NationStates Jolt Archive

<<OOC: Background information for this thread can be found here (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=386609).>>

Edolian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) Channel One; 1900 Hours
July 27, 2018 Edolian Reckoning
“Good evening. I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching Edölia Today. Military parades in Blätterschplitt City today marked the official annexation of the Haven Strait Island Chain and its absorption into the Empire. This is the first move made by the government since the seizure of the islands late last year. Officials speaking on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior said today that the islands would be run as a provisional territory while colonization efforts are under way. Currently, the small collection of islands is barren and uninhabited, being used as a testing ground for conventional weaponry during the time of the United Alliance of Progressive States and now occupied mainly by Scarlet Forces, although a single, small island is under the control of the Freethinker military. Experts from the Edolian Corps of Environmental Engineers (ECEE) have been surveying the lands over the past six months and recently compiled a report suggesting that the first sustainable farming communes could be built within the next six years. In the mean time, the first settlers will begin arriving in the islands over the next year. Aqua Island, one of the largest islands in the chain will serve as the first site for settlement. An official ceremony, welcoming the addition of the territory will take place on the 31st, at which time the Impërator shall give the island chain the name ‘Insulae Xcarlatae [Scarlet Isles]’ and announce the founding of the Urbs Xcarlata [Scarlet Citadel] on Aqua Island. The Minister of State, Scottford von Harrick spoke today at the People’s Hall.”

A well-dressed older-looking gentleman with a bushy gray mustache and short, well-cropped hair stands a podium.

“The addition of the Scarlet Isles to the Empire is truly one of the great events of the last few years. In envision it in the future as a sanctuary for refugees from all over the world, and a center of international study and learning. The greatest architects from around Edölia have been brought together to design some of the modern world’s tallest skyscrapers. The Scarlet Citadel will be known throughout the world.”

Lüret Sun reappears.

“The Scarlet Forces have been placed on high alert after the announcement of the annexation, for fears of a possible Vaadian attack on Edolian assets. The Free Republic of Ilek-Vaad, which recently broke off relations with the Scarlet Empire over the initial invasion of the island chain, has, over the past months, threatened invasion if Edolian forces did not pull out of the islands. Currently one Doujin-E battle group is stationed at Aqua Island -the Tetelburg- as well as the II Army of Edölia, consisting of some 45,000 troops. Top military brass have expressed confidence that Edolian and New Haven forces would be more than sufficient to crush any Vaadian aggression, but many inside the government have expressed fears that such a war would necessitate calling in support from the Imperium of Scandavian States; support that might do more harm than good.”

Ëchanor looked up to his aide that was standing behind him. The hard wind outside whistled loudly as the glass structure swayed with the forces of nature, and rain poured upon the earth. Lasilwen nós Cirdan viewed the computer screen and saw what the Magistrate had turned to look to her for reassurance that what he was reading was true. She cursed softly as she read, and looked to him. They exchanged a long glance, one in which no words were needed. Ëchanor slowly closed his eyes and sighed. He peered out of the office window in one of the many tall skyscrapers of Luin Tirith. The rain lashed down harder and a streak of lightning elucidated the monstrous storm clouds hovering over the seaside fortress-city. "You know, Lasi, the Vaadians are going to be extremely pissed," the Erumnós remarked in a very resolved tone. Lasilwen nodded slowly. "Perhaps it would be wise, Excellency, if we alerted the Menelmacari immediately, by informing those at Eledhwen Palace back home." He nodded quickly, and sent a letter to his father warning of the current actions, and urging him to contact the Menelmacari at once.
_____

Ëtaros rubbed his eyes, and opened the email just five minutes after it was sent. It was early morning in the homeland, and the bright golden orb of the East began to timidly show itself. He opened his email and saw that his son had sent him an encrypted letter. He furrowed his brow, not used to email from Ëchanor, much less encrypted. The Erasito ran the required programs to decrypt the message, tapped in necessary codes, and finally opened the email. His eyes widened as he read the email, and ran out of the bedroom, alarming Ilossë from her slumber. She looked on in confusion, and hurriedly got out of bed to chase after him.

Ëtaros arrived in the Intelligence Headquarters of Eledhwen Palace. He whirled around and spotted the man he was looking for, Adrian Weston. "Don't tell me it's true." Weston simply turned, and it was showing upon his face that he was extremely tired. He bowed slightly. "Excellency, the Edolians have officially annexed the chain of islands in the Haven Straits." Ëtaros cursed loudly, and roared. "Why," he demanded in an angry shout. "Why would they do such a moronic thing? Peace had just been achieved, goddamnit!!" Ilossë stepped in just as he completed his tyrade, and wondered aloud, "Just what the hell is going on?" The entire room turned and bowed, and the situation was explained. "So my dear and beloved husband comes in here to yell? Ëtaros, get a damn grip on yourself. Alert the Menelmacari immediately while I contact Ilek-Vaad to try to prevent the matter from getting worse." He had no choice but to comply, and it was yet another time that the Etaran people witnessed Ilossë reigning over him.

Ilossë ran at the fastest speed she could possibly manage through the palace, and finally arrived at the Eledhwen Palace Communications Hub. This was the location were top-secret phone calls and messages were made. Promptly, she sat down and began typing on a free computer as the staff in the room all but ignored her presence.

Subject: Edolian Annexation of Haven Strait Islands

To Whom It May Concern:

As you may be aware, the Scarlet Empire of Edolia has just recently officially announced the annexation of the island chain in Haven Straits. While this action may outrage the Free Republic beyond all comprehension, I am personally urging that your government remain restrained in this matter. I must ensure the First Republican that his distress is shared by my husband and me. We were not alerted whatsoever before the Edolians decided to make this shocking move on territory that did not belong to them rightfully.

For the time being, until the situation may mature somewhat, I am requesting that the Free Republic not order any military movements, launches, or any other actions that would preclude a full-scale war within Haven. Our Menelmacari allies will likely be issuing a statement soon, and we must maintain a sense of stability in Haven as much as we possibly can. If you feel the need to contact me or my government, return a message to this address or call our Consulacörat of Foreign Affairs based in New Itaros for the number. I will call and inform that any call from Ilek-Vaad should immediately be sent to Eledhwen Palace.

Hoping for peace,

Ilossë Eledhwen
Erasita of the Omnaeus Erasat des Etaros

_____

Subject: Edolian Annexation of Haven Strait Islands

To Whom It May Concern:

This message is being sent to alert you of the latest action in Haven, though I'm sure you already know. The Scarlet Empire has apparently officially annexed the chain of islands in the Haven Straits formerly owned by UnAPS, and I fear that this move may create a volatile reaction from the Free Republic of Ilek-Vaad. My wife has already sent them a communique to try to persuade them to be mature and slow in the matter, though I am deeply worried about how they will listen.

This action, of course, is reprehensible. I will not publically condemn Edolia at this time, or until the Eternal Noldorin Empire does, but I am extremely concerned and outraged over the situation. The hell we went through months ago to establish peace is now apparently being unravelled and I will not stand for it. I am urging the Menelmacari to take this very seriously, and you know how to contact my office if you need to. Of course, our intelligence agencies will be working together, and I will be hoping for a reply to this message as soon as possible.

Hoping for peace,

Ëtaros Eledhwen
Erasito of the Omnaeus Erasat des Etaros

Open Letter to Haven Nations
The Imperial Office of the Impërator
“To the people of Ëtaros and of Haven as a whole,

On behalf of all the people of Edölia, I wish to assure you that the annexation of the Scarlet Isles is by no means an aggressive act, nor is it one that should cause alarm. We have, in the past, made it clear that we were open to suggestions on the future of what has been known as the Haven Strait Island Chain, especially from the Free Republic of Ilek-Vaad. However, no nation has come forward and suggested a permanent solution, least of all the Free Republic. We have long made it obvious that if no consensus was reached, the Scarlet Empire would have no qualms in claiming the land for itself, and at this point, we believe that further occupation is both unnecessarily draining on the coffers of the Scarlet Empire and utterly useless, as nothing else shall be done.

The honorable Ëtaros Eledhwen has suggested that this action will de-rail peace efforts made between the Eternal Noldorin Empire and the Free Republic, but I wish to make it clear that that is a separate issue with no bearing upon this matter. Although the two events corresponded temporally, they arise from utterly different political issues and our peaceful acquisition of the Scarlet Isles should not in any way interfere or conflict with the settlement made on Unity Island.

I would also like to point out that in claiming these islands as our own and building permanent civilian settlements, we are in fact setting a peaceful precedent. There is no doubt that these islands are strategically important, and if the Scarlet Empire chose to heavily fortify them with air and naval bases, as well as Titan gun emplacements, we would be in easy striking distance of virtually every nation on the Straits. The fact that we are building cities, which will eventually be home to hundreds of millions of people, demonstrates our trust in those nations. There should be no doubt that military bases will be built in these islands, but they are merely to protect our civilian populations.

I urge all nations to be calm and reasonable. This does not need to be a crisis and shall not be if all act rationally. Edölia has long been a champion of peace and stability in Haven, and I hope that others can give the Scarlet Empire the benefit of the doubt that we are now acting without malice.

May peace reign.”
Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt
Lord of the Impërium Socialistum Edoliä

To: Edolian Ambassador
From: Department of State, Foreign Liaison
Re: Annexation of Strait Island Chain

The government of Pilot has no reservations about the adoption of the Haven Strait Island Chain into the Scarlet Empire. However, in the message to the nations of Haven, the suggestion that Edolia is not prepared to rule out a large-scale military buildup utilizing the new strategic opportunities afforded to her by these islands creates an unsettling circumstance for our own defensive situation. Regardless of how often Edolia uses its military, purposely pointing out that control of the islands means being within "striking distance of virtually every nation on the Straits" suggests to our nation that you have issued a pre-emptive warning to other nations in Haven in the event that you should enter armed conflict in the future. In light of the situation between Scandavian States and Hogsweat, a military buildup on a wartime scale by any nation would serve as an intentional attempt to undermine diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Therefore, our government stands at odds with your statement of 14 January.

Of course, we do not pretend to not realize the need for Edolia to protect the migrating citizens on her newly-acquired territory, but we do not believe massive navy and army military installations, Titan guns, or large stocks of military equipment on these islands are necessary to accomplish this goal. We also do not pretend not to realize the sovereignty of Edolia in deciding matters of national security and defense. Very simply, we are putting forward our own position that fortifying the Strait Island Chain with the ability to launching any scale military campaign will strain relations between our two nations and would present us with a difficult diplomatic situation.

We hope you are open to our suggestions and we are confident that Pilot and Edolia can reach an accommodating agreement for both parties in this matter. Thank you.

~ Department of State, Foreign Liaison Richard Adita
~ The Democratic State Assembly of Pilot

Initial Joint Statement From Omzian Democratic Republic
Omzian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Omzian Ministry of Commerce
Omzian Ministry of Agriculture
Interior Department, Omzian Ministry of Investigations
Omzian Ministry of National Defence
Omzian Defence Forces

The government of the Omzian Democratic Republic would like to announce their initial neutrality on the matter regarding the the incorporation of the Haven Island Strait Chain into the administration of the Edolian government. As we have no strict opinion for the time being regarding either the movement of Edolian forces into these territories, nor the possible responses from nations such as adversaries of the Edolian government, we must reinforce our neutrality for the time being on this matter.

However, we also express out concern regarding the possible military uses of these islands, and the possible constructions of weapons of war, especially power projection naval battle groups, and long-range artillery. The employment of these systems provides the Edolian military with impressive but devastating strike capabilities, and thus we express our possible concern about the possible threats posed by these weapon systems. This is by our view, not required for a possible defence of these newly incorporated territories. Though by no means we are opposed to such move, and although we do take the Edolian government's freedom to make its own decisions into respect, we do intend to question this decision made by the Edolian military.

Because of these factors, we are rather worried about another possible armed confrontation and/or government within the region of Haven, especially one of a high-intensity, large-scale nature between two or more influental nations. As much as it would nullify any hopes of immediate peace within the region of Haven, we would like to reinforce our position on the matter, as we would like to urge possible adversary nations of Edolia to re-evaluate this situation. Our utmost hope is to ensure security within the region and a healthy series of diplomatic relations between each nation, and we feel that it is one of the utmost importance for all responsible nations within the region of Haven.

As we send our wishes to encourage the Edolia government to give their viewpoints, we hope that by our action, this does not hinder the relation between Edolia and the Omzian Democratic Republic.

(End of Initial Statement)

La Minstre de Secrité Internationale:

The Commonwealth at this time professes that it has no feeling either way on this annexation. While the Commonwelath must stuanchly impose imperialism it is our understanding that the island chain was previously uninhabited. However, we can not in good faith support the annexation either. The location of the island grouping makes ensures USR control over the southern portion of the Haven Straits, something we must admit is not something we would have liked to have seen.

Therefore, we urge Edolia to tread carefully and recomend that they do not interfere with shipping through the area in any way. We are watching these developements closely, especially concerning the fiasco concerning Edolian econmic gains in the Commonwelath two years ago.

End Press Release

Open Letter to all Haven Nations
Re: Concerns
“To the people of Haven,

Several fears have been raised over the past days regarding Edolian intentions in seizing and annexing what are now called the Scarlet Isles. It is my intention to put these fears at rest so that we in Haven can get on with the business of peace, stability and commerce.

It is in fact commerce that is the driving force behind our acquisition of this island group. It is has been pointed out by both Edolian and foreign officials that the central location of the Scarlet Isles makes it potentially critical in determining the military, political and commercial status in the Straits. During the time of the UnAPS and especially since its demise, this location has been wasted. We have used it as weapons testing grounds, pirates have used it as staging grounds and in general, the islands have been of little worth to anyone. It is Edölia’s intention to change this. The Haven Straits are vast. Although on official maps, the distance between nations such as the New Haven Socialist Republic and the Scandavian States would seem to be relatively small, the challenges facing merchants traveling along the Straits are quite problematic and are a major obstacle to trade. With friendly ports in the Scarlet Isles, ships will have a location to take shelter from storms, refuel, rest or make general repairs. Furthermore, if ever a location is needed for the headquarters of the Organization of Haven States, there is no doubt that one of these islands would be a perfect locale. I hope that this is taken into account when people make judgments of our actions.

I also feel that it is important to address the concerns raised by some, most notably the Pilotans and Omzians, that the islands could be used as military staging grounds for strikes into neighboring countries. I will not lie: They could be. There is no question that Titan guns built into the islands will be able to reach virtually any country in the Haven Straits. However, the Impërator has already promised that the defenses on the islands will be only sufficient to protect them from aggression and attack by others and will not have a significant offensive capability. I also wish to ask the people of Haven who they would rather see controlling these islands. There is no question that someone must control the Scarlet Isles. Edölia and the Union of Socialist Republics as a whole have already demonstrated their commitment to peace and stability, and I do not believe that there is another nation or group in Haven that could be better trusted to keep these islands safe and secure.

I am quite happy that nations in Haven have come forward to voice their concerns publicly, rather than, for instance, mobilizing large fleets to engage in blockades. I urge all others who have questions or issues relating to our annexation to come forward and make them known.

May peace reign.”
Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs

OOC: Edolia, I am unsure if you are aware or if it really matters or not, but Im just posting to prepare you that Indigo will approach your main man at the coronation about the Scarlet Isle', or perhaps some other portion of land. Anyhow, these islands will most certainly come into mention, so keep your eyes open. ;)

To:Matthew von Pickett, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edolia
From: Vrak Diplomatic Corps
Subject: annexation

We view this as an internal Haven matter and therefore reserve comment on the situation. However, given that it may have some impact upon relations within Haven itself, we wonder if we could remind the nation of Edolia of the FKC pursuing a land purchase in Haven proper. Specifically, the land on the island south of Ilek-Vaad. So far, we have only heard from the Haven nations of Ilek-Vaad, Jondera, and Scandavian States as well as Iuthia.

We would like to hear from yourselves and others on this matter since we are trying to proceed…cautiously.


OOC: The link to the FKC land purchase thread is here:

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=388757

To: Edolian Ambassador
From: Department of State, Foreign Liaison
Re: Annexation of Strait Island Chain

We fear our statement of 16 January might have been taken a little bit too lightly. So, to put it more plainly, the Pilotan government is now taking the position of intolerance to any long-range military capability, including Titan guns, to be permanently installed in the Strait Island Chain. Our faith in your good intentions is full, however, that does not mean we are prepared to allow our homeland security to be deeply infringed, nor the homeland security of our allies in the region. Once again, we acknowledge the right of Edolian sovereignty to defend herself from attacks, but the weapons you have considered and/or have mentioned building in this island chain are not for defensive purposes, they are of a retaliatory or offensive nature. This is a situation that we cannot allow to come to pass.

In the event that you ignore our request, our government may be forced to adopt a more stringent diplomatic tone with your nation. However, we believe it will not come to that. Our simple request is for a full disclosure of military assets on the Isles and a promise not to construct retaliatory or offensive capabilities anywhere on the chain. Please remember that the Strait Island Chain was essentially given to you out of the goodwill of your neighbors and friends and we all hope that you will not abuse our complicity.

~ Department of State, Foreign Liaison Richard Adita
~ The Democratic State Assembly of Pilot

Liëssa sighed as the situation continued in its downward spiral, as nations around Haven began voicing their strong opinions. The Etaran embassy in Edolia had been reporting that the government there was remaining firm in its position. Her job, as a result, became much harder. The Erasito had ordered her to release a statement condemning the acquisition of the islands as an imperialistic move that could threaten the harmony and stability of Haven. She quietly agreed to do so, and felt that in the gut of things, her superior was correct. However, she worried herself about the repercussions of such a public condemnation. Being an extremely skilled diplomat, she expected that such a denunciation could harm future relations with the Scarlet Empire and perhaps the entire USR. Also, there was a significant possibility that nations such as Ilek-Vaad could blame the Erasat of benign hypocrisy. However, the noble elf had orders, and her paranoia prevailed. She began typing out a statement, hoping she was doing the right thing.

Etaran Diplomatic Statement
Designated to the Scarlet Empire of Edölia

For long ages has the world been spinning through the universe as enormous accomplishments and devastating defeats marked its history. These events have been determined by the minds of those that follow hundreds, even thousands, of years later. Such events are the ones that make us beam with pride or cower in shame.

The latest actions of the Scarlet Empire will be shamed in future generations, or so is the firm belief of the Etaran Erasat. Actions to annex territories are of centuries past, and completely reprehensible. The Island Chain was not the territory of the Edolians until they wrongfully pursued to take it for their own. The encampment of military equipment capable of striking virtually any nation in Haven is not a comfort, it is a threat. The Scarlet Empire believes that it may settle these islands because they are the first to claim them. Such misguided policies are a danger to all those that live in Haven, as well as allies and friends that are not in the region.

The Erasat will not demand or request Edolian evacuation of the islands. Though we feel that it is wrong, we will not act in a display of immaturity. Our fleets will remain in our ports, and we can assure the Scarlet Empire that we shall not be the object of our criticism, as some have done in the past. However, as the Democratic State Assembly has stated, we will not tolerate the encampment of long-range military weapons, though we have been reassured that they shall be for defense only. Such weapons, as previously stated, are a threat to our national security, and to the stability and peace of Haven. We will not tolerate long-range threats in the island chain, and repercussions are likely to follow such actions.

We urge the Edolians to take this as fair warning. We will not be pleased, in the least, if the Scarlet Empire continues along its current path. Our nation is pleased with the latest diplomatic ties that it has reconjured with Edolia, and we do not intend to end such ties. However, we cannot allow Luin Anarórë and allies of the Erasat to be under the shadow of long-range weapons. It is my hopes that the Scarlet Empire will take our warning seriously, as we have little desire to end positive relations over an issue of military capabilities.

Hoping for a peaceful resolution,

Liëssa Ciryatan
Consulacör of Foreign Affairs

Edolian Broadcasting Corporation Channel One; 1900 Hours
August 21, 2018 Edolian Reckoning
“Good evening. I’m Lüret Sun and you’re watching Edölia Today. A meeting of military and foreign policy advisors met today in Blätterschplitt City to discuss upcoming plans to construct large-scale defenses on what are now being called the Scarlet Isles. The government has received harsh criticism from a number of allies, most notably the Erasita of the Omnaeus Erasat des Ëtaros and the Democratic State Assembly of Pilot. Foreign leaders around Haven have called upon the Scarlet Empire to scrap plans for the construction of forty-eight heavy Titan-D guns, citing concerns that such heavy artillery could be used to strike at targets throughout Haven. Edolian military leaders have protested that guns located in Yasmarea, Axackal, Edölia and the New Haven Socialist Republic already cover all of Haven, but many diplomats have demonstrated eagerness to comply with international requests. Edolian Foreign Minister Matthew von Pickett had this to say after the conference:”

“The Socialist Empire of Edölia has always desired but one thing: peace. For years, we have worked tirelessly to achieve this goal, pursing the noble art of diplomacy over the crude practice of war. For years, we have demonstrated our willingness to compromise with others. We shall not break from this legacy. After twelve hours of debate and discussion, the Foreign Policy Council of the Socialist Empire of Edölia has come to consensus. I just got off the phone with leaders from the Democratic State Assembly, as well as the Erasat and informed then that plans have been reworked to exclude the construction of large-scaled Titan guns in the Scarlet Isles. While I believe that the representatives from Pilot and the Erasat were being unreasonable, we feel that the added defense of their friendship is far greater than the defenses that would be gained from a battery of heavy Titan guns. Therefore, it has been determined that while we will construct a number of Titan guns, the largest that shall be built will be our new Titan-E coastal defense guns, rather than the Titan-D long-range strike guns that were originally planned. These will fulfill the original purpose of constructing large Titan guns, but their range is such that they will be unable to reach much beyond the waters of the Haven Straits.”

Lüret Sun continues.

“While in the past, Titan guns constructed by the Ministry of War have had the primary purpose of striking at targets in foreign countries, over the past few years, the Ministry has been developing guns built more for coastal defense. The Titan-E gun is a 1,200mm bore gun, capable of hurling shells over eight hundred kilometers and is an ideal weapon for destroying large-scale targets, including battleships and even dreadnaughts such as the Doujin. Although the Ministry of Defense refused to specify exactly how many would be constructed in the Scarlet Isles, there is no doubt that any significant number of the guns would go a long way towards securing the defense of the new Edolian territory into the near future.”

The television cameras inside the Press Room of Eledhwen Palace were rolling, and newspaper journalists were busy clicking their photographic cameras. The wooden podium in the center, decorated with the Etaran Seal, was currently empty and outfitted with a single, small microphone. The door to the side opened as bodyguards filed onto the platform, taking strategic positions in front of the large curtain that was, in its entirety, the Etaran national flag. Finally, Liëssa Ciryatan, Consulacör of Foreign Affairs, walked upon the stage in a rigid business suit. She turned and looked to the cameras when she arrived at the podium. Quickly looking down, she opened a small pamphlet that was placed upon it. She then looked into the television cameras,

"Today has heralded a great accomplishment for the Erasat, as one of our trusted allies has complied with our requests to stand down in an attempt to build long-range weapons in the Scarlet Isles. The effort shown by the Scarlet Empire has been taken into note, and we are truly grateful they have negotiated with the Erasat and the Democratic State Assembly in this attempt to halt the construction of long-range threats in Haven.

First, I must assure Edolia that we are forever thankful, but I must explain our requests. It was my worries, as well as those of the Erasito, that these weapons would offend some nations of Haven. Furthermore, should the Scarlet Empire ever become involved in conflict, it was our worry that these weapons would offer ample opportunity to harm Etaran allies or friends. In this instance, it was the concern of the Erasat that Edolia would upset the careful balance of peace set in place months ago.

As a token of thanks from the Erasat, I personally inform the Edolians that they are welcome to a ball that shall be hosted by the Erasito and others of the Etaran government. We will contact the Edolian government several weeks before the ball so ample preparations can be made. Again, I thank you from my heart, and I wish the Scarlet Empire well in its endeavours in the Scarlet Isles and elsewhere."

With a smile to end her speech, she gracefully turned back in the direction of the door, and walked towards it, two bodyguards taking position in front of her, as two took position behind. One of her lower aides began answering questions the Press had as she exited the room.