Vedomosti 4q1899

[Borys]

 Russian ship has been captured. We hope, by mistake.
Vladivostok, 1st of October
There are gossips going around that Russian merchant ship "Chukotka" of "Vostochno-Aziatskaya Steamer Company" have been captured by the New Switzerland navy near the coast of California. The ship was rented by the "Californian Tobacco and Wine Co" and steaming under the flag of California. There were an international russo-french-american crew and about 5000 tons of special food ingredients on board, which have been classified by the NS officers as powder.
The authorities of "VASC" and "CTWC" would not like to comment this fact and minister of foreign affairs of Russian Empire Alexander Muraviev declares a protest to the Government of the New Switzerland. He demands to return the ship to their owners and will be correct in identifying of cargos in future. Russian minister wishes the NS part would be more careful in logistics next time.

Putilov will buy Panama Channel
St. Petersburg, 10th of October
Russian businessman Mr. Putilov, owner of 4 steel plants in Ural, 2 shipbilding plants in St. Petersburg and one in – Vladivostok, CEO of the Putilov's Finance and Development Co., announced yesterday that he will enter in 'Company of Panama Channel' and invest about 10% of its cost.
It is unknown for today, if the agreement has been signed or it is just the wish of Mr. Putilov. But if he'll enter that company with his funds, Russian Imperial Navy and merchant companies will get a chance to have some privelegies of passing the new channel.

Steel plants will enter into Syndicate
Yekaterinburg, 12th of October
Russian steel companies announced yesterday, that they will found a Syndicate of Steel. About 20 most important plants will be united by one company and will be managed by them.
Experts think that this step will make steel cheaper for about 20%.

Brand new battleships commissioned
Kronshtadt, 23rd of October
Russian Imperial Navy has received three new battleships. They will strengthen and balance the order of battle of two main fleets of Russia.
Most interesting battleship for the world naval society is "Tsesarevitch". He was projected by the French naval engineer Lagane. His project reflects the classic French school of shipbuilding and includes the characters of Russian naval trend — the battleship has unordinary profile, all of her secondary artillery concluded in twin turrets and main belt is thin but strong – it is splits ito two section – inner and outer.
New ship will be the flagship of the Baltic fleet after his return from trials.

Sverigeflotten signs a contract
7th of November
The contract with the Baltic Confederation for building of ten minesweepers of the T1 project has been signed today in Stockholm. Minesweepers will be built in Ohtinskaya verf, Helsingfors and first ships of the number will be delivered to Sverigeflotten in early 1902.
   
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Desertfox    
Posted: Sep 25 2005, 04:07 PM


Commander Johann Wyss
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The NSN captured a ship undergoing resupply operations with Pirate vessels. She was carrying a secret cargo of French ammunition apart from her "special food ingridients". Also on board was a captured Lieutenant of the Swiss Merchant Marine, and a considerable number of loot, some of it from the SS Mary Ann. Considering the evidence the ships has been confiscated and will not be returned. Her crew will be tried for piracy, accesories to murder, kiddnapping, and other crimes against humanity.

If it is true that she is a Russian ships, that will be considered a breach of the the following article of the Swiss-Russian Non Aggresion Pact.
QUOTE
PART 6 – NON-AGRESSION PACT AGREEMENTS

Article II. Should one of the High Contracting Parties become the object of belligerent action by a third Power,
the other High Contracting Party shall in no manner lend its support to this third Power.





   
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Ithekro    
Posted: Sep 25 2005, 05:03 PM


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(The webs we weave....)

Rohan also has some concern reguarding this matter. While there is no proof that this Russian vessel was suppling the Anahuac Raiders at Clipperton Island, it does call into question what a Russian vessel was doing so far from home, with a Russian cruiser that could have been on loan to the French government. Should these acts be considered or proven to have hostile or disruptive effect on shipping, the Russian Empire could be in violation of their treaty with Rohan as well.

QUOTE
Article I. Both High Contracting Parties obligate themselves to desist from any act of violence, any aggressive action, and any attack on each other, either individually or jointly with other Powers.

Article II. Should one of the High Contracting Parties become the object of belligerent action by a third Power, the other High Contracting Party shall in no manner lend its support to this third Power.

Article III. The Governments of the two High Contracting Parties shall in the future maintain continual contact with one another for the purpose of consultation in order to exchange information on problems affecting their common interests.

Article IV. Should disputes or conflicts arise between the High Contracting Parties, both party's shall not participate in any grouping of Powers whatsoever that is directly or indirectly aimed at the other party.

Article V. Both high contracting partys shall not participate in any grouping of powers in any expansionist act within the other high contracting partys sphere of influence or against any of its territories.

Article VI. Should disputes or conflicts arise between the High Contracting Parties over problems of one kind or another, both parties shall settle these disputes or conflicts exclusively through friendly exchange of opinion or, if necessary, through the establishment of arbitration commissions.


As there is currently only limited proof, and as Rohan is engaged elsewhere, Rohan will continue to honor this treaty. However it does warn the new Czar of the Empire, do not betray the trust of the Rohirrim. Your lands may be vast, but our horses are quick and our kingdom is far older than any of your nobilities sires. Honor thy word, and Rohan will honor its own word.

Betray us, and know that the Horn of Helm Hammerhand will sound in the streets of St. Petersburg.
   
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olekit    
Posted: Sep 26 2005, 03:14 AM


The Russian Empire
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To both NS and Rohan: The Russian Empire honour the Treaties with New Switzerland and Rohan. We appreciate the all articles listed and have never violates The Treaties.

Russian empire can give her ship to leasing, rent or just sell her ships to other countries, if it is not contrary to obligation assumed. Inthis case Russian steamship company gave into rentage her ship to the other company, situates in the indipendent and neutral state - California. We haven't seen any guilt or violation it that fact.

To NS: Your act, even your recepy operations, violates the Code of Sea Merchatry, which tales:

QUOTE
Every ship at the zone of conflict should be stopped and examined. All cargo must be listed. After that the crew of the ship must be evacuated from the ship and the ship should be convoyed to the port and stay there untill the conflict is finished.
No one have a right to stop, capture and attack the merchant ship if the war between attacer and the owner of merchant is declared or waged.


As far as I know there is no even a fog of war between New Switzerland and Russian Empire. Your movements are illegal. They violate not only out Treaty, but your Treaties with third powers and the International Sea Law. We insist you should return our ship to russian port.

Even if the ship carry any smuggling goods, this is neutral ship, going to the neutral country. You shouldn't capture that.
To approve your statements of the cargo, crew and prisoners, we require documents.
If the NS Navy will not give russian ship back, the fact of capture of "Chukotka" will be considered as piracy. We will set patrols on the trade routes in the Northern Pacific and all NS ships will be stopped and examined. All ships which will ride back will be sunk.

To Rohan: We also honour the treaty, that's why we should not support the Anahuac Empire. "Diana" is still a stasionere ship at the zone of conflict and "Chukotka" was captured by the NS by mistake.
The NS authorities, as far as i understood, want a global war. They see a french menace in every corner of the Pacific and in every ship. And Russia would not argue with them on that question.
   
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Maddox    
Posted: Sep 26 2005, 12:33 PM


Hegemon
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Diplomatic dispatch to Rohan

QUOTE
"Rohan sources indicate that a Russian cruiser was leased by france.  This is correct, and was never classified information.  The Russian naval ship Diana was leased by France, with a Russian crew with French officers, with as sole purpose an evaluation of Russian build capacity and capabilities of their ships, with full coorperation of the Russian Gouvernement.
The direct result of this coorperation is an extensive exchange of information and technologies between France and Russia.
And probably a joint program to build a series of fast multi purpose cruisers.
The French Captain DuCroix already asked for further coorperation with the Russian Navy. His dispatch "Je suis tellement satisfait avec se bateau de guerre, Diana ,que je le trouvera dommage d'abandoner la commande d'elle."
This ship was just to late to interfere with the New Swiss attact on Anuhuac Armed Merchant Cruisers hunting the imaginairy pirates around Klipperton Island.We of France regret that a paranoid country has such influence on your international view.


Le monde
QUOTE
New Swiss Pirates themselfs? Attacking and capturing ships against any maritime law.
The latest escapades of the New Swiss navy point in that direction.

QUOTE
The NSN captured the Russian merchant Chukotka under Californian flag when resupplying other merchant vessels at sea.  Presumably a captured Lieutenant of the Swiss Merchant Marine was aboard this ship  and an unimaginable amount of  loot, some of it from the presumably gold carrying SS Mary Ann. Considering the evidence the ships has been confiscated and will not be returned. Chukotka's crew was executed after a fake trial.



We already regret our gouvernements decision to let a New Swiss Navy ship entering an harbor. A navy used by their gouvernement as a piratical propaganda stunt to cause war, dead and destruction.


   
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Ithekro    
Posted: Sep 26 2005, 01:34 PM


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It seems odd to lease a brand new cruiser to a foreign power that has plenty of warships already. While Rohan will likely not look into this matter farther, it does wish to point out the oddity of this arrangement between the French and Russian Governments.
   
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Desertfox    
Posted: Sep 26 2005, 03:01 PM


Commander Johann Wyss
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We considered the ship to be a pirate vessel, engaged in illegal activities. Thus we retain the right to capture and confiscate her.

QUOTE
We will set patrols on the trade routes in the Northern Pacific and all NS ships will be stopped and examined. All ships which will ride back will be sunk.
That will be considered an act of war. Remember we control al SLOC into Pacific Russia. It is in your best interest not to make us angry.

QUOTE
Chukotka's crew was executed after a fake trial
The crew has not been at this moment been tried or executed. The only crime with capital punishment is treason. Unless accused of treason they will not be executed.

QUOTE
We of France regret that a paranoid country has such influence on your international view.
So they speak, after twice in the last 100 years they have attack without reason a peacful country.


OOC: What in the world are the Russians leasing a cruiser to the French for?
   
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olekit    
Posted: Sep 27 2005, 08:34 AM


The Russian Empire
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To Rohan: see your PM

To New Switzerland: We should not declare a war to you. We should not denounce the Treaty and will execute it till its end. Probably we would not prolong it with you.

We demand your Navy not to interfere our international commerce. That is just a rude violation of our agreements. We could not trust New Switzerland in any question after this incident.

We of Russia demand you to return our ship with all crew and cargo in one week period. And to proove your accusations we ask you to give Russia all documents that have been captured with the ship. If there is any offences of our with california contract of it the ship was refreighted to the third part - the crew with capitan will be punished.

We will set as promiced patrols at the Northern Pacific and will stop and examine all suspicious ships of any nation to prevent such incidents. We will crack the problem of piracy and contraband by ourselves.

If any of russian merchant of navy ships will be damaged, all of responcibility for that will be layed on Your shoulders.

If you would not solve problems at table of negotiations, we will talk with you using your methods.

ÎÎÑ: before talking about control of entrances to Pacific, see the MAP! You controls only Tsushima...
   
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Desertfox    
Posted: Sep 27 2005, 03:28 PM


Commander Johann Wyss
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We as said before will not return the ship. She will be kept as compensation for SS Mary Ann. If you have a problem go to your leesee. But we will release all documents pertaining to her.

The stopping of Swiss merchant ships violates the following article. As said before this constitutes an act of war.
QUOTE
Article III. The Contractors undertake obligations to admit of free merchant and military steamship of Contractor's navies in discussing Seas and Straights and limit access of the third's powers military ships to this Seas and.


The SSS has discovered a Franco-Russo cooperation. Said cooperation violates:
QUOTE
Article V. Both high contracting partys shall not participate in any grouping of powers in any expansionist act within the other high contracting partys sphere of influence or against any of its territorys.


If Russia continues her warmongering, the Treaty will be considered null and void.
   
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Ithekro    
Posted: Sep 27 2005, 09:31 PM


King of Rohan
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So is there anyone willing to try to mediate the dispute between these nations, or would they rather settle this the old fashion way by single combat?
   
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swamphen    
Posted: Sep 27 2005, 09:44 PM


Großeadmiral Sumpfhühn
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'Twelve-inch rifles at dawn'?

tongue.gif
   
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Desertfox    
Posted: Sep 27 2005, 10:11 PM


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Hmmm good idea.

New Switzerland challenges Russia to a duel. Loser will comply with all complaint put against her.
(OOC How about we flip coin. Winner choses either, ships employed, or time and place)
   
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dougwise13    
Posted: Sep 27 2005, 10:49 PM


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The Anahuac Empire mocks the barbarity of those who would decry the rightful execution of traitors and criminals, yet prefers to lose the lives of hundreds of its sailors to arbitrate petty commercial shipping incidents.
   
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Ithekro    
Posted: Sep 27 2005, 10:59 PM


King of Rohan
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I was thinking more one man against one man...and not necessarily to the death either...but to each there own. A battleship or cruiser duel would be interesting to read about in the papers.
   
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olekit    
Posted: Sep 28 2005, 02:15 AM


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If you have a problem with mary Ann, go to those, who damaged your ship and ask them for compensation. Russia have not damaged your merchant ships.

QUOTE
We as said before will not return the ship. She will be kept as compensation for SS Mary Ann.


QUOTE
But we will release all documents pertaining to her.


Send them to me wia PM

The stopping of Russian merchant ships violates the following article.
QUOTE

Article III. The Contractors undertake obligations to admit of free merchant and military steamship of Contractor's navies in discussing Seas and Straights and limit access of the third's powers military ships to this Seas and.


We also has discovered cooperation between NS, DKB and Netherlands. Said cooperation violates:

QUOTE

Article V. Both high contracting partys shall not participate in any grouping of powers in any expansionist act within the other high contracting partys sphere of influence or against any of its territorys.


You have a chance to solve the problem peacefully. And it will be the best variant.

[Borys]

QUOTE
We also has discovered cooperation between NS, DKB and Netherlands. Said cooperation violates:


QUOTE

Article V. Both high contracting partys shall not participate in any grouping of powers in any expansionist act within the other high contracting partys sphere of influence or against any of its territorys.





Where is the shere of influence that the Netherlands(and DKB) conflict with Russia?
The treaty between the Netherlands and the New Swiss is because of our close proximity in Australia and because of tensions with the Caliph over our claims in Australia. As far as Russian/Netherlands relations the Netherlands has had limited contact with the Russian Empire apart of the Australian incident.
We do not see where the treaty with New Switzerland violates the Russian/New Swiss treaty.
   
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Ithekro    
Posted: Sep 28 2005, 01:20 PM


King of Rohan
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The traditional method of naval dueling would be to steam side by side, the captains or admirals salute, then the ships split off to the edge of short range and then come around and charge each other, passing close on one side or the other and exchanging broadsides at point blank range only...no closing bow on or leaving stern on fire.

Honor must be maintained in such duels. One ship to each side.
   
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Desertfox    
Posted: Sep 28 2005, 02:59 PM


Commander Johann Wyss
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QUOTE
The stopping of Russian merchant ships violates the following article.
We have not stopped any ship flying the flag of Russia.

QUOTE
We also has discovered cooperation between NS, DKB and Netherlands. Said cooperation violates:
In no way woudl this grouping of power threaten Russia or her spheres of influence. On the other hand a Franco-Russian Alliance does threaten Swiss spheres of influence.

QUOTE
Send them to me wia PM
Ill send them as soon as they are ready.

One last thing if your so worried about your ship, why didnt your cruiser intervene? Also why didnt your cruiser stop the pirate vessels. We didnt in any way attack Russia, even when your cruiser had pirates in sight and didnt act. But Russia attacks us verbally for ridding the world of Pirates.
   
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Maddox    
Posted: Sep 28 2005, 11:49 PM


Hegemon
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Diplomatic dispatch as copied by the Paris Temps

QUOTE
The Russian Cruiser Diana was under French orders, as stipulated in the lend/lease contract.

Also, the cruiser was just to late to support the Anuhuac AMC's, also hunting pirates.

If New Swiss has any issue about the Cruiser Diana in French waters, please take this up with us, the French gouvernement.

Currently no steps are taken to further an Russian/France alliance to have any expantionist goal in the Pacific. Currently Russia has the same goals as France, building on peace, prosperity ,science and humanity.
That is why it seems that Russia and france are gathering forces.
But as the tides are turning, we publicly promise Russia any help, if Russia asks France.

Again, New Swiss seems to think our ancestors are still ruling France.  We have to admit that expansion of France in the past was filled with War and Bloodshed. But the French people did grow above this. Now to hope if New Swiss and possible partners in the anti French alliance ever will understand the idea of becoming adult.
   
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olekit    
Posted: Oct 3 2005, 08:28 AM


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Russian Ports Closed
St. Peterburg, 22nd October
Russia has closed her Far East ports for merchant ships of Powers, involved into conflicts around Clipperton Island and confiscation of Russian trade ship "Chukotka".
Since 1st of November no one ship of the listed countries (New Switzerland, Deuche Kaiserreich Branderburg, Anahuac Empire, California and Uruguay) would not be admitted in Russian territorial waters and ports. The ships of Rohan and France will be admitted for bunkerage in Kurilsk and Port Arthur. The inner Russian seaports will be closed for all foreign ships.
"We should examine all Russian ships, which were leased to the foreign countries, all of them will be called back and set into carantine. Foreign ships are not admitted to the ports just to refrain from repetitions for claims of some states to Russian Empire", — said the Prime Minister Uriy Vitte.

New Department Founded
St. Peterburg, 11th November
Russian Empire founds a Frontier Guard Service. The new department of the Ministry of Defence will be specialized on frontier guarding. It will be complected with the most modern weapon and supplies, its staff consists of 250000 men, distributed along the land frontier of Russia. Sea frontier will be guarded with special patrol ships and with the military units of regular Navy.

To Reinforce the Frontier
Vladivostok, 28th November
Brand new RIN ships — Tsesarevitch, Ingermanland, Askold and Varyag — will be redislocated to the Pacific region. Squadron has left the harbour of Libava late at night on 12 of October and will stay on anchor at the Zolotoy Rog harbour (Vladivostok) on 30 of November.

Diplomatic Events
St. Peterburg, 4th Desember
New ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary will be appointed in listed states: The Ottoman Empire, The Mughal Empire, United Kingdom of America, The France Empire. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will reopen negotiations with Deuches Kaiserreich Brandenburg, Netherlands, Caliphate of Cairo and Habsburg Empire. We expected to sign Treaties and estaplish embassies in listed States in 1st quarter of 1900, — said Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandr Muraviev.

Marry Christmas, Russia!
St. Peterburg, 25th December
His Imperial Majisty, Tsar of all Russians Michail the Second has congratulated The Nation with The Marry Christmas and coming New Year.
"We are standing at the beginning of the New Century and Russia's role there will be in a great importance. We build a strong state and those, who follow us, should get the power and preserve it"? — said Tsar Michail II.
   
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swamphen    
Posted: Oct 3 2005, 08:41 AM


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Diplomatic Note to the Russian Empire from the DKB:

QUOTE

While we appreciate your concerns regarding the current crisis, the Deutsches Kaiserreich Brandenburg has no quarrel with the Russian Empire, and had no involvement in the Clipperton incident. We respectfully request that Russian ports be re-opened to Brandenburgian shipping.

Count Bernhard von Bülow, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs
   
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Desertfox    
Posted: Oct 3 2005, 02:30 PM


Commander Johann Wyss
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Why does Russia want war?

Since the signing of the Treaty Russia has treated it with contemt. We refrained from attcking Russia, even when one of her ships was supply pirates. Her cruiser was present and did nothing to stop pirates from resupplying under her nose. And yet Russia closes her ports to us. We confiscated a ship engaged illegal activities, flying the flag of California.

Untill Russia becomes more resonable, the straits of Tsushima are closed to any Russian ship. The Constitution group is at sea and ready to enforce this.
   
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Earl822    
Posted: Oct 3 2005, 04:48 PM


Hegemon
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I Sense World War
   
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Ithekro    
Posted: Oct 3 2005, 06:20 PM


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Or at the least a localized Pacific War.
   
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olekit    
Posted: Oct 4 2005, 12:33 AM


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To Desertfox:You may close or reopen your favourite Tsushima as many times, as you want. We have a lot of ways to get into Eastern sea and back into Pacific.

By the way, you violates the treaty:

QUOTE
Article II. The Contractors recognized that all straights out and to the Japan (Eastern) Sea are also the subject of the mutual usage and defence, which influence greately on merchant navigation and foreign relations in the region.


And what about your trade ships and our ports:

QUOTE
Article II. The Contracting Powers will discuss trading relations any time they like.


We have not discussed trade relations yet. Russia have no obligations about your steamshipping at the region.

And at last:
QUOTE
Article I. Both High Contracting Parties obligate themselves to desist from any act of violence, any aggressive action, and any attack on each other, either individually or jointly with other Powers.


But you have captured our ship and now threatened our state. So, who is the Great Violator?! Who of us wants war?
   
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Desertfox    
Posted: Oct 4 2005, 08:11 AM


Commander Johann Wyss
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Again: We captured a Pirate ship flying the flag of California. We have not touched a Russian ships.
   
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Ithekro    
Posted: Oct 4 2005, 11:29 AM


King of Rohan
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In the same area as a Russian cruiser under French authority...in French waters.

With Anahuac Cruisers that were the main reason Rohan took any interest in this island...as it is near the main sealane from Rohan to New Beleriand.

But as the Armies of Rohan and Gondor advance into the Enemies Territory, we have moved our patrols of this island away so that we might concentrate on the Enemy's Pacific Fleet...should it ever come forth in great numbers.