To preserve stability

[Uberstein]

We strongly support the EU in this matter. The Rheinmark is vehemently anti-communist and their people will not react well to communist occupation. In the interest of preserving life, we support the EU. Second, neither GDR nor Deutschland should be permitted to hold this as a protectorate as both will use it to base troops and will only increase tensions in the region.

"We ask why Tahoe is meddling in European Affairs." -President Uberstein.

[Manetheren]

Offering clear, concise, rational input on matters affecting world peace and security is not "meddling" in European affairs. We care little for the opinions of third world backwater nations, and will inform Finland and President Uberstein should his thoughts ever become relevent.

[Lynneth]

***Classified Reply***

We wouldn't be sending Belarussians. Currently, our population within Valkurheim are either Anglo-Saxon, Hanseatics, or Germans, while those outside the city are Belorussians. We shall be given our outer territories to Belarus, so that what remains of White Ruthenia will be pure Germanic.

This will make most people happy, by solving the conflicts between us and Belarus, while having a neutral party (us) preventint EU from trying to enforce their power upon GDR. We shall be sending our Foreign Minister to work things out as soon as possible, so that we can establish a new state before things heat up.

*Classified reply*

"So you'll be keeping the traditional and historical capital of Belarus, Minsk (which was renamed to Valkurheim in the GNR era), while making a completely new state in former Rheinmark?

That isn't smart, and we hope you realize why."

*End of*

"That is not our point of view, but rather the local's. Especially during anarchy and after a war."

"If what you say here is truthful, you understand that in such a case we're even more suitable to protect them. In fact, it is our obligation to do so. I ask you to reconsider, a joint protectorate would be the best course of action. Not only for Rheinmark, but for Europe at large. What this means is that when somebody is to take land from the protectorate, both of us would need to agree. And joint-administration until the Land can be free. In this way, there's no need for any trouble."

"While yes, you may be more suitable to protect them, will you not overstretch yourself by doing so? You have to administer Iceland, a large region in Sweden, the baltic states, Prussia, much of Poland and almost everything German north of the Weisswurstäquator. We, on the other hand, would have a very long way to go until overstretching our capabilities.

But...Perhaps a compromise can be reached."

We strongly support the EU in this matter. The Rheinmark is vehemently anti-communist and their people will not react well to communist occupation. In the interest of preserving life, we support the EU. Second, neither GDR nor Deutschland should be permitted to hold this as a protectorate as both will use it to base troops and will only increase tensions in the region.

"Currently, it appears that it was mostly the government that was anti-communist, with large parts of the population apparently not caring enough to revolt against us and the televised 'anti-commie' rallies being mostly done with either government supporters or people that were paid for it. There's some dissent, but it's suprisingly calm, considering the amount of anti-communist propaganda that was seen under Rheinmark's government. Currently, we have begun to build a new government, more democratic than the previous one, but not necessarily communist. It's the people that should choose their government, and so it will be done in Rheinmark. We're just making sure they get work, food, healthcare and protection.

The only thing we'll restrict on the new government is not being anti-communist. This doesn't mean they have to be procommunist, of course, there's enough shades between those two stances.

And regarding the EU getting it: They would have no access, had Germany not granted it (for the time being). They would have no way sending troops in or administering the region in any way. Look at maps."

Edited December 12, 2009 by Lynneth

[Uberstein]

Offering clear, concise, rational input on matters affecting world peace and security is not "meddling" in European affairs. We care little for the opinions of third world backwater nations, and will inform Finland and President Uberstein should his thoughts ever become relevent.

"Odd, when Australia offered such advice to American nations you told them to stop meddling. But as always, Tahoe is just another hypocritical racist government. How goes the ethnic purges in your nation?" -President Uberstein

[Mergerberger II]

"Odd, when Australia offered such advice to American nations you told them to stop meddling. But as always, Tahoe is just another hypocritical racist government. How goes the ethnic purges in your nation?" -President Uberstein

"You are certainly one to talk."

-Sebastian Saviri

[Bundeskanzler]

*Classified reply*

"So you'll be keeping the traditional and historical capital of Belarus, Minsk (which was renamed to Valkurheim in the GNR era), while making a completely new state in former Rheinmark?

That isn't smart, and we hope you realize why."

*End of*

***Classified Reply***

Incorrect. Valkurheim is a completely new city built within the grounds of Minsk. However, since the historical parts are still intact, we shall be removing ourselves from that part, meaning Belarus can have their capital of Minsk while we still have Valkurheim.

Also, Minsk is only the capital after the Communist Rule. Historically, Brest, Hrodna, Polotsk, and Turaŭ were more important

OOC: Know history.

[Lynneth]

***Classified Reply***

Incorrect. Valkurheim is a completely new city built within the grounds of Minsk. However, since the historical parts are still intact, we shall be removing ourselves from that part, meaning Belarus can have their capital of Minsk while we still have Valkurheim.

Also, Minsk is only the capital after the Communist Rule. Historically, Brest, Hrodna, Polotsk, and Turaŭ were more important

OOC: Know history.

OOC: :V

*Classified Reply*

So Valkurheim is within the citylimits of Minsk. According to our definition, it thus still is part of the city Minsk, just as the Vatican is part of the city Rome.

First, how do you plan on supplying it? It will be a logistical nightmare.

Especially if Belarus wishes to keep blockading.

We do not see how it would be beneficial for you to keep it, regardless of historic importance. IF you were allowed to establish a government in former Rheinmark (in which a propaganda campaign or two are needed, really).

*End of*

[Bundeskanzler]

OOC: :V

*Classified Reply*

So Valkurheim is within the citylimits of Minsk. According to our definition, it thus still is part of the city Minsk, just as the Vatican is part of the city Rome.

First, how do you plan on supplying it? It will be a logistical nightmare.

Especially if Belarus wishes to keep blockading.

We do not see how it would be beneficial for you to keep it, regardless of historic importance. IF you were allowed to establish a government in former Rheinmark (in which a propaganda campaign or two are needed, really).

*End of*

***Classified Reply***

We shall deal with Belarus ourselves. If we need to, we will give up all of our current land. Either way, could be began the process of establishing a new state?

[Lynneth]

***Classified Reply***

We shall deal with Belarus ourselves. If we need to, we will give up all of our current land. Either way, could be began the process of establishing a new state?

*Classified Reply*

Not yet. There are issues that still need to be resolved.

Such as there still being the threat of EU-intervention.

[Bundeskanzler]

*Classified Reply*

Not yet. There are issues that still need to be resolved.

Such as there still being the threat of EU-intervention.

***Classified Reply***

Since we are close to Deutschland, we believe that your northern neighbor would like to have us be the successor of Rheinmark. Perhaps setting a conference with Deutschland would do the trick in getting the EU to back off for now.

[Teriethien]

The developments in the east have been snowballing into a massive headache for President Alain as he read intelligence reports from Élysée Palace. It wasn't that he was sorry to see Rheinmark wiped off the maps - its not like the two states ever even talked to each other - but to have the two great powers of Central Europe literally on France's doorsteps is deeply disturbing.

Even more disturbing is the stacks of emails that Lorelei had printed out for him from the Foreign Ministry. It's neatly separated into three piles, no doubt by using some sort of filtering mechanism - he knows he doesn't pay his aide enough to do it by hand. A dozen sheets were stacked under a piece of paper with "LUNATICS" written over it, apparently calling for all out war against the German states. The second, about at high as an average sized coffee mug, is prefaced with "TREEHUGGERS", citizens calling for France to do nothing. As if their president wanted to do any work if he didn't have to.

The last pile towered over him at over a metre high. "These people want you to get Alsace and Lorraine back," Lorelei had told him before disappearing, and Alain hadn't dared read any for himself yet. Nationalism is such an insufferable and dangerous idea when it doesn't work for you, he thought.

As you might be aware, when the Normans invaded France some time ago, they illegally ceded the territories of 'Upper Lorraine and Alsace' to the then-newly established Rheinmark. While France respects your claim over Rheinmark in its entirety as a protectorate, we would like to request that France be granted the the approximately 15,000 square km of primary French areas administered as Alsace-Lorraine.

Alain Mamère

President of the Republic

***

Public Statement from the Republic of France

While the fall of our erstwhile neighbour did not immediately concern France, it is now brought to our attention that Rheinmark has, unfortunately, became the scene of territorial disputes between Deutschland and the German Democratic Republic. Even though France remains a neutral outsider in the larger dispute, the clear possibility of territorial expansion by the involved powers forces the French Government raise the issue of Alsace and Lorraine.

Alsace-Lorraine has been an integral part of France since the Peace of Westphalia, and for generations the French people have fought and bled in countless wars defending this province against the German states across the border. Over the long centuries Alsace and Lorraine remained sovereign French territory save for a few decades of control by the German Empire.

It is only very recently, during the Second Norman Invasion of France, that Rhinemark acquired these territories from the illegitimate Norman invaders with dubious legal validity. When the proper and legal government was restored in Paris, the Republic chose to refrained from pressing for the return of her rightful territories; however, at no point was France's title to Alsace and Lorraine ceded.

After much deliberation, the French Government has arrived at the conclusion that it will be unacceptable to us to see Alsace-Lorraine fall under the rule of the German states involved in the ongoing dispute.

Therefore, France respectfully requests the current occupying authorities of Rheinmark permission for French peacekeeping forces to freely enter the easternmost and predominantly French parts of the territory. Our forces will remain strictly within the administrative boundaries of the Alsace-Lorraine and observe strict rules of engagement.

Jean-Baptiste Cheysson,

Ministère des Affaires étrangères

***

Mobilisation orders issued to:

1st Mechanised Division, in Chalons en Champagne

6th Light Armoured Division, in Nimes

4th Airmobile Division, in Essey-lès-Nancy

7th Armoured Division, in Besançon

Units put on alert:

2nd Armoured Division, in Orleans

3rd Mechanised Division, in Limoges

5th Armored Division, in Rouergue

[Lynneth]

As you might be aware, when the Normans invaded France some time ago, they illegally ceded the territories of 'Upper Lorraine and Alsace' to the then-newly established Rheinmark. While France respects your claim over Rheinmark in its entirety as a protectorate, we would like to request that France be granted the the approximately 15,000 square km of primary French areas administered as Alsace-Lorraine.

Alain Mamère

President of the Republic

*Private reply to the French Republic*

"Greetings.

We did, in fact, plan to give Alsace-Lorraine back to France. True, some Germans still live there, but it's an overwhelmingly french region, and thus their culture is too different from ours with a french state existing. The GDR's motto is "Unity in Diversity", but nationalists won't hear any of that.

If you permit, we would like to keep the region for the time being, until all problems are solved so that the transfer can be done peacefully.

Regards,

Lynneth Sarkara"

[Mergerberger II]

The Revolutionary Socialist Syndicate of the Netherlands supports its ally France in its effort to regain the territory of Alsace-Lorraine. We feel it is the continuation of the restoration of all French peoples into one, united land of Frenchmen. It began with the treaty of Calais, giving French Belgium and Luxembourg to France and Dutch Belgium to the Netherlands, and now it continues with the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, and it will end once the region of Brittany rejoins France. We support our allies to the end.

[Teriethien]

Alain Mamère blinked at the reply he already received. "Well that was easy," he commented to his special aide.

"Don't be too happy yet," the young Lorelei cautioned. "We don't know what Deutschland and EU intend to do, if push comes to shove the Democratic Republic..." She gave a shrug, and began drafting a reply.

To the GDR,

Thank you for your generous and righteous offer. This honourable gesture will not be forgotten by our people.

We are happy to have the GDR maintain its temporary administration of Alsace-Lorraine as the crisis unfolds. The GDR should be aware that our armed forces are currently in a state of alert. Please do not be alarmed; we merely seek to be prepared due to the volatility and tensions currently running through the region.

Sincerely,

Alain Mamère

The Revolutionary Socialist Syndicate of the Netherlands supports its ally France in its effort to regain the territory of Alsace-Lorraine. We feel it is the continuation of the restoration of all French peoples into one, united land of Frenchmen. It began with the treaty of Calais, giving French Belgium and Luxembourg to France and Dutch Belgium to the Netherlands, and now it continues with the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, and it will end once the region of Brittany rejoins France. We support our allies to the end.

France gives sincere thanks to our steadfast friend and ally the Netherlands, for standing by us in this hour of need. The French nation is in your debt.

[Kaiser Martens]

"You are mistaken. Elsass-Lothringen is a German, not French, sector. It has been permanently populated by an overwhelming German Majority for a much longer time, since as far back as our current historic era begins. Splitting Rheinmark apart like that and allowing a non-German nation to hold that territory is something we wish to stop, in fact, we'd rather have that region annexed by GDR altogether than to end up as France. "

OOC: That is referring to the fact that since 2006 the region has actually been RPed as almost entirely German either by myself or other owners. French had been made to leave due to a war that had happened before this in which France had attacked Germany. It's not mixed but mostly french like IRL.

[Lynneth]

*Private Reply to the GDR*

To the GDR,

Thank you for your generous and righteous offer. This honourable gesture will not be forgotten by our people.

We are happy to have the GDR maintain its temporary administration of Alsace-Lorraine as the crisis unfolds. The GDR should be aware that our armed forces are currently in a state of alert. Please do not be alarmed; we merely seek to be prepared due to the volatility and tensions currently running through the region.

Sincerely,

Alain Mamère

*Private Reply*

"Greetings.

It is completely understandable that you are concerned about the region, regarding your military movements. It does seem at the moment that the EU will not do much other than claim it's better-suited. They probably think that the arguing between us, Germany and you will be enough to keep us all occupied while they do their thing, whatever it may be.

Germany's claims to Alsace-Lorraine being completely german are unfounded, by the way. It is true that there's a very large german minority, but the french are still more. Until now, the french there have been calm, but with the French national state paying attention, they're getting more active. The Germans are staging counterprotests, it's a difficult situation. Perhaps joint-rule would be best, so that both French and Germans get what they want.

Regards,

Lynneth Sarkara"

"You are mistaken. Elsass-Lothringen is a German, not French, sector. It has been permanently populated by an overwhelming German Majority for a much longer time, since as far back as our current historic era begins. Splitting Rheinmark apart like that and allowing a non-German nation to hold that territory is something we wish to stop, in fact, we'd rather have that region annexed by GDR altogether than to end up as France. "

OOC: That is referring to the fact that since 2006 the region has actually been RPed as almost entirely German either by myself or other owners. French had been made to leave due to a war that had happened before this in which France had attacked Germany. It's not mixed but mostly french like IRL.

"It's both, actually. There are still many French people, regardless of your claims. How they are there we do not know, but it is likely they simply disguised themselves well enough to be seen as German. There's only a bit of culture and language separating them and us, looks aren't different. A Frenchman looks like a German."

OOC: I do recognise there's a lot of Germans, many more than IRL, but a majority, no. See it as a bit of whitewashing history if you want, but I don't see the French leaving the region without a brutal civil war, so it's more likely they just went 'underground' and disguised themselves, etc.

[Teriethien]

"You are mistaken. Elsass-Lothringen is a German, not French, sector. It has been permanently populated by an overwhelming German Majority for a much longer time, since as far back as our current historic era begins. Splitting Rheinmark apart like that and allowing a non-German nation to hold that territory is something we wish to stop, in fact, we'd rather have that region annexed by GDR altogether than to end up as France. "

"While we acknowledge a substantial population of German speakers in Alsace-Lorraine, we do not believe that they constitute a majority of the local residents. Indeed, we would suggest that the region, as a melting pot that combines both German and French cultural and linguistic traditions, would be home to a large number of bilingual residents. Nonetheless, generations of predominantly French inhabitants would not disappear over the course of a few years. We thus consider Alsace-Lorraine to remain integrally French territories.

"Furthermore, while we appreciate your sentiments with regards to the welfare of your fellow German speakers, we see no cause for concern. Historically Alsace-Lorraine has had a large number of German speakers, and they were able to live their lives in peace as loyal French citizens with their community, culture and language undisturbed by the state. There is no reason why this could not be reproduced today.

"As a matter of fact, the Republic of France gives our most solemn assurances that the German minority within Alsace-Lorraine will enjoy special rights designed to protect and foster the growth of their community. The local government and schools and will be officially bilingual, with direct funding by the central government. The French Government will also provide financial assistance to any local inhabitant who wishes to emigrate to a German state subsequent to this change, with measures such as offering full compensation at fair market value for real estate properties."

*Private Reply*

"Greetings.

It is completely understandable that you are concerned about the region, regarding your military movements. It does seem at the moment that the EU will not do much other than claim it's better-suited. They probably think that the arguing between us, Germany and you will be enough to keep us all occupied while they do their thing, whatever it may be.

Germany's claims to Alsace-Lorraine being completely german are unfounded, by the way. It is true that there's a very large german minority, but the french are still more. Until now, the french there have been calm, but with the French national state paying attention, they're getting more active. The Germans are staging counterprotests, it's a difficult situation. Perhaps joint-rule would be best, so that both French and Germans get what they want.

Regards,

Lynneth Sarkara"

Private Reply:

This is good to hear, the claim that the region had been emptied of all French people has been somewhat disturbing to us. Regarding the administration of Alsace-Lorraine, we feel that join-rule is somewhat unworkable. However, we share and understand the concerns the German nations have. Although we consider Alsace-Lorraine to be inherently French, it is our opinion that a strong Germanic tradition is what makes the region special. Accordingly, the current plan is to integrate Alsace-Lorraine as a special bilingual administrative unit, with special protection of the local German language and culture. We hope that this solution is acceptable to the GDR.

Sincerely,

Alain Mamère

Edited December 14, 2009 by Teriethien

[Kaiser Martens]

"Well then. Everybody has betrayed the people of Rheinmark. They're forcibly cut up like a cake and sold to the French while occupied by a nation they fought against only months ago. But the worst thing is that nobody cares. Everyone condemned the HRE attack on Germany and the Dutch attack on Lübeck, but it seems that caring for Rheinmark is not worth the trouble. This is a disgraceful trampling of the People of Rheinmark. Imperialism as its worst. It seems that Europe can't be still without invading a nation every month."

Edited December 15, 2009 by Kaiser Martens

[comrade nikonov]

We hope that the GDR find some land appropriate for the relocation of the nordic Tintagylians in former Rheinmark. It is recognized that neither White Ruthenia nor the Union of Belarus ourselves wish to see a further prolonged presence of those peoples in Belarusian lands.

[Lynneth]

Private Reply:

This is good to hear, the claim that the region had been emptied of all French people has been somewhat disturbing to us. Regarding the administration of Alsace-Lorraine, we feel that join-rule is somewhat unworkable. However, we share and understand the concerns the German nations have. Although we consider Alsace-Lorraine to be inherently French, it is our opinion that a strong Germanic tradition is what makes the region special. Accordingly, the current plan is to integrate Alsace-Lorraine as a special bilingual administrative unit, with special protection of the local German language and culture. We hope that this solution is acceptable to the GDR.

Sincerely,

Alain Mamère

*Private Reply*

Sad to hear, but as you wish. Alsace-Lorrain will, despite the claims and complaints of our northern neighbours, become a part of France again.

Currently, it seems that the EU has gotten off our backs, so we may initiate the transfer of administrative control soon.

*End of*

We hope that the GDR find some land appropriate for the relocation of the nordic Tintagylians in former Rheinmark. It is recognized that neither White Ruthenia nor the Union of Belarus ourselves wish to see a further prolonged presence of those peoples in Belarusian lands.

"Just send them here, they'll be received as friends."

*Private*

"And reeducated, for Communism!"

[Teriethien]

"Well then. Everybody has betrayed the people of Rheinmark. They're forcibly cut up like a cake and sold to the French while occupied by a nation they fought against only months ago. But the worst thing is that nobody cares. Everyone condemned the HRE attack on Germany and the Dutch attack on Lübeck, but it seems that caring for Rheinmark is not worth the trouble. This is a disgraceful trampling of the People of Rheinmark. Imperialism as its worst. It seems that Europe can't be still without invading a nation every month."

"It is regrettable to see such negative reactions coming out of Deutschland. Time and again Alsace-Lorraine seems to prove itself fated to be the origins of French-German enmity. France can only hope that time will cool tempers, and that our commitments to the German minority in the region would heal whatever wounds might be left in the local populace from the recent political upheaval."

Private to GDR:

We are ready to take over the administration of Alsace-Lorraine at your convenience.

[Lynneth]

Private to GDR:

We are ready to take over the administration of Alsace-Lorraine at your convenience.

*Private reply*

"Please send your officials. We've stationed troops at the to-be border that are already constructing the border posts and whatnot, so that it'll be a proper border between our two nations, where no illegals can just come over for a bit.

Once your officials arrive, ours will leave, making Alsace-Lorraine French once more.

That should also stop the demonstrations that've been going on the last days."