapidly could you mobilize our troops to reinforce the Antanas Line? If the Wilno Army were to rearm and make any advances beyond it's established defensive lines?"

"My best estimate would be around 96-100 hours, Mr. President, if I use only the regular army units of the I, II, III, and IV Corps. The would reinforce the Security, Border Guards and Auxiliary troops already holding the Line. The I and II Cavalry Corps would be held back to act as reserves."

"And the Army Tank Corps?" Grinys asked.

"That too would be held in reserve to await developments." Tamassaulo responded quietly.

"Are there any plans for an offensive deployment, rather then just the defensive one you just out lined?"

"Yes, the Army General Staff has a study for an operational plan - the Antanas Line would be reinforced in the same time frame, but only using Security Troops, or Security Auxiliaries while the regular army corps, possiblely supported by the National Guard drive across the line on at least two axis of advance, with Vaskes, the Wilno provisional capital as their target."

"I see." Grinys responded thoughtfully.

"I must warn you, that given our current logistical situation, the Army would not be ready for such an operation before December of this year. Even by spring of '36 would be pushing things, Mr. President." Tamassaulo quickly cautioned, he desperately did not want anyone to consider jumping the gun at this delicate stage.

"I understand your concerns, Field marshal, believe me I am just as anxious as you are to avoid any further fighting, but I need a contingency just in case, everything goes wrong. How soon can you have definite plans on my desk - defensive and offensive against Wilno?"

Tamassaulo did some quick calculations in his head, then nodded to himself before answering.
"At the earliest, three or four days, Mr. President."

"I see, very well. Field marshal, work it out as quickly as you and your collegues can, then see me." Grinys responded.

"As you wish, sir." Tamassaulo said, a moment later the line clicked dead. Tamassaulo sat back, a worried expression on his face. His aide opened the door cautiously. Tamassaulo looked at him absently.

"Sir?"

"Send a summons for a joint meeting of the Ministry staff, and the Army, Aviation and Naval General Staffs. Oh and ask the liasons officers for the Security Troops and National Police to attend as well, we will need their imput as well."

"When, Field marshal?" The aide responded as he jotted down a quick set of notes.

"Now." Tamassaulo said flatly.

Bulgaria hopes both sides will return to the talks before the conflict becomes worse.

The General Staff also inquires what plans the League of Nations task force has, in case fighting breaks out again? Considering the actions the LoN force has taken, the remaining Wilno/Vilnius forces would probably show them the same hostility as the Lithuanian army.

OOC: Nordmark will just intern both delegations as beligerants, and not let them go until they agree on a ceasefire.

Poland would like to urge both sides to return to the bargaining table. To put some teeth behind this, Poland and her ally Romania are threatening to freeze all monetary assets belonging to Lithuania and Wilno being held in Polish and Romanian banks, should the fighting resume.

Poland and Romania have also announced today that should the fighting resume, and should neighbouring LoN members wish to increase their task force, or pull out of the area, a plan is in place to shut down all rail traffic within Poland and Romania, except for LoN use in 48 hours. Alternatively, should the LoN wish to pull out, camps will be set up along the Polish-Lithuanian border for the LoN WTF to retreat to, until transport can be made available. Poland would like some clarification on which route the LoN will take should the fighting resume, so we can prepare for either scenario.


OOC: Whos balking at the peace tallks in this? Is it both sides, or is the blame with one party?

With the news of the breakdown in the peace talks in Karlskrona, the German contingent of the LoN force in the Wilno region is supporting General Orbay's planning for the situation, while generating backup plans for a German evacuation of the area either via Poland or Lithuania (depending on circumstances). General Sperle, commander of Fliegerkorps II, is having contingency plans updated for Luftwaffe air support from East Prussia of the LoN and German forces.

Quoted

Originally posted by TheCanadian
Poland and Romania have also announced today that should the fighting resume, and should neighbouring LoN members wish to increase their task force, or pull out of the area,

Gratefully noted by both the Belgians and the Dutch.
The Belgians are not terribly interested in getting caught in a reignited Civil War. Quietly, provisional arrangements for maritime transport capacity to be available for either reinforcement or evacuation is made.

The Dutch Royal Dragoons will continue to offer any and all services General Orbay requires to further the League Mission. Radio protocols are checked to ensure FOs can communicate with the Luftwaffe.

Sept 7th. An Engineer company equipped with dozers and graders will be dispatched by rail, as will an air support company, both to serve with the LON force and allow airfield construction / repair.

Sept 8th. Discussions in the Cabinet occurred regarding the Lithuanian situation. Strong consideration is given to dispatching 2 Engineering battalions for general reconstruction / goodwill purposes (one Wilno region, one Lithuania proper).

General Orbay, rose from behind his desk as the two officers entered his busy headquarters. Aides and orderlies from all the contingents worked at desks of their own, managing phones, and consulting maps and documents. The dull roar of multiple conversations filled the building, which was abruptly cut off, as the door shut behind the two men.

Orbay extended his hand in welcome, as Brigadier-General Vicas Apanivicus, walked towards him. The two shuck hands warmly.

"Good to see you, General Apanivicus, to what to I owe the honour?" Orbay remarked lightly athough his eyes measured, the senior presidential military aide thoughtfully. Apanivicus, gave him a knowing look, then turned and gestured to the other officer a step or two behind him.

"Orders from the Ministry of National Defense, and the President himself, General Orbay." Apanivicus paused a moment, then continued. "This is Colonel Zhechev, Royal Bulgarian Army, and special envoy from His Majesty Tsar Boris III to Lithuania."

General Orbay, took both details in quietly for a moment, he returned Colonel Zhechev's precise military salute, then silently indicated that both gentlemen take the chairs placed in front of his desk.

"General, I realize, you will only be here in Vilnius for a few more days, before returning to Vaskes, but it is considered a matter of some urgency that you consult with the Lithuanian government before you return to the Field Headquarters. Certain political developments may have rather drastic consequences in the future."

"You are refering to the breakdown of negiotations in Nordmark, I take it." Orbay said, as he settled himself into his chair. Apanivicus nodded as he settled into his own seat.

"Yes. The situation is viewed very seriously by the government, but is not without hope of final resolution. Ambassador Leskien has indicated that after a short recess, he, King Carl Philip and someone on the Wilno delegation, he refused to name - probably for political reasons - are going to work to bring things back on track. I also understand some diplomatic pressure is being applied by other nations as well to try and get the talks resumed."

"That is good news, at least." Orbay remarked.

"How are things?" Apanivius, asked appraisingly.

"Stable. Although I wouldn't call them satisfactory. There is still some fighting going on between our contingents and rogue elements of the Letowska and Civil Guards, but for the most part the deserter/bandit problems have all but ceased. The contingents and the Civil Watch Corps have done very well in that regard. That and the influx of new League of Nations troops has helped settle things considerably."

"Good. That brings me to Colonel Zhechev's mission here. He has been tasked with observing things here in Lithuania following the cease-fire, so that His Majesty, Tsar Boris, has a clear, first-hand view of things on the ground. Colonel Zhechev has to that end been given premission to view certain documants and reports concerning the fighting, and the latitude to visit and go over the battlefields for study purposes." Apanivicus traded a glance with Zhechev, who remained silent during the exchange, but looked at General Orbay, with studied interest.

"Further, Colonel Zhechev, has asked for premission to travel into the disputed Wilno area, to see first hand for himself, conditions as they are. The Ministries in Lithuania raised no objection to this request and it is hoped that you and your contingent commanders can accomodate him." Apanivicus, finished. General Orbay, nodded consideringly, as he gave the Bulgarian army colonel an appraising glance.

"Very well, General Apanivicus, I understand you. I will see what my staff and subordinates can do to accomodate both the Lithuanian Government and Colonel Zhechev." Orbay remarked crisply.

OOC: Giving Colonel Zhechev access now that the talks broken down will hardly make the LoN force more popular with the Vilno authorities.

No but it will certainly make them think twice about resuiming hostility's.

By this point, Bulgaria has already committed almost a full regiment of troops to the LoN force - what's the addition of a full bird colonel worth?

So Bulgaria is supplying troops to LoN and has an officer with the Lithuanian General staff. How needs spies when you have LoN... I see a quick and decisive Lithuanian victory very soon.

Well the reason Wilno is still intact is because of the LON, if they squander their chance its lights out and thats a crisis of their own making.

OOC:

And it will cease to exist very soon as it seems since Lithuania has nothing to gain from not resuming operations. Well perhaps a few cusaulties can be avoided.

Quoted

Originally posted by Vukovlad
So Bulgaria is supplying troops to LoN and has an officer with the Lithuanian General staff. How needs spies when you have LoN...

Nein. As detailed earlier in this section, Colonel Zhechev's primary and public mission is to evaluate the conflict for the Bulgarian Army, and by extension the LoN force. Essentially, he is a journalist with Bulgarian diplomatic immunity and a carte blanche from the Lithuanian government.

His secondary and secret mission is to establish a means for the Bulgarian Army to study the doctrinal use of armoured units in the war. There are no Bulgarian combat units being exchanged with Lithuania - just observers headed to watch the armoured groups, interview veterans, discuss tactics, and gather information necessary to improving Bulgaria's own armoured units.

Bulgaria is strictly neutral on the conflict and its resolution: Bulgaria just felt threatened with Poland backing the invasion of a periphery state. Bulgaria's noise for a ceasefire in the LoN, and subsequent participation in the LoN taskforce, is aimed at establishing a positive precedent to prevent the assimilation of smaller states by larger states. After all... Bulgaria is not much larger than Lithuania.

Bulgaria is expecting the peace conference to negotiate a permanent ceasefire giving Wilno certain assurances short of independence. Some diehard Wilno rebels will continue to challenge Lithuanian and LoN forces, but eventually Lithuania will be reunited.