EUROPEAN history can be rather gloomy. But this sort of thing livens it up (apologies if it's bien connu—it's new to me).

Germany, Austria and Italy are standing together in the middle of a pub when Serbia bumps into Austria and spills Austria's pint. Austria demands Serbia buy it a complete new suit because there are splashes on its trouser leg. Germany expresses its support for Austria's point of view. Britain recommends that everyone calm down a bit. Serbia points out that it can't afford a whole suit, but offers to pay for the cleaning of Austria's trousers. Russia and Serbia look at Austria. Austria asks Serbia who it's looking at. Russia suggests that Austria should leave its little brother alone. Austria inquires as to whose army will assist Russia in compelling it to do so. Germany appeals to Britain that France has been looking at it, and that this is sufficiently out of order that Britain should not intervene. Britain replies that France can look at who it wants to, that Britain is looking at Germany too, and what is Germany going to do about it? Germany tells Russia to stop looking at Austria, or Germany will render Russia incapable of such action. Britain and France ask Germany whether it's looking at Belgium. Turkey and Germany go off into a corner and whisper. When they come back, Turkey makes a show of not looking at anyone. Germany rolls up its sleeves, looks at France, and punches Belgium. France and Britain punch Germany. Austria punches Russia. Germany punches Britain and France with one hand and Russia with the other. Russia throws a punch at Germany, but misses and nearly falls over. Japan calls over from the other side of the room that it's on Britain's side, but stays there. Italy surprises everyone by punching Austria. Austria Australia punches Turkey, and gets punched back. There are no hard feelings because Britain made Austria Australia do it. France gets thrown through a plate glass window, but gets back up and carries on fighting. Russia gets thrown through another one, gets knocked out, suffers brain damage, and wakes up with a complete personality change. Italy throws a punch at Austria and misses, but Austria falls over anyway. Italy raises both fists in the air and runs round the room chanting. America waits till Germany is about to fall over from sustained punching from Britain and France, then walks over and smashes it with a barstool, then pretends it won the fight all by itself. By now all the chairs are broken and the big mirror over the bar is shattered. Britain, France and America agree that Germany threw the first punch, so the whole thing is Germany's fault. While Germany is still unconscious, they go through its pockets, steal its wallet, and buy drinks for all their friends.

Has anyone seen a similar version for WWII [one is now posted in the comments section]? And does anyone know who the author is?

Many thanks to the reader (Petr Lang) who has sent this splendid follow-up

In 1944, during WWII, a reception took place in Rio de Janeiro and the Hungarian ambassador was among the invitees. The Ambassador, wearing the ceremonial uniform, entered the room and performed a Nazi salute. The host of the reception, an influential banker, took notice of the ambassador and approached him.

“Your Excellency, you greeted with Heil Hitler. I suppose that people of your country belong to the Nordic race?”

The Ambassador replied, “No, we are of the Mongolian origin.”

The Banker was curious and continued. “I see, so your country must be situated in Asia?”

“No, Hungary is part of Central Europe.”

“I know that there is a war going on in Central Europe. Is Hungary involved in that?”

“Yes, indeed. We are fighting against the Soviet Union”

“And do you have any territorial claims against the Soviet Union?”

“No, we don't have any territorial claims against the Soviets. However, we do have them against Romania and Slovakia.”

“So, Romania and Slovakia must be your enemies then?”

“No, they are our allies.”

The banker got slightly confused by Ambassador's answers, but he eventually spotted a royal badge on his uniform and went on asking, “I reckon that Hungary is a kingdom. How is your King doing?”

“We do not have a King. We are ruled by an Admiral.”

“An Admiral? Hungary must have an access to the sea then.”

“No. We are a landlocked state.”

The banker got puzzled even more. “Anyway, how is your Admiral?”

“He has been captured by the Germans.”

“They are also your enemies?”

“No, the Germans are our greatest allies and friends.”

The banker was completely lost. “Damn! I really don't get it. You are living in the landlocked kingdom in the heart of Europe, which is ruled by an Admiral, who was captured by his greatest friends. You are fighting a country, which you don't want a single acre of land from. On the other hand, you have territorial claims against your allies. What a bizarre situation is that!” “Sir, that's a new European order.”|