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Articles of American Sovereignty and Self Determination


Michael McBride

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All nations on the North and South American continents would receive the following message, unencrypted. The first part was a video message from Louis Egon, Director of Xaristan. The second part was a document for their perusal. When each leader opened the message, the following video would begin to play.

Louis Egon is shown sitting at his desk in Redemptio, the city backdrop behind him.

"Greetings, esteemed leaders of nations on the American continent. For those of you who do not know me, I am Louis Egon, Director and founder of Xaristan. I come to you today with a message of extreme urgency and importance for all American nations."

"Given recent changes to governments in our hemisphere, large swaths of land have opened up. This land is prime for the taking in some cases, protected in others, but the danger remains the same. And that dangers is foreign powers from outside the Americas swooping in and claiming these lands as colonies for their own. It has happened many times, and even in our modern history nations in Europe and Asia continue to see the Americas as future expansion grounds for their nations."

"Today, I say no more."

"Attached is a document for your perusal. A little while back, the Tahoe Republic, alone, took a brave stand against the world, and announced the O'Deaghaidh Doctrine, meant to keep foreign powers out of the Americas. Today, I ask all of you to join in their pledge by signing the attached Articles of American Sovereignty and Self Determination, or AASSD (OOC: pronounced "assed"). Together, as a hemisphere, we can make sure that our sovereignty stays our own, free of foreign influence, for a peaceful and prosperous future."

"If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Department of State."

The video faded to an image of the Xaristani flag with the Xaristani national anthem playing in the background before ending.

Below is the AASSD that all leaders in the Americas were sent:

We, the undersigned, hereby agree to do everything in our power to deter and prevent foreign colonization and expansion into the American continents, whether this prevention be through diplomatic, economic, or military means. By signing these Articles, we agree to hold the sovereignty of countries in the Americas paramount, and agree that colony-free American continents will lead to a more peaceful and prosperous future.

Signed,

For Xaristan,

Louis Egon, Director

William Worthington, Consul of State

Signed for the Tahoe Republic,

Sean O'Deaghaidh, President

Kieran Kelly, Prime Minister

Darragh McDonnell, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Signed for the Yukon Republic,

President John Jacobs

Vice President Jim Jacobs

Signed for the Republic of New England,

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President

Lyndon B. Johnson, Vice President

Edited by Pravus Ingruo
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The citizens of the Tahoe Republic cherish sentiments the most friendly in favor of the liberty and happiness of their fellow-men around the globe. In the wars of the European and Asian powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy to do so. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defense.

With the movements in this hemisphere we are of necessity more immediately connected, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlightened and impartial observers. The political system of the allied powers is essentially different in this respect from that of America. This difference proceeds from that which exists in their respective Governments; and to the defense of our own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most enlightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this whole nation is devoted. We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the Tahoe Republic and those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety. with the Governments who have declared their independence and maintain it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any foreign power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the Tahoe Republic.

In the discussions to which this interest has given rise and in the arrangements by which they may terminate the occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests of the Tahoe Republic are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.

We will enforce this doctrine will the full arsenal of our combined military, economic and diplomatic efforts.

The O'Deaghaidh Doctrine states that the American people are free from foreign influence and that the Tahoe Republic will work with its American neighbors, friends and allies in liberating all the people of America. Today we have that opportunity.

Signed for the Tahoe Republic,

Sean O'Deaghaidh, President

Kieran Kelly, Prime Minister

Darragh McDonnell, Minister of Foreign Affairs

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What if we wanted to lend a bit of land to non-American nations (a few square miles) for air/naval force base, or as a trading port?

"No foreign intervention means exactly that. They want to trade? They can do it at your regular ports if you sign this document. But no foreign power is allowed any land outside of embassies under this document."

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So if nations are suppose to have this right of sovereignty and self determination I assume their decisions as sovereign nations is to be respected by the nations of America? The Alliance has had a longstanding contract with the nation of Ardoria holding a lease on a port military/naval base. We have in our decades of being here demonstrated time and time again that we have no colonial aspirations nor do we intend to hold any such aspirations in the future. When we initially acquired (through legal means of a contract with the nation of ardoria) the land we invested billions into it building up a local economic power house to facilitate trade in the america, when the legality of this was questioned we immediately turned it over voluntarily to the nation of Ardoria conforming to the letter of the existing laws retaining only a small port and military base on lease from the nation of Ardoria. We have never, though we have on numerous occasions had the opportunities, intervened in American politics in a way that would serve us selfishly. We were integral integral in negotiating a peaceful end to the large civil war that took place here. And we are longstanding allies with the nation of Ardoria. We have for decades been a supplier of valuable technology to Ardoria, sharing with them a wealth of information resulting in their own prosperity and success. These just being a few of the reasons demonstrating our own non-threatening presence, we ask that the nations of west grandfather this presently legal military base and port, as the territory of equator presently under Rebel Army control was grandfathered by Tahoe many years ago.

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Oh, and one more thing...if non-American nations cannot have colonies in the Americas, do that mean we American nations cannot have colonies in any other part of the world? Just want to clarify.

"It is heavily encouraged to not have colonies outside the Americas so as to not be hypocrites, however it is not written into the Articles to allow nations to keep their sovereignty intact."

So if nations are suppose to have this right of sovereignty and self determination I assume their decisions as sovereign nations is to be respected by the nations of America? The Alliance has had a longstanding contract with the nation of Ardoria holding a lease on a port military/naval base. We have in our decades of being here demonstrated time and time again that we have no colonial aspirations nor do we intend to hold any such aspirations in the future. When we initially acquired (through legal means of a contract with the nation of ardoria) the land we invested billions into it building up a local economic power house to facilitate trade in the america, when the legality of this was questioned we immediately turned it over voluntarily to the nation of Ardoria conforming to the letter of the existing laws retaining only a small port and military base on lease from the nation of Ardoria. We have never, though we have on numerous occasions had the opportunities, intervened in American politics in a way that would serve us selfishly. We were integral integral in negotiating a peaceful end to the large civil war that took place here. And we are longstanding allies with the nation of Ardoria. We have for decades been a supplier of valuable technology to Ardoria, sharing with them a wealth of information resulting in their own prosperity and success. These just being a few of the reasons demonstrating our own non-threatening presence, we ask that the nations of west grandfather this presently legal military base and port, as the territory of equator presently under Rebel Army control was grandfathered by Tahoe many years ago.

"If Ardoria signs the Articles, then they will have to follow the Articles. However, all nations signing this pact will be expected to use whatever means necessary to get you to leave, including placing tariffs on your goods, petitioning the government of Ardoria, whether they sign the Articles or not, to get you to leave, and, if it comes to it, military action."

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"If Ardoria signs the Articles, then they will have to follow the Articles. However, all nations signing this pact will be expected to use whatever means necessary to get you to leave, including placing tariffs on your goods, petitioning the government of Ardoria, whether they sign the Articles or not, to get you to leave, and, if it comes to it, military action."

The point of our reply was to petition you and your colleagues for an exception to this doctrine. Through our long standing presence we have more than demonstrated we do not live up to the portrait painted of a foreign violator. If anything we have been a cause of peace and prosperity in the america. Look at the wars of the last ten years here in the United States. Were we involved in any of them, no; were we the instigators, no; the only wars we have EVER participated in have been those in our own home continent. We only ask for reason in this matter, rather than the dogma of a rule. We have proven ourselves to be a positive force wherever we have been. I challenge any nation in the Americas to demonstrate how we are colonials. We don't technically own land in the Americas, we are barrowing it. We have no significant civilian presence, we have no economic operations beyond simple commerce, and we are limited to a tiny scrap of land. We were granted the land, we didn't take it. We have never interfered in local affairs. We grant those living within the territory a democratic voice to express their will within our parliament. The list goes on.

Edited by iamthey
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The point of our reply was to petition you and your colleagues for an exception to this doctrine. Through our long standing presence we have more than demonstrated we do not live up to the portrait painted of a foreign violator. If anything we have been a cause of peace and prosperity in the america. Look at the wars of the last ten years here in the United States. Were we involved in any of them, no; were we the instigators, no; the only wars we have EVER participated in have been those in our own home continent. We only ask for reason in this matter, rather than the dogma of a rule. We have proven ourselves to be a positive force wherever we have been. I challenge any nation in the Americas to demonstrate how we are colonials. We don't technically own land in the Americas, we are barrowing it. We have no significant civilian presence, we have no economic operations beyond simple commerce, and we are limited to a tiny scrap of land. We were granted the land, we didn't take it. We have never interfered in local affairs. We grant those living within the territory a democratic voice to express their will within our parliament. The list goes on.

"First you ask for an exemption, next someone else will. There are no exemptions. The Articles are clear. No foreign influence on the Americas. Period. No foreign countries holding land in the Americas. Period. No one is being forced to sign this document. However, we, the nations who have signed, have ever right to exercise our right and will to keep the Americas sovereign and free from foreign influence."

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"First you ask for an exemption, next someone else will. There are no exemptions. The Articles are clear. No foreign influence on the Americas. Period. No foreign countries holding land in the Americas. Period. No one is being forced to sign this document. However, we, the nations who have signed, have ever right to exercise our right and will to keep the Americas sovereign and free from foreign influence."

Then perhaps you should go after the true colonies first instead of bashing other nations for making treaties and allying themselves to one another. So far, you've made no mention of Rebel Army's South American colony and what you're going to do about them.

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We refuse to sign this treaty if this article does not even allow a single foreign naval/air force base that belongs to an ally.

We also wonder what you will do about Rebel Army's colony in South America and Lubeck having their very own colony outside of South America. Last of all, what happens when an American nation that have signed the article claims an colony outside of the continent?

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Then perhaps you should go after the true colonies first instead of bashing other nations for making treaties and allying themselves to one another. So far, you've made no mention of Rebel Army's South American colony and what you're going to do about them.

"This is because the issue has not been brought up until now. We did, however, say we would accept no foreign influence on the American continents. Obviously, this would include Rebel Army's colony in South America. Once all nations have responded up or down, we will contact all nations currently holding land in the Americas to begin negotiations to have them leave and return American territories to American control."

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"This is because the issue has not been brought up until now. We did, however, say we would accept no foreign influence on the American continents. Obviously, this would include Rebel Army's colony in South America. Once all nations have responded up or down, we will contact all nations currently holding land in the Americas to begin negotiations to have them leave and return American territories to American control."

Hm, given the history of Ecaudor and its role in the Rebel Army state and government, we doubt Rebel Army will give it up anytime in the near-future. Obviously, military force is out of the question. But yes, we do need to enter into discussions and go on from that.

Edited by JEDCJT
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We refuse to sign this treaty if this article does not even allow a single foreign naval/air force base that belongs to an ally.

We also wonder what you will do about Rebel Army's colony in South America and Lubeck having their very own colony outside of South America. Last of all, what happens when an American nation that have signed the article claims an colony outside of the continent?

"No foreign influence means no foreign influence. We are not sure what is so hard to understand about that. Maybe for your nation, which took forever to defeat some poo-flinging, animated cat worshiping terrorists, that is hard to understand."

"As previously stated, while the Articles do not expressly prohibit American nations holding colonies outside the Americas, if Lubeck should choose to sign, we would encourage them to relinquish those claims. Also, the matter with Rebel Army has already been dealt with."

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"No foreign influence means no foreign influence. We are not sure what is so hard to understand about that. Maybe for your nation, which took forever to defeat some poo-flinging, animated cat worshiping terrorists, that is hard to understand."

Terrorists that got themselves beheaded by loan-shark criminals after racking up a $170 million debt, that would explain how they kept on fighting on a budget deficit and rapidly replace their brainless members.

Edited by HHAYD
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"First you ask for an exemption, next someone else will. There are no exemptions. The Articles are clear. No foreign influence on the Americas. Period. No foreign countries holding land in the Americas. Period. No one is being forced to sign this document. However, we, the nations who have signed, have ever right to exercise our right and will to keep the Americas sovereign and free from foreign influence."

Only two nations are even eligible to ask for an exception, myself and the rebel army. We are the only people with long established holdings in North America. Why is it so unacceptable to grandfather us, a practice which has historical precedence with these doctrines? We are two peaceful nations who have proven themselves to be positive forces. After you grandfather us simply throw out anyone else who happens to come in after the doctrine has been created. Second this doctrine is a violation of American Nations' Sovereignty. Above all under the doctrine of westphalian sovereignty all nations of the world have a legal right as nations to deal with one another as equals and thereby make contract with one another without interference. This is the very frame work our world legal system operates under. If you respect the sovereignty of the nations of the Americas then why would you interfere with a long standing contract held between Ardoria and the Alliance?

Furthermore our office of legal counsel issues the following series of clarifications and reservations.

We, the undersigned, hereby agree to do everything in our power to deter and prevent foreign colonization and expansion into the American continents, whether this prevention be through diplomatic, economic, or military means. By signing these Articles, we agree to hold the sovereignty of countries in the Americas paramount, and agree that colony-free American continents will lead to a more peaceful and prosperous future.

The individuals signed your doctrine, not your interpretations of it, therefore they must follow this doctrine to its letter. Here are several legal reasons why this doctrine has no effect on us, and is not applicable.

1. "we agree to hold the sovereignty of countries in the Americas paramount" - As such agreements made through the sovereignty of nations in America must be respected above anything else including the dislike of colonial powers. As the Alliance acquired holdings via legal contract we are protected from this doctrine.

2. The Previous quotation says "countries in" not "countries of" therefore as long as you are in the americas your sovereignty must be respected under this doctrine. The doctrine therefore only applies to preventing future colonization as they are the only cases which could be stopped without violating the doctrine.

3. "undersigned, hereby agree to do everything in our power to deter and prevent foreign colonization and expansion into the American continents" This docuement only binds individuals to "deter" and "prevent" colonization and expansion, it says nothing about existing holdings. As the Alliance already has existing holdings they are not subject to action under this doctrine.

4. Colony as defined by Blacks law, a legal dictionary based off legal defitions determined by courts in the Americas is: "A dependent territorial entity subject to the soverignty of an independent country, but considered party of that country for purposes of relations with third countries". Under your own nation's legal constructs a colony must be an independent territory owned and subjected to the rule by the foreign nation by nature of its sovereignty, and have all relations dictated by the mother nation.

1. Norfolk is not owned by the Alliance, it is leased, therefore it is still under the Sovereign control of Ardoria as the legal authority to manage was temporarily granted by one entity to another.

2. It isn't dependent a territory, its a military base; as it has no true civilian populous.

3. It is not subjected to our rule, the individuals who do happen to live there are given the full ability to participate in the Democracy of our nation.

4. It has no relations with third nations... its a military base.

In short unless it has a civilian populous, exists for economic exploitation of domestic resources, and it is fully taken and owned by a foreign nation; then it is by definition not a colony.

As norfolk is not considered a colony under this doctrine.

As this doctrine has no effect on us and is not referring to us, we apologize for mistaking that it did; and will no longer debate the matter. Thank you.

-Alliance Office of Legal Counsel

Edited by iamthey
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We have never heard of this "Blacks law", and it certainly does not come from our legal system. (OOC: It doesn't exist in CNRP) These Articles are based off of what the Tahoe Republic started years ago. We are simply bringing it to the world stage and having other sign on to it to give it more political clout. Your military base is foreign expansion in the Americas, something that those signing this document have sworn to prevent. Simply because something has already happened does not mean we cannot prevent it from happening again. Simply because you are here today does not prevent us from working to make sure you aren't tomorrow.

Your legal "scholars" may try and lawyer their way out, but it will not work. All, and I mean all, foreign influence, land, colonies, and expansion in the Americas is unacceptable. We will be happy to sit down and discuss it with you to come to an amicable solution for you to leave, but your continued presence on this continent will not be tolerated any longer. And that goes for any nation, no matter how long they have been here. If you aren't American in origin, you shouldn't be in the Americas.

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We in the Imperium can't help but put forward the question of colonies already present in the Americas such as the Rebel Army state of Ecuador and the portion of Norfolk commanded by The Alliance. Will this pact make a strong stance against these enclaves or fumble the question as other anti-colonial policies have done in the past?

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We in the Imperium can't help but put forward the question of colonies already present in the Americas such as the Rebel Army state of Ecuador and the portion of Norfolk commanded by The Alliance. Will this pact make a strong stance against these enclaves or fumble the question as other anti-colonial policies have done in the past?

As stated before it very clearly doesn't apply to colonies which already exist, and definitely doesn't apply to norfolk. As these clear reasons pointed to in the very document itself have gone unanswered the criticism stands. When we look to the law we don't look to what we think it means, especially when the letter of the law says pretty much the reverse. Other than to re-interate these points until answered we will no longer be discussing the matter. As we do not believe the matter concerns us.

http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?s...t&p=1661388

OOC: On Blacks Law, Tahoe is based on the United States, its fair to say similar legal precedents and definitions would be accepted.

Edited by iamthey
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We realize this. However, Tahoe's doctrine of anti-expansionism in America is well documented and considerably predates the establishment of The Alliance in Norfolk. And yet they have done nothing about the situation. We don't point this out as condemnation; merely as an example of saying one thing in doctrine and making exceptions. This is why the question of a firm stance, not a war-footing is brought forward by us.

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We realize this. However, Tahoe's doctrine of anti-expansionism in America is well documented and considerably predates the establishment of The Alliance in Norfolk. And yet they have done nothing about the situation. We don't point this out as condemnation; merely as an example of saying one thing in doctrine and making exceptions. This is why the question of a firm stance, not a war-footing is brought forward by us.

This is understandable, there is a very simple explanation to this. Originally norfolk was I'll admit a full blown colony; as it was the home to several full flown Alliance cities and had a clear colonial purpose. We were not aware of the existing laws of Tahoe. When they finally did bring it forward we immediately turned over the entirety of economic development to ardoria. To rectify some measure of the situation we negotiated a lease deal with ardoria which granted us access to our military, naval, base and port that was established there. The original goal was to establish a warm water port on the Atlantic. If any reasonable person looks they can see our territories are nearly all either too far inland, land locked entirely, in arctic regions, or in the south Indian ocean. This is horribly inconvineient for a nation like ours which is built on exports. As such retaining this port and access point allowed us to salvage the one aspect of the deal we thought was really important. As norfolk was no longer owned by the alliance or even fully controlled, but was merely on lease to the Alliance Tahoe left it alone as we were basically just a military base similar to the one Tahoe controlled on the Giblatar which they as the legal determiner did not consider a colony. As such we simply want to be extended the same courtesy we extended them when they were in Europe, and have our territory not considered a colony which it clearly isn't.

Edited by iamthey
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Your military base is foreign expansion in the Americas, something that those signing this document have sworn to prevent. Simply because something has already happened does not mean we cannot prevent it from happening again. Simply because you are here today does not prevent us from working to make sure you aren't tomorrow.

We will be happy to sit down and discuss it with you to come to an amicable solution for you to leave, but your continued presence on this continent will not be tolerated any longer. And that goes for any nation, no matter how long they have been here. If you aren't American in origin, you shouldn't be in the Americas.

"I am going to say this once, and I will be extremely clear. You have absolutely no right or license to police, and dominate the western hemisphere. I was here decades before your own nation existed, I am fully within the bound and legal parameters prescribed by the doctrine of Tahoe. I have engaged you in scholarly debate pointing out very clear reasons within your own doctrine that catagorically point to the fact that that doctrine does not apply to norfolk. I have argued with you morally, rationally, and politically on the grounds of why it is only fair to grant a legal exception. And in return my thoughtful arguments have been IGNORED, and in turn you continue to spew the same dogma in an uncomprimising and ignorant fashion. The nation I have leased this land from has not agreed or consented to your doctrine therefore it doesn't apply to our deal. Nations within the America's themselves have denounced your doctrine for its extremeness and yet you press on. And here I stand.

If I ever relinquish the territory I promise you it will be on my terms; I have had enough with this neo-anti-colonialist !@#$%^&* that has spewed from the mouths of so many politicians in this world like so much stale and rotten bread. It is nothing more than an excuse to remove enemies and strategic threats, and even if it isn't THIS IS THE MODERN WORLD. We have transcended the rabid nationalism, the and racism of the twentieth century; we have moved on into a globalized capitalist world which where geographical boundaries have become irrelevant. It doesn't matter if a person is born in America, being born in America or deriving from America means nothing; just as being born in Europe, or Asia, or Africa means absolutely nothing. You are not special, you do not gain rights, you do not gain powers to the territory you are born in simply because some cartographer in Europe decided this is the division between Europe and America. I will cease to abide by it; I will not sacrifice another scrap of my territory to appease the ignorance. I moved into neutrality to escape this kind of ignorance. I left politics to free myself of the garbage, but apparently I was wrong. Apparently the jealousy, and fear which drives your calls for my eviction will follow me no matter where I go. Therefore I shall meet you. I only wish to be left to my own designs, that is all I have ever wanted. But if that is too much for your people to give then I suppose I must defend myself.

I hereby revoke the edict of stone and return from neutrality. All suspensions of defense and aggression clauses have been revoked. I will not start this but if I must... I will end it. Before this turns bad I issue this personal message to each of the nations of North America. You know my history here, you know I have never done anything but good in this continent. I ask that if this belligerent wishes to make war with me, then you leave him to his own destruction. If you have a treaty with me, honor the non-aggression clauses, if you don't, then please honor this request. And if that isn't good enough then honor his doctrine and respect my sovereignty as I am a "country in america". That being said I formally refuse to relinquish my military base and port in norfolk. I will not allow another nation to bully me or any ally of mine around, our deal was made in good faith with plenty of reciproaction, I would terminate this contract with ardoria at any time if they requested it, but I will not do so at the request of any other natoin. As for Xaristan, I no longer care what their people think. As far as I am concerned their Government is a "foreign" entity in regards to my business with ardoria and has no business interfering with it. If you want norfolk you will have to pry it from my cold dead hand. That being said I bid you all a good evening."

-Thomas Devereaux

Edited by iamthey
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