The recent appointments of Major General Nestaku as fleet commander and Lo Modan as Secretary of the Navy brought an air of anticipation and responsibility to their roles. Their first significant task was to strategize on enhancing their naval capabilities through the acquisition of new warships. The initial discussion centered on deciding which country's warships to purchase, a decision that was not only technical but also laden with diplomatic implications.
Major General Nestaku, with his direct involvement in fleet operations, was the first to voice his preference. "I believe that British cruisers would be an excellent choice," he stated confidently. "They offer a variety of types at reasonable prices. Additionally, the British have a mastery in utilizing cruisers, ensuring that we would be acquiring mature and tested products."
Lo Modan, now sitting as the Secretary of the Navy, listened to his former deputy with a mix of agreement and concern. He understood Nestaku's perspective; a more robust fleet was a universal desire among naval commanders. However, his new role demanded a broader view that encompassed diplomatic relations and strategic geographical considerations.
"Nestaku, I understand your point of view," Lo Modan began, addressing the fleet commander. "However, purchasing warships at this juncture requires us to consider more than just their performance. We must also take into account our current diplomatic relations."
Romania, nestled among the European powers, did not have the luxury of making isolated military decisions. The geopolitical tensions and alignments meant that every military enhancement could be perceived as a threat or alliance shift by neighboring countries.
"I've considered that as well," Nestaku responded, slightly irked by the Secretary's cautious approach. "Our fleet primarily consists of British ships. Procuring ships from another country could complicate our logistics. Besides, we're only discussing a small cruiser of over 100,000 pounds; it shouldn't significantly impact our diplomatic stance."
Lo Modan sensed Nestaku's frustration, which likely stemmed from the operational freedoms he used to enjoy as a fleet commander. Now, as Secretary of the Navy, Lo Modan had to juggle multiple concerns, knowing well that his decisions would shape the future of the navy. His fondness for the naval forces only deepened his resolve to proceed with caution.
Unable to reach a consensus, they decided to present their case to a higher authority. They compiled information on several suitable warships from both Britain and Germany and submitted the details to Crown Prince Edel, hoping he would make the final decision.
Standing before the Crown Prince, both officers felt a mix of anxiety and hope. Edel, confronted with the task of choosing between different classes of warships, felt slightly out of his depth. Warships were not his area of expertise, and yet the decision fell on his shoulders.
He first reviewed the British Adventure class: a cruiser measuring 374×38×12 feet, with a displacement of 2640 tons, powered by 16000 horsepower engines, capable of 25 knots, and armed with 10×76MM guns, 8×47MM guns, and 2×18 inch torpedoes. The ship, built in 1904, seemed under-gunned with its thin-barreled weapons, which Edel noted with dissatisfaction.
Next, he examined the Sentry class, noticing similar armament issues. Then, his attention turned to the German offerings. The Königsberg class appeared more formidable with its 10 single-barreled 105mm guns and additional armaments. The Kolburg class was even more impressive, boasting a displacement of 4362 tons and heavily armed with 12 single-barrel 105mm guns among other weapons.
Surprised by the specifications of the larger German ships, Edel questioned the two officers about their intentions with such powerful warships. Lo Modan quickly clarified that they were merely exploring options and that the final selection would depend on further discussions and budget considerations.
Edel, understanding the navy's eagerness to strengthen its fleet, set a budget limit of 180,000 pounds for the purchase, with a possibility of increasing it to 250,000 pounds if favorable loan terms could be negotiated with Germany. This allowance was Edel's way of supporting the navy, which had been somewhat neglected in the past.
The two officers left the meeting with the Crown Prince feeling cautiously optimistic. They planned to engage the German ambassador immediately to discuss potential financial arrangements.
As they departed, Edel reminded them of the need to not only focus on acquiring new warships but also to enhance naval personnel training and establish a modernized naval doctrine. The navy needed to be prepared in all aspects to effectively utilize whatever new capabilities they would soon possess.
Reflecting on the meeting, Edel considered the broader implications of his decisions. The navy's enthusiasm was clear, but he knew that a balance had to be struck between strengthening the fleet and maintaining diplomatic prudence. The thought lingered that if the current commanders could not align their strategic vision with the geopolitical realities, future changes in leadership might become necessary. For now, the training cycle and the complexity of naval operations required stability.
"Your Excellency, Rear Admiral Romodan and Fleet Commander Nestacu from Romania have come to visit," the secretary announced as he opened the door to Ambassador Baslob's office. Inside, the ambassador was busy sorting through documents.
Upon hearing the secretary's report, Baslob placed the note he was holding into a drawer and responded, "Please, show them in."
Rear Admiral Romodan and Commander Nestacu entered the office, guided by the secretary. Ambassador Baslob greeted them with a warm smile, as though they were old friends. "It has been quite some time since we last met. What brings you here today? Are we reminiscing about old times, or is there something specific you need?"
Inwardly, both visitors scoffed at the notion of a casual visit; their faces, however, remained composed with polite smiles. Romodan took the lead in addressing the purpose of their visit. "Actually, we are interested in purchasing a warship."
The ambassador, sensing the seriousness of their request from the fact that both Romanian naval leaders had come together, engaged more formally. "I see. The Romanian Navy does indeed need strengthening. What class of warship are you considering?"
Romodan replied without hesitation, "We are hoping to acquire a Königsberg-class cruiser, provided your country can extend a part of the financing."
"How much funding do you currently have available?" Baslob inquired, getting straight to the point.
Commander Nestacu answered, "We have managed to gather about 3.26 million gold marks."
Baslob quickly did the mental arithmetic. The amount fell short by approximately 1.7 million gold marks. "I can't make a decision on this immediately, but I will forward your request to Berlin. You'll need to be patient."
"That won't be a problem," Romodan assured him. They hadn't expected an immediate approval; the primary goal was to gauge Germany's willingness to negotiate.
After the meeting, Ambassador Baslob sent a detailed telegram to his superiors in Berlin, outlining the Romanian request and awaiting further instructions.
Meanwhile, Romodan and Nestacu returned to the Romanian Admiralty, a modest two-story building that paled in comparison to the grandeur of the War Department and the General Staff headquarters. Upon sharing the promising news of potential German support, the mood among the naval staff was uplifted—there was a sense that the navy was finally receiving the attention it deserved.
However, not everyone was satisfied with the pursuit of a new cruiser. Lieutenant Colonel Midraphael, recently promoted due to his leadership of the gunboat flotilla, discussed his concerns with his friend, Captain Bilk.
"Is a single cruiser really the best General Romodan can envision for our navy?" Midraphael complained.
"Midraphael, you really should watch your words; they might lead you into trouble one day," Bilk cautioned, though he was used to his friend's outspoken nature.
"But shouldn't we speak our minds?" Midraphael argued.
"Alright, then. Let's hear your thoughts," Bilk invited.
Midraphael elaborated on his strategic vision, "We should forgo the cruiser and instead invest in more nimble strike vessels and enhance our coastal defenses, particularly around Constanta. The navy needs to adapt to our nation's specific challenges, not just mimic others."
Bilk understood his friend's point. With Romania's main naval threat being the Russian Black Sea Fleet, and with Constanta's growing importance, the outdated coastal defenses indeed needed urgent upgrades to accommodate modern, larger-caliber weaponry.
"It's a shame you're not the chief of the Romanian Navy," Bilk said half-jokingly. "For now, you're a mid-level officer. If you truly believe in these ideas, keep them close until you're in a position to implement them."
"I'll do my best to get there," Midraphael responded earnestly.
Back in Germany, the telegram from Ambassador Baslob reached Prime Minister Helwig, a recent appointee who, like his predecessors, was largely seen as an extension of the Kaiser's will. The prime minister promptly presented the Romanian request to Kaiser Wilhelm II, who was currently preoccupied with the naval arms race with Britain.
"Something important, Helwig?" the Kaiser asked.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. It concerns a Romanian request to purchase a cruiser," Helwig explained as he handed over the report.
Wilhelm II, whose interest was piqued by anything related to naval matters, read the report with keen interest. "These Romanians, always looking for loans. Are they out of money again?"
Helwig, after a quick review of additional notes, replied, "It seems so, Your Majesty. Their recent national debts have been high, and there's been talk of financial disputes within their government."
"I have always admired their Chief of Staff Puleshan; he's quite capable," Wilhelm II remarked, then continued, "As for the loan, let's incorporate it into a larger financial package. The more they rely on us, the less they can escape our influence. Offer them the newer Kolburg-class cruiser instead."
Following the Kaiser's directive, Prime Minister Helwig left to convey the decision, reflecting on Germany's complex relationship with Romania, especially given recent tensions with Austria-Hungary over the treatment of ethnic Romanians in Transylvania.
The German government's favorable response thrilled Romodan and Nestacu, who hurried to report the news to Crown Prince Edel. In the palace, Edel considered the geopolitical implications of accepting German aid, aware of the Kaiser's intentions to draw Romania closer into Germany's sphere of influence against Austria-Hungary.
"I agree to these terms; proceed with the negotiations," Edel instructed.
After a week of detailed discussions, a satisfactory agreement was reached. Romania would purchase the latest Kolburg-class cruiser, to be constructed at the Kiel Shipyard. The ship's main armament would include eight 150-caliber guns, tailored to meet Romanian specifications, with construction slated to begin in late September. Sea trials were scheduled for April of the following year, with delivery expected by June.
This strategic acquisition marked a significant step forward for the Romanian Navy, signaling a new era of naval capability and international collaboration.