NationStates Jolt Archive

ooc: following on events in the thread "The Unlikely Deliverance" at http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=333648&page=7&pp=15 . Knootoss will offer a somewhat contrary view on the same events ;)

---

To the governments and peoples of the world, hear our call.

Tanah Burung is under illegal attack by the armed forces of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss. We are a peaceful state with no offensive armed forces of any kind. Many years ago we freed ourselves from the brutal colonial rule of Knootoss. Now, they try to take that freedom back from us.

From the air they bombard our cities. Already, dozens are dead at the hands of Knootian bombs. From the sea they menace our shores. Already, our overseas trade and thus our entire economy are threatened with blockade. From the land they invade our country, bent on conquest. Already, Knootian soldiers are within our frontiers, marching in a treacherous surprise attack.

Truly, this day shall live in infamy, as another great leader said about another cowardly sneak attack.

Why have the invaders struck, so cruelly and so callously, at our people? Recently, they have come under the sway of a religious cult that worships the so-called Free Market as if it were agod, a cult calling itself The Invisible Hand. Recently, too, my government has been pursuing a campaign seeking mediation between rebels in Colombia who wish to be free of colonial rule, and their Knootian overlords. Some of my people are over-enthusiastic. A few of them smuggled weapons into Colombia and are fighting alongside the rebels. They are not acting on behalf of my government. Tanah Burung’s interest in the Colombian situation is purely in the interests of peace and self-determination, and it is entirely non-violent. We cannot be held responsible as a government for the actions of a few of our citizens.

Nevertheless, we have acted as far as we are able under the law to stop these incursions. We have ceased all production of arms as a sign of our peaceful intent, even though the arms smuggled into Colombia are not manufactured in this country. We have offered to submit our quarrel with Knootoss to mediation. We have agreed to a referendum that would make the organization fighting in Colombia, the Rumbiak Brigade, illegal. That referendum was scheduled for a few weeks from now. The response from Knootoss has been an ultimatum: ban the Brigades now, or face attack.

I can not and will not be party to a subversion of our constitution at the behest of a foreign power. Under the constitution of this country, the government is not empowered to ban organizations without approval in a citizen referendum. We have pledged such a referendum. Knootoss has rejected this, and is now attacking us.

My friends, this action is in violation of treaties signed by Knootoss. They are pledged by treaty to submit international disputes to mediation before resorting to force. There have been no negotiations, no mediation. There has only been an ultimatum, followed by a vicious and unprovoked attack. It is clear that Knootoss hopes to return my country to its former status as one of their colonies, a land they can exploit and plunder.

My brothers in the international community, Knootoss has declared itself by this murderous assault to be an international criminal. It cannot be trusted to abide by its treaties. It is a rogue state, and must be treated as such.

My sisters across the seas, I appeal to you today: do not let this rogue state get away with its dastardly attack on a peaceful country, one with no air force or navy. I appeal to you to isolate this criminal regime. Because we are a peaceful people, we do not ask for military action against Knootoss. But we do ask that you impose economic sanctions against Knootoss until they cease their military aggression and withdraw from our country. I make this appeal particularly to those who trade with Knootoss through the KIST treaty: suspend this trade, suspend this treaty, until Knootoss agrees once more to abide by international law. If you have influence with them, please urge them to come to the bargaining table. We will meet them, if they end their attack and agree to have neutral mediators present. Until they cease their attack, we will resist them on every inch of our soil and with every breath in our bodies. We do not ask for your military help, but a few friends from overseas are assisting us in an International Brigade. We shall resist with our own peopel and our own strength, but if small detachments of foreign friends wish to fight by our side, we will make them welcome. The fight against Knootian corporate fascism is a global fight.

My cousins in Knootoss, my final word is to you. I know you are a peaceful people at heart. Your government, drunk with ambition and greed, has struck at a defenceless people, a people it claims to care about. I beg you, do not let this war be carried out in tour name. Withdraw your consent from this government. To the parties in parliament who do not love war, withdraw your confidence from this government. To the trade unions and employees of businesses, stop the docks from sending more ships and planes to attack us. To the soldiers of Knootoss, refuse the unjust orders of your superiors to invade another land. To the people of goodwill throughout Knootoss, bring this government to heel like the crazed dog that it is. If you beleive that peopel amtter more than profits, free tour country from this Invisible Hand cult. Once this attack stops, I will be the first to reach out the hand of friendship to Knootoss. Until then, we shall resist, resist, resist.

La’o hamutuk, mau bere! Resister y vencer!

Mari Alkatiri
People’s representative for foreign affairs & human rights
United Provinces of Tanah Burung

From: Yash Chuk-Mul, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.
To: Our Friends in Tanah Burung and the International Community

Under the Emergency Powers Act the Supreme Republican Commander has authorized me to act.

The statement made by Mari Alkitari of the United Provinces is true. In defiance of the International Mediation Charter that the Democratic Dutch Republic signed, they have forgone the step requesting mediation and have attacked the United Provinces. The Democratic Dutch Republic of Knootoss is one of the founders of the Mediation Council and was instrumental in drawing up the charter, the charter they then signed and have now broken.

The Democratic Dutch Republic has broken the IMC Charter and has engaged in an illegal invasion of the Sovereign Territory of the United Provinces of Tanah Burung. In response, the Free Republic has cut off all trade with the Democratic Dutch Republic. Additionally all Knootian vessels and Knootian products within the sovereign territory of the Free Republic will be seized until the DDR stops it's illegal and unjustified acts.

We in the Free Republic feel personally betrayed. We supported the DDR in their atempt to stop imperialism within the UnAPS. We joined the IMC to help the DDR in it's quest to find peaceful resolutions to international conflicts. The DDR has now spit in the face of these honourable principles, and in the face of the People of the Free Republic. The DDR has become the very imperialist, aggressive nation they once strenuously opposed.

We are deeply saddened that the friends we once trusted and once shared so much in common with, have betrayed us in such a manner and have betrayed common trust and decency in such a manner.

We fully support the United Provinces of Tanah Burung and their call for action against the Imperialist State of Knootoss.

All Power to the People,
Yash Chuk-Mul, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

To the Esteemed Potentate of Tanah Burung:

We have boycotted Knootoss sense he began to produce a rival soda to our Spaz Cola, which happens to be almost 40 years ago. Rest assured, we will continue with our boycott, and may even send aid in some form or another. Should you require provisions, military supplies, a few robots, or even a place to send refugees, we will be open to your requests. We will have you know that Knootoss and their horrible-tasting, herpies-causing, furry-porn-endorsing Pink Bunny Cola are most hated by us, and we would appreciate very much any efforts to put them out of business.

Dawn Kradii, Executive First Class
Secretary to the CEO, Resi Corp

From: Jan Brothelcow, Foreign Office assistant, speaking on behalf the Minister of Foreign Affairs Saturnino Vacuno.
To: All nations concerned

It is a shame that still in modern ages imperialism still exists. It is a shame that a nation that calls itself "democratic" and "goodwilling" decides to attack a defenseless and pacific nation like Tanah Burung for no good reasons, but for greed and selfishness.
Hell Bovines condemns the invasion commited by Knootoss and its allies on the United Provinces of Tanah Burung. This invasion is done without proper reasons, but motivated by dark economic interests and an imperialist actitude not worthy of a nation that calls itself modern.
Though there is no trade between Hell Bovines and the DDR, we will proceed to cut the few economic links that exists, as well as diplomatic and cultural links with said nation.

We urge citizens in Knootoss to protest against this attrocities commited by their govenrment and hope that, as a pseudo-democracy, they are able to stop them. Until then, we condemn this attack and stand right next to Tanah Burung and its allies in their call for action against foreign opression.
¡Abajo el imperialismo! Down with imperialism!

We have found yet another reason (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=6961386) to boycott Knootoss. Enjoy.

#tag#. Post soon.

Kehtharin Square in front of the Palace of the Ruling Council,
Capital City of Vigvar,
Taraskovyan Federation,
Sisgardia.

A single protestor stands in front of the main gates of the palace with a big banner, saying:

DOWN WITH KNOOTOSS!
DOWN WITH IMPERIALIST WINDMILLS!
LONG LIVE WATERMILLS!

A bored policeman comes up to him and asks him whether he has the authorization to make a manifestation in front of the Palace. Once the absence of such a document is evident, the police officer hands the man a fine card. This card will be 'filled' with 'fine money', 200 Taraskovyan Franks for each hour the man remains in front of the gate. Pondering, the man packs up and leaves, stopping by a café and buying a bottle of Pink Bunny Cola.

Ministry of Information, Vegana City

The clerks watched the papers with interest. A call for Boycott, and against Knootian goods. The senior clerk rose his glasses on his brow and looked down over his nose at the papers.

"I see here that Knootian is part of the imperialistic conspiration againt poor underdeveloped countries. Is there any chance that we can find out what countries that is?"

"Yes sir, I think a nation called Tanah Burung issued the call for boycott, they are naming a lot of different aggressions that the imperialistic heathen scums of Knootoss are performing against them."

"Hmmm.. Brother Xerxes, what do you make of this? Any chances of us exploiting it?"

"Several brother Matthew, we could side with CACE or Tanah Burung, we have done that before" Brother Matthew took a sip from his Pink Bunny Cola " Or we could condemn this boycott and liberate some of the nations that Knootoss seemely exploits and annex them into the Reich."

The Head Clerk nodded and absently read the note again. "Brother Xerxes? Aren't we kind of imperialistic?"

"Hmmm... you have a point there Brother Matthew. Some nations even might consider us evil after what we did to some nations."

"Yes, what happened to that embassy wasn't just right. There were innocent people killed there. And those islands.." At this point brother Matthew looked around and reminded himself of the microphones that was planted in this very room.

"But on the other hand, we just see to that the poor underdeveloped countries gets a decent upbringing and can grasp our superior culture and the true faith. How could the true children of god ever be anything but good. " Brother Xerxes followed his brothers eyes and gulped as he saw the microphone.

"God is great brother Xerxes"

"God is truly great brother"

The under clerk nodded happily with a puppy like expression on his face over the wisdom that his elders show. Looking at brother Xerxes and Brother Matthew in awe.

Tanah Brung i will boycott Knootoss and will you enter into an allience with me to boycott his goods?

OOC: For those who want a quick recap of the Knootian position and basic facts as we see them: look Here in this post. (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6439172&postcount=162) which contains a speech by Galadriël. Any speech now would basically be saying the same with present tense, anyway, even though in the meantime the Knootian military was also attacked by Weegies in Colombia which killed a few solders, and other stuff. Still, you should get the basic ‘GRR terrorism’ point.

Read it please, otherwise that what is below will probably not make much sense.

Press Release
To: Major press agencies, relevant governments
From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Knootoss
Subject: Call to boycott the DDR by Tanah Burung People’s representative for foreign affairs & human rights

The Council of Ministers of the Dutch Democratic Republic unanimously rejects the call by Mari Alkatiri, the Burungi People’s representative for foreign affairs, to boycott Knootian companies exporting fine products everywhere. The call by the extreme-left peoples representative is based on a complete misrepresentation of the facts and we are convinced that more moderate and reasonable forces within the United Provinces see the recent actions of ourselves and others in the world community for what they really are: an attempt to help the Burungis and the world at large in their struggle against extremist terrorist organisations.

The foreign ministry strongly contests the claim by Mari Alkatiri that the international coalition of nations that is sending security and police forces to combat Rumbiak Brigade terrorism inside the United Provinces is engaging in an illegal act. The Rumbiak Brigade presents a clear and imminent danger to the DDR and these nations. It is poised to strike against Knootian and other foreign targets and its radical anticapitalist ideology makes it an enemy of the entire Free World. These people are without moderation and will stop at nothing to destroy our way of life. This is not a war against the Tanah Burung government or the Tanah Burung people. This is a war against a small number of terrorists inside that nation only.

The government decision to lead an international coalition of nations and send specialised antiterrorist forces as well as the Knootian Peace Corps into Tanah Burung was made with the approval of democratic institutions such as our parliament. The government is acting on solid evidence of Rumbiak Brigade activity within the Knootian Federation which has so far cost numerous lives, it is acting on intelligence we obtained from captured terrorists and other sources, and it is acting on risk assessments by military experts. The presence of the Rumbiak Brigade in Tanah Burung is not even contested by Mari Alkatiri yet requests by the DDR government to take affirmative action were ignored.

Knootoss has always valued diplomacy highly and is, again, acting with the support of other nations. We have shared some of our proof of Rumbiak Brigade terrorism (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6720658&postcount=72) with the IMC and are still willing to engage in a dialogue with the Tamah Burung government through the mediation process. However the DDR cannot delay the inevitable destruction of the Rumbiak Brigade at the cost of the lives of our soldiers, our people and the peoples of our friends and allies

Overseas trade between the United Provinces and nations that do not support terrorism will not be blocked. A specialised anti-terror taskforce has been dispatched to monitor Tanah Burung waters with the objective of preventing the people we are now hunting from simply getting out temporarily, and also to prevent their terrorist allies from getting in and kill Knootians. This temporary cordon is vital to successfully isolating and destroying terrorist elements so Knootian forces can leave as soon as possible. Should any disruption of normal affairs cause shortfalls within the United Provinces during this short period of monitored traffic, the DDR will gladly arrange for alternative sources of trade.

((OOC: Knootian public opinion later, in the Unlikely Deliverance thread or hopefully in another thread if FOE is still interested in stirring things up))

To: Ilek-Vaad government
Since your nation foolishly decided to withdraw itself from the international KIST treaty the early beginnings of potential trade between our nations slumped. Back then, your unilateral actions for domestic political gain caused damage to both our economies. Fortunately we do not have to take another hit facilitated by your repeated betrayal of those that stood by you as your friends.

Despite the rather limited consequences of your government making yyour de-facto economic boycott of our nation official, the pleasure yacht SS Mathilda belonging to a Knootian national by the name of E.M. Vaandrig was docked in a Vaadian port at the time of your pronouncement. We demand the immediate safe release of the yacht and all the people on it or we shall take proper measures as to avenge the loss of property by our citizens and secure their release from this illegal captivity. The government has decided to compensate little Agatha Vaandrig for the pony she had in Ilek-Vaad, though the emotional loss can probably never be compensated fully.
~Ministry of Economic Affairs

(tag)( intresting)

In the light of vague concerns arising from a potential market disruption in the region of Tanah Burung the Foreign Commissary has been prompted in to issuing a statement to calm those who would cause more damage to the market place.

"The Foreign Commissary extends a decleration of support to Knootian efforts to bring criminal elements to justice, though the idea of enacting more physical support has not been ruled out we believe that the need is not currently apparent. Though rest assured that should events continue in a fashion which threatens the free market rectifying measures will be taken."

After issuing the statement a slight boost in confidence was reported for investments in Knootian related areas.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/a_marrington/ns/pantocratoria.jpg
Act Forbidding the Import of Goods Originating in the Dutch Democratic Republic (or, the Knootian Boycott Act)

Be it henceforth enacted by the Emperor's Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty that no item shall be imported by any Imperial citizen which originates in the Dutch Democratic Republic (henceforth referred to as Knootoss), nor from any source in which there is a Knootian commercial interest.

Further, let any product currently stored in warehouses, retail outlets, and other places of commercial distribution or storage, the import of which would be forbidden by this Act, be seized henceforth, and in cases where any payment be outstanding to any Knootian commercial interest for a product, let that product be returned to the Knootian commercial interest without payment. In cases where no payment be outstanding, let the product remain impounded by the Imperial Port Authority until such time as this act is repealed, after which time it the product shall be returned to he or she from whom it was confiscated, without compensation.

Further, let any legitimately established publicly owned business incorporated within Imperial jurisdiction in which there is a Knootian commercial interest of over 50% (that is to say, in which the principal ownership is Knootian in origin) suppress the voting rights of its Knootian stockholders and take such measures as it deems fit according to all applicable acts, laws, and edicts to compel the divesture of any Knootian held shares. But where the Knootian commercial interest is less than 50%, let Knootian shareholders keep what stock they will, but not purchase more.

Be it noted that the Imperial Parliament is to consider the repeal of this Act at such a time as the free nation of Tanah Burung be no further molested by undue Knootian aggression.

Passed into law in the thirty-first year of the reign of the Dread Sovereign Andreus, Pantocratorian Emperor, Autocrator of the Romans, Equal of the Apostles, King of France and Navarre, et al.


God Save the Emperor

#tag#

Department of Economic Concerns, Merchant Trade Pact.

We lend our support to the Knootians, and refuse to boycott all and any products from that nation, and all associates.

Anarchsocia is behind the Burungi all the way in their fight against the imperialist facists called the koontoss . Our country does not have a very large military . Infact we have no formaly trained military just small civillian run malitias to defend their Anarchsocian right to be free . If we inform them of your struggle then I'm sure that they will be willing to fight along side with you . I also will offer my full support in not ingaging in any trades with those pigs . As soon as you need Anachsocias help we will be their . I my self actualy have tried that cola that the koontoss produce and it is a vile drink . I unfortunately had dissentary for several days after drinking it .

[OOC: Whuts with the puppet wank?]

[OOC: Whuts with the puppet wank?]
Meh, i've switched nations and started over, so technically I'm not puppet wanking :P

Meh, i've switched nations and started over, so technically I'm not puppet wanking :P

[OOC: And your very first post is in this thread?

Euh... right... ]

((Gotta make a first post somewhere, Tara ;)))

Perhaps surprisingly, no Shieldian government had anything to say about Knootoss, Tanah Burung, or the invasion and boycott. On one hand, the Rumbiak Brigade had been stirring up trouble in Gallaga for some time - which caused the government no small amount of irritation - and the end of that was generally regarded as a positive thing. On the other hand, Knootoss had acted with alarming unilateralism, something which the government could hardly endorse.

So they hunkered down and waited for further developments. In the meantime, everyone hoped that Ambassador Fletcher and the embassy in Ukun Rasikan was quite all right.

The indubitably handsome Joseph Van Arsden walked into the Press Room of the newly built Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The glass and steel setting was a pleasant change from the drab stone and old wood of the old Blått Hus. His serious manner was noted, for the Lietuv was often cheerful and smiling. He stepped behind the clean, glass podium and spoke into the small microphone as newspaper cameras clicked and television cameras rolled. The brightly lit room was eerily quiet as he began with a sip of cold water.

"It is my duty to inform the United Republics of a new menace to the Earth on this Sixth day of September, a menace that would so spread lies in order to defame others for its own actions. Tanah Burung speaks of Knootian imperialism. What? The Dutch Democratic Republic is not guilty of anything but defending its interests and people. The terrorist group of the Rumbiak Brigade has attempted to instill social chaos in Knootian Colombia, not to mention other atrocities. I stand here today to proclaim that the Burungians speak lies. It is unbelievable that any nation that is so guilty of crimes could even begin to think to blame others for actions that it effectively started. The government of Tanah Burung failed to act and halt the Rumbiak Brigade before it could do damage. The government of Tanah Burung refused to restrain or arrest members of the Rumbiak Brigade even after it began terrorizing Knootian Colombia. For these reasons, the Burungian attempt to make themselves look like the weak and innocent victim are pathetic and ridiculous. If it had no strength to defend against a nation that would refuse to fall victim to terorrism, it should have restrained its citizens from the beginning. If Tanah Burung will not control and destroy the Rumbiak Brigade, then Knootoss and its allies will." He paused, and slightly smiled.

"I tell you today that the URHP is one of those allies. In the face of terrorism, we will cross oceans and mountains to defend the righteousness of allies and friends. The United Republics will offer the 1st Strike Division of the Lietuv Army, as well as the 2nd Strike Fleet of the Lietuv Navy. Also, in the attempt to ensure that our Knootian allies will not suffer severe monetary loss from this campaign to root out the terrorists of the Rumbiak Brigade and their harborers in Tanah Burung, the URHP will wire approximately 4.5 billion Litas to Knootoss. (about 8.4 billion USD) If there is any need for further justification, I will take questions now," he ended, looking across the room as journalists raised their hands and shouted questions.

1st Strike Division
10,000 soldiers armed with M16s and M40 frag grenades (some have a little more..)
350 M1A2 Abrams tanks
300 M60 Bradley IFVs
100 Paladin Howitzers
Support Vehicles/Personnel not included

2nd Strike Fleet
1 Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier -- LSS Itarildë Eledhwen (80 F-22 Raptors)
05 Iowa Class Battleships
10 Oliver Hazzard Perry Class Frigates
05 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers
05 Ticonderoga Class Cruisers

Boycott Knootoss!!!!

To:Joseph Van Arsden, URHP
From: Jonathon Tocatl, IMC Delegation, Ilek-Vaad

Mr. Van Arsden I saw you speech and was rather intrigued by your statements. You spoke of 'atrocitices' committed by the 'Rumbiak Brigade' against Knootian forces in Columbia. From all of the evidence that Knootian and Chimean forces in Columbia have shown we have only seen evidence for one instance of failed weapon smuggling. When I personally asked the esteemed Knootian representatives of the IMC to provide additional evidence and proof of their claims against Tanah Burung, they pointedly declined, instead they offered evidence that the weapons that the Rumbiak Brigade attempted to smuggle were of non-Burungi origin, and that the Rumbiak Brigade may not even be based in Tanah Burung!

What the DDR is doing is akin to sentencing a man to die without ever publicly disclosing evidence, or allowing a trial. If the DDR would only prove their case before such drastic action, we would support them. A refusal to show evidence, in Vaadian Courts, is exactly the same as having none!

I would once again, publicly ask for evidence as to the activities of the Rumbiak Brigade and an explanation as to why a full scale invasion of Tanah Burung is necessary when the Rumbiak Brigade is not using weapons from Tanah Burung and may in fact be based somewhere else altogether.

I know that the URHP has very close ties with the DDR, I emplore you Mr. Van Arsden, to tell them to show what evidence they haveand to justify this action that is illegal under the IMC Charter that the DDR helped to create.

The DDR has betrayed us, and refused to even acknowledge our very basic questions. The DDR refuses to give us a reason as to why we should support them , but they have given us none. We will never support wrong actions and this action is wrong in the light of incomplete, inconsistant and irrelevant information provided by the DDR.

We once considered the DDR our closest friends, but now they have frozen us out, I hope you have better luck in dealing with them and I hope that the typical clear thinking wisdom of the URHP can convince the DDR to let the world know what 'atrocities' and 'crimes' they have uncovered. Until then, they remain aggressive imperailists along the same lines as the Scandavian States. It is they, as the aggresors, who must prove their case and defend their actions.


OOC: the link earlier provided by Knootoss regarding evidence, should be read before commenting on the above. It frames IC exactly what Mr. Tocatl has stated, so before you say he's wrong.......................

Outside Tanah Burung's embassy in Knootoss, a makeshift news centre had been set up. A fat, prosperous woman bellied up to the podium.

Ambassador Kay Rala began to speak.

"My government is unable to communicate easily at the moment, so I am speaking for them. Perhaps I shall be arrested for speaking. Well, that's a risk I must take. I am one who has always believed in friendship with Knootoss. This call for a boycott saddens me. Yet what else can we do?

"Our case boils down to two points. First, the DDR has signed a binding international treaty to use mediation in all disputes before resorting to force. They are violating this treaty. It seems clear that the Knootian government can not be trusted to keep its international commitment. Their flouting of the Mediation Treaty signed in Hofburg, almost immediately after the extinction of the noble and honourable Empire of Lavenrunz which sponsored that treaty, is especially poignant. Knootoss now claims for itself the right to make pre-emptive strikes and to ignore international law. It wishes to act as judge, jury and executioner.

"Second, our government and peopel have not been linked in any way to the Rumbiak Briagdes. Our government is doing all within its power to stop these Brigades from operating. Yet Knootoss demadns the right to over-ride national laws and force an action now. Rather than wait two weeks for a legal referendum, they will kill our people. And make no mistake: my people are already dying. This is gunboat diplomacy, and an attempted recolonization.

"In response to Mr van Aarsden of Liuetuveska, I simply say this: what crimes have we committed? Even the government of Knootoss is not claiming that my government has committed crimes. It is not a pretence to act as innocent victims: we are innocent victims. We shall handle these Rumbiak Brigades -- who have not been accused of causing a single death, I might add -- in our own way. Will you, too, attack rather than wait two weeks? Will you too stain your hands with the blood of our people?

"I express the thanks of my government for the support that has been given already by several countries. And I make a personal appeal to the Knootoss Green Party and the Social Liberal Party, inthe anme of peace and international understanding, to vote no confidence in this government. In doing this I step outside the actions permitted to a diplomat. But no more so than the Prime Minister of Knootoss, who has appointed herself as above the law."

The Corporate Federal Conglomerate categorically rejects any motion to impose politically motivated economic restrictions on Knootian trade. For reasons of economic freedoms recently mentioned in our response to the call to boycott Lallanea, Santa Barbara will not alter it's existing policies on this matter in any way.

OOC: We <3 the OotIH!

A young man in a classically tailored suit stepped up to the podium. "Before I take your questions," the press spokesman said, "I have a statement to read.

"In the name of His Imperial Majesty, David IV, and under the authority invested in me by the Tariffs and Exclusion Act of 1876, this day I have proclaimed a boycott against all goods and services originating from the Dutch Democratic Republic, any territories held by the DDR or produced by any companies owned in their majority by citizens or the DDR. Further, all such goods are hereby excluded from the Excalbian Isles. This exclusion and boycott shall remain in place until such time as the DDR shall show evidence of following its obligations to international agreements with respect to the situation in Tanah Burung. Given by my hand on this date, signed Albert Cummings, Minister of State."

Martin Yulle set down the printed version of the proclamation and saw a sea of raised hands. He pointed to the senior diplomatic correspondent. "Yes?"

"Mr. Yulle, the Holy Empire has had only limited dealings at best with either Tanah Burung or Knootoss. Isn't this merely another example of His Imperial Majesty's Government following the foreign policy line of Pantocratoria?"

"Of course not, James." Martin looked very serious. "Naturally, we endeavor to confer with and support our Pantocratorian allies whenever we can. Certainly, they have supported us in the past. However, Pantocratoria has involved itself in many situations where we have chosen to remain neutral. In this case, however, the Minister, the Chancellor and, indeed, the Emperor himself, reviewed the facts of the matter and concluded that as a moral nation committed to international rule of law, we should do something -even if it is largely symbolic - to show our rejection of Knootoss' unilateral and dangerous behavior."

The Ministry press spokesman looked around and pointed to another reporter. "Next question?"

"Yes, sir," a young woman stood, "does the Empire have any plans to support Tanah Burung in other ways?"

"Not at the moment. We note that Tanah Burung does have a number of allies and has shown no indication of needing or desiring our support. However, the Holy Empire does have some resources and expertise in arms and defensive systems and would certainly entertain any request to explore procuring such assistance. Yes, next?"

"Sir, moving on to another topic..."

The Revolutionary Council of the Free Virginia Liberation Army has released the following statement:

"We wholeheartedly support our brothers in Tanah Burung in their resistence to Knootian imperlialsim and call upon all peace- and freedom-loving nations of the world to support their call for a boycott of Knootoss and Knootian goods. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all the victims of Knootian agression, which includes one of our own leaders - Comrade Athene Blaumena - who was in Tanah Burung to appeal to the conscience of the world on behalf of our struggle."

Jessica sighed. She had no love for Knootoss, but a treaty was a treaty, after all.

{Begin Message}
TO: Various Nations of the World
FR: Jessica Hawthorne
RE: Boycott of the DDR
TX:

The Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss is a member of the WBO, and a member in good standing as well. As such, the Hack will not be taking part of any proposed boycott. In fact, we are more than willing to step up production to fill any trade holes or supply problems in the DDR because of this boycott, with only a minimal mark-up.

- Jessica Hawthorne, Delegate to the WBO
The Semi-Autonomous Technocratic Oligarchy of the Most Glorious Hack
{End Message}

A tag disguised as an informative statement!:

The Order would find it against its best financial interests to boycott Knootoss, due to our having Contract with them......

(Looks like I inadverdently tied myself to you when we did the Whaliling contract.......guess I'm gonna end up riding along for this one..)

[OOC: And your very first post is in this thread?

Euh... right... ]
Well I would have had the first part to my character establishment Story.
However my PC is acting up so I couldn't C&P it, that and Knootoss wanted registrations of Knootian support :p

Deep out at sea a long range Patrol Sub (http://www.geocities.com/bishoplotus/anamecha5stormjack) was picking up Tanah Burung's transmissions.

The Sensor Operator calls over his shoulder.

"Captain, it seems things are kicking off between Knootoss and Tanah Burung, the Vid screenings are calling for additional boycotts, no sign of military intervention yet.."

Leaning foreward from his command cair to get a better view of the broadcasts, Commander Graham rubbed his chin.

"Leander, isn't it Tanah Burung's diplomats that are still on a tour of ANA?"

he leans back with a troubled sigh

"This could get messy, keep a close eye on things, Sensors, send a Pulse to TaCom informing them of the situation here, and let them know we are staying on station."

((OOC: tagged for intrests)))

From: Mary Burns, Deputy Council Leader of the Tropical Socialist Republic of The Weegies
To: All Concerned Nations

Governments, Nations, Peoples, we may not see eye to eye on matters of ideaology, but I implore you; to continue trade with Knootoss is to support riding roughshod over the principles and decorum of international diplomacy, to support war over peace, to support strongarm tactics over mediation.

Knootoss' arguments for this "police action" have been debunked one by one, mostly by the enquiring and questioning representatives of Ilek-Vaad, who I wholeheartedly give my warmest appreciation for not swallowing whole the propoganda of Knootoss, and seeing through the flimsy pretexts that this attack have been based on. Tanah Burung has bent over backwards to accomodate the Knootians, going as far as their rule of law would allow to prevent the Rumbiak Brigade from carrying out their operations - hardly the uncompromising terrorist nation that the DDR suggests - and the Knootians knew that Tanah Burung went as far as they could. They knew this, and cynically exploited it, knowing that to go further would undermine the foundations that Tanah Burung was based on, and overrule their laws. And so they have pushed Tanah Burung until they could go no further, and then have the tenacity to claim that they are the ones who are hard done by. To claim, therefore, that Tanah Burung is a terrorist nation, or a rogue nation, is pure fantasy. Indeed, the Knootians have said so themselves, noting that the Rumbiak Brigade may not even be based in Tanah Burung! By their own admission, they are attacking a nation who disapproves of the Rumbiak Brigade, have not funded the Rumbiak Brigade, and who have done as much as they can to hinder the Rumbiak Brigade; what, then, is their possible motive for attacking this peaceful nation?

This is an attack on a sovereign nation, and a violation of a treaty respected for generations. Governments, I call on you to denounce the DDR on this shameful attack, and place pressure - economic and political - to stop this attack. Peoples, I call on you to not buy the products of a nation who so disrespects it's agreements and has now bombed - bombed - civillians in Tanah Burung.

Do not appease this bullying, this strong crushing the weak. The lives of countless Burungi are now in your hands. The international community must not let a nation die because it puts dealings with a bully over protecting those weaker nations. Knootian aggression must be stopped.

tag for later reading

Statement by the Ministry of Economic Affairs
The ministry extends its gratitude to offers of support and increased trade by fine nations such as The Incorporated States of Tom Joad and The Semi-Autonomous Technocratic Oligarchy of the Most Glorious Hack. Other more private offers have reached us at this moment and we will most certainly recommend increased trade, especially within a KIST or WBO framework.

The monetary aid from the URHP is also warmly accepted and it will be used for a compensation fund that will provide compensation for incurred damages as a result of economic warfare on the part Pantocratoria. It will also be used to buy time for Knootian business and individuals affected by the boycott to find other trade partners within the KIST and WBO frameworks. Our Prime Minister Galadriel nos Círdan would also like to extend her gratitude to Itarildë Eledhwen, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between our peoples.
We hope to repay the monetary aid some day when the Lietuv people require our assistance and we will certainly recommend Knootian investment to be shifted to the URHP in the wake of this crisis. For the boycotting nations, this really is their loss of a potential dynamic, flexible and well-connected trade partner and thoroughfare as a gateway to a very large hinterland. So far, none of our major tradepartners (in KIST and WBO) have chosen to boycott us and we will extend every effort to see to it that this remains so.

We disapprove of, but respect the policies of such nations (not bound to us by treaty) who choose not to trade with us for whatever reason, but we will firmly act against governments engaging in acts of economic warfare against our citizens and confiscating their property.

Lastly, we would like to state again that this is not an invasion. There is no war against the Tanah Burung government or the Tanah Burung people, the vast majority of which rejects terrorism. We have sent repeated requests to the government of the United Provinces and they have been ignored. Also, the Peoples Representative of Foreign Affairs and Human Rights was actively campaigning against banning the Rumbiak Brigades, It can hardly be said that the government has done all it could to stop the Rumbiak Brigade. In fact, Tanah Burung officials have stated complete agreement with the goals of the terrorist organisation. All actions taken against the Burungi government will only be taken insofar as their actions form a direct threat to the security of Knootian and allied troops who are pursuing the terrorists. The Knootian Defence Force will issue a statement shortly regarding the treatment of civilians.
---
Diplomatic Message

To: Pantocratoria ministry of Foreign Affairs or equivalent
From: Knootian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hans van Mierlo
Subject Boycott

I must admit I was a bit surprised by your sudden declaration to impose an import ban on the DDR and I was extremely worried by some of the other measures you have chosen to implement this boycott. On the whole, it seems somewhat out of step with earlier decisions by the Dread Sovereign Andreus. Furthermore, I feel I must submit that it is not in accordance with the proper conduct we have grown to expect in relations between civilised nations such as the DDR and the Empire, perhaps especially from the Empire. Usually, in his wisdom, he has been known to support such noble and laudable goals as the defence of the Syskeyian Republic, bringing order to the Excalbian region and fostering international diplomacy.

In our humble admiration for the Emperor's Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty we find it odd that he has somehow been swayed so easily by propaganda from extremist anticapitalist nations in order to come to the aid of such groups that would threaten the order of things. The DDR, in its willingness to win favour with His Imperial Majesty, would like to resolve any misunderstandings that may have arisen between our nations, and to clear up any misinformation that may have been provided regarding the current situation. Should His Imperial Majesty allow it we would like to send a delegation which may clear up any questions regarding our motives and actions, or we can use any other means of communication such as His Imperial Highness desires.

Second of all, while we hope to be able to persuade the Empire somehow of our good intentions and the integrity of our actions, we will accept that it is up to Imperial policy to choose to trade with whoever they desire. As we plan to leave the United Provinces of Tanah Burung as soon as the terrorist threat is removed, such an interruption of the little trade we have would be a temporary inconvenience only.

However, the act also provides for any product currently stored in the Empire to be seized henceforth, not to pay for standing contracts and to impound products currently not paid for without compensation and to suppress the voting rights of Knootian stockholders and take measures to compel the divesture of any Knootian held shares. Such actions, beyond the installing of a simple boycott, constitute acts of open economic warfare and can only be described as outright theft. The Dutch Democratic Republic takes such matters very seriously and should any Knootian delegation or other diplomatic overture not be able to find compromise we would be forced to retaliate with similar measures applying to Pantocratorian businesses and products as well as other retaliations as our government deems fit. As much as we regret to take such acts, it is the only method left for nations whose humble petitions cannot soften the foreign princes or dissuade them from their unjust proceedings.

Yours,

~Hans van Mierlo, Foreign Minister of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
"Libertate unanimus"


Statement by Lieutenant-General Donner, commander of BEFOR, Knootian Defence Force
Regarding the treatment of civilians

“So far there has been only once incident involving unintended civilian casualties when one precision-guided missile missed a dockyard and hit a brothel instead. The odds that anything has happened to Mrs. Blaumena of the Free Virginia Liberation Army, alledgedly staying in the United Provinces, are minimal.

The Knootian Defence Force and the peacekeeping forces are acting in accordance with all international treaties the DDR has signed and all United Nations Resolutions with regards to warfare. The KDF is doing all it can to avoid civilian casualties and is using precision-guided weapons to accomplish this objective. Foreign dignitaries and civilians will be treated with special care and the KDF will make sure no harm will come to them either as a result of collateral damage or as a result of Rumbiak Brigade terrorist attacks."
~ Lieutenant-General Donner, Burungi Expeditionary Force

Highly classified encrypted transmission
To: The BlackWolf Order
From: Economische Inlichtingen en Veiligheids Dienst (EIVD)

The Economic Intelligence agency has witnessed the mercenary capabilities of the BlackWolf Order and we have deemed them to be efficient. So far you have fared excellent in escort duties for the Knootian whaling industry as part of registration avoidance.

We would like to ask if you would are ready to take on a high-risk low-profile contract. The exact nature of the contract can only be disclosed if secrecy is guaranteed, and we would like to get an overview of the capabilities of the Order to deal with or avoid advanced naval threats. Please telegram us if you are interested.

OOCness:
I-V,
I know the strange refusing-to-listen-and-following-completely-alternative-way-of-logic attitude is IC but with your OOC comment implying my evidence is all fraud I felt I had to chip in here. First off, when saying IC there was only a weapons shipment intercepted, you missed the bits where Knootian soldiers were ambushed and killed :) And probably you also missed the bits where evidence was presented. But that is a nitpick.

Even though you sorta deny it, even Altakiri recognises the existence of the Rumbiak Brigades and its goals and says they are “out of control” of the government. The only one (who is seriously involved) claiming that there is no real proven Rumbiak Brigade activity/threat (even if it is an exaggerated one) is I-V and it’s a bit outside of established reality in that respect. :/ Y’see, the DDR has actually interrogated Tahan Burung Rumbiak Brigade members captured in Knootian Colombia and is interrogating Weegies captured there also. We did show pictures and such.

If you read the Burungi condemnation closely you’ll know what I mean by differing between what they are saying and what you are saying. Tanah Burung is saying that: 1) “They are violating [the IMC] treaty.” 2) “Our government and people have not been linked in any way to the Rumbiak Brigades.”

There is still plenty of reason for you and other people in this thread to oppose the DDR if you want to, and you are of course very free to claim the moon is pink if you want that, but from an OOC perspective I would like to emphasise that there is an actual (morally ambiguous and dependent-on-viewpoint) casus belli that you cannot, in all honesty, just say “LIES!!1one” to and that makes it very hard for me to take the Vaadian point of view serious on any level.

Puppets:
Please. Stay out. I think it is extremely low to use puppetwank to emphasise your point of view when you do not have the guts to use your own nation or if you want to avoid hypocrisy for IGNOREing me in the past. Those nations doing it know pretty well who I am talking about. Go away. I also presume that “the imperialist facists called the koontoss” does not refer to us. Please read before you post :)

Zardinia:
Uh, yeah. That call to register support in #nationstates was actually meant more to prod some established allies and friends who were in the channel at the time to post. (Lietuveska because he´s fighting along, Hacky because he is our big WBO man and the not-so-dreadful Dread Lady of the Dominion because I wub her diplomatic transmissions. Getting @@randomnations@@ to post in some sort of contest who gets the "most" support was not really what I set out to do. But still, uh, thanks. I guess. Makes me wonder which nation you had before you got this one though.

Knootoss, je zevert!

Je maakt Nederland belachelijk!

OOC:
*restrains urgency to kill*

Waar heb je het in godsnaam over? Als je iets te makken hebt dan stuur me een telegram alsjeblieft. Niet dit gedoe in een RP draad.

No more Dutch please or I will ask for these posts to be deleted.
~Knoot

OOC:I never denied that the Rumbiak Brigade exists, I just pointed out that the evidence was insufficent and that the attacks had not been officially linked to the Rumbiak Brigade except by Knootoss. The Vaadians are just asking, in their typical blunt and callous manner, that the Knootians show their work please.

Let's Remember when the DDR's rep presented 'evidence' for the attacks on Knootians troops, you then denied to show the evidence and give the Vaadians access to it, we all know that denying access to the Vaadians is the same as you simply not having it!

They're also still miffed that their 'good friends' in Knootoss didn't consult them and have withheld evidence from them. The Vaadians are a very sensitive lot , you know ;)

IC:

Once again we have seen a round of public statements by the DDR that totally ignore our call for 'evidence' against Tanah Burung , justifying this invasion has been ignored.

We will continue to condemn the invasion of Tanah Burung until concrete evidence linking the Government of Tanah Burung to the Rumbiak Brigade is produced and not just vague statements and hints at possible evidence.

For our friends in Knootoss: invasion- 1. The act of invading, especially the entrance of an armed force into a territory to conquer.
2. A large-scale onset of something injurious or harmful, such as a disease.
3. An intrusion or encroachment.

TWO of the above definitions define your current actions. We do not play semantics, your force is a hostile invading force.

You also have yet to answer why you have broken the IMC agreement you signed to submit disputes to arbitration BEFORE taking military action? Stop dodging the questions of the people.

Jonathon Tocatl, IMC Delegation, Ilek-Vaad

KNN Soundbites, evening news
"The DDR is engaging in a security action against terrorists - not in an invasion. The United Provinces forces are not our target unless they shoot at us."
~Prime Minister Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan

"Yes. We are still committed to an IMC solution of diplomatic matters. However the risk posed by the Rumbiak Brigade was simply too great to allow for diplomatic delaying tactics. We have evidence that another attack was imminent and are willing to share it. In fact, we already shared large parts of this evidence with the IMC via documents and other information."
~Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo

"I have no idea what more the Vaadians could want in terms of evidence. Perhaps they desire snapshots of Rumbiak Brigade members as they shoot on our people? We shared all we could possible have shared. The only thing the Justice department and the intelligence agencies cannot give are the interviews with the terrorist suspects and this is for obvious legal reasons. There is the protection of the privacy of suspects before they have been convicted or brought to court to consider, after all. The Vaadians simply do not seem to want to understand this but I sent them the complete dossier again this evening."
~The State-Secretary of Justice (Internal Affairs ministry)

To: Ilek-Vaad government
Since your nation foolishly decided to withdraw itself from the international KIST treaty the early beginnings of potential trade between our nations slumped. Back then, your unilateral actions for domestic political gain caused damage to both our economies. Fortunately we do not have to take another hit facilitated by your repeated betrayal of those that stood by you as your friends.

Despite the rather limited consequences of your government making yyour de-facto economic boycott of our nation official, the pleasure yacht SS Mathilda belonging to a Knootian national by the name of E.M. Vaandrig was docked in a Vaadian port at the time of your pronouncement. We demand the immediate safe release of the yacht and all the people on it or we shall take proper measures as to avenge the loss of property by our citizens and secure their release from this illegal captivity. The government has decided to compensate little Agatha Vaandrig for the pony she had in Ilek-Vaad, though the emotional loss can probably never be compensated fully.
~Ministry of Economic Affairs


The SS Mathilda will remain impounded in Costa-Tula under the watchful eye of the Naval Guard. Knootian citizens aboard the yacht at the time have already been released, as they are not goods or vessels.

If you wish to attempt to 'avenge' the loss of Mr. Vaandrig, then by all means do so.

You refer to US as having betrayed YOU? You say we betrayed you by leaving KIST. KIST is an organization founded by Knootoss and it's allies to give them unfair leverage under the guise of 'free-trade' we do not support the DDR's attempt to unfairly extort smaller more vulnearable economies. You betrayed US by using KIST as your own personal tool to the detriment of the Vaadian economy and other economies.

You betrayed US by insisting we attend the meeting in Lavenrunz that formed the IMC , and now you ignore the document that you insisted to us was vital and would PREVENT conflicts such as the one the DDR has caused in Tanah Burung.

You betrayed US by speaking against imperialism and aggression in the UnAPS, the stance that you took, we agreed with and followed and eventually followed your lead out of the UnAPS. Now you use the exact same excuses that you once decried to invade another nation.

The People of Ilek-Vaad trusted the People of the DDR implicitly, in every case we have been repaid with deceit and duplicitousness.

Feel free to avenge your losses, just keep in mind that we may one day decide to redress our own grievances at your expense.

Yash Chuk-Mul, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs


OOC: one last OOC point, Knootoss' presentation to the IMC (the one linked to earlier) never mentions any Knootians casualties or any actual attacks on Knootians by the Rumbiak Brigade. It only points to the one case of failed arms smuggling and 'confessions' by Rumbiak Brigade members of an international conspiracy. The IC information given to the IMC and the Vaadian delegates still shows no actual threat to Knootoss or Knootian Columbia. It is simply stated that terrorists from ANOTHER nation (not Tanah Burung) attacked Knootian soldiers and that Knootoss presumed that this proved the Rumbiak Brigade is acting internationally................This is the proof the Vaadians want. There is no shred of evidence being provided by the Knootians to substantiate their theory that terrorist organizations and attacks are being co-ordinated globally from Tanah Burung.

(also ooc. It seesm to me that the I-V responses are pretty much in keeping with the rough-around-the-edges tone already established by his characters. However, it would be easy for this arguement to escalate, and if it's helpful then Knoot and me could probably come up with an agreed statement of what is and is not fact. I'll also add that the whole Rumbiak Brigades in Colombia plot device was designed specifically to provide Knoot with a possible casus belli. It's not in my view sufficient casus belli, but it's designed to be borderline so there are arguments in favour of both sides. At any rate, it's not dissimilar to the argument over whether the US had the right to make a pre-emptive strike at Iraq. In my view no, but it's arguable. Same thing in this case. I have a rather heated IC reply but i'm going to hold off for a short cooling off period. And yeah, let's please not chime in with puppets on either side. I'm avoiding any campaigning off this thread to line up support, easy as it would be, and i assume Knoot is doing the same apart from the one IRC mention.)

OOC: rough around the edges? That's the politest anyones ever put it.................but I digress, no more OOC stuff.

((OOC:
Precisely what TB said. :)

An OOC list of facts is possible but, well, truth is irrelevant in the end. Its about ICness anyway. What ticked me off was the OOC pointer and what it implied, not the Vaadians being, well, very rude Vaadians IC.

Anyway, because of this intermezzo I did not get to finish my post for The Unlikely Deliverance but it is making some headway :) ))

IC:
The declaration by Yash Chuk-Mul, Vaadian Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was ignored by all Knootian politicians.

To: Pantocratoria ministry of Foreign Affairs or equivalent
From: Knootian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hans van Mierlo
Subject Boycott

I must admit I was a bit surprised by your sudden declaration to impose an import ban on the DDR and I was extremely worried by some of the other measures you have chosen to implement this boycott. On the whole, it seems somewhat out of step with earlier decisions by the Dread Sovereign Andreus. Furthermore, I feel I must submit that it is not in accordance with the proper conduct we have grown to expect in relations between civilised nations such as the DDR and the Empire, perhaps especially from the Empire. Usually, in his wisdom, he has been known to support such noble and laudable goals as the defence of the Syskeyian Republic, bringing order to the Excalbian region and fostering international diplomacy.

In our humble admiration for the Emperor's Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty we find it odd that he has somehow been swayed so easily by propaganda from extremist anticapitalist nations in order to come to the aid of such groups that would threaten the order of things. The DDR, in its willingness to win favour with His Imperial Majesty, would like to resolve any misunderstandings that may have arisen between our nations, and to clear up any misinformation that may have been provided regarding the current situation. Should His Imperial Majesty allow it we would like to send a delegation which may clear up any questions regarding our motives and actions, or we can use any other means of communication such as His Imperial Highness desires.

Second of all, while we hope to be able to persuade the Empire somehow of our good intentions and the integrity of our actions, we will accept that it is up to Imperial policy to choose to trade with whoever they desire. As we plan to leave the United Provinces of Tanah Burung as soon as the terrorist threat is removed, such an interruption of the little trade we have would be a temporary inconvenience only.

However, the act also provides for any product currently stored in the Empire to be seized henceforth, not to pay for standing contracts and to impound products currently not paid for without compensation and to suppress the voting rights of Knootian stockholders and take measures to compel the divesture of any Knootian held shares. Such actions, beyond the installing of a simple boycott, constitute acts of open economic warfare and can only be described as outright theft. The Dutch Democratic Republic takes such matters very seriously and should any Knootian delegation or other diplomatic overture not be able to find compromise we would be forced to retaliate with similar measures applying to Pantocratorian businesses and products as well as other retaliations as our government deems fit. As much as we regret to take such acts, it is the only method left for nations whose humble petitions cannot soften the foreign princes or dissuade them from their unjust proceedings.

Yours,

~Hans van Mierlo, Foreign Minister of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
"Libertate unanimus"

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monsieur van Mierlo,

I understand your concerns about the recent Knootian Boycott Act. It was not without some deliberation that this position was reached by the Imperial Parliament. Although His Imperial Majesty affixed his seal to the act, His Majesty believes that it would be contrary to some of his recent democraticising reforms if he were to pick and choose which of Parliament's acts should be signed into law and which should be consigned to the proverbial scrap legislation heap. I hope that this clarifies His Majesty's personal view on the matter.

Further, it is the view of Her Imperial Highness the Right Honourable the Imperial Chancellor the Most Pious Princess Irene that a more moderate approach should've been taken, deploring the infringement of Tanah Burung's sovereignty but taking no further steps against the DDR. The Act was placed before the Imperial Parliament by the Opposition. His Imperial Highness the Leader of the Opposition the Prince Basil still commands a good deal of respect from some former members of his past United Christian Front Party, and the division in the house was not along party lines as a result of His Highness' influence. This division greatly damaged the Chancellor's position, and it is unclear whether the Pantocratoria First Party members who supported the Opposition in passing the Knootian Boycott Act will now withdraw their support from the Imperial Government altogether.

We must stress that although the Imperial Government opposed the Boycott Act, it was passed nevertheless and has become law. It is now therefore my obligation to defend the legislation, although I am sympathetic to your own position. If I may address your specific concerns that:

"the act also provides for any product currently stored in the Empire to be seized henceforth, not to pay for standing contracts and to impound products currently not paid for without compensation"

The Act states that:

..any product currently stored in warehouses, retail outlets, and other places of commercial distribution or storage, the import of which would be forbidden by this Act, be seized henceforth, and in cases where any payment be outstanding to any Knootian commercial interest for a product, let that product be returned to the Knootian commercial interest without payment.

It is the intent of the act that the seized item be returned to the Knootian commercial interest in lieu of the payment for that item. That is to say, in instances where Knootian products have been imported into Pantocratoria but have not been paid for, the products should be returned in lieu of payment therefore. In cases where the product in question is not able to be returned, or where its return would have no value to the Knootian commercial interest from which it was imported (for example, perishable goods), Her Imperial Highness advises me that the Imperial Government will compensate the Knootian commercial interest in full. Her Imperial Highness also advises me that the Imperial Government will bear the full costs of returning all Knootian products. In short, merchandise will be returned where it is possible, or compensation will be made where not possible, so that the Knootian business in question should not be out of pocket, since they will either have the product back and be able to sell it again, or will have been compensated for it by the Imperial Government.

and to suppress the voting rights of Knootian stockholders and take measures to compel the divesture of any Knootian held shares.

According to the Act, such measures will only be taken when Knootian ownership exceeds 50% of the corporation concerned. In all other cases, Knootian share holders will retain their full rights and will not be compelled to divest their shares (although they will be forbidden from purchasing more stock). The compelled divesture of Knootian shares in cases where ownership exceeds 50% will be according to all applicable laws, and thus the shareholders in question will still receive the proceeds of the sale of their shares. It would be naive of me to suggest that such compelled divesture wouldn't drive stockprices down and therefore leave those forced to sell with less than their shares might otherwise be worth, however I can only offer my apologies for this injustice.

Make no mistake, both sides of politics believe Knootian interference in Tanah Burung is an intolerable infringement of the sovereign rights of that nation, however, my colleagues and I, including Her Imperial Highness the Chancellor, believe that the most appropriate Pantocratorian reply would've been diplomatic in nature. This Act has been extremely damaging for the relationship between the Dutch Democratic Republic and the Empire, and extremely damaging for the Imperial Government. I hope you can appreciate the extremely difficult political waters in which the Imperial Government now treads, having been defeated in the Imperial Parliament on the matter of the Boycott Act. I must stress that the worst possible thing which could happen for the Panto-Knootian relationship would be for action from your government to destablise the Pantocratoria First Party Government further, and to deliver the Imperial Government into the hands of the Loyal Christian Front, which introduced this legislation in the first place.

With all due respect and compliments,

Sir Jacques Antoniou
Minister for Foreign Affairs

OOC: I hope Knootoss and Tanah Burung don't mind if I work some internal Pantocratorian political drama into the midst of this thread!

OOC: Yes I am aware this is my second reply to the same post. It is intentional!

To: Pantocratoria ministry of Foreign Affairs or equivalent
From: Knootian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hans van Mierlo
Subject Boycott

I must admit I was a bit surprised by your sudden declaration to impose an import ban on the DDR and I was extremely worried by some of the other measures you have chosen to implement this boycott. On the whole, it seems somewhat out of step with earlier decisions by the Dread Sovereign Andreus. Furthermore, I feel I must submit that it is not in accordance with the proper conduct we have grown to expect in relations between civilised nations such as the DDR and the Empire, perhaps especially from the Empire. Usually, in his wisdom, he has been known to support such noble and laudable goals as the defence of the Syskeyian Republic, bringing order to the Excalbian region and fostering international diplomacy.

In our humble admiration for the Emperor's Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty we find it odd that he has somehow been swayed so easily by propaganda from extremist anticapitalist nations in order to come to the aid of such groups that would threaten the order of things. The DDR, in its willingness to win favour with His Imperial Majesty, would like to resolve any misunderstandings that may have arisen between our nations, and to clear up any misinformation that may have been provided regarding the current situation. Should His Imperial Majesty allow it we would like to send a delegation which may clear up any questions regarding our motives and actions, or we can use any other means of communication such as His Imperial Highness desires.

Second of all, while we hope to be able to persuade the Empire somehow of our good intentions and the integrity of our actions, we will accept that it is up to Imperial policy to choose to trade with whoever they desire. As we plan to leave the United Provinces of Tanah Burung as soon as the terrorist threat is removed, such an interruption of the little trade we have would be a temporary inconvenience only.

However, the act also provides for any product currently stored in the Empire to be seized henceforth, not to pay for standing contracts and to impound products currently not paid for without compensation and to suppress the voting rights of Knootian stockholders and take measures to compel the divesture of any Knootian held shares. Such actions, beyond the installing of a simple boycott, constitute acts of open economic warfare and can only be described as outright theft. The Dutch Democratic Republic takes such matters very seriously and should any Knootian delegation or other diplomatic overture not be able to find compromise we would be forced to retaliate with similar measures applying to Pantocratorian businesses and products as well as other retaliations as our government deems fit. As much as we regret to take such acts, it is the only method left for nations whose humble petitions cannot soften the foreign princes or dissuade them from their unjust proceedings.

Yours,

~Hans van Mierlo, Foreign Minister of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
"Libertate unanimus"

From Our Imperial Residence of Chantouillet
http://members.optusnet.com.au/a_marrington/ns/achievement.gif

Monsieur Hans van Mierlo
Foreign Minister of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss

Monsieur,

We have recently been made aware of your correspondence with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We wish simply to advise you that the policy to which you refer was issued under our Imperial Seal after it was passed by a majority of the Imperial Parliament, and that we regard that it would be inappropriate for us to take any further position about it.

However, we are presently receiving heads of state and government at our Chateau of Chantouillet, with the objective of establishing friendly diplomatic relations with as many different nations as possible. Any number of things will be discussed at this summit, and we invite the Dutch Democratic Republic to send an appropriate representative to Chantouillet rather than the delegation which you have proposed. The agenda for the summit will be set by the participants, thus the issue of trade and boycotts may be raised.

Issued under our seal by our own hand in the thirty first year of our reign,

ANDREUS
Emperor of Pantocratoria, Autocrator of the Romans, King of France and Navarre, Equal of the Apostles et al.

OOC: I hope Knootoss and Tanah Burung don't mind if I work some internal Pantocratorian political drama into the midst of this thread!

Please do!

Tiga Burung Tribune, Afternoon edition

This newspaper has been able to obtain a transcript of an interrogation conducted by Burungi national police of a member of the Rumbiak Brigade, which took place earlier this week.

An excerpt appears below.

Q. And the guns? Where did you get those?

A. Overseas. I can't say for sure, they never told me, but i know we paid for it in diamonds mined illegally in the national park system.

Q. Where did you train?

A. Loro Sae province, near Findabaya. But only with wooden rifles. The rest were supposed to be delivered direct to the theatres of operation.

Q. And what were those?

A. Well, you know about Colombia. We are also operating in Gallaga and Diakonia.

Q. Anywhere else?

A. No, nowhere else has called us.

Q. What are your rules of engagement? Do you consider civilians fair game?

A. No, just the occupying soldiers. We fight only in solidarity with local people, the leadership is theirs. And we have never killed civilians. In fact, we haven't killed a single person anywhere. The last report was that our forces in Colombia were planning to liberate one village."

Offical Press Release

Dateline: Thursday, 9 September 200x, Sohi City.

Classification: None

For General Release

Copies of this request can be obtained by emailing press.releases@foreign.ministry.gov.wc

The HEWC Supports fully supports the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss.

Our economic studies show that the so called boycotts of a few ragtag nations will not impact in the slightest on the economy of Knootoss.

Similar to the actions of The Semi-Autonomous Technocratic Oligarchy of the Most Glorious Hack we too shall consider increasing production, on order to negate the minimal disruption that may occur.


Signed,
Jere Ganska,
Press Office,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
The Holy Empire of the Water Cooler

May we remind the nations backing Knootoss that this is a government that breaks its treaties at will. They are not likely to respect contracts. It is, quite simply, bad business to trust in this regime, while it is led by a capricious dictator with no respect for contract law.

For those countries unable for whatever reason to impose a boycott, we request that you formally and publicly urge the DDR to return to the path of peace, respect for international law, and respect for national sovereignty. No decent country can do less.

Mari Alkatiri

May we remind the nations backing Knootoss that this is a government that breaks its treaties at will. They are not likely to respect contracts. It is, quite simply, bad business to trust in this regime, while it is led by a capricious dictator with no respect for contract law.

For those countries unable for whatever reason to impose a boycott, we request that you formally and publicly urge the DDR to return to the path of peace, respect for international law, and respect for national sovereignty. No decent country can do less.

Mari Alkatiri


Offical Communication

Dateline: Thursday, 9 September 200x, Sohi City, Early Afternoon

Classification: None

Authorisation Code: De.34.44.22.HB

Mari Alkatiri,

We find your words bordering on gross libel. We demand you cease and desist at once.

We also recent strongly the implication that the HEWC, or indeed the DDR is in anyway indecent. Your statement has being forwarded to our International Law Ministry.

Sincerly,
Lord Hizen Barden,
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
The Holy Empire of the Water Cooler

"The Senate of the Constitutional Republic of Rotovia brings into immediate effect Chapter Twelve of the State Powers Act and imposes full and complete trade sanctions upon the soveriegn nation of Knootos. Any Citizen or Resident of the Allied States of Rotovia (Mainland), the Island of Crete, Rotovia's Prespolis Territory and all subordinate states found to be conducting trade, in any form shall be subject to immediate arrest on charges on Treason. This shall remain in effect until such time as Knootos ends its aggression towards the soveriegn nation of Tanah Burung"

Speaker of the House

The continued support of the free market, which with its associations of national progress and increasing living standards, is a matter that we cannot ignore and if that requires a few misguided individuals, leading an entire nation down the path of social inequality, exploitation and cultural isolation needing to be pushed off the stage then that is the price which we will pay. The Incorporated States of Tom Joad reaffirms its verbal support to the DRR as well as a strong condemnation of the internal powers that have brought such consequences upon Tanah Burung and its people, freedom of the market has long been associated with freedom of the people.

As of this time no options have been ruled out, no doors closed and no friends turned away. We will stand by our commitment to support the DDR in its actions, should they require our physical presence we will not turn away from the consequences we unleash upon ourselves.

The Incorporated States of Tom Joad Foreign Commissary Department

OOC: A little off topic, but a little light relief from all of this.

The Late Late News Review - the premier satirical comedy television programme of The Weegies, if not the most imaginatively named.

Harris McLeod, host: Apparently, according to the most recent WAPN memo (wafts a piece of paper, which actually looks blank), we're not being educational enough to expand the mind of the average Weegie. We replied that the average Weegie's mind was bloated already, though with cheap alcohol instead of academic excellence. (winks) They replied with a budget cut. With that in mind, instead of the normal cheap and smutty innuendo, crude puns, and frankly shameful and shoddy stand up we normally deliver (cheers from the audience), we thought that we should artistically-deprived people some of that high culture for a change. What, indeed, could we do, to mix high culture and current affairs? Then it hit us. Or rather, Dave Benton, the director hit us, mostly to tell us to get off of our lazy arses. It all came together whilst reading about the growth of the free-market, libertarian Knootian cult known as the Order of the Invisible Hand... (laughs maniacally)... hmm, there seems to be something about that phrase that just brings out the megalomaniac in you. Anyway, we thought up this little operetta... enjoy.

(The stage is full of people representing Tanah Burungi citizens. The sound of a bomb is heard, and all of them fall down. A man in a Knootian naval officer's outfit (God knows how it got here) strides on purposefully, and takes a mock heroic pose, and begins to sing...

[Knootian:]
I am the very model of a modern libertarian:
I teem with glowing notions for proposals millenarian,
I've nothing but contempt for ideologies collectivist
(My own ideas of social good tend more toward the Objectivist).
You see, I've just discovered, by my intellectual bravery,
That civic obligations are all tantamount to slavery;
And thus that ancient pastime, viz., complaining of taxation,
Assumes the glorious aspect of a war for liberation!

[Dead Burungi:]
You really must admit it's a delightful revelation:
To bitch about your taxes is to fight for liberation!

[Knootian:]
I bolster up my claims with lucubrations rather risible
About subjective value and the market's hand invisible;
In fact, my slight acquaintance with the economics Smithian
Makes me the very model of a modern libertarian!

[Dead Burungi:]
His very slight acquaintance with the economics Smithian
Makes him the very model of a modern libertarian!

[Knootian:]
All "public wealth" is robbery, we never will accede to it;
You have no rights in anything if you can't show your deed to it.
(But don't fear repossession by our Colombian colony:
Those treaties aren't valid; the FARC had no authority!)
We realize whales and wolves and moose find wilderness quite vital,
And we'll give back their habitats - if they can prove their title.
But people like unspoiled lands (we too will say "hooray" for them),
So we have faith that someone else will freely choose to pay for them.

[Dead Burungi:]
Yes, when the parks are auctioned it will be a lucky day for them
We're confident that someone else will freely choose to pay for them!

[Knootian:]
We'll guard the health of nature by self-interest most astute:
Since pollution is destructive, no one ever will pollute.
Thus factories will safeguard our communities riparian
I am the very model of a modern libertarian!

[Dead Burungi:]
Yes, factories will safeguard our communities riparian,
He is the very model of a modern libertarian!

[Knootian:]
In short, when I can tell why individual consumers
Know best who should approve their drugs and who should treat their tumors;
Why civilized existence in its intricate confusion
Will be simple and straightforward, absent government intrusion;
Why markets cannot err within the system I've described,
Why poor folk won't be bullied and why rich folk won't be bribed,
And why all vast inequities of power and position
Will vanish when I wave my wand and utter "COMPETITION!"---

[Dead Burungi:]
He's so much more exciting than a common politician,
Inequities will vanish when he hollers "Competition!"

[Knootian:]
And why my lofty rhetoric and arguments meticulous
Inspire shouts of laughter and the hearty cry, "Ridiculous!",
And why my social theories all seem so pre-Sumerian
I'll be the very model of a modern libertarian!

[Dead Burungi:]
His novel social theories all seem so pre-Sumerian
He is the very model of a modern libertarian!

OOC:well done indeed ;)

The Federation of Morsetania East fully supports the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss in its efforts against the revolutionaries in Tana Burung and will refuse to participate in this boycott.

Henry Karkangwa
Foreign Minister
Federation of Morsetania East

OOC: Gilbert and Sullivan on NS.... :cool:

Brilliant. :p Replies to Panto soonishly.

ooc: Okay, that was funny as Hell.

"As signatories to the KIST Treaty, we refuse to take part in this boycott against Knootoss products. As we have now recently looked over both sides of the story, we can only come to the conclusion that the dutch government is innocent of your charges, and so in an effort to reduce the slump in the dutch economy, we will be raising our current dutch imports by a considerable amount."

President Edward Grove
The Federal Republic of Austar Union

(Weegies, you're wonderful. Just wonderful.)

Alkatiri started another broadcast.

"I am saddened that allies of the DDR are refusing to listen, and claiming that the facts are other than they are. At least the Knootians do not deny the facts, which we both agree are the same. I am saddened that some countries have decided not to consider the merits, only to line up like loyal automota behind the Knootians.

"Recalling that His Holiness the Pope has condemned the Order of the Invisible Hand, i address myself to the government of Pant-"

An explosion. The signal went dead.

"About time that line went dead. Stiiiirike!"
~Galadriel, grinning and chuckling like a happy elf in a place where nobody from other nations can hear her.

((Working on those replies... hope to do them tomorrow or maaaybe tonight.

Other nations who start assuming things: no, we did not kill him.))

((aw, spoilsport! OK, if we're going to clear up mysteries, they've fired on the building he's in and knocked out communcations, but yes he's alive and kicking. It's also my IC excuse for still not replying to other posts.))

After Careful Study of the sitation, I hereby condemn the actions of the Dutch Knootoss. However the Government of the Free Market Empire of Zerni, does not and will not interfire in the economy of Zerni and therefore can not enact an boycott of Knootoss goods. May the Kami help the people of Tanah Burung.

Emperor Mishami, Emperor of the Free Market Empire of of Zerni

Commander Graham had been in his little quarters with his second in Command, Felicia Antev.

"Felicia, tell me what your take on the situation is.."

"Well Commander, as far as I can see it it looks like it could have been an undercover policing action gone wrong by Knootoss in Tanah Burung, we.ve seen no signs of a full scale invasion, .. yet.. but it seems to be escalating pretty quickly.. if the Tele transmissions we are picking up are anything to go by."

Graham rubbed his chin, and thought for a few minutes.

"Any word back from TaCom?"

"No Sir, we've had no Geopulse reply as yet"

"Ok, send them a hurry along message and upload our logs for now, in the meantime we are going to have to see what can do about gaining more information."

"Sir, I hate to bring it up, but Jacare said our supplies are running a little low.."

Graham looked up at his second in command and blinked a couple of times, before nodding, a half smile on his face."

"Didn't I hear something about ANA helping with an Under Sea Fishery around here? Im sure if we put out a call to them we can dock and barter for supplies."

When the two entered the command deck, the sensor operator turned in his chair.

"Sir, I think you need to hear this..."

Commander Graham moved to his command chair and gestured for the man to continue, at which he pressed a button and the last Tanah Burung message played.

"Recalling that His Holiness the Pope has condemned the Order of the Invisible Hand, i address myself to the government of Pant-"

As the screen went dead, Graham slowely turned to Felicia.

"What was that you said about escalation? You'd better put that call in to TaCom quick, with this new info...
And see if you can get me that Fishery on comms!"

((OOC: Long overdue. Sorry.))


To: Sir Jacques Antoniou, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Pantocratoria
From: Hans van Mierlo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, DDR

Your Excellency,

I thank you for your recent clarification of the internal political situation leading up to your ‘Knootian Boycott Act’. My government appreciates your frankness and will try to work with the Imperial Government in order to bring this situation, which has been so harmful to relations, to a satisfactory end. The Knootian ministry of Economic Affairs has set up a compensation fund for those businesses and individuals whose economic interests were damaged. Your offer of compensation for, at least, some running matters at the time when the boycott was implemented is appreciated.

In the interest of the stability of the Imperial Government stable and as a gesture of goodwill we will refrain from any retaliatory measures against this boycott. Furthermore, as the Knootian Boycott Act does not extend to Pantocratorian exports to the DDR, we will not be banning Pantocratorian imports of any kind as retaliation.

I hope and trust that the Imperial Government will choose to review the act and end this boycott as soon as ‘Operation Tempo Doeloe’ is a success so that trade will only be interrupted for a limited amount of time. (Our defence experts are giving my a timeframe of several weeks to several months of military involvement after which legal processing of captured Rumbiak Brigade terrorists will commence.)

For now, however, I would like to focus on the future of the relationship between the Dutch Democratic Republic and the Empire. The matter of Tanah Burung aside, the DDR has always sought to gains strategic partners and friendships wherever this is possible and wherever geopolitical and moral concerns allow for this. In this light, I would welcome an open and constructive discussion with the Holy and Most August Empire on how to improve diplomatic relations. As a more long-term consideration for after the successful end to Operation Tempo Doeloe, Pantocratorian entry into KIST, or rather the signing of the Knootian International Stabilisation Treaty would be welcomed. Furthermore, a coordinated policy effort regarding the unrests in the Excalbadian Isles region might work to strengthen the effectiveness of our individual policies there. I would like to discuss such issues with you bilaterally in addition to any delegation we would send to the summit in the Chateau of Chantouillet.

Amicably yours,

Hans van Mierlo


Another letter

To: Emperor Andeus of Pantocratoria, Autocrator of the Romans, King of France and Navarre, Equal of the Apostles et al.
From: Hans van Mierlo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, DDR

Your Imperial Majesty,

We have received your invitation to attend the summit in Chateau of Chantouillet and the DDR government warmly accepts it. We hope to send an appropriate representation to the summit which will aspire to discuss the issue of trade and boycotts as well as Panto-Knootian relations there.

As a state of hostilities currently exists between the United Provinces and the Dutch Democratic Republic, our Prime Minister Lady Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan is unable to leave the DDR to attend the conference. Furthermore, she is currently entertaining a state visit by the Emperor of the Eternal Necrontyr Empire of The Ctan. However, we do hope to send an appropriate replacement which will either be her personal Chief ‘d Affairs or one of the core ministers of the cabinet.



Yours,

Hans van Mierlo

Communiqué

The wonderful nation of Vegana is astonished of the nephilim aggression that is being used against the Peaceful nation of Tanah Burung. We thought the nation of Knotooss or DDR as they prefer themselved to be called would remember their own history of how aggression can tear a nation to the edge of destruction. We offer humanitarian support to the peaceful nation of Tanah Burung so that order may be restored and the injured may get hospital care as soon as possible. We do not forget our brethren in Tanah Burung or the good impression their leader made in the Lavenrunz summit. Only an elf can turn a blind eye to this human suffering.

God Is Great!

Slobodan Jovanovic, minister of Foreign Aid

After consideration of the matter, Tahar Joblis has decided to illegalize any trade with Tom Joad and Zerni, condemning their crimes against humanity as nations.

As a curious bit of trivia: Under the Terms of Sanction of 1844 and the Anti-Privateer Act of 1871, which these economic barriers have not been excepted from, Tahar Joblissan navy officers are therefore obligated to accept as legitimate any letters of marque issued against Tom Joad and/or Zerni by third party nations and treat any captured privateers accordingly as per the Peoples' Piracy Distinctions Act of 1784 and the International Seafaring Commerce Act of 1970. OOC: I don't expect this to be relevant, but just so that you know...

Panels are considering the matter of Knootoss, and solutions are being discussed in public debate prior to any legislative action.

For immediate release:

We strongly condemn the actions of Knootos and its allies and we are extremely concerned at what we consider to be acts of imperialist international terrorism. We support Tanah Burung in their fight against the aggression of Knootos.

Joseph Sutter
President of the Federation of Kelssek

"I am surprised that Vegana authorities actually noticed our small-scale antiterrorist operation when they are obvioussly very busy with blatantly invading the sovereign nation of Syskeyia for no reason whatsoever. I trust the United Provinces government will maintain a cordon sanitaire and refuse to accept their help."
~Hans van Mierlo, KNN soundbyte.

"Frankly, I do not give a damn what this Mr. Stutter or whatever his name is thinks. I think that the Kelssek foreign policymakers should go back to the UN halls to promote its wonderful platform of opposing technological progress in the name of anticapitalism while leaving the foreign politics to the real powers."
~Realistic Conservative Party of Knootoss (RCPK) Foreign Affairs spokesman, KNN World News Daily Edition

*deliberate, meant only as ICly offensive

OOC: TB... did you get that TG I sent you a couple of days ago?

"Knootoss a real power? Knootoss have carried out a few military operations of note in recent times; the current one against Tanah Burung - where they have shown great strength against the evils of women, unarmed men, and children, the continuing thing in Colombia - shooting a few bandana wearing guys smuggling weapons and playing soldiers, and against themselves - which, noting how they act, I don't blame them for doing at all. Calling Knootoss a real power is the biggest fallacy I've heard since someone called SO Khalid the ultimate dance master."

Harris McLean - The Late Late News Review

OOC: TB... did you get that TG I sent you a couple of days ago?

(Yeah, and sorry for delay. That, and all the other many replies i now owe, hopefully to be answered over the weekend. Big RL writing work this week has been inconsiderably eating up my time.)

"It's funny how so many nations are rallying to join up behind Tanah Burung. I mean, shit, you'd think they were giving away a new flavor of ice cream: Red Lies and Deceit. Either that or these people haven't tried Pink Bunny Cola."

-- Georgina Burstoff, Late Night with Georgina Burstoff

"I heard some guy from The Weegies talking about what a fallacy it was to call Knootoss a real power on the globe. He blabbered on about the general lack of military action the DDR has taken in the past, but the guy is obviously an idiot. I think he forgot about the Knootian International Stabilisation Treaty and the WBO. Either that or he ignores the success of Knootoss in economic domination to comfort himself at night. We could assume he's a CACE secret agent, what with the stupidity of his statements and general inability to recognize that power can come in many shapes and sizes."

-- Rogero Hortia, LNA Crossfire

We are of the opinion that Knootoss is full of crap. Their so-called technological progess is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to promote a misguided and dangerous economic philosophy. Accordingly, we extend an offer to send military aid to Tanah Burung.

"Apparently, I'm a CACE secret agent. I know, it's a shock to me too. It couldn't be that I'm coming up with this myself, y'know, because that wouldn't fall in with the Evil Mindless Drones That Are Against Freedom (TM) set up that we've got going here. Oh, no! I'm being oppressed now by our Evil Communist Government suppressing our Evil Communist Democratically Elected Parliament with Evil Communist Political Parties keeping the masses under their thumb, like the Capitalist Reform & Conservative Party. Of course, that must be it. I don't know exactly why I haven't been taken off to the gulags yet. I mean, we haven't seen one, or anyone going there, or anyone having civil rights infringed, but it must be the case, because we're evil communists."

- Harris McLeod, The Late Late News Review

"Ah, yes. The KIST. Or as I like to call it, Treaty Lite. All of the prestige of signing an economic treaty, with none of that wasteful "content" or "concrete proposals" or "actually doing something" to deal with."

- Dan Berry, The Late Late News Review

"Note: Just because you get into bed with every growing economy going doesn't make you an economic power. More an economic whore."

- Maria Tellana, Is This Really It?

"Welcome! To The Late Late News Review: Now officially 100% Evil Commie Eco Stalinist Socialist Trotskyist Greenie Tree Hugging Liberal Pinko Dirty Red Totalitarian Anarchist Freedom Hating Scumbags."

- Introduction, The Late Late News Review

The distasteful overreaction by the government of Tahar Joblis has struck upon a delicate issue, a letter of marquee from a third party. For all your declarations of civility you seem willingly enough to play an altogether more dangerous game, this scenario which will inevitably result in an intensified situation is entirely of the making by a few renegade nationalists who seem incapable of grasping the threats currently facing several nations.
The government of Tahar Joblis may well be engaging in public debate before it engages in legislative action regarding the DDR yet it seems more than capable of accepting the use of privateers by other nations, if the government of Tahar Joblis is unwilling to engage directly then they would be most ill advised to assume a similar response from ourselves.

As the government of Tahar Joblis is willing to engage in unrestricted warfare by proxy the ISTJ is undertaking the precaution of providing response assets in range of private shipping flagged under the ISTJ. Untoward attention will be investigated, the consequences of such a move will be entirely in the hands of those who threaten the peaceable movement of consumer goods.

The distasteful overreaction by the government of Tahar Joblis has struck upon a delicate issue, a letter of marquee from a third party. For all your declarations of civility you seem willingly enough to play an altogether more dangerous game, this scenario which will inevitably result in an intensified situation is entirely of the making by a few renegade nationalists who seem incapable of grasping the threats currently facing several nations.
The government of Tahar Joblis may well be engaging in public debate before it engages in legislative action regarding the DDR yet it seems more than capable of accepting the use of privateers by other nations, if the government of Tahar Joblis is unwilling to engage directly then they would be most ill advised to assume a similar response from ourselves.

As the government of Tahar Joblis is willing to engage in unrestricted warfare by proxy the ISTJ is undertaking the precaution of providing response assets in range of private shipping flagged under the ISTJ. Untoward attention will be investigated, the consequences of such a move will be entirely in the hands of those who threaten the peaceable movement of consumer goods.

Tahar Joblis has offered no threat by proxy to the ISTJ; be it warned, however, that any direct threats offered to Tahar Joblis and its ships will be responded to fully, directly, and without hesitation. That ISTJ intends to hide its material support for reckless and wanton imperialism behind the thin guise of "peaceable movement of consumer goods" speaks clearly to certain ISTJ citizens' own greed and ambition with such regard. We refuse to offer any special protections through the efforts of our navy to ISTJ commerce in such times as ISTJ commerce offers support to imperialist warmongering.

Specifically regarding the implied threat to our own ships, we find that barring the ISTJ navy from traveling through or entering the extensive waters of Tahar Joblis is an appropriate security precaution; NDOTJ vessels around the globe have been placed on heightened alert and will be paying close heed to the safety of our own vessels.

Unarmed ISTJ vessels may pass through, although not take port in, Tahar Joblissan territory barring an emergency, nor engage in commerce therein, as per the rules of sanction, providing that they do not violate Tahar Joblissan law while in Tahar Joblissan territory (as per the pre-existing rules in this regard.)

The Unites Socialist States of Undocumented Features would like to note that we endorse and support the Boycott against Knootoss.

Nations who wish to combat Knootoss imperialism in some other form need only apply and we'll help them.

((How nice to see another "new" person choose to post in this thread. >_<. Anyway, keep it nice folks. ))

Executive Order of the Emperor, Released via the Imperial Ministry of Trade.

Upon reflection, our long standing policy of banning the import of the “soft drink” defined as Pink Bunny Cola has been revised. Henceforth the health risks of the drink (Defined in the documents released by the Ministry dated IY 254) have been deemed to be insignificant compared to the weight of popular demand. Therefore, the Ministry legalises the import of Pink Bunny Cola for the foreseeable future, sublect to the following conditions upon its use.

Pink Bunny Cola imports shall be regulated by agents of the Ministry, and subject to regular inspections as per a grade F controlled substance.
Pink Bunny Cola shall be repackaged within the borders of the Empire, and in doing so it shall be brought up to standard Imperial Health Requirements by the addition of the additives designated in Appendix A
Retailers of Pink Bunny Cola within Imperial Territory will be required to hold a licence from the ministry of trade or face a fine of not less than 20,000 credits.
Pink Bunny Cola shall be repackaged with not less than one quarter of the available space upon its packaging bearing the following: Government Health Warning; this product has been linked with mental disorders and a multitude of other harmful effects.

Appendix A: ((Snip additives to limit effects))

We find it quite interesting that you do not consider the acceptance of letters of marquee from third parties against the ISTJ as a threat by proxy, by condoning the actions of privateers and no doubt eager to assist them in sustaining operations against civilian commerce vessels. Our actions are merely preventative and based upon a threat we consider to be very real, protection from the Tahar Joblis navy is certainly not required.
Especially considering the negligible trade accomplished through your nations ports, it is of no great concern that sanctions have been enacted, only the threats of attack and professed support for privateers bare any significance.

Of note it may be to your commercial fleet that distress calls received from vessels flagged under Tahar Joblis will not be responded too, we feel this measure is necessary due to the risk of an ambush by hostile forces.

Incorporated States of Tom Joad Foreign Commissary

OOC: C-Day Minus Four, L-Hour Minus Two. If anyone happens to be aware of the meaning, try and keep it to yourself.

Official Statement of the Committee of State Security on Pink Bunny Cola

After reflection on the nature of this so called capitalist 'soft drink', we decided, that in order to protect our children from the mind-bending, harmful influence of PBC, we will prohibit it's distribution.

Henceforth, PBC will be classified as a drug in USSUF, on the level of cigarettes, Coca-Cola, marijuana etc. etc. Any person caught possessing PBC will be sentenced to five years hard labour without communication rights, in addition to the ten years half labour without communication rights due for the importation of Knootoss goods in general, adding up to a fifteen (15) year total.

Anatoliy Debilniy,
Chairman of the CSS.

OOC: the newbies seem to hate Knoot! ;)

*kicks Allaneas puppet out of the thread*

In the Imperial Parliament...

Prince Basil had a triumphant look on his face as he approached the podium in front of the Speaker's throne, holding some pieces of paper in his hand. Across the marble floor, the exhaustion on the faces of the Government frontbenchers was obvious, especially on the face of the Chancellor, Basil's sister, Princess Irene. It had been a stressful week for the Imperial Government, with a large number of Government members crossing the floor to join the Opposition in passing the Knootian Boycott Act, in a move which demonstrated in a very public manner the rifts in the Pantocratoria First Party.

"My Lord Speaker," said Prince Basil in an almost jubilant tone. "I hold in my hand a letter... a letter from Sir Jacques Antoniou, addressed to Hans van Mierlo, who is the Right Honourable minister's counterpart in the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss."

Basil pauses for a moment to relish in the look on Sir Jacques' face as the Opposition, and many members of the Government, shout their outrage audibly.

"I also hold in my hand a letter in reply to the minister's letter, signed, 'Amicably yours, Hans van Mierlo.'" said Prince Basil, his mouth curling into a smile as Sir Jacques started whispering with Princess Irene. "One wonders what the Foreign Minister of a nation which has been boycotted by this house and by His Imperial Majesty's Government is thinking when he signs a letter to His Majesty's Foreign Minister... amicably."

"On a point of order, My Lord Speaker..." started a Government backbencher.

"The Honourable Member for Guipolis will be seated. The Leader of the Opposition has the call." said the speaker, perfectly aware that he was in danger of losing all credibility he had if he let the Government stall proceedings, after letting them do as much during the Knootian debate.

"Thankyou, My Lord Speaker," continued Prince Basil. "As I was saying, I hold in my hand an amicable correspondance between the Foreign Minister and his counterpart in the DDR. In his letter, the Minister apologises to his counterpart for the Knootian Boycott Act, an act passed by this house, under the seal of His Majesty the Emperor. He apologised for an act which he is required to defend. He is the Empire's chief advocate in these things, after all! What good is such an advocate when he publicly proclaims outrage in the form of an act, and privately begs forgiveness? My Lord Speaker, I submit to you that the Minister made a fool of the Empire, a fool of this house, a fool of His Majesty, and a fool of HIMSELF!"

"Hear hear!" shouted the enraged members.

"My Lord Speaker, my question for the Minister is this: Does the Minister recall writing this letter to his Knootian counterpart? Does the Minister recall receiving this letter from said counterpart? Does the Minister recall the Oath of Office he was required to swear, which called on him to defend faithfully the policies of His Majesty the Emperor? Will the Minister now consider resigning IN DISGRACE?" belowed the Prince, before resuming his seat.

"The chair recognises the Minister for Foreign Affairs." said the speaker as Sir Jacques feebly wandered towards the podium. He briefly examined the letters.

"My Lord Speaker, in answer to His Imperial Highness the Leader of the Opposition's questions, yes, I recall this correspondence, yes I recall the oath I swore, and no, I will not consider resigning in disgrace." Sir Jacques said, weakly. He stepped away and returned to his seat, forgoing the chance to try turn the tide.

Princess Irene shook her head in dismay as Prince Constantine, her nephew, the Emperor's second son and Prince Basil's deputy leader stepped forward.

"The chair recognises His Imperial Highness the Prince Constantine, the Member for Evereulle." said the speaker.

"Thankyou, My Lord Speaker," began Constantine. "If the Minister recalls this correspondence, he no doubt recalls Monsieur van Mierlo saying that, and I quote, 'In the interest of the stability of the Imperial Government and as a gesture of goodwill we will refrain from any retaliatory measures against this boycott.' Sir Jacques took this foreigner so into his confidence and into the confidence of the Pantocratoria First Party, My Lord Speaker, that he confided that the Imperial Government is in danger of imminent collapse, that Her Imperial Highness' lack of leadership on this issue has proven to be the proverbial straw which broke the camel's back, and that it took the leadership of His Imperial Highness the Prince Basil, the leader of the Loyal Christian Front, to pass the Knootian Boycott Act, and respond adequately to the appalling behaviour of the Dutch Democratic Republic!"

"Hear hear!" shouted the majority of the Parliament.

"It is clear that in his bumbling incompetence, Sir Jacques has neglected his responsibility as His Majesty's Foreign Minister, instead preferring his role as Her Highness' political problem solver, his diplomatic duties forgotten as he attempts to smooth out and steady the uneven political ground upon which Her Highness so lightly treads." continues the Prince. "The Minister for Foreign Affairs should act always in accordance to the policy of the Imperial Government, always as an advocate for the resolutions of this house, always in a manner befitting his ministerial status. I put it to this house, My Lord Speaker, that he has not! That he has willingly ignored the ministerial code of conduct in the name of political expediency! That he has betrayed the Emperor himself by confiding in a foreign power that he has doubts about the policies of His Majesty's Imperial Government! My Lord Speaker, I move that the Minister for Foreign Affairs be censured! I move that the Minister for Foreign Affairs be removed for his manifest failures! I move that this house demonstrates that it now has no confidence in Sir Jacques Antoniou in his ministerial capacity!"

"Hear hear!" bellowed the Opposition. The speaker shifted uncomfortably as Prince Constantine returned to his seat.

Dozens of Government members stood up and made their way to the Opposition benches to vote with them. Princess Irene could see what was going on. She stood at once and left the chamber, Sir Jacques looking beleagured and abandoned.

After Parliament had burnt down the Office of National Command moved its central headquarters into the Blue Room, a subterranean Labyrinth near the capital of Zhaireland City. Having been built to withstand nuclear detonation the interior designers had painted every wall the same tone blue, as it was expected to provide a calm atmosphere for the survivors as they sat out their nuclear winter.

Seated at a table centring five walls of blue the Board for Foreign Affairs was finishing its weekly meeting.

”Quite the upstarts, aren’t they?” chuckled Board President Iruk, the other members smiled or chuckled on their breath as he signed the paper.

Tanah Burung Sanction Act

The Board of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Office of National Command, the legitimate government of transitional authority over the sovereign realms of Biotopia;

The undersigned members of the Board, having reviewed all information and coming to a consensual agreement in line with the policies of the Office of National Command hereby legislate full and immediate sanctions against the rogue state of Tanah Burung.

We find that the government of Tanah Burung has annulled its right to sovereignty by supporting, through direct or indirect action the activities of mercenary guerrillas operating in an external realm, primarily territory belonging to the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss.

Furthermore the Board reaffirms the new special friendship between the government of Biotopia and that of Knootoss. As a gesture of our actions matching our words we offer assistance to the DDRK in their crusade to install a true and responsible government in Tanah Burung, one that will not commit the reprehensible act of violating another state’s territory.

Signed: X cetera

TAG, so that I'll remember about it's existance next time.