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

[OBD]

Treaty of San Miguel du Cozumel (1901)

The Confederation of New England and the Kingdom of Mexico hereby agree to the following terms:

1. In recognition of the exceptional and innovative expertise possessed by New England in the field of medical research and treatment, the Confederation of New England will solicit volunteers from the New England Red Cross and medical institutions to travel to the Kingdom of Mexico. These medical professionals will be tasked with providing treatment to wounded soldiers, addressing their injuries, and offering assistance with the management of chemical burns—a horrifying phenomenon the world has not witnessed before. The Kingdom of Mexico guarantees that these volunteers will not be stationed near frontline combat, and guarantees their safe passage home to New England.

2. The Confederation of New England commits to prioritizing the export of surplus medical supplies to the Kingdom of Mexico at a 20% discount from market value. This initiative aims to support the treatment of injured Mexican soldiers. The specified goods to be sent include scalpels, forceps, scissors, probes, bandages, gauze, dressings, and antiseptics such as carbolic acid, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, anesthetics such as ether and chloroform, pharmaceuticals, painkillers, and orthopedic devices like braces and splints will be included.

3. Furthermore, the Confederation of New England will prioritize the export of surplus field hospital equipment to the Kingdom of Mexico at a 20% discount from market value. This assistance is intended to facilitate the establishment of first-care facilities for the prompt treatment of wounded soldiers in Mexico.

X King Luis II, King of Mexico

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England

[Attorney General & PPT Dwarven Dragon]

From the Desk of the President


Statement on Louisiana

The President strongly condemns the nation of Louisiana for its use of chemical weapons. While the nation of Louisiana is not a signatory to the treaty of Trois-Reveries, this is no excuse to make use of tactics that are agreed to on a widespread international basis to be unthinkable. The Holy Union of Spain understands that the process of negotiating the treaty was unpredictable and that Louisiana may have thought it would have one final chance to make use of its resources. However, this does not make Louisiana look better, if anything it makes them look worse. We should all join together to condemn Louisiana for seeking an unfair advantage in this conflict. The best wars are ones that are a fair fight for both sides.

The President agrees that Article 6 of the aforementioned treaty must be invoked. While in time this will be the responsibility of the legislature, the President recognizes that no legislature has yet been elected, therefore the executive must take emergency action. Until such time that the legislature can convene and enact appropriate legislation, the executive hereby institutes a full embargo upon the Nation of Louisiana. The Embargo will be under the terms of the proposed Embargo legislation, EXCEPT as follows:

- A skeleton crew will remain at the site of the Spanish Embassy in Louisiana for the following purposes:
a) securing safe passage home of any Spanish Civilians remaining in LA
b) ensuring the rights of Spanish citizens in Louisianian territory are not infringed upon
c) assistance in transportation of weapons or soldiers from Spain to the Louisiana-Mexico Conflict
d) availability for mitigation services in ending the Louisiana-Mexico Conflict

All employees not relevant to these purposes will be sent home, and the Embassy will be closed in all other respects.

- The basic rights of Spanish citizens in Louisianan territory remain guaranteed.

- Louisianian crown and state property within Spanish Territory up to the date of the publication of this decree will remain as such, but may not be removed from Spanish territory until the lifting of the embargo, and severe consequences will result if it is. In case of Spanish 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.

The proposed embargo legislation is amended to read as follows:

Spanish Chemical Weapons Destruction Act

(For Immediate Consideration of the Legislature elected following the Constitutional Convention)

1. The Spanish Military shall move to immediately dispose of and destroy all chemical and biological weapons. All activity must occur with minimal risk to civilian life or limb, and where possible, disposal shall be outside the limits of any established city or town.

2. The Government will provide a one-time Tax Credit of up to $500,000 Pesetas to help companies involved in research of chemical and biological weapons to non-lethal purposes as specified under the Trois-Rivieres treaty.

3. The Government will provide compensation for losses resulting from the implementation of the Trois-Rivieres Treaty. Companies must submit documentation detailing their precise losses. The Legislature or the President may veto the request within 30 days of receipt of the request, otherwise it will be honored.

4. The Holy Union of Spain hereby enacts a comprehensive embargo against any nation that violates the Trois-Rivieres Treaty as determined by any appointed inspectors. The Embargo will include:

A) a complete ban on trade with the nation
B) a complete ban on that nation's access to spanish ports or to otherwise cross into Spanish territory
C) a complete ban on government-funded non-military travel to the nation
D) a complete renunciation of any treaty previously signed with that nation
E) the ending of any cooperation with that nation for purposes of war, defense, energy, or non-aggression, including the withdrawal of any military staff in the country for such a cooperative purpose.
F) the closure of any embassy and recall of any diplomatic staff within that country, except as declared by the executive
G) withdrawal from any sports tournament being held in that country
H) Other terms as decided by the executive

Said embargo will last until the nation enters into compliance with the treaty as determined by an international process.

5) The Holy Union of Spain shall guarantee complete, unfettered access to Spanish territory by land or sea for any foreign inspector under the Trois-Rivieres Treaty.

ON THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC DISRUPTION

In light of the new embargo, the State will provide the necessary resources to assist Spanish merchants in general and to ease up the redirection of lost trade to Louisiana to other nations, with a direct preference for Colombia or Mexico, to be followed by Quebec, to be followed by our allies in the Mediterranean.

As supply permits, the President will seek to remedy the shortfall of tropical goods previously imported from Louisiana through trade with Caribbean nations.

In light of the ongoing economic upheaval, the State shall emphasize and stimulate, whenever possible, the urgent export of locally produced goods to 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.

Military Order

The President hereby orders the mobilization of 10 additional divisions for the Army of Castile. 2 of these new divisions will remain in Spain with the original 10. In light of the request from Mexico, the remaining 8 new divisions will be sent to Mexico and shall be at the full direction of the Mexican government. 5 Naval ships will be utilized to transport these divisions, and those ships, and their crew, shall remain in the vicinity of Mexico and be available for use in that area. The President has no objection to Mexico sending these troops/ships to other theaters.

[YPestis25]

Proclamations from Stockholm

Source: Pinterest

Formation of a New Government

His Majesty King-Emperor Charles, on the advice of Statsminister Tage Reedtz-Thott, is pleased to announce a coalition government between the Lantmannpartiet and Liberalerna. The Honorable Peter Christian Knudsen, leading the Socialdemokratiska Arbetareparti, will head the Honorable Opposition. The leading appointees to the cabinet are as follows:

Statsminister (Prime Minister): Tage Reedtz-Thott (Lantmannpartiet)
Utrikesstatsminister (Foreign Minister): Alfred Lagerheim (Lantmannpartiet)
Finansminister (Finance Minister): Fredrik Stang Lund (Liberalerna)
Justitiestatsminister (Justice Minister): Eemil Nestor Setälä (Liberalerna)
Ecklesiastikminister (Education and Ecclesiastical Minister): Nils Claëson (Lantmannpartiet)
Landsbygdsminister (Minister of Agriculture): Christian Pierre Mathiesen (Lantmannpartiet)
Civilminister (Minister for the Civil Service): Lennart Groll (Lantmannpartiet)
Statsråd och chef för Socialdepartementet (Minister for Social Services): Carl August Schröder (Liberalerna)
Krigsminister (War Minister): Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim (Lantmannpartiet)
Marinminister (Naval Minister): Niels Frederik Ravn (Lantmannpartiet)

The Act of Union

In light of the complicated legal and national situation in the Scandinavian German territories, the Reedtz-Thott Ministry, as its first act, has promulgated and passed the Act of Union, declaring the Kingdom of Hanover an integral part of the Scandinavian Crown, bound by the laws of the National Riksdag, and whose citizens are entitled to all the rights and privileges provided for in the Scandinavian Constitution, including the right to vote in national elections, and freedom of the press, assembly, speech, and religion. The Act of Union additionally provides for clarification as to the rights and privileges of Scandinavian citizens residing in the Kingdom of Hanover, the Grand Duchy of Pomerania, the Duchy of Holstein, the Duchies of Bremen and Verden, and the city of Hamburg.

Article I:
The Kingdom of Hanover is hereinafter declared an integral part of the Scandinavian Crown, inseparable and indissoluble from it.

Article II:
The Grand Duchy of Pomerania, the Duchy of Holstein, the Duchies of Bremen and Verden, and the city of Hamburg are reaffirmed as integral parts of the Scandinavian Crown, inseparable and indissoluble from it.

Article III:
The citizens of the Kingdom of Hanover are hereby entitled to all the rights and privileges provided for in the Scandinavian Constitution, Scandinavian Civil Code, and Scandinavian Common Law.

Article IV:
The rights of the citizens in the Grand Duchy of Pomerania, the Duchy of Holstein, the Duchies of Bremen and Verden, and the city of Hamburg under the Scandinavian Constitution, the Scandinavian Civil Code, and the Scandinavian Common Law are reaffirmed.

Article V:
In addition to the preservation of their Landtag, the citizens of the Kingdom of Hanover shall be permitted to cast ballots for the National Riksdag, and local by-elections to these seats shall be organized to take place at the end of 1901. Existing laws governing the conduct of elections in the Kingdom of Hanover shall be retained.

Article VI:
The Kingdom of Hanover shall be entitled to 41 seats in the Riksdag and the body will correspondingly be increased to 391 seats in size.

Article VII:
The Kingdom of Hanover, the Grand Duchy of Pomerania, the Duchy of Holstein, the Duchies of Bremen and Verden, and the city of Hamburg are and shall continue to be bound by the laws of the National Riksdag which shall be the supreme law in the aforementioned jurisdictions.

Article VIII:
Notwithstanding the previous provisions, the Kingdom of Hanover, the Grand Duchy of Pomerania, the Duchy of Holstein, the Duchies of Bremen and Verden, and the city of Hamburg  shall retain their status within the Holy Roman Empire, and they and their citizens shall be entitled to all rights and privileges derived therefrom.

xCharles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa
xTage Reedtz-Thott, Statsminister

[YPestis25]

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

[OBD]

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

[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

[LAKISYLVANIA]

The use of chemical weapons

We are at war. The actions of the Louisianans have been nothing but barbaric. The use of chemical weapons on our soil is a grave offense under international humanitarian law. While the international community agreed on sanctioning nations based on the use of chemical or biological weapons, as outlined in the almost unanimously agreed-upon Treaty of Trois-Rivières, the response has been lukewarm so far. With still non-signatories out there, this leaves the possibility open for future use of chemical and biological weapons. To the Mexican delegation, this is a concerning situation. We strongly encourage the international community to enforce the treaty properly and put an embargo in place until the end of the ongoing war and upon signature; not doing so would greatly strain relations with the Kingdom of Mexico. If the great powers want to be taken seriously on the international stage and for the treaty to have any meaningful impact, a strong and adequate response is desired.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Offer to the Kingdom of Liberia

The Kingdom of Mexico makes the following one-time offer to the Kingdom of Liberia, being currently part of the Commonwealth of Louisiana, to present them with a new deal that will take immediate effect and be enforced upon all powers in the region at the end of the war.

The Kingdom of Mexico believes that the best future for Liberia is as an independent kingdom, with its independence guaranteed by the Kingdom of Mexico, acting as a buffer state between the three neighboring North American powers. Liberia would be a full member of the international community, standing on equal footing with its three neighbors. For this reason, the Kingdom of Mexico proposes that Liberia should adopt a constitutional monarchy to facilitate easier legitimization. King Luis II hereby formally offers to become the ceremonial monarch of Liberia, with the country being served by a prime minister and the government having independent authority to determine the future of the Liberian people. Full independence for Liberia would mean an end to all forms of discrimination and the freedom to decide their own path moving forward.

As an advocate for indigenous rights, peasants, and workers, and with a strong domestic record on these issues, King Luis II believes that, as part of the prestigious Bourbon-Orléans house - the same dynasty in control of their potential future neighbors - he would be the best fit to serve as the ceremonial monarch of the new nation. This arrangement would decrease tensions with neighboring powers.

With the direct supply lines to the capital of New Orleans cut off, and the Louisianans on the brink of economic isolation and immediate collapse, with Mexicans nearing the capital, and the Kingdom of Liberia itself controlling supply lines further west to the Pacific, now is the opportune moment for Liberians to fight for their freedom and liberation if they desire it. There will never be a better moment for Liberians to achieve independence and to have it recognized on the international stage. King Luis II pledges to ardently advocate for the recognition of Liberian independence and to reward them in case they choose to fight for their independence.

[KaiserDave]

Memo of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Russian Republic G.Y. Lvov


Pursuant to the Treaty of Trois-Rivières, an complete and total embargo on trade with Louisiana is to be implemented, to take effect within 30 days.

[GoTfan]

Under the terms of the Treaty of Troies-Rivieres, the Kingdom of Naples enacts a full embargo on the Commonwealth of Louisiana with immediate effect.

[windjammer]

Brazil renounces to any use of chemicals

[Devout Centrist]

Official Statement from the Office of President Kang Youwei

It is the opinion of the Republic of China that current territories held by the Republic of Japan are inviolable and shall not be subject to territorial claims by the Republic of China or any constituent republic or nation thereof. Further, the Republic of China firmly rejects any foreign or specifically European efforts to claim and/or seize territories held by the Republic of Japan.

Finally, the Republic of China recognizes Japan’s natural right, claims, and obligations to Pacific Island territories not currently in the affirmed possession of a recognized Asian power.

[KaiserDave]

After lengthy deliberations of cabinet, between the President and his counselors, and most importantly of the Constitutional Committee of the State Duma, a final draft of the proposed Constitution has been finished, and published in the Novaya Gazeta. Now what is left is ratification by the State Duma, which will require a simple majority. President Milyukov has praised the finalization of talks, describing the final draft as a "glorious liberty document" founded on "uniquely Russian principles of self-government."

The Constitution of the Russian Republic


Preamble

We, the Russian nation, united into an exceptional family of peoples by common tradition, stewardship of the land, feats of heroism, and Republican virtues, and guided by the historic personages of our history, do hereby establish this Constitution for the Republic of the Russian nation.

Article I: General Stipulations

The Russian Republic is the indivisible, sovereign, and unified state of the Russian people, whom have existed and stewarded the land for centuries.

Russia is established as a democratic constitutional Republic, whereby all legitimate political power originates from the Russian people, who are the supreme masters of the land. This is the inviolable foundation of the state.

The Constitution of the Russian Republic is the supreme law of the land and the repository of the rights of the people, it is to this constitution and to these rights which all officers of state must swear allegiance.

The Capital of the Russian Republic is the sacred and inviolable city of Moscow, the heart of the Russian people.

The National Flag of the Russian Republic is the white-blue-red tricolor, and the National Emblem of the Russian Republic is the double-headed eagle.

The State Language of the Russian Republic shall be the Russian language, and all state documents will be produced thusly in the Cyrillic alphabet of the Russian language. Minority languages are recognized among the many peoples of Russia. Regional governments may petition to use documentation in local languages in addition to Russian.

The Russian Republic, for security and continuing stability, will not allow any member of the Romanov family to reside within or enter the borders of the Republic unless they renounce for perpetuity any claim to the defunct throne of Russia.

Article II: Structure of Government

The Executive Branch shall consist of the President of the Russian Republic and the Government of the Republic. The President is the chief officer of the executive branch and the Head of State. The President will have manifold powers, duties, and responsibilities. The Prime Minister is the Head of Government, and is the chief officer of the cabinet which possesses manifold powers, duties, and responsibilities.

The Legislative Branch shall consist of the bicameral Zemsky Sobor of the Russian Republic, with the lower house of the State Duma and the upper house of the Senate. The State Duma shall consist of 800 deputies duly elected by the Russian people to five-year terms and shall possess manifold powers, duties, and responsibilities. The Senate shall consist of all former Presidents and Prime Ministers, as well as distinguished individuals appointed by the President to ten-year terms. The Senate shall consist of no more than 100 Senators. The Senate shall be appointed on a gradual basis, with twenty Senators being appointed a year until the year 1906 or a count of 100 Senators is reached, whichever comes first.

The Judicial Branch shall consist of all courts of law of the Russian Republic and shall possess the role of arbitrating various disputes under the law and the constitution of the Republic. There shall be a High Court of the Russian Republic. The High Court shall be appointed by the All-Russian Extraordinary Judicial Selection Committee for ten-year terms.

Article III: Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities

The President of the Republic is shall be responsible for leading the Republic, and is the chief officer of state. The President will be responsible for granting assent for laws passed by the Duma, and should the President not grant assent, it will require a two-thirds vote of the Duma to override his veto. The President shall be responsible for appointing the Prime Minister and Ministers of State, but the cabinet shall require a majority confidence vote of the Duma. The President shall be responsible for governing the diplomatic affairs of the state, and all other external issues. The President shall further be Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, and be responsible for the appointment of senior military officers. The President shall be responsible for approving all appointments to Ministerial staff and regional administrative bodies. The President may issue Ukase (decrees) on various affairs, but these may not alter existing law passed by the Duma.

The President may be removed from office if they have committed crimes against the state or the people. If the Duma votes by two-thirds, a case will be brought before the High Court, and if the Court determines guilt, the President will be removed from office.

If the President is removed from office, fatally hurt, or otherwise incapacitated, the Chairman of the State Duma shall assume the office of Interim President, pending a special Presidential election within 90 days. The Interim President depends on the confidence of the Duma.

The Prime Minister is the chief officer of the government and is responsible for the day-to-day governance of the country, and the implementation of the laws of the Duma through the state bureaucracy. The Prime Minister is responsible for chairing all meetings of cabinet, and like cabinet, is dependent on the confidence of the Duma. The Prime Minister also depends on the confidence of the President.

The State Duma is responsible for proposing, debating, and passing legislation on various subjects. The Duma is responsible for determining the rate of collection and distributing revenues of state. The Duma shall be chaired by the State Duma Chair, who is elected by the Duma itself. Laws passed by the Duma and assented by the President may only be adjusted by a new Law of the Duma, or a decision of the Courts.

The Senate is responsible for providing careful counsel and deliberation to measures adopted by the Duma, but the Senate may not reject measures regarding collecting tax revenues or distribution of tax revenues, and must adopt them within the span of one year. The Senate shall be chaired by the President of the Senate, who shall chair meetings and break ties where applicable.

No single individual may possess the positions of President or Prime Minister simultaneously, or Prime Minister or President and head of either chamber of the Duma.

Article IV: Elections

The President shall be elected for a five year term, starting in the Presidential election of 1906. A candidate shall require a majority of the vote to be elected, and if no candidate shall receive a majority on the first ballot, a runoff between the two highest vote-getters will occur no more than 30 days after the first ballot.

The State Duma shall be elected every 5 years, starting in the election of 1906, although the President may dissolve the Duma at any time if a Government cannot gain confidence, with elections being held within 60 days of dissolution. 400 Seats of the Duma shall be elected via proportional representation, with a threshold to enter the State Duma of 3 percent of the national vote. 400 seats of the Duma shall be elected via equally populated electoral districts, to be determined by the All-Russian Extraordinary Commission for Elections and adjusted for every election based on population.

All naturalized Male citizens above the age of 18 have the inviolable right to vote in elections.

Article V: Regions

The Russian Republic shall be divided into administrative regions. Each region shall be headed by a Governor and regional bureaucracy appointed by the President, but will be held accountable to local Dumas elected via proportional representation. Regions possess the right to pass legislation according to their local particularities and distribute revenues from local taxes, which require gubernatorial assent unless there is a two-thirds majority for passage, but they may not contradict existing statute passed by the State Duma or decisions of the High Court.

Article VI: State of Emergency

In the case of a national emergency that threatens the integrity of the state or the national territory, the President may issue an Ukase to declare a State of Emergency, in which the President may govern absolutely by decree. After a period of 60 days, the State Duma possesses the power to end the emergency by a majority vote. The President may also end the Emergency at any time.

During the period of Emergency, the High Court may decide to end the Emergency if it is determined that the national situation does not threaten the integrity of the state or the national territory.

Article VII: The Army and Navy

The military forces of the Russian Republic shall consist of the Russian Army and the Russian Navy.

The Army and the Navy are the sword and shield of the Russian nation, of its security and territorial integrity, but also of the rights of the Russian people and the Constitution of the Republic. The Army and Navy hold the sacred responsibility for the defense of the Constitution and the nation from enemies foreign and domestic.

Article VIII: The Holy Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Catholic Church shall possess a special role in the state as the guardian of the spiritual health of Russia. The Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus' has a reserved seat in the Senate.

Article IX: Enumerated Rights

• The right of all Russians to a fair trial before the law shall not be abridged.
• The right of all Russians to freedom of speech, of press, and of association shall not be abridged.
• The right of all Russians to exercise their freedom of conscience, including free religious exercise, shall not be abridged.
• The right of all eligible Russians to vote in regularly scheduled elections, shall not be abridged.
• The right of all Russians to equality before the law, regardless of gender, faith, ethnic background, wealth, or stratum, shall not be abridged.
• The right of all Russians to peacefully assemble and petition the government for redress shall not be abridged.
• The right of all Russians against subjection to slavery or involuntary servitude shall not be abridged.
• The right of all Russians against torture and guilt by association shall not be abridged.

Article X: Amending the Constitution

The Constitution of the Russian Republic may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the State Duma.

[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.

[Senator Spiral]

Sino-Turan Accord

The Republic of China and the Turkist Empire agree to the following:

1. The Republic of China shall relocate a variety of technical experts of European origin to the Turkist Empire for assistance in national projects. Particular emphasis in expertise shall be in naval matters such as shipbuilding and port development.

2. The Turkist Empire shall provide the Republic of China with advisors specialized in matters of urban and military planning, to promote efficiency in governmental affairs.

X Grand Vizier for Life Ahmed Muhtar Pasha, Turkist Empire

[Devout Centrist]

Sino-Turan Accord

The Republic of China and the Turkist Empire agree to the following:

1. The Republic of China shall relocate a variety of technical experts of European origin to the Turkist Empire for assistance in national projects. Particular emphasis in expertise shall be in naval matters such as shipbuilding and port development.

2. The Turkist Empire shall provide the Republic of China with advisors specialized in matters of urban and military planning, to promote efficiency in governmental affairs.

X Grand Vizier for Life Ahmed Muhtar Pasha, Turkist Empire

X President Kang Youwei

[OBD]

Chairman Fitzgerald is pleased to see the Republic of Russia's successful constitutional reforms come to fruition. From brother republic to brother republic, we congratulate President Milyukov and the Russian people on this grand accomplishment, and look forward to continued goodwill and cooperation between our governments of and for the people of our great nations.

[Senator Spiral]

Treaty of Newport

The Confederation of New England and the Turkist Empire agree to the following:

1. The signatories commit, in the spirit of friendship, to establishing new trade and supply networks across the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

2. The Turkist Empire shall increase exports of tea, sugar, and nuts to the Confederation of New England.

3. Tariffs on agricultural goods between the two nations shall be reduced by ten percent.

4. The Confederation of New England shall provide and assist in the training and technical exchange of naval affairs for the Turkist Empire. Naval officials are invited to New English shores for joint coordination.

5. The Confederation of New England shall encourage local merchants to reroute consumer good exports disproportionately affected by the embargo on the Commonwealth of Louisiana to the Turkist Empire.

6. A foreign exchange program will be instituted between the two nations for students of exceptional merit, focusing on areas of entrepreneurship, science, and the trades.

7. Future areas of partnership shall be at the discretion of additional treaties.

X Grand Vizier for Life Ahmed Muhtar Pasha, Turkist Empire

[OBD]

Treaty of Newport

The Confederation of New England and the Turkist Empire agree to the following:

1. The signatories commit, in the spirit of friendship, to establishing new trade and supply networks across the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

2. The Turkist Empire shall increase exports of tea, sugar, and nuts to the Confederation of New England.

3. Tariffs on agricultural goods between the two nations shall be reduced by ten percent.

4. The Confederation of New England shall provide and assist in the training and technical exchange of naval affairs for the Turkist Empire. Naval officials are invited to New English shores for joint coordination.

5. The Confederation of New England shall encourage local merchants to reroute consumer good exports disproportionately affected by the embargo on the Commonwealth of Louisiana to the Turkist Empire.

6. A foreign exchange program will be instituted between the two nations for students of exceptional merit, focusing on areas of entrepreneurship, science, and the trades.

7. Future areas of partnership shall be at the discretion of additional treaties.

X Grand Vizier for Life Ahmed Muhtar Pasha, Turkist Empire

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England

[YPestis25]

Treaty of Commerce between the Kingdom of Scandinavia the Republic of New England, and the Kingdom of Mexico

Article I:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Republic of New England, and the Kingdom of Mexico, “the High Contracting Parties,” shall undertake efforts to restore the flow of bananas, sugar, coffee, and tobacco from the Kingdom of Mexico.

Article II:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Republic of New England shall dispatch trade convoys to escort merchant ships from unblockaded Mexican ports in the Yucatan and Guatemala.

Article III:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Republic of New England shall reduce tariffs on all bananas, sugar, coffee, and tobacco transported from the Kingdom of Mexico, irrespective of the nationality of the merchant ship.

xCharles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Treaty of Commerce between the Kingdom of Scandinavia the Republic of New England, and the Kingdom of Mexico

Article I:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Republic of New England, and the Kingdom of Mexico, “the High Contracting Parties,” shall undertake efforts to restore the flow of bananas, sugar, coffee, and tobacco from the Kingdom of Mexico.

Article II:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Republic of New England shall dispatch trade convoys to escort merchant ships from unblockaded Mexican ports in the Yucatan and Guatemala.

Article III:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Republic of New England shall reduce tariffs on all bananas, sugar, coffee, and tobacco transported from the Kingdom of Mexico, irrespective of the nationality of the merchant ship.

xCharles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

X King Luis II, King of Mexico

[OBD]

Treaty of Commerce between the Kingdom of Scandinavia the Republic of New England, and the Kingdom of Mexico

Article I:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Republic of New England, and the Kingdom of Mexico, “the High Contracting Parties,” shall undertake efforts to restore the flow of bananas, sugar, coffee, and tobacco from the Kingdom of Mexico.

Article II:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Republic of New England shall dispatch trade convoys to escort merchant ships from unblockaded Mexican ports in the Yucatan and Guatemala.

Article III:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Republic of New England shall reduce tariffs on all bananas, sugar, coffee, and tobacco transported from the Kingdom of Mexico, irrespective of the nationality of the merchant ship.

xCharles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

X King Luis II, King of Mexico

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England

[YPestis25]

Amalienborg Agreement

Source: Historic Hotels of the World

After some 18 months of preliminary negotiations, His Majesty the King-Emperor Charles welcomed Chairman John Fitzgerald to Copenhagen for final negotiations in early May to confirm a broad and wide ranging agreement between their states.

With the Chairman, billeted at the d’Angleterre Hotel along with his diplomatic staff, and the King-Emperor residing at the Amalienborg Palace, the conference was primarily hosted at the latter, where the Chairman was treated to a state dinner, and where, reportedly, he and the King-Emperor engaged in a spirited discussion over the differences between New England Puritanism and Scandinavian Lutheranism.

After nearly four weeks of negotiations, primarily between the Utrikesstatsminister and the Chairman, and with the conference concluding just before the end of May, the King-Emperor and the Chairman ratified the following agreement:

Article I:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Republic of New England, “the High Contracting Parties,” bound by common cause in good government, trade, and diplomatic relations declare that their mutual policy shall be the continuation of the beneficial relationship.

Article II:
The High Contracting Parties shall establish the Kontor för Sjösamarbete (Office for Naval Cooperation) to allow for the mutual undertaking of new naval research.

Article III:
The High Contracting Parties shall collaborate to preserve Freedom of the Seas and the trade lanes in the North Atlantic.

Article IV:
The High Contracting Parties shall cooperate in procuring those raw materials disrupted by the ongoing American Wars.

Article V:
A foreign exchange program will be instituted between the High Contracting Parties for students of exceptional merit, focusing on areas of entrepreneurship, science, and the trades.

[OBD]

Amalienborg Agreement


Article I:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Republic of New England, “the High Contracting Parties,” bound by common cause in good government, trade, and diplomatic relations declare that their mutual policy shall be the continuation of the beneficial relationship.

Article II:
The High Contracting Parties shall establish the Kontor för Sjösamarbete (Office for Naval Cooperation) to allow for the mutual undertaking of new naval research.

Article III:
The High Contracting Parties shall collaborate to preserve Freedom of the Seas and the trade lanes in the North Atlantic.

Article IV:
The High Contracting Parties shall cooperate in procuring those raw materials disrupted by the ongoing American Wars.

Article V:
A foreign exchange program will be instituted between the High Contracting Parties for students of exceptional merit, focusing on areas of entrepreneurship, science, and the trades.

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England

[Spamage]

1901 Midturn Update

A Sun Rises in La Plata
Habsburgs Enter the New World

Leopold I of the Pampas, 1901
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

   The liberals in La Plata received support from an unlikely source in early 1901. After secret negotiations initiated by Vienna, it was agreed that their proposed government would follow the Chilean formula. The Federation of La Plata reorganized itself into the Kingdom of the Pampas, proclaiming the establishment of yet another constitutional monarchy in the rotting corpse of Toro’s Catholic-Republican state. For their sovereign, the Pampeano people accepted Archduke Leopold von Habsburg-Ansbach, a cousin of both Emperor Maximilian V and Archduke-Regent Louis-Henry. The Bourbons and Hohenzollerns had entered the Americas decades ago, now the Habsburgs would have a realm of their own across the Atlantic as well.
   As had been the case in Santiago, the new king was welcomed by throngs of supporters upon his arrival in his new realm. Leopold gave a rousing speech, promising to protect the ‘natural liberties’ of his people and vowing that tyrants would never control the region again. From there he proceeded to the half-finished Church of Our Lady of Mercy, where Austrian priests (untainted by past associations with Toro’s regime) crowned him sovereign of the Kingdom of the Pampas. Some considered the half-finished cathedral symbolic, representing the reconstruction of the realm that would be necessary after decades under authoritarianism. Indeed, Bahia Blanco itself was a modest settlement of less than 100,000, overshadowed by the historic capital of Cordoba. It was hoped that under new leadership the nation would blossom once more.
   The Pampeano people would not be alone. In exchange for their acceptance of the new king, Leopold was escorted to Bahia Blanca by Austrian warships, which remained docked at the city to demonstrate the government would be under the protection of their Viennese patrons. These were accompanied by Habsburg weaponry, subsidies for restoring order, and military advisors to aid in the civil war. Closer to home came the happy news of the betrothal of the 48-year-old King Leopold of the Pampas with 29-year-old Princess Isabel of Spain-Chile (daughter of Henry V & I). In exchange for a pact of non-aggression and treaty of friendship, the Chilean House of Bourbon would tie its fortunes to the Pampeano House of Habsburg.
   Perhaps these friendships would not be necessary. The news of Austrian meddling was the last straw for the old government, Toro’s rickety regime and the Sacred Union of La Plata as a whole collapsing at long last as news emerged that the Pampeano forces were marching on Cordoba. On April 17th, 1901 the city erupted into riots, the mob taking out decades of pent-up fury on their tormentors. The inquisitors were massacred in the streets, La Platan soldiers deserting in droves. Statues of Archbishop-President Toro, the late Brazilian leader Andrade, and ideological founder of Catholic-Republicanism Pietro Verri were pulled down and melted by the populace. Toro would not give the people the satisfaction of doing the same to him, shooting himself in his private apartments just hours after the unrest erupted. As the city caught flame in the tumult, those that remained opened the gates to Leopold’s forces. Within the following weeks the last holdouts to the Catholic-Republican cause would either surrender, flee across the border into Brazil, or go into hiding. Only several small outposts near the Tierra del Fuego remain loyal to the old regime. Looking forward, many hoped that now the region would rebuild, the horror starting in 1898 hopefully nearing an end. Representatives from Chile, the Mapuche, the Pampas, and Paraguay have convened in Coquimbo, eager to finalize their new borders and cement the ties between their governments.
   While Chile responded warmly to the declaration of the Kingdom of the Pampas, not all powers have been overjoyed to see Habsburg intervention in South America. Some in Brazil, in particular, have voiced concerns about the developments, even if it is seen as a fair accompli. It remains to be seen how other powers will respond to the birth of a new monarchy in this tumultuous region.

The Unmaking of a Monarchy?
Revolution in Trebizond

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

   As one monarchy was being established in the Southern Hemisphere, so another was toppled in the north. The Russian-backed Kingdom of Trebizond has been a survivor. Born from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire, the realm had been established by the insistence of Romania and France in 1876, granting the Bourbons yet another prestigious and historic throne. Prince Joseph of Romania overnight became King Alexios VI of Trebizond. His accession was accompanied with the brutal expulsion of the Turks, thousands being forced west by the Laz and Greeks. Yet, the realm was soon embroiled in the Turkish Civil War, losing a significant amount of its territory to the resurgent Ottomans by the end of the decade. Only Russian intervention, and the subservience that entailed, saved the realm from total reabsorption.
   Yet, despite the initial joy over the reestablishment of the realm, the people of Trebizond were unimpressed with their sovereigns. While Alexios VI did try to govern in earnest, setting up various administrative agencies and working to establish a government, he also preferred to spend his time in the company of fellow Frenchmen, integrating little into Trapezuntine society. Upon his death in 1898, the throne passed to his eldest son Alexios VII.
   If Alexios VI was bland, Alexios VII was terrible. Coming to the throne just 22, he was ill-prepared to govern. The young man preferred the pursuit of pleasure to actual work. The palace was filled with mistresses and government accounts funded his luxurious tastes. Despite the realm being extremely distant from manufacturers, he had a new French automobile imported with which he would take his consort-of-the-month on tours of the city, honking the horn to scare horses for fun. Despite his poor behavior, the king felt secure in the support of his Russian patrons as well as his Romanian and French cousins. Indeed, ties with Romania were reaffirmed by the wedding of Princess Tamar (Alexios VII’s sister) to King Augustus II in 1900.
   The birth of a child to the happy couple, Prince Augustus of Romania, in early 1901, saw Alexios VII and most of his royal relations (mother and siblings) travel to Bucharest for the child’s baptism, the proud uncle named as godfather. In his absence the spirit of discontent stirred.
   With exciting news emanating from Russia, people following stories of the drafting of the new constitution with great interest, the spirit of discontent was in the air. The tax deadline of March 1st proved to be all the spark needed for a full-blown rebellion. Speakers in the streets damned Alexios VII and his greed, calling for a new era in Trapezuntine society. Within days, despite the best efforts of the local soldiers to keep order, the protests spread. Even clerics joined in, condemning the sovereign for his failure to take his duty seriously. While Alexios VII stirred, finally realizing the situation was grim, he was unable to make it back in time. He was on the Black Sea in his yacht as word reached him of subsequent developments.
   Lacking any base of support, and the King absent from the scene, the Bourbon regime cracked almost instantly. The token Trapezuntine military sided with the protestors, refusing to suppress the crowds. Many royalists would note the refusal of Russian soldiers to get involved, conveniently looking the other way as their supposed puppet regime crumbled. A joint Laz-Greek Liberation council convened in the capital, drafting a series of demands. Declaring themselves the “Free Republic of Trebizond” they formally requested admission into the Russian Republic, seeking to be covered under the new constitution. This only reinforced suspicions of Milyukov’s involvement, though no direct evidence surfaced tying the two causes together.
   Thus, Russia faces a choice. Naturally, there are many in the government inclined to admit the region into the Russian Republic in the spirit of democratic brotherhood. Still, the annexation of Trebizond would likely anger both Romania and France. While Louis XX likely cares little personally for his cousin, the realm of Trebizond was a testament to French prestige and the strength of his family. To allow it to crumble would be viewed rather unfavorably by staunch royalists. Closer to the region, both Iran and the Turkist Empire have watched developments closely. Indeed, many Turks still thirst for revenge on the Laz and Greeks for their cruelty. The idea of Russian control over the Black Sea increasing yet further has many alarmed. Georgia, Russia’s other puppet regime, has remained silent on the matter, watching but acting little. While Alexios VII, surrounded by those of his sycophants able to escape, would continue to issue royal proclamations on behalf of the Kingdom of Trebizond, he was been relocated from Bucharest and sits on one of Augustus II’s estates as an honored ‘guest’.