OOC: This is the thread for the meeting between interested parties with respect to grievances of the Italian Empire against New Zion.
Woodrow Wilson speaks first:
"Gentlemen, welcome. Thank you for coming here on such short notice. I'll dispense with diplomatic pleasantries other than to say this: I hope that we might solve with words today what in the past has only been solvable by spending lives. If my esteemed colleague from Italy wouldn't mind, might you begin?"
Honored Diplomats I am honored to be here today to address this august body. It had been my intention to allow others here to voice there concerns before I addresses the letter I have here to the Zionist Ambassador to France. If anyone else has anything to say before I address the assembly, and concerns or questions. The Empire understands that countries such as the Deutcher Kaiserreich Brandenburg, or the Kingdom of the Netherlands, or even possibly France or Egypt who have common borders with the Zionists State in East Africa. These countries should be concerned about the occurrences here today?
I must state for myself that some people are incorrectly assuming that the Empire of Italia's actions are the result of the Murder of the Pope. While that most tragic and heinous crime deserves to be punished that is not why Italia has come here today! Today is about what happened before and after that event. I will open the floor to other nations know before I make my final statement.
Consul Spurius Valerius Maximus slowly takes his seat
Monsieur Grange asks the word.
Messieurs, mesdames, just to remind the world that the French law, according to the Code Napoleon, sees that before a person is convicted, he or she's deemed innocent.
In behalf of Glorious France, I ask all of you to concider this further, before making accusations in any kind or intention.
For now, untill the evidence is presented and the situation more clear, Glorious France will be a gentle and caring host for all of us here in this marvel of architecture and taste. Albeit the toilets were installed a bit after construction.
If anything is wished for, outside the talks, the valets will cater to your wishes.
Kanryu Takeda, Ambassador of the Deutcher Kaiserreich Brandenburg to the Republic of France, holds a well-manicured finger up and smiles as Mr. Wilson nods his way. "Thank you, Mr. Wilson. First, I wish to convey the appreciation of the Kaiser for your personal efforts to mediate a peaceful conclusion to this issue. The role of mediator is an honorable and burdensome one, and it is to your credit that you assume it."
"Second, I believe it would be rather ineffectual for individuals such as myself to speak prior to our honorable colleagues from Tel Aviv and Rome, as only they know the exact truth of the issue at hand. I would, therefore, ask that they present their case at the earliest opportunity.
"Finally, please note that it will be necessary for me to speak with both the gentleman from Rome, and the gentleman from Tel Aviv. Your assistants will receive letters summarizing the topics I wish to discuss, so that you may consider your response in advance.
"Thank you, Mr. Wilson, and good luck to you."
DKB Ambassador Takeda smiles ruefully:
"Oh, Mr. Wilson, I do apologize - there is one more thing, if I may.
"I am also tasked to convey to Italia, New Zion, and other powers that the Kaiser has ordered a complete mobilization of all DKB armed forces in Ost Afrika, Kenya, and Viktorialand. This is, of course, strictly intended as a means of ensuring that DKB sovereignty in these regions remains unfettered while the DKB remains a neutral observer in the conflict. The Kaiser asks that, in the case of war, all belligerents take utmost care to honor established rules of war and avoid infringing upon DKB rights and sovereignty.
"Thank you, Mr. Wilson, I do believe I am done this time."
Orange Foreign Ministry statement on the conflict - sent to all parties and appearing as paid advertisement in newspapers all around the world.
The Italian Ministry of Interior had shown their evidence to Orange envoy on the supposed Zionite involvement in the assassination attempt against the Pope. However, such a conclusion involves serious assumptions, all of them unsubstantiated. Assuming no framing attempt by other parties, the evidence presented have only the weakest connection to New Zion.
This opinion was formed by analyzing the evidence provided by Rome to Orange diplomats - might not be exactly agreeing with evidence presented to others, but Orange will not make it public without Italian agreement.
Orange advise powers not to use this obvious pretext to attack New Zion or face possible Orange intervention on behalf of Tel Aviv.
The Iberian Ambassador to France Alfredo Rubalcaba
The Iberian point of view is that New Zion's government is capable of fundamentally stupid and illogical acts of brinkmenship. As such Iberia sees no reason to doubt the Italian conclusion of events.
Consul Spurius Valerius Maximus slowly approaches the Podium after speaking to a Military Aid
We are running out of Time honored diplomats and while we talk others are moving. So to speed things along I have a few things to say.
First the Representatives of New Zion wish to site history and declare the hands of Romans Red with blood in the News Papers perhaps they should ask the descendants of the Canaanites about the stain on the hands of the house of Joshua. But I believe we digress into meaningless pre-historical events perhaps the Murder of the sole heir to King Menelik II, Kebede Tessema of Ethipia by his Zionist guards so that a Zionist King could usurp Kebede' rightful rulership of the Kingdom of Ethipia would be more in line. But enough banter I will get directly to the point. *Hand a rolled Document to a French aid and directs him to deliver it to the Zionist represntative to France* and begins reading from another such form.
Speaking for the Emperor of Italia Where as the Government of the Former Principality of Ethipia, now called the Kingdom of New Zion has maintained a state of continual animosity to the Empire of Italia and to all things of Rome including its Church the Empire of Italia has the following statement to make.
1. That the so called Kingdom of New Zion under the house Davinic has in the past and is presently the Sponsor of state financed Pirates. The harboring of the infamous Capt. Taugon and the S.S. TAG under the Flag of New Zion is evidence enough of this. The Empire will no longer tolerate the harboring of known criminals so near its borders.
2. That Citizens of its Kingdom did with knowledge and consent of Agents of the New Zion Government attempt to Assassinate the Emperor Of Iberia, Emperor of Italia, and the Kaiser of Habsburg Kaiserreich and there families. In so doing said Citizen did Murder the Head of the Holy Roman Catholic Church Pope Pius X.
3. That even while its Assassin moved the Kingdom of New Zion did marshal its forces for the purpose of invading and conqueror the Imperial Province of Burundi in East Africa. The failure of said Assassination plot to destabilize the Empire as New Zion had plotted being the only cause for the failure of the Invasion to carry through to its objectives.
Based upon these statements and the continued belligerence of the Zionists Government within the Territory of Ethipia the Empire of Italia makes these demands.
1. The disbandment of all armed forces of the Zionist Government in the Territory of Ethipia.
2. The surrender of members of the Zionists Government the Council of Elders to the Empire of Italia for questioning to determine their complicity or lack of such in the murder of Pope Pius X.
3. The surrender of Capt Taugon and the S.S. Tag to Italian Authorities for Trial upon charges of Piracy.
The Government of New Zion has 72 hours to agree to these demands, failing in this the Empire of Italia finds that a state of war does exist between the Empire of Italia and Government of New Zion, such war to begin January 3rd 1914. The Empire of Italia wants it clearly stated that the Empire has no desire to make war upon the Jewish, Christian, or Muslim residents of the Zionist State that our war is with the Zionist Government that has lead these people into so much danger.
Signed,
Gaius Marius Camila, Emperor of all Italia.
The Zionite statement:
To the Iberians, need we remind you of the fact that an Iberian warship deliberately attacked a Zionite ship in International Waters? That is a clear casus beli, yet the Zionite Government did not take any measures against the perpetrators.
To the Italians,
The Statement by the Zionite Government was clearly labeled as such. That which you bring up was sent by persons beyond our control.
On the matter of Captain Taugon. The Mossad has kept careful tabs on said individual. We have uncovered no evidence of any piratical acts by him pre-Ottoman War. During said war the Captain received Letters of Marque from the Ottoman Government and operated under them as a privateer. All ships captured post-war happened in the period immidietly after the war ended, before notification of said ending could be given to the Captain. If you claim that Captain Taugon was involved in acts of piracy, present the evidence and we will review it. As it stands New Zion has no such evidence.
On the matter of the supposed assasination attempt. New Zion denies any such links between itself and the assasins. The Mossad has conducted an investigation into said matter and come to the conclusion that said assasin was a Muslim Greek, who was seeking revenge for the murder of his family during the Greek Insurrection.
On the matter of said mobilisation, the Italians have their facts wrong. The Zionite forces where partially mobilised in the summer of 1912 as a precaution during the Ottoman War. They stood down at the end of said war in the fall of 1912. The assasination occured during the Winter of 1912, with the Zionite forces once again partially mobilising at the start of 1913, once again as a precaution.
Had we planned an invasion how come our forces stood down precisly during the best time to carry out said invasion?
New Zion finds the Italian claims hollow and without facts. As such New Zion can not agree to the Italian demands.
Monsieur Grange calls in a valet, and hands him a piece of paper.
The valet carries it over to the New Zion representative.
it reads.
"Italia did sight the relevant treaties dealing with Piracy in the Den Hague Treaties, new Zion didn't
Consul Spurius Valerius Maximus slowly approaches the Podium again.
Then the Representitive of the Zionist Government rejects our statements out of hand! Then Sir you have to 72 hours. *waves his hand and several of the Italia Military Aids leave the room*
Speaking to the gathered foreign ministers. I must appologize for the Abruptness of our statements. Select foreign ministers will be welcome to meet with myself latter and I will present the evidence as it was presented to me. Some will look for a smoking gun and will not find it. Other more reasonable persons will look beyond the lack of a smoking gun and 30 Priests and eyewitness to the crime. And they will see a pattern of behavior that would lead a rational human being to a few conclusions. Italia has been attacked and the Empire will defend itself. We do not ask for aid in our war against the Zionists, and there is not grand conspiracy against them. We would ask to speak with the ministers of the DKB, Netherlands, and Egypt here in France as this war most effects those with a common border with New Zion.
Again Gentlemen I thank you for your Ttime, Patients, and Efforts for continued peace. I am sorry that in this instance we cannot aid those efforts.
Gran Colombia's Eduard Torres speaks from his seat.
"Gentlemen, I believe I have heard all that is really required of me. While Gran Colombia's views on this matter are likely only of tertiary concern to those directly involved, I will convey them regardless.
"Gran Colombia is of the view that New Zion does represent a chaotic state, which is bound to be an irritant to its neighbours by nature of its very unpredictability. The people of New Zion must, collectively, impose self-discipline upon themselves if they are to be successful as a nation-state.
"Gran Colombia is of the view that New Zion is attempting to incite anti-Catholic sentiments world-wide, and as a predominantly Catholic state, we are not amused.
"Gran Colombia considers acts of assassination to be particularly heinous, and reason for retaliation. Were New Zion to be clearly and unquestionably responsible for the attempt in Rome and the murder of the Pope, Gran Colombia would clearly sanction retaliatory measures.
"Gran Colombia is, however, less than satisfied with the burden of evidence presented by Italia against New Zion. Further, Gran Colombia is of the view that the ultimatum offered by Italia to New Zion has been constructed such that New Zion can not possibly accept it. Gran Colombia considers arguments for possible Italian aggression to be as plausible as arguments for a Zionite conspiracy.
"Gran Colombia's primary interest in this conflict has been with respect to its Iberian ally, whose monarch was a possible target in the assassination attempt. Until such time as Iberia might declare a state of war against New Zion and invoke the relevant articles of the Southern Cross Alliance, there is no reason for Gran Colombia to become a belligerent in the conflict that will come.
"Gran Colombia strongly recommends that belligerents in the coming conflict take the utmost care to avoid impinging on the rights, territories, peoples, and sovereignty of their neutral neighbours. Gran Colombian commercial interests in the regions, while extremely limited, must be respected.
"Finally, I will note to all that my office, and the resources of the Republic of Gran Colombia, remain available to assist in mediation and oversight of a peace at such time as the belligerents in the coming conflict are prepared to negotiate one in good faith."
Wilson smiled warmly at Torres after he finished speaking. "For once, we and the Colombians are on the same side of an issue", he thought. "This might be something to build on in the future."
"Gentlemen." Wilson looked at Consul Maximus, then at the Zionite representative. "It seems we have a great distance to travel in such a short time."
"Please indulge me to make a suggestion with regard to Captain Taugon and the piracy question: Would it be amendable to you both if Captain Taugon and his ship might not be interned by a third party, so that the question of whether or not he and his crew are guilty of piracy might not be decided by due process? The CSA would be agreeable to providing just such services to the international community, or if for some reason we might not be acceptable for the task, possibly our gracious French hosts could?" Wilson nodded toward Monsieur Grange.
OOC note to all:
There is no UNK representation at this meeting, and UNK has not demonstrated any interest in this issue.
In other circumstances, the same would be true of DKB, but the issue is rather too close even for an NPC DKB to ignore.
To the CSA:
"If Taugon was the only issue we would gladly accept your offer. But he is only one of many excuses, and since the Italians seem bent on their fourth consecutive war of aggression, we will need all the help we can get. Taugon and his ship have just been drafted into the Royal Zionite Navy."
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.
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...
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."
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?"
"I believe we can."
(OOC: Well, there's only so much damage you guys can inflict in the opening hour of a war...)
Quote from: The Rock Doctor on November 25, 2008, 10:15:20 AM
(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)
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.
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."
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."
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.