The Smyrna Corner

Drowned in work in preparation for the meeting with the Emperor in Vienna, Balint had managed to push far into the back of his mind the discussion with his father and uncle. The Emperor and his heir, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, had been pleased with the electoral reform proposals and had approved the Minister’s suggestion to present a draft bill to Parliament. The Minister had immediately handed the task over to Balint, congratulating him warmly on the outcome of the Imperial interview. On his return to Budapest, Balint found a note from his father, pressing him to come for a meeting at the Konglomerátum. He had delayed for two days to give himself time to launch his department into its various tasks, and given notice that he would come that Thursday at eleven o’clock. Uncle Markus was waiting in the antechamber of Attila Morincz’s office, and took Balint by the arm to guide him back outside. He interrupted Balint before he had time to ask where they were going. - Balint, you may have noticed that your father is growing on in years and needs your help, though he would not stoop to beg it. Although younger, I am also reaching an age where one thinks of the changing of the guard. You may not think this is where you want your career to go, but you are our new guard. Please consider it. ‘More appeals to the heart and emotions’, thought Balint. But sensing the truth of what Uncle Markus had said, he remained silent as they made their way through another large building adjacent to the factory grounds. Climbing up some stairs, Markus reached a large wooden door with a glazed glass window reading “Engineers’ Room” which housed the team in charge of the Konglomerátum’s special projects. He pushed the door open on an immense room containing various desks, bookshelves and tables shining a dusty yellow under the late morning sun. Large windows overlooked the factory buildings. At the far end of the room, beyond silent seated clerks, stood Attila Morincz and a tall figure, studiously stooped over a table covered with enormous maps, documents in cardboard folders and large leather-bound volumes. Having threaded his way through the desks with Uncle Markus, Balint greeted his father. The tall figure next to Attila Morincz stood up straight from examining the maps and held out his hand. - Balint, I don’t need to introduce you to Azelan Révécz. You probably remember from your last time here with the trade finance subsidiary… - My dear former colleague! said Balint grabbing Azelan’s hand. - And former classmate, don’t forget, said Azelan smiling. Standing at six and a half feet tall, Azelan Révécz’s slender frame towered over most men. Balint remembered Azelan chiefly for his smile and a persistent cough, which softened an otherwise driven and efficient character, which had allowed Azelan to lift himself from impoverished circumstances through sheer will. Was it because Azelan and he both shared the same view of quality that they had fraternised so long ago? At any rate, Balint was glad to see a familiar face. - Balint, for the past three months or so, Mr. Révécz has been preparing the mission to Constantinople and Smyrna. He will be organising all practical matters on the ground with our plenipotentiary, I mean, you. - Father, you know very well I have said I would not go, Balint frowned. He felt his heart begin to speed in his chest. Attila Morincz smiled and chose to ignore Balint’s remark - Mr Révécz, would you please let us know how far you have progressed this week? Balint watched Azelan Révécz shuffle some maps and reorganise the various volumes on the table. He could see how his father was drawing him into the practical aspects of the matter, trying to deepen his knowledge of the Konglomerátum’s projects. He knew the tactic of associating the opponent into the problem to make him a part of its solution… But not having anything to protest, he decided to remain silent. - Balint, … may I call you Balint as before? He controlled a slight cough. - Of course, Azelan. Please go on. Balint looked at Azelan drawing out some papers. ‘Funny how he has not changed. Still so meticulous, so organised’. Azelan pointed to the maps. - Here you see that from Smyrna, a number of lines are drawn across Western Anatolia to Bandirma in the north, Egridir in the east, and Söke in the south. The first railway project in Western Anatolia was the link to Afyon which you see here. It allows troops to be moved anywhere from Smyrna to Constantinople, to Konya, Adana, Aleppo, in fact as far as Baghdad... Equally importantly, Smyrna being the Empire’s second largest port, the Afyon link now allows all agricultural products to be shipped from the Anatolian mainland to Smyrna and, from there, to all European markets. - Why, how did they do it before? enquired Balint. - Believe it or not, by camel caravans, which finished their trip at Smyrna. And still do. - Incredible… Balint caught the glance his uncle and father exchanged that did not fully conceal their pleasure at Balint’s interest. Balint allowed his old school friend to continue. - The basic objective is to obtain the contracts to build the three new railroad lines from Smyrna to Bandirma, Egridir and Söke. They amount to twice the Novi Pazar-Salonica railroad. We have a significant cost advantage over our German “friends” due to our ability to transport all our metalworks – rails, timber, rolling stock and locomotives manufactured here in Budapest – down the Danube to Varna. From there, all goes by sea to Smyrna.