The FSM

OOC: This is occurring at the same time as the Franco-German War, so events in that thread will occur at the same time in this thread for the purpose of simplicity. Or to make this simpler, conference runs concurrent with the 'hearts of iron' thread IC: [quote]ENCRYPTION ARX\11906 CLASSIFICATION AAA TO: HIH THERESE ZELLE-FRENCH HIGH COMMAND, HIH NIKITA AKHITOVA-ATHENIAN HIGH COMMAND, SIR MICHAEL HARLAND-REP. OF YORK HIGH COMMAND, HIH KEVIN HOLLIHAN-HAE HIGH COMMAND, HSH RICHARD MERCTON-J ANDRES HIGH COMMAND, MR CHRISTOS DESCHAINE-TAEUNAS HIGH COMMAND, MR DOMINIK GRUNEWALD-SWISS HIGH COMMAND FROM: JEAN D'AOSTA-SICILIAN GENERAL HEADQUARTERS Given the number of nations currently sending troops to fight in the Franco-German War, I feel it is best for us all to assemble in a secure location to go over how best to deploy our collective forces. Up until this point I feel that efforts to bring about victory have been made on a piecemeal basis and that greater coordination is needed between our nations to ensure our aims in this conflict are achieved. I invite each of you to attend a war planning conference hosted by myself in Sicily. For security reasons I ask that you either attend personally or send a delegate who has the ability to make agreements in your place. Due to the possibility (however slight) of transmissions being intercepted, video-conferencing will not be possible. Also, the exact location of the meeting will not be revealed until your arrival and each attendee will be given a separate travel route. rest assured that the meeting location is protected against the full spectrum of conventional and NBC strikes and that every precaution will be taken to guarantee the security of attendees. -Jean D'Aosta Steward of the Sicilian League[/quote] Once Jean sent the encrypted message, he contacted Admiral Acbari at GHQ and had him make the necessary preparations. The Sicilian Fleet would makes its way to the Tyrhennian Sea to be closer to Sicily. The D'Avanti Division of the MedCorps would be discreetly called out to defend certain airfields and potential meeting positions in Palermo, Syracuse and Messina. The 2nd Armored Group would be kept on alert and air patrols over Sicily would continue as normal.

Closed transmission to Chinese High Seas Fleet From: Sicilian Naval Station Arbatax We wish to remind you that Sicilian waters remain closed to all foreign traffic for the duration of the Franco-German conflict. While we realize you are not involved in this conflict, it is standard procedure that we close our territories to all non-allied vessels during times of war. We recommend contacting Carthage to secure transit rights for you vessels.

[quote name='SpacingOutMan' timestamp='1281380038' post='2408027'] I'm wondering how he has 1 million people? :v [/quote] That was his 500K and Vince's 500K, but then Vince's 500K got wiped.

[quote]Dear Mr. Piirto, I hope this letter finds you well and that your road construction projects have been moving along smoothly. I am still interested in meeting with you regarding the possibility of my company opening a mining and logging exploration and development business in your nation. My schedule is flexible over the next few weeks and I can meet with you at your convienience. Sincerely, Alexei Illyushkin Owner-President, AI Corp.[/quote]

yeah, but that doesnt change the fact there was no preparatory RP for this 500K invasion force in the Netherlands or wherever

I take issue with http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=89364&view=findpost&p=2405642 I have not seen any posting by KM stating that he was amassing such a force. While KM did post that he was amassing a 1m man army around Alsace-Lorraine I take issue with this force suddenly being declared 'decoys' while another large force is conjured out of the air somewhere else for a different offensive. I have no problem with KM launching a 500K man offensive where he is, I have an issue with the fact he never RP'ed assembling such a force, while the force he has RP'd assembling magically turns out to be decoys. If I have missed a post where KM RP'd planning for this new force then I apologize for missing it, if someone could link me to it it would be appreciated. If it turns out my first point is moot because I missed an earlier post of his, I would love some more specificity in terms of where these troops are attacking from and where in France they are heading (city or place names would be appreciated), because Im not sure if he's attacking through the Netherlands or what.

Always sad to see alliances brought to an end, best of luck to all my friends in RE

OOC: voted B

OOC: Not to totally derail the thread, but if you dont go into France we may end up not fighting each other then heh

[quote name='Vince Sixx' timestamp='1281220371' post='2404048'] OOC: My mistake, thought the italians were in this war too. *shrug* [/quote] OOC: We're at war with Finland and slavorussia for attacking France. No worries, this thread is a bit of a jumble

OOC: disregard this post.

In my opinion, PIMPS would have been a better name, Im sad to see CGB didnt push that one harder. Synergy is delicious, and Im happy to see this announced.

Letter to Cochin Central Command, Given the possibility of attacks on Sicily given our involvement in the French conflict, we feel it would not be responsible for us to continue hosting training battalions in our country. We are currently arranging for transport of your troops back to the Kingdom, upon arrival we will be bringing the regiment deployed to Cochin back home. We look forward to possibly resuming training exchanges once the conflict has run its course. Sincerely, Admiral Calomar Acbari Commander, Sicilian GHQ

The Sicily based AI Corporation would like to know if this means a suspension has been placed on the broadcast cooperation agreements between Ai Corp and Mariehamm Broadcasting Company.

[quote name='Malatose' timestamp='1281074134' post='2402473'] The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slavic Federation responded with the following note: [/quote] Letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Slavic Federation, I am happy to see that our concern for the civilians of the region is shared by your government. Press sensationalism in this country may be inflating the situation in the region to drive of viewership, we will make an effort to tamp down on this sort of thing. If you need assistance with security and rebuilding operations, we are always prepared to assist. Though our involvement in the current conflict will require the focus of our efforts, we will be happy to assist you as much as we can. -Hossein Al-Hussein Director of Foreign Affairs for the Sicilian League

June 17th, 5am National Consultative Asssembly Building, Syracuse, Sicilian League "By a vote of 18 in favor and 7 against the motion to adopt the special question as amended is accepted. The clerk will read the Act: [quote]The War Authorization Act of 2071 By the power invested in this body by the League Charter, the National Consultative Assembly here assembled invests the Steward with the authority to execute war on behalf of the citizens of the League as follows; Article 1. The Sicilian League hereby withdraws its bid to join the European Cooperation Organization to be resubmitted at the conclusion of the Franco-German War. Article 2. Under the provisions of the Mediterranean Economic and Military Union, and by virtue of the historic Sicilian-French friendship, a STATE OF WAR is hereby recognized with the Empire of Slavorussia and the Republic of Finland, as well as any other nations that may declare war on the French Empire after the passage of this Act. Article 3. Sicilian Territorial Waters and Airspace are hereby closed to all parties not assisting the French Empire in the present conflict. Given the location of Switzerland, this Article does not apply to non-military transit by Swiss vehicles. Allies of the League may request an exemption from this Article after consultation with the Foreign Affairs Directorate. Article 4. The Steward and GHQ are given full discretion to prosecute this War as they feel would best bring about a favorable resolution. However attacks against the Finnish and Slavorussian homeland are prohibited unless attacks upon the territories of the League are made by forces from either of those nations. Article 5. The Steward and GHQ will take steps to minimize civilian casualties resulting from any military actions undertaken as much as possible.[/quote] Classified: Aosta and Steward Divisions of the MedCorps (20,000 men) deployed by air to Beauvais and from there by road transport to Lille as per previous agreement with the French High Command under command of Generals Chanson and Saloix respectively. Sicilian Fleet deployed to Straits of Bonifacio, CAP to be in effect around the clock. All airbases to maintain combat alert status and be prepared to scramble intercepts. (OOC: Late, more interesting military stuff to come tomorrow)

The Sicilian League is saddened that our friends in the NPR have decided to withdraw from the MEMU. It is our hope that following this conflict we can work together with our friends in the NPR to rebuild and expand cooperation between Mediterranean states.

OOC: If this is happening in the whole Franco War universe, I closed my airspace to everyone, let me know if you want/need to go through

[quote name='Triyun' timestamp='1281051355' post='2402121'] "First, I wish to direct you to your exact language: A sovereign government retaking occupied territory is by definition defensive in our minds. Vienna was purposefully occupied by a rebel force, knowing that Vienna had a huge civilian population. It is using buildings which house civilians as firing positions. We flat out refuse to recognize your argument which establishes an international precedent where rebels can occupy a piece of territory, and by [i]purposefully[/i] involving civilians forces a government to choose between defending its sovereignty, engaging in battle which nullifies the asymmetry of force upon which the foundation of state legitimacy wrests, or creating human rights abuse. We find this a choice which will have a much more adverse effect on law and order and thus human life in the long term. Your government may have positive intentions but you are trying to codify a policy which leads to longer more bloody wars or the devolution of states which means an increase in warlordism and anarchy. Warlordism and anarchy in countries tend to lead to higher mortality rate both due to disruption of service and warfare. This simply cannot be taken seriously or allowed to stand. Rebels who choose to use civilians, are alone guilty of the civilian deaths that occur when coercive force is used by the state or in this case forces affiliated with the state to stop the rebellion. If the Slavic Federation was involved in capturing and taking territory which belonged to a sovereign nation which the Slavic Federation had invaded you may have a point. But this is simply not the point when squashing rebels and criminals, in fact in our view any Slavic action is the rescue of German citizens from non-lawful combatants. The rebels have no right to be there, civilians are no excuse to allow them to remain there. Foreign Minister Zhou" [/quote] It is quite apparent that the USC and Sicilian League share fundamentally different views, and you are entitled to maintain a different opinion. We believe that the use of force can be altered in such a way to minimize civilian casualties. At the same time we also realize that when your opponent chooses to fight in highly populated areas (not a tactic we endorse) there will be civilian casualties, our point is that efforts can be made to fight the rebels while minimizing civilian casualties. However, we stand by our previous statements and our letter of protest. If USC forces attempt to minimize civilian casualties, then you will hear no further complaint from us. -Director Al-Hussein

[quote name='Triyun' timestamp='1281049384' post='2402093'] "Your objection is noted but ill informed as there are and have not been [b]any[/b] operations undertaken by the Chinese military which has occurred in Vienna or any surrounding areas save for precision air strikes on military targets except against enemy air defenses. We recognize this is an inconvenient fact for the narrative you wish to paint, but frankly, thats too bad. Furthermore I would remind you that we are defending sovereign VDL territory from rebels, we are the defenders not the aggressor unless of course you do not recognize the VDL, in which case you must say so." -Foreign Affiars Minister Zhou, Public Response to the Sicilian League's Accusation [/quote] I wish to direct your attention back to the letter which was sent to you, in which it said "Statements by Government officials" were our cause for our concern, not the fact that you had engaged in any military actions (as you clearly have not). Namely that you place the onus of protecting civilian life on the South German rebels, even though this onus must reside with the forces conducting the combat operations, not just the defenders. Simply because rebels are hiding in a dense urban area does not absolve your forces from the responsibility of conducting their operations in a way that minimizes civilian casualties as much as possible. From statements made by your government officials, we feel you do not take the same stance and is why we sent you that letter. Further, though you may be assisting the VDL in fighting rebels, you would be attacking rebel positions in Vienna, not defending your own positions in Vienna from rebel assault (as you have no such positions in Vienna as far as we can tell). Since you would be attacking Vienna, you would be the party taking offensive action in Vienna regardless of the fact you are assisting the VDL in defending against the rebels. The letter to you said nothing of you being aggressors, only about offensive operations. We apologize that this distinction confused you. -Hossein Al-Hussein Director of Foreign Affairs.

[b]SNBS- YOUR NEWS, YOUR WORLD, YOUR WAY[/b] [size="6"][b]SLAVS OPERATE NETWORK OF CONCENTRATION CAMPS[/size] [size="4"]CIVILIANS TAKEN FROM STREETS AND HOMES[/b][/size] SNBS has received a number of reports that the Slavic military has established a series of concentration camps throughout the occupied GDR and is in the process of rounding up and detaining large numbers of German civilians. In what adds up to a massive violation of human rights, the Slavic military has stated that any civilians found outside after 8 pm, for any reason, will be subject to immediate arrest and detention at one of the concentration facilities that have been constructed. Messina based Human Freedom Network, a NGO, has described the situation as "one in which families in this already ravaged area are torn apart, with absolutely no regard given to why these people were out after curfew. People are basically having black bags thrown over their heads as they walk home from trying to find food for their starving families. This is just a continuation of the chain of atrocities committed by the Slavic military in their attempts to beat the German populace into quiet obedience to their whims." This latest revelation comes on the heels of information relayed to SNBS via online social networks from underground German reporters that ongoing Slavic Counter Insurgency operations have lead to the direct killings of upwards of 640 German civilians, with hundreds, if not thousands more perishing as a result of famine and disease brought about by the destruction of sewage, transit and electrical networks by invading Slavic forces. News of these atrocities has already sparked mass protests in a number of Sicilian cities as citizens are condemning the continuation of the Slavic-Sicilian Alliance. We are going live to the Directorate of Foreign Affairs where Director Al-Hussein is giving a press conference on the matter: Al-Hussein: "I would like to thank everyone for coming here, I have a few brief announcements. At 10 am this morning, my office, at the Steward's direction, sent official letters of protest to the governments of the Slavic Federation and the United States of China over the treatment of civilians in occupied territories and plans for further combat in civilian locales, respectively. It is the opinion of this government that both the USC and the Slavic Federation are showing a disturbing lack of regard for the sanctity of human life in their respective theaters of combat. This Government maintains its adherence to a strong Human Rights based foreign policy and we will not allow such disregard for the safety of non-combatants to happen without taking diplomatic action. The letters sent by me to the USC and the Slavic Federation this morning indicate our opposition to the actions being taken by the respective governments and informs them that unless a significant effort is made to protect the safety of non-combatants and end blatant violations of their human rights, we will be forced to take further action." Letter to the USC: To whom it may concern, On behalf of the Citizens and Government of the Sicilian League I lodge a formal diplomatic protest to the actions of your Government and military in Germany. Statements by your officials show to us a disturbing lack of regard for the safety of non-combatants in cities and towns where your military is operating, namely in Vienna. The onus of protecting the lives and livelihood of non-combatants in a war zone always lies with the party taking offensive action. Harm to civilians must be avoided as much as is possible, and tactics must be altered to protect the lives of civilians as much as is possible. I feel that this has not been done. Further failure to protect the lives of German civilians will force this government to take further action. Signed on behalf of the Sicilian League Hossein Al-Hussein Director of Foreign Affairs Letter to the Slavic Federation: To whom it may concern, On behalf of the Citizens and Government of the Sicilian League I lodge a formal diplomatic protest with your Government due to the actions of your Government and military in the portions of the former GDR occupied by the Slavic armed forces. Operations by your military have resulted in staggeringly high numbers of casualties to non-combatants. This, coupled with the practice of seizing and detaining German civilians in a number of camps for indefinite periods of time and with no regard to the impact such indefinite detentions have upon the livelihoods of the detained's families has caused great alarm and outrage in the Sicilian League. While we understand that some casualties to civilians will be unavoidable, it is our feeling that little is being done to minimize civilian casualties and that little effort is being made to alleviate the hardship being felt by German civilians due to the destruction of local power, transit and sewage networks during the initial Slavic invasion. The failure of your government to take action is leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians due to starvation, disease and other various avoidable causes and is triggering a what could become a large humanitarian crisis. This government has long respected the sanctity of the Sicilian-Slavic Alliance. However, continuing disregard for the safety and human rights of the German populace will force this government to reevaluate our relations with your government vis-vis the Sicilian-Slavic Alliance. Signed on behalf of the Sicilian League, Hossein Al-Hussein Director of Foreign Affairs

As far as I can tell, KM Sarah and Lyn started the RP, players like myself, Cent and everyone else have joined in that RP. The RP is a continuation of events set in motion by Sarah's invasion and Lyn's attempted revolution. If players did not want to be bound by the rules of the RP that the three of them had set up, then they are not being forced to be involved in that RP and could simply sit the RP out. The Centurius' and Vextor-Drake's invasion of South Germany was precipitated by the initial RP, Justinian's involvement was precipitated by the initial RP. Everyone who gets involved in this RP will be doing so based on the initial RP made by KM-Sarah-Lyn. Everything based on the initial RP (in my opinion) is covered by the timescale rules that were established at the outset. Movements of troops (no matter what thread they are in) brought about as a result of a nation's involvement in the RP, should be covered by the timescale rules of the RP. If I am moving troops in a separate thread because I have declared war on Slavorussia because of their involvement in the Franco-German War, then they should have to follow the same timescale established in that RP even if I post these movements in my separate movements thread. If, however, I am moving troops for a reason and purpose unrelated to the Franco-German War RP, then they would not be beholden to the rules of that RP. If you choose to get involved in the Franco-German War RP, then you should be beholden to the rules established for the Franco-German War RP. I take a large view of what constitutes one RP, because all the other RP's you speak of IAT can be traced back to the initial RP and rules established by KM-Sarah-Lynneth. You could think of it like an umbrella, the initial RP and rules established by KM-Sarah-Lyn are the central shaft of the umbrella. All the other conflicts (Cent and Vektordeath/DrakeZero, Justinian and Uber and Tahoe etc) are like the spokes that support the canvas of the overarching story. All the spokes may not interact or be linked, but they all progress from the same central shaft that is KM-Sarah-Lyn's initial RP and as such the rules of that central and initial RP carry through the other spokes, and if not the overarching RP canvas as a whole. EDIT @ Jerry: RP treaties dont force you to do anything, as evidenced that this war was started by France (Sarah) declaring war on her military ally in Germany(KM&Lyn). Just because you have a treaty, doesnt mean you have to follow it. For France's allies they could easily say that because France betrayed Germany and are the aggressor in the conflict, that the spirit of all France's other treaties have been undermined and thus mean nothing. Germany's allies could say that the rebellion in South Germany calls into question the legitimacy of the German government and thus say that their treaty with Germany is suspended. My point is that nothing can force you to RP something, following a treaty is a choice that you make.

Admiral Caldotta read the response from the Athenian Government, it was not exactly what he had intended but it was along the same lines. By coordinate on naval defense he had not meant asking for Athenian protection, but regardless he would settle the matter when he could discuss the situation face to face. Within a half hour he and a few aides left by helicopter from Naval Command Malta and were fast on their way to the Athenian Federation. He assumed that he would be ferried to another location once he arrived. ------------- [b]June 17th, 2am National Consultative Assembly Building, Syracuse, Sicilian League[/b] It was late or rather, it was very early. Jean stood with his aides in the Primus' chambers, directly behind the rostrum in the Assembly Chamber. He hadnt slept since his 20 minute nap earlier in the day, and before that it had been more than a day. Sleep was calling, but his sense of duty stood firm, he had to do all he could to see the right thing was done. He knew he would need to muster all of his speaking ability to carry the day, and even then, he still may fail. But he had to try. He heard the sound of the gavel calling the chamber to order, Henri Argille had informed him that the Senators were barely controllable and that tempers were about ready to explode. "The Chamber will come to order.... *bang*bang*... I said the Chamber will come to order. All rise for the Steward of the League" That last announcement brought the chamber to a stunned silence, it was rare for the Steward to speak to the Assembly. In fact, this would be the first time it had happened since the Crisis a year and a half ago. Jean scaled the steps that led from the Primus' chamber to the Primus' Dais in the Chamber. Taking the podium, he launched into his address. "I understand that many of you are surprised to find me here today, I realize this is the time I have ever spoken before you, and I understand that these statements come unannounced. I take such unusual steps today because this League faces a choice that will have lasing consequences, not only for ourselves, but for all of Europe. A few days ago, one of our closest allies launched a surprise invasion of the United German States. This attack was unannounced, I know that many of you also find this attack disturbing because the French launched it in direct violation of their alliance with the Germans. I do not come before you today to argue that the Germans in some way deserved to be betrayed by their ally, the Germans have done little to merit such aggression through their own actions. However, it was the inaction on the part of their government that forced the hand of Empress Zelle and the people of France. For the French this is not a war of choice, nor is it a war they sought to start. But when, in a cruel turn of history, your countrymen are separated by borders, families divided and friends separated, it would be travesty not to act, not to try and right this wrong. For the French, they are fighting this war to reunite the families of France, Alsace and Lorraine, kept apart for too long by the legacy of the Burgundian King. Nor do the French fight today as a first resort. Numerous times their diplomats have journeyed to Berlin and Vienna, seeking to negotiate for the return of Alsace and Lorraine to their families and friends in the rest of France. Numerous times the French have attempted diplomacy, and numerous times their offers and entreaties for negotiation on the issue have been rebuffed. I ask all of you here to think back to a time years ago, when the islands of the League stood out as a bastion of liberty and freedom against fascist oppression on the Italian Peninsula. Did we sit idly by then, and allow our friends and families on the peninsula to be crushed under the jackboots of Borghese's Blackshirts? No we did not, we took action to right the cruel twist of history that saw the Islands free and the Peninsula smothered by fascism. If we would not stand to allow our bretheren to be cruelly separated and smothered under a fascist edifice, then how can we look poorly on the French for doing the same thing when their brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, friends and family are held away from them by a government that thrives on its German identity. When the GDR came to us to negotiate for the return of the South Tyrolean population to the GDR, to right historical wrongs, did we rebuff their diplomats? No, we negotiated because it was the right thing to do for those families that were divided by the cruelty of history and borders. When the French went to the Germans to ask for the same thing did they do the right thing and negotiate? No, they did not, and by doing so they left the French with no other option but to start this war we see unfolding before us. That is the decision you must make, does this League wish to see historical wrongs made right? Or do we wish to turn our back on our own history and, in doing so, become a pitiful nation in the process. Only you can make that decision, and I pray you do not play politics with it. Too much is at stake." Jean turned and walked back down the steps to the Primus' chamber. No sooner had he walked up to his aides then he collapsed on the floor. He had poured everything he had left into that speech, and his exhaustion had caught up with him. Back in the chamber Henri Argille sat and watched as many of the Senators rose from their chairs, their applause and cheers mixing with onlookers in the packed galleries. His gamble had worked.

How would putting a laser on your satellite protect it from a missile? Even small shrapnel from a missile that was hit by the laser would damage the satellite enough to knock it out of commission. Besides, you would have to move the laser on the satellite to target the incoming missile while simultaneously stabilizing the satellite in orbit. I would think (unless we are talking about relatively small and compact lasers, shoe-box sized) that using lasers for satellite defense on the satellite would be ineffective or even counter productive since aiming said laser could very well cause the sat to change orbit.

Given that the Space Elevator is located on lands given to the now VDL by Mechodamia, the Sicilian Government cannot recognizes this transfer of sovreignty unless we recieve word that the UMS has been consulted on teh matter and that they are in agreement with the VDL and the RA. While normally we would not make such a statement, it is our feeling that given the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the breakup of the VDL, the UMS should be involved in deciding transfers of control over lands they bequeathed to the GDR.