Sigurd Odinnson

[quote]To His Excellency Ratsherr Martens and His Excellency Tyr von Lübeck, The Kingdom of Friedland extends its congratulations for the signing of this Treaty and on the unification of this new State, but also wishes to express concern with the growing military power of the Germanic state surrounding it. A minority of German separatists within the Kingdom itself have been significantly and worringly encouraged by this occurrence. In the interest of peace and friendship between the German state and Friedland, who are joined by Treaty of Alliance and Non-Aggression, and in the interest of the sovereignty of Friedland as an independent Kingdom as well as for the preservation of order within the Kingdom, the government of the Kingdom of Friedland asks the government of this new entity to reaffirm recognition of said Treaty, and join the international community in affirmation by new Treaty that the sovereign Kingdom of Friedland shall not in part or in whole be absorbed into this greater Germanic entity. In Respect and Amity, His Highness Karel Gustav Czernin von Chudenitz, Duke of Pilsen Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Friedland[/quote]

Artists from Friedland, acting independent of the government, submitted the following designs and explanations: [img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/Martensflag2.png[/img] Suncross: Universal pre-Christian Germanic Symbol, superior to the 'Thors Hammer' alternative to the Scandinavian Cross [img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/Martensflag1.png[/img] Rune: "Ansuz" meaning "One of the Aesir" [img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/Niflungland.png[/img] An adaptation and reinterpretation of the [i]Hrafnsmerki[/i].

[quote]*Private to the United States government* To His Excellency the President of the United States: Due to recent activities of rebellion in the Kingdom of Friedland, His Majesty King Sigismund has come to believe that endorsement of the secession of Delaware from the United States was perhaps hastily made. Treaty, unfortunately, and the word of His Majesty binds him to the sovereign of Delaware. With this in mind, it is the belief of His Majesty King Sigismund that rather than seeing American lives lost in a bloody and unnecessary fratricidal war, some other agreement might be reached. His Majesty therefore invites a delegation of the United States to the capital of Friedland in Gitschin to discuss the possibility of a peaceful resolution to this conflict having the demands of the United States government and the grievances of the protesting parties in Delaware. The Kingdom of Friedland would also like to offer food and medical supplies to the army and civilians of the United States affected by this war. We await your government's response. [i]In Peace, Respect, and Amity[/i], His Highness Duke Karel Gustav Czernin von Chudenitz, Duke of Pilsen Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Friedland[/quote]

It was a beautiful autumnal evening as King Sigismund looked out over the city of Prague from his Winter Palace, the famous Hradschin in Prague. Here he would keep Court for December, January, and February, but he did like to visit the city from time to time as well. Gitschin was his great ancestor’s true capital but that did not keep the King from keeping court elsewhere in his lands. His peasants always worked better when their King was near, and the abundance of well-kept castles in Friedland made it easy to travel and remain in relative comfort. As the King stood on the balcony he had had installed at the windows where the infamous defenestration of four centuries hence had taken place, opening the Thirty Years’ War and his great ancestor’s path to glory. The [i]Slawata-Martinic[/i] Balcony, named for the two most prominent victims of the defenestration, was beautifully adorned in an early baroque style, with the arms of Waldstein in the centre of the balcony, flanked by those of Jaroslav Bořita z Martinic and Vilém Slavata z Chlumu a Košumberka. The King looked outward from the balcony to the city of Prague. [i]So peaceful[/i], the King thought to himself. Then, the peace ended. A powerful explosion ripped through the twilight in the [i]Nové Město[/i] quarter of the city, which the King could see from his balcony. The blast was so powerful it caused ripples in the glass of sherry the king had set down on the balcony. “[i]Maiestas tua[/i]!” “[i]Meum Rex[/i]!” Cries suddenly filled the hall behind the King as his attendants rushed in. He turned violently and demanded, “What was that?? What has happened in Our city?” The attendants could not answer him; they did not know themselves. The King hurried down to his car and was driven to the New Palace to the throne room; he had summoned all the ministers in Prague at the time for information. [b]The Throne Room[/b] His son awaited him at the door. “[i]Maiestas tua[/i],” Wenceslas greeted him in administrative Latin. “[i]Regulus[/i] Wenceslaus,” the King responded in like, then switched to German. “What has happened? We witnessed a terrible explosion from the Balcony, and heard screaming in the distance.” “Initial reports from the police branch of the Prague Guard are that it was a car bomb, Your Majesty. It is believed to be related to the peasant risings, but the Palace has received no confirmation yet if this is the case.” Wenceslas knew his father’s temperament better than to remain in Latin when the King had begun using the vernacular. “We will await the confirmations. We do not believe the peasants could attack this far north—those risings were all localised in the Budweis region, and We were informed that the [i]Exercitus[/i] had quelled them.” The King said indignantly. He refused to believe his northern cities were vulnerable to attack in that way. “His Majesty is wise not to jump to immediate conclusions,” Wenceslas said with a tinge of dryness, “His Majesty’s royal Ministers for War, Justice, Intelligence, Public Health and Safety, and Armaments will be here soon.” [i]Good[/i], the King thought, [i]the German ministers will be here[/i]. Otto von Hessel, Josef von Reichenberg and Karl Anton von Hessenstein, the ministers of War, Justice, and Public Health and Safety respectively, were the King’s favourite ministers, having been personally elevated for their services to him; all had petty noble roots but had been granted land and title by the King after his accession to the throne. The Minister of Intelligence, Arnost Jiří z Vlašimi, though a proud Czech, was extremely loyal and reliable. His family had been staunch Habsburg royalists in olden days and remained loyal to the Crown of St. Wenceslaus. The Minister of Armaments, Jan Thomás Vršovci, was extremely thorough in his work, something Sigismund appreciated. His insistence on calling the King by his Czech name, Zikmund, did not win him any favour, though. “[i]Deus Salva Regem Nostrum![/i],” the Ministers entered the throne room as one, clicking their heels and bowing, with the exception of Lord von Reichenberg, clearly just come from trial and still in his judicial robes. “[i]Deus Salva Terrapacem[/i],” The King answered, and continued in Latin, “Lord Ministers of Security and Intelligence, give your reports in turn.” “Your Majesty, reports confirm that the attack in central Prague against the New Town Hall was a misdirected attack against a committee of southern noblemen in Prague to congratulate His Majesty on successfully quelling the rebellion in their lands,” Vlašimi replied. “Your Majesty, Prague Guard units responding to the blast confirm the attackers died in the attack; the commander of the guard cannot confirm at this time whether the attack was meant to be a suicide attack,” von Hessenstein added. “We are extremely disturbed at the failure of the Lord Ministers responsible from preventing such a heinous attack in Our Winter capital. The safety of Our loyal nobles is of the highest order of necessity and concern, something blatantly ignored in Our eyes by the Lord Ministers responsible. This situation had best be resolved or Our list of reasons not to find new Lord Ministers of Intelligence and Security shall be very short indeed.” The King responded to the report angrily, then turned to his son, “[i]Regulus[/i]!” “Maiestas tua, your command,” Wenceslas turned to his father and awaited the royal prescription to solve the issue. “You will take command of the Prague Guard. Any meeting of more than four persons shall require royal permit secured from your pen. All persons suspected of sedition by speech or actions are to be immediately secured in the Palace gaol. Trials are to take place immediately, and all found guilty are to be publically executed by hanging in the Wenceslas Square as a sign of intolerance for treason. Conspirators to this heinous act are to be hunted down and drawn and quartered after being put on display in the Wenceslas Square and starved. Any person seen aiding them is to be shot. We have spoken!” “By His Royal Majesty’s command!” the ministers responded in unison. They were then dismissed. Wenceslas donned his military uniform and took up his sword and side-arm and drove to the headquarters of the Prague Guard. [b]The Prague Guard[/b] After a few hours, enough investigation had been done at the scene to determine the strange blackened shrapnel that had become lodged in many of the buildings was silver, and it was now supposed that the crude nitro-glycerine bomb had been encased in the precious metal. The Volkswagen Eurovan that had been used in the attack was completely destroyed; for as primitive as the bomb had been, it had also been very powerful. It had left 40 people dead and another 230 injured, including 2 of the 23 nobles who were staying in the Hotel Central, who had been at the New Town Hall leading the delegation of nobles to the City government. “Your Royal Highness!” The Commandant of the Prague Guard, Colonel Pavel Špaček, met Wenceslas as he entered the situation room. He seemed surprised to see him, though the Prince had been there for three hours. “Colonel Špaček, just returning from the scene?” The Prince didn’t look up from the files he was sifting through. “Yes, Your Highness, we’ve successfully cleaned up much of the wreckage and brought it back for review. We have our best forensic team there now sifting through what’s left, but the body count is still rising; the hospital reports another ten people have died from injuries sustained. Many of them are regular citizens, some knights, and some peasants. It’s the worst attack we’ve ever experienced.” The Colonel was visibly shaken and tired; he wasn’t used to this sort of situation and he wasn’t adjusting well. The crime in Prague was some of the lowest in the whole of Friedland. “I’m aware of its magnitude. It might make you feel better that we’re not alone—I received this report from our Royal Ministry of Intelligence shortly after I arrived here,” he handed the colonel a two-page report on the supposed terrorist bombing and attempted assassination of a political leader in France. Reports were scant because the French government was not communicating with the international community about the attack, “I’ve ordered direct communication opened with the government of France urging them to share information about the attacks with a transcript of basic information about the attack here. The Friedlandic press is to be informed of the number of victims, the means of the attack, and that the perpetrators have been identified and killed. They will be told nothing else, and any reporter caught prying is to be arrested.”

[quote name='Vince Sixx' timestamp='1283027426' post='2434080'] OOC: Yes, your troops can either be in the mountain group cleaning up, or in the blitzkrieg group, having a lot of fun Unfortunately I can't say where your troops are, so you'll have to say where they are and which group they are a part of. [/quote] General Schildhafen stood by his radio as he heard the commander of the Gothic troops. "Really, General? That's very interesting. Out." He put down the radio and turned to his adjutant, Lieutenant Erich Heiden, "Our column is to move in with the Blitzkrieg units, we will be entering direct attack." His happiness was clear to Erich, who knew him well, but hidden to any who were unfamiliar with the General by a stoic knowledge of the gamble brought with each battle. "This is excellent news, Herr General. I will inform the commanders to ready the Panzers and begin our movement forward." He clicked his heels and offered a crisp salute before about-facing and leaving the command truck. Schildhafen went to the rear compartment to change his tunic from the standard Friedlandic military khaki issued him as a general to the grey shirt and black tunic of a Panzer commander; he was no longer permitted to wear it as a dress uniform, but he wore it into battle nonetheless, having removed his Colonel shoulder-boards and replacing them with a General's. He wore the Friedlandic [i]Heldenkreuz[/i] around his neck, and the Deaths-head emblem of his unit on his lapels. True, it was dangerous and could give away Friedland's involvement in the conflict heretofore kept secret, but only if the General was captured or killed, and he intended for neither to occur. He stepped out of his command truck and mounted his Panzer, codenamed Panther I; the jungle-cat codenames would substitute for the avian code-names typically used by the Friedlandic military. He stood and surveyed the battleground he could see forming, and listened for the motors of foreign tanks. Half of his infantry would be going in with his Panzers as part of the spearhead offensive, with the rest of his infantry participating in what had been termed 'clean-up' efforts. [img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/Schildhafen.jpg[/img] [b]Andreas Schildhafen[/b] in his Panzer commander uniform.

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1283025969' post='2434049'] Claire took the treaty from Wenceslas glanced over the signature and the treaty itself one last time before folding it up on the desk. "I'll have a copy faxed to Prague in the morning so that your King can have a personal copy of the treaty." Though now with the treaty signed the business between the President and the young Prince was technically at a close, but Claire thought it rude to just simply send Wenceslas away like many of the other diplomats who she had met over the past few days. Much like his father, the passing diplomats seemed more worried about what they could get from France, friendship, trade, military assistance and so on. They had all been quick to talk, quick to sign, and quick to leave, Wenceslas instead proposed a walk through the gardens of Versailles, he took her arm when they walked, and their discussions, while political had the tone of friends rather than professionals. It was something new to her and it was something that made her feel a little more human than she had in dealing with the other diplomats, plus she enjoyed the Prince's company which was the only reason she had taken him up on the offer to travel to Friedland personally. Chances were, if the King had done so, there was a foreign ministry for such visits, but now, the visit seemed much brighter. "Well Wenceslas, I'm afraid that really there isn't that much more to talk about, politically. Unless of course you have something else you need to bring up to me. Which I'd be happy to address. Otherwise, I don't want to be holding you up from other business you probably have back home. Either way." She stuck her hand out. "It was a pleasure, a true pleasure meeting you." [/quote] All business, it seemed, had been completed. She was business-minded, an admirable trait for a lady in such a position, Wenceslas thought. He took her hand lightly, and in the custom of bygone days bowed his head and pretended to kiss it, "I assure you, the pleasure was all mine. I am sure my father will approve of the document as I do." He paused for a moment and thought about her last words about other questions, and then said, "I believe I made a jest earlier and I meant to make something more of it but we dove into business before I could. Since you'll be coming to Friedland soon enough, do you care at all for the Opera? My father prefers concertos but I recently convinced him to solicit several performances by the Bayreuth [i]Festspielhaus[/i] Orchestra, and we're assembling an Opera and Ballet company at the Bohemian National Theatre in Prague. I believe they'll be putting on Berlioz's [i]Les Troyens[/i] to accompany Wagner's [i]Tannhäuser[/i] to open the season. If it is to your taste, may I extend a personal invitation to you?"

As they walked back to the palace, Wenceslas’ demeanour became more gaily inclined, and he joked with France’s [i]Madame la Présidente[/i]. Her arm seemed chilled as he took it to lead her back to the palace. Upon her acceptance of his invitation to Friedland, the Prince was visibly pleased, “I’m very pleased to hear you say that—though I must admit if you want to see angry yelling in German, I’ll have a tour of North Friedland prepared for you—the German Diet is much more splintered and, I dare say, [i]violent[/i] than the States General, though not lacking in its own particular entertainment value. In the States General, though, the nobles are required to converse only in Latin for official proceedings, nothing else is recorded.” He chuckled again, “it’s rather like going to see a bad Italian opera!” Claire smiled as they entered the palace and made their way to a drawing room. “I’m both pleased and a bit disappointed my presence would be unnecessary at your National Assembly; I’ve been interested to see the parliamentary procedure of a republic, though the only difference from our own States General is probably the richness of dress—a lot of angry men in a room shouting at one another about things that have nothing to do with the issue they are debating. I suppose that’s part of the nature of politics, though.” As she unveiled the mutual defence pact, he looked it over. Her suggestion of a slowly cultivated relationship seemed wise, and it would please the King. “Yes, this is more than acceptable. I’m sure his Majesty would be quite pleased with it, and I see great wisdom for the sake of our governments to cultivate our diplomatic relationship carefully that it may bear healthier, fuller fruit.” He applied his signature in a firm, deliberate way, such that it was thick with ink but not a bit sloppy. [quote]Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between France and Friedland Preamble The Republic of France and the Kingdom of Friedland hereby enter into a understanding of friendship and economic cooperation. Article I. Non Aggression The undersigned nations hereby agree to non-aggression. Neither nation will engage in military or undercover operations against the other. Article II. Economic Cooperation France and Friedland hereby agree to reduced tariffs and economic cooperation, encompassing a push for stronger trade ties between their nations. Article III. Optional Defense France and Friedland, given their friendship have come to the agreement that if either nation is invaded, the other signatory has the option, not obligation to defend the other. While not obligated, the participation of the friend is encouraged and if military support cannot be given, financial aid is also encouraged. Article IV. Cancellation This treaty can be terminated by either signatory at any time, provided that the other nation is made aware of the cancellation 48 hours in advance. This treaty is considered to still be in effect until the 48 hours is up. Signed for The Republic of France, Claire Delacour President Signed for the Kingdom of Friedland, His Royal Highness [img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/Wenzel.png[/img] Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Friedland[/quote]

[quote name='Vince Sixx' timestamp='1282972127' post='2433599'] The first assault was a success. The cruise missiles had softened up the Swiss defenses at their front enough for the tanks to take care of the rest of the major positions, so all the first infantry group had to worry about was cleaning up the infantry left over. The rear infantry group was a slower group, cleaning up all the troops left over from the blitzkrieg. In the air, Swiss losses continued to multiply, and the Gothic losses continued to lessen as the Swiss became more outnumbered. The Recon flight flew over the planned advance routes, looking for major deposits of enemy activity, and the bombers would fly over and bomb it. ------ "Alright, von Amend, where are we at?" Meschkat asked. [img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8577153/advance%20map.png[/img] "Great. Continue pushing the blitskrieg groups through the central plains, and keep spreading the back group through the mountains. We'll circle around Switzerland." Meschkat turned to Sperl, "How is the air battle going?" "Good. We want to keep a 1:1.5 aircraft ratio, so as the Swiss continue to lose their fighters, we keep sending our boys back home. It's a win-win. We have had no bomber resistance in the air yet, and we have plenty of hypersonic cruise missiles left over if you want to use them." "No, I think we'll be fine, Sperl, thank you." ------ An order was given to add twenty thousand troops from the back group to the blitzkrieg infantry group, so the blitzkrieg group slowed down so the infantry could catch up. Still, they chugged along. [/quote] OOC: It is my hope that the Friedlandic troops have been informed of this move? I'm sure Andreas doesn't want to be forgotten in the rear.

[quote name='Franz Ferdinand' timestamp='1282944946' post='2433107'] Dear Duke of Pilsen, With the recent death of Tony Montana, Denmark's government has altered dramatically. I declare with the utmost confidence that Denmark wishes to enter these talks for a Baltic Treaty Bloc. I shall make sure to come as soon as I've completed some other diplomatic business first. It would be a pleasure to work with your nation to help a truly Baltic revival. Yours sincerely, [i]Ron Jeremy, Leader of Denmark[/i] [/quote] OOC: when I read 'Ron Jeremy' I actually laughed out loud. IC: [quote]To His Excellency Herr Jeremy, The Kingdom of Friedland extends heartfelt condolences for the loss of the leader of Denmark. It has come to the attention of His Majesty that the government of Denmark was once the centre of a major trade bloc itself, to which allies Norway-Sweden still adhere. His Majesty feels that if His Excellency Herr Jeremy should see fit, a journey to Copenhagen might be appropriate to discuss the renovation of this bloc, the European Free Trade Association. The project of a European organisation strikes both His Majesty and the Royal Ministers of the government of the Kingdom of Friedland to be too ambitious an undertaking for the moment, but perhaps a smaller project encompassing only the Baltic, or East, Sea is appropriate. With this in mind, His Majesty wonders if His Excellency Herr Jeremy would be willing to communicate to Denmark's allies in Norway-Sweden the idea of the Northern European Free Trade Organisation. With the rich history of trade in the East Sea, a neutral centre seems a logical undertaking, and His Majesty proposes the use of the ancient trade hub of Visby, Gotland as the capital of NEFTO. This proposition shall be made public knowledge by His Majesty to all states on the Baltic. In Peace and Amity, His Highness Karel Gustav Czernin von Chudenitz, Duke of Pilsen Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Friedland[/quote] The Kingdom of Friedland would like to repeat its invitation to all nations who have Baltic ports to enter into a newly organised Trade Bloc, tentatively to be called the Northern European Free Trade Organisation, with its propose capital to be in Visby, Gotland, presently controlled by the nation of Denmark. Discussions for a treaty to bring this bloc to fruition, including discussions to alter those suggestions by His Majesty King Sigismund as to the name and capital of the bloc, are to be held in Stralsund, Friedland, and representatives from the nations of Norway-Sweden, Finland, Slavorussia, Denmark, and Germany are invited to attend, as well as representatives of any nations who wish to join the bloc as observer states.

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1282936874' post='2433006'] "Well I'm sure that your father and I, while having our differences will get along. I've served monarchs nearly my whole life and I know how they can be about the peasantry. Though I feel bad referring to people as peasants because you're looking at one." She chuckled. "Therese was not noble, she was rich, but she wasn't noble, and I definitely wasn't noble and I definitely wasn't rich either. My family Wenceslas, my father was a dock worker in Marseilles, and my mother was a secretary at the office that my dad worked for. I mean I went to the military because it was free, I got to where I am today because I was a good soldier and I paid for a lot of that with blood. But Republicanism, its not the right government, nor is it the wrong government. But it is the government that the Late Empress wanted for France after she died and I was left in charge. Everything I have done and everything I am going to do is for the betterment of the French People. Whether a monarchy, republic, or theocracy, so long as France prospers." "Which." Claire turned and looked at him. "Is why I'm glad that I'm talking to you and not your father. Because I want Friedland and France to be allies. We need allies, we need friends desperately now that the war is over. Therese, for as much as I honored her, destroyed what was left of the French reputation on a diplomatic level and I will be rebuilding that for probably all of my administration. But starting with Friedland is important and the National Assembly will definitely approve of any alliance with your people. So it all matters, what exactly are you looking for in this friendship?" [/quote] Wenceslas could only smile at Claire's idealistic love of her people. A monument to the aristocracy of merit he wanted to establish in his own country, he sighed when he thought of the contrast between his dynamic, modern interpretation of absolutist monarchy and his father's sixteenth-century rule that, while concerned with the peasants, believed in nobility of heredity, 'good breeding' in the sense that one breeds cows rather than prepares boys to become men. But to speak of his father in this way before a foreign leader would not just be disrespectful - it would be treason. He chose rather to tread lightly, "There are many kinds of nobles, my lady - not all of them are born into the nobility. God grants leadership to some, servitude to others, but He knows far better than men about who is fit to be called 'aristocracy'. The Greeks gave us the word, and I fear too many of us have forgotten what they meant when they said it; so few of the aristocracy really represent 'the best'." He looked her dead in the eye, "I am no republican, you understand, but I see benefit in the idea that blood alone does not determine true leadership. My father himself was not born a King - he became a King." His countenance then became less grave. "I would be willing to express similar sentiments to your National Assembly to further convince them of the value of an alliance between our nations. Perhaps I can invite you to see the workings of Friedland's States General as well; convincing His Majesty to convene the States General is not difficult, he likes to hear his nobles yell at each other, many times he will call it without any urgent issue just for entertainment." Wenceslas chuckled. Claire seemed slightly amused herself. "I feel a chill in the air, though; I think winter will be upon us soon. My father appointed the meeting at Versailles; now that he's place me in charge of negotiations, please, you decide where the most appropriate place to negotiate an actual treaty, and we can discuss then if and when you would like me to speak before your legislature and the same for your visit to Friedland, if you should decide you wish to make the trip."

Duke Karel looked over the document. It was long, but as spartan, frank, and clear as the city of Berlin. There was absolute clarity in every article. [quote][b]Czernin-Tambarskjelve Pact For Military Cooperation, Alliance, and Infrastructure Exchange[/b] Article I. 1. The government of Germany and the government of the Kingdom of Friedland each recognise the sovereignty of the other. 2. The governments of the two contracting nations guarantee neutrality in all conflicts which would bring the two into open war and affirm non-aggression between the two nations. Article II. 1. The government of Germany guarantees military aid and material assistance to the Kingdom of Friedland in all conflicts in which the Kingdom of Friedland is not the aggressor. 2. The government of the Kingdom of Friedland guarantees military aid and material assistance to Germany in all conflicts in which Germany is not the aggressor. 3. The governments of the two contracting nations recognise that to protect their individual interests as well as the interests of the other, it may be necessary to offer military aid and material assistance in conflicts in which one or the other contracting nations is the aggressor. 4. In accordance with the above, the governments of the two contracting nations guarantee to each other that military aid and material assistance will sometimes be provided in conflicts in which either the Kingdom of Friedland or Germany are the aggressor. Article III. 1. The government of Germany guarantees free passage of Friedland troops and military supplies across German lands. 2. The government of Friedland guarantees free passage of German troops and military supplies across Friedlandic lands. 3. The government of Germany guarantees to Friedland free use of all present and future German ports for the Friedlandic navy and merchant marine. 4. The government of Friedland guarantees to Germany free use of all present and future Friedlandic ports for the German navy and merchant marine. 5. The governments of the two contracting nations guarantee diplomatic and legal immunity to all military officers of the other country; in all cases of suspected criminal activity of a military officer, that officer is to be extradited to his native country and subjected to the justice of his native country. Article IV. 1. Upon the signing of this treaty, the government of Germany will transfer a plot of land measuring 807.72 metres wide and 463.5 kilometres long, totalling 374.378 square kilometres or 92,510.8 acres of land to the ownership of His Royal Majesty King Sigismund I for development as a railroad of three track-lines, whose use shall be determined in accordance with the laws governing the Kingdom of Friedland. 2. This plot shall be used for railroad and transport and no other purpose. 3. This plot shall remain subject to the laws of Germany and shall be considered to remain the sovereign territory of the government of Germany. 4. This plot cannot be sold or purchased without the alteration of this treaty and the expressed agreement of the governments of the two contracting nations. 5. This plot and business conducted within it shall not be subject to taxation by the government of Germany and shall upon the signing of this treaty become a tariff-free zone. Signed: [i]For Germany[/i]: His Excellency [b]Dietrich Tambarskjelve[/b] [i]For Friedland[/i]: His Highness [b]Karel Gustav Czernin von Chudenitz[/b], Duke of Pilsen [/quote]

Duke Karel raised an eyebrow at the cryptic comment, but eventually decided it meant little. "We look forward to seeing the finished document." He finally remarked.

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1282883108' post='2432456'] "I..." Claire looked utterly shocked as the King of Friedand dismissed himself from the parlor and took off down the corridor of the Hall and out of the palace all together, leaving her alone with Wencelas and his Court that seemed to follow him everywhere he went. Their customs were, odd, to say the least and Claire disliked their prying eyes. So when Wencelas proposed that they continue their talks in the palatial gardens, she was quick to agree. "Oh that would be fine, though..." She leaned closer to him and took his ear. "...if possible, I would like to be able to speak with you alone and not with the various eyes of your Court. I apologize, but I'm really not used to discussing diplomacy with people who seem to have no place at the diplomatic table. Plus, what would they do if we happened to want to talk about art or literature?" Claire chuckled and stood up allowing the Prince to take her hand as they began their walk out to the gardens. It was late autumn and the air was crisp, thought it had been a warm autumn and the wind still blew warm across the gardens. The fountains echoed silently as they walked out onto the marble balcony and then down onto the gravel paths that lined the trees and flowers of Versailles' outdoors environment. Claire smiled, she had been through the palace so many times as Commander of the Imperial Guard, patrolling and making sure that everyone in the Empress' home was on their best behavior. Now it felt different, she almost felt like she was in Therese's shoes, strolling with one of the many diplomats, ambassadors, and leaders she entertained. Or many of the young men she kept company with, the thoughts were almost too much for the young President who started to laugh the further they journeyed through the gardens. "You will have to forgive me, I'm not used to playing Empress, especially at Versailles. I used to walk these gardens, though I did it as a security detail, now I feel different. I guess its the feeling of being someone of political power." She sighed and paused at the fountain. "Forgive me for saying this Pr...you don't mind if I just call you Wencelas do you? I was never one for royal titles, I always tried to call Therese by her name, it kept her ego from getting to big. Anyways, I can tell your father isn't a fan of France, more so its Republicanism. You on the other hand." Claire turned to him and smiled. "For all this pomp and elegance of the Enlightenment, I think you're the only one of your entourage who actually believes in it. It good to see someone so intelligent in such a role, especially when you are constantly around people with their noses in the air." She spat out in annoyance. "But forgive me, I'm sure your father is a wonderful man and if were to wear a crown, I think we'd get along much better. But what can I say. I'm a Republican not an Imperial and I'm proud that there's no blue blood running in my veins." "As to a pact of friendship." Claire said sitting down on the side of the fountain. "France is trying to improve its relations with Germany. How far that will actually take us is a mystery, but it is my goal to improve France's reputation in Europe and the world. Any friend, German or not, is worth talking to and holding on to. You won't find any more loyal friends than myself Wencelas. Myself and the French people. You can trust me on that." [/quote] Prince Wenceslas could understand the desire of the young President to get away from the Court. They were little more than yes-men to his father. “Yes, I think it would be better if we talked alone; my lady?” he extended his arm and she took it as they proceeded to the gardens. He smiled at the visible feeling of relief and awkwardness that seemed to emanate from Claire. Her comments only confirmed what he had already interpreted from her actions—she was enjoying the new feeling of being in command of her country, of being the served rather than the servant. Even if her Empress had been a friend, she was still her Empress. He watched as she paused at the fountain and turned to face him, her demeanour changing. He shook his head understandingly to her request to call him Wenceslas. Her next remarks seemed to surprise him, though; her demeanour changed from the nervous, uncomfortable new leader to a confident, frank, and slightly forward commander. Her military background was suddenly apparent. She also had an excellent perception of things. “I can certainly understand the experience of suddenly being thrust into a situation one isn’t used to. My father didn’t tell me of his plot to take power in Friedland until he had already secured his power. I had my suspicions but to go from a private citizen to Prime Minister of a government without any effort or preparation can be… a turbulent experience.” He shrugged, “but it seems to have worked out for the best—politics is surprisingly like business.” As she sat on the side of the fountain he looked about, “You know, my father has always loved Versailles; he loves the French culture far more than he lets on, probably having to do with your government. We’ve had some peasant risings in the south of Friedland that have made him uneasy around republicans. I think, though that you may have misinterpreted my father’s love of the Baroque for a love of the Enlightenment. His hope is a pact of friendship with what he sees as what’s left of French culture; my hope is a close relationship between our two countries, and I assure you, the loyalty you express will be mutual. My father, for all his faults, is not one who dishonours his word, and in that regard, at least, I am exactly like him.”

Wencelas could tell my the President's response that he had salvaged the talks his father and he had hoped to pursue with France. Admittedly, his father's interest was strictly cultural. He loved French Baroque, he loved French culture, he ate French food. Wenceslas, though, wanted a treaty, he wanted good relations with a power that was not tied to Germany. He knew what it meant being in the shadow of the German state; to ally with a nation so recently at war with Germany would assert to the world that Friedland was an independent government, an independent state, subject to no other but his father, the King. "Your Excellency, we feel we have close relations to pursue both poltically and culturally. As you can tell, there is some concern on behalf of certain members of the nobility regarding the nature of your government. Such concerns should not prevent good relations between our governments. Treaties are, after all, formed between nations, between leaders, between governments, for the sake of resolving differences, not amplifying them." As the Prince spoke, a messenger approached the King from behind and handed him a slip of paper. His countenance shifted suddenly to surprise and anger and then back to the calm demeanour he had maintained beforehand. "It is my hope that the Prince might discuss the details of our interests with your government, Miss Delacour. He is an able negotiator and he has a significant interest in relations between our governments. Please, forgive me, I have been informed of a significant happening in the Kingdom that required my urgent attention. I am quite embarassed to interrupt our discussions in such an untimely manner." He turned to his court, "His Highness Prince Wenceslas will lead the talks between the Kingdom and the government of France." After this he excused himself properly, turned and exited, leaving Wenceslas stunned and visibly upset. "I- forgive my father's approach to the present happenings." Prince Wenceslas declared as he looked around the Hall of Mirrors, "perhaps a less... opulent atmosphere would be more appropriate to our discussions. Would you join me in the gardens? I feel we have much to discuss; the present situation between Friedland and our neighbours in Germany dictates that we must either enter under the influence of the Germans or forge our own path. It is my opinion that the latter would be more beneficial not only to Friedland but the whole of war-torn Europe. His Majesty the King is favoured by the Germans, no doubt, but Your Excellency's desire to see a closer relationship between former adversaries. France is not without her own benefit, either, I am sure; in the wake of a war that has deprived your nation of a beloved hero, I can think of no better opportunity to assert the independence and sovereignty of the French state by treating with so close a neighbour to Germany as our humble Kingdom." He looked about for a moment, and the Court nodded, "I therefore would like to propose a friendship of both culture and arms. I hope we an discuss it in more detail as we walk?"

Duke Karel pondered the offer for a moment. He examined the map once more, then placed his glass down and looked up, "Yes, this is essentially what we were asking for to begin with. Of course we are not interested in making Germany surrender any of its sovereignty; our claims on territory have been made already and we refuse to step beyond that. His Majesty the Kings should be treated as an individual in this exchange rather than as representative of a sovereign state." He stopped and thought for a moment, and then rejoined, "A major roadway, though, would be unnecessary. Something to allow military movement to the north would be sufficient, but most transport can be done by rail if sufficient land is allowed-- it was the hope of His Majesty that a three-track line of passage might be negotiated, so that one line can be devoted strictly to military movement." He looked up and was met with a nod from the German official. "I suppose all that remains, then, is the discussion of price." "This is indeed for free...we do not deal with money. For us, money is worthless. We think something better would be a pact for mutual defence and optional aggression. That way we will ensure that our nations will forever be brothers in arms and in the same page. If you agree to this, we could then sell you german-made military items of top quality, which I am sure will come to you in handy anytime anywhere." Duke Karel looked credulously at his German counterparts. Any good ambassador knew what stepping into a military treaty would mean, and Germany did not have the reputation of a peace-loving, isolationist nation. Still, it had a tremendous reputation for being a military giant, and having just come out of one war the likelihood of another so soon seemed remote enough. Finally, the Duke's expression changed to one of decision, "Yes." He said definitively, "Yes, this is certainly an offer beneficial to us both. Our military is presently well-equipped in the eyes of His Majesty, but I am sure our High Command would be eager to investigate the technological developments of your nation, knowing its reputation. We will pursue a Pact of Alliance, with provisions for both defensive and aggressive warfare. It seems appropriate, considering Germany is in a similar standing to Friedland as the USR, and we share an alliance for mutual military cooperation in all wars." The Duke filed his papers away and said, "I will look to German officials to draft the treaty for review before the departure of my ambassadorial team from your country. I think these dealings have been more successful than I could have imagined, and I thank you for your invitation to conduct them. We may look forward to a close and beneficial relationship between our two nations!"

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1282790997' post='2431450'] (Days Later...) "What do you mean they're already there?" Claire blinked and looked at Minister Sardou. "I answered the letter but I didn't expect the Friedlanders to take that as an invitation to just go to Versailles. It hasn't even...Therese's things are still in the palace. They were supposed to arrive when I said they were allowed to arrive." "Perhaps they thought that from the way your letter was worded. Their customs Claire, are very...well...old." "Old?" "I mean, it might come as a bit of a shock to you Madame, but the Friedlanders still adhere to the customs of the Baroque and Enlightenment Period, I mean in their dressings, their actions, their mannerisms. It would be a historians dream come true." Claire sat back in her chair as it creaked loudly, her back sliding down the woodwork. "Well I guess I should feel kind of bad, I've been putting them off for a long time now, the surprise visits with the Sarnungians and the election, meeting Elisabeth everything, its been a rough few weeks." She ran her hands through her blonde hair. "How long have they been at Versailles?" "About five days." Claire looked up, glaring at Sardou. "And you just bothered to tell me about this now?" "My apologizes Madame President." Sardou remembering his place and speaking much more formally to his friend. "You've been so busy and the Friedlanders haven't seemed to mind the wait, I figured with the death of the Empress, the recent elections and everything, with them content, not to bother you until things had quieted down in Paris. I'm terribly sorry Claire, I didn't know it was going to be an issue." She shook her head. "No, its not an issue. Well, its not a huge issue, but please, Andre, next time an entourage of foreigners decide to come and stay in the Palace of Versailles as their personal hotel. Please let me know. Also, if you could arrange the limousine to take me to Versailles. I don't want to keep the Friedlanders waiting after all. They've been there a week, the least I could do is pay them a visit." Claire chuckled and sat up from her chair, grabbing her coat and heading out the door of the Hotel de Ville to meet with the Friedlander government presently lodged in the palace that Therese only a month ago called home. Two hours or so after she had left Paris, Claire's limousine arrived at the gates of Versailles. It felt strange that she was going to a palace that she controlled, in her country, her possible home if she wanted it, to meet foreign leaders. But she pressed on through the gates and told the palace guards, who had detained the Friedlander's own guards that she had arrived and would be waiting for the foreign monarch in the Hall of Mirrors. And so she waited, her hands clasped behind her back, her hair in a long ponytail down her back, and her business suit and skirt trim and neat against her body. Then the sounds of footsteps approached as she turned to find the Friedlander Entourage approaching, Sigismund leading them, in the clothes and fashions of the Eighteenth Century. Sardou hadn't lied to her, this really was like a trip back to the Enlightenment. "Your Majesty, King Sigismund I presume? Claire Delacour at your service, as President of the French Republic. I hadn't known that you would be arriving so quickly, there was a communication mishap and I apologize for any inconveniences. I hope you've made yourselves comfortable though, this was the home of our Empress and one of my closest friends, Therese Zelle. But if you would follow me to one of the parlors, we can talk better there. But I have to ask," She said as they walked. "What do you think of Versailles? All that a man of the Enlightenment would dream of?" [/quote] The King and a small portion of his entourage made their way to the [i]Hameau de la Reine[/i], waiting another day for the talks in Paris to cease so they might meet with the President. It had been five days since they arrived. Then the word came, there was a limousine approaching the palace, with presidential pennants. “[i]Mea Rex[/i], we have word of the approach of the President of France!” A message runner approached the King and his entourage. “It took them long enough; We have been left waiting after a specific invitation. This is how Republicans treat a rightful ruler, I suppose,” his entourage approved of the abuse, but his son could only look in another direction and sigh. He hoped his father would contain his urge to condescend to the president because she was not royal. The entourage didn’t take their time returning to the palace, but they certainly didn’t hurry. To make a national leader wait for a ruler, in her own country! Wenceslas was disappointed to say the least. They entered the Hall of Mirrors and saw Claire Delacour waiting for them. She was dressed for the occasion, so to speak. Her uniform was not so unlike Prince Wenceslas; like the rest of the court, his dress was meant to reflect his father’s love for what he saw as true royalty. Unlike his father, who wore gold-embroidered frock and powdered wig, the Prince preferred the simpler, more military style. His coat was plain and khaki, his waistcoat white, his breeches black, and under his arm he held an unadorned black tricorne. Apart from appropriate dress, the Prince observed she was not at all an unattractive woman. His father stepped apart from the rest of the entourage and approached the President after she introduced herself. “Your Excellency, Miss Delacour, please forgive the appearance of my presence; Versailles has been a place of immense fascination for me for almost my entire life, from the days long before the foundation of the Kingdom of Friedland,” the King extended his hand to greet the French president. “The Royal Court has been instructed strictly to avoid all private rooms belonging to the late Monarch of France, out of respect not only for one whom I know was a close friend of Her Imperial Majesty but for Her Imperial Majesty Herself—no Monarch should have that which God has given disrespected by human beings, no matter their rank: so few of us are left on this continent, after all.” He turned and motioned to his entourage, “I have instructed the Royal Court to maintain residence in the old noble quarters and to avoid those areas of the grounds which were favoured by Her Majesty. Your guards were kind enough to instruct the Court as to which areas to avoid. We are your guests; it would be unbecoming if we did not act the part.” Wenceslas was stunned at his father’s politic approach to the situation. It was true the King had been very careful to respect the palace, though far more out of respect for the dead Empress than for the new republican power in France. “One of my entourage has been particularly interested in meeting you,” the King motioned for his son to come forward. “I must admit that it was my son, His Highness Prince Wenceslas who ultimately convinced me of pursuing relations with your nation. You must understand my trepidation at treating with a republican power with the government structured as it is in Friedland.” Wencelas saw an opportunity to step in and prevent a premature termination of the talks, “We do hope that discussions with a government such as we have in the Kingdom of Friedland has not caused Your Excellency any such worries. We look forward to a positive conclusion to our talks.”

Duke Karel followed the lead of the woman who received him at the train station, conversing along the way. Her comments regarding arming citizens made sense to him, but he could not endorse such an idea without arming his own peasants, a rebellion waiting to happen. As farmers they were already familiar with the cycle of life and death, that was enough for them. He stepped into the elevator, against his habit - he had taken the stairs his entire life. A man that could not have been much younger than the Duke himself stepped forward from the elevator. The varieties of beer, wine, and other beverages laid before him were meant to impress, and they did their job. He selected the Augustiner Maximator, a [i]Doppelbock[/i] with the heavy flavour of hops. He preferred the bocks, but securing a Czech beer with the same quality was practically impossible. At the reminder of the fact that he had been met at the train station instead of the airport, he was tempted to share his distrust of the technology but felt he would be better to ignore it. "It's a pleasure, Herr Tambarskjelve. I try to give as much business to the railways as I can when I travel - the wealth of Europe is fed on diesel and steel. Indeed, that sentiment is part of what brought me here to you today," Duke Karel reached into his briefcase and removed a few documents and a map outlining the railroad path from Görlitz to Demmin, cutting a track through German territory. "Much of the track already exists, it would only require the transfer of the land grants to the present owners to the King of Friedland as CEO of the Royal Friedland Railroad and Canal Company. The King himself acknowledges the burden placed on the government of Germany and His Majesty has instructed me to inform your government that it is your privilege, should you find the deal acceptable, to name the price of the dealings."

As Duke Karel stepped off the train, he was amazed to find how downright [i]spartan[/i] everything looked. He turned to Adolf and commented in Czech, "they don't leave much to the imagination, do they?" The assistant suppressed a chuckle and nodded. The Duke then approached the lady who had just introduced herself as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and said in clear German, "Your Ladyship, it's a pleasure to be in a city of such history and among a people of such physical honesty. I look forward to our discussions." They were then led to a comfortably accommodated armoured car and driven to their destination. Duke Karel was struck by the presence of men armed with what at first he thought were pikes but later realised were in fact spears. Such a fascinating culture he was about to treat with.

[b]In Versailles, France[/b] King Sigismund was in the gardens of Versailles when the forwarded letter reached him. He has been strolling about in the open air with a small entourage for the entire duration of his time in France, waiting for the audience he had been promised at Versailles with the leader of that country. "[i]Mea Rex[/i], we have word from Germany for a requested meeting between our two countries." A message runner announced after he arose from a hasty bow to the King, and handed Sigismund the letter. "Ach so," the King grasped the letter lightly and read through it. "A meeting with Ourself is unfortunately quite out of the question, but good relations with Germany is certainly quite desirable." He looked up at his son, Prince Wenceslas, "Wenzel, what do you think of this?" "His Majesty must surely already know the Prince's mind," Wenceslas replied coyly, "this is a tremendous opportunity for an extension of the canal and railroad system that the Prince has discussed with His Majesty these late weeks. Send the Duke of Pilsen to discuss matters; it will be a tremendous boon to gain ownership of a railroad running from Mecklenburg to Bohemia and a treaty of non-aggression between Your Majesty and Germany." "We see where the Prince's mind lays. Yes, We will send the Duke of Pilsen." The King turned to the message runner, "Boy, relay this message to Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 'Karl Gustav is to go to Berlin in response to the invitation sent to Us by the government of Germany. He will negotiate a close relationship with the Germans, with the goal of obtaining territory sufficient to build a railroad connecting Gitschin to Stralsund.' Are We understood?" "[i]Mea Rex.[/i]" The message runner bowed and returned to the palace to send the message. -------------- [b]In Gitschin, Palace Wallenstein[/b] "Your Excellency, message for you," an office assistant handed Duke Karel the fax from Versailles. "Thank you, Adolf." Karel took it and gave it a quick once-over, "Well it looks like we'll be taking a trip. Damnable how they always seem to figure out a new errand to send me on just as I get a chance to get this back-log done." Adolf, the assistant, glanced around the Ministers office. He had a point; stacks of loose paper and boxes filled with dossiers and files were piled almost ceiling-high throughout the office, obscuring the portrait of Albrecht Wallenstein that hung in the office of every Royal Minister. The mountains of beige and white made the otherwise ornate room seem quite plain. The Duke caught Adolf's concern. "Don't worry," he said dryly, "This will be someone else's chore. You're coming with me to Berlin. I need someone reliable to keep good notes and you're the only person in this office that can use short-hand. Let the computer-monkeys fiddle around with some real office-work for a change." He pushed a button on his desk. "Yes, Your Grace?" a young woman's voice crackled over the age-old intercom. "Milena, will you have my entourage assembled and secure a train for me from Praha to Berlin? I need four first-class tickets, and inform Erika and Jaroslav they're coming with Adolf and myself to visit with the government of Germany. Quickly, if you please. That is all." The Duke quickly rattled off his orders. Milena was a pleasant girl, but not much could be expected of peasant stock so he kept orders simple. -------------- [b]Five Hours Later, on a train departing from Prague's central railway station[/b] "All settled in, Adolf? It'll be a short trip." The Duke looked across the aisle at his silent, portly assistant. They would be in Berlin in just about three hours. It was slower than flying, to be sure, but the Duke was convinced that rail, like paper, was more trustworthy than planes, or computers, or any of these other modern bits of technology that seemed to result in so much death and trouble. He had forwarded a message to the German foreign office that he would be in the Berlin Bahnhof to meet the delegation before proceeding to a meeting place of the Germans' choice to discuss a Friedland railway and canal system along the Spree and Oder and a military alliance between the two states.

The Kingdom of Friedland recognises this eastern nation and wishes its people well. An ambassadorial team has been sent to establish diplomatic ties.

[quote]Liberal Union Created from a young union of the Athenian Capitalist Union and right parties from the New Palma Republic the Liberal Union is a party seeking to put more attention on the individual and limit the meddling of government with the people themselves. Political Spectrum: Right Ideology: Liberalism/Capitalism Main Election Promises: -Implement a flat tax of 30% for all incomes rather than the existing progressive system -Open up all government industries to the private sector -Decrease deployed military and increase domestic police -Drastically cut the amount of departments and government personnel[/quote] OOC: Finally, someone who uses the word 'Liberal' correctly! IC: Friedland does not wish to interfere with the due process of another sovereign state, and so will not encourage any single party in these elections, but hopes that the history and tradition of the Hellenic nation is served and wishes peace and prosperity as the result of these new elections.

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"Herr General," General Shildhafen's adjutant entered the main chamber of the command truck, clicking his heels, "we have word from the Gothic forces are holding. We are to move in with their forces after the aerial battle ends." Schildhafen looked up from the map on the table in his command truck. "Very good. When we have achieved air supremacy, ready the troops to go in behind the tanks. I want our forces completely prepared. Have the Gothic uniforms been issued?" "Jawohl, Herr General. Aside from the few still speaking Czech, the troops have been completely outfitted to look like Goths." "Good. We are on schedule."

“[i]Mea Rex[/i],” Karel Gustav Czernin von Chudenitz entered the King’s office. The ornate golden doors of the chamber were closed behind him by two of the Royal Guards, bedecked in uniforms as ornate as the palace itself. “Enter, Karl.” The King never used the Foreign Minister’s Czech name, too Germanised himself. His conversations with his ministers were rarely in any language except Latin, too proud to speak Czech and too wise to speak German to his Czech nobles. “[i]Mea Rex[/i], I am here to inform Your Majesty that the French Empress is dead. The war has ended. So far the warring parties have sent ambassadors to Paris. The States General gathered by Your Majesty have interrupted proceedings to demand response.” Czernin said with some trepidation, knowing how the King reacted to hearing the ‘demands’ of the nobles. “We will not disappoint them, as much as they deserve it. It is Our opinions that efforts made on behalf of Our Government internationally,” His Majesty stood, “have thus far not presented a real opportunity to assert Our Kingdom as even so much as a regional power. We cannot help but imagine Our Esteemed Ancestor would be severely disappointed.” Sigismund turned and faced the window, clutching a glass of red wine. “His Majesty is perhaps too hard on the government,” Czernin saw a twitch in the King’s countenance, “but it is my opinion that His Majesty could not be more right about the present situation. Shall I draft a message from His Majesty’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the new leader of France?” “We do not believe it would be fitting. No, no, We must extend a hand Ourself to this… new leader… what is her name?” The King turned and put the glass down on the desk and fingered through some of his papers. “Her name is Claire Delacour, Your Majesty. She is… a president, not regent or queen.” Czernin said with unconcealed disdain. “Come, Karl,” the King looked up and said dryly, “we must be diplomatic. Even with republicans, there are gains to be made. Certain nobles have already proven unable to suppress these thoughts even among the peasants; we may be dealing with our own such seditionists soon.” “His Majesty is, again, perhaps too pessimistic. One peasants’ revolt in the depth of Bohemia does not make a republican movement,” Czernin straightened up and became firmer in tone, “at any rate the rebels have been suppressed. His Majesty will recall that His Majesty’s orders to draw and quarter the leaders were well received by the general populace. To consort with such… if His Majesty allows, it makes me feel uneasy.” “That’s understandable. Nobles have never been comfortable with such things, nor do We endorse such ideas. It has been wisely described in those books contained in Our libraries. Recall the philosopher Socrates’ teachings on the matter of Democracy. It is far better to prevent the excess of slavery created by an excess of Freedom.” The King began to teach, holding a well-worn copy of The Republic in his hand. “Of course, Your Majesty, I certainly agree. What shall we say to the French, though?” Karl interrupted the King before he departed into a lecture. “We shall draft a message to this Claire Delacour, and have it to Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a short while to be read and immediately despatched.” “His Majesty’s Minister humbly await the fruit of His Majesty’s pen.” Czernin read the King’s body language and turned to leave, the doors swinging open before him. [quote]Her Excellency Claire Delacour, President of France, It is with deep regret that We learn of the death of Empress Therese, with whom we much desired to treat following the conclusion of Her war with Friedland’s neighbours. It grieves the nobility and peasants of Friedland alike to hear of the loss of such a dynamic and heroic figure in the history of Europe. We extend our regret to the entire nation of France. We further extend our personal condolences to Her Excellency, knowing the close personal relationship between Her Excellency and Her Majesty the late Empress. We further extend our congratulations to Her Excellency on accession of power in France. We wish to extend a hand of friendship and cultural exchange between the Kingdom of Friedland and the Republic of France. It pleases Us greatly to see an invitation extended to Ourself and Our Royal Court to visit Paris to meet with the government of France. We hope it will please the government of France to receive Ourself and Our Royal Court at the former Royal Court of the Bourbons, a family which We hold in high regard for their Esteemed and Royal Ancestor, His Royal Majesty Louis XIV. We would further like to make a gift to the government of France a collection of coins that thus far have been in the possession of Our family, collected by Our Esteemed Father Ferdinand von Waldstein, an renowned numismatician and coin collector. The collection includes in excess of 15,000 Thalers worth of silver coins minted under the direction of His Majesty Louis XIV, His Majesty Louis XV, and His Majesty Louis XVI. We shall depart with our Our Court forthwith upon hearing your government’s response. In Respect and Amity, [img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/SigismundI.png[/img] His Royal Majesty Sigismund I, by the Grace of God King of Friedland[/quote]

[center][img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/FlagofFriedland.png[/img][img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/GrandArmsofFriedland.png[/img] [size="6"][font="Georgia"]International Factbook for [u]The Kingdom of Friedland[/u][/font][/size] [size="5"][font="Garamond"][i]Frýdlantské království[/i] [i]Königreich Friedland[/i] [i]Regnum Terrapacis[/i][/font][/size][/center] [size="5"][u]Brief Introduction[/u][/size] [b]Government[/b]: Absolute Monarchy [b]Population[/b]: 8,385,600 [b]Capital City[/b]: Gitschin ([i Jičín[/i]) [b]Largest City[/b]: Prag ([i]Praha[/i]) [b]Currency[/b]: Thaler [b]Major Industries[/b]: Iron and Steel production, Heavy machine building, Chemical weapon manufacture, glass, textiles, beer brewing, fishing, metalwork [b]Ethnicities[/b]: 28 per cent German, 72 per cent Czech, 1 per cent Wend [b]Languages[/b]: German, Czech (national), Latin (administrative), Wendish, Low German (minority) [b]Fertility rate[/b]: 15.81 [b]Birth rate[/b]: 3.13 [b]Suffrage[/b]: 21+ Citizens only [citizens are described by the Kingdom as landed males who are eligible to participate in the Diet of Nobles or those specifically enfranchised by His Majesty the King and thus eligible to participate in the Diet of Nobles] [size="5"][u]National Institutions[/u][/size] [b]Legislative[/b] [u]Czech National Diet of Nobles[/u] ([i]České Panská Sněmovna[/i], [i]Dietas Boiohaemi[/i]) [indent]Legislature called to represent the interests of the Nobility of Bohemia. The [i]Dietas Boiohaemi[/i] contains three ‘leagues’, the noble equivalent of the political parties present in many of the democracies and republics of the world. [list][*][b]The Bohemian Catholic League[/b] ([i]České Katolická Liga[/i]) defends the interests of the Roman Catholic Church, which still holds significant power in Bohemia, though it is dwarfed by both the German Lutheran congregations, the Bohemian Brethren, and the Church of Friedland. The Catholic nobility of Bohemia are typically heavily royalist but opposed to royal power over ecclesiastical offices, supportive of agrarian economy, and support heavy taxation. [*] [b]The Czech National League[/b] ([i]České Národní Obrození[/i]) represents the interests of the National Movement, a group of Bohemian nobles in favour of incorporating their fellow Czechs in Moravia into the Kingdom of Friedland and legal devolution to the Czech nobility. There are strong republican tendencies in the ČNO, and they are presently the leading advocates of emancipation of the serfs of Friedland and liberal economic policies. [*][b]Royalist Brethren League[/b] ([i]Monarchistická Jednota bratrská[/i]) are the staunch supporters of the Waldstein dynasty in the Czech Diet. They endorse a heavily agrarian economic policy and the increased cooperation between the Monarch and the nobility of Friedland, as well as the cooperation of the Czech nobility with rival German nobles for unity. The organisation is tied to the Hussite Unity of Brethren and is the largest League in the Diet. They often find themselves in strong opposition with the Catholic League, but also in cooperation with their rivals against the liberalism of the CNO.[/list] [/indent] [u]German National Diet of Nobles[/u] ([i]Deutsches Landtag[/i], [i]Dietas Teutonicorum[/i]) [indent]Legislature called to represent the interests of the Nobility of Mecklenburg, Pomerania, and Silesia. The [i]Dietas Teutonicorum[/i] is much more splintered than the three-league [i]Dietas Boiohaemi[/i], with parties being formed and dismantled by disgruntled nobles on a regular basis. There are only two consistent German parties, usually challenged from within by splinter groups that themselves change frequently. [list][*][b]The German Imperial Party[/b] ([i]Deutsche Reichspartei[/i]) is the one consistent opposition party in the German Diet. It is a heavily liberal, Republican movement dedicated to unification of all German nobility under a single banner and replacement of the Kingdom of Friedland, Gothic Reich, and present German government with an Constitutional Monarchy incorporating all German-speakers. It also lobbies heavily for the emancipation of the serfs, but enjoys only a minority of support from Pomeranian nobles, whom the King always keeps a close eye on. [*][b]The Farmer-Industry-State Alliance[/b] ([i]Bauer-Industrie-Staat Allianz[/i]) has a name that belies its platform. The BISA is heavily Royalist and supportive of Friedlandic Unity. It draws strong support from the Lutheran Nobility and therefore works closely with the [i]MJb[/i] of the Czech Diet and against Catholic interests in the German-speaking parts of Friedland. It is the largest party in the German Diet, comprising 2/3 of the Diet and therefore remaining consistently in control of all local legislation. [*]At various times there can be a Catholic Centre Party, Strict Royalist Party, Agrarian Party, and a number of other opposition parties that keep the remaining 1/3 of the German diet heavily splintered[/list] [/indent] [u]States General of the Kingdom of Friedland[/u] ([i]Concilium Praediatorum Regni Terrapacis[/i]) [indent]Gathering of the Nobility, Clergy, and Representatives of Landed Gentry for the entire Kingdom of Friedland, called by the King every ten years and intermittently when the occasion demands. The [i]Concilium Praediatorum[/i] is divided into leagues, much like the [i]Dietas Boiohaemi[/i], and represent the interests of the entirety of Friedland. [list][*][b]The National Catholic League[/b] ([i]Societas Ecclesiae Apostolici et Catholici[/i]) is an affiliate of the [i] České Katolická Liga[/i] and is represented by the small group of Catholic Nobility and remaining Catholic Bishops still in Friedland. Its sole real purpose is to act as opposition to taxes levied on citizens of Friedland who are not members of the Church of Friedland. [*][b]Royal League[/b] ([i]Amicitia pro Regno[/i]) is the primary Royalist movement in Friedland, and is composed of the nobility primarily responsible for putting Sigismund I von Waldstein on the throne of Friedland and constituting the Kingdom. They are staunchly conservative in their approach to the rising emancipation movement, supportive of both serfdom and noble privilege, defending the right of nobles to keep personal armies and also supportive of the King’s efforts to promote the growth of noble-governed cities inhabited by freedmen and knights. It is affiliated with both the BISA and the MJb. [*][b]Greater Friedland League[/b] ([i]Societas pro Ultra Terrapacem[/i]), often referred to as the [i]Plus Ultra[/i] League, after the motto of the Habsburg Charles V, is an expansionist party in the States General representing the nobility and clergy of Friedland who wish to incorporate more land and more nobles into the States General to propagate both the Church of Friedland and the Kingdom itself. It is led by a Czech Bishop, Václav Vlcek who also leads the ČNO and supports several small opposition parties in the German Diet. [*][b]Ecclesiastic League[/b] ([i]Societas Ecclesiae Boiohaemi et Terrapacis[/i]) is the second-largest league of the States General, second only to the Royal League. It represents the interests of the Church of Friedland and propagation of the faith. Many of its members support [i]Plus Ultra[/i] in its efforts to expand the Church of Friedland, but while it endorses the expansion of the Kingdom of God it is not so eager to see the borders of Friedland expand into Saxony, Moravia, and Slovakia the way [i]Plus Ultra[/i] desires. Economically, it identifies with the peasants, who make up the majority of contributing membership of the Church. It sometimes supports emancipation of the serfs but at the same time endorses the tithing policy and heavy tariffs laid by the Royal League.[/list][/indent] [b]Ecclesiastical[/b] The Church of Friedland ([i]Frýdlantské Církev [/i], [i]Nationalkirche von Friedland[/i], [i]Ecclesia Terrapacis[/i]) [indent]The ecclesial structure recognizing the King of Friedland as the head of the Church and theologically informed by the teachings of Jan Hus and Martin Luther; it is governed by bishops appointed as nobility by the King[/indent] The National Council of Bishops ([i]Concilium Episcoporum Terrapacis[/i]) [indent]The National Council of Bishops is the governing body for doctrine in the National Church of Friedland as well as the appointment of Inquisitions into wrongful interpretations and faulty teachings and the correction of the responsible clerics.[/indent] [b]Executive Governance[/b] His Royal Majesty the King [indent]His Royal Majesty is the chief executive of the Kingdom, both Head of State and Head of Government. The state itself is considered embodied in His Majesty, who has ultimate control over the legislature and rules largely by royal decree. He hold control over the appointment of Ministers as Head of Government, of Governors as Head of State, and of Bishops as Head of the Church. [/indent] The Royal Ministers [indent]There is a Royal Ministry for each industry deemed most important by His Majesty the King. Most are members of the Nobility favoured by His Majesty or Knights who have shown especial ability in the eyes of His Majesty. The Nobility is derived almost exclusively from Bohemia and therefore Czech. The Ministers are [list][*]Prime Minister and Chief Adviser to His Majesty: His Royal Highness Prince Wencenslas von Waldstein [*]Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs: His Highness Karel Gustav Czernin von Chudenitz, Duke of Pilsen [*]Royal Minister of Trade and Finance: His Grace Hynek Berka z Dubé, Burgrave of Kokorschin [*]Royal Minister of Railroads and Commerce: His Grace Karel Jan Harrachové, Count of Jilemnice [*]Royal Minister of War: His Lordship Otto Martin Freiherr von Hessel [*]Royal Minister of Armaments: His Highness Jan Thomás Vršovci, Duke of Pardubice [*]Royal Minister of Justice: His Lordship Josef Paul Alois Freiherr von Reichenberg [*]Royal Minister of Intelligence: His Grace Arnost Jiří z Vlašimi, Margrave of Zhořelec [*]Royal Minister of Culture and Education: His Grace Ferdinand Ernst von Stolberg, Margrave of Demmin [*]Royal Minister of Public Health and Security: His Lordship Karl Anton Fürst von Hessenstein[/indent][/list] The Friedland High Command [indent]Responsible for the governance of all military matters; all trials of military personnel le, active or off-duty at the time of the alleged crime and arrest, are handled directly by the military, and law stipulates that no soldier above the rank of Lieutenant can be tried in civil court at all. The High Command itself answers to the Minister of War, as well as directly to His Majesty the King, but otherwise operates completely independent of all other branches of government. The High Command of the [i]Armata[/i] is composed of four branches: the Central Planning Command, Intelligence Command, Quartermaster Command, and General Command, each headed by a Grand Marshall of His Majesty’s Court.[/indent] [size="5"][u]Geography and Polities[/u][/size] [img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/FriedlandMap.png[/img] To list all duchies, counties, marks, burgs, baronies, free cities, and other noble subdivisions would be superfluous. However, for recruitment purposes in the military and for census purposes the Kingdom has been divided into a system of [i]Gaus[/i], administered by Royal Censors whose purpose is to administer census tabulating for tax purpose, but also serve the wider purpose of acting as informants to the Royal Court of the treatment of the peasants by noblemen. Reports of abuse can result in severe penalties from the Royal Court, as they often harm productivity and stunt economic growth, as well as offending His Majesty King Sigismund, who has a deep concern for the peasants. [size="5"][u]Military[/u][/size] The Friedland [i]Armata[/i] is divided into three principle branches; the [i]Exercitus[/i], all the ground forces of the [i]Armata[/i], including amphibious troops; the [i]Classis Navium[/i] (or simply [i]Navium[/i]), the sea forces of the Kingdom, including the Merchant Marine; and the [i]Visvolucer[/i], all forces capable of flight, including the missile forces of the Kingdom. [b]The [i]Exercitus[/i][/b] is comprised of 338,008 soldiers with 27,040 Panzers of various types. It is presently under the command of [i]Feldmarschallgeneral[/i] Heinrich Martin Ritter von Wehrheld. He has divided it thus: 1 Army (338,008) 10 Korps (33,800) per Army [3 Panzerkorps (108,160)] 3 Divisionen (11,266) per Korps 3 Brigaden (3,755) per Division 10 Batallionen (375) per Brigade 5 Kompanie (75) per Batallion 5 Staffeln (25) per Kompanie 2 Gruppen (12/13) per Staffel 3 Truppen (3) per Gruppe Because the bulk of the [i]Armata[/i] is administered and led by ethnic Germans, the use of German rather than the official Latin is very wide-spread. This is true of most every branch of the [i]Armata[/i], with the exception of the [i]Visvolucer[/i], which is dominated by Czech officers. The Army is equipped with the following technology, but regularly upgrades: Panzer: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_I]Leopard I. [i]Kampfpanzerwagen[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SK-105_K%C3%BCrassier] SK-105 [i]Kürassier Panzerzerstörer[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandur_I]Pandur I. [i]Transportpanzern[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panhard_AML]Panhard AML [i]Panzerwagen[/i][/url] Infantrie: [url=http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/AK-47]AK-47 [i]Sturmgewehr[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walther_P38]Walther P38 [i]Pistole[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steyr_MPi_69]Steyr MPi 69 [i]Machinenpistole[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steyr_SSG_69] Steyr_SSG_69 [i]Präzisionsgewehr[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mk_19_grenade_launcher]Mk 19 [i]Maschinengranatwerfer[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_43_grenade] Model 43 [i]Stielhandgranate[/i][/url] Artillerie: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M198_howitzer]M198 [i]Haubitze[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer_Gepard][i]Flakpanzer[/i] Gepard[/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FH-70][i]Feldhaubitze[/i] FH155-1[/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheinmetall_120_mm_gun][i]Rheinmetall[/i] 120mm [i]Glattrohrkanone[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-17_Elbrus]R-17 Scud Missile Platforms[/url] [b]The [i]Navium[/i][/b], also commonly known by its German name [i]Kriegsmarine[/i] is in a constant state of growth, but for now is only a small force on the Baltic. It is presently under the command His Grace Burgrave Albrecht von Mecklenburg-Strelitz, [i]Großadmiral[/i] of the Friedlandic [i]Classis Navium[/i]. He opened with a small force of heavily out-dated battleships from the 19th century, including SS (Steamship) Anna Marie; converted mine-layer SS Sophie; converted mine-layer SS Wilhelmina; converted mine-layer SS Friedrich; iron-clad SS Heinrich; iron-clad SS Siegfried; iron-clad SS Jürgen; iron-clad In addition, several modern ships have also been recruited by His Grace, including the SMS (“[i]Seiner Majestät Schiff[/i]”) [i]Albrecht Wallenstein[/i] – Battleship: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H_class_battleship_proposals]H-44 [i]Albrecht[/i] Class[/url] SMS [i]Jan Hus[/i] – Battleship: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H_class_battleship_proposals]H-44 [i]Albrecht[/i] Class[/url] SMS [i]Stralsund[/i]— Cruiser: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ticonderoga_class_cruiser]CG-83 [i]Stralsund[/i] Class[/url] SMS [i]Rostock[/i]— Cruiser: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ticonderoga_class_cruiser]CG-86 [i]Stralsund[/i] Class[/url] SMS [i]Vorpommern[/i]— Frigate: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_23_frigate]F-82 [i]Vorpommern[/i] Class[/url] SMS [i]Silisien[/i]— Frigate: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_23_frigate]F-82 [i]Vorpommern[/i] Class[/url] SMS [i]Odal[/i]— Corvette: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braunschweig_class_corvette]CV-80 [i]Jomsviking[/i] Class[/url] SMS [i]Kreuzritter [/i]— Corvette: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braunschweig_class_corvette]CV-80 [i]Jomsviking[/i] Class[/url] SMS [i]Husar[/i] — Corvette: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braunschweig_class_corvette]CV-80 [i]Jomsviking[/i] Class[/url] These seven ships form the Baltic Fleet, and the core of the entirety of the [i]Navium[/i], are the largest ships of the fleet, but are supported by a large fleet of patrol boats and speed boats that patrol the coasts of the two islands in Friedland’s control. They also patrol the River Oder, southward to Lausitzer Neiße and the Isabella-Katharina-Kanal, which joins the Moldau to the Lausitzer Neiße by way of the Elbe and to the Spree by way of the Lausitzer Neiße, making it possible to transport goods from the southern-most point of Friedland to the northern-most point. The river boats guard a merchant barge fleet also administered by the [I]Navium[/i] steered northwards to the Baltic and the Duchies of Meckenburg and Inner Pomerania. [b]The [i]Visvolucer[/i][/b], the Air Forces of Friedland, are fully equipped with the most modern equipment. Under the command of Maršál Artuš Frédéric Svoboda, the [i]Visvolucer[/i], or [i]Letectvo[/i] in native Czech. The force is divided into three Air Divisions and one Support Division, the support division divided between the three Air bases. The First Air Division, based at Olomouc, is commanded by Maršál Svoboda personally; his fellow [i]Maršálové[/i] Pavel Vojtěch Horáček, Jaroslav Navrátil, Jan Petr Kramář, and Jiří Udržal command the other divisions. Combat Aircraft: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BAE_Harrier_II]Harrier II[/URL] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panavia_Tornado]Panavia Tornado[/url] Transport Aircraft: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-130_Hercules]C-130 Hercules[/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A319CJ#Variants]Airbus 320M[/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A400M]Airbus A400M[/url] Bomber Aircraft: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B-52_Stratofortress]B-52 Stratofortress[/url] Helicopters: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AH-64_Apache]AH-64 Apache[/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_AH-1Z_Viper]Bell AH-1 Viper[/url] [size="5"][u]Diplomacy[/u][/size] [size="4"][b]MDAP[/b] – Union of Slavic Republics[/size] [quote][size="2"][b]Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Defence Between the King of Friedland, Sigismund I, and the Government of the Union of Slavic Republics[/b] Article I. The Kingdom of Friedland and the people of the Union of Slavic Republics do hereby recognise full sovereignty of the other over their claimed territory and all people, industry, and properties civil and ecclesial within their realms. Article II. 1. The Kingdom of Friedland hereby declares a state of peace, friendship, and cooperation in matters military and economic between the states of the Kingdom of Friedland and the Slavic Federation. 2. The Union of Slavic Republics hereby recognises a state of military cooperation with the Kingdom of Friedland, and promises military and economic aid for all operations undertaken, defensive and offensive, insofar as those operations are not undertaken against the allies or interests of the Slavic Federation. 3. The Kingdom of Friedland likewise offers full military and economic aid to the Union of Slavic Republics in all operations undertaken, defensive and offensive, insofar as those operations are not undertaken against the allies or interests of the King of Friedland Article III. This Treaty of Friendship shall be of undefined duration, liable to cancellation, amendment, or abridgement at any point with the expressed agreement of both parties together. Article IV. No actions of either party may be taken up that jeopardise the peace and friendship herein established between them, nor shall the respective parties undertake any form of military action against the other, lest this Treaty be deemed null and void, with all benefits and agreements terminated. In witness whereof we affix our names hereunto in the Sight of God this Twelfth Day of August in the Year of Our Lord 2010. For the Kingdom of Friedland, [img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/SigismundI.png[/img] (bearing also the name Sigurd von Waldstein) For the Union of Slavic Republics [i]Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Congress of Slavic People's Deputies [b]Michael Visari[/b] Chairman of the Council of Ministers [b]James Drake II[/b][/i][/size] [/quote] [size="4"][s][b]MDP/ODP[/b] – Delaware (unrecognised)[/s][/size] [quote][s][size="2"][b] The Treaty of Dover Treaty of Alliance, Friendship, and Cooperation[/b] Article 1: The High Contracting parties, mutually recognizing the freedom and independence of the Kingdom of Delaware and Virginia, declare themselves to be uninfluenced by any aggressive desire in their agreement, and having in view their own interests alone, the High Contracting parties recognize that it will be admissible for either of them to take such measures as may be indispensable in order to safeguard those interests if threatened Article 2: The Signatories shall issue formal declarations of neutrality if either signatory becomes involved in war or conflict due to those interests described in Article 1. Article 3: The Signatories offer a guarantee of support in the form of military, material, or other means if either signatory should become involved in war with more than one Power through the actions of said foreign Powers. Article 4: The Signatories offer a guarantee not to enter into any agreements with other Powers to the prejudice of this alliance. Article 5: The Signatories offer a full guarantee of communication, frankly and fully, with each other when any of the interests affected by this treaty are deemed to be in jeopardy. Article 6: This Treaty is to remain in force for three years as of the signing date, and it shall then be the option of the High Contracting parties of continuance at one year's notice at the end of the second year. [b]For the Government of the Kingdom of Friedland[/b] His Excellency Karel Gustav, Duke of Pilsen Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Friedland [b]For the Government of the Kingdom of Delaware[/b] His Excellency Caesar Hightower I, Duke of Dover Master of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Delaware- John Read[/size][/s][/quote] [size="4"][b]MDoAP/NAP[/b] – Germany[/size] [quote][b]Czernin-Tambarskjelve Pact For Military Cooperation, Alliance, and Infrastructure Exchange[/b] Article I. 1. The government of Germany and the government of the Kingdom of Friedland each recognise the sovereignty of the other. 2. The governments of the two contracting nations guarantee neutrality in all conflicts which would bring the two into open war and affirm non-aggression between the two nations. Article II. 1. The government of Germany guarantees military aid and material assistance to the Kingdom of Friedland in all conflicts in which the Kingdom of Friedland is not the aggressor. 2. The government of the Kingdom of Friedland guarantees military aid and material assistance to Germany in all conflicts in which Germany is not the aggressor. 3. The governments of the two contracting nations recognise that to protect their individual interests as well as the interests of the other, it may be necessary to offer military aid and material assistance in conflicts in which one or the other contracting nations is the aggressor. 4. In accordance with the above, the governments of the two contracting nations guarantee to each other that military aid and material assistance will sometimes be provided in conflicts in which either the Kingdom of Friedland or Germany are the aggressor. Article III. 1. The government of Germany guarantees free passage of Friedland troops and military supplies across German lands. 2. The government of Friedland guarantees free passage of German troops and military supplies across Friedlandic lands. 3. The government of Germany guarantees to Friedland free use of all present and future German ports for the Friedlandic navy and merchant marine. 4. The government of Friedland guarantees to Germany free use of all present and future Friedlandic ports for the German navy and merchant marine. 5. The governments of the two contracting nations guarantee diplomatic and legal immunity to all military officers of the other country; in all cases of suspected criminal activity of a military officer, that officer is to be extradited to his native country and subjected to the justice of his native country. Article IV. 1. Upon the signing of this treaty, the government of Germany will transfer a plot of land measuring 807.72 metres wide and 463.5 kilometres long, totalling 374.378 square kilometres or 92,510.8 acres of land to the ownership of His Royal Majesty King Sigismund I for development as a railroad of three track-lines, whose use shall be determined in accordance with the laws governing the Kingdom of Friedland. 2. This plot shall be used for railroad and transport and no other purpose. 3. This plot shall remain subject to the laws of Germany and shall be considered to remain the sovereign territory of the government of Germany. 4. This plot cannot be sold or purchased without the alteration of this treaty and the expressed agreement of the governments of the two contracting nations. 5. This plot and business conducted within it shall not be subject to taxation by the government of Germany and shall upon the signing of this treaty become a tariff-free zone. Signed: [i]For Germany[/i]: His Excellency [b]Dietrich Tambarskjelve[/b] [i]For Friedland[/i]: His Highness [b]Karel Gustav Czernin von Chudenitz[/b], Duke of Pilsen [/quote] [size="4"][b]ODP/NAP[/b] – France[/size] [quote][b]Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between France and Friedland[/b] [b]Preamble[/b] The Republic of France and the Kingdom of Friedland hereby enter into a understanding of friendship and economic cooperation. [b]Article I. Non Aggression[/b] The undersigned nations hereby agree to non-aggression. Neither nation will engage in military or undercover operations against the other. [b]Article II. Economic Cooperation[/b] France and Friedland hereby agree to reduced tariffs and economic cooperation, encompassing a push for stronger trade ties between their nations. [b] Article III. Optional Defense[/b] France and Friedland, given their friendship have come to the agreement that if either nation is invaded, the other signatory has the option, not obligation to defend the other. While not obligated, the participation of the friend is encouraged and if military support cannot be given, financial aid is also encouraged. [b]Article IV. Cancellation[/b] This treaty can be terminated by either signatory at any time, provided that the other nation is made aware of the cancellation 48 hours in advance. This treaty is considered to still be in effect until the 48 hours is up. [i] Signed for The Republic of France[/i], [img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/Claire.png[/img] President [i]Signed for the Kingdom of Friedland[/i], His Royal Highness [img]http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad256/Odinnson_NoR/Wenzel.png[/img] Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Friedland[/quote]