Association of Dauntel and Shaw Nations (ASDN) HQ Thread

[Achkaerin]

The ADSN Declaration (Dunwich Declaration) Dunwich, 16th November 2023

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The nations of the Dauntel Sea, Rokkenjiman Sea and Strait of Shaw

MINDFUL of the existence of mutual interests and common problems among countries of the Dauntel and the Straight of Shaw and convinced of the need to strengthen further the existing bonds of regional solidarity and cooperation;

DESIRING to establish a firm foundation for common action to promote regional cooperation in the Dauntel and Straight of Shaw in the spirit of equality and partnership and thereby contribute towards peace, progress and prosperity in the region;

CONSCIOUS that in an increasingly interdependent world, the cherished ideals of peace, freedom, social justice and economic well-being are best attained by fostering good understanding, good neighbourliness and meaningful cooperation among the countries of the region already bound together by ties of history and culture;

CONSIDERING that the countries bordering the Dauntel and Strait of Shaw share a primary responsibility for strengthening the economic and social stability of the region and ensuring their peaceful and progressive national development, and that they are determined to ensure their stability and security from external interference in any form or manifestation in order to preserve their national identities in accordance with the ideals and aspirations of their peoples;

AFFIRMING that all foreign bases are temporary and remain only with the expressed concurrence of the countries concerned and are not intended to be used directly or indirectly to subvert the national independence and freedom of States in the area or prejudice the orderly processes of their national development;

DO HEREBY DECLARE:

FIRST, the establishment of an Association for Regional Cooperation among the countries bordering the waters of the Dauntel, the Rokkenjiman Sea and the Strait of Shaw to be known as the Association of Dauntel and Shaw Nations (ADSN).

SECOND, that the aims and purposes of the Association shall be:

1. To accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Dauntel and Shaw Nations;
2. To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries of the region.
3. To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields;
4. To provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres;
5. To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilization of their agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, including the study of the problems of international commodity trade, the improvement of their transportation and communications facilities and the raising of the living standards of their peoples;
6. To promote shared Dauntel-Shaw studies;
7. To maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes, and explore all avenues for even closer cooperation among themselves.

THIRD, that the Association represents the collective will of the nations which border the Dauntel Sea, Rokkenjiman Sea and Strait of Shaw, to bind themselves together in friendship and cooperation and, through joint efforts and sacrifices, secure for their peoples and for posterity the blessings of peace, freedom and prosperity.

FOURTH, that the Association is open for participation to all States which border the Dauntel Sea, the Rokkenjiman Sea or Strait of Shaw who subscribe to the aforementioned aims, principles and purposes.
(a) Any prospective member of the organisation must be admitted by majority vote of the membership

ARTICLE ONE: THE COUNCIL

1. The Council shall consist of ambassadors representing each of the member nations, each member shall have one vote on any matter.

2. Any member may propose a matter for debate, all votes on resolutions are by majority vote unless determined otherwise by the Council.

3. Only a resolution of the Council may amend this document.

ARTICLE TWO: TRAVEL

In order to ease the movement of citizens throughout the ADSN region members of the ADSN agree to the following measures.

1. There shall the the establishment of a four path system for visas. These shall be the Short Term Visa, Business Visa, Educational Visa, and the Temporary Worker Visa.

2. The Short Term Visa shall be available to any individual who books return or onward passage via any means at least 30 days before the date of travel. So long as these dates are no longer apart than 60 calendar days then the individual may enter visa free so long as the receiving nation do not believe that the person poses a risk to the security or good order of the nation. Holders of this visa may not undertake any work while staying in the receiving nation.

3. The Business Visa shall be available to any individual who is travelling on business purposes. To obtain this an individual must have a guarantor from a business within the receiving nation. This visa shall allow an individual to remain in the receiving nation for 180 days and they may undertake paid employment while based there. This type of visa may not be renewed for 90 days. Should the receiving nation believe the individual is a risk to security or good order of the nation then entry may be stopped.

4. The Educational Visa shall be available to any individual who has obtained confirmation of the offer of an educational course within a receiving nation. This visa shall cover the entire duration of the course and will permit the holder to a maximum of 20 hours per work employment during their course. Should the receiving nation believe the individual is a risk to security or good order of the nation then entry may be stopped.

5. The Length of the above visas may be increased at the discretion of the receiving nation.

6. Any individual breaking the conditions of any of these visa programmes is liable to deportation and may be banned from travel to the receiving nation indefinitely.

7. The home nation shall take all reasonable steps to ensure anyone deported and banned from travel is prevented from returning.

8. In the event of an individual traveler in one nation being believed to be responsible, whether individually or as a conspirator, for criminal actions within the jurisdiction of another member state, the individual shall be extradited subject to the following being provided to the visited nations relevant authority.
a) Evidence of the wrongdoing
b) An understanding that the individual will receive a fair trial in a court of law

9. There shall be no obligation for the visited nation to extradite an individual to the death penalty.

ARTICLE THREE: TRADE

In order to effect more prosperous trading oppurtunities the nations signed as members of the ADSN agree to the following measures.

1. Any export to a member nations shall be accompanied by a declaration that the export abides by all local laws. To ensure compliance the receiving nation may carry out any non-destructive test on any product arriving at their nation. Any product deemed to be not incompliance with local laws or not accompanied by a decleration shall see a fine of non more than 5 times the value of the consignment paid by the exporter.

2. On the anniversary of the signing of this document each member nation shall produce a list of tariffs to be paid by all member nations. Those tariffs may be set on any goods or items the nation wish. The tariffs set by each nation must be at a level lower than for any nation with which they do not have a current trade agreement with.

3. This agreement does not prevent member nations making their own trade agreements.

4. Any item with a value of less than $1million exported to a nation for temporary use shall be permitted to enter tariff free so long as it is for a period of less than 30 days.

5. ADSN nations agree to allow operations by businesses from other ADSN nations on condition that those businesses operate following local laws concerning taxation, employment, health and safety and environmental matters.

ARTICLE FOUR: SECURITY

In order to make the region a safer place for all nations members agree to the following.

1. That they shall first and foremost consider their regional neighbors as friends and as such shall do all that is reasonably possible to avoid armed conflict with them.

2. In order to protect citizens of all nations any intelligence gathered by one nation that would indicate a likely threat to another is to be shared in a speedy manner. Should a nation believe that by revealing this intelligence it would place its own safety or operations in jeopardy then they are excused from sharing this intelligence.

3. Each nation shall maintain in their embassy a military attaché who shall share relevant military details with their host nation so long as doing so does not infringe on the attaché's own nations security.

4. Nations hosting military exercises shall, so long as it is safe to do so, advertise via the attaché system the size, scope and nature of these exercises at least 3 days before they begin. They shall ensure all relevant notices to shipping and airmen are made in good time.

5. Nations agree that they shall take no action to prevent or interfere in exercises or movements of another nation so long as it does not impose on their own waters as laid out in the Fair Seas Concordat.

6. Nations agree that under no circumstances will they knowingly allow a third party nation to utilize their territory, waters or airspace to conduct a first strike or similar operation against another member nation.

DONE in Dunwich on the 16th of November, 2023.

Signatures

Members

• The Empire Abertone
• The Empire of Aosta
• The Empire of Daito
• The City Gowu (Snowflower Hold)
• The First Empire of Rokkenjima

OOC - thread for any required internal ASDN communication and any further ideas, discussions, membership applications etc.

[Baal]

Jiayuanese Ambassador Dau Wen-yi took the floor and presented a case to the council. He was wearing the typical blue bysunbess suit, white shirt and navy blue and silver checked tie. He was making a case for his nation to be given a chance for his nation to join the ADSN, but on a half way basis. "Ladies and gentlemen of the council., I am Dau Wen-yi acting on behalf of the government of the Federal Republic of Jiāyuán. My hope here today is to see if I can grant my government a litmus test in relation to the membership within the Association of Dautel & Shaw nations. My country's foreign policy is undergoing a transition, with the election of our new General Secretary we wish to expand our relations.Jiāyuán in the span of 2 generations has gone from an economoic stagnate middle power stuck in a middle income trap to a developed nation within the span of one generation. But more importantly Jiayuan is currently situated right in the middle of Albion with a nation that spans from the Straits of Shaw to the Sea of Alucard, geographically we cant ignore the fact that we are surrounded by the ADSN leaving us to be an economic island, with that said I am hoping that with the guidence of the council. I am hoping if there is a way that Jiāyuán can be let into the ADSN on an observer or associate basis, or if there is some lower tiered membership. THe basis of this is while in principle we have no issue with the treaty, there are some particulars namely in the area of security where we think that our nation has more of a desire to act with more autonomy."

[Aosta]

Donna Gianna stood to give the first response. "I am minded that this organisation does not permit anything other than full members. It is Aostan belief that with rights must come responsibilities and often we see that people wish to benefit from things such as trade and travel, sit in on meetings but then not do what could be described as the hard yards. I also fail to see how the defence matters of this organisation disallow acting with autonomy.  Article One merely states they will act as friends to everyone in this room. If they did not wish that then they would not be in the room. Article 2 essentially says that if you are aware of an attack on your neighbours you should tell them, surely this is once again merely a corner stone of friendship however the article also contains a caveat meaning this is not set in stone. Article 3 is among many nations a standard practice of embassies anyway. For example if Jiayuan where to carry out say an air strike on Troyes or find information about a terrorist situation then we would expect to be told before the press. Something our Rokkenjiman friends have already fallen foul of.  This would to me seem common courtesy.  Article 4 does not prevent anything except merely placing a responsibility to place a phone call, however if Jiyuan are being responsible global partners then they should be posting details of airspace being used and sealanes being used much longer ahead than 3 days in order to allow civilian airlines and shipping to prepare. Article 5 is merely a statement of following toe Fair Seas Concordat, is the ambassador suggesting their nation would not hold this as a legal document? As for Article 6 again this is about being a good neighbour and not us for example not allowing East Moreland to use our territory to attack say Abertone. I fail to see what takes away their autonomy or is disagreeable unless what is being stated is that they do not wish full friendship with the members of this body. I am open to hear what issues with the security parts of this document the ambassador feels is a barrier to them being our friends."

[Baal]

"Certainly, article one we don't see needs to apply as we are willing to forgo voting rights. As for security we do not see it conducive to our security policy as a matter of trust. We cannot guarantee that a situation in the future would arise where we might want to conduct a joint naval operation with an outside state against any member here. Call it paranoia if you want to but who we decide to let into our waters is our own business. Same with sharing intelligence. Jiayuan doesn't see that level of trust as something to be signed in faith, but has to be earned with action. Again, call it paranoia or mistrust if you wish but when it comes to security policy, we prefer to operate on this basis for now. It is as you say, the document signed here operates on the assumption that all nations seek full friendship,  we however do not have that goal of friendship, at least mot in the full sense. Its more of economic and trade partnership, the point of me being here today is to see if there was a way to streamline the process of signing a lower tiered membership as a means of not having to conduct trade summits individually, but rather sign in on a lower tiered agreement here as a more efficient way of integrating with Albion more widely rather than piece by piece. That is the goal.I'm sure if anyone here was in our situation they would see it the same way. Once again, we are not asking for everything, We don't even really need voting rights a said we are willing to forgo those on the council. But security policy is a situation where my government likes to keep its policy closely guarded."

[Achkaerin]

Isabella Watson sat back in her chair, thinking over what she'd heard so far and she wasn't impressed.

"Miss Giana is correct, with rights come responsibilities what you're essentially asking for is to be included in our trade and travel arrangements but not to be included in the security arrangements because you don't trust us with that. Why then should we trust you to you have access to a market without any responsibility thereof? Trust is not one way it is mutual. When this organisation was founded it was founded on the foundation of friendship, mutual trust, mutual cooperation and a shared desire to do something to foster goodwill in the region. At present there is no observer membership status, the creation of such a status would require a vote of this council and this Mr Ambassador is your opportunity to convince us to create that status, so far I'm not inclined to do so. The security arrangements are very simply a commitment to do all that is reasonably possible to avoid armed conflict with other members - this is something every nation on Mundus does in respect of every other nation on a daily basis it affirms that military force is a last resort. The intelligence sharing is standard fare and has the caveat as Miss Giana explained, no member is required to share intelligence if they believe so doing would compromise their own national security for example. Agreements to comply with the Fair Seas Concordat is again standard practice because there is nothing to very little that any nation could do in their own waters that runs afoul of that document when acting as the coastal state. The final point makes very clear that the members will not allow another nation to use their territory as a launchpad for a first strike or similar military operation.   That you are prepared to say that you cannot rule out a circumstance where you would be prepared to allow another nation to use your nation in such a manner is concerning. That implies you bear ill intent toward nations in this room, I don't see where the problem lies, it smacks of you wanting access to trade and travel without wanting to give the guarantee. You're in effect asking us to make a decision on faith, the very thing you're saying your nation doesn't do, so perhaps Mr Ambassador you could tell me why we should trust you on faith when you are clearly not reciprocating?"

[Baal]

"A fair enough question. But one that comes with so many assumptions. What I am proposing is merely an observer status or association, such a type of membership is not unusual throughout history. As for mutual trust, I state that it does need to be earned and not just signed with paper in matters of the defence of the state itself. Defence and Security policy deals with the prospect of the physical welbeing of the states people and the very existance of the state as we all know. The death of the state is nothing new to us. As for your previous question for Jiayuan baring ill will towards anyone just because we view it as our right and our own business to decide whom we let into our waters, that is an incindiary assumption. One that is made in pure speculation and is rather offensive. Jiayuan has not displayed or stated or has given any indication that it has any illwill towards any nation here. We understand that it is not that easy to just accept a new member, particularly one that has values that might not be comparable such as ours. Which is the reason why we are willing to forgo voting rights. Think of it this way, if Jiayuan were to have something happen to it, no nation here would be obliged to protect it or or have any obligations towards it, nor do we expect any nation here to come to our aid. You can even come together and kick out Jiayuan via majority vote if need be without us stopping you, this is to your advantage in that route. WE just beleive that defence and security policy is a bridge too far in this respect. If Jiayuan was in the initial meeting we would've raised this concern, but we weren't so we are raising this matter now. How we are viewing this is basically as so. the ADSN is already a ready made market, so this summit here is a way of streamlining the process instead of approaching each nation individually and repeating the documentation process over and over again. We do apologise if our policy on mutual freindship is not comparable but national security and defence, but it is what it is. If however an ADSN and Jiayuan trade access is not comparable then we have another idea. Observer membership to the degree that a Jiayuanese ambassador be allowed to sit in on ADSN meetings and be able to voice Jiayuanese concerns, but have no voting rights. and that is it. Nothing more."

[Aosta]

Donna Gianni stood once more. "I have heard nothing yet that would make me suggest to the Empress we support this application. I have before me a nation that has said they not have the goal of friendship with the rest of us and will not put their name to the idea that they would do everything reasonable to stop conflict between members while respecting international norms such as the FSC. The idea was never that the ADSN was merely just a trade bloc and our organisation does not exist merely for convenience sakes. Ms.Watson asked why we should trust you and until now I have no explanation to take back to Her Imperial Majesty to speak on your behalf. You say that you want to be able to voice your concerns to the ASDN but if you do not wish to be fully a member why should we worry ourself with your concerns? I do not wish to see this organisation become like the SUN where members pick and choose which bits they wish to follow like some kind of buffet."

[Baal]

"Thats fine Ms Gianni, but you are under a misconception. Trust and friendship was not a goal, that's an assumption. We never made our intent of being a full member. We have no made any illusions of that. What we want is to trade with the ADSN as it as already a ready made market, we've made that clear a few times now. I have made it clear that a full membership application was not our goal. but if I need to repeat myself then fine.. I have proposed a lower tiered membership of some kind as a means to make it easier without changing the initial framework. However, if that is impossible then Here is what I ask. In order for greater economic integration with the rest of the ADSN, what does my nation need to provide, what would it take for Jiayuan to economically integrate with their ADSN neighbours? As I might have to make this point clear, again we are not wanting to change the framework, we'll not drastically anyway. But what do we need to do in order for Jiayuan to economically, and again I will re-iterate, 'Economically' intergrate with the ADSN? If lower tiered membership is no possible?"

[Aosta]

"Integration is not on the cards, the ASDN Charter does not even look at integration between our own economies. We have maintained tariffs and we have maintained checks on imports. We have merely streamlined things to ensure those willing to work together in a spirit of friendship can with ease. You arrive here today asking us to go out of our way to make a special arrangement for you within our organisation. We have a statement that your not looking for friendship and you've offered nothing in return. I began my approach by saying with rights comes responsibilities. You have so far asked for rights but offered to take no responsibilities. What do we get in return for accommodating you?"

[Beatrice]

"Such a lowered-tier membership would require the present members of the ADSN to consider such a motion which, as I understand, is not a measure which enjoys broad support. I see nothing in your arguments which argue against the spirit of what the ASDN is, and if there is no broader interest with our friends to change provisions of our Declaration, I shall not support them myself. Our oranisation imposes the least hurdles, so to say, upon a prospective member as it is and, as a union of nations, we have a rather uncontroversial bar set for membership: you face a vote of the membership, and that is it. We do not demand compromises in your policies or government functions to join, and as I see it the differences raised are superficial at best."

"In addition," she paused, "the collective Rokkenjiman understanding on the Kusan situation has been transferred to all standing members of the ASDN, so you now know just as much as we do. I convey on behalf of the Empress that oversights happened in sharing that information with you initially, along with a pledge that such an oversight will not take place again."

[Baal]

"Integration is not on the cards, the ASDN Charter does not even look at integration between our own economies. We have maintained tariffs and we have maintained checks on imports. We have merely streamlined things to ensure those willing to work together in a spirit of friendship can with ease. You arrive here today asking us to go out of our way to make a special arrangement for you within our organisation. We have a statement that your not looking for friendship and you've offered nothing in return. I began my approach by saying with rights comes responsibilities. You have so far asked for rights but offered to take no responsibilities. What do we get in return for accommodating you?"

We have not asked for drastic changes,, freindship is subjective. If you need to put a label on it then we see this as, strategic partnership. Or professional partnership. As I have asked in my previous question. If the framework you have is not flexible, then is there a process where we can meat half way? I have offered an idea that requires little effort with observer status I've even asked if there is anything you want Jiayuan can provide to make this happen. I will also ask if this is impossible, some kind of ADSN and Jiayuan economic agreement. You can have your internal frameworks, and your procedures as we can still be trade partners and we can figure out the details either here or defer another meeting ti hash out the finer details if you wish? We can remain outside of the ADSN while enjoying mutual trade or processes of trade such as tarrifs?. The details can be looked over now or in another meeting. if you wish. Jiayuan will not join thee ADSN in anyway, but be an external economic partner with it? Does that go against any principles or sensibilities here?"

The Ambassador cleared his throat.

'I will address the questions made here, perhaps in a more forthright manner. First was asked the issue of trust. Jiayuan is not a country that trusts easily. We believe that trust has to be earned over time and something that cannot be assumed, and the devil is in the details. Thus we believe that measures should be taken outlined in any agreement. Seeing as trust cannot be garunteed by anyone dispite rhetoric we are willing to detached from the notion of joining as an internal member and eventually be an external trade partner. if need be. Secondly, As for caring about our concerns, we aren't asking for anyone to take our concerns in full consideration, but merely granting us a chance to outline them, and then the nations within the ADSN are free to interpret them as they will. Thirdly, accommodation in a lower tiered membership looks like its not possible despite alternatives given to what that model wiould look like. To that end, that question is now a dead letter. So I propose if there is any nation here willing to, at another time and place, ask asked before, to negotiate a trade deal with Jiayuan, where we can go over the finer details and concerns?"

Ambassador Wen-yi then took a sip of water.

[Abertone]

Raffaello Ferraro was the delegate from Abertone. He had been rather amused by the back and forth and it was clear that those in the Association and Jiayuan had very different agendas. "I agree that we can not, nor should we, allow the Association to form a two tier membership. Now as for a Jiayuan-ASDN deal I have no objection but under no circumstances will I support an agreement that simply takes our own trade stipulations and applies it to Jiayuan, there must be some perk to being a member of the association and therefore I propose that we take an approach where whatever rate tariffs each nation proposes in their annual schedule then Jiayuan automatically gets a 2% uplift, so for example if Abertone determines in 2025 that we will put a tariff of 5% on imports of wine from ADSN nations then Jiayuan would be placed at 7%. Naturally we would require Jiayuan to agree to present their own schedule of tariffs on the same date with the understanding that the schedule be at a level lower than for any nation with which they do not have a current trade agreement with."

[Beatrice]

Kayumi Asami, as the Rokkenjiman delegate, nodded in support of the proposed arrangement. "It seems only fair that something should be given up in return for what is being requested of the Association by Jiayuan. Each nation sat before the Association has seen issues, as we've witnessed during the Summit as well as events which came after it and it is in the currency of trust that we move forward together, to see that this once unforeseen vision succeeds. We should naturally be open to partnership, as we've seen a vision of how that can look from my friends in Abertone, a proposal I feel upholds the vision of our Association while never closing the door to cooperation beyond those nations of the Association itself. This proposal enjoys the full support of the First Empire of Rokkenjima."

[Daitō]

   As soon as the Rokkenjiman representative had finished, her Fusanese counterpart, Eikichi Hosokawa, glancing first at the Jiayuanese ambassador and then to his peers, would speak up, saying "The proposal put forwards by Mr. Ferraro seems reasonable in the eyes of the Empire of Fusan." before pausing momentarily. "And as my Rokkenjiman counterpart put it, we must pursue a means of upholding the vision set forth for this Association while also being open to partnerships without. As it stands, we are prepared to support the measure being proposed by Abertone."

[Achkaerin]

"I agree." Isabella said slowly "If we're pursuing a Jiayuan-ASDN deal then that's something that can be supported however I agree with Mr Ferraro that any deal cannot be a copy and paste of the ASDN's existing commitments, it must be different and would from our end have to be something that the membership of the ASDN is agreeable with."

[Beatrice]

Kayumi Asami again rose to speak. "In the past few hours we've seen actions taken in regards to Troyes by local actors, as well as the Empires of Aosta and Abertone. The later actions have been taken without the consultation of this body which, some may argue, speaks against the spirit of Article 4.1 considering the defensive ties some members hold with the Kingdom of Seaforth. Furthermore, while the Protectorate of Troyes is illegitimate, the self-proclaimed Republic of Troyes is as well, with concerns being held over the conduct of "Real Marseilles". With no input, at the moment, from the legitimate government of Marseilles on either the self-proclaimed Republic and the actions undertaken in their name, and the Government of Marseilles has yet to green-light foreign naval vessels operating in their waters, we're at a most messy junction. At the moment these operations are seemingly illegal and, if one wished to argue it, against the spirit of the ADSN Charter, so someone," she said as she looked to the representatives from Aosta and Abertone before continuing, "had better begin explaining just how we got to this point."

[Aosta]

Donna Gianna, the Aostan representative, stood to speak.

"From the very first gathering of the nations here it was clear that the Empire of Aosta was determined to see the city of Troyes return to the people of Marseille. The elections for mayor, local council and various other bodies all showed an overwhelming support for the Seaforthians to lose their grasp on the city. Following the fall of the Sorority of Materna the city of Troyes became a humanitarian hub and then was essentially annexed by Seaforth, Emperor Franco X was our monarch at the time, and we are saddened that we did nothing, nor did the world. That is until the first gathering of what was to become this body. The very first matter put on the agenda was Troyes, so to say we have acted against the spirit of this organisation is in our view misleading. Rokkenjima's own Imperial Liason, a Mr.McKenna, stated the existence of a Seaforthian Troyes is "a decision the Imperial Government does not recognize as holding any legal basis" Add to that in August of last year the Empress of Rokkenjima stated " we will see Troyes returned to Marseilles" and yet no one around this table has done anything to make that a reality. We have seen in statements that Rokkenjima are tied to Seaforth through defence commitments and yet the current situation in Troyes is the closest we have come to fulfilling the promise the Empress gave and she would now be willing to use force to halt this strive for independence."

"I now turn to the idea that we have somehow broken this treaty. Nowhere in the treaty does it have an expectation that we report all military acts. Do I expect a blow by blow account of naval patrols from Achkaerin around Gowu, or did we have formal notice of a Rokkenjiman ship visiting Clysperis. The article in question calls for the report of any "relevant" military action. The reason we don't get the patrol information or the port visit information is because they are not relevant. We have been asked by one sovreign nation to help them patrol their waters. This will have no impact on the operations of any other nations navy and therefore the article is not relevant. I believe this now explains why we have reached this point."

She shuffled her notes, "Now what we should be discussing is the way ahead. Rokkenjima, and I believe Achkaerin have close ties to Seaforth and these have yet to be utilised to let Troyes gain its independence. This pathway set out by Mr.Cantona is the best way for us to achieve the aim that this body first unified over. A referendum of the people of Troyes is, in my view at least, a pointless step. The various elections have been landslides by parties in favour of independence. The Reunion Party control 17 out of the 18 seats in the cities council, the Mayor Jean-Baptiste Bret won with a majority of over 90,000 votes. In a city of around 3million people  there have been strikes organised by the party that have shut down the city, 500,000 people took to the streets to march in protest. It is very clear what the people want and any referendum would be a mere formality but I suspect that formality will be needed. What we must do as a body is ensure that this referendum takes place soon and the 1st July has been put forward as a time frame. I therefore suggest we do two things. The first is Achkaerin and Rokkenjima speak with Seaforth about them accepting the timetable and standing by the result. The second is that we offer this organisation as a monitoring body for that vote. In the meantime we shall continue our patrols until asked to stand down."

[Abertone]

Raffaello Ferraro stood next. "The Empire of Abertone and Aosta have treaty commitments to each other above and beyond that of the ASDN. Currently we will be relaying information to Aosta on naval movements that could potentially threaten the sovereign waters of Troyes. Should the situation escalate we would have no choice but to consider sending our own support to that region. As for accusations of not complying with the spirit of ASDN let me remind us all of the preamble to this organisations charter, most notably the part that says we affirm "that all foreign bases are temporary and remain only with the expressed concurrence of the countries concerned and are not intended to be used directly or indirectly to subvert the national independence and freedom of States in the area or prejudice the orderly processes of their national development;" This section describes perfectly what has happened over the last few years in Troyes. The city is no more than a glorified military base for Seaforth. While Marseille are not members of this body we agreed to  strengthen the economic and social stability of the region and ensure the peaceful and progressive national development of it. Seaforth have stood in the way of that, tax money from Trojans fills the coffers of Seaforth while taking away a key economic port for Marseille. We must as a body give our support, not just words, to ensure that Seaforth leave Troyes. I suppose we could say its put your money were your mouth is time, Achkaerin and Rokkenjima hold ties with Seaforth, now is time to utilise them to get them to leave. In addition to the steps put forward by Miss Gianna we also propose that ASDN agree that we shall not provide the Seaforthian base in Troyes with any supplies and that we we shall boycott the use of Troyes as a port for all but humanitarian reasons.

[Beatrice]

"The time to utilize Rokkenjiman and Achkaerinese ties with Seaforth was before, not during or after, these present actions. If a stray bolt of lightning were to hit a Seaforthian and they could somehow successfully tie it to one of your nations you'd see the Imperial Rokenjiman Navy and I'd hazard the Achkaerinese raining down fire against your nations, a situation I believe none of us desires. Whilst the Empires of Aosta and Abertone may hold commitments to each other above and beyond the ADSN I'd be remiss to remind you that Rokkenjima holds ties to Seaforth above and beyond the ADSN and, where we've given our word to defend those we've shed blood alongside, we will uphold that commitment if it is requested upon us by the Seaforthians. This series of actions would have been stronger and more successful if the whole of the ADSN were behind it, we now sit with a situation where, if circumstances go one way or another, Rokkenjima will be treaty bound to defend those who we'd otherwise be mutually opposed to holding a presence in the region."

"I would add that, as the self proclaimed Republic is not indeed sovereign that it is the waters of Marsielles which are being patrolled and, as I have no knowledge of Marseilles issuing such a request we are treading the fine lines of international law on this matter. This is not a concern just of the First Empire but also one shared by other ADSN nations, and while we will talk to Seaforth it will not be in a light of a unified ADSN; they'll have undoubtedly seen our previous remarks on the issue before us. The difference between Rokkenjima's visit to Clysperis and the situation before us is one of those situations did not have far reaching consequences for our region, and I'll simply leave it at that."

[Achkaerin]

"Oh for..." Isabella Watson said from where she sat, there were days she really missed being the Achkaerinese ambassador to the CIS and this was one of them, "First let's not start speculating as to the actions of another nation around this table, second let's not make threats against each other it's not going to help the situation, it's not going to advance things, it's not going to help deliver Troyes back to Marseilles where it belongs." she took a moment to let out a breath and compose herself

"Now whether we like it or not this has happened, and whether we like it or not there is a significant amount of truth to what all three of you have said." she looked at each of the three representatives who had spoken "What matters is what we do now. As our Rokkenjiman friend has pointed out we now face the very real possibility that King Andrew will look at this situation, note exactly as we have the sovereignty issue and treat this as what it legally could be construed as from his perspective which is terrorism and therefore a criminal act, equally while we're on that point this is arguably terrorism, separatism or insurrection, take your pick on appearance against Marseilles, however given the man is a national hero in Marseilles I doubt that'll ever be how he's viewed. Ms Gianna quoted Mr McKenna saying "a decision the Imperial Government does not recognize as holding any legal basis" in respect of the protectorate status, Mr McKenna is correct because the Marseilles Government never signed off on such an agreement, it is therefore a land grab. That point also holds in respect of the current situation, we have a self proclaimed republic that has not been granted sovereignty over that land by the Marseilles Government who we, as a collective body, have asserted to be the legal owner, the Seaforth protectorate has no legal basis, the Republic of Troyes has no legal basis.

Mr Ferraro is correct in terms of wanting to take further steps however I say politely let's just hold our horses and line this up. There's no value putting measures in place that actually make it harder to get through Seaforth's front door. I will inform you that Empress Serenity is presently enroute to Seaforth to talk to King Andrew about this matter, as Ms Gianna observes previous efforts haven't gone anywhere so the hope is that pressure may be applied with current circumstances. However I will caution you that no one should expect the Cantona roadmap to get any traction in that room, but the Empress is one of the most experienced negotiators on Mundus so there is reason to be optimistic. At the same time Achkaerin has another diplomat traveling to talk to President Sauzee and Prime Minister Deschamps, our hope is to get a referendum lined up that's acceptable to all parties - not the one that Cantona has proposed because we don't think that'll go anywhere with Seaforth and any peaceful resolution to this situation needs Seaforth to play ball. So with that in mind let's look at what we can do." she put a piece of paper with a fair bit of hasty writing on the table.

The Membership of the ASDN in reaffirming their stance in respect of and now being concerned about the developing situation in Troyes caused by the continued Seaforthian presence, proposes the following course of action with intent of helping resolve the Troyes matter:

1. The ultilisation of diplomatic ties to calm current tensions related to Troyes and to not inflame the current situation further.

2. A referendum be held on the 1st of July 2024, the question and arrangements to be worked out through negotiations between the Marseilles Government and Seaforth, with ASDN mediating such negotiations as required

3. ASDN to independently monitor the referendum. Governments of Marseilles and Government of Seaforth to agree to abide by the result.

4. In the event of Marseilles sovereignty prevailing, there shall be a transition of sovereignty and a withdrawal of Seaforth military personnel monitored and verified by the ASDN. This to be concluded no later that 30th September 2024.

5. Seaforthian written and signed agreement to points 2-4 is expected no later than midnight on the 1st of May 2024. (OOC note - Subject to Dave's availability etc)

"This I believe encompasses where we are right now - when the ASDN was formed we made that initial declaration, the deadline for that declarations terms is two weeks out" Isabella said "So in essence this course of action serves two purposes, it uses the time we have available and the current situation to apply diplomatic pressure and hopefully make progress with the Seaforthians. However while I'm sure that Empress Serenity and whoever Rokkenjima sends will do their best to get Seaforth's agreement, we can't have further escalations happening that might prejudice such negotiations, so for that I believe we will be relying on the Aostan's communication line to keep things calm. There is a finality to a referendum, Ms Gianna is correct it is likely a formality in this instance but having it is going to be the most likely way this ends peacefully. Going back to Mr Ferraro's point now, the question becomes what happens if we get to the first of May and Seaforth hasn't produced the requested document? This is where we should consider further steps, such as these." she now put another paper in the table.

In the event that the Kingdom of Seaforth has not produced the signed agreement requested of it by midnight on the 1st of May 2024 the ASDN agrees to the following steps in relation to the Kingdom of Seaforth.

1. The immediate suspension by Rokkenjima and Achkaerin of all treaty provisions with Seaforth.

2. The ASDN shall blockade the port of Troyes, the blockade to be effected in accordance with provisions laid out in maritime convention and law. This blockade shall not infringe requested Aostan patrols nor passage of humanitarian aid.

3. The freezing of all Seaforthian assets held within the jurisdiction of the ASDN, Rishiri and Achkaerinese territory.

4. (insert further proposals here)

"We're all familiar with the term carrot and stick. We're all committed to seeing the Troyes matter settled, we want it to be peacefully done, but failing that it needs to be clear that the line has been crossed and that there will be consequences if Seaforth tries to maintain, without consent of the people, control over Troyes." Isabel said "A blockade would be a step or two higher than what Mr Ferraro suggested with a boycott, however the intent is the same to make Troyes less profitable for Seaforth, it does carry a risk factor but also sends a powerful message."

[Beatrice]

"We see no issue with the proposal put forward," Kayumi Asami said. "Kōshaku Rhodes, former Archoness of Seaforth and Lord Protector of Somerset, is set to touch down in Seaforth in the coming hours. We're confident, alongside Empress Serenity, that their efforts will find some success in effecting the path for Troyes to determine its future. I would wish to echo the words of the Kōshaku in regards to naval forces in the region: unless the explicit permission of Marseilles is granted foreign vessels should not be operating within the territorial waters of Marseilles."

[Aosta]

Donna Gianna smiled to herself and then glanced over at her friend from Abertone. "Each of us here then I believe is now on record as saying that Troyes is already the territory of Marseille. We will therefore agree that as and when the representatives of the Marseille government request us to leave their territorial waters we will naturally comply. I believe this is a fair compromise for us to reach in that regards. We are grateful for the support you have given here by stating that Troyes is already sovereign Marseille and therefore the Seaforthians are there essentially as squatters."

[Beatrice]

"In the same vein we can agree that the self-proclaimed Republic lacks legitimacy beyond your Empires," Kayumi Asami would retort. "Until a verifiable referendum is held on the mechanism which truly gauges the opinions of the People of Troyes as to what their future path will be then neither Seaforth, nor the self-proclaimed "Republic", has a legitimate claim to speak on the behalf of the residents of Troyes. With that being said the First Empire will call for the actions of Aosta and Abertone to be recognized solely as those of the Empires, pursued separately from the vision as agreed to in the ADSN Joint Statement on Troyes as agreed to by the membership of the ADSN last year, should they insist upon operating within the waters of Marseilles without the sanction of the Republic of Marseilles. We reiterate that the presence of yet further naval vessels in the waters of Marseilles threatens the very goal of the Joint Statement; there is no harm in them taking up a station in international waters just as Rokkenjiman vessels have done so, and their effectiveness would not be lessened if they were to do so. Their continued operations without sanction only serve to inflame the situation beyond that which is required, and I will update the Empress as to the insistance of Aosta on this matter, if you should so wish of course?" she said looking to Donna.

[Daitō]

   Eikichi Hosokawa listened patiently as first Kayumi and then Donna spoke, reading and re-reading the proposals on the table as he waited for an opportunity to get a word in. It was, in a word, frustrating that the situation in Troyes had reached this point, not to mention how the actions of the Aostan military had risked further exacerbating it, but that was the past. They were, in his opinion, jumping the gun, so to speak; it would've been better to act as  a unified body rather than let it reach this point.
   "As far as I am permitted to say, these terms are acceptable for the Empire of Fusan." He said before continuing with "However, I feel must voice the objection of my government to the continued presence of Aostan naval vessels within Marsellais without their expressed consent. I would therefore urge that, until such a time as the government in Montaulon clarifies whether it views their presence as not amounting to a violation of their sovereign territory, Aosta withdraw its vessels to positions outside of their territorial waters as defined by the FSC."

[Aosta]

Donna stood, "As merely the representative of the Empire here I can not order our navy to do anything, that is for the high command to determine. If you'll then excuse me I'll take your concerns to Empress Serena." With that she left her deputy to sit and listen should any further discussions begin while she was out the room while she headed down the corridor and had a quick chat with the Empress. She had been half expecting Donna to make the call and had half expected this kind of thing to become a point of contention. She did though have a plan that now she would adapt on the fly. "Having spoken to the Empress I have the following to say, this is not word for word her response but she will not mind the paraphrasing. The purpose of Aosta's actions was to ensure the Seaforth's control of Troyes ended and that the aims of the Reunion Party, who have dominated Troyes political landscape by calling for reunification with Marseille, were fulfilled. The Reunion Parties aims, along with those of the residents of Troyes was that their city is viewed, and treated as the territory of Marseille. While you have not agreed with our methods it is now true that for the first time ever we have a group of us willing to say the truth in public, Troyes is Marseille. With that in mind, so long as each of you stand by the words you have given here that Troyes is Marseille, the Empress will issue orders that in 24 hours time the Aostan ships will make their way to international waters. The Empress thanks each of you for recognising what Aosta has known for a long time, that Troyes and Marseille are parts of the same whole and that now the international community has no choice but to see it that way. Now we must focus our task on ensuring the illegal squatting of Troyes territory by Seaforth must be removed. With that in mind I believe we should, with immediate effect publish our Action Plan but stand ready to support further actions."

[Achkaerin]

Isabella narrowed her eyes and chose to overlook what in her opinion amounted to the silliness of the exercise. Considering that the policy of every nation in the room was that Troyes was Marseilles soil and that as far as she knew such policy had been in place for years in those nations.

"I believe once Mr Ferraro states his approval then the action plan will have been agreed by everyone and can then be published." Isabella said "The path of diplomacy is what is now pursued outside of these walls. Here our focus now falls to coordinating the response that is potentially going to be needed if Seaforth refuses and there's a fair chance of that."

[Beatrice]

"We will thus wait and see what happens."

"In the mean time I reflect to recent Rokkenjiman reporting and can state that the Empress made no such statements as reported by the RBC. This has been corrected by the Editor, and at this time evidence points toward Kōketsu facilitating the false reporting under the guidance of Alastor Johan, who titles himself "First Lord". INIS suspects that the credentials used in the transmitting of the reporting to the RBC were likely spoofed and, as such, no compromise of Rokkenjiman systems has taken place and, while it resulted in a noisy and troublesome affair, the position of the First Empire remains as affirmed by the Empress and her diplomatic representatives."

[Abertone]

Abertone is supportive of this approach

[Achkaerin]

"Then I believe Empress Serenity and Princess Evanthe can as part of their diplomatic approach communicate the plan to King Andrew after which we can publish it."

OOC - If there be no objection, in light of the different timings of RP's - I'd like to suggest that the plan could be released by the organisation as I believe in the Troyes thread Andrew is about to be handed the plan.