Thomas Grimshaw

Wow, nice pseudo-intellectualism there JorJor. Also, you screwed up the accent, pronunciation, and semantics involved in that phrase.

Unlike you, we don't cry about infra loss. We also don't anarchy ourselves when trying to comply with surrender terms in an alliance application. We wear nukes as badges of honor. You really think we care about a little chipped off infra or tech?

I beat you to the punch. Also, nut up or shut up JorJor.

There are several synonyms for donkey that I think would aptly describe you, JorJor.

Point taken. Still, I would expect from any half decent ally, if not an immediate defense, something a few hours off. IE: By now. But, that's just me, for all we know an update blitz may occur.

Got to agree, CB is solid, and the rolling has commenced. If people were going to flock to TPF's cause, they would've already.

We drop feet first into hell! HAIL ROK! ROKKERS LEAD THE WAY!

Hail Athens. May your bombs fly steady and your bullets strike arteries!

"It seems I reacted a bit too soon, I hope my esteemed camaraderie present here will forgive me this time. If I understand the AEZ correctly, the 'mutually agreed upon standard' calls for reciprocation between all those involved, if this is a correct interpretation of said article, then as a representative of USET, I am to state that we would not be opposed to it."

Konrad decided to continue unabated, albeit, less passionately then before, "On behalf of USET, I would like to affirm our accordance with this article."

In regards to the mustache comment, you might want to twirl yours if you keep making vaguely insidious comments like that. Keep going on thinking you have significance to anything but your ego, it'll happen some day, I'm sure of it.

Hei- I mean, Hail \m/! Also, to a minor degree, hail TC. (Just kidding, you know I love you. <3) /me looks around shiftily

Konrad rose: "Sir, the first article states and I quote "Each of the nations bearing a signature on this treaty hereby declares that they will uphold the values and honor of said signatories’ sovereignty." THE RIGHT to tax and tariff trade falls under SOVEREIGNTY! Anyone who proposes either be limited or done away with is violating the first article and the spirit behind this treaty." He cleared his throat, "If you'll excuse my...enthusiastic emphasis. I will make it known here and now that any limitation on tarriffs or taxes of trade by this treaty will be strongly opposed by those whom I represent. That which is not broken, need not be fixed. However, we would not be against an economic cooperation article." Konrad sat again, his nerves were getting to him.

Konrad decided with so much under discussion, this would be a prime opportunity to make known his county's position. He noted one emissary leaving the room on a satellite cellular phone, and chuckled. It's apparent where the trust in his relationship lies... he thought cynically. He waited for all discussion to subside momentarily, and then took action. "I would like to state on behalf of my country, that it affirms it's support in all three of the accepted articles. Furthermore, we would like to state that we believe an economic article seems inadvisable as the current economic state of the Oceanic and Asian regions are profitable as is. In summation, we would like to inquire what, if any, issues are to be brought up after his economic formality?"

Konrad rose, "I assume you have assets in the country in question to confirm they do not have ICBMs, conventional or otherwise?"

Konrad spoke up, "If you'd prefer to refer to them as 'extra-continental territories', feel free. I see no stigma attached to the term 'colony', unless it is used with disdain, which here it is not. Here, the term is used as a technical description, nothing more, nothing less. Use whatever nomenclature you like, as long as we all understand and agree upon the conditions outlined in the article currently under discussion. So, if I may be ask, is your grievance with the semantics you have so kindly outlined, or with an actual matter of substance in the article?"

Konrad frowned to himself for a moment, before clearing his composure. "I would be absolutely against signing any mutual defense pact if a condition were to define territories outside of Oceania or Asia as "Honorary". However, if I could be privy to their locations, their owners, and the means with which they were acquired, I might believe those whom I represent might be accommodating, depending upon the data."

Konrad chuckled, "On behalf of USET, I hereby affirm our agreement with the Australian Proposal."

Konrad rubbed his forehead slowly, as if to assuage a migraine. He listened to the various views represented, and contemplated his retort. When his time came, he was sharp and ready. "I am afraid, we have what is most properly referred to as an "impasse". A great amount of trust has been placed in me as an emissary of the Diarchy I serve. This trust concludes that I will not sign anything that would put us in a state of unnecessary harm. So, let me be frank. I cannot and will not ever sign anything that would compel my countrymen to die for the greed of another nation. This conference is about Asian and Oceania unity. Any colonies out of that region should be ignored as non-existent for the purposes of this treaty. To be clear, I have no illusions of ordering any sovereign power to do anything, they are of course under only their own influence. However, they should not expect us to come to the defense of their appetite. I cannot in good conscious allow any of my countrymen or women to die for that cause. Is my position now clear to my esteemed camaraderie that sits at this table?"

(OOC: I lied, can't sleep. ) Konrad looked over the document, and inserted his own amendments. He showed his amendment to the room and spoke, "Does anyone here have a grievance with this amendment?"

Konrad let a short sigh escape his lips and leaned back in his chair, muscles tense. "It seems that as a group, we are in capable of coming to an amicable decision regarding colonialism. Therefore, I propose we accept a Mutual Defense Pact excluding non-continental lands, along with a free trade pact. Is this acceptable to all present?"

"Whilst I agree with certain contentions held by Frau Sharova, I must state that the issue here is not entirely with colonialism. Those whom I represent would not be so audacious as to boast what one sovereign entity may or may not do, however when they enter into an agreement with that sovereign entity, and that agreement requires military defense, principle does come into play. My contention is this, I once more propose that the mutual defense clause apply only contientally. Furthermore, I would like to propose that any signatories of this pact pledge to prevent colonialism in our domain from any foreign or internal forces, whether or not they have signed the pact. We propose Asian and Oceanic unity, but, we can only do so much through politics. In summation, I propose a clause similar to this..." Konrad took out a sketch pad and a gilded pen. After a few moments of rapid scribbling, he showed the draft around the room. Article (): Colonialism and Military Defense It is agreed by all signatories that in order to protect the sovereignty of each individual entity, we will not impose any limitations on external colonization. All signatories agree to defend only continental territory, with the obvious ability to elect to defend colonized territory. Each nation that is a signatory also proposes that any nation that should cease to exist for any reason will have it's lands demarcated properly amongst said signatories. Any foreign forces or internal non-signatories attempting to engulf territory relinquished by any nation within the geographical bounds of this treaty will be met first with diplomacy, and if necessary, with united force. Konrad began again, "It is said we want unity, I propose this is the best way to do it. Keep the lands amongst their rightful owners, defend each other militarily, aid each other economically, and not be obligated to defend the...ambition...of any signatories in particular. Are these terms agreeable?" He looked at each face seated at the table.

Konrad chuckled at the obtuse formality, but took a seat amongst the representatives. Normally he would feel rather at odds but he felt relaxed, one bar of a 'relaxant' and a thin impact vest under his suit jacket, ensured that. The vest was nothing bulky, a rifle round would pierce it, however he did not want to portray paranoia to his fellows, he was simply cautious by nature. He listened to the statement of the Queen, as well as another woman seated across from him, as he overlooked the documents he'd been given. He held his tongue and allowed the woman to finish, and found himself rather respecting her passion, he wondered if she might have had some German in her heritage. He raised a hand softly, before standing and clearing his throat. His receding hairline accentuated his forehead, and his light brown hair helped give him an air of professionalism. "If I may interject. I must agree, if a mutual defense pact is a clause in this bloc, we cannot support a hegemony. Our nation, our new regime, is built on principles and among these are honor. We intend to honor any agreement we instigate, however, we cannot involve ourselves in an agreement where our young, our men and women, our brave and our valiant, will sign the document with their blood. Frau Ava, Frau Asgeirsson, if I may, I have fought on battlegrounds, and I have seen first hand the price of greed. The price of greed is the blood of the innocent and the young, and make no mistake that rampant colonialism of land that is not rightfully one's own is greed. Now, the very definition of unity is to not violate the sovereignty of those who indulge it. And if I understand correctly, a few amongst us already own land taken by imperialism. If I may suggest, that these lands be non-applicable to the mutual defense clause in the agreement? Would that not provide adequate protection for lands fairly gained, whilst satisfying those of us who do not wish our cherished to die for arbitrarily gained real estate?"

Thomas decided it would be most tactful not to respond to the vague statement by one leader, and figured a joint respond would be best. "Again, we appreciate the well wishes, and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with all interested parties." Thomas Grimshaw - Diarch of USET ***Classified*** It was then that an invitation to a summit arrived via private channels on one of the empty flat screens. The two read it, and Thomas switched off the microphone, covering his mouth once more. "Attending would look good, but we can't leave, the moment is too vital." "Agreed. We'll send an Emissary." "It's worth a shot."

Upon receiving the message the two deliberated on what the best course of action would be, and replied post-haste. TO: LEADERSHIP OF THE ASIAN-OCEANIA SUMMIT FROM: USET DIARCHY, MATRIARCH ZHANNA NADEZHDA ENCRYPTION: 12-H-Y BIT (ANGLO-CIPHER) /begin message We appreciate the invitation, unfortunately, we cannot jeopardize the security and equilibrium of our nation so soon, thusly, we are forced to send a trusted emissary, Konrad Heisenberg. He fought alongside us during the revolution, and is well trusted. He should reach the summit in a matter of hours, and he will relay any information back to us. He will act as our eyes, ears, and mouth, for the duration. Regards and Well-wishes - Thomas Grimshaw, Zhanna Nadezhda, Diarchs of USET. /terminate message Within half an hour of notification, Konrad was on a plane. Within several hours he had arrived at the conference, dressed in a gray wool suit and reading spectacles. He carried with him a black leather briefcase, which had had the insignia of a dragon stitched into it rather artfully. He had appropriate documentation of his status in the form of a license and a signed document pressed with the state seal, a small dragon surrounded by a circle, in navy blue.