[Forum Game] A Question of Power

[Kaisersohaib]

Treaty of Fortaleza​

In the hopes of reaching a benefitial treaty for both of our nations, the United States of America and the Republic of Brazil have hereby agreed to work to keep this treaty alive :

- The Republic of Brazil shall allow the creation of military bases in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul and Pernambuco
- The Republic of Brazil shall allow the creation of numerous naval facilities by the United States along the coasts of Brazil, these shall be used freely by the American fleets as long as they dont inflict any damages and/or disturb the natives.
- The United States of America shall invest in the creation of the National Brazilian Coast Railway, beginning from Fortaleza ending in Sao Paulo
- The United States of America shall train the Brazilian Armies in tactics, discipline and so forth as long as this treaty is efficient
- The United States of America and The Repubilc of Brazil shall enter a trade agreement, opening both markets to each other.

-(x) President Manuel Ferraz do Campo Sales
-(x) President William McKinley

 

[Terraferma]

Treaty of Fortaleza​

In the hopes of reaching a benefitial treaty for both of our nations, the United States of America and the Republic of Brazil have hereby agreed to work to keep this treaty alive :

- The Republic of Brazil shall allow the creation of military bases in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul and Pernambuco
- The Republic of Brazil shall allow the creation of numerous naval facilities by the United States along the coasts of Brazil, these shall be used freely by the American fleets as long as they dont inflict any damages and/or disturb the natives.
- The United States of America shall invest in the creation of the National Brazilian Coast Railway, beginning from Fortaleza ending in Sao Paulo
- The United States of America shall train the Brazilian Armies in tactics, discipline and so forth as long as this treaty is efficient
- The United States of America and The Repubilc of Brazil shall enter a trade agreement, opening both markets to each other.

-(x) President Manuel Ferraz do Campo Sales
-( ) William McKinley

May we bear the fruits of this treaty. To future economic agreements!
(x) President William McKinley, United States of America

 

[Watercress]

The Foreign Office​

Statement on China

Her Majesty's Government expresses its deep concern as to the present succession of incidents and issues plaguing the Chinese Empire. This succession of attacks on Christian missionaries, on British merchants, and on European civilians is troubling, and every effort must be made by the Chinese government to surpress these attacks and punish those responsible. These Militia, operating in Northern China, are a dangerous sect of radicals, possessing an ideology hostile to all civilised values, concepts, and judgements. Those principles, of Enlightenment, Free Trade, and Christianity, which Her Majesty's Government have laboured throughout this century to uphold and protect in Asia, shall not be undermined by the efforts of these few figures. We implore and impel the Chinese government to act with greater haste and force against these rebels. China is bound by the Convention of Peking and the Treaty of Tientsin to protect the religious liberty of Christian missionaries and Chinese Christians, and to protect the freedom of movement of citizens of the signatory powers. Her Majesty's Government would be greatly displeased, and would take necessary measures, in concert with her allies and the other signatory powers of the Chinese Treaties, if China failed to uphold these obligations. Should the Chinese government require or request assistance in the suppression of these rebels, Her Majesty's Government will gladly render as much aid as it is reasonable to provide. British officials in Hong Kong and the rest of China have already been instructed to provide relief, sanctuary and aid to refugees and victims of anti-Christian violence in China, and Her Majesty's Government may see fit, if circumstances worsen, to increase her commitments and efforts to the protection of its citizens and other Christians in China. We warn other powers, however, than any attempt to threaten China, beyond what is universally deemed reasonable for the protection of national civilians and the enforcement of treaty obligations, shall be met with the gravest concern and anger of Her Majesty's Government, which is committed to the protection and maintenance of Chinese sovereignty, independance, and territorial integrity. Her Majesty's Government aims to work and co-operate, on an equal basis, with all concerned nations, to the quick suppression of this issue and the restoration of normality and stability in China.

Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs​

 

[Revan529]

Dai Nippon Teikoku
Hakkō ichiu

Kimigayo​

His Imperial Majesty's Government expresses full support for the position held by the British Foreign Office and, should the British government request as such, is fully willing and able to assist in the defence of British possessions in China should those possessions be threatened in light of these violent and radical cells in China; the egregious actions taking place presently in the Qing Empire with impunity from government forces are morally reprehensible and, as the Foreign Office has made exceedingly clear to the Imperial Government of the Qing, abuses of trust and thoroughly illegal.

As stated before, Greater Japan will defend its interests in China if they are threatened, and as such, we advise the Qing Empire quash these fringe groups immediately and with extreme severity to ensure the peaceful coexistence of all powers interested.

~ Prince Yamagata Aritomo, Marshal and Prime Minister of Greater Japan

 

[LatinKaiser]

An official statement from the Foreign Office of the German Empire​

The current situation in China is very dangerous, and the Boxer radicals cannot be allowed to wreak havoc in that country. Not only are Germany's interests threatened, but those of all the Great Powers. We cannot stand idly by while murderers run amok in the streets, terrorising foreigners and Chinese nationals friendly to Westerners alike. Therefore, the German government has decided to dispatch an expeditionary force of 500 marines to China to aid the other Great Powers in restoring order.

Prince Bernhard von Bulow, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs​

 

[m.equitum]

To: The Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, MP Secretary of State for the Colonies
1899​

Prior to issuing a diplomatic communiqué to Bloemfontein and Pretoria, the Dutch Foreign Ministry would like to take the opportunity to keep the British Colonial Office abreast of our intentions vis-à-vis the Boer Republics and the tense situation in South Africa.

The Rt. Hon. Minister is doubtless aware of the renewed regional unease stemming from the Jameson Raid. It warrants mention, of course, that the concerted efforts made by the Rt. Hon. Minister to prevent the raid and to minimise its impact is commendable. Nevertheless, the political repercussions resulting from the British incursion into Boer territory has set the region on a path of escalation.

The intention of the Dutch Foreign Ministry is to pursue a mediation solution which appropriately addresses multiple concerns. It is our belief that historical, linguistic, and cultural ties, as well as our close relations with the Boer leadership, places Amsterdam in a unique position to pursue closer integration between the Netherlands and the Boer Republics. Not unlike the system of dominions established by the British Empire, the Netherlands seeks to provide the Boer Republics with a degree of regional autonomy whilst also integrating Transvaal and the Orange Free State into the Dutch political and economic sphere.

It is with this intent in mind that we have invited representatives of the Boer Republics to Amsterdam. Should the Dutch be successful in reaching an agreement, the delicate matter of the uitlanders would fall under the jurisdiction of the Hague, and would allow for bi-lateral negotiations between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom with regard to the extension of the franchise to the uitlanders.

As the Dutch Government proceeds with negotiations with the Boer Republics, we urge the British Government not to take any precipitous actions on the subject of the situation in South Africa. Noting that a variety of international concerns present themselves, particularly in the Orient, recognising that such matters warrant the immediate attention of the British Foreign Office, and not wishing to distract from these broad and pressing concerns, the Netherlands will ask only that the British support our initiative to bring about a viable, peaceful and diplomatic solution to the South African Question, as is our aim at the Conference of Amsterdam.

 

[m.equitum]

To: Mr. Paul Kruger President of the Transvaal Republic and Mr. Martinus Steyn President of the Orange Free State
1899​

With the conclusion of the Anglo-Boer War in 1881, it was hoped that a degree of stability and conviviality could be established in South Africa. Nevertheless, four years ago the Prime Minister of Cape Colony, Mr. Cecil Rhodes, employed mercenaries and provocateurs in an illegal effort to destabilise neighbouring Transvaal. The event, what has come to be known as the Jameson Raid, has been a significant setback in relations between the British Colony and the Boer Settlements along the southern extremities of the African Continent.

The Dutch Foreign Ministry has been given to understand that in response to the bellicose attitude adopted by Mr. Rhodes, the South African Republics have contracted a defensive agreement and have procured first-rate rifles and artillery from European suppliers. Equipped with German-crafted Mausers, French-made Creusot, and even the famous British Pom-poms, the Boer Army is bristling with state-of-the-art weaponry.

While such a buildup indicates most strongly the intent to defend the South African States, the Dutch Foreign Ministry must urge the Boer Republics not to take actions that could trigger an escalation towards open hostilities with the British Government. It is our belief that Mr. Rhodes, in the above-referenced Jameson Raid, acted without the mature deliberation and consent of the British Parliament. Mr. Rhodes has since been forced to resign in disgrace from the Cape Colony Premiership on account of his involvement in the debacle.

Though the resignation of Mr. Rhodes may offer little satisfaction for the egregious violation of Boer sovereignty, it must be regarded nonetheless as a positive development insofar as it is indicative of the British determination not to tolerate or orchestrate incursions into Boer territory. Indeed, the current Premier of Cape Colony, Mr. William Schreiner, resigned in protest from the Rhodes Cabinet when Cecil Rhodes’ self-serving ambitions were made clear. Mr. Schreiner is a man who favours negotiation rather than confrontation. It is with this very intent—that is, the pursuit of a negotiated solution which maintains the territorial integrity of the Boer Republics—that the Dutch Foreign Ministry issues an invitation to representatives of the Boer Republics to attend the Conference of Amsterdam.

 

[EasternBloc]

Great Korean Empire
Daehan Jeguk​

The current conflict between foreigners and Chinese radicals, whom are supported by the Chinese government, is worrying. As attacks have been made on innocents by the Boxers, we Koreans must look down on this act as rash and irresponsible by the Qing for not keeping a hold over their people. While foreign trade conflicts in China is not a direct concern to Imperial Korea, our national sovereignty and independence guaranteed by the Treaty of Shimonoseki is. Should these Boxers or other Chinese collaborators attempt to cross the Yalu and Tumen border of China and Korea, thus spilling the current conflict into our great nation, the military forces of Korea will respond with force against the aggressors interfering in our nation's affairs. Until tensions in Manchuria cease or lower to an acceptable level to the international community, the Imperial Korean Army will be prepared in northern Korea to ensure the protection of this nation from any rouge militants. This is an official warning to the Boxers and also the Qing Empire that we will not allow China's inability to keep a peaceful, balanced country affect the lives of the Korean people.

~Emperor Gojong of the Great Korean Empire

 

[Revan529]

Dai Nippon Teikoku
Hakkō ichiu

Kimigayo​

His Imperial Majesty's Government will not tolerate any incursion into the sovereign lands of Korea by these Harmonious Fists or by Chinese soldiers, and as per the agreement of Shimonoseki, Japan will ensure that Korean territorial integrity is maintained, though force if need be.

~ Prince Yamagata Aritomo, Marshal and Prime Minister of Greater Japan

 

[LatinKaiser]

From the Foreign Office of the German Empire​

Germany would like to, as a demonstration of our hopes for a peaceful and stable world, offer to host negotiations and act as a mediator between the Boer Republics and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. We would also like to invite the Kingdom of the Netherlands to attend, as they too have interests in South Africa.

Bernhard von Bulow, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the German Empire​

 

[Watercress]

The Colonial Office​

Letter
From - The Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain MP, Secretary of State for the Colonies
To - Willem Hendrik de Beaufort, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands

I am in receipt of your recent communication to my office. In response to the general principles and humanitarian basis of your Ministry's proposals, I am supportive of Dutch assistance and meditation in this grave issue. I welcome your Government's willingness to inform my office of your intentions, and co-operation in resolving this issue. I recognise and appreciate, as does Her Majesty's Government, the close ethnic and linguistic ties the Netherlands and the Boer Republics share. However, said ties offer your government absolutely no legitimacy or justification whatsoever to attempt to gain suzerainty, as it appears to be, over the Boer Republics; not only do these attempts infringe on the national sovereignty and independance of the Republics, they also conflict with Britain's own, far more legitimate and recognised, claims to said suzerainty. Your references to British Dominions and to the incorporation of the Boers into a 'Dutch Sphere' are greatly concerning - whereas I welcome Dutch assistance to meditate on this issue, any effort to establish Dutch rule over the Boer Republics shall be opposed wholeheartedly as an infringement of British rights in the region, and of the independance of the Republics. The Netherlands possess no basis to attempt closer integration with the Boer Republics, nor any right to negotiate with Britain over the Uitlander issue, a matter of sole British and Boer concern. I am wholly opposed to the detail and matter of these proposals, and gravely concerned by what appears to be, in summary, an attempt to infringe on Britain's national interests in South Africa.

Therefore, I shall be clear in my office's response to your call for support - Her Majesty's Government strongly condemns the efforts on the part of your government to attempt to intervene in what in solely an issue between Britain and the Boer Republics; Her Majesty's Government wholly opposes the proposed Conference of Amsterdam, and calls on the Dutch Government to abandon plans for said Conference; If the Conference proceeds, Her Majesty's Government shall not recognise any of its resolutions or outcomes, and shall be greatly offended by the Dutch Government's attempts to intrude on South African issues, and may view it as pretext for more decisive and concerted action in the region.

Joseph Chamberlain MP
Secretary of State for the Colonies
​

 

[Frymonmon]

 

[etranger01]

The Dominion of Canada
God Save the Queen​

My fellow Canadians, good day.

It is my pleasure to address you, as we near the end of this century and approach the coming of a new era, as not just Her Majesty's head of government in Canada but as the leader of a free and proud people taking their rightful place on the world stage. Though our greater allegiance remains to the British Empire as our patron and benefactor, and to Her Majesty the Queen as our lawful sovereign, we must exist within that Empire and in allegiance to Her Majesty as an independent nation, with autonomy both political and commercial. This essential and complete freedom will be of great value to us as Canadians and to the Empire as a whole, for we are not African or Indian colonial subjects in need of guidance or patronage, but free white citizens, proud Anglophones and Francophones, capable of contributing to the Empire as equals to any Englishman or Scotsman.

It is my firm belief, my fellow Canadians, that the coming era will be a Canadian century, for ours is a great land with boundless opportunity and vast resources, requiring only that we prove ourselves equal to the task of mastering our great frontiers and achieving lasting national unity. Our citizens are industrious, they are loyal, and they are free. Together in partnership with the greater British Empire and in friendship with our neighbor the United States of America, we can continue to achieve greater heights of industry, of commerce, of artistic and cultural achievement. As your Prime Minister, I pledge to never cease in my defense of every Canadian's personal liberty, so that he may achieve that which his merit allows him, and so that he is not impeded in any way from the expression of his beliefs or the exercise of his essential freedoms.

Together, we shall march ever onward, in defense of those freedoms and in pursuit of prosperity, growth, and industry. God save Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, and long may she reign!

The Right Honourable Sir Wilfrid Laurier, GCMG, PC, QC
Prime Minister of Canada​

​

 

[Revan529]

((Must... write... newspaper...))​

 

[AsdfeZxcas]

Kingdom of Hungary​

The Kingdom of Hungary is disgusted by the actions of the boxers. They are a threat to the prosperity of Asia and all the nations that interact with them! Their attacks on Europeans and Chinese converts is inexcusable, and they must be properly dealt with, as it threatens the stability of the whole region!

Also, I am proud to announce that the Kingdom of Hungary and the Empire of Austria will be cooperating in a joint effort to increase industial and rail connections. Far apart corners will now be united by and iron band. Manufacturing will increase greatly, and this cooperation shall pave the way for future efforts to bring greater propserity to the region.

-Franz Joseph l of the Austrian Empire and Kingdom of Hungary

 

[Revan529]

Dai Nippon Teikoku
Hakkō ichiu

Kimigayo​

In the name of defending Japanese and Korean interests and, in doing so, establishing closer ties between the Empire of Korea and Greater Japan, His Imperial Majesty’s government is determined to propose the following agreement for the establishment, maintenance, and general fostering of such feelings of fidelity and closeness, and, being fully aware of the chaos now gripping the Qing Empire, which even now found increasingly unstable and unwilling to protect the interests of foreigners and Christians, does hereby commit to defend a longtime partner and ally from any and all territorial incursions and from unlawful and unequal treaties from other nations that seek to undermine Korean sovereignty

Furthermore, in maintaining the commercial, industrial, and general economic interests of citizenry of Greater Japan, His Imperial Majesty's government believes that these close ties proposed with the Empire of Korea, with its great wealth and highly developed market, would strongly suit the internal interests and would, in all likelihood, encourage the continued expansion of the Japanese economy, as well as further develop and expand the burgeoning Korean economy. As well, due to the close proximity of the aforementioned nations, it is only a natural and logical extension that closer ties, both economic and social, as well as military, are made for the interests of preservation and greater cooperation, the necessity of a new arrangement, adhering to previous agreements whilst instilling new love and understanding, and promoting further growth and prosperity, be made.

In considering these and other concerns and interests within the Japanese and Korean Empires, His Imperial Majesty's government does believe that the following agreement between these two nations, whose close ties and long relationship begets such agreements, to be signed forthright in the City of Nagato, for the preservation and protection of the Empire of Korea, and for Greater Japan and her citizenry to both enjoy greater benefit and growth, and equal rights and privileges as seen amongst their fellows outside of their glorious homeland, in the name of both nation's Emperors, as a testament to those close ties and interests.

​

The Nagato Accords of 1899​

The Empire of Korea and Greater Japan, in the interest of maintaining prior agreements between the two nations and wary of the increasingly instability and radicalism within the Qing Empire, and desirous of the continued maintenance of the Shimonoseki Agreement of 1895, do hereby agree to enter into a defensive alliance against potential Chinese incursions, as well as foreign threats in general to both nations.
The Empire of Korea agrees to enter into a trade agreement with Greater Japan, whereby Korean tariffs will be reduced on Japanese goods to an amount no higher than fifteen percent, and Japanese merchants and enterprises will receive equal treatment and favour under Korean law as any domestic business.
The Empire of Korea agrees not to establish any unnatural barriers or restrictions upon Japanese enterprises that will in any way prove to be injurious or unfair without agreement between the two powers involved.
These agreements will in no way challenge, remove, or otherwise reduce the importance, or in any way make redundant or obsolete, of previous agreements (namely, the Treaty of Amity) between the Empire of Korea and Greater Japan.

[x] Prince Yamagata Aritomo, Marshal and Prime Minister of Greater Japan, on the behalf of the Meiji Emperor
[x] Gi Sun, Prime Minister of the Korean Empire, on behalf of Emperor Gojong

With this formal agreement to defend and protect the Empire of Korea, one of most notable and dearest allies, we advise the Qing Government to refrain from violating her sacred territorial integrity, through direct or indirect means, lest the Gwangxu Emperor terminate all the close ties between our two nations and forever stain his nation with the vileness of wanton and unwarranted conquest and tyranny. As well, we sincerely hope that these closer ties will prove beneficial for both our nations, and will allow for further such negotiations between both our nations, and our fellow Asian states.

~ Prince Yamagata Aritomo, Marshal and Prime Minister of Greater Japan

 

[m.equitum]

To: The Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, MP Secretary of State for the Colonies
1899​

The Dutch Foreign Ministry is pleased to understand that the British Foreign Office recognises the strong and multifaceted ties which link the Netherlands to the Boer Republics. We will address in this letter the two broad concerns raised by the Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, MP: Boer Sovereignty and British Interests, and provide a framework for reconciling these two political factors.

Regarding the Conference of Amsterdam, it is not our custom to insult our guests by rescinding an invitation moments after it has been issued. Many amongst the Boer leadership have studied at institutions of higher learning in the Netherlands, and have often visited our country. It would be consistent with diplomatic protocol that they or their representatives are appropriately received should they opt to visit the Netherlands again. While the Dutch Diplomatic Corps may exercise discretion vis-à-vis the subjects discussed when Dutch and Boer officials meet, we cannot simply turn them away without giving offence. We can, however, give the British Foreign Office our assurance that the Dutch Foreign Ministry has no present intention of contracting any political agreements with the Boers.

Moreover, we can, in conjunction with the British, adopt a flexible approach to the matter which we feel may satisfy all parties. It requires no stretch of the imagination to believe that bi-lateral relations between the United Kingdom and the Boer Republics have encountered significant difficulties and have reached a certain impasse. The Rt.Hon. Secretary of State for the Colonies is perhaps most able to appreciate the delicate nature of the matter, having himself been heavily involved in mitigating as best possible the continued deterioration of the Anglo-Boer relationship.

The Dutch Government recognises that the British exercise some elements of suzerainty over the Boer Republics, although this relationship has not been adequately codified in treaties or, more significantly, ever accepted in any tangible or even nominal manner by the Boers, who retain in every aspect a fierce sense of independence. Despite the London Convention (1884), which was signed by Sir Robinson [a man who we realise the Rt.Hon. Minister found to be most disagreeable], the continued deterioration of Anglo-Boer relations could lead to hostilities between the United Kingdom and the Boer Republic.

It is therefore precisely with the twofold aim of preventing conflict and achieving British interests that the Dutch Foreign Ministry has called for the meeting with Boer representatives in Amsterdam. It is abundantly clear that the Boer Republics will never voluntarily consent to any form of British sovereignty over the territories of Transvaal and the Orange Free State. It is similarly clear that the Boer leadership will rebuff British attempts to extend greater influence over their territories. In contrast – on account of close historical, linguistic and cultural ties, as well as close links between the Dutch and Boer leadership—the Boer Republics are more likely to consent to greater Dutch influence over their policies, influence which could be exercised in a manner that is consistent with British economic and political interests in the region.

Anglo-Boer relations are largely characterised by deep mistrust. Simmering tensions and long memories have done little to heal the rupture of the Transvaal War. Nevertheless, there may be a path forward which satisfies both British and Boer interests and aspirations. The Dutch Diplomatic Corps is an eligible party to bridge that gulf of distrust and unease that separate the Boers and British from reaching a peaceful settlement. It is with this view in mind—preserving peace while reconciling British and Boer interests—that the Dutch Foreign Ministry invited Boer leaders to a conference in Amsterdam to commence preliminary dialogue. If the Boers, for example, were to agree to the concept of greater Dutch influence over the affairs of the Republics, and if the British were likewise to consent to this arrangement, a middle-ground which allows for the realisation of British goals and the maintenance of Boer sovereignty could likely be achieved.

Our proposal offers the British Government the prospect of peaceful Anglo-Boer relations as well as prominent and effective influence in the affairs Transvaal and the Orange Free State. However, if the British Government is of the opinion that such a path should not be explored—and if the United Kingdom is likewise determined to continue along the present path; one which is widely believed to lead inevitability to war—then we ask simply that British authorities at Durban, the point of departure for the Boers travelling to Amsterdam, inform the Boers of the British position relating to this possible path to peace. For our part, we remain hopeful that fruitful dialogue may take place and a peaceful solution reached.

 

[EasternBloc]

[X] Gi Sun, Prime Minister of the Korean Empire, on behalf of Emperor Gojong

 

[Zex]

If I still can

1.The Kingdom of Siam
2.The Republic of Colombia
3.The Empire of Abyssinia

 

[Afaslizo]

OOC: Since French Left did not appear at my second set of preferences at all I would like to propose to exchange me with the player of Greece. I think he wanted France.