The Anchorage Talks

[Manetheren]

The point of the matter is that Proncinta owned the islands at that time, and for decades before then. The people of Alaska had no claim to said islands and therefore Tahoe had no claim to them either.

The 1,000 residents on Nelson Island who voted 71% to 23% to join the Tahoe Republic as the State of Alaska respectfully disagree. The islands in question are historically a part of Alaska, long before Procinctia even came into being, and it is their voice we are representing. They wish to be Tahoan, and we will defend that right to the death. Procinctia has no business claiming islands that the inhabitants of call themselves Tahoan, equal with every other man and woman anywhere in the Republic.

If that right is not recognized by Procinctia, then we are done with this conference and will enforce, by military means if we must, Tahoan sovereignty over the islands we have listed.

[Michael McBride]

Even as an unbiased observer, we feel we have to question these elections. If those were Procintan lands, as they were, then we highly question why over seventy percent of them would vote for Tahoan citizenship.

[Mergerberger II]

Even as an unbiased observer, we feel we have to question these elections. If those were Procintan lands, as they were, then we highly question why over seventy percent of them would vote for Tahoan citizenship.

Because, frankly, Tahoe is a better place to live than Procinctia. In addition, the simple fact that the lands once belonged to Procinctia sometime long in the past does not make them really need to join Procinctia. The Kingdom of Bavaria once controlled lands in Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, but I am most certain that if you polled those people, they would want to join a different Kingdom from Bavaria, because they are not Bavarians. Before any of these nations were here, these lands were controlled by Celts in the west and assorted Germanic tribes and Slavic tribes in the East. I can, however, guarantee that the people of France would not want to join with the people of Britain simply because they were once a part of the same nation, just as I can guarantee that the people of Prussia are quite happy with their current overlords and would not want to join a re-creation of Greater Moravia, as they once were a part of some time ago.

[V The King]

Because, frankly, Tahoe is a better place to live than Procinctia. In addition, the simple fact that the lands once belonged to Procinctia sometime long in the past does not make them really need to join Procinctia. The Kingdom of Bavaria once controlled lands in Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, but I am most certain that if you polled those people, they would want to join a different Kingdom from Bavaria, because they are not Bavarians. Before any of these nations were here, these lands were controlled by Celts in the west and assorted Germanic tribes and Slavic tribes in the East. I can, however, guarantee that the people of France would not want to join with the people of Britain simply because they were once a part of the same nation, just as I can guarantee that the people of Prussia are quite happy with their current overlords and would not want to join a re-creation of Greater Moravia, as they once were a part of some time ago.

OOC: The conference's closed to Pravus, Mudd and Generalissimo - you can't talk to them directly. Just sayin'

[Manetheren]

Even as an unbiased observer, we feel we have to question these elections. If those were Procintan lands, as they were, then we highly question why over seventy percent of them would vote for Tahoan citizenship.

Quiet obviously they voted to join Tahoe because it is superior to Procinctia. Perhaps they grew tired of living in a nation that does not have enough money to pay to rebuild its capital much less take care of its citizens. Or is so weak that no nation in the world knows where its claims are until others move in. Or a nation that holds decades old grudges against a nation thousands of miles away.

As our friends in the Commonwealth explain:

Because, frankly, Tahoe is a better place to live than Procinctia. In addition, the simple fact that the lands once belonged to Procinctia sometime long in the past does not make them really need to join Procinctia. The Kingdom of Bavaria once controlled lands in Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, but I am most certain that if you polled those people, they would want to join a different Kingdom from Bavaria, because they are not Bavarians. Before any of these nations were here, these lands were controlled by Celts in the west and assorted Germanic tribes and Slavic tribes in the East. I can, however, guarantee that the people of France would not want to join with the people of Britain simply because they were once a part of the same nation, just as I can guarantee that the people of Prussia are quite happy with their current overlords and would not want to join a re-creation of Greater Moravia, as they once were a part of some time ago.

OOC: He can't talk directly, but I can for him

[Shadowsage]

OOC: Can't RP other nation's citizens. Thus, election is bogus and can be discounted as soon as Generalissimo wants to.

[Manetheren]

No OOC posts children

[Shadowsage]

OOC: You're not thread creator, kthx.

[Generalissimo]

Even as an unbiased observer, we feel we have to question these elections. If those were Procintan lands, as they were, then we highly question why over seventy percent of them would vote for Tahoan citizenship.

OOC: Can't RP other nation's citizens. Thus, election is bogus and can be discounted as soon as Generalissimo wants to.

We have claimed them when the people of Alaska voted in a free, open and fair plebescite to join the Tahoe Republic. That is a far greater cause for claim than decades old war stories.

It could hardly be considered a fair election if there wasn’t a Procinctia option on the ballet.

Even if there was it wouldn’t have mattered because at that time there wasn’t a single person on the island who wasn’t a soldier on the DMZ, who exactly was voting in the Nelson Island election? The (mostly Yupik) population displaced by the Republic of War primarily resides on St. Lawrence Island, excluding those few interned by ROW who are currently unaccounted for.

This has nothing to do with the matter at hand, but it’s an interesting tangent.

Besboro, Hagemeister, Walrus (not in the Pribilof Islands), Kritskoi, Nelson, Nunivak, St. Michael, Stuart. All are islands in the Black Line, all are claimed and owned Tahoan Territories.

This definition of Alaska’s Bering holdings and the Tahoe-Procinctia border is acceptable.

There are, of course, additional matters to discuss.

Several issues of commerce, resource distribution, maritime transit, and security still need to be resolved.

Edited August 9, 2009 by Generalissimo

[Manetheren]

Waters within twelve miles of any Procintian island are considered Procinctian territorial sea. Same goes for Tahoe. In cases where Procinctia and Tahoe come in close contact, the center of the channel is considered the border. You may do what you will with your territorial water, it does not seriously impede us, as you territorial waters are sovereign property of Procinctia. However, in Tahoe, all vessels may travel through our territorial water, so we should expect the same treatment from Procinctia. This goes for commercial, military and other civilian vessels. As for security, you have nothing to fear from us.

You shall have to discuss what you want regarding resource distribution so we may consider your...offer.

[Comrade]

Anna spits out her soda as she hears the Tahoe Rep say that Procinta has nothing to fear. Didnt they and their ally mobilize troops around Alaska? Are they not the crazyily territorial ones, having to call a meeting over a rock in the middle of nowhere?

Edited August 9, 2009 by Comrade

[Generalissimo]

Waters within twelve miles of any Procintian island are considered Procinctian territorial sea. Same goes for Tahoe. In cases where Procinctia and Tahoe come in close contact, the center of the channel is considered the border. . .

These terms are acceptable.

. . .in Tahoe, all vessels may travel through our territorial water, so we should expect the same treatment from Procinctia. This goes for commercial, military and other civilian vessels.

We maintain a slightly different standard of maritime access.

Excluding our allies Procinctia does not give maritime access any vessel of a nation at war, excluding our allies our waters are not open to military vessels, and fishing access is limited on basis of commercial treaty.

You shall have to discuss what you want regarding resource distribution so we may consider your...offer.

I’m obviously talking about fishing rights, a significant point of contention between our nations.

As for security, you have nothing to fear from us.

We believe there is nothing to fear from our Alaskan neighbors.

I was, of course, referring to the constant menace to Bering affairs – a threat Tahoe denies exists.

Generalissimo believes mutual cooperation could finally erradicte derelict mines from Bering, assuming you can admit the reality of situation.

Edited August 9, 2009 by Generalissimo

[V The King]

At the Prime Minister's residence...

"Puta que pariu, those talks are taking tenfold longer as I expected.", ranted Minister of External Affairs Celso Amorim "It's just a bunch of islands."

"I'm not too surprised, actually... the Tahoan cabinet has always been very stubborn and unflinching when it came down to talks.", said Prime Minsiter Pasquale Bianchi, "If they want something or feel they're on the right, then they'll support their original views until their lungs run out of oxygen."

"Even if it is a bunch of islands with little economic or societal importance?"

"Yes. Also, you bet their people wouldn't be amused if they just came out of the talks like "Oh, sorry for stepping in your backyard, Mr. Generalissimo!". They've got an image to maintain and all of that."

"You've got a point."

"We ran out of Caipirinha, go get some more, Celso!", demanded a senior diplomat nearby the two men.

"Whatever."

[Manetheren]

We maintain a slightly different standard of maritime access.

Excluding our allies Procinctia does not give maritime access any vessel of a nation at war, excluding our allies our waters are not open to military vessels, and fishing access is limited on basis of commercial treaty.

Your territorial water convention is fairly standard for numerous nations of the world and we have no problem with that. We will not fish within your territorial waters without a treaty, which we are willing to sign. Outside to your territorial waters we have practiced free and unrestricted fishing although are willing to limit it a certain amount for purposes of keeping the peace. What are your requirements when it comes to fishing vessels in the Bering?

[Zoot Zoot]

Premier zoot is shaken awake by his guard, realising he has ruined his best suit with his dropped cigar swears angrily and asks for a shot of coffee and another cigar and goes back to the proceedings.

[Generalissimo]

Your territorial water convention is fairly standard for numerous nations of the world and we have no problem with that. We will not fish within your territorial waters without a treaty, which we are willing to sign. Outside to your territorial waters we have practiced free and unrestricted fishing although are willing to limit it a certain amount for purposes of keeping the peace. What are your requirements when it comes to fishing vessels in the Bering?

Procinctia had traditionally preserved the entirety of our Exclusive Economic Zone, which wasn’t difficult without regular neighbors.

It’s a boundary we’re going to have to re-evaluate today.

Minimally Procinctia requests the right to uphold economic, customs, and immigration privileges within twenty eight miles from Saint Paul Island, St. George Island, and the Rat Islands chain.

Edited August 9, 2009 by Generalissimo

[Manetheren]

That is acceptable. Normally an EEZ is permissible, although in tight conditions in the Bering Sea, we feel it would be better for both parties if we allowed each other access to our EEZ. Tahoan vessels would have free access in Procinctia's Bering Sea EEZ with the exception of your territorial waters, while Procicntian vessels would have free access in Tahoe's Bering Sea EEZ with the exception of our territorial waters. A joint commission could regulate fishing from Dutch Harbor with an equal number of Procinctian and Tahoan officials.

[Generalissimo]

Given the circumstances these conditions are acceptable, I suppose that concludes the business at hand.

There are a might be a few minor topics of further dialog, but this conference has served it’s intended purpose.

[Manetheren]

A wise decision. If ever you feel there is something to discuss, Tahoe is always open to you.

[Generalissimo]

“Not half-bad for my first solo negotiation.”

Liska polity bowed to the Tahoe deligation but could stop herself from playfully waving at one the television cameras.

The results of the conference were a significant improvement from what Liska had anticipated beforehand.

* Flashback *

You’re instructions are in the envelope but our fate and future is in your hands, no pressure.

There weren’t any real instructions in the envelope, just a single note card;

“Believe in yourself, if you can't believe in yourself believe in the Procinctia that believes in you.

-Generalissimo-

PS: Tahoe can’t be reasoned with and is likely looking for an excuse to invade, just for stall for enough time to facilitate evacuations.”

Edited August 10, 2009 by Generalissimo

[Subtleknifewielder]

"Not half-bad for my first solo negotiation."

Liska polity bowed to the Tahoe deligation but could stop herself from playfully waving at one the television cameras.

The results of the conference were a significant improvement from what Liska had anticipated beforehand.

***Private Letter to Liska Atka***

"You go, girl. You did a very good job. There's not much more you can learn from me, though anytime you're in Promised Land, you are still welcome to drop by for a visit."

~Theodore Jameson

[Manetheren]

“Not half-bad for my first solo negotiation.”

Liska polity bowed to the Tahoe deligation but could stop herself from playfully waving at one the television cameras.

"Indeed."

As soon as the Tahoans boarded their aircraft back to California, they commented on the ease of negotiating exactly what they wanted from the Procinctians...which was much more simpler than was anticipated. No need to threaten violence, either, which although was always a possibility from Tahoans, although not neccessarily as popular as the world seemed to believe.

[Zarfef]

In the Aether Empire (No matter how the events took place) the action was viewed as a victory and the crowd cheered... but many were highly disappointed that Generalissimo was not there to take the glory. Many commented that if Generalissimo had been there... Tahoe would have completely surrendered and been annexed by them.

After the success of the event, Zarfef was able to acquire and donate $55,000 (standard) to the Procintia Reconstruction project.

[Generalissimo]

***Private Letter to Liska Atka***

"You go, girl. You did a very good job. There's not much more you can learn from me, though anytime you're in Promised Land, you are still welcome to drop by for a visit."

~Theodore Jameson

The previous sensation of overwhelming triumph was the only thing stopping her from crying outright.

It was the acknowledgement she was looking for; but just because Liska succeeded where many older-more experienced-better educated men faltered in the face of Tahoe didn’t mean she didn’t need Instructor Jameson.

Their regular training sessions were the only thing keeping Liska going, she still needed Instructor Jameson. . . but if not for diplomatic instruction, then what?

After the success of the event, Zarfef was able to acquire and donate $55,000 (standard) to the Procintia Reconstruction project.

Having reallocated all government recourses to finance a personal rebate $350,000 and year’s luxury vacation to every Procinctian citizen Zarfef’s $55,000 fundraiser now constitutes the entirety of funds available to the Procinctia’s government.

. . . but many were highly disappointed that Generalissimo was not there to take the glory. Many commented that if Generalissimo had been there... Tahoe would have completely surrendered and been annexed by them.

Generalissimo’s response to Aether observers who believe if Generalissimo had been there Tahoe would have completely surrendered and been annexed by them

"Sure I could have taken care of it - but how else would my elite-diplomat-in-training gain the experience necessary to make people surrender to her?

Liska preformed adequately, for a novice. "

Edited August 12, 2009 by Generalissimo

[Subtleknifewielder]

The previous sensation of overwhelming triumph was the only thing stopping her from crying outright.

It was the acknowledgement she was looking for; but just because Liska succeeded where many older-more experienced-better educated men faltered in the face of Tahoe didn't mean she didn't need Instructor Jameson.

Their regular training sessions were the only thing keeping Liska going, she still needed Instructor Jameson. . . but if not for diplomatic instruction, then what?

OOC: Well, that's an interesting twist... Not sure what to say to that...