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

[YPestis25]

Stockholm Declaration

The powers hereby guarantee the value of the private and state investments of their respective governments and citizens in the Kingdom of Mexico.

x Charles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

[KaiserDave]

Stockholm Declaration

The powers hereby guarantee the value of the private and state investments of their respective governments and citizens in the Kingdom of Mexico.

x President Pavel Nikolayevich Milyukov

[Dereich]

Stockholm Declaration

The powers hereby guarantee the value of the private and state investments of their respective governments and citizens in the Kingdom of Mexico.

x President Pavel Nikolayevich Milyukov

-Louis-Henry von Habsburg-Lothringen on behalf of Charles IX von Hapsburg-Lothringen, Holy Roman Emperor

[DKrol]

Statement from the Court of New Orleans

The Red King is ordered to return all seized assets held by the Commonwealth or Commonwealth subjects immediately. Failure to do so will result in significant negative repercussions for the Red King and his loyalists.

[Kuumo]

Official Statement from the Office of the Archbishop-President


(Source: u/S-I-B-E-R-I-A-N on r/vexillology)

On the Asset Seizures in the Kingdom of Mexico

The Archbishop-President is troubled by the developments in Mexico in regards to the uncompensated seizure of assets of the Habsburg Empire, Kingdom of Scandinavia, Russian Republic, and Kingdom of Poland. As Mexico's most powerful ally and largest trading partner, Colombia would bear the brunt of any ripple effects from the likely impending international sanctions placed upon the Kingdom of Mexico. We entreat King Luis II to reconsider his actions with respect to the geopolitical and economic consequences of unnecessarily antagonizing the signatories of the Treaty of Mutual Guarantee.

x Acting Archbishop-President Bernardo Herrera Restrepo on behalf of Archbishop-President Federico González Suárez

[Attorney General & PPT Dwarven Dragon]

The Holy Union of Spain takes a position of neutrality with regard to the actions of Luis II, but offers their services as a mediator if needed.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Statement by King Luis II

The King of Mexico acknowledges the responses from the concerned countries but wishes to emphasize that the embargo imposed on them by Louisiana and the lack of recognition of his position on the throne by the Habsburg Empire, Kingdom of Scandinavia, Russian Republic, and Kingdom of Poland justify the recent actions taken by the King and his government. The King of Mexico is open to listening to concerns and seeking a solution but stresses once again that decisions regarding Mexico are ultimately made in Mexico City.

King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Speech by King Luis II in Mexico-City

My dear citizens of the Kingdom of Mexico,

Recent events have shown that foreign entities wish to undermine our national interests. The Commonwealth of Louisiana is harming Mexicans directly by imposing an embargo, and countries internationally haven't responded or only half-heartedly, despite the embargo being punishing for some of them as well.

The Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Habsburg Empire, and the Russian Republic have revealed themselves as great powers, imposing their will upon us with a heavy hand. It's disheartening to witness these nations acting as if Mexico is a mere pawn on their global chessboard, subject to their will and desire. But we Mexicans are bigger than that. We are more than that. We won't let ourselves be commanded by big bullies like that.

The failure to recognize Mexican leadership by those entities and to support the claim of a dead terrorist is frankly deeply insulting and embarrassing, while in the meantime, the Commonwealth of Louisiana has offered a way out to some of the treacherous collaborators. This all paints a clear picture. It reveals a collective effort to stifle our progress, dictate our internal affairs, and cast doubt upon the legitimacy of our government. It seems, my fellow Mexicans, that we are facing nothing short of bullying on an international scale.

In the face of these challenges, our government has taken decisive actions. We must recognize that the changes made are not merely political maneuvers but are, at their core, rooted in the interest of the Mexican people. We refuse to bow to the pressures of foreign powers attempting to undermine our sovereignty.

Our commitment is to you, the citizens of Mexico, and to ensuring that decisions that shape our nation's destiny are made right here in Mexico City. We remain open to dialogue and understanding, but we will not compromise our principles or surrender our right to self-determination.

It's imperative, my fellow compatriots, that we stand united against these external pressures. Let us rally around the ideals that define us as Mexicans, resilient and proud. The changes enacted by our government are a testament to our determination to safeguard the interests and dignity of the Mexican people. Together, we shall emerge stronger than ever before.

King Luis II in a speech in Mexico-City

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Price changes on goods in the Kingdom of Mexico

1. There will be a change of prices on the international markets for the following goods produced in Mexico.

A: Agricultural goods

1. A 150% reduction on the price of fertilizer
2. A 100% reduction on the price of opium
3. A 80% reduction on the price of cannabis
4. A 80% reduction on the price of tobacco
5. A 80% reduction on the price of wine
6. A 40% reduction on the prices of sugarcane and rice
7. A 40% reduction on the prices of cattle, pork and beef and meat industry
8. A 40% reduction on the prices of corn and beans
9. A 40% reduction on the prices of snakeskin, crocodile skins and venom
10. A 40% reduction on the prices of dairy products (eggs, milk, cheese)
11. A 40% reduction on the prices of fabric
12. A 40% reduction on the price of coffee
13. A 30% reduction on the prices of agricultural tools
14. A 25% reduction on the prices of all other agricultural goods
15. A 25% reduction on the price of fish
16. A 25% reduction on the price of coco leaves (imported from Colombia)
17. A 10% increase on the price of cocoa
18. A 10% increase on the price of tropical fruits
19. A 10% increase on the prices of all alcoholic beverages not specifically mentioned
20. A 35% increase on the price of tequila

B: Timber industry

1. A 30% reduction on the price of the timber industry
2. A 30% increase on the price of tropical wood

C: Clothes and furniture industry

1. A 30% reduction on the prices of clothes & luxury clothes
2. A 30% reduction on the prices of furniture & luxury furniture

D: Resource, mine & manufacturing industry

1. A 30% reduction on the prices of explosives such as dynamite
2. The introduction of a 35% tarrifs rate for export of resource & mine industry towards foreign countries (copper, coal, gold, nickel, silver, lead, zinc, sulfur, iron & oil)
3. The introduction of a 35% tarrif rate for export of steel.
4. The introduction of a 35% tariff rate for weapon & munition industry
5. The introduction of a 35% tarrif rate for the glass industry
6. The introduction of a 35% tarrif rate for the paper industry
7. The introduction of a 35% tarrif rate for the tools industry (unrelated to agricultural tools)
8. The introduction of a 35% tarrif rate for the dyes industry
9. The introduction of a 35% tarrif rate for the ship industry and components used for ships
10. The introduction of a 35% tarrif rate for the engines manufacturing industry

2. The price changes apply to every country, and stacks with trade deals with countries that have been made

3. A domestic tax rate of 50% will be introduced for the following products:

a. cannabis
b. tobacco
c. wine
d. opium

4. The measures will take place for an indeterminate period of time

[oldkyhome]

Treaty of Ganghwa (1900)

In pursuance of closer cooperation and dialogue, the Republic of China and the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as the “High Contracting Parties”) do affix their signature to agree to the following terms:

Article I. Korean Sovereignty.
1. The Republic of China respects the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Korea.
2. It is the official policy of the Republic of China that Korea has an inviolable right to determine all its own affairs.
3. No citizen nor national shall be exempt from the jurisdiction of local law of either nation.
4. Neither High Contracting Party shall station military units in the other, without the assent of the other.
5. Neither High Contracting Party shall be compelled to provide tribute or perform ceremonies for the other.

Article II. Trade Relations.
1. The High Contracting Parties shall enter into a customs union.
2. The High Contracting Parties agree to exact tariffs and duties upon the other no greater than the most favored nation.
3. The High Contracting Parties agree to phaseout all protective tariffs and excise taxes on the other within five years of the enactment of this treaty.
4. The High Contracting Parties reserve the right to issue emergency tariffs on the other for extraordinary circumstances, provided that such tariff remains in effect no longer than two years, unless an extension is assented to by both parties.
5. The High Contracting Parties agree to exchange capital investment in order to facilitate free movement of goods across territorial borders recognized by each respective party.
6. The High Contracting Parties agree to, by law, permit the free movement and residence of each party’s respective citizens across their territory, and to protect such citizen’s freedom to conduct business without undue interference or prohibitions.

Article III. Diplomatic Relations.
1. There shall exist a perpetual state of peace and friendship between the Republic of China and the Republic of Korea and the citizens and subjects of their respective government.
2. Both High Contracting Parties shall exchange envoys and maintain permanent diplomatic missions in each other’s nation.
3. Both High Contracting Parties are permitted to use their language of choice in diplomatic communiques.
4. The High Contracting Parties agree to extradite to each other any person who is wanted in the other for prosecution, trial, and punishment for imprisonment of a period exceeding one year, or a more severe penalty.

Article IV. Defense Agreement.
1. The High Contracting Parties agree to support the other militarily in the event of any attack from a foreign belligerent upon the written request of such party.
2. The corresponding navies and merchant marines of the High Contracting Parties shall have safe harbor within the ports of the other nation during times of peace and of war.

X President Zhang Zidong

x First Minister Gwon Jung-Hyeon

[Spamage]

1900 Midturn Update

Third Franco-Mysore War
France Launches Surprise Assault in India

French Invasion of Mysore, 1900
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

   With so much global attention on developments in the Americas, France shocked the world with a surprise assault on the Mysore to its south. On March 15th, 1900, Versailles formally issued a declaration of war against the kingdom, pledging to restore the rightful order in southern India. Hours later, hundreds of thousands of French troops stationed in the Raj sprung into action, crossing the border and beginning to seize control of the country. Clearly the attack was premeditated, Paris hoping for a quick smash and grab operation while the world was occupied. Pondicherry on the eastern coast fell within days, following in quick succession by Arcot.
   Despite regional shock at the move, perhaps it should not have been so surprising. The relations of France and the Kingdom of Mysore have long been fraught. For Louis XX, it was also a family matter. Queen Charlotte had launched the First Franco-Mysore war in 1860, seeking to expand the then reigning Louis XIX’s territory. The Indian realm took several years to tame, becoming a French vassal in 1863 in a compromise peace. Yet, they resented their servile status, using the Durrani invasion of India in 1874 and chaos of the War of the Regency to rebel. The Second Franco-Mysore War was only ended with the Congress of Copenhagen in 1880, a rare stain on Charlotte’s regency. Both sides left Copenhagen with the impression that the agreement was a truce and would not last, but the peace endured for two decades.
   The initial French onslaught was punishing. After capturing the whole of the eastern coast, a second push emerged from the north, more French divisions joining the fray. The Mysorean soldiers were routed In the north. Vijayanagara, the esteemed and historic city, was shelled into submission and fell in early May. By June, half of the kingdom of was under French occupation. It seemed in the initial chaos and disarray that the regime would crumble and France would have an easy march towards total victory in a matter of months. Some wondered aloud if the whole conquest of the realm could be completed within the year.
   Yet, this was not the Mysore of 1860, or even of 1874. Once the initial shock of the invasion had worn off, Sultan Fateh Ahmed Sahib declared he would expel the French and called for foreign powers to come to his aid. In the meantime, his people would fight. In the long peace with France, Mysore had traded extensively with and been given weapons training by Iran, Colombia, and China. Their armies, while significantly behind the French in terms of technology, were still far more formidable than they had been just several decades ago. Similarly, the realm had 37 million inhabitants, more than Brazil, Louisiana, or Quebec. While the French advance had not stalled by June, it had certainly been slowed, at the cost of thousands of Mysorean lives. At the year’s halfway point the key cities of Mysore (the capital), Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mahe remained in the Sultan’s hands.
   Yet, looking forward, the odds do not bode well if Mysore stands alone. It is outgunned, outnumbered, and undersupplied. French control of the seas has effectively placed the sultanate under blockade. Still, the realm hopes for a foreign power to aid it. Many look to see how regional powers such as the Durrani, Iran, and China will respond to the unrest. Nepal and Assam, two powers that, like Mysore, were once in the French orbit but have drifted in independent directions have openly requested security guarantees from Beijing. Further afield, some in Europe have questioned whether or not Stockholm and Vienna have been duped into a cordial relationship only so France could consolidate its position abroad before turning its attention back to Europe. Indeed, this move is one of the greatest adjustments to the boundaries set by Congress of Copenhagen 20 years ago to date.  
   In France proper, however, the struggle has been framed as a great patriotic crusade, the correcting of a grievous injustice done to the House of Bourbon and restoring the natural order in India. Thousands have participated in rallies all throughout the realm, telegraphs returning news stories of soldier’s heroism in the far-off front. Queen Mother Charlotte herself received thousands of roses sent by loyal royalists. For a nation that never truly accepted the Congress of Copenhagen and its dictates, it clearly has been a satisfying first step.

Plethora of Elections: Voting All Across the World

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Chinese Presidential and Legislative Elections
   The Chinese Presidential Election of 1900 was a campaign steeped in harsh rhetoric and high passions. Many understood the significance of the vote, especially with the Black Banner Movement facing the electorate for the first time. Given the extreme length of the term (10 years) this was deemed one of the most important moments in Chinese history. Ma Yukun led mass rallies condemning China’s ‘subjugation’ to foreign powers and reiterated his calls for the expulsion of foreigners. He was met with thunderous applause. The Socialist campaign, somewhat inspired by alarming developments in far-off Mexico, called for a wholesale reorganization of the Chinese social order, including seizure of private property. It seemed as though mainstream Chinese politics was on the verge of collapse.
   Yet, not all were enamored with this growing radicalism. The widely-respected Former President Li Hongzhang came out from retirement early in February to blast the Black Banner Movement, deeming it ‘misguided, poisonous, and insane’. Li was ill at this point, suffering from liver issues, and many believed him close to death. His words took greater importance given his limited remaining time. He was not alone in his disgust with the new radicals, millions of Chinese seeing in Ma Yukun a betrayal of China’s historical principles. There was a sense of pragmatism among these mainstream Chinese voters, who recognized that Kang Youwei may have been too reformist for their personal tastes, but was far preferable to the ideologues on the extremes.

Chinese Presidential Election, 1900:
Kang Youwei (NPP): 21,964,570; 37.84%
Ma Yukun (BBM): 19,381,527; 33.39%
Cai Yuanpei (SPC): 9,269,931; 15.97%
Xu Yingkui (Rep): 7,429,875; 12.80%

   When the votes were counted, indeed Kang triumphed with a substantial plurality of the vote. With more than 58 million citizens participating, this was the highest turnout election in Chinese history. By consolidating his existing support among center-left and liberal voters with moderate conservatives and socialists, Kang triumphed with a narrow coalition.
   Still, in a certain lens, the night was encouraging for the radicals. The combined BBM and SPC vote was 49.36%, almost half of the electorate opting for one of the radical factions over the two largest mainstream parties. While the downballot races would tell a different story, thanks to the presence of independents and more political parties, it was still a shock to many how rapidly their neighbors had fallen to radical ideas. Less impressive was the performance of the center-right. The conservative Republican Party, tainted by President Zhang Zhidong’s perceived corruption, finished in last place. They were squeezed for support on both sides. Moderates, fearing the Black Banner Movement, voted strategically for Kang Youwei, while the more ideological members often defected to Ma Yukun’s camp.

Chinese Lower House Results (1500 total, 750 Seats Needed for Majority)
National People’s Party: 664 seats (44.26%)
Black Banner Movement: 426 seats (28.40%)
Socialist Party of China: 197 seats (13.13%)
Republican Party: 112 seats (7.46%)
Independents: 59 seats (3.93%)
Ethnic National Interest Parties: 42 seats (2.8%)

  The NPP enjoyed more success in the lower house, where it’s role as the largest of several splintered parties helped it win numerous districts in tight races. This was coupled with the presence of more political parties, which ensured that it was not entirely the NPP and radicals in the body. Still, lacking an outright majority, some level of coalition building would be necessary for Kang to ensure that he would have a cooperative legislature.
   President Kang assumed office on May 1st, inaugurated in an uncertain world. How he would handle the growing tensions all across the world over the coming decade would be of great importance.

Russian Presidential and Legislative Election
   As in China, sanity seemed to prevail in the Russian Presidential Election in January. President Pavel Milyukov stunned the Russian political scene with his victory over the various splintered political parties. He had cobbled together a broad enough coalition to keep the extremists in check, though the victory would undoubtedly ring hollow should his party prove unable to win the Duma months later.

Russian Presidential Election, 1900
Pavel Milyukov (CL): 9,867,443; 38.81%
Andrei Argunov (ULP): 6,129,967; 24.11%
Vladimir Purishkevich (NF): 6,091,830; 23.96%
Mikhail Suvorin (APA): 2,278,081; 8.96%
Konstantin Pobedonostsev (UHR): 1,057,680; 4.16%

   Milyukov took office as tensions remained high, though the victory was substantial enough that he was able to avoid accusations of fraud. Clearly there was a portion of the Russian population over the constant threats to the democratic order. Yet, as the politicking turned to the Duma, the crisis deepened. While the new administration was firm its resolve to restore the strength of the local police forces, this could not be achieved overnight. Street battles raged throughout the country. Purishkevich preached vitriol on an unseen level, spewing hate against the government, ethnic minorities, and the socialists. An attempt on his life after a fiery speech in Tver boosted the fortunes of his party during the campaign. Shot by a socialist, the man was beaten to a bloody pulp before the police were able to apprehend him. After he confessed to the deed, a mob even stormed the prison and executed him extrajudicially.
   Street battles continued as well, though now officials were not openly allowing them to proceed unimpeded. In an embarrassment for Milyukov, when the police force of Kazan sought to separate the feuding Sword of Nevsky and Red Guards, they found themselves surrounded and had to flee into a nearby apartment complex. Still, in both Moscow and St. Petersburg, the later stages of the campaign demonstrated Milyukov’s reforms were having an effect. The Nevsky Front riots that erupted on April 5th (the day Alexander Nevsky had won the Battle on the Ice and a national holiday) were quelled within hours. By early May, when the vote was to take place, there had actually been several weeks of relative calm, parties turning towards the get out the vote operation as the election approached.

Russian Duma Election, 1900: 600 Seats (300 needed for a majority)
Constitutional Liberals (Liberal): 199 seats
Nevsky Front (Proto-Fascist): 124 seats
United Labor Party (Socialist): 75 seats
All Russian Patriotic Alliance (Conservative, Suvorinist): 64 seats
Party of Popular Socialists (Social Democratic): 34 seats
Ukrainian Duma Association (National Interest): 32 seats
Fatherland Loyalists (Conservative): 28 seats
Peasant’s Party (Socialist): 11 seats
Union for Holy Russia (Reactionary, Monarchist): 11 seats
Jewish Labor Bund (National Interest): 8 seats
Tatar Political Association (National Interest): 7 seats
Don Cossack Ballot List (National Interest): 5 seats
  
   The election left the Duma greatly divided. As in the Presidential vote, a significant plurality chose Milyukov’s path, while the opposition splintered into numerous different camps. Given their substantial lead, most expect the Constitutional Liberals will find some way to form a government, though it is unclear exactly how they will cobble together a working majority. Many of the national-interest groups have expressed a willingness to cooperate with the government, though even with all of them, Milyukov is still short by several dozen votes of 300. Concessions to one of the larger parties will probably be in order.

Neapolitan Election and Parliamentary Vote
   With Francis III’s decision to restore the constitutional order, there was widespread celebration among those who had long been sidelined by the government. Political liberalism blossomed back overnight, the system showing surprising resilience despite 12 years under royal, autocratic authority. This soon gave way to organization and heated campaigning.
   In addition to ideology, there was the future of the dynasty to contend with. Under the constitutional system, there were many who wondered why Francis himself had a right to sit on the throne, given his father had usurped it from Philip V. Thus, parties were forced to identify themselves as either Franciscan (loyal to the current monarch), Philipist (loyal to the deposed and exiled king), or even republican (anti-monarchy).
   The Catholic-Republicans initially seemed on the upswing. While greatly weakened after more than a decade of persecution under Alfonso III and Francis III, the movement seemed invigorated with the call for an election. The Brothers of Giufà was reestablished at a convention in Palermo on February 5th.  Yet, this energy was undermined by scandal. News emerged in mid-March of Brazilian aid to the Catholic-Republican cause in Naples, including extensive funding and political advice. Political interference on this scale outraged many, bolstering support for the right-wing nationalists. The Neapolitan police had been waiting exactly for this sort of development, arresting several dozen Brazilian nationals on the ground in Sicily. Likewise, those Catholic-Republican leaders implicated in the scandal were rounded up for violating election rules. While many in Sao Paolo would plead ignorance, this news caused a major rift between the already strained governments.
   Even with the stumble on the part of the Catholic-Republicans, that did not mean the opposition was weakened. A newly-founded Reactionary Socialist movement in Naples (Cross of Blood) swept up some of those disappointed by the Catholic-Republicans. Likewise, more moderate forces, loyal to the memory of the deposed Philip V, formed the Legitimist Party and called for the restoration of the senior branch of Bourbons. Against all of this the old mainstream parties sought to extend their grip on power.

Chamber of Deputies, 350 Seats (176 needed for a majority)
Sicilian Union (Franciscan): 89 seats
Cross of Blood (Philipist): 62 seats
Legitimist (Philipist): 58 seats
Pan-Nationalists (Franciscan): 38 seats
Progress Party (Franciscan): 38 seats
Worker’s Party (Mixed): 37 seats
Brothers of Giufà (Republican): 23 seats
Independents (Mixed): 5 seats

   While the vote saw the mainstream conservatives emerge as the sole largest party, concerning for powerbrokers in Naples was the success of radical groups. This was coupled with fears over the fact that the Franciscans had only garnered 165 seats outright, the potential for dynastic issues seemingly a very real possibility.
   Indeed, immediately upon the reconvening of the National Assembly for the first time in 12 years, deputies from the Cross of Blood pushed a motion calling on Francis III to be removed from the throne and the position left vacant until a suitable path forward was chosen. Violence erupted on the legislative floor between the reactionary-socialists and the conservatives. Yet, when order was restored, the vote was in fact held.

Force Francis III From the Throne?
No: 193; 55.14%
Yes: 157; 44.86%

   Francis III was saved by the independents and a split in the Worker’s Party. While some socialists were republicans outright, there were social democrats in the group that favored the current system, reminding their colleagues that Naples’ democratization had only been possible thanks to the intervention of the Crown. There was also wariness about the optics of working with the Reactionary Socialists and the Catholic Republicans. The king was spared a humiliation as the government moved on to other matters, though it would be up to him to select a coalition to move forward with.

New Englander Chairman, Delegate, and Senatorial Elections
   The Confederation of New England entered a new political era with the ascent of John F. Fitzgerald to the Chairmanship in the election of 1900. As an Irish-Catholic, just years ago this sort of political development would have been deemed unthinkable. Still, capitalizing on the schism between the Progressives and the Centralists, he came into power with a plurality of the vote, albeit very close to an outright majority. The infighting among the former centralists meant that he would carry not only Massachusetts, but Rhode Island and Connecticut as well. Hoar won Vermont and Adirondack, while Lodge carried New Hampshire.

Chairmanship Election, 1900
John F Fitzgerald (Fed): 49.54%
Henry Cabot Lodge (Cen): 28.10%
George F Hoar (Pro): 22.36%

House of Delegates, 1900: 150 seats (75 needed for majority)
Federalist Party: 94 seats
Progressive Party: 32 seats
Centralist Party: 24 seats

Senate Composition, 1900 (Half Seats Elected in Current Year)
Federalist Party: 34 seats
Centralist Party: 18 seats
Progressive Party: 8 seats

   Down ballot, the Federalists managed to maintain their majorities in the legislatures as well. As in the national vote, they were aided by the infighting between the Centralists and the Progressives. It seemed that James Blaine's legacy had cast a shadow over that entire half of the political spectrum. New England could pride itself on little drama, especially in comparison to the foreign interference in Naples, street fighting in Russia, and lack of majority in China. This was thanks, in large part, to an ingrained, republican tradition. The confederation looked to be a stable power.

[DKrol]

Asset Protection Act of 1900

1. All assets, including but not limited to bank accounts, investments, land holdings, property claims, or fungible items valued at more than $1,000, currently held by Mexican subjects loyal to King Luis II shall immediately become the property of the Commonwealth of Louisiana and may be sold at auction or reinvested at the direction of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Office.
2. Any government contract currently held by a Mexican subject loyal to King Luis II is hereby declared null and void and no further payments may be paid on said contracts.
3. All diplomatic and commercial visas granted to Mexican subjects loyal to King Luis II are hereby declared null and void and those foreign nationals must leave the Commonwealth within seven business days or be subject to life imprisonment.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Immigration Act of 1900

1. Mexico opens its doors to immigrants from the Commonwealth of Louisiana to seek refuge in the Kingdom of Mexico, promising no harm on all arrivals and immunity should conflict break out.

2. Those proficient in the Spanish language will be eligible to immediately acquire Mexican nationality, while in the meantime, they will receive citizenship status pending the completion of the procedure.

3. Individuals of Afro-Louisianan descent will be eligible for citizenship within the Kingdom of Mexico.

4. Mexico deploys border guards to facilitate to provide safety to the travelling immigrants crossing the border.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Naval blockade on the Gulf of Mexico

In response to what the Mexican Kingdom deems as hostile actions by the Commonwealth of Louisiana, including an imposed embargo on Mexico, harboring terrorists, asset seizures, refusal to recognize Luis II on the throne, repeated insults, and the expulsion of Mexican envoys, Mexico has decided to enforce a naval blockade on the Commonwealth of Louisiana.

To secure the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico, no naval vessels will be permitted to pass in or out. In the event of an attack on a Mexican ship, return fire will be initiated. Mexican ships will be strategically stationed, allowing one to assist another if necessary. The King of Mexico calls upon the international community to recognize and respect this blockade, asserting the legitimacy of these actions.

Statement on the diplomatic crisis

King Luis II also wishes to announce that negotiations with the international community, particularly with aggrieved European nations concerning recent decisions of the Mexican Kingdom, especially regarding assets, are in an advanced stage. An agreement is expected to be signed any day.

[DKrol]

Statement by the Court of New Orleans

The announcement of a blockade of the Gulf of Mexico is equivalent to a declaration of war on the Commonwealth of Louisiana. The Red King is given 48 hours to retract that declaration and end his folly.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Statement by the Court of Mexico-City

The Mexican King wishes to clarify that no declaration of war has been issued. The King prefers a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis. The blockade will be maintained until the hostile actions against the Kingdom, including the embargo on Mexico, the harboring of terrorists, and the seizure of assets, have all been reversed. As long this is not being the case, the blockade will be sustained.

[YPestis25]

Scandinavia asks for clarification as to the status of its (and other powers') commercial shipping and naval squadrons in the Caribbean Sea as well as use of the Guatemala Canal.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Statement by the Court of Mexico-City

As long as the Gulf of Mexico is avoided—which commercial shipping lanes typically don't use unless accessing the ports on the south coast of Louisiana—commercial shipping lanes in the Caribbean Sea should be unaffected. The Panama Canal should also remain unaffected.

[YPestis25]

Veracruz Convention

The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic, the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Kingdom of Mexico, “the High Contracting Parties,” agree to the following:

Article I:
(a)The Kingdom of Mexico shall return previously nationalized property and investments of French, Habsburg, Russian, Scandinavian, New Englander, and Quebecois private investors to their previous owners.
(b)The Kingdom of Mexico shall return previously nationalized property and investments of the French, Habsburg, Russian, Scandinavian, New Englander, and Quebecois states to their previous owners.
(c)The Kingdom of Mexico guarantees that the rights of the above foreign states and nationals to this property shall remain unabridged.

Article II:
(a)The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia recognizes King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans as the rightful and sole ruler of the Kingdom of Mexico, and disavow approval or recognition for any other claimant to the Mexican throne.

Article III:
(a)The High Contracting Parties agree to undertake no hostile actions against any other High Contracting Party of this treaty, including acts against naval vessels, private property, and national territory.
(b)The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia agree to provide no military support to any active belligerents engaged in hostilities against the Kingdom of Mexico.
(c)The provisions of this article shall not apply in case of a conflict with an ally of the Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic or the Kingdom of Scandinavia.

Article IV:
(a)Notwithstanding the provisions of Article II and Article III, the Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia reserve the right to take action to any violation of Article I.

Charles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Veracruz Convention

The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic, the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Kingdom of Mexico, “the High Contracting Parties,” agree to the following:

Article I:
(a)The Kingdom of Mexico shall return previously nationalized property and investments of French, Habsburg, Russian, Scandinavian, New Englander, and Quebecois private investors to their previous owners.
(b)The Kingdom of Mexico shall return previously nationalized property and investments of the French, Habsburg, Russian, Scandinavian, New Englander, and Quebecois states to their previous owners.
(c)The Kingdom of Mexico guarantees that the rights of the above foreign states and nationals to this property shall remain unabridged.

Article II:
(a)The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia recognizes King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans as the rightful and sole ruler of the Kingdom of Mexico, and disavow approval or recognition for any other claimant to the Mexican throne.

Article III:
(a)The High Contracting Parties agree to undertake no hostile actions against any other High Contracting Party of this treaty, including acts against naval vessels, private property, and national territory.
(b)The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia agree to provide no military support to any active belligerents engaged in hostilities against the Kingdom of Mexico.
(c)The provisions of this article shall not apply in case of a conflict with an ally of the Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic or the Kingdom of Scandinavia.

Article IV:
(a)Notwithstanding the provisions of Article II and Article III, the Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia reserve the right to take action to any violation of Article I.

Charles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

X King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans

[KaiserDave]

Veracruz Convention

The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic, the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Kingdom of Mexico, “the High Contracting Parties,” agree to the following:

Article I:
(a)The Kingdom of Mexico shall return previously nationalized property and investments of French, Habsburg, Russian, Scandinavian, New Englander, and Quebecois private investors to their previous owners.
(b)The Kingdom of Mexico shall return previously nationalized property and investments of the French, Habsburg, Russian, Scandinavian, New Englander, and Quebecois states to their previous owners.
(c)The Kingdom of Mexico guarantees that the rights of the above foreign states and nationals to this property shall remain unabridged.

Article II:
(a)The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia recognizes King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans as the rightful and sole ruler of the Kingdom of Mexico, and disavow approval or recognition for any other claimant to the Mexican throne.

Article III:
(a)The High Contracting Parties agree to undertake no hostile actions against any other High Contracting Party of this treaty, including acts against naval vessels, private property, and national territory.
(b)The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia agree to provide no military support to any active belligerents engaged in hostilities against the Kingdom of Mexico.
(c)The provisions of this article shall not apply in case of a conflict with an ally of the Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic or the Kingdom of Scandinavia.

Article IV:
(a)Notwithstanding the provisions of Article II and Article III, the Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia reserve the right to take action to any violation of Article I.

Charles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

X King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans

x President Pavel Nikolayevich Milyukov

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Statement by the Court of Mexico-City

The Kingdom of Mexico wishes to state that, following the Veracruz convention, all previously nationalized property and investments by foreign nations will be returned to their previous owners, including both private investors and state owners. The Commonwealth of Louisiana is an exception to this rule.

[Dereich]

Veracruz Convention

The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic, the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Kingdom of Mexico, “the High Contracting Parties,” agree to the following:

Article I:
(a)The Kingdom of Mexico shall return previously nationalized property and investments of French, Habsburg, Russian, Scandinavian, New Englander, and Quebecois private investors to their previous owners.
(b)The Kingdom of Mexico shall return previously nationalized property and investments of the French, Habsburg, Russian, Scandinavian, New Englander, and Quebecois states to their previous owners.
(c)The Kingdom of Mexico guarantees that the rights of the above foreign states and nationals to this property shall remain unabridged.

Article II:
(a)The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia recognizes King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans as the rightful and sole ruler of the Kingdom of Mexico, and disavow approval or recognition for any other claimant to the Mexican throne.

Article III:
(a)The High Contracting Parties agree to undertake no hostile actions against any other High Contracting Party of this treaty, including acts against naval vessels, private property, and national territory.
(b)The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia agree to provide no military support to any active belligerents engaged in hostilities against the Kingdom of Mexico.
(c)The provisions of this article shall not apply in case of a conflict with an ally of the Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic or the Kingdom of Scandinavia.

Article IV:
(a)Notwithstanding the provisions of Article II and Article III, the Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia reserve the right to take action to any violation of Article I.

Charles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

X King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans

x President Pavel Nikolayevich Milyukov

-Louis-Henry von Habsburg-Lothringen on behalf of Charles IX von Hapsburg-Lothringen, Holy Roman Emperor

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Veracruz Convention

The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic, the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Kingdom of Mexico, “the High Contracting Parties,” agree to the following:

Article I:
(a)The Kingdom of Mexico shall return previously nationalized property and investments of French, Habsburg, Russian, Scandinavian, New Englander, and Quebecois private investors to their previous owners.
(b)The Kingdom of Mexico shall return previously nationalized property and investments of the French, Habsburg, Russian, Scandinavian, New Englander, and Quebecois states to their previous owners.
(c)The Kingdom of Mexico guarantees that the rights of the above foreign states and nationals to this property shall remain unabridged.

Article II:
(a)The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia recognizes King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans as the rightful and sole ruler of the Kingdom of Mexico, and disavow approval or recognition for any other claimant to the Mexican throne.

Article III:
(a)The High Contracting Parties agree to undertake no hostile actions against any other High Contracting Party of this treaty, including acts against naval vessels, private property, and national territory.
(b)The Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia agree to provide no military support to any active belligerents engaged in hostilities against the Kingdom of Mexico.
(c)The provisions of this article shall not apply in case of a conflict with an ally of the Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic or the Kingdom of Scandinavia.

Article IV:
(a)Notwithstanding the provisions of Article II and Article III, the Kingdom of France, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Russian Republic and the Kingdom of Scandinavia reserve the right to take action to any violation of Article I.

Charles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

X King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans

x President Pavel Nikolayevich Milyukov

-Louis-Henry von Habsburg-Lothringen on behalf of Charles IX von Hapsburg-Lothringen, Holy Roman Emperor

X Louis XX de Bourbon, King-Emperor of France

[GoTfan]

Statement from King Francis on Brazil's interference with elections

I would like to congratulate all successful candidates on their efforts in this campaign and wish them well in their new offices.

However, I wish I could say that this was a completely clean election. What we have seen with this election is what we have always suspected: Brazil is attempting to use unwitting pawns in an attempt to expand their poisonous influence across the world.

My predecessors expected something like this for some time, but now we have hard evidence of Brazil attempting to corrupt the results of an election. Brazil, we have your spies. We have your double agents. We have your informants. Right now, they are being questioned by our intelligence services, and once we have answers from them, they will be treated as spies deserve.

Nothing more needs to be said.

Avanti Napoli!