Concert of Europe

[Lefty]

In January 1825, Reichsprasident Metternich announces he intends to conduct a tour of the Great Capitals of Europe in the Summer. He intends to first visit London, St. Petersburg, Paris, and Rome. At each stop he will bring the great composer Beethoven to deliver his 9th Symphony which is dedicated to Peace among Mankind. It is hoped that this Concert of Europe will inspire peace among Mankind.

Diplomatic officials quietly prepare their respective counterparts to discuss matters of importance, including Poland, the Balkans, Schleswig-Holstein and Pomerania, and World Trade.

[Galveston Bay]

Russia and Italy both prepare lavish welcomes for the Germans and indeed Russia considers sending its Bolshoi Ballet to London, Paris, Berlin and Rome for visits, while the Italians look at sending Giovanni Pacini and his opera company to St Petersburg, Berlin, Paris and London.

[TLS]

The French government notes Reichspraesident Metternich's intentions and provisions are made for Beethoven's performance at Salle Le Peletier, which has recently become home of the National Academy of Music. The French government is tight-lipped about whether Princeps Lafayette will hold any public functions with the visiting German dignitary, but Consul Talleyrand sends word (none-too-secretly) to the Minister Plenipotentiary of Germany that he would be glad to host Metternich personally during his visit.

While the consul makes no such offers to the Russians or Italians, the French do, indeed, welcome the general trend of other countries sending cultural emissaries. After all, Paris is the center of European culture.

[Lefty]

Metternich announces that his trip to Paris will not currently include any state visits, but his Foreign Minister Christian Günther von Bernstorff will seek a meeting with his French counterpart to discuss general Franco-German relations. The German Ambassador notes that the Reichspraesident would be willing to meet with Princeps Lafayette, but no offense will be taken should such a meeting not occur.

Ever the pragmatist, and unwilling to forego the legendary hospitality of Talleyrand, the Duke of Ostfriesland accepts the personal invitation from his friend.

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