kiwitt
Road to War Modder
1824
The Prime Minister visits Finland
As recommended by the Parliamentary Committee on Finland, a second approach to the Grand Duchy of Finland should be made. Two years of visits by traders to Finland, showing the variety of wares available and other examples of the Scandinavians booming economy have already softened the populace as to the advantages of joining the union.
Armed with this knowledge, the Prime Minister himself went to see the Grand Prince Alexander I
The Grand Prince listened to the Scandinavian Prime Minister, who explained that the old Scandinavian regime had been significantly changed, with not only a new government, but also a new King. He went on to explain that the benefits of joining, that was described by the previous mission remained. These being improved health and welfare benefits for its people, a significantly better education system with knowledge from all over the world and enriching the knowledge of its teachers and thereby its students.
While there is limited international opposition, the rest of the world seems more pre-occupied with more urgent matters. In this light, the Prime Minister then requested permission for the new King to make an official Royal Visit and to discuss the matter of union further. The Grand Prince accepted this visit.
The Scandinavian King visits to Finland.
A couple months after the Prime Ministers visit, in the height of summer, the King arrived via the Swedish Baltic Fleet into the harbour of Helsinki. The fleet unloaded the Royal Carriage, which would take the King to the Finnish monarch Palace.
The King was greeted with cheering crowds as he rode to the palace. Many remembered how he was instrumental to bringing peace to Scandinavia and likewise Finland. He seemed to treated as a hero in Finland as well, which astonished the Grand Prince.
Upon entering the Palace, the King was warmly greeted by the Grand Prince and led into the main drawing room. The Grand Prince announced that a Royal Ball will be held tonight and we could then discuss the business of union the next day.
The ball was a delight to behold, with fireworks, dancing and music to the late hours. The next day, after the noon meal, the King and the Prince then met to discuss the merits of union in more detail.
The Kings Offer to the Grand Prince of Finland
It was explained that the people would still have local autonomy and the Grand Prince would still be the head of the nation. All laws affecting Finland would still need to receive the Grand Princes approval and accent. The existing National Assembly would continue and appoint a First Minister for Finland who would be an equal member of the Scandinavia Unions cabinet.
The King then left the best bet till last. The Scandinavian Union will invest a minimum 1,500,000 gold kronor every 5 years for a minimum 20 years to improve the infrastructure and other development opportunities the Grand Prince felt were required. Incidentally, this amount equals half the income of the whole of Finland. This money would be given to the Grand Prince directly to manage.
The Grand Prince said this is considerable offer and with the other additional benefits already outlined by the Prime Minister, it would be something he would have to give significant thought to. He thanked the King for coming to Finland to visit and will respond soon once he has spoken with his advisors and his people.