NationStates Jolt Archive

Nations of the world. The nuclear arsenals that you spend so much money on are continually wasted. They are only ever used in the event that your nation is destroyed either by a prior or retaliatory strike, and yet they are expensive weapons, both in construction, maintenance and development. Perhaps for some nations, the mere prestige of being a nuclear power makes it all worth it, even if the weapons are so wide spread in the NationStates world that no one values it as a major aspect of your national pride outside your own nation.

The Democratic Imperium of Praetonia, therefore, proposes the following a treaty of proportional responce, which will allow nuclear weapons to be used in a specific manner, and against specific targets, without fear of the nations' population being harmed whilst the exchange takes place between two signatory nations:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Article 1: No nuclear weapons are to be used against the general populace of any other signatory nation, unless in retaliation for a prior strike made on the general populace of the nation in question.

Article 2: No nuclear weapon over 100kt is to be used against any territory or military asset of any other signatory nation, unless in responce to a prior strike of this kind made against the nation in question. This is to prevent wide scale damage to the environment of general populace in the nation in which the nuclear device is detonated.

Article 3: 'Neutron bombs', and all other devices of the type, those being devices designed to emit large quantities of radiation, may not be used against any signatory nation unless in retaliation for a prior strike made against the nation in question.

Article 4: Tactical nuclear strikes may be made, provided that they are not in breach of any of the previous three articles. However, any responce must be proportional. That is, against a target of similar type, size, strength and importance.

Article 5: If any signatory nation is found to be in breach of the treaty, then all other signatory nations are obliged to either declare war upon, or break off all diplomatic relations with, the nation in question. This is to ensure that a nuclear tragedy does not take place caused by a nation in breach of these terms. Any nation may withdraw from the treaty at any time, but they must give two (RL) weeks' notice.

Article 5: A Nuclear Inspection and Moderation Board (NIMB) is to be set up. The Board will consist of representatives from all signatory nations. The board will be responsible for enforcing the treaty and solving grievances between nations regarding the treaty.


Signatory Nations

The Democratic Imperium of Praetonia (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Praetonia)
The Democratic Empire of Camewot (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Camewot)
The Workers' State of Hallad (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Hallad)
The Lance Umpire of AfrikaZkorps (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=AfrikaZKorps)
The Anti-Cat Republic of DontPissUsOff (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=DontPissUsOff)
The Incorporated States of Sarzonia (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Sarzonia)
The Sadistic Dictatorship of Witzgall (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Witzgall)
The Free Land of Shanagolia (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Shanagolia)
The Dominion of Greenmanbry (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Greenmanbry)
The United Socialist States of Socialist Serbia (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Socialist Serbia)
The Federation of Draconis Federation (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Draconis Federation)
The Peoples Socialist Republic of Hogsweat (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Hogsweat)
The Empire of Dumpsterdam (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Dumpsterdam)
The Grand Duchy of Karas (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Karas)
The Republic of Dostanuot Loj (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Dostanuot Loj)
The Federation of FCD (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=FCD)
The Rogue Nation of Slaytanicca (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Slaytanicca)
The United Freedom Forces of Euroslavia (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Euroslavia)
The Federated Socialist Republic of Psov (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Psov)
The Kingdom of Malkyer (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=Malkyer)

The Democratic Republic of Camewot proudly signs this treaty.

The Workers' State of Hallad will sign this treaty.

The Commissariat of Diplomacy
The Workers' State of Hallad

I, Kilgar of Afrika, whole-heartedly agree to sign the Praeton Nuclear Treaty, as it does not pretend to "stop" the spread of nuclear weapons, just regulate all of the signatories.

Ivanoski Kilgar

While I am not entirely optimistic about the prospectes of success for this treaty, it is a noble cause which will likely produce a positive result. Ergo, we agree.

- Prime Minister M. Jones

President Mike Sarzo, upon the advice and consent of the House of Delegates, which has ratified the treaty by a vote of 428-138, hereby affixes his signature to signal Sarzonia's aggrement with the terms of the treaty.

Michael A. Sarzo
President
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

Joshua T. Williams
Speaker
House of Delegates

Though Lindim has no nuclear weapons program by priniciple, we are sufficiently advanced in nuclear research and are willing to contribute to world peace to offer our scientists as members of NIMB.

The Fuhrer of Witzgall and all Witzgallian Empirate States will sign the treaty as stated above.

Fritz Viechal I
Fritz Viechal I
Fuhrer of Witzgallian Empire

Though our nation has yet to develop a nuclear weapons program, we would be honored to sign this treaty in the event that we ever accquire these weapons.

The Dominion would be honored to sign such a Treaty. May it bring peace and prosperity to this unstable world.

Ahmed Byrnashty
President of the Dominion

Michael N. Langdon
President of Parliament

Socialist Serbia will gladly sign this treaty.

Although The Draconis Federation has no "Nuclear Arms" we do have "other WMD's" and sign with full pretense that if we find any flaw in your logic, we will terminate all contacts, and even nullify all previous agreements. So we sign grudingly.

Consul
Dala Vedra
Draconis Federation

We will sign this treaty.

Membership list updated.

Consider this treaty signed, however, we wish to know how the organisation stands against the detonating of one's nuclear stockpile to delay enemy forces(providing that there are no civilians nearby or even in the fall-out range).

As soon as this has been cleared up, we will sign.

Alfarius Damocales,
Imperial Councillor,
Minister of Defence.

As per the treaty, there is nothing to restrict the use of nuclear weapons in that way provided that they dont, as you say they wont, harm densely populated areas. You must, however, accept the fact that the enemy will be entitled to use nuclear weapons in the same way against your forces.

Julius Cassius Memor
Permanent Under-Secretary for ToP Affairs

As per the treaty, there is nothing to restrict the use of nuclear weapons in that way provided that they dont, as you say they wont, harm densely populated areas. You must, however, accept the fact that the enemy will be entitled to use nuclear weapons in the same way against your forces.

Julius Cassius Memor
Permanent Under-Secretary for ToP Affairs


Signed: 18th December, 2004.

The Dumpsterdanian Empire accepts all parts of this treaty.

Updated with all 13 members!

The President for Life Plus 10 Weeks of The Grand Duchy of Karas formaly stamps his insignia upon the document.

The Republic of Dostanuot Loj wishes to be a part of this treaty as it complies with our own Nuclear weapons policy.
Dostanuot Loj Nuclear Weapons Policy Overview:
- Nuclear weapons are to be used only as artillery fired, or ground burried mines upon Tactical millitary targets. Such targets include, but are not excluded to, enemy ground, enemy military supplies, enemy aircraft, and enemy warships.
- Space based nuclear weapons for use upon enemy space based installations are unlimited in size.
- Aircraft based missiles to be used upon any target are limited to 1kt size.
- Land based weapons are limited to under 50kt in size. Artillery Shells being limited to under 25kt.

And as the Senate has agreed to sign, the Republic of Dostanuot Loj now officially agrees to sign this treaty.
-Admiral U.Namtar II

The Federation of the FCD agrees by the treaty, and all documents will be signed by the Executive Members of the Party.

Updated

Signed President Sun Xi, Phd.
Democratic States of Greater Beijing

I will submit a proposal to the International Fleet that all member states of our Union accept and sign this treaty as well.

It just occured to me there are no provisions in this treaty for non-proliferation of orbital platforms of WMD and the use of spaceborne hardware for these purposes. It would go a long way with the International Fleet if an amendment to this treaty could be made to include a bann on spaceborne weapons systems and orbital WMD platforms. At the very least an agreement should be made that nationstates in position of these weapons should not sale them to other nationstates or aid other nationstates in thier developement or the developement of related technologies. If successful this would likely insure the additional 16 signatures of the International Fleet memberstates.

I shall not resend my Signature of this treaty even if the IF does not except my proposal - best wishes.

uhmm, Bump! :D

As the House of Representatives in our country has been deliberating on nuclear policy for several months, it comes as a great relief to find this treaty, which was ratified by our House in a vote, 188-2. Thus, Jangia will proudly sign this treaty.

Greater Beijing: The purpose of this treaty is not to limit the use of nuclear weapons, it is to allow tactical nuclear weapons to be used without fear of a massive dis-proportionate retaliatory strike against civilian targets. In addition, we would not be able to pass any kind of ammendment without the prior agreement of all current members. I dont see it happening.

Greater Beijing: The purpose of this treaty is not to limit the use of nuclear weapons, it is to allow tactical nuclear weapons to be used without fear of a massive dis-proportionate retaliatory strike against civilian targets. In addition, we would not be able to pass any kind of ammendment without the prior agreement of all current members. I dont see it happening.

On behalf of the International Fleet I would like to at least get the proposed amendment on the floor for review and discussion. I think this treaty does much to prevent the mass loss of life in case these weapons are used.

But what we would like is to put this in terms of what it means for spaceborne populations - the use of even tactical nuclear weapons in space can be catastrophic, and it has the potential for gross, widespread, indiscriminant environmental hazards. So we believe one final exception be made to prohibit the use of nuclear weapons in space all together. The International Fleet views the development of spaceborne weapons of mass destruction a direct, clear and present threat to our populations currently employed in space. And would gladdly sign this treaty if it includes the spaceborne non-proliferation amendment we need.

I will garauntee our 17 signatures if this proposal is excepted and the amendment is excepted.

We will happily sign this treaty, although we wish to know the purpose and capabilities of the inspections body beforehand.

Luna I: Of course. If you can secure the signatures of all signatory nations to the ammendment (which will have to be written up as a proper article) then it will be included.

OOC: The NIMB is there for a nation to report another nation they think is in violation of the terms of the treaty, and then all signatories (ICly through their representatives on the NIMB) can review the report and decide by majority.

Many thanks. We would certainly wish to sign this treaty, then, as it coincides with our current policies on nuclear weapon usage.

If an amendment banning the use of space-born nuclear weapons is to be passed. The Republic of Dostanuot Loj wishes to withdraw it's signature from this treaty as we feel it is our right to the use of space based nuclear weaponry against off-planet targets.

Then the motion is defeated/

Euroslavia wishes to sign the Treaty of Praeton.

If an amendment banning the use of space-born nuclear weapons is to be passed. The Republic of Dostanuot Loj wishes to withdraw it's signature from this treaty as we feel it is our right to the use of space based nuclear weaponry against off-planet targets.

We will however, support an amendment limiting space based nuclear weapons to use against other space based weapons platforms. Such an amendment would, it seems to me, coencide with the treaty as a whole, as well as Dostanuot Loj Military Doctorine regarding the deployment of such weapons.

The Republic Pledges It's Signature

The Premier of the Republic
Hunztach Windarzx

I hereby offer my signature to this treaty.

If an amendment banning the use of space-born nuclear weapons is to be passed. The Republic of Dostanuot Loj wishes to withdraw it's signature from this treaty as we feel it is our right to the use of space based nuclear weaponry against off-planet targets.

I would like to bring the motion back to the table - with the understanding that the use of nuclear wepaons in and from space are not only in direct confrontation to the International Fleet mission but against international law. I would like to assert that a bann on spaceborne weapons of mass destruction should have been included by default to represent the general, modern consensus of the proper uses and deployment of nuclear weapons. We would also want to bring to your attention that spaceborne weapons would be in violation of the spirit of this treaty which is to quote Praeton, "The purpose of this treaty is not to limit the use of nuclear weapons, it is to allow tactical nuclear weapons to be used without fear of a massive dis-proportionate retaliatory strike against civilian targets."

The very nature of these platforms concedering the expense of launching such installations would be to delevery such a detering dis-proportionate retaliatory strike and to do so in half the time from above instead of trans-continentally.

We beg this treaty organization to review its policy towards spaceborne weapons. A bann on such weapons would allow the International Fleet to except this treaty as a whole.

If this 6th Article is adopted by the signatories I will right it into the International Fleet Constitution that memberstates accept and sign this treaty thus legally binding our intitution of 22 memberstates to these terms.

In addition if any nation of this treaty organization wishes to disarm its space program now - the International Fleet is prepared to pay recuperations to cover its investment in such retired devices and installations by up to 1.1 trillion per nation.

Axis Nova will gladly sign this treaty.

OOC: I'll update the member list in a few days when I get back from holiday. Luna I if you can get the support then I'll write it in, but the purpose of the treaty isnt really to resrtict nuclear weapons... I would say that space borne weapons are fine, so long as they are used in accordance with the other articles. Still, if a lot of people support your idea then I will write it in.

On behalf of the International Fleet I would like to at least get the proposed amendment on the floor for review and discussion. I think this treaty does much to prevent the mass loss of life in case these weapons are used.

But what we would like is to put this in terms of what it means for spaceborne populations - the use of even tactical nuclear weapons in space can be catastrophic, and it has the potential for gross, widespread, indiscriminant environmental hazards. So we believe one final exception be made to prohibit the use of nuclear weapons in space all together. The International Fleet views the development of spaceborne weapons of mass destruction a direct, clear and present threat to our populations currently employed in space. And would gladdly sign this treaty if it includes the spaceborne non-proliferation amendment we need.

I will garauntee our 17 signatures if this proposal is excepted and the amendment is excepted.

Again, we feel it is our right to own nuclear weapons as an aresnol aboard space based warships. We feel this amendment will limit our offensive and defensive strength off the planet.
As well we feel this will limit our scientific research capabilities, as well as our abilty to maintain our existance from certian natural disaster threats.
Finally, The Republic of Dostanuot Loj does not recognise any such international law.
The Republic of Dostanuot Loj will remove it's participation of this treaty if such an amendment is taken up.

OOC: I am Modern Techish, 2020 - 2050 area. So I'm talking sticking a nuclear missile on the Space Shuttle, not massive Future Tech fleets.

Again, we feel it is our right to own nuclear weapons as an aresnol aboard space based warships. We feel this amendment will limit our offensive and defensive strength off the planet.
As well we feel this will limit our scientific research capabilities, as well as our abilty to maintain our existance from certian natural disaster threats.
Finally, The Republic of Dostanuot Loj does not recognise any such international law.
The Republic of Dostanuot Loj will remove it's participation of this treaty if such an amendment is taken up.

OOC: I am Modern Techish, 2020 - 2050 area. So I'm talking sticking a nuclear missile on the Space Shuttle, not massive Future Tech fleets.

And why would you need offensive and defensive stregnth off planet - why would you need to stick a nuclear missile on a space shuttle?

The meeting in the House of Delegates was one of the most contentious of Speaker Connie Jacobi's new term. After the negotiations with The Evil Overlord required her to table the proposed vote to withdraw Sarzonia from the Union of World Powers until Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Mark Lorber banged out his deal with Ambassador Conrad M'Gawe, she was loath to exercise her prerogative to unilaterally table a bill from being discussed.

However, she quickly realised this was going to have to be done this time.

"Regarding House Bill 2546, Proportional Nuclear Response treaty, I hereby exercise my prerogative as House Speaker and table the bill for a one month period." She banged her gavel in an effort to stifle the catcalls and protests that ensued. She knew she was on solid ground because it would take a four fifths vote in the House to override her Speaker's Prerogative and force the motion onto the floor. That particular vote was out of her control.

Amazingly, however, that motion quickly reached a vote. And amazingly, five hundred Delegates voted in favour of the members' cloture vote. Thus, she could not keep the bill from being debated or voted upon as much as she wanted to. She took a deep breath. Since this had to do with a treaty, the Senate would be of little help. Besides, they already voted 39-10 in favour of the very proposal she opposed. It was pretty ironclad, and she knew it.

Defeated, Jacobi cleared her throat. "Due to the members' cloture vote on the floor, House Bill 2546 has been moved to the floor. All those in favour, please signify by pressing the "Aye" key on your votepad. All those opposed, please press "Nay." She quickly grabbed her votepad and pressed the "Nay" button for all she was worth, but despite her best efforts, the Aye column quickly filled up.

"By a vote of 496 votes in favour and 54 votes against, the motion on the floor to override the President's veto of House Bill 2298 carries. By this vote, the Incorporated States of Sarzonia hereby removes its name as a signatory nation on the Treaty of Praeton regarding proportional nuclear response."

As she banged the gavel to signify that the Presidential veto had vanished into the air of history along with Sarzonia's participation in a treaty they had championed only a few short months ago, she couldn't help thinking: My God, what have we done?

Since the Empire has always had a policy in which nuclear weapons have been held only for the most extreme cases, meaning, in other words, that we do not agree in the proliferation of nuclear war, we gladly sign this treaty. As signatories, we pledge that we will, without hesitation, follow all current articles of the treaty, and future ammendments, issuing an order of personal responsiblity towards the upkeeping of the treaty. We would also like forewarning to any conference with directly pertains to this treaty, so that we may send our top diplomat, Jench Fersas. Thank you.

[signed]Fedor I

Portland Press-Herald

Nov. referendum could cause policy shift

by Jeff Spiegel
Special to the Press-Herald

WOODSTOCK, 20 April -- In the first potential exercise of Article XXI's so-called people's veto, the Federal Election Committee verified 1.6 million signatures on a petition circulated by People For The Responsible Use of Nuclear Weapons (PRUN) that would put Sarzonia's withdrawal from the Treaty of Praeton regarding proportional nuclear response up for referendum vote in November. That number is a full 300,000 more than the minimum required for calling the referendum.

The vote, along with any other ballot initiatives with enough valid signatures, will come up for a vote on the first Tuesday in November this year. It is the first piece of legislation that has been put up for a nationwide referendum since Article XXI was ratified.

"This is a clear indication that the will of the people will not be subverted by political interests in Woodstock," said Carl Barber, 49, the president and founder of PRUN. "We will make it clear that this piece of legislation will carry the full weight of the people of Sarzonia, not those special interests in the [Military Command Centre]."

However, Senator Brian Delgado (Cons.-Cooke) blasted the referendum as "a needless intrusion by people who don't know the first thing about military requirements.

"If this referendum is passed, it would do away with years of reform by the Incorporated Sarzonian Military," Delgado said. "The vagaries of people who don't know the first thing about military issues making military decisions is how we got into the mess in Inkana in the first place. This would be an enormous step backward."

However, President Mike Sarzo, whose veto of Sarzonian withdrawal from the Treaty of Praeton was overturned hailed the referendum vote.

"This legislation deserves the scrutiny of the Sarzonian people," Sarzo said. "Whether the law gets repealed by popular vote or it remains in effect by the popular vote, this will be an expression of the will of the people. We must always remember that we serve the Sarzonian people, not the other way around."

Early polls suggest that if the referendum happened today, the law would remain in effect by a 51 to 49 margin. The poll has an error margin of plus- or minus three percent.

The Grand Duchy of Van Luxemburg - Diplomatical Communiqé
Das Groussherzogtum Vun Lëtzebuerg - Diplomatesche Botschaft

As a supporter of limited (proportional) Nuclear weaponry, I, Cornelis Diederik (Koen) Van Luxemburg, Grand Duke of Van Luxemburg, High Commander of the Military and CEO of VDZ & VL and VLT Automotive, hereby sign this treaty, named the Treaty of Praeton, witnessed by Premier Nicolas Hirtz, Liberal-Democratic party, aswell as Philippe Dermont, Minister of Defence, Liberal-Democratic Party.

I see that the world is rapidly running towards destruction, the feared Armageddon. Van Luxemburg has made a 89% (almost unanimous) vote at populace level, aswell as Parliament (With 465/500 members of the Tweede Kamer voting for joining the Treaty of Praeton) level. The Ministry of Defence has agreed to dismantle 25 out of 60 Nuclear Weapons of the type LGM-118 Peacekeeper ICBM. This is 35% of the Grand-Duchy's Strategic Nuclear Capability. Development of a Nuclear-Warhead-tipped Cruise Missile has been cancelled by VDZ & VL, and the Ministry of Defence, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has instated a ban on the sale of Nuclear Weapons to Foreign Nations.

Van Luxemburg wishes to comply with all clauses of the Treaty, and hereby confirms it has.

Signed,

Grand Duke Koen van Luxemburg

Premier Nicolas Hirtz

Minister of Defence Philippe Dermont.

I'll sign this.

Warchief Tamujid, The Minister of Everything in
Heavily (but conventionally) Armed Republic of Madnestan

[OOC: I'm fluid timing this bad boy so I can wrap up this mini storyline. There's a strike at the Woodstock Daily Mail so the ace sports columnist is doing a breaking news story.]

Woodstock Daily Mail

People veto Parliament's withdrawal

by Ryan Calvin
Daily Mail Staff Writer

10 November 2006 -- "The people have spoken."

The first "people's veto" referendum vote in Sarzonia's national history last night resulted in the people's vote overturning Parliament's override of President Mike Sarzo's veto of the country's withdrawal from the Treaty of Praeton regarding proportional nuclear response.

With 90 percent of all national precincts reporting in, the margin was 59 percent in favour of overturning the Parliamentary vote to 37 percent, with four percent of the votes to be counted. Pollsters across the country announced that the margin was enough to override Parliament's vote no matter how the remaining 10 percent of precincts reported or the four percent of votes came in.

"It's obvious that the people of Sarzonia want our nation to be part of this treaty," Senator Brian Delgado (Conservative-Cooke), said. "The people have spoken and we need to listen to what the people have decided." Delgado said he would not petition for nor support a recount or a revote on the legislation.

"The institution we have created of the popular vote referendum on national issues is not one that should be dragged into the mud," Delgado said. "The people have made their verdict. We're going to live with that."

Once the vote has officially been certified, the nation will be required to petition the Praetonian government to re-sign the treaty within 90 days of certification. Sarzo hailed the vote as "an expression of the people's rule."

"I am gratified that the voice of the people has once again been heard loud and clear by the nation's lawmakers," Sarzo said. "The Incorporated States of Sarzonia is a nation built on the principles of government of the people, by the people, and for the people, and we once again have demonstrated that conclusively. It is a great day for the Incorporated States of Sarzonia."

The Socialist Federation of Ato-Sara will sign this treaty as it closely mirrors the values and sentiments of the Ato-Saran government and people as a whole.

Sincerely,

Lin Yen
Prime Minister of Ato-Sara and associated territories.