The Dominion's Dilemma: The United States of British America by James F. Devine
Authors: James F. Devine
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against the democratic monarchies of the West had been reviewed. Plans to end the irritating insurgency by the bandit Shamil in the Caucasus had been finalized. What new concessions could be squeezed out of the Persians to follow up on the recent annexation of that kingdom’s former provinces of Nakhickevan and Erivan had also been discussed during the previous two days.
“Majesty, the major agenda item is the request by the Sultan for assistance against the forces of Pasha Mehemet Ali in Palestine. The Egyptians are moving on Syria and Constantinople seems helpless to stop them. This is a golden opportunity. Especially as none of the other Powers can object, as the Turks have actually invited us in.”
“Yes, the Sultan’s request is a wonderful Christmas gift. We’ll discuss this ‘golden opportunity’ with my other ministers. Is that all that remains?”
“No, Your Majesty. Prince Lieven has received a letter from the Princess in London. He has urged that the information it offers be added to the agenda.”
The Czar smiled slightly. “If it was not from Princess Dorothea, I would not consider it. But as my late brother often said, ‘It is a pity the Princess wears skirts. She would have made an excellent diplomat.’ ” Czar Alexander I had in fact entrusted the Princess with a secret overture to the British government in 1825 that bypassed her husband, the longtime Czarist ambassador to the Court of St. James. Since that time, she had played astonishing diplomatic roles in the rebirth of Greece and the creation of Belgium.
“Well, if the Princess has some information for us, perhaps we will consider it. Has Prince Lieven discussed it with you?”
“Princess Dorothea has learned that the British may be considering the abolition of slavery throughout their Empire.”
The Czar smiled. “I fail to see how such a possible edict belongs on the agenda of this conference, Count Karl. Unless you are implying that I should follow their apparent example…”
“Surely not, Your Majesty. It appears Lord Grey’s government is concerned about possible reaction in the British American province. Count Nicholas Ignatieff has also picked up similar rumblings from his English sources.” Ignatieff, a childhood friend of the Czar’s, was a chief in Russia’s informal secret intelligence services. A broad-shouldered yet wiry, strikingly handsome black-haired man in his mid 30s, he was renowned for the half blue/half brown coloring of his right eye, a trait that went back several generations in his family. It was one he had also passed on to his newly-born son.
“Well, since Count Nicholas will undoubtedly bring it up anyway, put it on the agenda.” The Czar sighed. “But the Ottoman opportunity has priority. Obtaining a warm weather port is vital to Russia’s long-term goals. The Persian war gave us naval access to the Caspian Sea. Perhaps this Egyptian uprising against the Ottomans will give us access through the Bosporus Straits!”
At the Czar’s signal, the veteran Foreign Minister—he had been in office since 1814—moved to admit the other ministers and high-ranking generals to the room.
___________
Count Nicholas Ignatieff knew what his department’s role in response to the Sultan’s request would be. Even before Russian troops were landed in Syria to block the Egyptian advance on the Anatolian Peninsula, his agents would be on the ground, both in Syria and in Palestine. This in addition to the agents he normally maintained in and around Constantinople.
That he would do so before a decision was finalized was indicative of the man: headstrong, confident to the point---some would argue far past that point---of arrogance…and deadly. The Count was a crack shot with both pistol and rifle and excelled with the saber; he had ended duels with at least two unfortunate Russian noblemen with
“Majesty, the major agenda item is the request by the Sultan for assistance against the forces of Pasha Mehemet Ali in Palestine. The Egyptians are moving on Syria and Constantinople seems helpless to stop them. This is a golden opportunity. Especially as none of the other Powers can object, as the Turks have actually invited us in.”
“Yes, the Sultan’s request is a wonderful Christmas gift. We’ll discuss this ‘golden opportunity’ with my other ministers. Is that all that remains?”
“No, Your Majesty. Prince Lieven has received a letter from the Princess in London. He has urged that the information it offers be added to the agenda.”
The Czar smiled slightly. “If it was not from Princess Dorothea, I would not consider it. But as my late brother often said, ‘It is a pity the Princess wears skirts. She would have made an excellent diplomat.’ ” Czar Alexander I had in fact entrusted the Princess with a secret overture to the British government in 1825 that bypassed her husband, the longtime Czarist ambassador to the Court of St. James. Since that time, she had played astonishing diplomatic roles in the rebirth of Greece and the creation of Belgium.
“Well, if the Princess has some information for us, perhaps we will consider it. Has Prince Lieven discussed it with you?”
“Princess Dorothea has learned that the British may be considering the abolition of slavery throughout their Empire.”
The Czar smiled. “I fail to see how such a possible edict belongs on the agenda of this conference, Count Karl. Unless you are implying that I should follow their apparent example…”
“Surely not, Your Majesty. It appears Lord Grey’s government is concerned about possible reaction in the British American province. Count Nicholas Ignatieff has also picked up similar rumblings from his English sources.” Ignatieff, a childhood friend of the Czar’s, was a chief in Russia’s informal secret intelligence services. A broad-shouldered yet wiry, strikingly handsome black-haired man in his mid 30s, he was renowned for the half blue/half brown coloring of his right eye, a trait that went back several generations in his family. It was one he had also passed on to his newly-born son.
“Well, since Count Nicholas will undoubtedly bring it up anyway, put it on the agenda.” The Czar sighed. “But the Ottoman opportunity has priority. Obtaining a warm weather port is vital to Russia’s long-term goals. The Persian war gave us naval access to the Caspian Sea. Perhaps this Egyptian uprising against the Ottomans will give us access through the Bosporus Straits!”
At the Czar’s signal, the veteran Foreign Minister—he had been in office since 1814—moved to admit the other ministers and high-ranking generals to the room.
___________
Count Nicholas Ignatieff knew what his department’s role in response to the Sultan’s request would be. Even before Russian troops were landed in Syria to block the Egyptian advance on the Anatolian Peninsula, his agents would be on the ground, both in Syria and in Palestine. This in addition to the agents he normally maintained in and around Constantinople.
That he would do so before a decision was finalized was indicative of the man: headstrong, confident to the point---some would argue far past that point---of arrogance…and deadly. The Count was a crack shot with both pistol and rifle and excelled with the saber; he had ended duels with at least two unfortunate Russian noblemen with
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