IMPORTANT MAPS
THE REGION MAP
NOUVEL ECOSSE
PLATTEISEN ADLER
TRELLIN AND TERRITORIES
AGRINCOURT-CASEGENE FRONT
AURORA CONFEDERACY
EATA SUB DEPLOYMENTS
GHAWKINS SUB DEPLOYMENTS
MAPS OF GHAWKINS
PANGUS
PRUDENESIA
TOPOGRAPHIC PRUDENESIA
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
ASTYRIAN INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY AGENCIES
Nation | Intel Agency Acronym | Full Name | Operational Mandate | Mission Tasks | Agency Director |
Aquitayne | HMRS | His Majesty's Royal Service | External | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Counter-Terrorism, Black-Ops | Ragnar Freyrsson |
Aurora Confederacy | CI5 | Confederate Intelligence Five | Internal | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Counter-Terrorism, Counter-Intel, Homeland Security | George Cowley |
Aurora Confederacy | CI6 | Confederate Intelligence Six | External | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Counter-Terrorism | |
Blackhelm Confederacy | CIS | Confederate Intelligence Service | External | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Counter Terrorism, Anti-Proliferation, Arms industry monitoring | |
Blackhelm Confederacy | none | Frumentarii | Internal | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Counter Intel, Homeland and State Security | |
Blackhelm Confederacy | none | Speculatores | External | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Military Intel | |
Dangish Empire | IRI | Imperial Research and Analysis Institute | External | ELINT, HUMINT, Black Ops, Counter-Terrorism | |
Dangish Empire | ISI | Imperial Security Institute | Internal | Counter-Intel, Major Criminal Investigations, Counter-Terrorism, Homeland security | |
Dangish Empire | TAC | Treasonable Activities Committee (of HM Armed Forces) | Both | SIGINT, Information analysis; IRI, ISI and TAC meet as the "Joint Crown Protection Office" when working in unison. | |
Nikolia | RIA | Royal Intelligence Agency | Both | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Counter-Terrorism, Black Ops, Homeland security | |
Nikolia | MIA | Military Intelligence Agency | External | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Military Intel | |
Nikolia | MSA | Military Safety Agency | External | HUMINT, Military Intel, Black Ops | |
Nikolia | SSC | State Security Committee | Both | SIGINT, ELINT, HUMINT, Counter Intel, Black Ops, Homeland Security, Royal Family Protection | |
Romberg | III | Imperial Intelligence Institute | Both | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Counter Intel, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security | Frederick Högel |
Smertolina | MIS | Ministry of Information & Security | Both | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Counter Intel, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security | Baroness Eva Krevnivdova |
Smertolina | none | 925th Cyberwarfare Ctr & 9th Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare & Spec Ops Brigade | External | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Military Intel | Brigadier Kazimir Nochniy |
Stretta | OCI | Office of Centralized Intelligence | Both | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security | |
Symphonia | UK MoI | United Kingdom Ministry of Information | External | ELINT, SIGINT, Liaison to Aquitaynian Intel | Secretary Emil Schneider |
Symphonia | OSI | Office of Secret Intelligence | External | ELINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, Counter-intel | Lord-Director Chung Man-won |
Trellin | TIC | Trellinese Intelligence Commission | Both | ELINT, SIGINT, Internal state security, Counter Intelligence | Jafvri Edarthesin |
East Astyrian Treaty Alliance Between the Republic of Bungussi, the Republic of Jafala, the Republic of Polarus, the Republic of Cote dCuivre, the Incorporated States of the Blackhelm Confederacy, the Dangish Empire (Dungeyland),The Holy Republic of Terra Azure, the Island of Stretta, and the Imperial Spartanian Empire (Nu Sparta), November 19, 2013
The Contracting Parties, reaffirming their desire to promote peace and stability in the East Astyrian area based on the participation of states irrespective of their social and political systems, which would make it possible to unite their efforts in safeguarding the peace of Astyria; mindful, at the same time, of the situation of a militarized West and an increasingly unstable Central Astyria, which increased the danger of another war and constitutes a threat to the national security of the peaceable states; being persuaded that in these circumstances the peaceable East Astyrian states must take the necessary measures to safeguard their security and in the interests of preserving peace in the region; being desirous of further promoting and developing friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance in accordance with the principles of respect for the independence and sovereignty of states and of noninterference in their internal affairs, have decided to conclude the present East Astyrian Treaty and have for that purpose appointed as their plenipotentiaries: who, having presented their full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed as follows:
Article 1
The Contracting Parties undertake to refrain in their international relations with one another from the threat or use of force, and to settle their international disputes peacefully and in such manner as will not jeopardize international peace and security.
Article 2
The Contracting Parties declare their readiness to participate in a spirit of sincere cooperation in all international actions designed to safeguard international peace and security, and will fully devote their energies to the attainment of this end.
Article 3
The Contracting Parties shall immediately consult with one another whenever, in the opinion of any one of them, a threat of armed attack on one or more of the Parties to the Treaty has arisen, in order to ensure joint defense and the maintenance of peace and security.
Article 4
In the event of armed attack in Astyria on one or more of the Parties to the Treaty by any state or group of states, each of the Parties to the Treaty, in the exercise of its right to individual or collective self-defense, shall immediately, either individually or in agreement with other Parties to the Treaty, come to the assistance of the state or states attacked with all such means as it deems necessary, including armed force. The Parties to the Treaty shall immediately consult concerning the necessary measures to be taken by them jointly in order to restore and maintain international peace and security.
Article 5
The Contracting Parties have agreed to establish a Joint Command of the armed forces that by agreement among the Parties shall be assigned to the Command, which shall function on the basis of jointly established principles. They shall likewise adopt other agreed measures necessary to strengthen their defensive power, in order to protect the peaceful labors of their peoples, guarantee the inviolability of their frontiers and territories, and provide defense against possible aggression.
Article 6
For the purpose of the consultations among the Parties envisaged in the present Treaty, and also for the purpose of examining questions which may arise in the operation of the Treaty, a Political Consultative Committee shall be set up, in which each of the Parties to the Treaty shall be represented by a member of its Government or by another specifically appointed representative.
The Committee may set up such auxiliary bodies as may prove necessary.
Article 7
The Contracting Parties declare that they will act in a spirit of friendship and cooperation with a view to further developing and fostering economic and cultural intercourse with one another, each adhering to the principle of respect for the independence and sovereignty of the others and non-interference in their internal affairs.
Article 8
The present Treaty is open to the accession of other states, irrespective of their social and political systems, which express their readiness by participation in the present Treaty to assist in uniting the efforts of the peaceable states in safeguarding the peace and security of the peoples. Such accession shall enter into force with the agreement of the Parties to the Treaty after the declaration of accession has been deposited with the Government of the Incorporated States of the Blackhelm Confederacy.
Article 9
The present Treaty is subject to ratification, and the instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Government of the Incorporated States of the Blackhelm Confederacy.
The Treaty shall enter into force on the day the last instrument of ratification has been deposited. The Government of the Incorporated States of the Blackhelm Confederacy notify the other Parties to the Treaty as each instrument of ratification is deposited.
Done in Paradise City on November 19, 2013, in one copy each in the languages of all participants, with all texts being equally authentic. Certified copies of the present Treaty shall be sent by the Government of the Incorporated States of the Blackhelm Confederacy to all the Parties to the Treaty.
In witness whereof the plenipotentiaries have signed the present Treaty and affixed their seals.
The Contracting Parties, reaffirming their desire to promote peace and stability in the East Astyrian area based on the participation of states irrespective of their social and political systems, which would make it possible to unite their efforts in safeguarding the peace of Astyria; mindful, at the same time, of the situation of a militarized West and an increasingly unstable Central Astyria, which increased the danger of another war and constitutes a threat to the national security of the peaceable states; being persuaded that in these circumstances the peaceable East Astyrian states must take the necessary measures to safeguard their security and in the interests of preserving peace in the region; being desirous of further promoting and developing friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance in accordance with the principles of respect for the independence and sovereignty of states and of noninterference in their internal affairs, have decided to conclude the present East Astyrian Treaty and have for that purpose appointed as their plenipotentiaries: who, having presented their full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed as follows:
Article 1
The Contracting Parties undertake to refrain in their international relations with one another from the threat or use of force, and to settle their international disputes peacefully and in such manner as will not jeopardize international peace and security.
Article 2
The Contracting Parties declare their readiness to participate in a spirit of sincere cooperation in all international actions designed to safeguard international peace and security, and will fully devote their energies to the attainment of this end.
Article 3
The Contracting Parties shall immediately consult with one another whenever, in the opinion of any one of them, a threat of armed attack on one or more of the Parties to the Treaty has arisen, in order to ensure joint defense and the maintenance of peace and security.
Article 4
In the event of armed attack in Astyria on one or more of the Parties to the Treaty by any state or group of states, each of the Parties to the Treaty, in the exercise of its right to individual or collective self-defense, shall immediately, either individually or in agreement with other Parties to the Treaty, come to the assistance of the state or states attacked with all such means as it deems necessary, including armed force. The Parties to the Treaty shall immediately consult concerning the necessary measures to be taken by them jointly in order to restore and maintain international peace and security.
Article 5
The Contracting Parties have agreed to establish a Joint Command of the armed forces that by agreement among the Parties shall be assigned to the Command, which shall function on the basis of jointly established principles. They shall likewise adopt other agreed measures necessary to strengthen their defensive power, in order to protect the peaceful labors of their peoples, guarantee the inviolability of their frontiers and territories, and provide defense against possible aggression.
Article 6
For the purpose of the consultations among the Parties envisaged in the present Treaty, and also for the purpose of examining questions which may arise in the operation of the Treaty, a Political Consultative Committee shall be set up, in which each of the Parties to the Treaty shall be represented by a member of its Government or by another specifically appointed representative.
The Committee may set up such auxiliary bodies as may prove necessary.
Article 7
The Contracting Parties declare that they will act in a spirit of friendship and cooperation with a view to further developing and fostering economic and cultural intercourse with one another, each adhering to the principle of respect for the independence and sovereignty of the others and non-interference in their internal affairs.
Article 8
The present Treaty is open to the accession of other states, irrespective of their social and political systems, which express their readiness by participation in the present Treaty to assist in uniting the efforts of the peaceable states in safeguarding the peace and security of the peoples. Such accession shall enter into force with the agreement of the Parties to the Treaty after the declaration of accession has been deposited with the Government of the Incorporated States of the Blackhelm Confederacy.
Article 9
The present Treaty is subject to ratification, and the instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Government of the Incorporated States of the Blackhelm Confederacy.
The Treaty shall enter into force on the day the last instrument of ratification has been deposited. The Government of the Incorporated States of the Blackhelm Confederacy notify the other Parties to the Treaty as each instrument of ratification is deposited.
Done in Paradise City on November 19, 2013, in one copy each in the languages of all participants, with all texts being equally authentic. Certified copies of the present Treaty shall be sent by the Government of the Incorporated States of the Blackhelm Confederacy to all the Parties to the Treaty.
In witness whereof the plenipotentiaries have signed the present Treaty and affixed their seals.
The Astyrian Treaty Organisation is an intergovernmental military alliance, the goal of which is to ensure stability, prosperity, security and co-operation across Astyria.
ATO’s fundamental and enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means. ATO promotes democratic values and encourages consultation and cooperation on defence and security issues to, in the long run, prevent conflict. ATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. Should diplomatic efforts prove to be ineffective, ATO as an organization can call upon member states to support crisis management operations, be it international or national, military or non-military.
ATO member states can also be called upon to provide aid to another member in need of assistance. Under the ATO Charter, any military aggression undertaken against a member state not in the act of self defence will be considered an attack on all member states.
Charter:
Chapter 1:
All member states hereby acknowledge that all human beings from all other member states, civilian or military, regardless of their ethnicity, political or sexual orientation are equal before law and will never be subject to discrimination by authorities of the said member state.
Chapter 2:
All member states hereby acknowledge that they will ensure that an attempt will be made to solve all disputes, with members within the alliance or outside, via peaceful means and without the use of force.
Chapter 3:
All member states hereby acknowledge to promote international relations with other member states or nations of Astyria to the best of their abilities and eliminate political and economic conflict, for the prosperity of the region.
Chapter 4:
All member states hereby acknowledge that they will, together, continue to ensure the safety of the region and their ability to resist armed attack by other entities, sovereign or otherwise.
Chapter 5:
All member states hereby acknowledge that they will never ignore a plea for help from another member state in need, when that member state feels its territorial integrity, sovereignty or security is at risk.
Chapter 6:
All member states hereby acknowledge that an armed attack by a sovereign nation on any member state, not done so in the act of self defence or provoked by aggression of the member state, will be considered an attack on all member states and that these member states will render assistance, via the use of armed forces if required, to ensure peace is restored in the region.
Chapter 7:
All member states hereby acknowledge the creation of an Astyrian Treaty Organization Council, in which each member state will be represented, to deal with the issues the organization might face. Subsequently, subsidiary bodies may be established to ensure the implementation of all chapters of the ATO charter.
Chapter 8:
All member states hereby acknowledge the right to bring a vote before the council for the entry of an Astyrian Nation into the ATO which, in unanimous agreement, may be passed to ascend a nation to the status of member state, following the nation's ratification of the ATO charter.
Chapter 9:
All member states hereby acknowledge that they will ensure their country is committed to this charter and will do everything in their power to ensure the implementation of the chapters stated in this article.
The following nations have ratified the Astyrian Treaty Organization Charter and are now considered member states of ATO, gaining all privileges and maintaining all obligations that this brings with it:
- The Republic of Kobolis
- The Grand Kingdom of Kelonna
- The Walrus Loving Republic of Nouvel Ecosse
- The Republic of Woodstead
With the cooperation of;
- The Mercantile Federal Republic of Aurora Confederacy
- The Imperial Realm of Romberg
OFFICE OF HIS MAJESTY
The following document has been made available to the public via the Magistrate Transparency Act, 1995, and by the wishes of His Majesty Samuel Reich.The Reich Credenda: The Foreign Policy of the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne
His Majesty the King, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Samuel Reich, authored this document on 20 March, Year of Our Lord 2014, having been passed through the House of Parliament on 30 March, Year of Our Lord, 2014, and approved by the Royal Foreign Policy Advisory on 29 March, Year of Our Lord, 2014, signed and notarized alongside His Majesty by Carus Car'tatus, Chair of the Royal Foreign Policy Advisory.
This policy is in response to the Dangish Empire & Blackhelm Confederacy's belief the United Kingdom had not acted in the best interests of the preservation of life and self-determination for the people of Pangus and Prudenesia. The document has been approved by the Royal Foreign Policy Advisory and has been put into immediate effect.
CredendaIt is my firm belief that in the face of adverse conditions, action must be taken to preserve and protect the things that we hold dear to our hearts. It is the aim of nations inherently to seek out their goals, desires and ideas above all others; that the belief of my country, the government of my people, is greater and more just than any other of whom we may encounter in our travels is what has lead to armed conflict throughout the many centuries of this world.
It is not inherently the policy of the people of Aquitayne and jointly the United Kingdom to seek out conflict. However, when conflict arises and the lives of innocents are indeed in danger, action must be taken and the livelihood of those people must be preserved to the best of anyone's ability. Right now, the people of the former Imperial Spartanian Empire are calling for help, and their pleas are being answered only by the United Kingdom. While the Eastern Astyrian Treaty Alliance has taken action to stop this humanitarian aid, we will not falter in our goals of prosperity for all.
Today, I outline the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne's official foreign policy, to be preserved and enacted by the armed services of this nation, and to be supported by the people of this nation, and to be ratified by the legislative bodies of this nation. It is my wish that further and future conflict can be avoided at all cost, but in the world in which we live the preservation of our beliefs and goals is of great importance.
As such, it is in my firm belief that the following are the paramount concerns of the Royal Foreign Policy Advisory, and too should be the concerns of the people of Aquitayne:
- The preservation of the neutrality of nations, especially allies of the Crown, in the face of the polarizing forces of the Eastern Astyrian Trade Alliance and the Astyrian Trade Organisation;
- The preservation and protection of the monarchs of Astyria.
PolicyThe level of conflict throughout the region of Astyria has grown exponentially in the past five years, with more than five separate conflicts being waged around the region without a means to an end. It is the firm belief of His Majesty that these conflicts are not only being proliferated, but endorsed, by the Eastern Astyrian Treaty Alliance and the Astyrian Trade Organisation. The evidence of both bloc's backing of opposing forces in different conflicts are testament to their growing opposition and distaste for one another.
With the imperialist policies of the Blackhelm Confederacy, the naval backing of such policies by the Dangish Empire (as seen and demonstrated in the impasse over the nature of the United Kingdom intervention in Insula Fera), and their belief they may enforce their policies wherever they so wish, it is in the interests of the United Kingdom to oppose such endeavors. The fairness of trade over the Mare Ferum, as well as the economic security of both Aquitayne and Symphonia have been put into question numerous times by both the Confederacy and the Dangish Empire.
Although the Dangish Empire is a constitutional monarchy and would traditionally fall under clause II of this foreign policy, it is unfortunately the ruling of the Foreign Policy Advisory that Her Majesty's government and people are not applicable for the same levels of protection and friendship that we would show other monarchies of Astyria so long as they are a member of the Eastern Astyrian Treaty Alliance.
The monarchies of Astyria, in the firm belief of His Majesty, must unite under a singular banner to stand against the rising political and military power of both the EATA and ATO blocs. The neutrality of the region must be preserved to prevent a regional war which would cost millions of lives and innumerable amounts of monetary damage to the livelihood and infrastructure of too many nations. It is in the interest of the people of Astyria that Aquitayne voices a tone of neutral diplomatic tenner than that of waging conflict and subterfuge.
The Blackhelm Confederacy has often gone against the nation of Ghawkins, and is doing so more brashly and openly than ever before. It is due to these transpiring events that the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne calls on all nations not already embroiled in the conflicts of these giants to publicly decree their neutrality and prevent their might from growing any stronger. If it were up to the leaders of these blocs, they would only use the smaller nations of Astyria for their own proxies, as pawns in a game of chess to which no one will survive.
Ultimately, the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne will call forever for the dissolution of the Eastern Astyrian Treaty Alliance and the Astyrian Trade Organisation, as while they may believe they stand for united goals and referendum, they only stand to divide the region and rip it apart in ways unimaginable. The Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne will forever stand to preserve the neutrality of nations and prevent either the EATA or ATO from forcibly conscripting any nation to their ranks or from instilling a puppet-state which would act only to further their influence throughout the region.
Alongside this stand against the two giants of Astyria, the monarchies of this region must too prevent the ideals of such nations from removing us from their 21st Century mindset. The monarchies of Astyria are a dying breed in the modern era; they stand divided on the global stage and appear weak to their neighbors, that they are the bygones of an epoch long past. It is indeed the belief of these Democracies that the Kings and Queens of Astyria are to be discarded as the last legitimate dictators of the modern age; that they would cast aside our humble and rich origins for the replication of a republican theme of Roman romanticism is a desire all modern governments of Astyria wish of us.
It is the necessity of our very survival as a unitary belief that we must repel these actions. Already the monarch of Glislandia has seen its end at the hand of its enemies, their prince residing incognito. It is thus the duty of the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne to prevent such happenings from repeating themselves throughout the other monarchies of Astyria, so long as their ruler is just, fair, and well to their people.
His Majesty the King of the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,
Chair of the Royal Foreign Policy Advisory, Lord of Antur,
HER MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
The following document has been made available to the general public under the Freedom of Information Act, 1999 by a MR HENRY HARNICK. Certain sections herein have been omitted at times when they were subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1904.White Paper: Maintaining peace in Astyria
The Select Committee on War of the House of Commons and the Select Committee on Astyria of the House of Lords met on the twelfth of January to discuss the deteriorating situation in Astyria. As requested by Her Majesty's Government, the Joint Committee had produced this white paper with the aim of clarifying the Imperial position on the nation states of Astyria and the prospects of conflict therein. The Joint Committee consisted of the following members of Parliament (MPs) and peers:
- Sayeeda Jamil MP (Chair)
- Simon Markville MP
- Sir Alan Shephard MP
- Rebecca Morgan MP
- Lara Stephenson MP
- Abed Hawks MP
- Baron Lewis
- Marquess Oxford
- Baroness Beveridge
- Lord Hewitt
- Lady Donahue
- Baroness O'Riley
This white paper is the produce of the aforementioned Joint Committee members, but has been thoroughly read and approved by Her Majesty's Government. It is therefore appropriate to use this document as evidence of the intentions of Her Majesty's Government in the relevant area. Nevertheless, this white paper only contains the intentions of Her Majesty's Government, and is not legally binding in any way or fashion. Whilst it may at times imply parliamentary approval, the white paper itself does not possess any.Introduction:
The current foreign policy orthodoxy in the Empire is one of minimalistic intervention in the issues of Astyria. This stance has been maintained for the past decade, and many foreign policy theorists believe it is responsible for the general peacefulness of the continent. However, it is clear that this peacefulness has broken down in the last few months. The ultimate goal of our foreign policy should be to promote Imperial interests abroad. Her Majesty's Government views this, in its most simplistic form, as being about Imperial economic interests.
The failure of the peace is clearly harmful to the economics interests of this Empire. Conflict restricts trade and a lack of trade restricts the growth of the Imperial economy, the main growth of which is currently export-based. Foreign policy must therefore do all it can, within reason, to ensure that peace does not fail.
As was stated in the "Resolution of the Lords, the Commons and the Crown in Parliament assembled, for the establishment of a Union of States and Interests in Astyria, for the relief of the Dangish and Astyrian peoples," commonly known as the Osbourne Doctrine,, the Dangish Empire intends to meet this colossal foreign policy challenge through both diplomatic and military pressures. The aim of this white paper is to clarify the Imperial position to all interested parties.Alliances
The Liberal minority government which governed the Empire prior to elections in December managed to secure a majority in Parliament with which the Empire acceded to the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance, henceforth known as EATA. EATA is an alliance of east Astyrian nation states including the Blackhelm Confederacy (architects of the treaty), the nations under its influence, the Dangish Empire and the Holy Republic of Terra Azure.
The Joint Committee believes that the government of the day was not fully aware of the intentions of the Confederacy in the drafting of the East Astyrian Treaty. In accordance with the foreign policy orthodoxy of the day, and indeed of now, Imperial involvement in supranational organisations would be restricted to economic membership only. Whilst the Treaty does include economic provisions, the Joint Committee has come to the conclusion that its raison d'être was in fact military.
Nevertheless, the Osbourne Doctrine makes clear that the current orthodoxy is not one which Her Majesty's Government intends to follow. Furthermore, membership of EATA has accrued the Empire certain benefits. For example, Imperial exports to the Blackhelm Confederacy have increased by 16% since the Treaty was ratified. The Empire has not been forced to enter into any conflicts due to EATA membership. At present, Her Majesty's Government sees no objective reason for withdrawing from the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance.
This does not ignore the quagmire into which the Empire has been placed by the formation of a competing supranational organisation. The Astyrian Treaty Organisation, henceforth referred to as the ATO, was founded only recently by the Republic of GHawkins. Although its membership ranks have not yet exceeded that of EATA, the ATO has received pledges of military support from many nations, including the Aurora Confederacy.
The worry of Her Majesty's Government is that the existence of two competing alliances will destabilise an already unstable system. This would not be a problem in normal circumstances, were it not for the fact that membership of each alliance appears to be mutually exclusive. The ATO Charter and the East Astyrian Treaty in fact are extremely similar; it appears the key aim of both is military co-operation.
The mutual exclusivity of the two alliances poses an even graver problem, which at first is not particularly obvious. If one keeps in mind the ultimate aim of all Imperial foreign policy, however, it becomes clearer. Imperial trade with the ATO nations is of paramount importance, so the animosity of the ATO to the EATA is detrimental to Dangish interests. ATO antipathy for the EATA translates to antipathy for the Dangish Empire.
This problem is compounded by the Empire's existence as a democratic state. Arguably the only democracy in the EATA, Imperial foreign policy is best suited to other democratic nations. Imperial democracy would not normally preclude Imperial diplomacy with authoritarian regimes, as both are necessary for an effective foreign policy. However, the antipathy caused by our association with the EATA has caused Imperial diplomacy with the democratic nations of the ATO to decline.
The response of Her Majesty's Government to this problem is quite clear: Her Majesty's Government intends to outreach to the democratic nations of Astyria, primarily those who are member states of the ATO. It has already done so with an ally of the ATO, and received a cautiously warm response. Further outreaches shall be made to defuse inter-alliance tensions, or at the very least, to make Dangish participation in the EATA irrelevant to occidental viewpoints of the Empire.
[OMITTED]Rogue states
The quagmire caused by the alliance system is accentuated by the growing strength of rogue states in the region. The primary example is the Holy Republic of Terra Azure. In December, the Azuran government ordered the summary execution of all people of Dangish or Imperial origin on Azuran soil. This included the murder of two operatives, [OMITTED] and [OMITTED].
These heinous crimes are viewed in the Empire as being utterly despicable. Indeed, they have provoked the response of Her Majesty's Armed Forces. The Royal Air Force has been enforcing a no-fly zone over the country since December 23rd, which has significantly limited the Azuran response. The Admiralty, and by extension the Royal Navy, has been enforcing a blockade on the Azuran shoreline. However, the effectiveness of these two acts has been limited by the "hermit"-like nature of the Azuran state, which appears to have no concern for the welfare of its citizens. In spite of the negative effects it would have on the Army's incursions into Azure, Her Majesty's Government intends to end the naval and air blockade for non-military craft by the end of January, for humanitarian reasons.
The Army has been making strong progress through the country, in spite of its unfriendly geography. The Ministry of War believes the conflict should be over by the end of February, given good weather and the continued support of the Blackhelm Confederacy. There have been difficulties in regards to Azuran use of land mines and chemical and biological weapons. An Imperial tank was destroyed by a land mine at the start of January, and several soldiers have reported that chemical weaponry was used against them. Intelligence suggests the Azuran government has stockpiled the Anthrax virus for use in a potential final battle. Her Majesty's Government has prepared for these threats, and has ordered compulsory vaccinations of all Dangish personnel as well as the provision of gas masks and special training for land mines. Intelligence obtained from [OMITTED] suggests Azure is manufacturing a [OMITTED], for which Her Majesty's Government has not yet produced an adequate response in time for the publication of this white paper.
The Dangish Empire has not received significant international support for its operations against Terra Azure. Where it has received support, it has come from the Blackhelm Confederacy. After the Empire, the Confederacy is the largest military partner operating against the Azuran government. Their assistance has proved invaluable, supporting the pro-EATA position held by Her Majesty's Government. [OMITTED]. The fact that the Confederacy aided the Empire in this instance may not have been viewed positively by ATO nations.
The secondary example, which this white paper hopes to highlight, is that of the Yellow Star Republic. The Yellow Star Republic is an unstable neo-communist state which has violated the sovereignty of several northern nations. An ironic twist of fate, the Republic's incursions into nearby Nouvel Ecosse has been the only incident to align the foreign policy aims of the ATO and the EATA. Her Majesty's Government has clarified its position against military intervention in this particular case. This does not, however, repudiate the Osbourne Doctrine. The invasion predated the Osbourne Doctrine, and the Crown believes the anti-Yellow Star forces to be adequate. If necessary, however, the Empire will provide logistical support such as use of the rail network or of excess Imperial military capacity.
The Osbourne Doctrine secondarily aims to limit the power of rogue states such as the Yellow Star Republic and Terra Azure. At times, this may conflict with the primary aim of maintaining the status quo in the Empire. Mr. Osbourne does not wish to create a power vacuum, and as such plans are in place for a provisional government in Terra Azure and the Yellow Star Republic. This will not result in an overall reduction in Azuran and Yellow Star defence spending whilst the provisional government is in power, according to Imperial policy. In both cases, the policy will almost certainly be morphed through relentless negotiations.
Her Majesty's Government has identified several states which it believes may go rogue and act in violation of international law. Those states are: [OMITTED], [OMITTED] and [OMITTED]. [OMITTED].Conclusion
The purpose of this white paper was to clarify the Imperial position with regards to the changing situation in Astyria. To that end, the Imperial position is actually quite clear and can be summarised quite effectively: the Dangish Empire seeks to improve relations with the democratic nations, so as not to become part of a future conflict between the ATO and the EATA; the Dangish Empire seeks to ensure the status quo is maintained, and that no nations illegally acquire land in Astyria; the Dangish Empire wants to ensure that international trade continues at its full capacity.
The immediate consequences of Imperial policy are beginning to be felt. When the war in Terra Azure finishes, expected by the end of February, the Empire will be responsible for the establishment of a provisional government which will not affect the status quo position and destroy peace in the future. Humanitarian concerns must be given top precedence in the conducting of military campaigns. The Empire must be prepared for the rogue state in Azure to reach a new level of despicableness in the use of biological weaponry.
A greater concern is a pending "cold war" of sorts between the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance and the Astyrian Treaty Organisation. Despite being a member of the former, it is contrary to Dangish interests to lose trade and diplomatic access to the ATO member states. However, the Empire is not prepared to forfeit its ties to EATA, especially in light of Confederate support in Azure.
From: His Imperial Majesty King Mahrim II Date: 17 / 02 / 2014 The Trellinese people of Rha'gutza and Khorvu cc: Ladron Ma'alathig Khadeg, Moethet Berendego Kur'zhetai, Methet Serekh Berendika Arimathe'ka, The governments of the sovereign nations of Astyria, The Empire of Andamonia Councillors Modriq Araguzi, Txerig Brefnid, Larand Crennihi, Khal Edarthesin, Mevala ti Ormen, Ésanna Porgenl and the Khalitan people, It has been a long time since a Trellinese monarch has written to you, and longer still since one has written to another government in Astyria. For over a century, I and my predecessors have shut ourselves away and left our neighbours, friends and rivals alike, to vie with one another, to dispute and to decide, to wage war and to conduct commerce. One hundred and one very long years have passed since that decision was made by my father's father, a decision which should not have become a thing of permanence. Isolating and insulating the Kingdom of Trellin, the Kingdom of the Isles of Velar and the Empire of Hysera was a foolish policy which has had us reap no rewards, only sorrows. It is over seventy five years since the most disastrous decree ever issued from the Sidereal Crown saw the stifling of what for a long time looked to be the last hope for reuniting all the Trellinese people. The horrors and cataclysms of what we now call the Trophy Wars will never be forgotten, and it is an everlasting credit to the honour of all that there were no celebrations of any kind, anywhere, to mark their anniversary. For one hundred and nineteen years, your Trophy Ports have been the most contentious issue in Astyrian politics and a matter of honour for two empires to contest. It grieves me that my people should have been living under the rule of a foreign power, against their wills, for four generations, but it is my hope that soon this, and all the bitterness and hatred that it has bred, will be for now and forever disowned and disavowed by all. We no longer live in an age where right of conquest can be cited as right to rule; it has been made clear time and again that what is most important is the will of the people. As time has continued to move on, I have realised that the will of the Trellinese people would no longer have them sealed away behind their own walls as though the world were a storm and Trellin the one safe shelter. In this matter we behold what have seen our brethren in Arimathea, in Cadenza and in Kur'zhet and we realise we have erred. The path to prosperity is not hermitage but fellowship; not isolation but openness; not suspicion but trust. We thought we stood aloof from Astyria. In truth, we stood apart. We stood alone. For one hundred and one years we have suffered for those, our mistakes. We are long overdue an end to this folly. It is neither realistic nor good that we should attempt to remain hidden away within our borders until the world should come crashing down around us, for there is no hope that we could keep ourselves free of any evil that may be in the world; it is only good that we would fend off by our efforts. Why, therefore, should I continue the mistakes of my father and his father by keeping our people isolated from the rest of the world? I have asked myself this question for many long years, and many have asked me this question whenever I myself stopped. I have come to the decision that I must reverse this fool's policy and hope to begin righting the wrongs that have accumulated over the last four generations. From this very moment, on this day, the seventeenth of February in the year of Our Lord two thousand and fourteen, the two thousandth, two hundredth and ninety-eighth year since the accession of Amadar I Thaerinë, King of Trellin, let the entirety of my dominions - those of the King of Trellin, those of the King of the Isles of Velar, those of the Emperor of Hysera - rejoin the community of nations of the world. In no uncertain terms, I proclaim an end to the Decree of Reordering and Restructuring issued by Amadar IV in the year of Our Lord nineteen thirteen, the two thousandth, one hundredth and ninety-seventh year since the accession of Amadar I Thaerinë, King of Trellin. With this principle obstacle no longer withstanding, I am now utterly free to pay the Trophy Ports the heed they have so long deserved and not received. Let it be known that the Sidereal Crown has heard the will of the Khalitan people. Let it be known that I, Mahrim II Aryxë Palægos, the King of Trellin and protector, by grace of God and will of Thaera, of all the Ethlorek peoples, have seen and recognised my solemn duty towards you, to respect your desire to be reunited with your brethren and to do my utmost to see that aspiration fulfilled. Let it be known that from this day forth, until the ending of time, the King of Trellin renews his vows as Lord Holder of the Trophy Ports and all the duties as their protector that come therewith. Let it be known that I accept your petition to reenter the Trellinese Empire as possessors of the fullest of rights as subjects of the Sidereal Crown. With exultation I welcome you once more into the fold. May the Khalitan people, the Trellinese people, the Ethlorek people, never again be sundered. May peace and prosperity mark all your days and all those of your descendants. By the grace of God, and by the will of Thaera, may it so come to pass. His Majesty Emperor Mahrim II of the Most Ancient Sidereal Crown, King of Trellin, King of the Isles of Velar, Emperor of Hysera, Protector of Arimathea, Txekrikar, Kur'zhet and Cadenza, Prince of Elori, Ludef, Tar Pegalim and Txakla, Lord of Ledigar, Zha'tar, Khatax and Ternos, Guardian of the Straits of Jajich, Holder of the Trophy Ports Durats, Khorvu, Mintra, Rha'gutza and Vacoas, Duke of Mar'theqa, Ka'alkë, Asketon, Halith and Zynaxa, Marquis of Khem, Tidros and Kethros. |
Kamunek us Guneyha Eirar us Aquitayne a Symphonia
Sister State of the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne
Office of His Majesty the King Samuel Reich
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Magistrate of Foreign Affairs
2019 Peirmus Strat, Magistrate District
Telora, Aifur Proveince, Aquitayne
Publication "Notice", to the respected Kingdoms, Democracies, and all other Nations of Astyria;
a) Due to the recent abolition of the Imperial Spartanian Empire, the United Kingdom of Aquitayne and Symphonia have acted to ensure the well-being and welfare of the citizenry of the aforementioned colonies. As such, the United Kingdom has begun the deployment of humanitarian forces to the region to restore peace, welfare, basic living essentials, and order to the afflicted areas. Preliminary estimates place damages at over $8.5 billion NationStates Dollars, and the human damage extremely more apparent. Therefore;
b) The United Kingdom of Aquitayne and Symphonia have hereby announced the implementation of a United Kingdom Joint Military Operations Theater (UKJMOT) which will encompass the Mican Straight, the northernmost and southernmost regions of the Insula Feran archipelago, as well as the airspace of said areas. A No-Fly Zone will be implemented immediately and all civil air traffic crossing the airspace will be required to have ascertained authorization before the flight begins, or it will be diverted. Furthermore;
c) Military resources of both the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne and the Asian Federation of Nations of Symphonia will be deploying assets to the archipelago shortly to begin the reconstruction process and begin the abolition of the Heraldan insurgency. It should be noted that the Heraldan rebel faction which enacted the coup of the Spartanian government are authorized as legitimate and legal targets, as of 18 March 2014 at 11:18 GMT, on the Aquitaynian Rules of Engagement. Additionally, all ex-Spartanian forces who engage in hostile acts against United Kingdom forces will be fired upon until the threat has been neutralized. To that end;
d) Let it be noted that the regions of the territories, as geographically defined by the international community, of the archipelago of Insula Fera is hereby;
-Considered a United Kingdom Joint Military Operation Theater;
-Abolished of all national sovereignty save for the Provincial Colony of Cape Town;
-Considered a territory, not state, under UK-MILACT-281-28/12, section 4-12, par.5, sub.sec.3-2, line d;
-Considered under a No-Fly Zone;
-Authorized for Humanitarian Assistance via NGOs;
-Authorized as a territorial deployment zone for Aquitaynian soldiers as an Aquitaynian OPEX
e) We request that the national bodies of Astyria do not intervene in these operations save for if they are humanitarian. Until order has been established, we will request all NGOs hold services until their personnel's security can be assured.
f) More information will be dispatched when it becomes available.
Regards,
Samuel Reich
The Office of the First Lord
On Behalf of Her Majesty the Queen
The Dangish Empire
Dear: Mr. Samuel Reich, the United Kingdom
BCC: The Chancellor of the Blackhelm Confederacy
From: The Lord Scylla, the First Lord of the Treasury of the Dangish Empire.
The Dangish Empire believes in the peace and security of the region of Astyria and indeed the world.
It is this principle which fundamentally guides the foreign policy of our Empire, and which we believe justifies our strong opposition to a United Kingdom invasion of the territories of the former Imperial Spartanian Empire. The official policy of Her Majesty's Government is that no state is to be permitted to use military force to attempt to shift the equilibrium balance of power in the region. This doctrine puts Imperial policy in direct opposition to United Kingdom policy. I have requested the approval of the Lords Temporal and Delegato and the Commons in Parliament united for the Crown to use all means necessary to protect the right to self-determination of former ISE citizens.
It is my regret to inform you that unless all forces belonging to the United Kingdom are withdrawn from the former Imperial Spartanian Empire by 00:00 on Friday, March 28th 2014, that a state of war will exist between the Dangish Empire and the United Kingdom of Aquitaynia and Symphonia. Such a state would be a great disappointment to the Crown. Her Majesty herself commented on the strength of Imperial-UK ties over the summer, but even she is disappointed with the warmongering attitudes of the United Kingdom.
Her Majesty's Government has also been informed of the high frequency of Blackhelm Confederate citizens residing within the former Imperial Spartanian Empire. In addition to the relatively high frequency of Varrockian, and therefore Imperial, citizens residing within the Empire, an attack in which their safety and security is threatened may be considered an attack on the Empire and Confederacy themselves. This would invoke the mutual protection clause of the East Astyrian Treaty, and would force a wider conflict. This is something the Empire, and hopefully your United Kingdom too, hopes to avoid.
Yours sincerely,
The Lord Scylla
Declaration of the Formation of the Tel al-Riyah Pact
The Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne, the Fascistic Arab Republic of Riysa, and the Protectorate of Cadenza, from here on to be referred to as "signatories", believe in the cooperation and neutrality of Astyria and therefore have come together in friendship and honor to ratify this treaty. Let it be known to the nations of the world that the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne and the Fascistic Republic of Riysa pledge henceforth to commit themselves to the peace, prosperity and well-being of one another.
Clause I)
It is the belief of the signatories that the neutrality of Astyrian nations is being removed by the polarization of the two economic and military blocs of the Eastern Astyrian Trade Organisation (EATA) and the Astyrian Trade Organisation (ATO). These two entities are increasingly pulling the region apart, and as such the signatories agree henceforth to ensure their neutrality in the region and to stop all active pursuance of membership to either body indefinitely.
Clause II)
The signatories of this document also believe that it is in the best interests of both parties to begin tariff-free trade in a manner befitting of both signatories. To this end, the signatories agree to devote naval assets to ensure the safety of this trade from pirates, terrorists and any other entity pursuant to Clause IV of this document.
Clause III)
The signatories of this document hereby mutually agree to hand over persons who, having been charged with or convicted of the following acts, committed within the jurisdiction of one of the contracting parties, shall seek asylum or be found within the territories of the other: Provided that the actions perpetrated have criminal origin and evidence supporting the breaking of law, that would justify his or her apprehension and commitment for trial if the crime has been committed, include the following:
- Murder, comprehending assassination, parricide, infanticide, and poisoning; attempt to commit murder, manslaughter, when voluntary.
- Arson
- Robbery; defined to be the act of ferociously taking items from another person
- Forgery, or the utterance of forged papers; the forgery or falsification of papers of official acts of Governments, of public authorities, or any variant thereof
- The counterfeiting, falsifying or altering of money, whether coin, paper or electronic
- Embezzlement
- Fraud or breach of trust by a bailee, banker, agent, trustee, or other person acting in a fiduciary capacity, or director or officer or member of a company
- Perjury; subornation of perjury
- Rape; abduction; kidnapping
- Criminal acts committed at sea; Piracy, revolt, wrongfully sinking or damaging a vessel at sea or attempting to do so, assault on board a ship on the high seas (Pursuant to Clause II, IV)
Clause IV)
The respective sovereign nations of whom are signatories to this document agree to mutual defense of sovereignty, whether internal or external in nature, barring the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction. The defense of the receiver and the resources allocated by the non-engaged party must be proportional to the conflict being waged; that the insurance of a wider and more devastating conflict be avoided is paramount. Likewise, the non-engaged party must be capable of allocating such resources in a manner which will not hamper their own ability to detect, deter and eliminate threats to their national security.
His Majesty the King, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,
Za'im of Riysa and Commander-in-Chief of the Riysian Armed Forces,
Tawfiq al-Hiwari
Beriq of Cadenza, Kerep Khadeg,
Adrahil Kamënus