An Imperial Declaration of Open Border Policy

[Kylarnatia]

+++Imperium Antiquum Kylarnatiae+++

+++Officialis Littera Imperii+++

To: The Rt. Honorable Julius Frej Shriver, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Commonwealth Home Island of Yohannes 
From: Eius Caesarea Maiestas, Caesar Silvier Catherina Hyuga IV
Subject: Trading and Open Border Issue [50%]

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Ave,

Although it would generally be the Minstrator Externa dealing with this issue, this has been forwarded to my attention because it puts us in a tough position. As voluntary members of the Commonwealth, and respectively contributors to the Commonwealth Forces, our word must be put into this, and immediately. Though my aim is to keep it short and sweet.

The Imperium Antiquum shall never hesitate to protect the Home Island or Commonwealth. We shall be present wherever there is a crisis for the Commonwealth. However, the Populi Aula and Imperialis Senatus are in full agreement with me when I say that this new policy is unsupportable. In other words, The Imperium Antiquum, although it understands the situation, does not wish to enforce this aim. Most obviously, because we were not consulted on the issue first. I've been informed by the Ministerium Externa that a meeting was called recently between our representative to you, Grace Hunter, and one of your representatives. Why you were not capable of bringing it up there confuses me and my government.

So, until you give greater detail to our representative to you and do not fail to do so in future, we simply cannot support this action. Once things have been discussed, our position will obviously change. I in no way intend to offend the decisions of your administration or your honorable self, but because of the circumstances we cannot support this at present.

With respect,

Eius Caesarea Maiestas, Caesar Silvier Catherina Hyuga IV
Ancient Caesar of the Imperium Antiquum Kylarnatiae

[OOC: Before you think I am, I'm not doing this to say 'Y u no post in our rp?' or 'this is what you get for not posting!' No, not at all. But because you didn't bring this up and this would be taken out of the blue, I just thought I'd do this to do a little Australia/defiant moment, if you get what I mean. Peace :P]

[Jungastia]

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Cryptage - Moyen
- - -
Urgence - Extreme

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Monsieur le Ministre,
et le Gouvernement du Commonwealth Yohannesian,

His Imperial Majesty, The King, has instructed me to extend his word of caution. As a close ally of the Yohannesian Commonwealth, The Imperial Jungastian Empire has never put up trade barriers and will always support the actions of it's allies, however it will do so whilst sometimes offering words of caution. This action is one of the latter. We feel that further thought should be paid to the potential negative international backlash, and the loss of reputation of the commonwealth. It is His Imperial Majesty's Advice that the commonwealth looks at the specific implications, and revisit the wording of the declaration.

However, despite these words of caution, We reaffirm our support to the commonwealth. The products of many Commonwealth companies are becoming popular in the Empire, and the government itself has contracted Yohannesian companies to provide services and products.

We hope through the forthcoming Trade and Defence talks, that this close relationship is furthered and bolstered, and look forward to formalizing the relationship through the resulting accords

Yours,
Lord de Montpassant,
Private Secretary to the Sovereign

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Vivat Rex, Vivat Imperatoria Civitas

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[Yohannes]

The Honourable Alexei Shen-Shoturskiy,

His Majesty Aurel III has informed me that exultation and honour-bound camaraderie, despite your ministerial official statement, shall be the feeling which our government has towards Taraskovya.

Historically, factual evidences have proven that an enforcement of interventionist policy may improve the performance of, and accelerate macro-economic growth upon that of the Yohannesian economy. Yohannesia and Her Empire cannot but content itself within her own sphere, for there are weak nations out there, awaiting for her to swallow upon with vigour.

That was the course of historical path which Yohannes took, which the Commonwealth Empire was amalgamated upon, to become the economic and diplomatic powerhouse that it is as of the present. The enforcement of Yohannesian arms and trade has amalgamated an Empire which span the far-flung corner of the globe; encompassing over 48 billion inhabitants and twelve geographical regions within its sphere of influence and border.

Most honourable Excellency, there are no such thing as the god given sovereign right of nations. There is, however, the god given imperial right of nations; the weak shall fall and be unsubordinated to the strong-willed and powerful. This is the very basic tenet of progress itself. Only the fittest shall survive. That, I believe, is a god-given fact. That is the very factual evidence which compiled itself to propel Yohannesia alongside the rank of Automagfreek, Lamoni and Lyras; to seize the mantle of global aspiration and progress; to expand her market, and liberate the oppressed.

Her maritime might and benevolent imperialism shall vanquish the unruly and wicked ones. Her Law of Grace knows no bound.

Let me assure you, most honourable Excellency, the Taraskovan Government has none to put within its list of worries in regard to the quality of Yohannesian goods and service. Yohannesia is a net financial creditor and lender to over 100 nations globally. Her stock market is the trading house of brokers, merchants and traders of over 300 nations. As the writing of this letter, the Yohannesian shipbuilding industry is thriving, whilst her goods and engineering enterprises have been exported to over 400 nations worldwide.

His Majesty Aurel III shall thereby, furthermore and with honour, ensure His Most August Majesty the Vasilevs Mikhail of all Taraskovya, that Taraskovya and Her Imperial Realm has none to fear, for Taraskovya and Her Realm has always been viewed upon as one of the world’s most honourable rank of nations. Yohannesia wishes no harm upon those that are as strong as she has historically been, for it shall not be upon her best interest to initiate as so strategically.

On behalf of His Majesty Aurel III, I hereby ensure the fact and promise that Yohannesia and Her Commonwealth Empire shall ensure that her maritime grace exclude its wave from the border of Taraskovyia and Her Imperial Realm, international sphere of influence. His Majesty vehemently holds the indubitable belief that it will, congruently, fulfil the common interest of both great Empires that no conflicting sphere of influence interest shall tarnish future potential relationship which both Great Empires may have and hold.

His Majesty Aurel III shall furthermore express His Majesty’s Government interest to amalgamate and establish a form of common trade agreement between that of Yohannesia and Taraskovya, alongside the possibility of a non-aggression pact between both respective Empires. It is with the best of wish that His Majesty Aurel III hope that this missive shall be received with that of a warm and positive resonance.

May the divine lords in heaven bless both Taraskovya and Yohannesia.

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Henceforth let it be known upon the twenty-fifth of the third, the year of our Lord two thousand and twelve that this statement has been declared. So May the dictation of His Lord uphold this declaration as authorised by the Commonwealth of the nineteen countries and Her Crown Realms be enforced upon in its entirety.



As Signed by the Rt Hon. Julius Frej Shriver
His Majesty's Minister of Foreign Affairs

[OOC: Edited 2 times, MS words corr. mucked up somehow >:]

[The United Soviet Socialist Republic]

Dear commonwealth of Yohannes

We wish to formally condemn your actions, we will always allow your products here, you make some of the most high quality goods on the market, but declaring war on countries who dont allow your goods? That is honestly a terrible idea, there are lots of other nations to sell your goods to, like us for example, we often buy goods from VMK, my point is war is not a good economic tool in a case like this, diplomacy would be a much better way to solve your problems.

With this being said we would like you to reconsider your stance on this issue, killing those who dont buy from you will only discourage people to buy from you and likely get you a war. Even with these issues we will still buy from your nation as you produce good products, but we sincerly hope you change your stance on this issue, we do not want new wars to go on.

We never induce trade barriers on nations, especially not high quality dealers such as yourself, however if you do not reconsider than we might consider diplomatic action against your nation. So please see reason and stop rampant and un needed agression.

Yours Truly Vladimir King

[Shazbotdom]

FROM THE OFFICE OF HIS MOST HIGH
DEFENDER OF THE EMPIRE
COMMANDER OF THE ARMED FORCES
THE SUPREME EMPEROR
MR. LARRY WILLIAMS

We here in the Empire would allow goods to come from your Nation to ports throughout the Empire. From our ports in the Shazbotdom Mainland, to ports throughout the Colonies of the Shazbotdom Empire. We hope that this will create more of an understanding between our two cultures as well as help boost the Economies between our two Nations.
Be on notice though that all goods imported into the Shazbotdom Empire go through a rigorous importing process to ensure that no goods that can be deemed hazardous to the safety of the people of the Shazbotdom Empire. Although it shouldn't be that much of a hassle and the price markup from the importation process should be minimal (only about a 0.0025% Markup). I'll allow you some time to reply.

[Former Wellboneland]

To: The Yohannesian Government
From: Markus II

I applaud this declaration, but warn you about filth.
The anthro filth, you know them? Burn them. It's preferred.

Much luck,

Markus II

[The Batorys]

OOC: I had a long, really nice IC reply written up, with official stamps and everything. Then the forum ate it. I know, my own fault for not pasting it into word or something, but nothing I can do about it now and I'm too frustrated to rewrite it. But the basic gist was along the lines of it was pretty much "We don't like the idea of you trying to apply this policy to the Empire, since the Empress can manage her property any way she likes. You already enjoy far more favorable trade conditions than most states, so don't push your luck. It didn't work out so well for you last time."

Sorry.

[Herrebrugh]

SPRH Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Herman-Gorterallee 3
3061 EF ROTTERDAM

Yohannesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Adressed to Minister J. F. Shriver

Rotterdam, SPRH, the 26th of March 2012

Dear Sir Shriver,

I hereby inform you that the Socialist People's Republic of Herrebrugh regrets the, quite frankly, imperialist stance you and the other members of the Yohannesian government have imposed on the nation. I'd furthermore like to note that the People and government of the SPRH are unsusceptible to the threats you voice to the world.

The Herrebrughian People has overthrown capitalist society a long time ago, and the Herrebrughian People's Army shall stop at nothing to protect the freedoms brought to us by both socialism and communism, and to repel any invader who dares setting foot on the grand People's Democracy that is the SPRH.

We therefore would like to ask you to lay down your weapons, at least in the direction of the Herrebrughian People, and keep us from entering the horrors of war.

Sincerely,



Gerard Dubois, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist People's Republic of Herrebrugh

[Stevid]

Official Communique from the
Stevidian Ministry of Trade and Economics
on Behalf of His Majesty's Government
of the Holy Empire of Stevid

For the attention of the Rt Hon. Julius Frej Shriver,

Yohannesia and Her Commonwealth Empire has always been viewed by the most honourable and faithful Holy Empire of Stevid as a true economical international friend in a world where violence and chaos threatens our nations' societies on a domestic and international level. We continue to purchase from military storefronts that run direct from your nation in competition to other international markets, as do other private businesses within Stevid. Both Imperial and Yohannesian goods are of a quality spoken of in many quarters of the globe and it is in the interest of both our economies to continue this vital trade of goods and services. Likewise, the Empire believes in a free, progressive and sometimes supported private sector and encourages such enterprises to branch out into the global economic market and bring much needed money into the country.

Despite our shared economic opinions and goals, the declaration of open boarders sounds like a vision of a perfect, but impossible, world. To threaten the use of military force upon nations unwilling to trade with you or anyone at all is a gross infringement on a nation's sovereignty and own 'divine' right to exercise. If a nation does not wish to engage in international trade then it is simply to their own disadvantage. For Yohannes to force a nation to have open boarders is hugely disrespectful to another nation's right to self-determination and an action that the Holy Empire fully abhors.

This Empire fully condemns this official declaration of your government and is, unfortunately, an action typical of a nation residing within the region of Gholgoth. This Holy Empire wishes for no change in the diplomatic or economic relationship with Yohannesia and Her Commonwealth, however we must stick to our principles under these circumstances.

The Holy Empire of Stevid is also hugely offended by your thinking that the Yohannesian Navy has a 'God-given right' to put this policy into action. As a country loyal and devout to the faith, we find such words tantamount to heresy - an act this Empire finds so disgusting, deplorable and so insensitive to the Christian faith that our opinion of Yohannesia and Her Commonwealth has been seriously damaged. We advice that your esteemed and well respected country and associated Commonwealth, choose her words more carefully in the future. Even Stevid's most faithful and glorious Empire does not have divine right over lands other than our own homeland. No mortal holds such power.

We then impress this upon Yohannesia and Her Commonwealth; if any nation within Greater Dienstad is attacked because their boarder policies on trade, then the Stevidian military will, unfortunately, have to act to prevent a conflict that could threaten the entire region and also Stevidian interests.

Consider this communique as a counter threat to your own even though the Holy Empire of Stevid does not fall into your bracket of concern.


Signed
Right Honourable Benjamin Gaule, CBE
Minister of Economics to His Majesty's Government of the Holy Empire of Stevid


God save the King.
God save the Empire.

[Savlbard and Jobby]

from the Prime Minister of Savlbard

as an Island Nation Savlbard and its territories we rely heavily on trade with other nations
even if other nations of Scandinavia refer to us as the Dancing Bear of Scandinavia any act of aggression against Savlbard and its territories to force open borders will be considered an act of war.... and this Dancing Bear will turn homicidal

[Ainin]

From: Jimmy Dolls, Aininian Minister of Foreign Affairs
To: The Government of Yohannes
Encryption: None

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We have always viewed the nation of Yohannes in a positive manner. Today, not so much. Enforcing free trade on sovereign states is a ridiculous notion that should be condemned. Even though many nations trade with you, you cannot force a nation to trade. That is a violation of their sovereign rights as a state. We hope you will come to your senses and back down from this threat.

[Dungeyland]

The Office of the Secretary of State
On Behalf of Her Majesty the Queen
The Dangish Empire

Regarding the Imperial Declaration of the Yohannesian Empire,

Dear Sir/Madame,

For almost a hundred years or so, the Dangish Empire and the Yohannesian Empire have prospered, hand in hand, fate in fate, on the basis of freedom, rights and sound economics. A key aspect of the continued excellence of our economies and our finances, we believe, has been the free and open border, with free and open trade. A realm must be open to all who wish to trade with it. This is one of the many beliefs that bind our realms and our empires together.

Today, sadly for the Foreign Office, that may all change. A peaceful people, we do not find ourselves in favour of the proliferation of violence. The Dangish Empire was built on the backs of hard working men, and money to compensate, and has been sustained on the prospect of a better life under the standard of Dangia and her Queen.

We are no strangers to violence, yet we are inbuilt with a fear of it, for we have fought before, and we have lost those whom our people hold dear. Never again, we say, as a war concludes, yet always again, we find ourselves rushing to fight and to defend our beliefs, our rights and our people.

We do not wish to declare war on the Yohannesian Empire. It is no secret that we are not in a position to fight, and nor were we expecting to be. Due to this change of events, that may change fast. We shall not fight the Yohannesian Empire yet, and we shall not fight tomorrow. However, I have been instructed by Her Majesty's Government to declare that if the Yohannesian Empire attempts to infringe the basic diplomatic rights of a realm that is allied to us, that a state of war shall exist between us.

Please note, that the Dangish Empire shall maintain its policy of allowing free access and exit to all Yohannesian merchant vessels, although we shall not permit the access of military vehicles, which shall also result in a state of war. This day is not a day that anybody in the Foreign Office had hoped.

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Yours sincerely,
The Rt. Honourable George Hague M.P.
The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

[Tarasovka]

TARASKOVYAN EMPIRE
FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY

His Excellency Alexei Shen-Shoturskiy, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Taraskovyan Empire, His Grace the Duke of Var-Vilena and Southern Aphyr et al.
to
His Excellency Julius Frej Shriver, the Right Honourable, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yohannesian Crown Commonwealth Realms

Concerning: Enforcement of Yohannesian Free Trade


Your Excellency,

Your clarification is most certainly welcome. In turn, the Taraskovya Empire may guarantee her abidance by the consistent policy of placing Taraskovyan interest first and foremost. For in as long as Yohannesian actions do not intrude upon those interests, and it stems from Your Excellency's missive that this shall not happen, there is no reason for Taraskovya to intrude upon the interests of the Yohannesian Crown.

His Most August Majesty the Vasilevs views favorably the pursuance of further ties between our two Powers and has instructed Her High Excellency the Imperial Chancellor and myself to undertake the appropriate steps in this direction. To this end I have instructed the competent staff of my Ministry to establish technical talks with Your Excellency's own competent staff on the exact modalities and details of a mutual exchange of Ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary and diplomatic and consular missions. Your Excellency's staff shall most certainly be queried about the exact administrative and political arrangements between Yohannesia and the members of her Crown Commonwealth. But such talks of technicalities are better left to our experts.

In so far as an agreement on trade is concerned, Your Excellency shall understand the need to proceed in consistent and solid steps to ensure the long term efficiency and mutual profitability of our bilateral relations. His Excellency the Imperial Minister for the Economy is most certainly the best qualified to name the exact sums and amounts of trade going on between Taraskovyan and Yohannesian private and financial actors within the current legal and administrative arrangement. The establishment of formal diplomatic relations shall most certainly have a direct impact on mutual trade as it is the consistent policy of the Taraskovyan Empire to allow entrance into her borders only to the citizens of those Powers the Empire has established formal diplomatic, consular or representative relations. For the rest, extensive negotiations shall be necessary that shall involve all sorts of experts from both our Ministries, but also from other branches of our respective Governments, as well as from the economic and financial actors interested in such an arrangement.

Finally, pertaining to matters of international security, an agreement on the non use of force in mutual relations shall most certainly be possible once there is a formal and solid base diplomatic relationship to build on. Our immediate efforts should, thus, be directed to achieving this first cornerstone goal to construct a foundation upon which everything else shall rest.

May the Holy Theotokos watch over Taraskovya and Yohannesia,

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Taraskovyan Empire
Alexei Shen-Shoturskiy
Duke of Var-Vilena and Southern Aphyr et al.