NationStates

Thursday, April 8, 2010: - The Ancestral Estate, Wessex -

His Grace the Duke of Wessex and His Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources are pleased to announce to the world the formation of Wessex Diamonds, a mixed nationalized-private diamond exploration firm, which is now accepting investment offers from states around the world, up to 49% of the company (the other 51% to be owned by His Grace's Government and the People of Wessex).

"This is an exciting day for the People of Wessex, and the world," opined His Grace, Lancaster of Wessex, at the press conference of this date at the Ancestral Estate, Wessex. "Diamonds have an aura and mystique, all of their own, and our mining operations in the north of our nation, according to research, may produce some of the finest the world has yet to see. We are hoping to discover both white and coloured diamonds."

Operations are expected to begin by the end of 2010, with exploration starting in 2011-2012.

The mining operation will have some of the most stringent environmental regulations in the world. "There is nothing more important to the people and His Grace's Government than mining that will affect the natural landscape in the least possible way, while maintaining world-class safety and pollution standards. We will strive to produce minimal waste in the most cost-effective manner," declared the Secretary of State.

Estimated costs of creating the infrastructure for both the firm itself and the mining operations required sit at approximately RCS1.73 billion (US$3 billion).

Interested states wishing to tender offers may contact His Grace's Government directly, with the amount desired to be invested (up to US$1.47 billion, or 49%). Returns on diamonds discovered and subsequently sold will be in direct proportion to the amount invested.

Please respond below with any questions or to make an offer.

TO: Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources, Government of His Grace Duke Lancaster of Wessex
FROM: Lyran Governmental Trade Department
CC: Executive Command, Protectorate of Lyras

Esteemed Secretary

In accordance with the communications and discussions entered into by the Lyran Governmental Trade Department, the Protectorate herein formally seeks to invest with Wessex Diamonds. The stated total price of NS$1.47bn for a 49% holding being acceptable, as has been established.

Further to this, however, the Lyran Governmental Trade Department has released a further NS$3.5bn to expedite the commencement of infrastructure development, and begin the process of production in the broadest sense. This provision of financial support is provided above and beyond the acquisition of the 49% holding, and is not expected to reflect an increase in equity over the existing Lyran purchase.

Should there be any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know of them.

Regards

Field Marshal Aleksandr
Director
Lyran Governmental Trade Department
Bredubar
Protectorate of Lyras

We Could help you build the Wessex Diamonds Railway Co. to the Shoreline.
We need new diamonds for our Powerful Jewelry Chain, Jewel Man, What Carat sizes do you expect
We Have a ship for use to The Shoreline (The MV Sgt. Fortman)

Your Grace

The Imperial House of Alcedina would like to inquire if only states are allowed to invest in Wessex Diamonds. If it is so then sadly we can not invest as our state is not interested in such a venture. If however Wessex Diamonds would allow the Imperial House of Alcedina to invest in Wessex Diamonds directly instead of through the state we would very much like to invest 1.47bn USD in your company

Sincerely
Her Most Imperial Highness Arabella Alcedina
Princess-Regent of the Imperial Regency Council
The Most Serene Republic of the Quendi

From: His Grace, the Duke Lancaster of Wessex and The Right Honourable Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources
To: HMIH Arabella Alcedina

GREETINGS ~

We welcome investment from Her Most Imperial Highness, as diamonds, of course, and their ownership and profligation is tied into the Aristocracy, as it has been for centuries.

Your offer to acquire 49% of the firm is indeed admirable, however, in order to spread ownership amongst as many states/entities as possible, we shall evaluate and decide how much each state/entity shall be entitled to.

Given the interest shown thus far - two states, one entity - it is likely that the 49% shall be split amongst all three.

His Grace's Government shall decide shortly, and if deemed acceptable to yourself and all others, the shares will be distributed shortly.

Further offers from other states are welcome, but in order to commence operations as soon as possible, offers will only be accepted for a short time longer.

- Lancaster.
- The Right Hon. Secretary

University Forest wrote:We Could help you build the Wessex Diamonds Railway Co. to the Shoreline.
We need new diamonds for our Powerful Jewelry Chain, Jewel Man, What Carat sizes do you expect
We Have a ship for use to The Shoreline (The MV Sgt. Fortman)

To the Government of University Forest:

GREETINGS. ~

His Grace's Government thanks you for your offer to assist in the construction of infrastructure.

Rail, more than sea, will be one of the prime movers in establishing the mining operations in the north of Wessex, and once the Company has been fully established, we would welcome negotations for aiding in the building of such matters. However, cash, more than physical assets, is what is required to not only build the mine, but to create said infrastructure. We may very well discuss these matters at a later date.

Our geologists have evaluated the mining area to be potentially very rich. Carat sizes have not been determined with any concrete degree of certainty, but it is not out of the realm of possibility that these diamonds could range anywhere from 0.10 to over 50 or 100 carats - God only knows.

- Lancaster.
- The Right Hon. Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources

To His Excellency The Field Marshal Aleksandr, Director of Lyran Governmental Trade Department
From: His Grace, The Duke Lancaster of Wessex, and The Right Honourable Secretary for Energy and Natural Resources:

GREETINGS ~

His Grace thanks The Lyran Government for their interest in Wessex Diamonds.

His Grace's Government must be open and honest in expressing concern for the noted political situation in your state, whereby there seemingly is no open and democratic process of government. There has been some further concern that any acquisition of diamonds may be used to fund military purposes.

His Grace's Government must be satisfied that any acquisition of diamonds will not be used to any, what it deems, "improper" ends.

Further discussion is welcomed, however we do have reservations. Please feel free to respond.

Yours in peace, justice, freedom.

- Lancaster.
- The Right Hon. Secretary for Energy and Natural Resources

TO: His Grace, The Duke Lancaster of Wessex, and The Right Honourable Secretary for Energy and Natural Resources
FROM: Lyran Governmental Trade Department

Sirs

Your reservations regarding our form of government are, given the conventional means by which a state is measured, perfectly reasonable. The Protectorate of Lyras is a unique geopolitical entity, and the exact nature of our state is known to few, and those that do know are generally also known well to us.

Alas, as circumstances would have it, Wessex is not one such, and our dealings, though by no means unpleasant, have been few.

Allow me, therefore, to put your minds at ease.

Lyras is not a state with an unusually large and pervasive military. Lyras is, more accurately, a military organisation that has occupied territory, and subsequently chosen to propagate itself inter-generationally. Every man, women and child, technically, is a member of the military. Indeed, one cannot be Lyran without being military. The two are synonymous within the borders of the Protectorate.

That does not, of course, mean that non-combatant taskings are not carried out. Solely that they are performed only if absolutely required for the sustainment and/or expansion of the Lyran military capabilities (such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and related fields). Personnel within the Protectorate are paid a stipendiary, rather than remunerative wage, and unused monies expire after three months. Positions of authority, and decision making broadly, are established according to a relatively conventional (although very large) military heirachy.

Principles of honour undergird Lyran society, and are the basic principles of morality and decency which personnel are expected to adhere to. Central to this is the premise that the honourable defence of the weak is the highest virtue.

While not a democracy by any stretch of the word, Lyras is not a repressive, tyrannical or destructive state in any conventional sense of the phrase.

We hope this (of necessity) brief snapshot of Lyras has helped to assuage your concerns in this field, and invite you to lodge any further questions you feel are relevant.

Regards

Field Marshal Aleksandr
Director
Lyran Governmental Trade Department
Bredubar
Protectorate of Lyras

To All Whom Have Expressed Interest Thus Far:

GREETINGS ~

Bidding has closed on tenders expressing interest in investing in Wessex Diamonds. We have had only two (2) formal bidders, and after much discussion, the 49% shares of the company will be divided thusly:

Lyras: 27%
Of the Quendi: 22%

Lyras' increased ownership is due to the fact that their Government offered additional funding, if so needed, in constructing and maintaining Wessex Diamonds' operations etc.

The payments therefore required from each state are as follows:

Lyras: US$810 million
Of the Quendi: US$660 million

Upon payment, construction will commence immediately. If this arrangement is acceptable to both parties, please advise.

We thank both the Government of Lyras and HMIH Arabella Alcedina Of the Quendi for their interest and patience in closing this arrangement.

Let us hope the Earth will give up its wealth to the benefit of all humanity.

- Lancaster.
- The Right Hon. Secretary