NationStates Jolt Archive

To: The Illarian Empire
From: The Republic of Tunisia

Tunisia is at a crossroads. We could be a signatory of the Treaty of Rome, and get all the benefits associated with such an agreement. But Tunisia and her people wish to ask: What is it the Illar Empire can provide for Tunisia that can be better then this treaty? More trade perhaps? A defence pact? How about weapons? Or helping us settle our Barbary neighbors in Tripoli?

OOC: Just keep in mind that all unclaimed areas are completely ahistorical - no nations exist there.

Greetings. We understand your dilemma - proximity to Rome means that signing the Treaty of Rome would seem quite desirable. However, the Illar Empire is quite willing to provide both naval and trade security, the first through control of the western Mediterranean, and the second through effective control of the Gilbratar Strait. Our hostility to those who are signatories of the Treaty of Rome cannot be overstated. Rather, you must make a choice. Security through the strength of the Illar Empire, and free passage through Gilbratar, or the enemity of the Empire, and your trade restricted to those countries in the Mediterranean.

However, understanding that the Treaty of Rome exists to stifle the interests of those who do not sign, we are more than willing to sign a mutual-defense pact in order to stop the Treaty signatories from preventing your nation from flourishing.

Then may Muhammed smile upon our peoples. The President has made it clear he does not want to be involved in any treaty theat Tunisia can be chained too. So, we propose a treaty stating our two nations will not attack each other, will lower trade barriers, and defend each other if attacked, but that this treaty have a set time, say 10 years. When the ten years is up, we can simply re-sign.

Also we ask for support for our eventual expansion to the west and east, along the coasts.

We will willingly sign such a treaty. However, it must be noted that the shore south of the Gilbratar Strait will be a focus for Illarian expansion, and, although we may support your expansion to other areas, we must request that you do not seek expansion there.

Our plans call for the eventual annexation of the lands entitled on this map (http://img.timeinc.net/time/covers/1101040705/barbary_map/barbary_coast_map.jpg) Algiers and Tripoli.