In the dimly lit conference room of the Kingdom Hotel, Romanian Prime Minister Bretianu and his Foreign Minister Barsnock were seated, awaiting the arrival of their Bulgarian counterparts. The atmosphere was tense, filled with the weight of impending diplomatic discussions. After a notable delay, Bulgarian Prime Minister Geschov, accompanied by his Foreign Minister Tirasloch, entered the room. Geschov, with a hint of apology in his tone, was the first to break the silence. "Sorry for keeping you waiting for so long," he said.
"It doesn't matter, we just arrived a while ago," Prime Minister Bretianu responded with a generous smile, easing the tension in the room slightly.
The meeting was set to be confidential, limited to the two prime ministers, two foreign ministers, and two recorders. After exchanging polite greetings, the negotiations officially commenced.
As the initiator of the alliance and representing a country keen on Romania's support, Prime Minister Geschov took the lead. "Prime Minister Bretianu, our visit to Romania is driven by the common interests of the Balkan countries. Currently, the Ottoman Empire is oppressing various ethnic groups on European soil, a situation intolerable to every Balkan nation. Bulgaria is honored to take the initiative, collaborating with other nations to oppose this brutal foreign empire and to liberate the oppressed peoples. Moreover, there are over 100,000 Romanians in Macedonia suffering under this tyranny. I trust you share our sentiments," Geschov stated earnestly.
Prime Minister Bretianu, a seasoned politician, was not swayed easily by passion or grandstanding. "I deeply resonate with your words, Prime Minister Geschov. However, Romania's position geographically distant and parliamentary approval is uncertain. We support Bulgaria's stance in spirit, but further discussions are necessary within Romania," Bretianu replied tactfully, indicating a non-committal stance.
Geschov, realizing that his initial attempt hadn't fully swayed the Romanian Prime Minister, decided to offer more tangible incentives. "Prime Minister Bretianu, we are aware of the Romanian people's support for their government. King Ferdinand has authorized me to propose a generous offer to demonstrate our sincerity," Geschov continued.
"Please, elaborate on these terms," Prime Minister Bretianu urged, intrigued by the potential offer.
"We propose transferring 2,000 square kilometers of the Nando Broga territory to Romania. This gesture is a significant testament to Bulgarian sincerity," Geschov revealed, hoping this substantial offer would tip the scales.
Prime Minister Bretianu and Foreign Minister Barsnock exchanged surprised glances. They had anticipated a more gradual negotiation, not such a straightforward, substantial offer. "And what are the conditions?" Bretianu inquired, maintaining a composed demeanor despite the unexpected proposal.
Geschov, sensing potential interest from Romania, outlined his conditions: "Upon joining the alliance, Romania would declare war against the Ottomans alongside us, contributing 20,000 troops, providing 8,000 rifles, and 36 75mm mountain cannons."
Bretianu's demeanor shifted as he processed the steep demands. "Frankly, Prime Minister Geschov, your conditions are excessive relative to the offer. It seems disproportionate," he responded with a hint of frustration.
Geschov, taken aback by Bretianu's reaction, quickly sought to understand the Romanian terms. Bretianu, seizing the opportunity to renegotiate, presented a map marked with a red line. "Our participation would involve declaring war on the Ottoman Empire, assisting with 5,000 rifles and 18 75mm mountain cannons only. Additionally, we require not just the 2,000 square kilometers of South Dobrogea but also an additional 4,000 square kilometers encompassing the Dogorie region," Bretianu proposed ambitiously.
The red line on the map encompassed significant Bulgarian territory, including the city of Dobriki, and approached alarmingly close to Varna, Bulgaria's major port city. Geschov immediately recognized the strategic threat posed by such a concession and the disproportionate loss of territory.
"Prime Minister Bretianu, this proposal is unhelpful for our negotiations. It's excessively ambitious and could derail our discussions," Geschov countered, hoping to steer the conversation back to more reasonable grounds.
Bretianu knew his aggressive proposal would be a hard sell, but it was a strategic move to gauge the Bulgarian response and establish a negotiating advantage. "Given our significant differences, I suggest we adjourn and reconvene tomorrow," Bretianu suggested, aiming to give both parties time to reassess their positions.
"An excellent proposal. Let us rest and return with fresh perspectives," Geschov agreed, as both delegations exited the conference room.
Once alone, Barsnock remarked to Bretianu, "The Bulgarians seem quite pressed."
Bretianu, rubbing his aching lower back, nodded. "Their urgency likely stems from their significant involvement in the Ottoman territories. It's a delicate situation for them."
Meanwhile, Geschov and Tirasloch returned to their accommodations to strategize further. Geschov instructed Tirasloch to send a telegram to King Ferdinand, updating him on the Romanian demands.
"Prime Minister, do you intend to accept their terms?" Tirasloch asked, concerned.
"It's impossible to agree to their current demands. They know it too. But we must be prepared to make some concessions," Geschov explained, weary from the day's negotiations.
As Tirasloch departed to send the telegram, Geschov settled into the sofa, exhausted. The day had been draining, and he needed to gather his thoughts for the challenges of the following day's negotiations.
Yesterday, Foreign Minister Dilas Rochi of Bulgaria sent a crucial telegram to the king after discussing Romania's conditions with King Ferdinand. Late that night, he received a succinct reply: "Everything is done according to the Prime Minister's orders." Prime Minister Geschoff, upon reading the message, understood it as both an acknowledgment and a restraint. It signified that he alone would bear the consequences of the negotiations, regardless of the outcome.
On the Romanian side, things were comparatively straightforward. Edel had requested from the Prime Minister that Romania should aim for more territory and additional ordnance, but there was no need to discuss troop deployment. Both Prime Minister Bretianu and Foreign Minister Barnosque agreed that these objectives were achievable. They held a significant advantage: complete control over the intelligence regarding Bulgaria's movements.
A new round of negotiations had begun, and this time, Prime Minister Bretianu took the initiative. "Prime Minister Geschoff, to demonstrate Romania's sincerity, we are willing to reduce our territorial demands by 1,000 square kilometers from yesterday's proposal, and we will increase military assistance to Bulgaria," he stated. "This includes 8,000 Mauser 98 rifles and 100 Madsen machine guns. We will also provide 18 mountain cannons and 12 75mm field cannons. This is the utmost sincerity we can offer from Romania. I hope this will facilitate a smoother negotiation process."
Prime Minister Geschoff, realizing the substantial concessions from Romania, knew he had to reciprocate. After some consideration, he responded, "Thank you for the understanding shown by the Romanian government. We appreciate your sincerity. Likewise, with the approval of our king, we have improved our offer. We can agree to a territorial increase to 3,000 square kilometers as compensation for the Romanians in Macedonia. However, a declaration of war against the Ottomans is necessary to demonstrate the unity of our Balkan nations. Currently, due to our preparations against the Ottoman Empire, we cannot reduce our ordnance requirements. I hope this is understandable to both Prime Minister Bretianu and Foreign Minister Barnosque."
Prime Minister Bretianu, after hearing Geschoff's counter-proposal, calculated that the gap in territorial demands now stood at 2,000 square kilometers. He believed they could meet halfway at 4,000 square kilometers. He also considered the ordnance exchange reasonable and felt confident about reaching a successful negotiation.
"Prime Minister Geschoff, we have shown the utmost sincerity," Bretianu pressed, feigning slight annoyance. "I am concerned that your counter-proposal still falls short."
"Prime Minister Bretianu, this is also our greatest possible offer, approved by our king," Geschoff retorted, though both knew some elements of bluff were involved.
Bretianu, aware of the contents of Bulgaria's telegrams thanks to a gambler-turned-informant at the Bulgarian embassy, held a strong bargaining position. However, he chose not to reveal his source, instead pushing the negotiations further. "Continuing this stalemate will benefit no one. We hope to reach an agreement with Bulgaria, which, unlike us, is in a more urgent position. Am I right, Prime Minister?"
Geschoff, recognizing the truth in Bretianu's words and knowing Bulgaria's greater need for an agreement, decided to make a further concession. "For the sake of our countries' friendship, I will increase the area of the ceded territory to 3,200 square kilometers," he proposed, pending his king's approval.
Bretianu, seizing the opportunity to close the gap, responded, "In the spirit of friendship, we will reduce our demand to 4,800 square kilometers."
This exchange marked the conclusion of the negotiation. Romania's final demand settled at 4,000 square kilometers, which was within Bulgaria's acceptable range. The negotiation had seen its share of intense moments, reminiscent of haggling in a market—each side adjusting their demands incrementally, a dance of diplomacy that lasted three days.
Ultimately, Bulgaria agreed to cede 4,000 square kilometers to Romania as compensation for future territorial expansions in Macedonia. In return, Romania committed to substantial military aid: 12,000 Mauser 98 rifles, 50 Madsen machine guns, and 36 mountain cannons, along with a significant supply of ammunition valued at millions of lei.
The secret Treaty of Alliance signed on June 11th outlined these terms and specified that the alliance would only target the Ottoman Empire. Romania agreed not to send troops but would send a military delegation to observe the conflict, and Bulgaria secured a military loan from Romania for purchasing arms.
The treaty strategically excluded the Bulgarian city of Dobrid, making it a border port and a significant win for Prime Minister Geschoff.
After the treaty, Foreign Minister Barnosque questioned Prince Edel about the generous military support to Bulgaria, given Romania's recovering economy. Prince Edel, recalling the historical conflicts in the Balkans, emphasized the need to strengthen Bulgaria to ensure it could sustain itself in upcoming conflicts, thereby maximizing Romania's strategic gains and testing its military capabilities over the years.