The Quebecoise Problem

[Lynneth]

[Public]

 

"To recap for those who are unaware, French forces landed in Quebec, claiming, quote,

 

They have largely been met with open arms, welcome after the anarchy of years previous and the failure of several governments to be set up successfully.

"This is patently untrue. The Principality is in contact with local governments throughout the former United States and Canada. Decentralisation is not equal to anarchy.

 

"However, we are willing to be amiable. We are sure that Orleans does not wish for was, and the same is true for Tikal. Our offer to France is as follows:"

 

• France will remove all elements of the French Armed Forces from Quebec.
• France will be permitted to assist humanitarian efforts using non-military organisations, such as the French Red Cross.
• Should a 'forward base' be an absolute must, the island of St. Pierre et Miquelon may be given to France, considering that it was once a long-time core possession.
• France will sign a treaty to not engage in Imperialism or colonialism in the Americas and the immediately surrounding islands.

"Should the French government feel that this offer is unfair, they may voice their opinion. However, to ensure that peace is kept, the task force currently en route for the Gulf of St. Lawrence will continue on their course and monitor French activities."

[Shave N Haircut]

The Empress has come forward with an official response to the demands of Tikal, saying, "We understand the concerns of the governments in America that the moves of France will set a certain precedent. We are willing to meet the demands of Tikal half-way. We will not remove military forces from the area, the decentralization of the government there is a danger to the people and encourages instability, even if it isn't total anarchy. However, in consideration for the concerns of the American states we are willing to allow Quebec to govern itself independently as a protectorate of the French Empire instead of being directly governed therefrom, with France merely providing for their security against foreign aggression. France, under these conditions, will sign the aforementioned Treaty."

 

Satellite visual

 

France has scrambled its fleet, two of the remaining three Aircraft carriers being deployed towards the St. Laurence with their entourage in a race to beat the fleet from Tikal, troops being scrambled together for a more secure holding on the State of Quebec, signalling that the state of France is extremely worried of an armed conflict with the more powerful Central American state.

[Lynneth]

"We are loath to permit any sort of foreign military activity in the Americas. However, if France is willing to commit to a joint-protectorate in regards to Quebec and rescinds claims to St. Pierre et Miquelon, we may be able to come to an understanding. Of course, any native government that arises must be given serious consideration. We reaffirm our stance that we will not permit France or other wanna-be colonial powers any permanent territory in the Americas."

 

[SatVis]

 

Tikal's fleet, having been en route for some time longer than the scrambled French fleet, was likely to arrive at a slightly earlier time, considering that the distance to travel was approximately the same for either side.

 

The fleet was on alert, but had been instructed to not fire first and generally try to look un-intimidating. Keyword, try.

[Shave N Haircut]

"St. Pierre and Miquelon would be an important go between of the French government and Quebec, and as a French speaking archapelago it would be unfair to not include them in either the protectorate status or Imperial France itself. For the sake of the few thousand people who live there, we ask the state of Tikal to reconsider its stance on their islands. They are culturally much more similar to Continental France than anything else. In exchange for this compromise, France will lend its assistance in assuring that no other power outside of the Americas shall hold sway over any territory therein."

[Lynneth]

"We can agree to the St. Pierre and Miquelon to be part of the protectorate and as temporary base for French peacekeeping activities while the protectorate is in effect. Once a sovereign Canadian or Quebecois nation emerges, however, all French forces will have to withdraw from the island, as well. Is that acceptable?"

[Shave N Haircut]

"France can accept the terms on the table at the present time. We thank the nation of Tikal for remaining rational and for thinking of the people first."

 

Satellite visual

 

One of the two battlefleets, evidently being told in the reduction of tension surrounding Canada, breaks off from the combined naval force and turns back towards France.

[Mara Lithaen]

"The Plains Federation wishes to express its concerns over French involvement in the Quebec Badlands, and hopes for a successful resolution of the situation."

 

CLASSIFIED:

 

The 1st Armored and 101st Airborne divisions are placed on alert status and their personnel recalled for immediate duty, while the Federation Air Force readies its F-15s and 16s for strikes on French shipping.

[Hereno]

The Republic lauds the assertiveness of Tikal on behalf of the New World. France should learn how to govern itself before looking to govern others.

[Captain Enema]

"The African Protectorate is a necessary mechanism to keep out Imperialist powers. It saddens my nation to see that the powers of Europe are traveling down the same sad path that their ancestors did. The Kingdom of Axum support's Tikal in this bid to keep the 'New World' free of the stench of imperialism."

 

- King Beckwith