Meeting in Paris beginning on or about December 29, 1914

[ledeper]

Due to the tense situation in the Indian Ocean yhe ESC have decided to reinforce the East-Asian squadron with  BB 02 Torden CL 01 Odin CL 02 Thor Cl.  Troms ,which will transit through Suez with a stopover in Trieste for refuelling.

[miketr]

The Iberian Ambassador to France Alfredo Rubalcaba returns to his seat after leaving the room for 10 minutes to talk to an aid in a private room.  After returning the ambassador asks to speak.

"It has come to the attention of the Iberian government that New Zion has declared a maritime exclusion zone in international waters and plans to mine said zone.  This is totally unacceptable to the Iberian Government and so my government will not respect this zone.  In addition the Iberian Government will hold New Zion's Government responsible for anything that happens to Iberian shipping, civilian or military, operating in international waters or Iberian subjects sailing on ships in international waters."

The Ambassador returns to his seat... 

[Guinness]

No one speaks for several minutes. The mood is tense. Wilson rises from his seat. "Gentlemen is there nothing more to say?" Looking at Consul Maximus: "No nation could accede to your demands without surrendering it's own sovereignty. Surely there is some way to solve this peacefully?" Wilson looks at the Zionite representative and begins to say something, then stops. The frustration is clear on his face.

Wilson sits down, and folds his hands. Looking down toward the middle of the table he says "I fear there is nothing more to do here then. If nations refuse to speak with each other, then war is inevitable."

[The Rock Doctor]

Eduard Torres speaks up.  "Mr. Wilson, we have less than two hours before the ultimatum expires, so there is certainly precious little time to resolve this - nonetheless I think it is possible.

"I have examined the Italian terms, and wish to table a brief proposal based on my interpretation of Italy's objectives.  These are:

"First - security of Italia's African possessions.  This could be solved through a non-aggression agreement, with provisions for third-party observers as guarantors.

"Second - security for Italia's head-of-state.  Past precedent with the abduction of the Middle Kingdom's young Emperor suggests few, if any, civilized states condone acts of violence against heads of state - if not for moral purposes, then out of self-interest.  It would not be difficult to draft a simple international agreement making it illegal to cause or encourage physical harm to heads of state - and then for the parties here to sign it.

"I recognize that this can not necessarily address Italia's greivance with respect to two years ago, but it can at least reduce the possibility of future repetitions.

"Third - Italia seeks an end to alleged acts of piracy sheltered by New Zion.  The answer here may be simple - the SS TAG and any other alleged pirates and privateers are officially and permanently requisitioned by the New Zion government, and New Zion signs the relevant Den Hague treaties."

Looking to the Italian and Zionite delegations, Torres asks, "We have one hour and thirty-seven minutes, sirs.  Do either of you believe we can come to acceptable terms with this as a starting point?"

[Desertfox]

"I believe we can."

[The Rock Doctor]

(OOC:  Well, there's only so much damage you guys can inflict in the opening hour of a war...)

[Tanthalas]

(OOC:  Well, there's only so much damage you guys can inflict in the opening hour of a war...)

Especialy with someone carefully jaming Comunications in the area (watches tuna boat sail in circles)

[ctwaterman]

Consul Spurius Valerius Maximus slowly approaches the Podium.

Mr. Torres, I thank you for you words of wisdom, and yes having a body of International Law to which all nations could appeal is a great Idea.  Unfortunately it does not address the Empire' current concerns.   The State of New Zion has already broken all the International Laws you propose that we enact.  The Empire of Italia will gladly send a representative to any proposed meeting to enact the treaties you have proposed.  Having the Kingdom of New Zion sign a treaty swearing not to try to Assassinate our Emperor again does not redress the fact that they have already done so.

I also apologize to Mr. Wilson for being unable to work toward the peaceful resolution to this conflict he has worked so hard to achieve.  It takes two rational governments to reach a rational and peaceful accord between nations.   New Zion unfortunately does not have such a government at this time.   It is not a signatory to any of the International agreements on War which Italia will honor as it is pledged to do so.  The Empire also pledges a no first use of Chemical Weapons in this war.  However we warn the state of New Zion if such weapons are used against the Empires Troops we will respond in kind and in a volume the state of New Zion simply cannot match.

So if you Honored Representatives will excuse me I am needed in Rome.  If there is any more discussions to be had the Empire of Italia Magistrate to the Republic of France will be available to here them.


Consul Spurius Valerius Maximus slowly leaves the room.

[The Rock Doctor]

Eduard Torres sighs wearily.  "Pass word to the commander of Orito that we'll be departing shortly", he says to an aide.

As the meeting dissolves, he approaches Mr. Wilson, shakes his hand, and tells him, "You tried, Senor.  In the absence of peace, let us at least attempt to contain war.  I will be back in Cartagena by late next week."

[Guinness]

Wilson replies. "Thank you sir. We should make time to speak in the future."

Wilson turns to his own aid: "Please have the French wire Le Havre that we're on our way."

[Tanthalas]

Sir Ian stands tierdly shaking his head, Aproching Mister Torres and Mister Wilson. waiting for a Pause in their Conversation so as not to inturupt.  Gentelmen as im sure you are both well aware my country is one of Free Traders, and while his Lordship is most stringent about remaininng Neutral in this upcoming conflict he is uncertian if he will be capable of preventing Elements of the Private Sector from atempting to Profiteer from the upcoming conflict.