Politiken Front Page, February 23rd 1743
We will be prepared Prime Minister Lentz speaks out to the World.
By Tor Nørretranders
The Prime Minister of our fair nation has a great deal of responsibility on his desk, and a very weighty desk it is; positively intimidating for a young journalist such as myself facing him across from it. The prime minister is a tall man; his hair graying, and his manner somber. He rarely agrees to be interviewed and it took some persuasion to bait him in his lair as Politiken has; he is normally touring the nation promoting the governments polices. Today we have a seldom seen chance to question him on those polices as well as the goings on in the iwder world beyond our borders.
TN: Firstly Id like to thank you on behalf of my newspaper of agreeing to this interview, it was most gracious of you.
DL: Not at all, I am always happy to speak to members of the Press, freedom of speech as much as some politions find it irritating is one of our most treasured values.
TN: On behalf of my job security Im glad to hear it. Well I believe you have recently come from the New Copenhagen academy, I understand they will finally be able to move to their new complex next month. How in your opinion is the facility doing, and what do you hope for it to achieve in the future?
DL: Well, it is a most impressive building and as you said it will be opening next month. It contains two primary divisions, a civil and military. It is a place for our most gifted administrators and officers to go and learn even more. This will make them more skilled and allow them to pass on these skills to their subordinates. That means that when they then go to the academy the
hey will already have more skills than our officers today making them even better. Eventually, we are going to have a very strong corps of administrator and officers. All for the betterment of Denmark-Norway.
TN: The new officers are for both land and naval operations I assume
do you anticipate there being an immediate need for such? We hear great things about the new naval reforms as well were they necessary, was D-Ns fleet in such a sorry state?
DL: We needed to do something about the fleet. Our lands are scattered and the fleet is the life-nerve holding everything together. Also, in case of war we need a strong fleet both to maintain communications, but also for moving troops and for making sure there won't be any enemy landings near Copenhagen.
TN: A wise policy, Lets hope it never has to be put to the test. Moving on to things that might cause that - what is your take on the Balkans Situation, the various crisis and diplomatic manoeuvrings that lead up to it, and how its apparent conclusion could affect Denmark-Norway?
DL: Well, we do not trust the Ottomans and the Russians are a good ally and friend so naturally we supported their actions. We were troubled by the dissolution of their alliance with France as we are allied with both, but luckily war was avoided. I am proud to say that D-N was the first to suggest making Constantinople either a free city or part of a new nation.
TN: Dont you think its interesting the united front Western Europe puts on against Russia
is D-Ns alliance putting us in the firing line?
DL: It is and it is most troubling. I would hate for us having to choose between our allies. Hopefully it will be possible for us in case of war to remain faithful to both allies. Either by staying neutral or fighting alongside the nation who is attacked... but maintaining a NAP with our other allies. We do hold a strategic place though. The fastest way to move troops is by ship... and we are right in the path.
TN: And what about our neighbours to the south, what do you think of the new and vigorous grand chancellor of Krakow?
DL: I am not sure. I have a feeling that spreading the power so much out to the individual provinces is going to increase their desire for independence. If he is not careful it could end with civil war.
TN: Finally what about the Swedes, anti-Swedish programs have reached quite a pitch in the last year, justified against those greedy big noses of course, are they leading up to anything?
DL: Again I am unsure. We have ongoing talks with the Swedes, but I am not too hopeful yet. History has taught us to not trust them too much and reports from Scania indicate that the Danish population there is being harassed. Now, there is a balance of power between our nations, but with Sweden being richer there is no telling how long it will last. I really hope they will come to their senses and let Scania return.
TN: And what about the recent
some what threatening comments and moves of the Swedish administration; I speak here of the naval and army Manu ours close to our borders, the recent so called jovial comments made by the Swedish prime minister in their tabloid Aftonbladet, and the long history of Swedish aggression.
DL: Well, it is disturbing. Our navy is on high alert following it and the armed forces are prepared. However, we will not initiate any hostilities. They are being watched though and their ships are being escorted when they are in Danish waters
TN: If push should come to the shove do you feel that D-N prepared, especially if Sweden recruits western Europe?
DL: We will be prepared. We can hold our own and are allied with both France and Russia. I am sure they will honour our alliance. Hopefully, it won't be necessary though
TN: I assume we will stand with Russia through thick and thin as we have so many times before?
DL: It is highly likely. They have been a staunch friend and ally so far. Should war erupt our two nations will compliment each other well. Russia is strong on land, we on water. Our friendship is strong.
TN: Well from international relations onto a far less slippery topic grease; your government recently opened a hug new whale oil processing facility on Iceland are similar programs planned in the future?
DL: Yes. We are a small nation. We have no territorial ambitions apart from Scania. We are traders and craftsmen. Our goal is to get the largest merchant marine in the known world and make a living from trade. In an ideal world we would remain completely neutral, but unfortunately the world is not ideal.
TN: We have ambitions to compete with France and Spain commercially?
DL: Definitely. It won't be easy due to their colonies, but we will try. We also intend to open negotiations with various nations to secure colonies of our own.
TN: Its always gratifying to hear the Government putting the people at home first, and now on a final note, what do you want to achieve as a nation and a government in the next few years.
DL: We want to maintain the peace and increase prosperity for all of our citizens. Hopefully we can become a major player commercially and also become known as an honorable nation.
*feels all scholary like*
