Our time in the Sun too (Earth Empire)

[Democratic Eurasia]

"And now back to our main headline- government ministers and business leaders were present in Budapest to observe the last consignment of supplies for the Morning Star class space station Wednesday leave using the Banki Space Elevator. With these supplies the station has been declared fully operational. In a press conference a few hours later Defence Minister Tanya Grozensky stated that the Wednesday was fully operational and that military command would properly deploy her very soon."
The sceen cut to the steps outside Budapest's city hall. Grozensky and her entourage had braved a grey and gloomy sky to make the announcement.
"I'm pleased to announce that the Wednesday's crew reported that all systems were operational, they have all the supplies, equipment and manpower that they need and the station will be available for active duties within the next 12 hours. We are very happy at the increased security that this station will give to our national integrity, our trade routes and our commercial interests in the solar system. I think that these stations, the most advanced space stations in the entire system, truly demostrate this Federation's industrial, scientific and military abilities and shows the rest of the world how Eurasia is spearheading this new industrial revolution. We have also since recieved reports from Eurasian National Ship Foundries and the Eagle Communications Group that the remaining Morning Star station's on on budget and on schedule. Thank you."
Ignoring the flood of questions coming from the assembled crowd the Minister turned and went inside.
Back in the studio the news anchors smiled at the camera, as one gestured to her left.
"Now we have Professor Gerhard von Anhalt of Charles University, an expert in modern politics, and Mia Vukotic the military affairs columnist for the Nepszabadsag newspaper. Professor, what will this new battle station most likely be used for?...."



A few hours later a small new bulletin noted the naval command had deployed the Wednesday the the planet Jupiter, just as most analysts had predicted. The last piece of the Chancellor's plan was in place.

[Democratic Eurasia]

Prague Castle, Prague, Federation of Democratic Eurasia

"Chancellor- Vice-Admiral Jaroslav has sent confirmation to Naval High Command. The Wednesday is in orbit around Jupiter and Battlegroup 5 has redevoused with it without any problems."

"Good. Inform the Viceroy that we're ready for his missives to be sent to Spain, Britain, France, Russia, Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands."

"Yes, sir."



"To (Insert head of State's name here)
The Fedration of Democratic Eurasia wishes to discuss a particularly sensitive matter with you. For a long time now Eurasia has been the single largest gas mining nation on both Saturn and Neptune, and on Jupiter Eurasian commercial holdings account of just over 50% of the gas exported back to Earth.
Your nation has a proud stellar empire and mighty fleets to protect it, and it is not the only one. But Eurasia has been left out in the cold in the new colonial race with no colonies. In order to bring the unified rule of peace and law to the gas giants Eurasia hopes to formally announce their annexation. At the very least if it is us in control we will be able to take the steps needed to eradicate the raiders who hide amongst, and prey on, the orbital mining platforms.
We understand, however that such a move would cause great concern, not just with your nation, but with other across the globe. We hope to negotiate with you, and with the others- we despise war and would go about this enterprise diplomatically. We have specific ideas for how to ensure that move is not misconstrued threatening to your people or interests, but are eager to hear your initial response to this idea. We hope that you will be understanding and allies to us in these exciting times."

[Empire Netherlands]

Tag

[FSA_America]

New York City
War Planning Office
"We're sure of this?" President Charles Foster Kane leaned forward in his chair, looking at the images on the desk in front of him.

"Yes, mister President. The Eurasians moved the last of the new stations into position yesterday. The only thing something like that is good for is defending your home turf, which means they most likely intend to claim Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune-they have significant commercial holdings out there." The man in front of Kane was Admiral Ivan Anotov, promoted to Chief Military Adviser to Kane.

"Options?" Kane asked. "I don't want to be known as the president who got us out of one war only to drop us into another. What's the chance this goes hot?"

Anotov answered after a moment of thought. "We can't do much, sir. We can escort our ships, but it's have to be with Old Line vessels, so that won't help if it comes to shooting. I don't think the Euros will start a fight over this-too much at stake in the area."

Kane nodded. Anotov's assessment was in line with his own. "Put an escort on all major convoys-anything over, say, five ships gets a frigate or two. Anything over fifteen gets a battleship. Put the word out to that effect." Anotov nodded, saluted, and left.

Official Message
From the Office of the President
With the recent deployment of several Eurasian fortresses to the gas giants and Neptune, it has been decided that henceforth, all American convoys consisting of five ships or more shall receive the escort of at least two Old Line frigates. Any convoy over fifteen ships will get a battleship and several frigates as escorts. These escorts will not fire unless fired upon and I promise the nations of the world they are intended only to secure America's commercial lifelines, and not to threaten any other space-faring power.

Signed,
Charles Foster Kane
President of the Federated States of America

[Democratic Eurasia]

"We respect American concern and would like to issue a direct gaurentee to President Kane that we have no interest or intent in interfering in any way with American interests on Earth or across the solar system. We will respect your convoys, and the ships escorting them, and should they ever need any assistance then any available Eurasian forces will be assigned to help safeguard American lives and livelyhoods.
Ambassador Vudrivic"

[The Venetian Empire]

Doge Benito was in a good mood. He was drinking coffe in his office, getting done some annoying paperwork he only just found time for. It was a beatiful day in a beautiful city, ah, how lovely Venice could be in the daytime. How beautifully, wonderfully lovely.
Then he came across a letter. Puzzled, he read it while sipping away at his coffee, even as his good mood deteriorated. He stopped, put down the accursed letter, his eyes flaming, and thought.
His chain of thought may have gone a little like this. So, he thought, these Austrians, around a thousand years ago they robbed our ancestors of their sovereignity and resolved to rule them as part of their hateful empire. Now, after we fought so hard to achieve freedom, and are only just beginning to rise to power once more, they have changed their name, built a spacefleet and resolved to put an end to the trade our nation relies on.
It was probably around this point he stood up, stormed out of his office, turned and screamed to his secretary, "WE'RE GOING TO WAR!"

---

Official Communique

The Most Serene Republic of Venice

TO: Democratic Eurasia
FROM: The Most Serene Republic of Venice

By order of His Highness Doge Benito Domenico of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, the Venetian Armada has been made ready for war against the ignorant Eurasian fools who, some 1,000 years before, robbed us of our liberty, ending a Republic over 1,000 years old. Now they are claiming ridiculously large areas of land, and have attempted to cut off trade that we, as a nation, rely on for our very survival. It is time, then, to show these Austrians, or Eurasians, or whatever they call themselves, that we will not stand for it! We hereby declare war on Democratic Eurasia!
Signed,

Doge B. Domenico, Ruler of the Republic of Venice

[Nuevo Imperio Espanol]

The Spanish Minister of Sol Affairs did not have much to do, and only really had to ensure that all the Sol colonies had enough supplies and that all trade routes were functioning and guarded. But, when she received on her desk the Eurasian-Austrian letter, she finally had her work cut out for her. She began to speak with the leaders of both the national and private gas harvesting companies on the gas planets, along with military and colonial advisers, as well as referring to the recording of the peace meeting between the FSA and the Eurasians. She finally compacted enough data to make a response, which was brief yet firm.

To whom it may concern of Eurasian-Austria,

On behalf of the King, and in the name of our recent and on-going peace talks, I would like to bring up your annexation of Neptune, Saturn and Jupiter. I have several points to make, so bear with me.
First off, we would like to note that our private and national gas harvesting interests on any of the the fore mentioned planets not be dismantled. If you truly annex the planets, we would still need the precoius gasses that come from the planet, and we expect that our interests will be unharmed. If needed, we would pay a small tax to take gas, but nothing outrageous. Second, we will be escorting every caravan of three vessels to or from the planets with a frigate, and adding one for every three vessels. This is to ensure that Eurasian forces do not pirate our vessels, and are simply a precaution. We do not expect this of you, but it is better safe than sorry. Third, we wish to establish the belief that any workers, ships and facilities we use to harvest will n ot be harmed or taken in the annexation.
If these points are met, we will agree and allow this annexation to take place. If needed, as mentioned, we will pay a small tax for the facilities and ships used to harvest.

Regards,
Garcia Lopez

[Empire Netherlands]

King William sat in his office reading the days reports. He had recieved disturbing news from the Tuscany sytem and had mobilized a few more cruisers to assits the colonists. So when he got the letter from the Austrians he was in a rather bad mood. He read over the letter and as he did his face turned to a frown. The Austrians saying they had claims over the gas giants, that was to much. They had a chance to colonize the Tuscany system (he temporarily forgot of the situation there) but they weren't fast enough. Just because they were a slow country and couldn't take advantage of opportunities didn't mean they should have control over in system planets. The netherlands made some serious money from the gas giants and couldn't risk lossing there trade ports. At the same time a dircet war with Eurasia wasn't in there best interest either. He decided to wait on the wings until he could garrenty support agianst them. (OOC: I know you plan on going to war Venice but my King wouldn't know about that yet.)

[Democratic Eurasia]

Responding quietly and privately to the national leaders that had contacted them the Chancellor and his diplomats worked quickly and professionally to resolve the many issues that they knew would arise.

"To the honourable Minister Garcia Lopez
We are exceptionally grateful for the friendly and reasonable Spanish response- we are happy to inform you that your requests are quite reasonably and we will be honoured to acceed to them in order to enjoy Spain's esteemed support in this matter.
I can formally tell you that we will guarentee the safety of all Spainiards and Spanish interests- colonial and commercial. We will not interfere with Spanish convoys and we will be happy to negotiate a suitable tax rate directly with your mining firms.
Chancellor Anton Jarolski"

"To His Highness, Doge Benito Domenico of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, we send our friendliest greetings.
It is a sad fact that our nations have quarrelled at many points throughout history- but it is my profound belief that deep down Eurasians and Venetians have an understanding, an understanding bourne out of our proximity to each other. This all the more so now that Eurasia is an equal democracy, inside of an Austro-centric absolute monarchy. Venice can rest assured that all quarrels can be put behind us, that Prague hopes very strongly that it can consider Venice as a friend.
We understand His Highness' grave concerns, and the historical precedents that the Emperors engaged in. But remember, the period you remember- of Austrian occupation- only came about when Austria was forced to incorporate Venetia into its Empire by Napoleon, who overwhelmed the armies of both our nations. Surely though a thousand years is enough time to come around to forgiveness? There is a new order in this country, one of peace, prosperity and freedom.
This new government will not try to repeat the mistakes and transgressions of its predecessor. We regret the hasty Venetian declaration of war, but we are hopeful that we can convinve you of our good intent and persuade you to rescind the declaration before any violence erupts or before protracted talks are needed to resolve our perceived differences.
If His Highness requires more concrete proof of our benign intent towards his people then we invite him to come to Prague, where we would be more than happy to negotiate a non-aggression pact with Venice, and undertake to guarentee the Republic's territorial borders from any other power that would seek to harm our enterprising neighbour.
Yours, in the neighbourly spirit of peace,
Chancellor Anton Jarolski"


Jarolski looked down at the letters, signed them and then stood and looked out of his window, with its fine view of the Golden City.
"Right, get them sent off immediatly. And someone please make it particularly clear to the Italians that we will not compromise Venice's borders, we will only defend ourselves if attacked. Our troops and ships will be alerted, but no invasion will be launched. Tell the Italian Ambassador he has my personal word on that- I'm prepared to put it to writing and send it to Rome. There's no need to invoke that treaty of theirs. We don't want war. Make that clear." the aides nodded and moved quick;y to obey, "Soon, ladies and gentlemen, I think we will be able to officially announce this, make it actual policy. And mark it down as a formal annexation. What I'm most eager to hear though is the response from the Kremlin- has there been any message from the Russian embassy?"

"No, sir. And our embassy in Moscow reports nothing as well."

"We'll just have to wait then."

[OMGeverynameistaken]

An Official Decree of His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Nicholas IX, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russias

It has recently come to our attention that the Eurasian state would lay claim to a number of heretofore neutral bodies within the Sol system. While, of course, it is well within the rights of all states to claim such bodies should no previous claim exist, it is our duty as Emperor of Russia to bring to light the fact that, in the year of 1972, the Imperial Outer System Exploration Project deployed a probe to Jupiter, which is, to our knowledge, most likely still orbiting that world somewhere or other.

This establishes Russia as the original state to come to Jupiter and, therefore, gives our claim, which we shall now stake, to that body priority.

It is hereby declared that Jupiter is now a grand duchy of the Russian Empire. Naturally, all present business concerns on the planet will be allowed to remain in place, provided they are willing to accede to a minor export tax.

In order to secure the formalization of Russian claims to Jupiter, we have dispatched the Home Fleet from its berthing at Mars to Jupiter. Any attempts to negate our rightful claim to this body will be treated as an act of war and dealt with as such.

Emperor Nicholas IX, Autocrat of All Russias
Orthodoxy, Autocracy, Nationalism
(Signed)

[The Venetian Empire]

Official Communique

The Most Serene Republic of Venice

TO: Tsar Nicholas IX, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russias
FROM: The Most Serene Republic of Venice

The Most Serene Republic is somewhat dismayed by your demands of an import tax, as a nation who relies heavily on trade, and in the knowlegde that mining facilities on Jupiter are responsible for the production of much of the materials that Venice deals in, the Most Serene Republic wishes to offer a simple deal to help us get around this clash of interest. The Venetian Republic will pay you 200,000,000 liras for 25% of Jupiter's surface. We are prepared to haggle. Thank you in advance.
Signed,

Doge B. Domenico, Ruler of the Republic of Venice

[Nuevo Imperio Espanol]

To: Tsar Nicholas IX, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia

We would like to speak to you on the matter of yourt claim to the planet of Jupiter. While, in all fairness, it is your right to claim the planet, we ask that you read my points on the matter, and consider them.
First off, we would like to note that our private and national gas harvesting interests on any of the the fore mentioned planet not be dismantled. If you truly annex the planets, we would still need the precious gasses that come from the planet, and we expect that our interests will be unharmed. If needed, we would pay a small tax to take gas, but nothing outrageous. Second, we will be escorting every caravan of three vessels to or from the planets with a frigate, and adding one for every three vessels. This is to ensure that Russian forces do not pirate our vessels, and are simply a precaution. We do not expect this of you, but it is better safe than sorry. Third, we wish to establish the belief that any workers, ships and facilities we use to harvest will not be harmed or taken in the annexation.
Also, we wish to know if will allow the Spanish Empire to pay a regulated tax each year in return for the mining rights. This can be negotiated upon.

Minister of Sol Affairs, Garcia Lopez

[Bavin]

Official Statement of Her Majesty's Government

It has come to the attention of Her Majesties Government that the Eurasian Federation has laid claim to world that were held as neutral territory for over a hundred years. This move threatens not only to cause potential collapse in many nation's mining industries, as well as potentially destabilizing the balance of power across the entire Sol System.

To worsen the current situation, the Russian Empire has deemed that they too will be ignorant of history, claiming Jupiter for themselves. The British Empire will not do the same, however, we will act to preserve the status quo in the outer part of the solar system. Therefore, the Empire hereby condemns the actions of both the Federation and the Russian State. In addition, all trade between the Empire and the Federation is hereby halted, and the Eurasian embassy in London will be evicted.

Furthermore, all "claudia" exports from the Empire to the Russian State are hereby halted, and a 15% tariff will be added onto pre-existing tariffs against the Russian State.

Finally, noting the widespread international outrage against the actions of the Federation, the Empire hereby invites all objecting nations to a conference in Glasgow three days from now, to form a united front against those that would threaten the peace and livelihood of huge amounts of the human population.

As a potential solution, the Empire suggests that the Federation follow the example of the Empire to claim territory outside of The Solar System proper, where they will not face opposition from other powers.

Signed, Minister for Foreign Affiars,

Sir Johnathan Smith

[Nuevo Imperio Espanol]

Diplomatic Missive to Eurasian-Austria and The Russian Empire

As both of yuo know, the Spanish Empire has sent word about supporting both your claims to the planets on question, Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune. Well, the operative, Garcia Lopez, was recently sent to a medical ward for mental reasons, and her files have been subject to question,. After reviewing her messages to borh of your nations, I must declare her statements invalid. We niether support nor condemn your actions, but we will be increasing our trade route protection, and will not be negotiating until the Glasgow meetings in the UK. This is also a point to make that we expect our interests on the three planets to remain unchanged.

Thank you and good day,
Marcia Martinez

[FSA_America]

Official Message
From the State Department
The Federated States of America will attend the Glasgow Conference. The Secretary of State, Philip Taliferro, and his military aide Kevin Sanders will be there, along with their staff. While we will not make any promises, we are hesitant to enter any sort of aggressive war against Russia or Eurasia, and at this point the American government has taken a stance of non-belligerency, meaning we will in no way assist the Russians or Eurasians in any military endeavors, but all trade and other non-military relations are still open.

Signed,
Adrian Prescott
Undersecretary of State

[OMGeverynameistaken]

A Message from His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Nicholas IX, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russias
To Minister Smith,

Your objects are noted, however, we are merely acting to protect our own interests in the outer solar system. Should the Eurasians withdraw their claim, we will do the same. If your state wishes to continue with these extortionary measures, the Russian Empire will respond in kind, ordering the cessation of all food exports to the British Empire and a 15% increase in the extant export tax on all British goods passing through Russian ports. These measures will continue until the British Empire ceases its economic attacks upon our Empire.

As to the conference, you may expect our ambassador to attend.

Tsar Nicholas IX, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russias
(Signed)

To Doge Domenico,
A Message from Foreign Minister Kochubey

Currently the situation involving Jupiter is flexible. As we may or may not choose to retain our claim to that planet based on the actions of the Eurasian state, the Russian Empire must, for now, decline to accept your offer. However, if talks should break down we will be pleased to take your offer back into consideration.

Minsiter Kochubey
(Signed)

[Empire Netherlands]

The Netherlands will send a diplomat to the Glasgow Conference. We do not wish to be involved in conflict but we would like to see our trade routes protected.

From King William

[Democratic Eurasia]

@ Russia

"We are dismayed that you should choose to act against an ally of yours, a nation that has always sought good relations with you. We must request the reason for Russia's betrayal of us- we would gladly have backed you in many other areas. We were prepared to offer materials and funds in support of your war with the Hyperborians, back in your other efforts to improve your national standing in other ways and even offer mutual cooperation in developing new ships classes. These offers still stand- if Russia will withdraw this claim, act honourably to its allies and support them when they basic and non-threatening way to improve their peoples' living standards."

@Britain

"Eurasia requests permission to come to Glasgow to state its case. We have not taken any action now, we have simply made a request to be treated fairly by the world. We can moderate our position if it looks to threaten world peace. We have not threatened any nation and we have not tried to disrupt their people's livihoods. We do not want to retaliate in a petty way. We request that Britain reset its commercial and diplomatic relations with us until negotiations have been tempted.
Eurasia has little interest in extra-solar colonies. We are not a nation looking to rule great swathes of the galaxy. We do not intend to pose any threat to other nations. We simply ask to be allowed to operate as equals to to other powers without risky and expensive ventures to the wild, unknown regions of space. We want alliance, not atagonisation with Britain. How could we ever threaten you, with your mighty Royal Navy?"

[The Venetian Empire]

Official Communique

The Most Serene Republic of Venice

TO: Sir Johnathan Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Great Britain
FROM: The Most Serene Republic of Venice

It is most refreshing to see that not all world leaders are bent on starting a World War, and we will gladly attend the Glasgow Conference. I may even attend myself, if my schedule allows. While our trade deals more significantly in food supplies, and precious metals and stones, the gas trade is important to us, and we do not appreciate any attempt to cut it off. While we are confident of our ability to tackle the Eurasians, we cannot face the might of Russia. Indeed, as you are well aware, only your own most noble and mighty nation, and perhaps the French, can claim equal or greater might than the Tsar. It is good, then, that you, too, have not chosen to go to war, instead you have set the example through diplomacy. Perhaps we, too, were rash in our decleration of war on Eurasia, but then, we all make mistakes- and besides, Eurasia has never been a trustworthy nation.
Signed,

Doge B. Domenico, Ruler of the Republic of Venice

[Eternal Portugal]

In response and relation to the recent Austrian declaration and the proceeding events:

The State of Portugal wishes to first and foremost register its displeasure with, foremost, the unwelcome and intrusive claim of sovereignity over what is and should remain, one of the new neutral grounds of economic competition remaining in the Solar System. Whilst we understand the need of the Austrian state to claim prestige and further economic security, we do not beleive this is the method in which to do so. It is our view, therefore, to treat your claim as baseless for the current time.

We also find, much to the same effect, the Russian claim, whilst backed up with threats of brutality, to be just as baseless. The Russian Empire has had centuries in which to stake its claim and it has not done so. We beleived the Russian State to not be of childish reactionary wordcrafting, we would like to beleive we were not mistaken. We will wait upon the result of the conference proposed by the British Empire before deciding upon further action should the claim not be rescinded. As such, Portuguese corporate interests, under Portuguese Statutory Colonial Law, subsection 4, paragraph 46 - Disputed Claim's - will not be able to lawfully pay the Russian Empire any required fees. As Portuguese interests and therefore, sovereign law in those interests were applicable before the claim - they therefore have legal priority. The Russian Empire is welcome to submit its legal case to the Portuguese Courts as soon as possible in order to rectify this problem.

The Imperial Union hereby wishes to make note to its British friends that we would be most pleased if we too, were allowed to attend the forthcoming conference that was suggested - in order to help solve this issue, properly make cause and law for such a thing never to occur again, aswell as any other possible outcomes that may be realised.

At Behest Of The King,
Raoul Vastendas,
For and on Behalf of the Foreign Ministry,
The Imperial Union of Eternal Portugal.

[Venusian France]

To: All Concerned States

From: Dominique Pilchard Minister of State, Third French Empire

Sub: Recent Claim on Gas Giants

It is with great dismay that the Empire views these recent events sparked by Eurasia's impetuous claim. It has become international law to recognize that the gas giants and outer planets are neutral entities, to be exploited only my the commercial concerns of private enterprise. This arrangement has proven itself beneficial for all nations, whether they have large colonial spheres or not. The proof of this statement is shown in Eurasia's own gas industry that has flourished because of the mining rights granted by the neutrality of the outer planets. This reckless attempt to annex the gas giants serves no purpose and no beneficial end.

If Democratic Eurasia attempts to enforce their annexation they will find themselves attempting to do so against the will of the Emperor, whose wish that the outer planets remain neutral is substantiated by the Venusian Space Navy. Any attempt by Democratic Eurasia to force French mining companies to submit to their claim, will be resisted fully.

The Emperor believes and rightly so that the Czar's own claim is in reaction to Democratic Eurasia's. It is our hope that he will attend the conference and there all our nations will be able to amicably resolve this situation.

[Democratic Eurasia]

"A note to those world leaders who have contacted us so far on the matter of our suggestion to annex the three gas giants:
We have noted the strong objections of world governments to our anexation proposal, even the abject betrayal of our state by nations that previously led us to beleive that we were allies. We are sad to see that no nation has responded to our diplomatic iniative- its leads us to wonder, with so little incentive for using diplomatic channels, whether we should consider a directly military option should similar circumstances arise. We are sad to see that thpse nations wishing to improve themselves with stellar holding will be held back by those with hedgemonies to protect, regardless of previous loyalties. Certain headstrong nations have even taken actions against us- we have not retaliated and trust our maturity will be rewarded by the promt retraction of these actions by relevant nations. Otherwise Eurasia will be forced to take basic steps to ensure its safety.
We wish to reiterate our request to come to Glasgow to state our position, and to negotiate- but we will follow to general decision of the conference, provided it is fairly and impartially mediated, that we are given fair chance to speak and that all nations follow proper diplomatic protocols. We trust that this is stating the obvious, but wish to have it down in clear writing."

[Nuevo Imperio Espanol]

To: Chancellor of Earasian Austria

We are allies by the peace treaty that is currently on its way of being signed, but we still believe that your annexation might threaten our place on the three planets. We will not condemn nor condone it, but we will be willing to hear your side of the matter at the Glasgow Conference, when it occurs. Until then, I hope that all of Spains interests on the questionwed planets will remain safe. We will not interfere unless the matter risks our peoples interests. Please do not believe for a moment that we would risk a war with you now after the treaty, though it might come to blows if the talks fail.

Regards,
Marcia Martinez, new Minister of Sol Affairs

[OMGeverynameistaken]

A Letter from Minister Kochubey
To the Eurasian Foreign Ministry

Greetings,

It is the Tsar's belief that your actions threaten the stability of the Russian Empire, its commercial ventures in the Outer Sol region, and, indeed, the stability of the entire Terran sphere of influence. Quite frankly, at this point, it seems that the best option is to secure our own claim and ensure that, should war result, we end up with something, rather than merely a bloody nose.

It is our response that, should the Eurasian state wish to maintain its good relations with the Russian Empire, that they shall withdraw their claims, at which point Russia will neutralize its own. As the British have so arrogantly stated, the preferred outcome is for the status quo to be maintained. However, if that is not your wish, then we will ensure that Russia has continued access to the Jupiter mining concerns.

As to betrayal, perhaps the Eurasian people should consider the results of their actions before committing to such rash maneuvers as the annexation of large parts of the solar system when such bodies have long been held as both neutral and free, and while there is no shortage of space on those bodies, nor any reason to claim them beyond the belief that it will somehow enhance your imperial prestige to hold large planetary bodies uncontested.

In short, withdraw your claims, and we shall withdraw ours. Relations between our states may return to normal and we will be pleased to assist the Eurasian state in exploratory efforts to locate a suitably system for colonization and development outside of Sol.


Minsiter Kochubey
(Signed)


An Open Letter to Those Involved as Written by His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Nicholas IX, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russias

It has come to our attention that several states have seemingly misinterpreted our claims to the planet of Jupiter. Indeed, this has apparently provoked a number of hostile reactions, seemingly chiefly motivated by the British who, as they are wont to do, have insinuated that the Russian Empire is on some form of crusade to bring the entirety of Sol under its influence. As is the norm, these accusations are entirely without base and serve only to provide Britain with the excuse its public requires to justify a war.

We have made our stance clear to various nations, but now, as these vicious rumors seem to be continuing, we shall make our stance on this matter clear.

Our claim to Jupiter is solely in reaction to Eurasia's own claim to the outer system. Should they withdraw their claims, we shall withdraw ours. We shall make no further protestations of our innocence, as there is no further need to do so. Our motivations are in the interests of the entire Terran sphere.

As we have stated in letters to the British, our ambassador to that state shall be attending the Glasgow conference, whatever the result may be, he will be abiding by our declaration as above.

Tsar Nicholas IX, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russias
Orthodoxy, Autocracy, Nationalism
(Signed)

[Democratic Eurasia]

Responding to Spain openly we state that no actions will be take, either way, until after the Glasgow Conference.