Polish Royal Minister Małachowski knew full well that Kościuszko's surprise attack on Crimea had in fact been an operation plan devised by the Crown Prince of France. As one of the staunchest members of the cautious faction, he immediately objected. "Your Majesty, according to intelligence provided by France, because the Ottoman and Persia have clashed, nearly thirteen thousand Russian troops will be transferred from Transcaucasia to the Dnieper River front.
"Combined with recruits from Moscow and elsewhere, Marshal Kościuszko will soon find himself at a comprehensive disadvantage in troop strength.
"I believe the Regent's advice must be taken very seriously."
The King's secretary, Piatoli, suddenly said coldly, "Count, perhaps you have forgotten that France and Russia are now joined by marriage. Perhaps the esteemed Regent merely decided to preserve Russia at the urging of his wife."
Count Małachowski rebuked him loudly. "What nonsense are you talking about?! Everyone knows that was merely a compromise His Highness had no choice but to make in order to keep the Russians from joining the Anti-French Alliance!
"Even now, France and Russia remain at war. And yet you dare slander His Highness's irreplaceable assistance to our country!"
The other four Cabinet ministers also cast sideways glances at Piatoli.
At present, the Crown Prince of France still enjoyed tremendous prestige in Poland. Views like Piatoli's were not mainstream, but they did have a certain audience.
Trembicki continued, "I believe the Regent truly fears that we may be ambushed by the Russians.
"But he is in Paris and has no understanding at all of the specific circumstances on the Dnieper River front. In this matter, he must have made a misjudgment." Kołłątaj shook his head. "But what if he is right..."
"War will always carry risks. We cannot miss this once-in-a-century opportunity to defeat the Russians!"