Statement on the Ardian Assembly Debate - Slavery & Sanctions Since the next debate of the Ardian Assembly is about sanctioning our Empire among other things, we would like to offer clarifications to the statements made by HM Grand Duke Hugo Lascelles.
First, we would like to attest and confirm the best intentions of the HoS of China and Quintelia. In the case of Quintelia, the Emperor of Tamora can personally attest that the HM King Lapu’s only interest was to free the slave families and thus end their suffering as fast of possible. During the whole process, King Lapu was personally interested in the affairs of the freed slaves and made everything possible so that their release can be done as swiftly as possible. For their part the Chinese authorities have also been in constant contact with us urging us to free the slaves as fast as possible.
Second, we are not sure exactly why the ethnicity of some of Tamora’s slaves has been mentioned and we refer here to the Maori. Tamora has millions of ethnic Parthians in slavery, we do not believe that ethnicity matters. That aside we are disappointed that so far the Commonwealth of the Iwi has not approached us in order to find a solution of the millions of Maori now in slavery. The HoS of China and Quintelia have taken steps and helped people that were not of their ethnicity or even race yet the Maori seem content to largely ignore their brethren.
Third, we would like to address the statement that the transactions have hardly made a dent on the total number of slaves in Tamora. I believe HM Grand Duke Hugo Lascelles has been misinformed as to the purpose of these transactions. While both China and Quintelia have expressed their opposition to the institution of slavery numerous times during our talks at no point were we under the impression that these transactions were meant to end slavery in our nation but rather to free approx. 100 thousand souls from slavery. We believe that giving freedom now to such a great number of people cannot be underestimated or swept away by saying it “does not end mass suffering”. We believe that ending slavery for 100.000 people means ending “mass suffering” and has made an immense positive impact for the said individuals. Furthermore, we do not believe the recent freed slaves would see the act of paying for their release as unjust or immoral and we speculate that given the change they would personally thank the HoS of both China and Quintelia for their actions.
Forth, we would like to thank HM Grand Duke Hugo Lascelles for the economic analysis presented to the nations of Mundus regarding our internal affairs. However, we would like to further expand on that analysis by thinking about the unfortunate soul in slavery on that Tamoran farm that HM had mentioned. The plan proposed by HM would lead to the price of slaves going down as slave work becomes less desirable and owners will sell their slaves gradually. A lower value for a slaves means poorer living conditions for slaves for an owner will not simply release his slaves if the values goes down. When a values of a slave goes down, he is worth less for his master and that is not a good thing for the person in bondage.
Fifth, sanctions so far have increased the number of slaves as a result of further weakening our economy and bankrupting more and more of our citizens. I fail to see how the plan proposed by HM Grand Duke Hugo Lascelles will help end slavery if it produces more slaves by the month.
Six, we would like to remind HM that the Tamoran justice system specifically mandates retribution for the crime committed by the guilty parties and retribution includes slavery. No amount of sanctions would change our justice system. Take for example the parents whose daughter has been killed and the murderer is now their slave after being sentenced us such. How will sanctioning Tamora and worsening their living conditions convince the parents of the recently deceased that it’s not in their interest to own slaves?
Seven, we would like to also address the premise that should Tamora give up the institution mandated by the Prophet Mani and taught by our Church since its beginnings, Tamora could become more prosperous and it could even bring in more taxes to the treasury. We strongly believe that many in Tamora would choose to be poorer and worse off but be faithful to the teaching of the Prophet and reap the benefits of their obedience in the afterlife than be more prosperous and rich now and spend an eternity in damnation. As for the government of Tamora, we would like to emphasize again that the institution of slavery is written in the Book of Mani and that no Emperor can abolish it even if it were to ever succumb to the pressures of foreign powers.
Eight, we would also like to further clarify the term “slave economy” that has been used in regards to Tamora’s economy. While I personally own slaves as have my parents and their parents as so do my children, there are millions in Tamora that do not. Some because they are too poor too afford them, others because just like HM or the HoS of China and Quintelia are morally appalled by the institution. While I do not agree with them as I do not agree with HM I cannot deny that these citizens exist in Tamora. Painting a broad picture over Tamora as a slave economy ignores the complexity of the preferences and conditions of each individual living in Tamora. After all, the people who have sold their slaves to China and Quintelia could just as well have used their money to replace the slave labor with machinery for example.
Lastly, I would like inform the Ardian Assembly that regardless of the economic sanctions taken against Tamora and the consequences of those sanctions against the people of Tamora, the Empire will not retaliate in kind. The citizens of your countries that reside in Tamora, though few in number, will continue to enjoy the same protections. Furthermore, on our part we will not prohibit our businesses to trade with your nations. We have not retaliated in the past and we will not do so in the future.
It is the hope of this government that despite the disagreements between the governments of our nations dialogue will be allowed to continue.
Respectfully yours,
Head of Foreign Affairs
Alya Safavid
OOC: I have by mistake addressed the Grand Duke as HM. It's an OOC mistake, if possible please assume the correct and formal title has been used.