cad@cbosgd.UUCP (Chuck A DeGaul) (08/28/84)
8/27/84: Hello again Diplomacy fans! Chuck A DeGaul here with a few comments about Dave Peak's on-going diplomacy game. While I realize that I promised not to make further comments on the game, since I have been implanted as the leader of Russia, it appears that no one has taken up the slack in impartial reporting, so I will have to take another stab at it. It is currently Spring 1904 and we are awaiting the results of another arduous season. Allow me to give the board position at the end of the Fall 1903 moves: England: A Edin, F NorS, F NwgS, F BalS, F Kiel, A Den, A Holl, F EngC France: A Picd, A Belg, A Burg, F Brest, F Mars, F Spa(sc) Germany: A Munc Italy: F EasM, F TyrS, A Rome Austria: A Bohm, A Tyrl, A Vien, A Venc, A Buda, A Bulg, F Grec Turkey: F BlaS, F Anka, F Smyr Russia: A Berl, A Mosc, A Ukrn, A Rum, F Seva, F Arme Comments: Certainly, the major event of the last two years was the fiendish stab of Germany by her erstwhile ally, England. As you recall, at the end of 1901 Russia appeared in disorder, having not built in 1901 (usually the kiss of death) and in 1902 Germany rushed into the perceived void in the East. Additionally, Germany abandoned its coastal waters and moved aggressively on Belgium and Brest. England apparently encouraged these moves while negotiating agreements with France over Belgium and Holland, and a non-aggression pact with Russia that would free England's Scandanavian forces for use elsewhere. While Germany bulled its way to the outskirts of Warsaw and Brest, England stole in the back door and seized Holland. The overextended German Empire colapsed like a house of cards in 1903 as they were unable to mobilize any support for them- selves among France, Austria or Russia. In fact, while England was grabbing Holland and Kiel, France stole Belguim and Russia (with England's aid) marched into Berlin. Another dramatic events was the rebirth of Russia in the south and the rise of Austria as a major power. After the 1901 fiasco, Turkey looked very strong and a Turko-Austrian action against Russia looked inevitable. Unfortunately for Turkey, she had built fleets in 1901 which threatened Austria and Italy, not Russia. Austria and Russia engineered a reversal of fortune for Turkey by Russia posing as friend to the Turk against Austria. Turkey was talked into handing Sevastopol back to the grateful Russians, and then knifed in the back when Russia failed to follow through on the second portion of a bargain. Since that time, Austria and Russia have taken Bulgaria from Turkey as well and now seemed poised to invade the Homeland. Austria has done very well for itself, stealing a supply center from the Italians (as punishment for a silly Italian attack on Trieste), and taking 3/4's of the Balkans. Now Austria is moving aggressively on Munich, too. While Austria's play has been sound, she has been helped by being surrounded by less careful opponents. Italy, Germany and Turkey have all failed to distinguish themselves and this has allowed Austria to expand in several directions with little trouble. France has been plodding along apparently content to watch the action develop. After bungling their 1901 moves, they spent 1902 making up for it and then 1903 aiding in the Germany Reduction. They also managed to annoy the British enough so that England chose to demilitarize borders with Russia, while keeping the pressure on the French. Very great opportunities have been passed over in the Mediterranean by the French who could have taken advantage of the hapless Italian efforts. Instead, they have been uninterested in the south, preferring to stake their claims in Germany and on their borders with England. Your comments are welcome, ---> Chuck A DeGaul <---