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

[Senator Spiral]

Damascus Declaration: A Joint Statement of Scandinavian and Turkist Policy on the Ongoing Middle Eastern Crisis

The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Turkist Empire, taking light of their mutual interests in the Near East, and cognizant of the need to restore stability and order to the region agree to the following principles to guide their conduct and policy in the region.

Principle I
The construction of a new geopolitical order is of paramount importance in the Near East.

Principle II
The new geopolitical order in the Near East must take into account the aspirations of both the Hashemite and Saudi Arab states.

Principle III
The new geopolitical order in the Near East must take into account Iranian national aspirations.

Principle IV
The new geopolitical order in the Near East must reflect the legitimate security interests of the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Turkist Empire.

Principle V
The new geopolitical order in the Near East can only be constructed and preserved through the close cooperation and friendship between the Turkish Empire and the Kingdom of Scandinavia and both states must play an active role as guarantors of the post war order in the region.

x Cossva Anckarsvärd, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Bursa

X Grand Vizier for Life Ahmed Muhtar Pasha, Turkist Empire

[Spamage]

It is with distinct worry that the Vatican and His Holiness see the recent diplomatic sabre-rattling employed by the Archduke Regent of the Holy Roman Empire, which at the present moment threatens the stability of Europe with a general armed confrontation.

At a time of great suffering across Europe, fuelled by a pandemic that has just struck the continent and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, no Christian ruler could or should conceive of plunging Christendom into war for reasons which are less than clear. The consequences for us all would be too grave to ponder.

We are told that, though mediation has been repeatedly attempted, the Archduke Regent remains unmovable on his threats, some of them directed at the Papal States themselves.

Though we regret to undertake this step, we must make it clear that, should the Archduke Regent invade the Papal States or force a general European conflict by declaring war against the King-Emperor of France after refusing mediation, he will face excommunication.

We beseech the Archduke Regent to see reason and not gamble the future of Christendom for the sake of pride, and to seek a negotiated solution to this crisis. The Vatican will strongly endorse efforts to secure a settlement that prevents all out war.

[windjammer]

For the record, Scandinavia and Brazil have been hosting the negotiations (OOC: a liberal protestant monarchy with a catholic republic such an unlikely duo).

A compromise proposal is under study and WE have strong hopes that every country will find it satisfying.


As a catholic republic, we would like to remind all the belligerent that restoring the papal states is a Key diplomatic goal.

[YPestis25]

Declaration from Stockholm

The Kingdom of Scandinavia taking light of the growing tension in Southern Europe announces the following measures:

-All naval and army leave is cancelled.
-Naval reservists are hereby called up.
-Naval assets shall be redeployed to a wartime footing.

[Kuumo]

Emergency Declaration from the Colombian Foreign Ministry

In light of the ongoing diplomatic crisis in mainland Europe, all Colombian nationals on the European continent outside of the British Union, Kingdom of Scandinavia, and Russian Republic are urged to return home or seek refuge in one of the aforementioned countries with all possible haste.

[GoTfan]

All Japanese nationals currently residing in Europe are urged to return home as the Republic cannot guarantee your safety. Transportation will be arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a departure window of sixty days.

[Lumine]

Treaty of Kupang (1904)
A Treaty between the United Provinces of New Holland and the Empire of Québec

The United Provinces of New Holland and the Empire of Québec, wishing to restore their earlier and positive diplomatic and trading relationship, as well as citing the need to provide stability to the Pacific Region, hereby agree to the following:

1) The recognition of their present borders and spheres of influence, as well as mutual commitment not to undermine their respective domestic stability.

2) To lower tariffs on New Hollander rubber and palm oil on Québecois Pacific ports, and on Québecois wheat and timber on New Hollander ports.

3) To hold joint naval exercises on the Québecois Sunwon islands and the New Hollander Solomon islands, in order to help increase the efficiency of both navies and push forward their modernization.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Most Devout Majesty,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Kuumo]

The Philadelphia Pact (1904)

The British Union, the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, the Kingdom of Scandinavia, and the United Provinces of New Holland, in light of their recent cooperation, common diplomatic and commercial interests, and their mutual need to guarantee stability in their respective spheres, hereby agree to formalize their relationship under the present terms:

1.) The recognition of their diverging ideologies, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds, pledging to respect them and not undermine their respective domestic stability.

2.) The high contracting parties hereby designate each other as preferential diplomatic, economic, and military partners on their respective continents.

3.) To jointly oppose any attacks on the territorial sovereignty of the others.

4.) The high contracting parties agree to consult each other on relevant diplomatic and military decisions.

5.) To grant privileged access to Colombian, New Hollander, Scandinavian, and British traders in British and Scandinavian African and Asian ports.

6.) The high contracting parties agree to incentivize trade with the others when possible.

7.) The central banks of the high contracting parties agree to consult with one another and provide favorable international interest rates when possible.

x Federico González Suárez, Archbishop-President of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

x Manuel Antonio Matos, Secretary of State of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

[SuzerainOfSwat]

The Philadelphia Pact (1904)

The British Union, the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, the Kingdom of Scandinavia, and the United Provinces of New Holland, in light of their recent cooperation, common diplomatic and commercial interests, and their mutual need to guarantee stability in their respective spheres, hereby agree to formalize their relationship under the present terms:

1.) The recognition of their diverging ideologies, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds, pledging to respect them and not undermine their respective domestic stability.

2.) The high contracting parties hereby designate each other as preferential diplomatic, economic, and military partners on their respective continents.

3.) To jointly oppose any attacks on the territorial sovereignty of the others.

4.) The high contracting parties agree to consult each other on relevant diplomatic and military decisions.

5.) To grant privileged access to Colombian, New Hollander, Scandinavian, and British traders in British and Scandinavian African and Asian ports.

6.) The high contracting parties agree to incentivize trade with the others when possible.

7.) The central banks of the high contracting parties agree to consult with one another and provide favorable international interest rates when possible.

x Federico González Suárez, Archbishop-President of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

x Manuel Antonio Matos, Secretary of State of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

xStadtholder Samuel Van Houten

[SuzerainOfSwat]

Treaty of Kupang (1904)
A Treaty between the United Provinces of New Holland and the Empire of Québec

The United Provinces of New Holland and the Empire of Québec, wishing to restore their earlier and positive diplomatic and trading relationship, as well as citing the need to provide stability to the Pacific Region, hereby agree to the following:

1) The recognition of their present borders and spheres of influence, as well as mutual commitment not to undermine their respective domestic stability.

2) To lower tariffs on New Hollander rubber and palm oil on Québecois Pacific ports, and on Québecois wheat and timber on New Hollander ports.

3) To hold joint naval exercises on the Québecois Sunwon islands and the New Hollander Solomon islands, in order to help increase the efficiency of both navies and push forward their modernization.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Most Devout Majesty,
Empress and Defender of Québec

xStadtholder Samuel Van Houten

[YPestis25]

The Philadelphia Pact (1904)

The British Union, the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, the Kingdom of Scandinavia, and the United Provinces of New Holland, in light of their recent cooperation, common diplomatic and commercial interests, and their mutual need to guarantee stability in their respective spheres, hereby agree to formalize their relationship under the present terms:

1.) The recognition of their diverging ideologies, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds, pledging to respect them and not undermine their respective domestic stability.

2.) The high contracting parties hereby designate each other as preferential diplomatic, economic, and military partners on their respective continents.

3.) To jointly oppose any attacks on the territorial sovereignty of the others.

4.) The high contracting parties agree to consult each other on relevant diplomatic and military decisions.

5.) To grant privileged access to Colombian, New Hollander, Scandinavian, and British traders in British and Scandinavian African and Asian ports.

6.) The high contracting parties agree to incentivize trade with the others when possible.

7.) The central banks of the high contracting parties agree to consult with one another and provide favorable international interest rates when possible.

x Federico González Suárez, Archbishop-President of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

x Manuel Antonio Matos, Secretary of State of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

xStadtholder Samuel Van Houten

x John IV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa, with reservations as to Article V.

[Spamage]

1904 Midturn Update

The Taming of the Sky

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

   1904 dawned with a spirit of invention and hope. On the shores of the North Sea two brothers had been toiling for years, seeking to tame the skies. Wilbert and Konstantin Bauer, two Hanoverian subjects of the Scandinavian Crown, had been inspired for more than a decade. Ever since the two of them had witnessed the takeoff of Zeppelins from airfields near Hamburg, they believed that there was another way to reach the heavens. Rather than employ chemical gas, as the Austrians and Quebecois did for their airships, the brothers believed that air itself could be harnessed to create vessels that flew of their own accord.
   1903 proved to be a major year, the brothers using their escape to the countryside away from the Colombian Flu to put their theories to the test. The initial results were far from promising. Prototypes, one after the other, failed and were discarded during the first few years of the new century. Konstantin reportedly was at his wits end, debating shelving the endeavor after he sustained some particularly painful injuries following an attempt at a manned flight. Yet, it was here he had one more idea, him and Wilbert creating one more prototype, promising each other that they would cease their efforts if it failed.
   It worked. On one particularly breezy morning the brothers, observed by several dozen townsfolk from Cuxhaven. The Bauer Flyer soared for more than 100 feet, much to the awe of the observers. While the first prototype crashed on the second attempt at flight, its successor proved more durable several weeks later. Wilbert even managed to fly several miles, spinning above the placing North German fields. It was here that people really began to take note, journalists from nearby Hamburg photographing the vessel, which was featured in periodicals and newspapers the world over. For many, the flight represented an optimistic note on the spirit of human ingenuity.
   The world irreversibly changed on the morning of January 10th, 1904, though it took time for word to spread, overshadowed as it was by developments on the political and diplomatic front. Future historians will divide the world into an era before flight and one after. News of the Bauer Flyer has caused engineers and scientists all the world over attempt to replicate the experiment, to mixed success. One can only wonder what marvelous applications this new mode of transport will have, mankind taming the skies like never before. While it will probably be several years before more practical uses can be employed, the very invention of the Flyer is proof that the 1900s remains a phenomenal age, whatever the pessimists have to say on the subject.

Terror in the East
Surprise Attack Launched Against New Holland by China

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

   New Holland had reveled in its gains with the Treaty of Bogota. While the expulsion of the French from the region had been preferred, Willemstad was nevertheless content to rest on its laurels with the capture of the whole of Malaya and the bulk of New Guinea. Indeed, as European tensions rose and the conflicts in the Americans continued to smolder, it was expected that the United Provinces would be able to enjoy a period of respite and recover. The upcoming elections, more than anything, occupied public consciousness. Perhaps this had left them vulnerable.
   This window of peace came to an abrupt and bizarre end. News reached both Batavia and Willemstad of a widespread assault on the colonial empire on the morning of March 15th, 1904. Thousands of Chinese soldiers disembarked at Malaya, Borneo, and Sumatra, catching Hollander authorities off-guard and throwing the provinces into disarray. The men preached sympathy with the Thai Revolution and called for colonial liberation. This news was confusing, given New Holland had ceased engagements with the Thai Republic after the toppling of the monarchy. Indeed, Bangkok itself would express confusion over the cause of the war, the republic vowing it had no part in the debacle and urging neutrality.
   Suitably warned through telegraphs from Poniatak, an attempt by a mysterious fleet to force a landing at Batavia was repelled by the still-formidable New Hollander admiralty, which managed seemingly to save the island and crucial city. Indeed, superior technology saw dozens on enemy vessels scuttled, killing hundreds of their sailors. Indications soon became clear that it was a Chinese flotilla (though most transports seem to have Japanese designs) carrying troops.
   For what reason would Japan or China assault New Holland? Even more perplexing was how the Chinese soldiers were able to evade the supposedly-active French blockade over the mainland. France had enacted a punishing stranglehold over the Chinese coast more than four years ago, how did so many divisions pass through? To deny culpability, as some in the French government have done, seems to strain credulity, especially in the eyes of the Hollander public. Willemstad was engulfed by nationalistic war-fervor, the populace calling on the global community to protest and counter this outrageous development. While the European public has been engrossed by the spiraling crisis around Italy, news of Chinese assertiveness did not pass without notice. The prospect of an assertive and regionally interventionist China has caused widespread concern in Vienna, Stockholm, and Moscow. Could not their possessions be next, victims of a power that suddenly seemed far more intimidating than just months prior. It was one thing when they had dismantled French India, for such a war had at least the semblance of a justification, but a unilateral attack on New Holland seems to demonstrate that they won't stop with just the French. 
   By the end of the first portion of the year, Malaya and Sumatra have been lost to Chinese occupation. In the following weeks news would arrive that Bangka and Belitung had likewise surrendered, their garrisons unable to hold of the surprising incursion. The coast of Borneo too is in Chinese hands. Yet, the Hollander fleet has proven its mettle, maintaining control over the Java Sea and preventing any further operations to the east for the time being.
   In China, news of intervention was greeted with general confusion. Given the ongoing war with France, why had so many men been sent in the wrong direction? How had the Army evaded the blockade and what purpose did an invasion of the East Indies serve? New Holland had been a nominal partner of China in the late war against France, but now to pivot and assault them while work remained to be done in India seemed utterly without cause. Matters were not helped by news of cooperation with the Japanese, who were just as guilty at the French for the recent violation of Chinese sovereignty. Some questioned the judgement of President Kang, his public standing deteriorating with such erratic policy moves. Had he not let Chinese men vulnerable, stranded on an island archipelago far from home, given the substantial disparity between the New Hollander and Chinese fleets? Indeed, cracks begin to grow in the government, members of President Kang Youwei’s party some of the most vociferous critics of intervention in New Holland. While the president remained safe from electoral backlash, the next vote more than 6 years off, there seems to be little question his coalition of national unity government is on the verge of collapse, partisans seeing opportunities in the wake of this controversial development.

[Lumine]

Treaty of Yokohama (1904)
A Treaty between the Republic of Japan and the Empire of Québec

1.) Japan and Quebec agree to their existing borders and sphere of influence, and pledge not to undermine each other's domestic stability.

2.) The Quebec government shall receive a 10% stake in the Philippines Mining Corporation.

3.) The parties agree to a non-aggression pact of five years, renewable by mutual agreement.

4.) The parties agree to mutual support of industrial projects in the Pacific.

5.) The parties agree to coordinate expeditions across underdeveloped regions in their respective spheres to identify natural resources for economic exploitation.

6.) A Japanese naval mission will assist Québec in matters of naval development, modernization, tactics and naval projects. Québec will repay the Japanese Republic by providing Zeppeling technology and a supply of helium.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Most Devout Majesty,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[S019]

Treaty of Syracuse (1904)

A Treaty between the Hapsburg Monarchy, Kingdom of Scandinavia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain, the Empire of Québec, and the Commonwealth of New England.

PREAMBLE:

The signatories, noting the ongoing economic strife, the growing threat of the pandemic, and the need to avoid full-scale war across the North American continent, hereby agree to the following:

DISPOSITIONS:
1.- The complete cessation of all hostilities upon the agreement of all parties, return of all POWs with exclusion of those involved in point 7, and the military withdrawal from, as well as the return of all occupied territory not mentioned as having been ceded.
2.- Western Massachusetts, Western Connecticut, and the remainder of New York State shall be transferred to the British Union.
3.- The northern portion of upstate New York returned to Britain shall become an internationally guaranteed demilitarized zone. No British fortifications may be constructed there, nor British troops enter. Moreover, the area will remain open to New Englander trade and civilian movement.
4.- Safe transfer will be offered to all Adirondack, Western Massachusetts and Western Connecticut residents who prefer to remain citizens of New England.
5.- New England will pay financial reparations for the loss of Scandinavian and Austrian civilian lives and merchant ships in the attacks.
6.- New England will repay a loan made by Scandinavia before Operation Sunset, with preference given to the payment of reparations to victims.
7.- To secure proper justice over the unfortunate demise of Princess Helen, an international tribunal will be held on Geneva. It will be comprised of neutral judges, concerning solely high-ranking officials – political and military – involved in the planning and execution of Operation Sunset. Sentences will be up to the discretion of the judges, with all signatories pledging to comply by and accept them.
8.- A formal and personal guarantee from the Holy Roman Emperor and the King-Emperor of Scandinavia to the Empress of Québec that the treaty will be complied with on part of Britain.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Most Devout Majesty,
Empress and Defender of Québec

xJohn IV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

X- Acting-Chairman Patrick Collins

X Leopold, Graf von Berchtold, Imperial Minister-Plenipotentiary

X Queen Mary III, Queen of the British Union

[S019]

The Philadelphia Pact (1904)

The British Union, the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, the Kingdom of Scandinavia, and the United Provinces of New Holland, in light of their recent cooperation, common diplomatic and commercial interests, and their mutual need to guarantee stability in their respective spheres, hereby agree to formalize their relationship under the present terms:

1.) The recognition of their diverging ideologies, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds, pledging to respect them and not undermine their respective domestic stability.

2.) The high contracting parties hereby designate each other as preferential diplomatic, economic, and military partners on their respective continents.

3.) To jointly oppose any attacks on the territorial sovereignty of the others.

4.) The high contracting parties agree to consult each other on relevant diplomatic and military decisions.

5.) To grant privileged access to Colombian, New Hollander, Scandinavian, and British traders in British and Scandinavian African and Asian ports.

6.) The high contracting parties agree to incentivize trade with the others when possible.

7.) The central banks of the high contracting parties agree to consult with one another and provide favorable international interest rates when possible.

x Federico González Suárez, Archbishop-President of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

x Manuel Antonio Matos, Secretary of State of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

xStadtholder Samuel Van Houten

x John IV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa, with reservations as to Article V.

X Queen Mary III,  Queen of the British Union

[Kuumo]

Urgent Statement from the Archbishop of Quito

After much consultation with my fellow men of the cloth in the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, it is with heavy heart that I must conclude that His Holiness Alexander X has been coerced into accepting his role as a vassal of the French government under the guise of an independent resurrected Papal States built on the bones of our Neapolitan brothers in Christ. I do not make this judgment lightly; it brings me great sorrow to report this tragedy that has befallen the true Church, the darkest moment in our history since the violent and chaotic times following the death of Pope Adrian VII. Yet many leaders of the world who profess to be devout followers of the Church have fallen for this insidious ruse by the great tyrant of Versailles.

So I ask you to join me in condemning this attempt to drag us back to the dark times of ages past, when Kings of France would dare to impose their will upon the Vicar of Christ himself and force matters of the divine under the unjust grip of worldly despots, leading thousands of the faithful astray. We resolve never to allow this injustice to be repeated.

x Federico González Suárez, Archbishop of Quito

[GoTfan]

Treaty of Yokohama (1904)
A Treaty between the Republic of Japan and the Empire of Québec

1.) Japan and Quebec agree to their existing borders and sphere of influence, and pledge not to undermine each other's domestic stability.

2.) The Quebec government shall receive a 10% stake in the Philippines Mining Corporation.

3.) The parties agree to a non-aggression pact of five years, renewable by mutual agreement.

4.) The parties agree to mutual support of industrial projects in the Pacific.

5.) The parties agree to coordinate expeditions across underdeveloped regions in their respective spheres to identify natural resources for economic exploitation.

6.) A Japanese naval mission will assist Québec in matters of naval development, modernization, tactics and naval projects. Québec will repay the Japanese Republic by providing Zeppeling technology and a supply of helium.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Most Devout Majesty,
Empress and Defender of Québec

x Tokugawa Iesato, President of the Republic of Japan.

[Spamage]

Urgent Statement from the Archbishop of Quito

After much consultation with my fellow men of the cloth in the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, it is with heavy heart that I must conclude that His Holiness Alexander X has been coerced into accepting his role as a vassal of the French government under the guise of an independent resurrected Papal States built on the bones of our Neapolitan brothers in Christ. I do not make this judgment lightly; it brings me great sorrow to report this tragedy that has befallen the true Church, the darkest moment in our history since the violent and chaotic times following the death of Pope Adrian VII. Yet many leaders of the world who profess to be devout followers of the Church have fallen for this insidious ruse by the great tyrant of Versailles.

So I ask you to join me in condemning this attempt to drag us back to the dark times of ages past, when Kings of France would dare to impose their will upon the Vicar of Christ himself and force matters of the divine under the unjust grip of worldly despots, leading thousands of the faithful astray. We resolve never to allow this injustice to be repeated.

x Federico González Suárez, Archbishop of Quito

X- Cardinal-Archbishop Jan Maurycy Pawel Puzyna de Kosielsko of Krakow, on behalf of the Polish Bishops

X- Cardinal Archbishop Ciriaco María Sancha y Hervás, on behalf of Republican Spanish Bishops

X- Bishop Johannes Fidelis Battaglia, on behalf of the Swiss Bishops

X- Cardinal-Archbishop Achille Manara, on behalf of the unoccupied Neapolitan Bishops

X-Bishop Georg Wuschanski, on behalf of the Saxon and Silesian Bishops

[YPestis25]

Declarations from Stockholm

Additional Measures in Light of the Ongoing European Crisis

In light of the growing discord surrounding the disposition of Italy, and the risk that this poses for the general European peace, the following measures shall take effect immediately in order to preserve the lives and safety of civilians in Europe.

-All Scandinavian citizens in France and Portugal are urged to return home.
-Those non-European citizens wishing to return to their mother country may make their way to the ports of Hamburg, Riga, Danzig, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Scandinavian vessels shall be set aside for transport back to their home nations at the earliest convenience. The safety of these vessels is guaranteed by the Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Empire of Quebec and the Holy Republic of Colombia.

New Flu Measures

Effective immediately an emergency national Department of Health is constituted to be headed by Dr. Peter Fredrik Holst. The Department shall implement the following measures immediately in order to better combat the flu.

-Gauze masks shall be distributed to all hospitals and medical centers. Additionally, gauze masks will be distributed to the public at select sites throughout the Kingdom and in every major town and city.
-New disinfection and sterilization techniques shall be introduced in all hospitals, medical centers, and other public places in order to reduce the risk of infection.
-Funding shall be allocated for the construction of new hospitals and crematoriums.
-Certain limits will be imposed on mass gatherings until such time as infection levels drop to acceptable levels.

[Lumine]

It is the personal and earnest opinion of Her Imperial Majesty that to start a Europe-wide general conflict would represent, with the greatest respect possible to all involved actors, the height of irresponsibility. And furthermore, that to do so in the middle of one of the largest epidemics ever seen, while injecting a religious sense into it, would truly represent the height of lunacy, and unleash horrors mankind has not yet seen in an industrial scale.

Although Her Majesty has very strong opinions about specific matters as well as the behavior of certain actors, she nonetheless wishes to beg the statesmen of Europe not to plunge the civilized world into utter darkness over matters of pride, and will continue to support efforts at mediation. With great reluctance, she is also at present urging Québecois nationals to return to Imperial territory, to seek refuge in the Swiss Republic, and/or to travel to the designated Scandinavian ports for a swift return home.

[Lumine]

The North American Treaty (1871), as Amended by the New Orleans Accord (1904)

The signatories, which share a common heritage, history, and aspirations towards the future, reiterate their belief in mutual cooperation as the best means to secure stability and prosperity across the North American continent. Therefore, they commit to the following:

1.) Full recognition of the present borders and sovereign territory of each full member state and observer state, and a mutual agreement to protect such borders and territory from foreign incursion or domestic strife of each full member state, upon the written request of a full member state.

2.) The re-establishment of the single, common, North American Marketplace. The NAM shall operate free of tariffs, quotas, or other controls between signatories, whether full member states or observer states. Commerce within the NAM shall operate in a substantially similar way to domestic commerce. The exchange rate for currencies within the NAM shall be set at a standardized rate.

3.) The re-establishment of the North American College of Science, and the appointment by each signatory, whether full member state or observer state, of a Chief Scientific Envoy, to ensure the NACoSci is a free-flowing exchange of information, technology, data, medicine, and advancements.

4.) The establishment of the North American University System, to deepen bonds between the signatories, whether full member state and observer state, and increase the depth of knowledge across the continent. Each signatory shall designate one university as their official NAUS body, which shall not limit the number of enrollees from any other signatory and shall always maintain at least one student opening for each signatory. The NAUS will focus on the study of politics, government, economics, language, health science, and philosophy.

5.) The expansion of the existing North American rail network, and increasing the frequency and reliability of service between the full member states. By 1925, the full member states will strive to connect every metropolitan area with a population over 100,000 via heavy rail and the cities of Boston and Montreal; and St. Louis and Milwaukee via rapid, inter-city transit.

6.) The establishment of the North American Council, comprised of one delegate from each signatory, whether full member state or observer state, and chaired in a rotating order of the full member states, beginning with Louisiana and moving in descending alphabetical order, annually. The NAC shall serve as a forum for discussion and cooperation, on issues include trade and international commerce, fishing and maritime dispute, coordinated responses to regional health crises, and general dialogue to ensure the historic bonds of fraternity are never blinded by the errors of the moment, as well as the management, implementation, governance, and potential amendments to the North American Treaty.

7.) The construction of pipelines to deliver raw oil and petroleum from the oilfields of Louisiana to processing centers in Quebec and commercial outlets in New England. Each full member state pledges to provide an equal expenditure to this effort and will, in turn, receive an equal share of the profits from the Joint North American Oil Company, which shall be publicly traded on the stock market in Boston and be comprised of a Board of Directors equally representative of the full member states.

8.) The development of a North American protocol for aeronautical development, ensuring the protection of sovereignty while also promoting the growth of North American technology and investment.

8.) The promotion of fishing, whaling, and chipmaking in Boston and the harbors of New England. Each full member state, other than New England, pledges to purchase at least five new seafaring vessels from New English docks by 1915.

10.) Any nation or people may request in writing to join the North American Treaty as an observer state. Observer states agree to Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 of the North American Treaty. Observer state may be admitted by a unanimous vote of the NAC, and may be removed from the North American Treaty by a majority vote for the NAC.

11.) Any nation or people may request in writing to join the North American Treaty as a full member state. New full member states may be admitted by a unanimous vote of the NAC, and may be removed from the North American Treaty by a 2/3 vote for the NAC.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Most Devout Majesty,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[DKrol]

The North American Treaty (1871), as Amended by the New Orleans Accord (1904)

The signatories, which share a common heritage, history, and aspirations towards the future, reiterate their belief in mutual cooperation as the best means to secure stability and prosperity across the North American continent. Therefore, they commit to the following:

1.) Full recognition of the present borders and sovereign territory of each full member state and observer state, and a mutual agreement to protect such borders and territory from foreign incursion or domestic strife of each full member state, upon the written request of a full member state.

2.) The re-establishment of the single, common, North American Marketplace. The NAM shall operate free of tariffs, quotas, or other controls between signatories, whether full member states or observer states. Commerce within the NAM shall operate in a substantially similar way to domestic commerce. The exchange rate for currencies within the NAM shall be set at a standardized rate.

3.) The re-establishment of the North American College of Science, and the appointment by each signatory, whether full member state or observer state, of a Chief Scientific Envoy, to ensure the NACoSci is a free-flowing exchange of information, technology, data, medicine, and advancements.

4.) The establishment of the North American University System, to deepen bonds between the signatories, whether full member state and observer state, and increase the depth of knowledge across the continent. Each signatory shall designate one university as their official NAUS body, which shall not limit the number of enrollees from any other signatory and shall always maintain at least one student opening for each signatory. The NAUS will focus on the study of politics, government, economics, language, health science, and philosophy.

5.) The expansion of the existing North American rail network, and increasing the frequency and reliability of service between the full member states. By 1925, the full member states will strive to connect every metropolitan area with a population over 100,000 via heavy rail and the cities of Boston and Montreal; and St. Louis and Milwaukee via rapid, inter-city transit.

6.) The establishment of the North American Council, comprised of one delegate from each signatory, whether full member state or observer state, and chaired in a rotating order of the full member states, beginning with Louisiana and moving in descending alphabetical order, annually. The NAC shall serve as a forum for discussion and cooperation, on issues include trade and international commerce, fishing and maritime dispute, coordinated responses to regional health crises, and general dialogue to ensure the historic bonds of fraternity are never blinded by the errors of the moment, as well as the management, implementation, governance, and potential amendments to the North American Treaty.

7.) The construction of pipelines to deliver raw oil and petroleum from the oilfields of Louisiana to processing centers in Quebec and commercial outlets in New England. Each full member state pledges to provide an equal expenditure to this effort and will, in turn, receive an equal share of the profits from the Joint North American Oil Company, which shall be publicly traded on the stock market in Boston and be comprised of a Board of Directors equally representative of the full member states.

8.) The development of a North American protocol for aeronautical development, ensuring the protection of sovereignty while also promoting the growth of North American technology and investment.

8.) The promotion of fishing, whaling, and chipmaking in Boston and the harbors of New England. Each full member state, other than New England, pledges to purchase at least five new seafaring vessels from New English docks by 1915.

10.) Any nation or people may request in writing to join the North American Treaty as an observer state. Observer states agree to Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 of the North American Treaty. Observer state may be admitted by a unanimous vote of the NAC, and may be removed from the North American Treaty by a majority vote for the NAC.

11.) Any nation or people may request in writing to join the North American Treaty as a full member state. New full member states may be admitted by a unanimous vote of the NAC, and may be removed from the North American Treaty by a 2/3 vote for the NAC.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Most Devout Majesty,
Empress and Defender of Québec

x Louis-Philippe III de Bourbon-Orleans

[Lumine]

Five years ago, Her Imperial Majesty and her noble cousin the King of Louisiana came into a disagreement over matters regarding the Québecois succession. Though conflict was averted, Québec and Louisiana nonetheless lost much in the interruption of a strong bond of friendship and partnership that had lasted through the decades and in the battlefields of North America. Today, we feel this historic relationship has been successfully resumed at long last, and we have no disagreements not outstanding disputes to resolved with His Majesty, who has shown exemplary leadership in the face of danger.

Long live Louisiana! Long live Québec! Long live this North American Treaty!

[Senator Spiral]

Proclamations of the Turks

Nationals of the Turkist Empire imperiled in European areas of contention shall receive the utmost accommodation and care for returning to the homeland. People of Turkish descent across Europe, particularly in Balkan nations, shall not under our watch become collateral damage to the rabid designs of Western powers. Ankara opens its doors as a safe haven to all Turks.

Furthermore, the Turkist Empire shall act in accordance as a guardian of order and sanctify regular mercantile operations across the Mediterranean. It is the position of the Empire that we establish full neutral status in the event of European conflict, and Turks are to be trusted partners of commerce and trade for the global community.

[KaiserDave]

An ACT of the Zemskyy Sobor of the Russian Republic:
On Public Health Security

Introduced to the Duma by the Honorable Andrei Ivanovich Shingarev on this Day, the 25th of November, the Year of our LORD, 1903.

Advanced through the Duma Committee on Urban Affairs & Sanitation, the 5th of December, the Year of our LORD, 1903.

Advanced through the Duma Committee on Appropriations, the 9th of December, the Year of our LORD, 1903.

Advanced through the Duma Committee on Taxation, the 16th of December, the Year of our LORD, 1903.

Approved by vote of the Duma, the 17th of December, the Year of our LORD, 1903.

Introduced to the Senate by the Honorable Ivan Petrovich Pavlov on this Day, the 19th of December, the Year of our LORD, 1903.

Approved by vote of the Senate, the 24th of December, the Year of our LORD, 1903.

Signed by the President of the Republic, the 25th of December, the Year of our LORD, 1903.

In order to preserve the public welfare in the face of encroaching illness and sickness, the following measures are adopted,

I. The creation of a new State Duma Committee on Public Health
II. The implementation of mandatory three-day quarantines at ports of entry for all non-essential commercial movement.
III. A ban on public mass gatherings, groups may apply for permits for meetings, but must comply with social distancing regulations, measures may be relaxed in such areas as infection is not a threat.
IV. The mass production of gauze masks to be distributed to the public.
V. The requirement of gauze masks in all public health settings.
VI. The creation of an All-Russian Public Health Committee composed of leading medical experts of the Republic to provide quality information to the government.
VII. A mass public information campaign designed by the All-Russian Public Health Committee to inform the Russian people on all aspects of the Columbian Flu, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention, and urging compliance with public health regulations for the good of the national family.
VIII. The mass expansion of hospital capacity, distributing state funds for the construction of new hospital wings, beds, hygiene supplies, medicines, crematoriums, and expanding staff.  
IX. Where necessary, the soldiers of the Army will be utilized to support medical staff under duress.
X. The imposition of strict social distancing protocols in regions and municipalities where outbreaks are of the strongest intensity.
XI. The Ministry of the Interior shall have the power to suppress such materials that directly spread malicious disinformation on the Columbian Flu, for the duration of the Year 1904, until such time as this clause shall require renewing.



Nikolai Ivanovich Kareev
Chairman of the State Duma

Aleksei Sergeyevich Suvorin
President of the Senate

Pavel Nikolayevich Milyukov
President of the Russian Republic