NationStates Jolt Archive

In late 1914, discussions between the French and Russian governments lead to the conclusion that the Allied Powers, in order to formalize their relationships with one another, should sign a formal treaty, outlining the position and policies of the as yet unnamed Alliance. A summit to discuss and finalize said treaty of alliance is to be held in the international city of Jerusalem, in the French protectorate of Palestine.

The “Big Three” Allied Powers (France, Russia, and Italy) are slated to attend the summit, with Imperial China, Syria, Kurdistan, Armenia, the Persian Empire, Palestine, Lebanon, and Baghdad also invited.

France's Foreign Minister Theophile Delcassé will head up the French delegation to Jerusalem.

Charter of the Grand Entente

-All signatories agree to uphold and protect the principals of justice and democratic home-rule, the structure of which is in accordance with the history and culture of the nation.

-All signatories pledge to assist one another through mutual defense agreements, lowering of trade tariffs, etc. Exchanges of technology are also encouraged.

-All signatories will support the diplomatic efforts of other signatory states, insofar as said efforts are related in some way the interests of the state (i.e. Russia would not be required to support a hypothetical effort by France to call for more self-rule for blacks in European African possession)

-All signatories pledge to defend the legitimate historical authority (i.e. Tsar of Russia, Emperor of China, etc) of the other signatory states against subversive internal threats; this includes not granting diplomatic recognition to illegitimate change.

-All signatories will assist one another in any war of German aggression (“aggression” defined as a declaration of war by Germany—not limited to wars started by Germany)

-All signatories agree to uphold and defend the international government of Jerusalem, and to assist in the defense of the Holy Land under French protection.

-New additions to the alliance shall be decided by a majority vote of the member states.

[Signatories]
Theophile Delcassé, Foreign Minister
The Third Republic of France, her overseas territories, and her protectorates

Sergey Sazonov, Special Delegate
The Empire of Russia and her protectorates

Mahmud Barzanji, Ruler of All Kurdistan
The Kingdom of Kurdistan

Alexander Khatisyan, Prime Minister
The Kingdom of Armenia

Mohammad Hassan Mirza, Sovereign Ruler
The Kingdom of Baghdad

Cao Kun, Special Emissary
The Empire of China

Antonino Paternò-Castello, Marchese di San Giuliano
The Kingdom of Italy

The Russian delegation, headed up by new foriegn minister Baron Rosen, arrives in Jerusalem by train and heads to the meeting. Baron Rosen warmly greets his French counter parts and partakes of some light refreshments.

The Marchese di San Giuliano, Antonino Paternò-Castello has been dispatched to Jerusalem by sea. When he arrives, he sits quietly. The air of Italian aristocracy surrounds him.

Imperial China accepts the invitation to attend the conference and the new Emperor Duàn Qíruì dispatches his trusted advisor Cao Kun to represent his intrests.
Cao Kun arrives with an entourage via train from Russia.

Minister Delcassé, after welcoming the other delegates and exchanging pleasantries with them, begins the discussions (ooc: assuming that the NPC delegates have also arrived) with a brief outline of what he hopes the summit will lead to:

"The nations of France, Italy, Imperial China, and Russia fought together in the Great War to prevent militarists in Central Europe from dominating the whole of the continent, and during the course of that war the nations of the Middle East were freed from the shackles of Ottoman dominion, and now may join the world community as equals to all others.

It is the hope of the French government that this summit will see the Alliance of the last war signed into existance through a formal legal document, to demonstration our respective nations' commitments to liberty, justice, and peace in this world.

Before we get to the specifics, do my colleagues have anything they would like to add?"

Cao Kun rises to speak, though you have mentioned the militarists in Europe that tried to destabilize our world, we also must not forget about the militarists in the east; Japan and Siam.

These risng Asian states showed that they were not to be trifled with in the great war and it was with heavy sacrifice that they were driven back in China and elsewhere.

China stands almost surrounded by these foes and their rebel puppet state in the south, if China were to fall then there would be nothing to hold back their full force from Europe and her possesions.

Baron Rosen nods at Cao Kun, "My esteemed friend speaks the truth about Asia. As we are all well aware, Japan is an Imperialist power and would've stopped at nothing to dominate both Siberia and Imperial China. It was only though the bravery and skill of both our Chinese allies and our own fighting men that they were hurled back and the boundaries of China restored. The Empire of Russia will continue to support its ally and friend in the east with economic and military aid so that China may industrialize and no longer be dependent on Russia for small arms or manufactured goods."

"The one thing that they hold above is naval power. On land we domiante them completely. The Chinese have some ofthe best light infantry in the world and my own country has a vast and powerful army. Japan could not hope to stand against both of us. I believe that both Imperial China and the Empire of Russia should reguarly hold war games so that our armies stay in fighting shape and so we may exchange training and new ideas. Furthermore, it is imperative that China build sea defenses. The Japanese are fond of marine landings, as we saw from the War. So, we must prepare. The Alliance must be signed into existence. Japan must know that to attack one of us is to attack all of us and that they woud face the full might of our militaries should they ever attempt an assault upon us."

Delcassé nods in agreement with his Russian counterpart. "The strategic situation of Japan has deteriorated significantly over the past years; they have made enemies of Russia, France, and Italy, and have alienated Britain and America. Japan is a concern to us, to be sure, but with respect to Mr. Kun, it is not the primary concern.

"Germany has, diplomatically speaking, become more and more aggressive since the war has ended. To be frank, it is the position of the French government that the Germans are testing the waters, seeking to expand their aggressive militarism ever further. For the present, my government feels that it would be best not to provoke them, and so suggests that the Alliance keep its hands clean of the Balkans.

"However, this does not mean to say that we must not launch a diplomatic counter-offensive. Currently the Germans are trying to secure alliances with Spain, Turkey, the Chinese Republic, and elsewhere...and yet they have the nerve to accuse us of building up for the war. I propose that the Alliance present a united diplomatic front, to counter-act German efforts to catch us off-guard in the future.

"On to another pressing matter: we have seen the Russian success in ending the violence in Kurdistan; my government feels that as the Middle East is of vital strategic interest, that the various powers protecting the region work in concert to preserve peace and stability through just rule. France proposes a joint regional command, to make peacekeeping and other military efforts more efficient. We should also take steps to curb any dangerous and fanatical ideologies that spring up amongst the people of the region.

"As the stenographer takes this down, do any of my colleagues have a point they would like to make?"

At the next break in conversation, a note is passed to Baron Rosen, suggesting the formation of a Franco-Russian Petroleum Company, as a rival to British Petroleum. Shaykh Mahmud Barzanji is also asked if he would like to become the new Caliph...

Rosen agrees with both the French idea regarding the peace keeping force and the diplomatic front before turning his attention to the Caliphate. He quietly tells the French that, although he thinks the Kurdish leader perfectly capable and an excellent general, that it would probably be better if they conferred with a committee of experts first and look at the other candidates.

He also approaches Barzanji, the King of Kurdistan, and presents him with a gift on the behalf of the Russian people: an intricately decorated, beautifully painted Koran with gold leaf. The Baghdad delegation receives an ornately decorated, masterfully crafted clock, while the Armenians receive a Bible, which is just as intricately decorated as the Koran presented to King Barzanji. The Persian delegation is given a sword to present to the Shah.

The committee of experts suggests the Mufti al-Husseini of Jerusalem as the best Caliph candidate available (ooc: an old man from a very rich, powerful, esteemed, and aristocratic family; however he dies in 1921). However, it must first be assessed if he is willing to tow a pro-Alliance line and can be controlled.

The committee suggests Mufti al-Husseini be summoned to the conference in order to be assessed.

The Mufti of Jerusalem is called to the conference to discuss several things with French officials before the French publicly offer their support for his installation as Caliph. The first and most pressing for the French is that the Mufti support Allied efforts in keeping the peace in the Middle East. It is strongly suggested that he issue a statement declaring that as Muslims, Christians, and Jews are all “People of the Book,” and that all the followers of God should be able to live in and travel through the Holy Land in peace. Another concern for the French is that the Mufti state his support for the pro-Allied governments of the various new states of the Middle East; after all, the state governments and Allied occupation authorities are but temporal authorities, which do not interfere in the spiritual lives of the people. It is also suggested that he emphasize the need for a strong secular authority (and loyalty to said authority) to protect people of all creeds in the Holy Land.

The Mufti is told that welcoming the Jews to Palestine would go far in furthering his favor with France.

He also approaches Barzanji, the King of Kurdistan, and presents him with a gift on the behalf of the Russian people: an intricately decorated, beautifully painted Koran with gold leaf. The Baghdad delegation receives an ornately decorated, masterfully crafted clock, while the Armenians receive a Bible, which is just as intricately decorated as the Koran presented to King Barzanji. The Persian delegation is given a sword to present to the Shah.

King Barzanji of Kurdistan appreciates the gift, as do the Armenian, Baghdad, and Persian delegations.

The Mufti of Jerusalem is called to the conference to discuss several things with French officials before the French publicly offer their support for his installation as Caliph. The first and most pressing for the French is that the Mufti support Allied efforts in keeping the peace in the Middle East. It is strongly suggested that he issue a statement declaring that as Muslims, Christians, and Jews are all “People of the Book,” and that all the followers of God should be able to live in and travel through the Holy Land in peace. Another concern for the French is that the Mufti state his support for the pro-Allied governments of the various new states of the Middle East; after all, the state governments and Allied occupation authorities are but temporal authorities, which do not interfere in the spiritual lives of the people. It is also suggested that he emphasize the need for a strong secular authority (and loyalty to said authority) to protect people of all creeds in the Holy Land.

The Mufti is told that welcoming the Jews to Palestine would go far in furthering his favor with France.

The Mufti of Jerusalem, old, corrupt, power hungry and deferential to authority, jumps at the opportunity to become Caliph and indicates he will do exactly as the French instruct.

ooc: according to GB, from this point forward the Mufti of Jerusalem becomes a French/Russian puppet and thus his actions will be RPed by Malkyer and Kilani.

A delegation of Hui Chinese community leaders arrive from China to pledge their support for the Mufti al-Husseini of Jerusalem to become Caliph.

(N.b. Hui Chinese are muslims)

Delegations of Muslims from North and West Africa pledge there support for the Mufti of Jerusalem, as do Muslim leaders from Palestine and Syria.

Over the course of 1915, the Mufti issues several statements of importance to the newly independent states of the Middle East. One of the first such declarations is a fatwa, made at the request of French authorities in Haifa, welcoming the Jews to Palestine and publically calling for "everlasting peace between the Peoples of the Book in the Holy Land."

Another statement by the Mufti of Jerusalem urges support for the secular governments of the Middle Eastern states and their French and Russian backers. The Mufti argues that the French and Russian authorities do not interfere in the spiritual lives of the people under their jurisdiction, and so must be supported and counted on to protect those of all religions living in the Middle East. One example the Mufti provides is that of French police and garrison troops protecting pilgrims of all religions in Jerusalem.

Finally, the Mufti praises the Arab kingdoms to the south and east for the creation of the Arab Legion to protect Muslim holy sites in the Arabian peninsula, but also warns the soldiers of the Arab Legion not to let themselves or their religion be used as tools for foreign powers.

OOC: Revive I say.

"I believe we should return to the matter at hand: the solidification of the alliance and our dedication to protecting one another from foriegn aggression. Imperial Russia and Imperial China already share a mutual defense treaty. However, the less sensible government of France, which collapsed following the Balkan Crisis of 1908, broke off the Russian-French alliance."

"I suggest that we affirm our decision to protect each other in a document and that all present sign onto it."

OOC: Revive I say.

"I believe we should return to the matter at hand: the solidification of the alliance and our dedication to protecting one another from foriegn aggression. Imperial Russia and Imperial China already share a mutual defense treaty. However, the less sensible government of France, which collapsed following the Balkan Crisis of 1908, broke off the Russian-French alliance."

"I suggest that we affirm our decision to protect each other in a document and that all present sign onto it."

Foreign Minister Delcassé supports the Russian proposal to affirm the existance and defensive intentions of the Alliance.

March 3, 1916
After much heated debate in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, pass the act of abolition of the office of caliphate held by the Ottomans since 1517.

Following the abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate by the Turks, the Mufti of Jerusalem declares himself Caliph, and urges faithful Muslims to "deafen themselves to the present pretender" to the office.

After three years of sessions discussing how best to govern the Middle East, with copious recesses, the Jerusalem Summit sets down a charter of principles that outline the nature of the Alliance, and formalize it in such as way as to ensure the continued cooperation of the nations that bound themselves together in defense of justice and liberty during the Great War.

Charter of the Grand Entente

-All signatories agree to uphold and protect the principals of justice and democratic home-rule, the structure of which is in accordance with the history and culture of the nation.

-All signatories pledge to assist one another through mutual defense agreements, lowering of trade tariffs, etc. Exchanges of technology are also encouraged.

-All signatories will support the diplomatic efforts of other signatory states, insofar as said efforts are related in some way the interests of the state (i.e. Russia would not be required to support a hypothetical effort by France to call for more self-rule for blacks in European African possession)

-All signatories pledge to defend the legitimate historical authority (i.e. Tsar of Russia, Emperor of China, etc) of the other signatory states against subversive internal threats; this includes not granting diplomatic recognition to illegitimate change.

-All signatories will assist one another in any war of German aggression (“aggression” defined as a declaration of war by Germany—not limited to wars started by Germany)

-All signatories agree to uphold and defend the international government of Jerusalem, and to assist in the defense of the Holy Land under French protection.

-New additions to the alliance shall be decided by a majority vote of the member states.

[Signatories]
Theophile Delcassé, Foreign Minister
The Third Republic of France, her overseas territories, and her protectorates

Sergey Sazonov, Special Delegate
The Empire of Russia and her protectorates

Mahmud Barzanji, Ruler of All Kurdistan
The Kingdom of Kurdistan

Alexander Khatisyan, Prime Minister
The Kingdom of Armenia

Mohammad Hassan Mirza, Sovereign Ruler
The Kingdom of Baghdad

OOC: China, Italy, just post your people signing the charter

Cao Kun special emissary to the Jerusalem Summit signs the Charter of the Grand Entente on behalf of Duan Qirui Emperor of China.

The Marchese di San Giuliano, Antonino Paternò-Castello begrudgingly adds his signature. As a new member of the Italian Nationalist Party, Antonino would rather not see any such alliances signed for some time.

Charter of the Grand Entente

-All signatories agree to uphold and protect the principals of justice and democratic home-rule, the structure of which is in accordance with the history and culture of the nation.

- ]

English speaking newspapers remark cynically how many of the signatories appear to be empires

ooc
well what else would they say?

English speaking newspapers remark cynically how many of the signatories appear to be empires

ooc
well what else would they say?

Pro-Russians respond by pointing at the recent constitutional reforms and worker's rights movements in Russia. Britain is called an Empire and yet they are a democracy.

English speaking newspapers remark cynically how many of the signatories appear to be empires

ooc
well what else would they say?

French newspapers sarcastically note that the world’s two great English speaking nations, the United States and the United Kingdom (particularly the United Kingdom) are themselves empires. They also defend the French Empire by repeating the standard Imperialist line that justice and democracy can only be present with a certain degree of civilization. According to the Empires defenders, the native civilizations of the Middle East are lacking and civilization itself was completely absent in Africa prior to colonization, which justifies France's control of those regions (ooc: it’s that time period after all).