AUSTRIA-HUNGARY (Pete Smith)
A(Vie) - Gal (FAILED); A(Bud) - Ser; F(Tri) Stands

ENGLAND (Joshua Ellery)
F(Edi) - NWG; F(Lon) - NTH; A(Lpl) - Edi

FRANCE (Herman v der Meulen)
A(Par) - Bur; A(Mar) - Spa; F(Bre) - ENG

GERMANY (Andy Powell)
A(Ber) - Kie; A(Mun) - Ruh; F(Kie) - Den

ITALY (Brian Wansleeben)
A(Ven) - Pie; F(Nap) - TYS; A(Rom) Stands

RUSSIA (Mikey Lamont)
F(StP) sc - GoB; A(War) - Gal (FAILED); F(Sev) - BLA (FAILED); A(Mos) - Ukr

TURKEY (Ian Pringle)
A(Con) - Bul; A(Smy) - Con; F(Ank) - BLA (FAILED)

PRESS

ALB: From now on in, you must submit with your orders, possible retreats/disbands & as we are in autumn, they must have possible builds/disbands. Any questions, please ask!

The deadline is set on the same day that the British clock turn into GMT & hence a GMT deadline.

I do keep stats for various games & have added your openings to one of them called Diplomacy Openings. You can see those by using http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/alb_gsb/diplomacy/stats/normalopens.htm

Vie Gov't: Field Marshal Count Von Haehtrarp looked out of the window and watched the peasants rioting in the Grand square. What could he do, he thought, to stop the food crises which was gripping his country ?

He had sent envoys across the world to begging for help. The one sent to Russia had not been heard off again, Von Haehtrarp had come to the conclusion that the poor messenger was now dead, frozen in some wild Russia forest.

His envoy to Turkey has also not contacted Vienna since his despatches dated early September. His fate might have been warmer, the weather in the Turkish area of influence was to hot for normal Europeans. Poor bugger, most probably was on a beach sunbathing, then again, he might be inside one of the infamous dungeons that the local press loved to write about to frighten the locals about the yellow hordes.

The rest of the diplomatic corps had shaken their heads when he asked them for progress reports, and advice on what to do with the countrys armys and fleets. The survival of his country all depended on what he ordered, and he had no information to plan with.

So what to do in the spring ?, he pondered, looked at past battles, and flipped a coin.

The armies and fleets were moved, and no-one was told that the commands had been given by the turn of a shilling. You need luck to survive in battle, and Field Marshal Count Von Haehtrarp was feeling lucky.

Anonymous Press: From the headlines of the infamous world news leader, we bring you the Seasonal Press International Newspaper (“SPIN”). With a readership of a staggering 6 individuals, SPIN is your source for happenings, happenstance, sheer idle gossip, and unfounded conjecture. Whether it happened or not, you’ll find probing investigative reporting interesting and plausible.

Headline; The Black “C”, the White “R”, and the Yellow “T” -- An intercepted communiqué between Russia and Turkey indicate that an impasse is imminent in the Black Sea. However, when reached for comment, both leaders seemed preoccupied with their recently denied motions made to the GM to change their country’s color. “White’s lame.” the Tsar has been quoted as saying. When asked about the perceived inadequacies of his color, the Sultan said, “We feel that Yellow does not accurately portray the fighting spirit of our people. If we defeat Austria, can we use Red? He wouldn’t need it anymore.” In response, the Austrian leader simply grunted and said, “Hey, we don’t just shoot marbles here in the Balkans. Bring it on.”

Headline; “The Farewell Tour” -- While difficult to extricate fact from fiction, SPIN has been able to learn that gauche diplomatic techniques have already been employed. In an attempt to foster peace and goodwill, Russia sent its personal troupe of Kazoo playing Spider Monkeys to perform for the Italian delegation in Rome. The troupe had already played for packed houses at the high courts of the French royal family and the Prime Minister in England, and the troupe had not met any disagreeable circumstances at either performance. The pride of the Russian people traveled to Rome that fateful day, full of hope and excitement. With their dreams of bringing further honor to their people, the troupe performed brilliantly, only to be met with disgrace and dishonor. Only after receiving a large shipment of smoked hams from the Italian did the Russian Tsar realize that the Italians had mistaken the performing Spider Monkeys as a rare Russian delicacy! The Italian delegate was quoted as saying, "By all accounts, an '67 Bordeaux is a fine accoutrement to braised monkey meat." While tensions continue to run high, SPIN was able to question the other world leaders about the Italian's strange eating habits. The French ambassador went on record to say, "Though a stunning example of their bourgeois tastes, I feel it is frequently found in your lower class Italian meals. Everyone self respecting connoisseur knows that an aged Merlot should accompany all heavy meats."

Headline; “Pointy Hats and Wooden Shoes” -- As most would guess, a hot bed of controversy centers around Holland. Always at the center of politics, the country is probably best known as being the chief importer and consumer of a rare Turkish hashish. As expected, the French Cabinet, English Prime Minister, and German Kaiser want to control this arguably unimportant supply center. The Prime Minister exclaims, “While we recognize the area has no real strategic importance, I am told by a terribly reliable sources that, for good health, a good smoke should follow tea time. France can have the Channel...we want Holland.” At the suggestion of the French Minister, they entered into a flurried three-way game of Tiddlywinks, the spoils of Holland going to the victor. Apparently, upon France’s resounding victory from a two-bank shot, the Kaiser threw his pointy hat across the floor and in a peakish voice squeaked, “I want my Mommy.” We can only assume that the Kaiser will not give up Holland without a fight (and matriarchal intervention).

SPIN Classified Section;

For Sale; Beach-front Property. Ocean views and neutral supply centre come standard. Population willing to learn French, Italian, English, or Turkish. No serious offer will be turned down! Please direct inquiries to Spainish Office of Occupation.

Advertisement: Negotiations at a stand still? Need to send a message to other stubborn world leaders? Don't like suspicious deaths being traced back to you? Contact "Spies 'R Us" and speak to one our friendly customer service representatives about how our trained network of assassins and spies can help your nation take that pivotal next step. We sell murder and smear campaigns that can fit any budget. Lay-away plans and generous credit lines extended to repeat customers.

Autumn 1901 deadline: 17:00 GMT, 30th October 2005.