Gilded Ambitions: Concert of Europe Part V (Gameplay Thread)

[Lumine]

Her Imperial Majesty, Wilhelmina I,
and Prince Consort Augustus Leopold₁

Her Majesty Speaks!

A Proclaim on the Future of Québec

Citoyens,

One hundred and nineteen years ago, our ancestors took up arms for one vital principle: that Québec would never consent again to foreign domination by the force of arms. It was on behalf of this glorious cause that Louis-Philippe de Vaudreuil and then Prince Henry of Prussia - who bravely crossed the Atlantic to battle our then foreign overseers - took up the leadership of this great fight for sovereignty.

In doing so, they created the first independent nation in the Americas, and led this Québecois Revolution to a most successful end. Soon, other nations would follow the cause of independence, many of them our distinguished partners, with whom we have shed blood together on the battlefields of North America, and with whom Her Majesty is always keen to work with.

Citoyens, the history of Québec may not be as long as that of the powers of the Old World, but it is no less distinguished. It does not pale in comparison. It does not lack in the feats of courage, innovation and skill that make nations great. It is not light on sacrifices. It is a proud, vibrant story, which has taken us, like the Romans of old, from a small Republic into a grand and prosperous Empire. Never has Quebec been so prosperous. Never has it been so strong. Never has our future looked so promising.

And yet, my faithful citizens, we see clouds on the horizon, pertaining not just to the royal succession, but also to our future as a nation, perhaps even to our own sovereignty. As the Empress and Defender of Québec, I have taken a solemn, sacred oath before God to defend the Constitution, protect the Nation, and uphold our Independence. This I will do to my dying breath, and no malcontent or traitor will prevent me from doing my duty.

Today I ask the leaders of the political parties to work with the Crown for the sake of the Empire and nation, and to undertake an ambitious process of substantial constitutional reform, in order to modernize the Constitution of 1876 and provide clear answers as to the future of the Empire.

It is our unshakeable belief that this is the best road forward to address these issues, and we urge the good citizens of Québec to stand with the Crown in its attempt to strengthen the Empire and protect it from anyone who would wish it harm.

Vive l’Empire! Vive la Nation! Et Vive le Québec!

_____________________________
^{1.) Original Image: Wikimedia Commons}

[Lumine]

Empire of Québec

Proclamations and Statements from Her Imperial Majesty

REGARDING THE INTERNAL SECURITY OF THE EMPIRE

By Royal Decree, an Imperial Security Bureau (Bureau de la sécurité impériale), or ISB, will be formed by absorbing and replacing previous institutions that handled matters of security and intelligence outside of the existing police forces (including the Pacific Gendarmerie), in order to guarantee the efficiency of the security forces and the protection of all citizens.

The ISB’s motto will hereafter be “Defending the Law” (“Maintiens le Droit”). A special department within the ISB, known as the Directorate of External Security (Directoire de la Sécurité extérieure), or DSE, will be in place to address any threats which may originate from abroad.

The ISB will be led by a Director General, appointed by the Empress herself and solely answerable to her. The first Director General will be Laurent Herchmer, Count de Herchmer.

REGARDING THE IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD

It is the will of Her Imperial Majesty that the Imperial Family be supported by a professional and permanent staff, known hereafter as the Empress’ Household (Maison de l’Imperatrice).

It will be formally presided by a Grand Chamberlain, entrusted with all domestic affairs regarding the Imperial Family. It is also the will of Her Imperial Majesty that she be assisted in her bureaucratic duties by a professional and permanent secretariat, presided by a Permanent Secretary to the Empress.

M. Joseph Thomas Chapais, hereafter Viscount Chapais, is hereby appointed Grand Chamberlain of the Empire.

M. Georges Duhamel, hereafter Baron de Beloeil, is hereby appointed Permanent Secretary to the Empress.

REGARDING THE IMPERIAL RESIDENCIES

Her Majesty will continue to reside at the Imperial Palace in Montréal, with Mont Royal Castle serving as the secondary residence and eventual title to the heir of an eventual Prince or Princess Imperial.

The Mont Tremblant royal lodge will be officially discontinued for any usage by the Imperial Family.  It will be repurposed as the Alexander-Philippe Academy, an orphanage for the bereaved children of fallen soldiers, under the personal protection of the Crown. The Prince Consort, His Royal Highness Augustus Leopold, will serve as the Academy’s patron.

To replace Mont Tremblant, a summer residence will be built in the resort town of La Pucelle (OTL Thunder Bay), paid for solely with funding from the Imperial Family’s current financial assets. Styled after its Prussian counterpart, it will be named Nouvelle Sanssoucci.

REGARDING THE RECENT ELECTION IN RUSSIA

Her Imperial Majesty wishes to warmly congratulate His Excellency Pavel Milyukov, now President of the Russian Republic, over his election, as well as to congratulate the Russian people on the excellent choice they have made regarding their new head of state. Monsieur Milyukov has, by virtue of his distinguished record and intellect, our trust and esteem, and we look forward to the continuation of a positive relationship between Montréal and Moscow.

[Lumine]

To the Great Powers of the World

A CALL FOR AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE,
REGARDING THE DANGERS OF NEW WEAPONRY

It is the view of Her Imperial Majesty that, given the exponential rate of new developments in the realm of military technology, civilized nations run the very real risk of destroying themselves through the usage of particularly vicious forms of weaponry.

In Her Majesty’s mind, these relate directly to chemical warfare, already used to devastating effect in Europe, North America and the Middle East; and perhaps most worryingly, to the potential for biological warfare at some point in the future. It is also her belief that a binding international agreement would signify a grand step towards achieving dignity on the battleground.

Therefore, she calls for an International Conference on “Ungentlemanly Warfare” to be held in Tróis Rivieres, and extends an open invitation to all nations to send delegates in the hopes of reaching an agreement.

[Lumine]

REGARDING LOUISIANA

The relationship between Québec and Louisiana extends for almost a century. It has been forged in steel, fire and blood, as our dynasties, armies and citizens have fought shoulder to shoulder in a common cause.

Today, that relationship faces some questions.

Regardless of Crown Prince Henry Philippe's position in the line of succession, no reasonable interpretation of succession laws could justify him preceding the rightful Empress.

No sense of national self-respect could equally countenance proposals we have received, to see the Empress accept a co-emperor, and to acquiese to Québec becoming a constituent state of Louisiana. And any hand who would sign such an agreement would necessarily wither.

Her Imperial Majesty Wilhelmina, lawful sovereign and defender of the Empire, salutes the peoples of Louisiana and expresses her undying respect and admiration for a great nation, but also stresses that she will not be deterred in her duty of protecting and preserving the sovereignty of her nation.

In this, Her Majesty has the support of government, parliament, and the people. In the meantime, we continue to hope for a peaceful restoration of the relationship with our Louisianian cousins.

[Lumine]

Her Imperial Majesty wishes to note that any international agreements that are signed on behalf of the Empire of Québec by a foreign nation have no validity or recognition, and furthermore, that they are incompatible with any diplomatic agreement between the Empire and a would-be signatory.

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The Mexico-Québecois Accord (1900)

The signatories, in recognition of their mutually beneficial and productive relationship over the past century, as well as the lack of justification in any form of aggression towards each other, hereby agree to the following:

1.) That the Empress Wilhelmina is recognized as the rightful, lawful sovereign of the Empire of Québec, and that King Luis II is recognized as the rightful, lawful sovereign of the Kingdom of Mexico. Neither realm will provide any support, diplomatic or military, to any attempts to alter or question this principle.

2.) That Prince Wilhelm of Hohenzollern, an esteemed member of the Houses of Hohenzollern (Québec) and Bourbon (Mexico) is to reside unmolested in Mexican territory. The Empire of Québec expresses its keen commitment to his ongoing personal safety and that of his family and continues to regard him as close kin.

3). That the Empire of Québec will give no asylum or support to any Augustinian rebel and will endeavour to see that those still residing in imperial territory are invited to abandon said territory.

4.) That both nations recognize their respective spheres of influence and their current territorial borders, and recognize that there are no conflicting interests between them.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

Her Imperial Majesty accepts the explanation provided by the Qajar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and wishes to consider the matter close and forgotten. Montréal is also pleased to confirm that a treaty has been signed regarding economic and technological cooperation, which we hope will represent a further step in the successful discovery and eventual exploitation of our natural resources.

Québecois-Qajar Treaty of 1900

The signatories, in recognition of their lack of conflicting interests, as well as the immense projected benefits of a close economic relationship, hereby agree to the following:

1.) The recognition of the Empress Wilhelmina as the rightful, lawful sovereign of the Empire of Québec.

2.) The provision of capital and funding from the Empire of Québec for the expansion and development of the Qajar oil industry.

3.) The provision of Qajar experts on oil exploration and exploitation to the Empire of Québec, to search for possible oil deposits within its borders.

4.) The deployment of a two-year mission from the Québecois Académie des Sciences to Tehran, in order to further develop the Qajar universities and improve its system of higher education. 

5.) The reduction of oil and agricultural tariffs between both nations, to promote the exportation of oil into Québec and the importation of agricultural goods into the Sublime State.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

Québecois Propaganda

In light of present issues, as well as Her Imperial Majesty's push for serious constitutional reform, the permanent secretariat, Empress’ Household, and the ISB will be secretly collaborating in manufacturing propaganda to build up popular support for the Empress. Although the themes will steer clear from criticizing foreign governments, they will persistently uphold a belief in Québecois manifest destiny and the preservation of its sovereignty, by celebrating key moments in the Empire's 120 or so year history.

Wikimedia Commons

A troupe of popular Québecois actors, assisted by the famed and revered French actress Sarah Bernhardt - bribed with the equivalent of a truckload of money - will be holding a series of plays on Québecois history, mostly free (thus heavily subsidized) and simplified for the benefit of working-class audiences. Historic moments will include Prince Henry's crossing of the Atlantic and the Vaudreuil-Henry partnership; Québec's colonial dash to the west in the 1830's; the North American War and the assassination of King Henry II; and the creation of the Empire under Philip I, including a scene in which Bernhardt plays the Empress Wilhelmina and vows to protect the Empire at all costs.

Aside from the usual posters and other written or visual propaganda calling on to support the Empress in upholding sovereignty, independence and constitutionalism, patriotic songs will also be provided in the hopes that they picked up by audiences. One such example is the "Marche Wilhelmine", adapted from a popular song born from the North American War:

Marche Wilhelmine (OTL Marche Lorraine)

Good Québecers, never stop singing,
This song full of zeal,
Of our immortal empress,
Wilhelmine of Québec.
Echoing from the deep woods,
This melody of battle,
That we sing for all time,
Can still be heard!

Princess Wilhelmine,
Her hussar’s uniform black as coal,
Child to the Emperor,
Rushed forward to save the Empire,
She led the citizens and stumped the traitors,
And secured her rightful Crown! Oh, oh, oh,
Secured her rightful Crown!

Proud children of Québec,
From the mountains to the plains,
Above us soars a spirit serene,
Wilhelmine, our beautiful empress!
Old, Stout-hearted citizens,
We'll brave every blow,
And weather out any storm,
For we guard the gates of the Empire!

Proud children of Québec,
From the mountains to the plains,
Above us soars a spirit serene,
Wilhelmine, our beautiful empress!
Old, Stout-hearted citizens,
We'll brave every blow,
And weather out any storm,
For we guard the gates of the Empire!

[Lumine]

Quebec-Spanish Treaty of Non-Aggression (1900)

A treaty between the Kingdom of Quebec and the Holy Union of Spain

Recognizing the importance of establishing strong relationships across the seas and demonstrating opposition to hostile forces, the signatories affirm their commitment to peace and stability as follows:

1. The mutual reduction of tariffs by 20 percent between the signatories.

2. A non-aggression pact between the signatories, subject to renewal by the consent of both signatories ten years from this day.

3. Spanish Access to the ports of Quebec for any peaceful purpose, and vice versa.

4. The establishment of an academic exchange program between the signatories.

X President Arsenio Linares y Pombo

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

Wikimedia Commons

The Imperial Rescript of 1900
Constitutional Reform in the Empire of Québec

Twenty-four years after the King Philip I promulgated the Constitution of 1876 that gave birth to the Empire of Québec, and in light of the succession dilemma and the current evolution of Québecois politics, it has been the will of Her Majesty to modernize the Constitution to provide answers to various questions arising in the Québecois society. Over the past few weeks, intense consultations have taken place between the Empress, her Private Secretary, Prime Minister Papineau, the Leader of the Opposition, and the representatives of all political parties currently holding seats in the National Assembly.

Having agreed on the core tenets of reform, and having all sides made varying concessions, the result has been the Imperial Rescript of 1900, outlining a series of major reforms that address the succession issue, expand the Bill of Rights, set the future mechanisms for Constitutional reform, uphold the constitutional nature of the Empire, recognize the role of the Church, and so on. Her Imperial Majesty has hailed the Rescript as "a triumph for the people", making it clear that, under her prudent and wise rule, there will be no descent into autocracy, nor a toleration of "dangerous radicalism".

Despite expressing her disappointment at the current diplomatic tension in North America, and her continued respect for the peoples of Louisiana, the Empress Wilhelmina expressed her belief that the Rescript represented her continued fulfillment of her vow to God, the People and the Nation. "The Sovereignty and Independence of this Empire", she was said to have stated, "is not up for debate".

Finally although Her Imperial Majesty and the political leaders do not see eye to eye on every issue, it is felt by the Crown that the political maxim set during the ministry of Joseph-Adolphe Chapleau, that of “disagreement without being disagreeable”, has been preserved.

1900 IMPERIAL RESCRIPT, LIST OF REFORMS

-Recognition of the historical, cultural and moral role of the Catholic Church in the history of the Empire.

-Expanding the ban on Catholic Republicans and secessionists to include Reactionary Socialism.

- A major expansion of the Bill of Rights, including limits to royal pardons (save in cases of death) and the death penalty (reduced to firing squad for treason), the protection of private property, expansion of habeas corpus and civil liberties, protections to trade unions, and ensuring parliamentary oversight of the suspension of some rights during emergencies.

-A key article that sets the basis for major domestic reform, enacting gratuitous primary education, the constitutional basis for a pension scheme, and the freedom to work.

-Reforming the powers of the monarchy, including mechanisms for eventualities such as abdication.

-A more detailed process for a Regency, including provision for a three-member one appointed by the National Assembly if there’s no dynastic regent.

-A detailed section on the imperial succession, which includes legitimizing Wilhelmina’s rationale for taking the throne (male preference cognatic primogeniture), and sets up the ranking on which the Hohenzollern dynasty is to accede to the throne. 

-In order to preserve the continuation of the House of Hohenzollern and prevent a future personal union that turns Québec into a subject, it is established that a foreign heir MUST take the Hohenzollern name AND choose between one of the crowns. Refusal to do so will result in the succession moving into the next claimant.

-Expanding the rights of Parliamentarians, including more powers regarding fiscal policy, and judicial immunity except in specific cases.

-Set mechanisms for constitutional amendment. One, via the legislature (2/3rds both chambers), and two, a a Constitutional Rescript presented by the Emperor directly to the people via referendum.

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The Mexico-Québecois Accord (1900)

The signatories, in recognition of their mutually beneficial and productive relationship over the past century, as well as the lack of justification in any form of aggression towards each other, hereby agree to the following:

1.) That the Empress Wilhelmina is recognized as the rightful, lawful sovereign of the Empire of Québec, and that King Luis II is recognized as the rightful, lawful sovereign of the Kingdom of Mexico. Neither realm will provide any support, diplomatic or military, to any attempts to alter or question this principle.

2.) That Prince Wilhelm of Hohenzollern, an esteemed member of the Houses of Hohenzollern (Québec) and Bourbon (Mexico) is to reside unmolested in Mexican territory. The Empire of Québec expresses its keen commitment to his ongoing personal safety and that of his family and continues to regard him as close kin.

3). That the Empire of Québec will give no asylum or support to any Augustinian rebel and will endeavour to see that those still residing in imperial territory are invited to abandon said territory.

4.) That both nations recognize their respective spheres of influence and their current territorial borders, and recognize that there are no conflicting interests between them.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

x King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans

Amendment to Mexico-Québecois Accord (1900)

5.) The Kingdom of Mexico affirms that ships in the Caribbean flying a Québecois flag will not be attacked.

x King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

Wikimedia Commons

THE CAMPOBELLO CONFERENCE

Taking advantage of the Troís Rivieres Conference, Her Imperial Majesty Wilhelmina I and His Excellency Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald arrived on Campobello Island near the New Englander-Quebécois border for an historic conference.

During half a week spent in the Tyn-Y-Coed Hotel, the Empress, the Chairman, and their respective delegations held a series of talks on the New Englander-Quebécois relationship, their respective interests and goals, and the common ground between Boston and Montréal.

Following the discussions, the delegations spent some time on entertainment, with the Chairman regaling her Majesty with stories regarding New Englander politics and the campaign trail, and Her Majesty singing several war songs – in English and French – dating from the North American War.

At the end of the summit, the Empress and the Chairman signed a document setting up the results of the Conference, which included:

-The reaffirmation of friendly relations between the Empire and the Confederation, judged to be of vital interest to both nations.

-A joint commitment to the importance of preserving the rule of law, the merits of constitutional government, and the value of self-government, recognizing that, though New England may be republican and Québec a constitutional monarchy, both reject autocracy and/or extremism as inherently incompatible with their respective peoples.

-The formal diplomatic recognition of Her Majesty Wilhelmina I as the legitimate Empress of Québec.

-A recognition that both nations have much to gain in joint infrastructure projects, hyperpower cooperation, and such other measures that ensure the proper economic development of the Great Lakes. Both nations also agreed in principle to draw back recent economic competition and seek a closer and less competitive relationship.

[Lumine]

The Austro-Québecois Aeronautical Accord (1900)

The signatories, recognizing the enormous possibilities associated with civilian use of the ingenious Hapsburg invention of the Zeppelin, hopeful about the prospect of future civilian air travel, and mindful of the need for intensive research, hereby agree to the following:

1.) That a Trans Imperial Aeronautic Corporation (TIAC for short) be formed with offices in Vienna and Montréal. The Hapsburg Monarchy and the Empire of Québec will have equal participation, shares and seats at the TIAC board.

2.) The Empire of Montréal will contribute a permanent supply of Helium for the TIAC’s operations, and the Hapsburg Monarchy will share its expertise and technology in Zeppelins. Neither party will be allowed to share the research nor redirect the Helium supply to a third party.

3.) Both nations will fund a Scientific and Technological Department within the TIAC to lead continuous research on Zeppelin and such other aeronautical machines that may be of use.

4.) At such point in which technological developments and Zeppelin production allows, the TIAC will enact the very first civilian commercial air routes between Vienna and Budapest; and Montréal and Québec City. Long term development will then aim to cover the Hapsburg Monarchy and the Empire of Québec, and then the European and North American continents proper.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

TREATY OF TROIS-RIVIERES (1900)

ARTICLE 1
Any form of biological warfare, as well as all forms of chemical warfare with the sole exception of non-lethal tear inducing irritants for emergency domestic situations; are hereby considered to be ungentlemanly forms of warfare.

ARTICLE 2
The previously mentioned forms of ungentlemanly warfare are hereby banned within the territory of the signatures for domestic use, and for international use in terms of pre-emptive or first-use.

ARTICLE 3
The stockpiling of agents for biological and chemical warfare is hereby prohibited. All current stockpiles of such agents must be disposed of.

ARTICLE 4
Research on chemical and biological warfare will only be allowed for the purposes of finding countermeasures, antidotes or for purely scientific purposes. Incentives and support will be provided for experts in such fields to switch to non-lethal research. Signatures must share their findings with the Ungentlemanly Warfare Commission in order to prevent and/or deter the start of a new arms race.

ARTICLE 5
The sale of agents for chemical and biological warfare will be made illegal. Companies that held a role or stake in such fields until January 1st, 1900, and who may encounter financial losses as the result of this protocol, may be reasonably compensated by their respective nation if they so decide, under their preferred mechanism.

ARTICLE 6
The signatories will further formally renounce the right to non-first usage of chemical and biological weapons in self-defence for all time. To enforce this renunciation, all signatories will agree to enact immediate and full economic sanctions, including an economic embargo, against any nation that engages in ungentlemanly warfare after the aforementioned date. Signatories must also pass legislation or enact decrees that ensure compliance with Article 6.

ARTICLE 7
An Ungentlemanly Warfare Commission will be established in a city belonging to the Swiss Republic or any such other neutral and non-aligned nation, with participants from all signatories. Delegations from the Commission will be provided reasonably access to signatory countries to ensure compliance with the previous articles.

The Commission must ensure that the make up of delegations to specific countries places emphasis on neutral, non-aligned, or non-rival nations to the one to be inspected. Information thus collected will remain the private, exclusive property of of the Commission, which must enact regulations with harsh penalties for any actors who illegally access or divulge any of its contents.

Suspicion of non-compliance must be brought to the Commission, who will issue a report – by majority vote – within 90 days outlining whether Article 6 ought to be invoked.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

Wikimedia Commons

The North Pole Conquered!

An astounding triumph for mankind!

(With Spamage's permission)

Hear this, hear this!

Thirty years after the conquest of the South Pole by Brazil, a new page has been written into the history of exploration and of man's desire to explore the Earth and every corner of creation. Invoking the need for close cooperation in order to succeed in this dangerous enterprise, the Russian Republic, the Kingdom of Scandinavia, and the Empire of Québec joined forces in order to ensure that the North Pole, one of the last undiscovered corners of the planet, would be at last reached by man.

The Scandinavian team was led by Fridtjof Nansen, Hjalmar Johansen, and Salomon August Andree; the Russian team by Fyodor Andreyevich Matisen, Alexander Vasilyevich Kolchak and Nikifor Alekseevich Begichev; and the Québecois team by Joseph-Elzéar Bernier, Arthur Philemon Coleman, and Joseph Tyrrell. They all traveled via icebreaker to Spitsbergen, Scandinavia, from where the combined teams departed.

In their two-month journey - including their victorious return - the men braved the cold, the dangerous terrain, the threat of polar bears, and many such other challenges. In the end, they prevailed, with Nansen, Bernier and Matisen being the first men to reach the North Pole and plant the proud flags of their respective nations.

Their return home has been rightfully celebrated as a victory for the three nations and a triumph for humankind, with President Milyukov, King-Emperor Charles, and Empress Wilhelmina all cabling their effusive congratulations. The members of the expedition are expected to be suitably honored and rewarded.

[Lumine]

Empire of Québec

Proclamations and Statements from Her Imperial Majesty

REGARDING THE IMPERIAL SUCCESSION

All loyal citizens of the Empire rejoice today, for we have been blessed with our long-awaited son and heir, Prince Frederick Clovis Henry of the House of Hohenzollern, hereafter Prince Imperial Frederick.

The Prince Imperial is the rightful, lawful heir to the Imperial Throne, and should something happen to Us, whether it be through misfortune or perfidy, measures have already been enacted to guarantee his accession to the throne under a constitutionally sanctioned regency.

Through a series of understandings, various actors have either relinquished their claims to the succession – including the House of Bourbon -, or have reconciled themselves with the Crown. Parliament has sanctioned constitutional procedures that offer a clear path ahead for future eventualities. And we have an heir. The succession crisis brought by the untimely demise of our beloved brother is no more.

Let no man or woman further challenge the settled succession to the Imperial Throne, lest he or she make himself an enemy of the Empire.

REGARDING THE MARSHALATE

It is also the will of Her Imperial Majesty that the rank of Marshal of the Empire be established as the highest dignity a military officer in the Army can attain. The Marshals will command the Empire’s armies and/or military institutions.

Our beloved great uncle Prince Louis, as well as Generals Sorel, Duroy, Forestier, Maltravers, d’Gaillard and Marigny (all fictional) will be designated as the first seven Marshals of the Empire, with Prince Louis serving as their honorary leader with the title of Grand Marshal. Upon retirement from active service, the rank of Marshal will entitle them to the title of Count, and the title of Grand Marshal, should they not be of royal blood, to the title of Duke.

An equivalent Grand Admiral will serve a similar purpose for the Québecois Navy. Admiral Moulin (fictional) is hereby appointed to that office.

REGARDING THE CONQUEST OF THE ARCTIC

Her Imperial Majesty rejoices at the news that the Russian, Scandinavian and Québecois expedition has finally conquered the North Pole, an accomplishment that had thus far evaded mankind due to its extreme difficulty. Her Imperial Majesty also extends her congratulations to all teams, and to the King-Emperor of Scandinavia and the President of Russia for the collective triumph.

The leader of the Québec team, Capitan Joseph-Elzéar Bernier, is hereby ennobled as Viscount Bernier. His deputies, renowned scientists Arthur Philemon Coleman, and Joseph Tyrrell, are also ennobled as Baron Coleman and Baron Tyrrell. All three are also awarded the Empire’s highest recognition: Ordre imperial du Mérite.

All members of the Québec team will be granted a life pension as recognition, payable by the Crown through the Imperial Académie des Sciences.

[Lumine]

ON THE INVOCATION OF THE TREATY OF TROIS RIVIERES

In light of the usage of chemical weapons against the Kingdom of Mexico, and with a very heavy heart, Montréal hereby invokes Article 6 of the Treaty of Trois Rivieres. By Imperial decree, a full embargo is established against the Commonwealth of Louisiana.

The basic rights of Louisianian citizens in Québecois territory remain guaranteed. Louisianian crown and state property within the Empire up the date of the publication of this decree will remain as such, but may not be removed from imperial territory until the lifting of the embargo.

In case of Québecois public or private property within the Commonwealth of Louisiana being seized or nationalized, additional measures will be undertaken in regards to the status of the aforementioned property.

ON THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC DISRUPTION

In light of the new embargo, the State will provide the necessary resources to assist Québecois merchants in general and to ease up the redirection of trade to other nations, with a direct preference for New England, and to be followed by other reliable international partners.

In light of the ongoing economic upheaval, the Empire shall emphasize and stimulate, whenever possible, the urgent export of locally produced goods to New England, the European market, and other friendly nations in the hopes of minimizing the present difficulties in the global supply chain. It is our hope other nations may reciprocate in turn in terms of needed imports.

[Lumine]

Treaty of Porto Rico

Article I:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Empire of Quebec, and the Republic of New England, “the High Contracting Powers,” declare the preservation of trade and commerce in the Caribbean Sea as their foremost goals.

Article II:
In pursuit of this goal, the High Contracting Powers shall furnish joint naval squadrons to convey unarmed commerce in that area of the Caribbean not under formal blockade by any of the belligerent parties in the region. Such commerce will be under the personal guarantee of the High Contracting Powers and any acts taken against it will constitute a hostile act against said Powers.

xCharles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa
xAlfred Lagerheim, Utrikesstatsminister

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

Her Imperial Majesty extends her warm congratulations to President Milyukov and the peoples of Russia on the eventual adoption of a new Constitution. The new draft is seen as a wise document likely to allow for a strong government that guarantees the rights and upholds the aspirations of the citizens. Though our system of government may ultimately differ, there is much to be admired in what the President and the Duma have achieved.

[Lumine]

QUEBEC CONSTITUTION OF 1876

As Amended by the Imperial Rescript of 1900

Chapter One. On the Empire and its Ruling Dynasty.

Article 1. The Empire of Québec is the indissoluble political association of all the Quebecois people. It declares itself a free, sovereign, unitary, catholic, and independent nation. Its political capital is the city of Montréal.

Article 2. The Empire of Québec is a constitutional and representative hereditary monarchy. The ruling dynasty is that which descends from Philip von Hohenzollern, late Emperor of Quebec, itself descending from Henry von Hohenzollern, late King of Québec.

Article 3. The representatives of the Québécois nation and its sovereignty are the Emperor and the National Assembly.

Article 4. The Empire of Québec recognizes four separate political powers in its Constitution: The Crown; the Executive, subordinate to the Crown and entrusted to representatives of its will belonging to the Legislative power; the Legislative, represented jointly by both Houses of the Parliament of Québec; and the Judicial, represented by the High Court, Middle Courts, and other lower tribunals.

Chapter Two. On Territorial Government and Religion.

Article 5. The territory of the Empire shall be organized and divided between provinces with elected political representation, based upon their amount of population; and territories governed by the Crown, until such a time in which their population allows for self-government regulated by this Constitution. Provinces and territories are administered and governed by a Governor appointed by the Crown.

Article 6. The process for the accession of territories into provincial status shall involve a Proclamation signed by the Emperor and co-signed by the Prime Minister, to be approved by an absolute majority of both houses of Parliament.

Article 7. The Apostolic Roman Catholic religion is the official state religion of the Empire. All other religions are allowed to conduct domestic and private worship. Public worship of the Protestant faiths shall be allowed in the provinces of Nouvelle-Écosse, Nouvelle-Cornouailles and Illinois.

Article 8. The state recognizes the important role of the Catholic Church in the historical, cultural, and moral formation and development of the nation and its empire.

Chapter Three. On the Citizens of Québec.

Article 9. Québecois citizens are those born in imperial territory, and the direct offspring of male or female Québecois citizens residing or traveling abroad. Foreigners who become naturalized, either due to military service or the appropriate qualifications set by law, shall be granted citizenship as well.

Article 10. A citizen may lose his status as such only upon becoming naturalized in a foreign country, upon a judicial sentence of treason, or upon accepting employment, pension or decoration from a foreign monarch without the permission of the Emperor.

Article 11. Catholic Republicans, Reactionary Socialists and individuals advocating for the secession of any province of territory from the Empire shall be banned from standing for, or from holding any political or public office.

Article 12. Non-hereditary titles of nobility shall exist, disposed at the sole discretion of the Emperor. The Emperor may grant such titles to reward meritorious individuals deserving of public recognition. Such titles will not, under any circumstance, mean different treatment under the law. Nobles, furthermore, are barred from holding seats in the National Assembly unless they forfeit their title. In descending order, the titles will be Duke, Marquis, Count, Viscount and Baron.

Chapter Four. The Québecois Bill of Rights.

Article 13. The civil and political rights of the citizens of the Empire are based on the principles of security, propriety, and family, and save for specific exceptions explicitly stated in the Constitution, are guaranteed to be inviolable.

Article 14. Slavery is banned within the Empire of Québec, in any place or territory temporarily or permanently subject to its jurisdiction. Racial discrimination is equally forbidden.

Article 15. The use of torture and such other cruel and unusual punishments, with the sole exception of the death penalty via firing squad for crimes of treason as determined by law, is forbidden.

Article 16. The right to private worship is guaranteed to all citizens.

Article 17. The right to express, write and publish views without censure is guaranteed to all citizens, with the sole exception of those views encompassed by Article 11.

Article 18. Any person and his property can remain in or go out of the Empire at his pleasure, so long as it complies with legal obligations as established by Parliament.

Article 19. The house of a Québecois citizen is a castle, providing his inhabitant with inviolable asylum except in those cases established by Parliament.

Article 20. No person may be made a prisoner without specific charges, except in cases specified by law, after twenty hours upon entry into a prison. The law will regulate how and if charged individuals may be released on suitable bail, without preferential treatment for the wealthy.

Article 21. The right to privacy in correspondence is recognized.

Article 22. The right to proprietorship is hereby recognized and guaranteed in all its fullness, save when crimes of treason are committed; and when the public good, legally verified, demands it. In the latter cases, citizens whose property must be infringed upon shall be compensated accordingly.

Article 23. Although the law may regulate the conduct, statue, and obligations of the trade unions, these are protected from dismantlement or suspension except in cases of treason, as demonstrated before a court of law.

Article 24. Citizens have a right to the freedom of labor and of industry. The state will favor and encourage the development of labor through gratuitous primary education, the equality of rights between employers and employees, and by providing aid to deserted children, the sick and the destitute aged.

Article 25. The constitutional powers of the Empire may not unilaterally suspend any Article of the Bill Rights. Articles 17 to 23 may be suspended only in the specific eventuality of rebellion or foreign invasion. The suspension of any of such Articles must be enacted via royal decree approved by a simple majority of Parliament, for periods of up to six months. Said decree may be subsequently renewed with additional votes.

Chapter Five. The Crown.

Article 26. The Emperor is, by virtue of his august dignity, ruler of the Empire, and it is His duty to govern it, aided in this task by the assistance of the National Assembly and the other powers of the State. It is also His duty to look after the internal and external security of the State according to the Constitution.

Article 27. The person of the Emperor is inviolable and sacred, and is not subject to any responsibility whatsoever. No constitutional power of the Empire may legally remove an Emperor from his sacred post.

Article 28. The Emperor’s formal titles are Emperor and Defender of Québec, and he is to be tiled as “Imperial Majesty”.

Article 29. The Emperor’s heir shall hold the title of “Prince Imperial”. The Prince Imperial will be styled as “Imperial Highness”. All other members of the Imperial Family will bear the title of Prince and will be styled as “Highness”.

Article 30. Whether an Emperor or Empress holds the throne, he or she will wield the same powers and rights. Should an Empress hold the throne, her spouse will have no part in the Government, and will not be styled as Emperor. His title will be that of Prince Consort.

Article 31. The Emperor of Québec exercises the following political powers:

I. To appoint and to dismiss the Prime Minister, the rights of the National Assembly notwithstanding, and to appoint or dismiss the members of the Cabinet with the concurrence of the Prime Minister.
II. To dissolve the National Assembly before its maximum term of office has expired, to immediately convoke another to take its place.
III. To appoint members of the Senate.
IV. Right to Royal Assent over any legislation passed by Parliament, without with no such initiative may become law.
V. To appoint such officers as are needed for the functioning of the State’s bureaucracy.
VI. To appoint judicial officers, pursuant to approval by the National Assembly.
VII. To directly appeal to the people by means of a nationwide referendum, in cases of a Constitutional Rescript.

Article 32. The Emperor is in charge of all external relations of the Empire, and determines the direction of Québec’s foreign policy.

Article 33. The Emperor is the Supreme Commander of the military. He may declare a state of siege or martial law upon a favorable signature by the Prime Minister.

Article 34. The Emperor may issue pardons to commute death sentences, exchanging the aforementioned sentence for the highest sentence of imprisonment established by law.

Article 35. An Emperor may voluntarily abdicate the throne if he so chooses, for which he must send a written Instrument of Abdication to Parliament. Abdication will be considered irrevocable.

Article 36. The Emperor must always and with no exception be of the Apostolic Roman Catholic faith.

Chapter Six. The Regency.

Article 37. The Emperor is a minor until the age of eighteen. During his minority of age or in the absence of an Emperor, the Empire will be ruled by a Regent, designated as the nearest relative of the Emperor who is more than twenty-one years of age.

Article 38. Upon the lack of such an individual, the preceding Emperor may designate a Regent in his will. Should he have not done so, a Regency Council comprised of three members chosen by the National Assembly will rule the Empire.

Article 39. Should the Emperor be unable and/or unfit to govern due to injury or disease, as certified by his nearest adult relative; the Prince Imperial, should he be over eighteen years of age, will assume the regency. In his absence, the same rules of Article 38 will apply.

Chapter Seven. The Succession to the Crown.

Article 40. The legitimate offspring of the Emperor shall succeed to the throne following a regular order of male preference cognatic primogeniture and representation. As such, sons will come before daughters, and daughters before uncles, and so on.

Article 41. At the moment of their accession to the throne, the Emperor will swear the following oath before Parliament, in the presence of the highest prelate of the Church available at that moment in the Empire: “We swear to preserve the Constitution of the Empire, to maintain the Apostolic Roman Catholic religion, to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the nation, to look out after the general welfare of the people, and to perform our duties to the best of our ability, so help us God.”

Article 42. The succession will prioritize the descendants of Philip von Hohenzollern, late Emperor of Québec, directly through Wilhelmina von Hohenzollern, and then her siblings and their descendants. Upon extinction of said line, or the exclusion of its remaining members, the succession will then move onto the descendants of Henry von Hohenzollern, late King of Québec, based on their proximity to Philip von Hohenzollern. Upon extinction or exclusion of all legitimate descendants, the Parliament of Québec will choose a new dynasty.

Article 43. The offspring of a female Emperor or an heir or claimant with a non-Hohenzollern name will be required, upon acceding to the throne, to take on the Hohenzollern name to preserve the continuation of the dynasty. Refusal to do so will constitute grounds for exclusion from the succession.

Article 44. Children born of future marriages between a member of the Imperial family and another individual that have not been formally authorized by the Emperor will be excluded from the line of succession.

Article 45. Should the succession reach an heir or claimant who is reigning on another throne or directly in line to inherit, it is left to the would-be successor to make a choice of throne. Should there be no renunciation of rights and claims on the previous throne, the succession will move to the next claimant.

Article 46. A sitting Emperor requires the consent of both chambers of Parliament, by a two-thirds majority, to also become the ruler of a foreign realm.  

Chapter Eight. The Legislature.

Article 47. The Parliament of Québec is comprised of two separate chambers: the National Assembly, and the Senate. Their members must be citizens and be at least thirty years of age at the time of their appointment or election.

Article 48. Members to the Parliament of Québec are inviolable for opinions expressed in the exercise of their functions, except in cases of treason as established by law. They may not be subject to arrest unless when taken in the act of committing a capital crime or being complicit to it. If sentence be pronounced on them by a court of law, the respective chamber will be allowed to decide whether the member should be expelled.

Article 49. The Senate will be chosen by royal lifetime appointment, and it will not exceed 100 members. Senators may resign at their leisure but may not be appointed again to this institution.

Article 50. The Senate will have no power to introduce legislation. It is entrusted with the revision, amendment, approval and/or rejection of the legislation passed by the National Assembly.

Article 51. The National Assembly will be comprised of 300 members, apportioned by population, elected in single districts with the first past the post system. Members may also resign at their leisure, with vacancies filled via by-elections.

Article 52. The National Assembly will serve a maximum term of five years. Its term can only be interrupted because of Article 31, II of this Constitution.

Article 53. The National Assembly will have the following powers:

I. To be the sole chamber in which legislation can originate.
II. To regulate its own legislative proceedings based on the present Constitution. In any event, there must be a minimum quorum for sessions of over one half of members, and a quorum for questions equivalent to the absolute majority of members present.
II. To override a refusal of royal assent by a two-thirds majority.
III. To approve all judicial appointments made by the crown.
IV. To amend or repeal legislation.
V. To draft the yearly public expenses of the empire, subject to Senate approval and Royal Assent.
VI. To establish the means for the payment of the public debt.
VII. To determine the status of the national coin, as well as the standards of weights and measures.
VIII. To express its confidence on the executive of the day and its ministers, but only as a collective group.

Article 54. Senators or National Assemblymen may be appointed Ministers of State and hold both offices concurrently.

Article 55. No individual may be a member of both chambers at the same time. If elected or appointed to the opposite chamber, he will have to choose membership of either.

Chapter Nine. The Executive.

Article 56. Executive power not reserved to the Emperor will be wielded by a Prime Minister, appointed by the Crown. He is assisted in this task by a Cabinet, who shall preside over the government departments of the State.

Article 57. The Prime Minister and his Cabinet are expected to rely on the confidence of a majority of the National Assembly. The National Assembly may remove the Prime Minister from office by means of a formal Vote of No Confidence on his government.

Article 58. The law will designate the number of Cabinet departments and their responsibilities.

Chapter Ten. The Military.

Article 59. All citizens and residents of the Empire not under employment by a foreign nation are under obligation to take up arms to maintain and preserve the integrity and independence of the nation, and to defend it against all enemies external or internal.  

Article 60. The Armed Forces of the Empire are obedient and non-deliberative by nature. They must, at every stage, obey the legitimate authority of the Emperor as determined by the Constitution.

Chapter Eleven. The Judiciary.

Article 61. The Judicial power of the Empire is enforced by the Courts of Justice. It is the purpose of the Judiciary to settle civil, criminal and administrative affairs. The Judiciary is independent and autonomous in its passing of judgement, without intervention or interference from another constitutional power of the State.

Article 62. Judicial officers are appointed by the Emperor and approved by the National Assembly. A law will determine the instances in which judicial officers may be removed from office, but only when criminal behavior has been committed.

Article 63. There shall be a High Court of Justice, superior to all other tribunals in the Empire. The High Court is the highest possible instance for sentencing and/or appeal. It is also the sole court authorized to settle whether a law is unconstitutional, to settle jurisdiction and competence disputes between Middle and Lower tribunals, and to handle all cases involving high treason against the Empire.

Article 64. There shall be a Middle Court of Justice for every province and/or territory recognized in the Constitution. A Provincial Court will be superior in rank to all other tribunals within its own province or territory. Their composition and organization will be determined by law.

Article 65. There shall be Lower Courts within the many provinces and territories of the Empire. Their composition and organization will be determined by law.

Chapter Twelve. Reform of the Constitution.

Article 66. The Constitution of the Empire may be amended via two separate avenues:

I. A Constitutional Amendment, introduced in the National Assembly with the signature of at least one fifth of its members, and subsequently passed through Parliament with a two-thirds majority of each chamber, plus Royal Assent.
II. A Constitutional Rescript, presented to the nation by the Crown, and voted upon by the people by means of a nationwide referendum.

Article 67. Articles 1 through 4 of the Constitution may not be amended.

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Wikimedia Commons

The État-social
Empress Wilhelmina outlines social reform in the Empire

Having recovered from the effects of her pregnancy, Her Imperial Majesty addressed a joint session of the National Assembly and the Senate - escorted by the Prince Consort -, in which she outlined her views on the need for social reform.

Although taking good care to criticize major industrialists, the Empress nonetheless outlined a series of societal ills - child labor, the plight of the destitute, difficult working conditions - which she felt stood in the way of the Empire's prosperity and success. In a speech charged with Catholic social undertones, while staying firmly and explicitly away from Catholic Republicanism or Reactionary Socialism, the Empress charted a "third-way": a Social State (État-social), which allowed industry and businesses to boom and prosper while providing the working population with protections guaranteed by the state.

Citing the ongoing and thus far successful conflict with Colombia as well as the upheaval caused by the Louisiana-Mexico conflict, Her Majesty admitted that the finances of the Empire made it indeed impossible to achieve the entire slate of planned reforms in a single go. But, in a direct rebuke to those calling for the shelving of social reforms, the Empress reiterated that she was a woman of her word. Thus, she outlined the first phase of the Social State policies, directed at improving working conditions; and to be followed by future phases on education, pensions, trade unions, and other important topics.

For the year 1901, the Empress announced bills to be debated on the following topics:

-The Child Protection Act 1901, finally banning child labor across the Empire other than minor and highly regulated exceptions for farmers.
-The Industrial Safety Act 1901, setting up clear guidelines for occupational safety, and an accident insurance scheme paid in equal parts by the worker, the employer and the state.
-The Dignity in Work Act 1901, establishing a maximum working day of ten hours, to be reduced to nine (1903) and eventually eight (1905), recognizing a Québecois Labor Day (Sept. 1st) as a public holiday, as well as limiting work on Sundays.

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Bursa-Montréal Accord (1901)

The Empire of Quebec and the Turkist Empire agree to the following:

1. The signatories commit to establishing new trade and supply networks across the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

2. The Turkist Empire shall increase exports of consumer goods to the Empire of Quebec, with an emphasis on products made scarce by recent economic upheaval.

3. The Empire of Quebec shall reroute consumer good exports disproportionately affected by the embargo on Louisiana to the Turkist Empire.

4. The Empire of Quebec shall provide naval aid to the Turkist Empire in the forms of fleet and port development.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

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Empire of Québec

Proclamations and Statements from Her Imperial Majesty

REGARDING THE STATE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Her Imperial Majesty laments the unprovoked British intervention that has taken place in recent weeks, which has resulted in untold economic strife not just across North America, but across most of the civilized world.

The Empress encourages Her Majesty Queen Mary to reconsider her latest decisions in light of the enormous damage it has caused to millions of civilians and to several neutral nations, all of which pay the price for ruthless naval action.

A continuation of such policies from London, regardless of the relative merit or justification, could very well plunge much of the world in an economic depression, a decision that should not and could not be taken lightly.

We also encourage London to carefully consider its position regarding the Treaty of Trois Rivieres due to recent events in Pisco, as well to clarify whether its commitment against the use of biological weapons remains in place.

For its part, the Québecois court remains open to reasonable discussions to bring an end to the war, and recognizes the efforts of those who are striving for such a goal. While hoping for such an outcome, let it also be known that when faced with aggression, the Empire will defend itself fully and with every method at its disposal within the internationally agreed bounds of civilized warfare.

ON RECENT EVENTS IN RUSSIA

Her Imperial Majesty expresses her solidarity with the Russian people and with President Milyukov at this difficult time, as well as her unbridled outrage at the cowardly assassination of Prime Minister Lvov, Duma Chairman Muromtsev, and countless innocent civilians. The Imperial Court will observe a period of mourning, and Her Majesty and the Prince Consort will wear black armbands in remembrance of the victims. This attack on the Bolshoi Theater is an attack on Western Civilization itself, and should the Russian Republic require any assistance, the resources of the Imperial Security Bureau will be made available to President Milyukov.

REGARDING THE TREATY OF TROIS RIVIERES

Her Imperial Majesty is encouraged by the recent signing of the Treaty of Trois Rivieres by the Commonwealth of Louisiana, as well as by His Majesty the King's Emergency Order N°2. Should the Ungentlemanly Warfare Commission deem it proper, Quebecois inspectors will be made available to determine compliance with the treaty at the earliest possible moment.

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ON THE INVOCATION OF THE TREATY OF TROIS RIVIERES

In light of the usage of biological warfare against the Divine Republic of Brazil - specifically the wilful poisoning of water supplies with horse manure, affecting hundreds of thousands of men -, and faced with a distinct lack of diplomatic solutions, Montréal hereby invokes Article 6 of the Treaty of Trois Rivieres, and requests an international embargo against the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, original signatory to the treaty, for breaching its terms.

Given the present state of warfare, current wartime measures will be complemented to fully comply with Article 6 of the treaty. We urge London - whom we recognize as having fulfilled the treaty to this point - to clarify its stance on the matter, lest they risk becoming complicit in present or future acts of biological warfare.

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₁

A New Sacred Union

Her Imperial Majesty, Wilhelmina I,
issues a general call for the mobilization,
of society, industry, workers and capital in the Empire

Citoyens,

Perilous times are upon us. For the third time across the past century, we find ourselves the victims of British aggression and violation of Québecois soil, and though we remain open to compromise and gentlemanly forms of dialogue, we are also adamant in defending the sovereignty and the dignity of the Empire and its peoples. As a former King of Québec once said, we will never acquiesce to letting the principle of Government of Americans, by Americans, for Americans perish by the sword.

This original attack has been successfully contained, but even now we are again victims of a criminal blockade that brings much hardship not just to our people, but to neutral and innocent nations all over the world. The stakes are high, but our resolve is unyielding. Thirty years ago, our grandfather Henry II called for the mobilization of Québecois society so that all, from the humblest beggar to the monarch himself, could stand together against the imperial might of Britain.

The people stood behind the King, and from that unity, that Sacred Unity, we built an Empire.

Today we must defend it. And so we call on each and every citizen, on each and every home, on each and every individual who has crossed the sea in search of a better life, to stand with us. Citoyens! A difficult road lies ahead. But at the end of that road, there is once again victory and prosperity calling for us all.

Today, as our grandfather and father did before us, we ask you for Union Sacrée of the people of Québec.

Together, we stand. Together, we prevail.

Vive le Québec!

Empire of Québec

Proclamations and Statements from Her Imperial Majesty

ON THE ELECTION

Her Imperial Majesty remains deeply committed to constitutional rule and to the right of the peoples of the Empire to elect their representatives to the National Assembly.

It is nonetheless her belief that to hold elections in the middle of the war, and while parts of Québecois territory remain under occupation, is the lesser democratic choice. We will be presenting a Prolongation of Parliament Act 1902, extending the life of the present National Assembly for two years. By-elections for vacancies will continue to be held.

Should armed conflict end before January 1st, 1904, Her Imperial Majesty will be pleased to exercise her constitutional duties and call an election.

ON THE WORKERS OF QUÉBEC

Due to the British invasion of Québec, the next phase of Etat Social policies will be suspended for the duration of the war. The State, nonetheless, will not sit idly by, and will directly pursue an agenda to alleviate unemployment within the financial realities of the present struggle.

Proclaims, posters and propaganda - including songs - will be printed and distributed to every factory across the Empire, stating how British aggression is the only thing that stands on the way of better working conditions. It will be made clear that, the sooner the invader is repelled, the sooner Québec will resume its role as a shining beacon of liberty, prosperity, and work.

ON THE IMPERIAL WAR BOARD

Retired cabinet minister Pierre Garneau, Marquis de La Durantaye, is hereby appointed as President of the new Imperial War Board. The Board will work with the Crown, government, the General Staff, the Admiralty, the Quartermaster General, and representatives of industry, commerce, the Church and the workers, to marshal Québec's human and natural resources, face the consequences of the blockade, and assist the war effort while curbing unemployment.

The Imperial War Board will begin implementing the following early measures:

-Mass usage of propaganda, building on efforts from the North American War, dehumanizing the enemy, extolling hard work and sacrifice, and calling on cooperation from the people to the war effort.

-The establishment of rationing regarding imported consumer goods made scarce by the British blockade, while ensuring the availability and access of local foodstuffs. The Imperial Royal Family will partake on rationing.

-Subsidies to the Imperial Academie des Sciences to research and invent substitutes for any raw materials or goods under shortages.

-Mass expansion and coordination of the transportation network to arrange not just military mobilization, but also the allocation of resources and goods to prevent their waste.

-Using the Québec arms industry as a model, industries under risk of collapse will be assisted to shift to military production for the State during the war, so as to redirect their workforce, expand weapons development, and avert unemployment.

-Farmers will be assisted with new government contracts to feed the imperial military.

-A Civil Defense Bureau will be formed to provide mass public employment, enlisting jobless civilians to assist the war effort in various means (fortification work, cleaning battlegrounds, and so on).

-Unemployed citizens not enlisted in the military or Civil Defense will be encouraged to join the National Guard or the Pacific Gendarmerie, to take over simple patrol, policing or inner garrison duty.

-Expand the charity role of the Church, and encourage businesses to donate and/or work with ecclesiastical authorities in terms of poverty relief.

-Present bills to Parliament authorizing the usage of temporary war currency for purely domestic use - excluding custom duties, taxes and government interest on war bonds - as in the previous conflict, the "Québec notes".

-Present bills to Parliament authorizing the issuing of war bonds ("Victory Bonds") to raise revenue for the government, followed by a propaganda campaign encouraging people to buy such bonds as a sign of patriotism.

-The promotion of Pacific trade towards reliable partners.

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Although the Imperial Court is respectful - if in disagreement - of the legal reasoning presented by the Hapsburg Imperial Foreign Ministry, it wishes to state its serious concerns about its implications. An international rules-based order is only as strong as the will of individual governments not only to comply to the letter, but also the spirit, and it is our reasoning that acts of biological warfare are - and if not, ought to be - in breach of what the Treaty of Trois Rivieres pursues.

The legitimization of the biological attack at Pisco, either directly or through omission, is only likely to create an incentive for further such attacks from the actors involved or other belligerents in other conflicts, with grave implications for either ongoing or future wars. The weaknesses that have been emerging linked to the Treaty of Trois Rivieres only enforce this concern, which may yet devolve in the scenario we originally sought out to prevent.

Though we would not presume of being able to change or alter the will of nations who, through their own legitimate reasons, have decided action is not warranted, we nonetheless put it on the record that we feel this will prove to be a costly mistake for the international community as a whole.

We can only hope that time may prove us wrong.