Tokyo Conference [CLOSED/CoDN MEMBERS ONLY]

[Yurizlansia]

"A blockade of the Suez Canal will be a perfect step in destroying the power of the Athens Pact. If it is performed as a 'sanction', there would be no legitimate reason for them to declare war. We should also build deep trenches and fortifications on the border of our nations that are shared with Athens Pact nations. If none of our soldiers engage the enemy, then any attack by Athens Pact nations would not be justifiable. Another way to harm their alliance is to get them to start a war, which would hurt the international community's view of the Athens Pact even further. I do believe that sharing technology and performing military exercises will also aid our plans against the Athens Pact."

I vote yea for the blockade, but the war part needs to be elaborated on more.

[Dragomerian Islands]

"A blockade of the Suez Canal will be a perfect step in destroying the power of the Athens Pact. If it is performed as a 'sanction', there would be no legitimate reason for them to declare war. We should also build deep trenches and fortifications on the border of our nations that are shared with Athens Pact nations. If none of our soldiers engage the enemy, then any attack by Athens Pact nations would not be justifiable. Another way to harm their alliance is to get them to start a war, which would hurt the international community's view of the Athens Pact even further. I do believe that sharing technology and performing military exercises will also aid our plans against the Athens Pact."

I vote yea for the blockade, but the war part needs to be elaborated on more.

"It is my understanding that if we can upgrade the border defenses of Athens Pact-bordering nations and perform military exercises, then we could trick them into initiating a war in which they would be seen as the aggressor. I intend to help nations bordering the Athens Pact nations to build defenses, especially trenches and bunkers from which to strengthen them against Athens Pact attacks."

[Yurizlansia]

I vote yea for the blockade, but the war part needs to be elaborated on more.

"It is my understanding that if we can upgrade the border defenses of Athens Pact-bordering nations and perform military exercises, then we could trick them into initiating a war in which they would be seen as the aggressor. I intend to help nations bordering the Athens Pact nations to build defenses, especially trenches and bunkers from which to strengthen them against Athens Pact attacks."

I can see that. I will be willing to build up forces on my border, and perhaps create a "situation".

[Dragomerian Islands]

"It is my understanding that if we can upgrade the border defenses of Athens Pact-bordering nations and perform military exercises, then we could trick them into initiating a war in which they would be seen as the aggressor. I intend to help nations bordering the Athens Pact nations to build defenses, especially trenches and bunkers from which to strengthen them against Athens Pact attacks."

I can see that. I will be willing to build up forces on my border, and perhaps create a "situation".

"I should inform you that creating a 'situation' would not be wise, as such a situation would naturally occur. If you do try to create a situation, it may be seen as an aggressive action. I can ensure that my nation will be willing to send help in upgrading your defenses. Knowing my feelings against the Athens Pact, they may attack once I get troops into your nation to help aid in the construction."

[Yurizlansia]

I can see that. I will be willing to build up forces on my border, and perhaps create a "situation".

"I should inform you that creating a 'situation' would not be wise, as such a situation would naturally occur. If you do try to create a situation, it may be seen as an aggressive action. I can ensure that my nation will be willing to send help in upgrading your defenses. Knowing my feelings against the Athens Pact, they may attack once I get troops into your nation to help aid in the construction."

Very well. You officially have unrestricted military access.

[Dragomerian Islands]

"I should inform you that creating a 'situation' would not be wise, as such a situation would naturally occur. If you do try to create a situation, it may be seen as an aggressive action. I can ensure that my nation will be willing to send help in upgrading your defenses. Knowing my feelings against the Athens Pact, they may attack once I get troops into your nation to help aid in the construction."

Very well. You officially have unrestricted military access.

"Thank you, after this conference ends, I will arrange the construction of the upgraded defenses."

[Liberatin]

The Liberatine Emperor conferenced with his advisors. "We should not make a rebuttal to the Ascoobian Emperor's statement. If an attendee does not agree with part of the proposal, then it should not be included in the rules of war we are developing." The second advisor nodded in agreement.

The first advisor (who had suggested the weapons proposal to the Emperor) replied, "Some of the points the Ascoobian made are true. His proposal is a good addition also. However, he is addressing the fact that we would be limiting the use of a massive amount of weapons. If our proposal was to be enacted, we should keep these rules to a minimum. But we should move on and comment on other proposals."

The second advisor said, "The Athens Pact is becoming a force not to be underestimated. As a whole, it is growing very rapidly, and have acquired land in the African continent. The members say that it is "anti-imperialist", but we know this is not true. We should avoid conflict with the Pact, but we should be aware of its actions. You can no longer ignore the threat of Athens. You stated that our nation would not join an alliance in the future, but we need to support the nations not in the Athens Pact. Most of them are our economic partners, and Liberatin would be in the international stage. For our nation's sovereignty and progress, we need to be against this."

The Emperor said to the second advisor, "I agree with your points. Our sovereignty is something we cannot lose, and Liberatin is progressing. With these nations, I truly believe our nation, and others involved, will be on the path of greatness."

After the discussion with his advisors, the Emperor addressed the rules of war first to the conference. "The Japanese and Neigelandic proposals have our support. Regarding the proposal from the Runolc delegation and the treatment of non-combatants, we also believe that it is slightly aggressive. It is true that we cannot prevent civilian deaths completely in war, as the Yurizlansian Emperor said. However, we should limit these deaths as much as possible, and enacting the proposal would go against this. We would also see an increase in casualties, which is the opposite of what we are trying to put in place."

"As you know, the Athens Pact is expanding at an alarming rate. We must not take it lightly. They accumulate influence in the name of 'anti-imperialism', when the actions of the members do not reflect this idea. I agree with Emperor Ryuo that we should not focus on this. Rather, we should focus on the threat the Pact poses to each of our nations. It has recently taken land in the African continent. I fully agree that intimidation is important, and the economic warfare proposed by the Persians will be a major part of restricting the Pact. We should form an alliance to combat this. Many of the nations represented in this conference are economic partners of my nation. I believe an alliance will benefit the members by providing support when it is needed, and Liberatin will continue to strengthen relations it has established." The Emperor paused and took a drink of water.

He continued, "We should avoid conflict with the Athens Pact, as previously stated. I have stated that Liberatin would be neutral regarding this issue, but I have seen the threat it poses. We must do what is necessary to decrease the massive power the Pact has, and with these actions taken, it will. The prosperity and sovereignty of each of our nations cannot be taken away from us."

The Emperor sat down and waited for the next speaker.

[Ascoobis]

Having sat back, taking note of the presenters' contributions to the conversation, and after watching the discussion derail far enough, Emperor Jimenez chose to slowly stand and speak up. Looking to the Yurizlansian and East Persian parties first.

"Gentlemen. I believe that our current discussion has drifted from our original topic. I ask that we return to the 'Rules of war' topic that we were previously discussing. We should discuss that first and then move on to how we are going to handle the Athens Pact. I do not say this because I don't believe this to be a relevant topic, I do have two Athens Pact members at opposite ends of my borders, but for the sake of organization and order."

He paused to take a sip of the complementary glass of water and was now responding to comments made on the original subject.

Now. I do not believe that all of the advice given in The Ascent's statement would be too wise to follow, but he does raise a good point. If a war was unfortunately started, we could quickly end it with large and brutal acts of force that would terrorize the general populace of the country to end the war and even turn on their own government. If it were possible, we could even help in the establishment of a friendly government that would ensure peace for many years to come."

The Ascoobian then sought to formulate a reply to Emperor Ryūō's response to his earlier inquiry.

: I believe that we should change the wording of your first rule to 'the killing of civilians that do not offer resistance to an armies cause shall be banned.'; as some civilians may be unarmed, but all to willing to undercut and thwart an army's efforts."

After spending a moment thinking of a new rule, he continued to speak.

"I also propose as a rule that the sovereignty of nations that have proclaimed themselves neutral in a conflict must be respected and that the neutral nation may not use any state-sanctioned means to support or harm either side of a conflict."

He paused for a few moments to show that he had finished his response before continuing to quickly address another issue.

"In conclusion, I thank the Libertine delegation for acknowledging my proposal. Thank you for your time gentlemen."

He sat down to allow others to continue the discussion.

[Neigeland]

After pausing for a moment, Chief Oscar Friedrich began to speak. "I'd like to thank Emperor Yohannes and the Liberatine Delegation for their support for my proposal regarding neutral countries, and I hope it gathers the necessary support from all other members of this conference. However, I do worry that this talk of conflict with the Athens Pact is premature. Such a conflict between the pact and the rest of the world would be devastating - thousands if not millions of innocent lives would be lost - and for what aim? We must be careful not to belittle the power and reach of the Athens Pact and should not assume that any war with them would be easily won by us. It would not be easy and victory would not be certain. Instead, I am more inclined to support the establishment of sanctions - but only with probable cause. We should not enforce sanctions against nations simply because of past acts, but we should be ready to enforce them if any Athens Pact nations act aggressively in the future."

Oscar sat back to allow others to speak.

[East Persia]

"A blockade of the Suez Canal will be a perfect step in destroying the power of the Athens Pact. If it is performed as a 'sanction', there would be no legitimate reason for them to declare war. We should also build deep trenches and fortifications on the border of our nations that are shared with Athens Pact nations. If none of our soldiers engage the enemy, then any attack by Athens Pact nations would not be justifiable. Another way to harm their alliance is to get them to start a war, which would hurt the international community's view of the Athens Pact even further. I do believe that sharing technology and performing military exercises will also aid our plans against the Athens Pact."

"Or maybe hijack their military ships. We've made a peace agreement with Blackbeard the Pirate and his men. They agreed to stop hijacking Persian ships and their men can be contracted to hijack Persia's foes." quotes a Persian diplomat.

I do agree that something should be done to combat the Athens Pact but not creating a scene. Instead, we propose an idea of using the East Persian Economic Zone which can reroute goods to and from the Red Sea and diverting it from the Suez Canal. Our special forces can easily storm the offices of the Suez Canal Authority and secretly take over the canal.

A blockade of the canal can't happen without establishing control zones where ships in the blockade can refuel. My navy would not participate since of the enormous costs it would maintain. Simple hit and runs could give some sort of damage." said a second Persian diplomat.

[Republic of Washinton]

I vote yea for the blockade, but the war part needs to be elaborated on more.

"It is my understanding that if we can upgrade the border defenses of Athens Pact-bordering nations and perform military exercises, then we could trick them into initiating a war in which they would be seen as the aggressor. I intend to help nations bordering the Athens Pact nations to build defenses, especially trenches and bunkers from which to strengthen them against Athens Pact attacks."

President McCormick stands up after Chief Oscar Friedrich finishes his speech.

"I would have to agree with Chief Friedrich and Emperor Jimenez. We have somewhat gotten off topic. We cannot just try to provoke a war, any historical annalist fifty years from now will place the blame squarely on us. This provocative blockade ideas will only provoke the Athens Pact, therefore increasing the chances of a drawn-out, costly conflict. The Suez is a lifeline that must be dealt with in another matter, one other than provocative military blockades. I would probably suggest that East Persia would maybe tax Athens Pact ships coming from the Suez through the Red Sea. The high taxes would maybe cause them to back down and come to the negotiating table. Any deliberate attack by us or position that buts them in a bad spot will only make us seem like conspirators. Washington will not send warships to do a blockade of the Suez, although we will challenge any Athens pact fleet that dares patrol the Atlantic."

He sits only to wipe the sweat from his brow and take a gulp of water.

[Yurizlansia]

"It is my understanding that if we can upgrade the border defenses of Athens Pact-bordering nations and perform military exercises, then we could trick them into initiating a war in which they would be seen as the aggressor. I intend to help nations bordering the Athens Pact nations to build defenses, especially trenches and bunkers from which to strengthen them against Athens Pact attacks."

President McCormick stands up after Chief Oscar Friedrich finishes his speech.

"I would have to agree with Chief Friedrich and Emperor Jimenez. We have somewhat gotten off topic. We cannot just try to provoke a war, any historical annalist fifty years from now will place the blame squarely on us. This provocative blockade ideas will only provoke the Athens Pact, therefore increasing the chances of a drawn-out, costly conflict. The Suez is a lifeline that must be dealt with in another matter, one other than provocative military blockades. I would probably suggest that East Persia would maybe tax Athens Pact ships coming from the Suez through the Red Sea. The high taxes would maybe cause them to back down and come to the negotiating table. Any deliberate attack by us or position that buts them in a bad spot will only make us seem like conspirators. Washington will not send warships to do a blockade of the Suez, although we will challenge any Athens pact fleet that dares patrol the Atlantic."

He sits only to wipe the sweat from his brow and take a gulp of water.

Andrei Klumystef's face is red from a slight bit of embarrassment for going off topic. None the less he rises and speaks.

"I apologize for getting off topic. I apologize for any distress I have caused. About the rules of war, I agree with Emperor Jimenez about how we should be careful no to randomly kill civilians during war. However, we need to be cautious with those friendly governments as you say. When my grandmother placed a "friendly" leader in place for the United Tribes of Romania, they eventually rose up and assassinate her. If anything we need to keep as close watch as possible on areas that we do install puppets in as possible. I do have one addition however, if there are unarmed military doctors we should not be able to shoot them. And while I realize we have gone off topic, certain things need to be said. In case if you have not noticed all of the nations here are either unaffiliated with or hate the Athens Pact. This conference is clearly how to deal with them. It is obvious war will break out and I do realize that we should follow these rules but a hypothetical strategy should be put into place in order to preserve peace. I apologize for that rant, back to the rules of war. I also believe that a nation should not deliberately create bullets that are designed to expand inside of the human body. (Look at the Hauge Convention.) I do want to know however, what are your thoughts on chemical and biological warfare?"

Andrei Klumystef sat down, happy that he quelled his embarrassment and brought the conversation back on track.

[Dragomerian Islands]

"It is my understanding that if we can upgrade the border defenses of Athens Pact-bordering nations and perform military exercises, then we could trick them into initiating a war in which they would be seen as the aggressor. I intend to help nations bordering the Athens Pact nations to build defenses, especially trenches and bunkers from which to strengthen them against Athens Pact attacks."

President McCormick stands up after Chief Oscar Friedrich finishes his speech.

"I would have to agree with Chief Friedrich and Emperor Jimenez. We have somewhat gotten off topic. We cannot just try to provoke a war, any historical annalist fifty years from now will place the blame squarely on us. This provocative blockade ideas will only provoke the Athens Pact, therefore increasing the chances of a drawn-out, costly conflict. The Suez is a lifeline that must be dealt with in another matter, one other than provocative military blockades. I would probably suggest that East Persia would maybe tax Athens Pact ships coming from the Suez through the Red Sea. The high taxes would maybe cause them to back down and come to the negotiating table. Any deliberate attack by us or position that buts them in a bad spot will only make us seem like conspirators. Washington will not send warships to do a blockade of the Suez, although we will challenge any Athens pact fleet that dares patrol the Atlantic."

He sits only to wipe the sweat from his brow and take a gulp of water.

"Wow. I guess we did get a bit off topic. Let us return to the Rules of War before we touch this subject again." So, what do we have so far that we have agreed on?"

"Here are the rules I proposed earlier.....First, the killing of unarmed civilians shall be banned. Second, no nation may place prisoners of war into sub-human conditions or treatment. Third, no enemy forces who have surrendered, may be killed without trial. Forth, no combatants may surrender under false pretenses, especially as a means to attack the opposing forces. Fifth, no combatants may fire upon an enemy in full retreat. Sixth, during the negotiation of a treaty, of surrendering, or of a ceasefire, no combatants may attack an opposing force, nor may an opposing force use a ceasefire as a means of catching the enemy off guard. What were the others that were proposed?"

"As per biological and chemical weaponry, they are legitimate weapons that may be used against combatants."

[East Persia]

*Hatami looks at the guests. Then starts to speak.*

"In Persia when an enemy surrenders, they are fed the way their captors are fed. They dine with their captors. They sleep next to their captors. We give them such hospitality that they will be inclined to join in our side and fight their brothers."

[Yurizlansia]

President McCormick stands up after Chief Oscar Friedrich finishes his speech.

"I would have to agree with Chief Friedrich and Emperor Jimenez. We have somewhat gotten off topic. We cannot just try to provoke a war, any historical annalist fifty years from now will place the blame squarely on us. This provocative blockade ideas will only provoke the Athens Pact, therefore increasing the chances of a drawn-out, costly conflict. The Suez is a lifeline that must be dealt with in another matter, one other than provocative military blockades. I would probably suggest that East Persia would maybe tax Athens Pact ships coming from the Suez through the Red Sea. The high taxes would maybe cause them to back down and come to the negotiating table. Any deliberate attack by us or position that buts them in a bad spot will only make us seem like conspirators. Washington will not send warships to do a blockade of the Suez, although we will challenge any Athens pact fleet that dares patrol the Atlantic."

He sits only to wipe the sweat from his brow and take a gulp of water.

"Wow. I guess we did get a bit off topic. Let us return to the Rules of War before we touch this subject again." So, what do we have so far that we have agreed on?"

"Here are the rules I proposed earlier.....First, the killing of unarmed civilians shall be banned. Second, no nation may place prisoners of war into sub-human conditions or treatment. Third, no enemy forces who have surrendered, may be killed without trial. Forth, no combatants may surrender under false pretenses, especially as a means to attack the opposing forces. Fifth, no combatants may fire upon an enemy in full retreat. Sixth, during the negotiation of a treaty, of surrendering, or of a ceasefire, no combatants may attack an opposing force, nor may an opposing force use a ceasefire as a means of catching the enemy off guard. What were the others that were proposed?"

"As per biological and chemical weaponry, they are legitimate weapons that may be used against combatants."

Can we take the enemies in full surrender as prisoner?

[Dragomerian Islands]

"Wow. I guess we did get a bit off topic. Let us return to the Rules of War before we touch this subject again." So, what do we have so far that we have agreed on?"

"Here are the rules I proposed earlier.....First, the killing of unarmed civilians shall be banned. Second, no nation may place prisoners of war into sub-human conditions or treatment. Third, no enemy forces who have surrendered, may be killed without trial. Forth, no combatants may surrender under false pretenses, especially as a means to attack the opposing forces. Fifth, no combatants may fire upon an enemy in full retreat. Sixth, during the negotiation of a treaty, of surrendering, or of a ceasefire, no combatants may attack an opposing force, nor may an opposing force use a ceasefire as a means of catching the enemy off guard. What were the others that were proposed?"

"As per biological and chemical weaponry, they are legitimate weapons that may be used against combatants."

Can we take the enemies in full surrender as prisoner?

"Of course, how else would one be able to put them on trial for crimes, as indicated by the third proposed rule?"

[Yurizlansia]

Can we take the enemies in full surrender as prisoner?

"Of course, how else would one be able to put them on trial for crimes, as indicated by the third proposed rule?"

Very well.

[Ascoobis]

After listening to several of his colleagues' input, Emperor Jimenez decided to speak.

"I agree with several of Emperor Ryūō's terms for these rules of war, but I disagree with Mr. Klumystef's proposed additions. In warfare we must use whatever weapons at our disposal to defeat our enemies. That would include chemical and biological weaponry.

Also Mr. Klumystef, I remind you this conference is meant to bring more peace and stability in the world, not necessarily to oppose the Athens Pact. Even if that is a direct consequence of this meeting, we are opposing them towards achieving the the goal of establishing world peace, not simply because we are not fond of them. On another note, I do not agree that we should actually make these friendly governments our "puppets", but allow them enough autonomy as possible. We should keep a close eye on them with an Allied-controlled military branch."

He then reminded the Dragomerian Emperor on the proposals that he himself made.

"Among others, I said that I believed that we should change the wording of your first rule to 'the killing of civilians that do not offer resistance to an armies cause shall be banned.'; as some civilians may be unarmed, but all too willing to undercut and thwart an army's efforts."

After spending a moment trying to remember the new rule that he proposed, he continued to speak.

"I also proposed that the sovereignty of nations that have proclaimed themselves neutral in a conflict must be respected and that the neutral nation may not use any state-sanctioned means to support or harm either side of a conflict."

he then responded to the comments of the Persian delegation.

"I recognize that this is the way that the enemy is treated in Persia, but I am afraid that most of us do not have as much trust for their Prisoners of War. Not that Ascoobis has had any participated in the recent series of war that have plagued the world to gain any prisoners."

He then decided to take a break to allow the other politicians to speak.

[Dragomerian Islands]

After listening to several of his colleagues' input, Emperor Jimenez decided to speak.

"I agree with several of Emperor Ryūō's terms for these rules of war, but I disagree with Mr. Klumystef's proposed additions. In warfare we must use whatever weapons at our disposal to defeat our enemies. That would include chemical and biological weaponry.

Also Mr. Klumystef, I remind you this conference is meant to bring more peace and stability in the world, not necessarily to oppose the Athens Pact. Even if that is a direct consequence of this meeting, we are opposing them towards achieving the the goal of establishing world peace, not simply because we are not fond of them. On another note, I do not agree that we should actually make these friendly governments our "puppets", but allow them enough autonomy as possible. We should keep a close eye on them with an Allied-controlled military branch."

He then reminded the Dragomerian Emperor on the proposals that he himself made.

"Among others, I said that I believed that we should change the wording of your first rule to 'the killing of civilians that do not offer resistance to an armies cause shall be banned.'; as some civilians may be unarmed, but all too willing to undercut and thwart an army's efforts."

After spending a moment trying to remember the new rule that he proposed, he continued to speak.

"I also proposed that the sovereignty of nations that have proclaimed themselves neutral in a conflict must be respected and that the neutral nation may not use any state-sanctioned means to support or harm either side of a conflict."

he then responded to the comments of the Persian delegation.

"I recognize that this is the way that the enemy is treated in Persia, but I am afraid that most of us do not have as much trust for their Prisoners of War. Not that Ascoobis has had any participated in the recent series of war that have plagued the world to gain any prisoners."

He then decided to take a break to allow the other politicians to speak.

"Ok, so as of this moment, we have the following Rules of War proposed.....First, the killing of civilians that do not offer resistance to an army's cause shall be banned. Second, no nation may place prisoners of war into sub-human conditions or treatment. Third, no enemy forces who have surrendered, may be killed without trial. Forth, no combatants may surrender under false pretenses, especially as a means to attack the opposing forces. Fifth, no combatants may fire upon an enemy in full retreat. Sixth, during the negotiation of a treaty, of surrendering, or of a ceasefire, no combatants may attack an opposing force, nor may an opposing force use a ceasefire as a means of catching the enemy off guard."

"The seventh one, 'the sovereignty of nations that have proclaimed themselves neutral in a conflict must be respected and that the neutral nation may not use any state-sanctioned means to support or harm either side of a conflict,' is a bit confusing and may cause issues, as sending humanitarian, equipment, industrial, or monetary support could be considered a violation of this rule."

[East Persia]

he then responded to the comments of the Persian delegation.

"I recognize that this is the way that the enemy is treated in Persia, but I am afraid that most of us do not have as much trust for their Prisoners of War. Not that Ascoobis has had any participated in the recent series of war that have plagued the world to gain any prisoners."

He then decided to take a break to allow the other politicians to speak.

"Yes but with kindness, the enemy would join our ranks, filling the gaps left by potential deserters, captured soldiers, or those killed or missing. We were doing this since ancient times"

[Ascoobis]

Realizing the complication that his suggested rule contained, Emperor Jimenez attempted to find a solution. "Perhaps Emperor, exceptions to this rule could be made when aid is being given to noncombatants and other civilians that can be proven to be in need of the aid?"

The Ascoobian attempted to question the East Persian on his reasoning. "Surely sir, this method is not effective one-hundred percent of the time. Is it not? Which would result in the wasting of so many luxuries and resources on a prisoner that has proven to be uncooperative and will remain to be so for the length of his time amongst the enemy."

[Arrethtrae]

The Foreign Minister nudges the Prime Minister,"Wake up!" he whispers. The Prime Minister wakes with that deer in a headlight look. "Oh my goodness, I must have fallen asleep!" the Prime Minister. "I wonder what I have missed?" the PM wonders.

[Dragomerian Islands]

Realizing the complication that his suggested rule contained, Emperor Jimenez attempted to find a solution. "Perhaps Emperor, exceptions to this rule could be made when aid is being given to noncombatants and other civilians that can be proven to be in need of the aid?"

The Ascoobian attempted to question the East Persian on his reasoning. "Surely sir, this method is not effective one-hundred percent of the time. Is it not? Which would result in the wasting of so many luxuries and resources on a prisoner that has proven to be uncooperative and will remain to be so for the length of his time amongst the enemy."

"I do not believe that neutral nations in a conflict should have trade or any form of economic restrictions during war, because some neutral nations may have military contracts or arms deals with a nation at war. It would unjustly punish nations not involved with wars just because they have arms deals with other nations."

The Foreign Minister nudges the Prime Minister,"Wake up!" he whispers. The Prime Minister wakes with that deer in a headlight look. "Oh my goodness, I must have fallen asleep!" the Prime Minister. "I wonder what I have missed?" the PM wonders.

"You did not miss much. We are just proposing some rules of war."

[Neigeland]

Adding to the discussion on neutral countries, Oscar said, "I agree with Emperor Ryūō, the only restrictions facing neutral countries should be around supporting either side militarily in a conflict. If a neutral country decides to start supporting another side in a direct, military way, then they should simply cease to be considered neutral. I would not be able to support a motion to enact sanctions on neutral countries, being the leader of one myself. However, I do agree with Emperor Jimenez that there should be no restrictions on neutral countries providing aid - often times it is only those countries that provide aid to civilians in the midst of war."

'Sanctions would be political suicide...', he thought to himself, sitting back in his chair and thinking about his position in the polls for the upcoming 1905 election.

[Yurizlansia]

Adding to the discussion on neutral countries, Oscar said, "I agree with Emperor Ryūō, the only restrictions facing neutral countries should be around supporting either side militarily in a conflict. If a neutral country decides to start supporting another side in a direct, military way, then they should simply cease to be considered neutral. I would not be able to support a motion to enact sanctions on neutral countries, being the leader of one myself. However, I do agree with Emperor Jimenez that there should be no restrictions on neutral countries providing aid - often times it is only those countries that provide aid to civilians in the midst of war."

'Sanctions would be political suicide...', he thought to himself, sitting back in his chair and thinking about his position in the polls for the upcoming 1905 election.

"I agree. No matter what kind of support they are giving them, it is still support. Even if it is just money, the country can use it to buy weapons. During the Persian-Konstantinoplean war of 1900-1902, Yurizlansia committed resources to East Persia in a trade agreement, This was followed by a blockade from GK which then eventually broke into a all-out war. Going back to my part in that war, should the declaration of neutrality be negated by a preexisting trade agreement? When we were involved, this was a new trade agreement where we gave them weapons so it makes sense for us to surrender our neutrality. But what if someone in the Pacific declares war on Dragomeria? Even if we wanted to we could not get involved due to us lacking a very up to date navy. So would we have to terminate the trade agreement to keep our neutrality, or can we keep the existing trade agreement and keep our neutrality?"

Andrei Klumystef sat and waited for his question to be answered.