NationStates Jolt Archive

All nations with interests in China and Asia are hereby invited to a meeting in Hong Kong to discuss the present colonial and economic situation of the Japanese and other Empires which have holdings in Asia. The chief matter is the dileniation of a proper border and establishment of zones of expansion between those presently holding lands in East Asia, in order to prevent future colonial conflicts and land-claim issues.
The meeting is set to begin two months from this date, in order to allow time for the arrival of various delegates.
All nations are assured that despite the present violence within China, Hong Kong is perfectly safe. Its large and very loyal garrison will happily ensure that any who attempt to assault the delegates will die for their cause.
Watanabe Kuro, Foriegn Minister
(signed)

Aidsu Massala, ambassador of the Empire of Ethiopia to the Empire of Japan, wishes to come.

Office of the Ambassador of the Empire of Ethiopia to the Empire of Japan

We would be more than willing to host this conference. We look foward to discussing all matters of Eastern colonialism, imperialism, and influence. Thank you.

Signed Charles Linbon, French Overseer of Far Eastern Realms

The King's Ambassador to China will gladly travel to Singapore to discuss the Chinese Problem. He will arrive by ship as the road from Guangxi to Hong Kong is not the safest in the Empire.

His Majesty Britannics Ambassador to China.

"Will they allow us there?" Tomas was edgy, the Kaiser had not yet gone into a rant about the Chinese upon reading the public letter the Chinese had sent worldwide. It was strange, he seemed relaxed.

"I do not wish to have to rely on my French and British allies to rely me information from this meeting. The Germanic Empire, like any other colonial power, desires to be present at this meeting. Send Albrecht Hellmann, if they allow us". Hellmann was a famous pro-Kaiser public debater who also was one of the top government officials in diplomacy.

The Germanic Prussian Empire would like to send Albrecht Hellmann. We however understand that relations are tense between us, so we await your reply with little hope. However, if you desire to have any say in Germany's future expansions into Asia, and avoid conflict in future, I suggest you allow our presence.

Kaiser Foreign Office


OOC: I'd quite like to come, merely for something to RP. I won't try and kill your leader or anything. I'll respect your wishes, though the meeting of our two "sides" will have to come at some point in order to resolve this issue as well. Plus, Germany has colonies in Malaysia and Singapore, and is looking to expand onwards.

All of the applicants are, of course, accepted. We will look forward to meeting you and beggining these discussions.
Watanabe Kuro

((OOC:
IF you dont mind, I'd like to start on Wednesday, since I have college all day tommorow and wont be able to be on more than twice, an hour each time.))

The Kingdom of Spain would like to send Admiral Pedro de Juania to the conference, as we also wish to start expanding in Asia.

OOC: Trading posts in the cities of your colonies, please, and either Ningbo or Dailan, so we can have a whole port in China.

((OOC:
Looks like I've got some time tonight, so everybody is PLOT GATHERED to Hong Kong.))

Hong Kong Castle towered over the city, which was mostly composed of fairly squat buildings, aside from the factories which were pretty much the only buildings that could rival the fortification for size. These produced a thick smoke which, while it failed to obscure the sky, was not pleasant to look at. The castle had no windows on its Eastern front, instead overlooking the rather pleasant vista to the west, while happily blocking out the majority of the fumes and smog that came from the Eastern part of the city.
Houjo Daimyo sighed and sat down, carefully placing his swords to his right, the old way of signalling peaceful intent, since drawing a sword left-handed was quite difficult to do properly, especially for a relativly old man. Not that one would be wise to judge a Samurais fighting skill by his age, after all, virtually every Samurai presently in the Japanese armies came from the age when you could, at any time, be challenged to a duel to the death by another Samurai. Poor fighters didnt make it to high ranks.
Houjo sat rather uncomfortably in a European-style chair at one end of a long table. Both had been imported specially for the meeting, while the Japanese-style floor mats, low tables and cushions had been quietly stashed in handy closets. Introductions and pleasantries having already been made, Houjo began the confrence.
"As you are all aware, many nations here presently have competing interests in Asia, some of these interests are...mutually conflicting. Presently the Japanese, French and English Empires are all expanding into the same area. We believe that it is in the best interest of ALL of our parties to come to an accord before the inevitable squabbling breaks out over territorial claims." The Daimyo glanced quickly at the German, "and of course we hope to establish a harmonious relationship between all nations involved."
The Daimyo signaled an aid, who brought forward a map, "While the Japanese Empire presently has no particular interests outside of China, and thus does not care to make any particular suggestions regarding the remainder of Asia, we propose this for the present situation in South China..."
He indicated a line drawn from Hong Kong westward, "This line follows the course of the Yu River ((Also labled Xun, Pearl and some other names on some maps. It starts at Hong Kong and goes West from there, so bleh. See attached map)) , which we feel is a fair dileniation between areas earmarked for Japanese expansion and European expansion. From the end of the Yu River, the European-Japanese border will continue to the edge of Burma, from that point, the Himalyan mountains act as a natural barrier. The city of Macau shall be designated as a 'Special Administrative Zone' and jointly govorned by Japanese, French and English interests, and will be designated as an international city, open to trade from all nations and protected by an international force.
The Japanese Empire will not take any possessions in Asia south of that line, west of Turkistan. Likewise no other signatory nation will take possessions north of that line, west of Turkistan."
"Is this an acceptable proposition? If any other nation wishes to make a point, they are free to speak, naturally we are welcoming to outside opinions of this matter."

((OOC:
Looks like I've got some time tonight, so everybody is PLOT GATHERED to Hong Kong.))

Hong Kong Castle towered over the city, which was mostly composed of fairly squat buildings, aside from the factories which were pretty much the only buildings that could rival the fortification for size. These produced a thick smoke which, while it failed to obscure the sky, was not pleasant to look at. The castle had no windows on its Eastern front, instead overlooking the rather pleasant vista to the west, while happily blocking out the majority of the fumes and smog that came from the Eastern part of the city.
Houjo Daimyo sighed and sat down, carefully placing his swords to his right, the old way of signalling peaceful intent, since drawing a sword left-handed was quite difficult to do properly, especially for a relativly old man. Not that one would be wise to judge a Samurais fighting skill by his age, after all, virtually every Samurai presently in the Japanese armies came from the age when you could, at any time, be challenged to a duel to the death by another Samurai. Poor fighters didnt make it to high ranks.
Houjo sat rather uncomfortably in a European-style chair at one end of a long table. Both had been imported specially for the meeting, while the Japanese-style floor mats, low tables and cushions had been quietly stashed in handy closets. Introductions and pleasantries having already been made, Houjo began the confrence.
"As you are all aware, many nations here presently have competing interests in Asia, some of these interests are...mutually conflicting. Presently the Japanese, French and English Empires are all expanding into the same area. We believe that it is in the best interest of ALL of our parties to come to an accord before the inevitable squabbling breaks out over territorial claims." The Daimyo glanced quickly at the German, "and of course we hope to establish a harmonious relationship between all nations involved."
The Daimyo signaled an aid, who brought forward a map, "While the Japanese Empire presently has no particular interests outside of China, and thus does not care to make any particular suggestions regarding the remainder of Asia, we propose this for the present situation in South China..."
He indicated a line drawn from Hong Kong westward, "This line follows the course of the Yu River ((Also labled Xun, Pearl and some other names on some maps. It starts at Hong Kong and goes West from there, so bleh. See attached map)) , which we feel is a fair dileniation between areas earmarked for Japanese expansion and European expansion. From the end of the Yu River, the European-Japanese border will continue to the edge of Burma, from that point, the Himalyan mountains act as a natural barrier. The city of Macau shall be designated as a 'Special Administrative Zone' and jointly govorned by Japanese, French and English interests, and will be designated as an international city, open to trade from all nations and protected by an international force.
The Japanese Empire will not take any possessions in Asia south of that line, west of Turkistan. Likewise no other signatory nation will take possessions north of that line, west of Turkistan."
"Is this an acceptable proposition? If any other nation wishes to make a point, they are free to speak, naturally we are welcoming to outside opinions of this matter."

OOC: where is the attached map?

OOC: There is very little industrialization in my Chinese provinces DGNT, I use them more for their resources and trade which I return to my homeland. They also make good strategic outposts. I was, however, considering making Macau into the industrial one. Also, what map? This is sorta confusing without an image.

Charles Linbon waited for the Japanese ambassador to finish. Then said,

"The French government has plans to use Macau as our industrial Far Eastern city. We also do not like the idea of letting every other nation in the world share in it's wealth. Is it possible to relocate this diplomatic centre to another town or city of less importance (not Hong Kong or Canton). And when we have decided upon which town this will be, we would prefer it if it was not used as an open trade city for the nations of the world, but rather a meeting place for our ambassadors to discuss politics."

Charles paused and looked at the Japansese ambassador.

"Does your nation see it fit if the French Empire claimed the entire Guangdong province, despite the fact some of it lies above the Yu River? Also what are your feelings on the Phillipines? We have recently expanded our colonies there onto the island of Negros."

The stiff looking German, Albrecht Hellmann, had a thick bushy mustache and a menacing smile. His stern frown may to many of indicated frustration, but it was merely the way his face was shaped after years of looking angry and disagreeing for a profession.

"The German Empire is one of the few world powers who has left Asia alone in recent years, our only expansion there being the invasion of Malaysia and Singapore in 1819. Our main concern is with Indochina, and we plan to expand into Thailand (Siam), Cambodia and Vietnam. China is not a country the Kaiser has expressed much interest in..." He paused. Much interest was an understatement. Since taking power in 1831 the Kaiser had made it clear that China was a foul land, despite being told of it's possible naturally riches. The recent diplomatic incident between an established country in that area had only made his opinion worse.

"However, the Germanic Empire feels that a city ruled by three powers is a very optimistic goal. All the nations involved have Empire as part of their title, and so I cannot see peace lasting long in that city. We also may expand into China in the future from Siam, though will, if our allies do, seek to agree to these rules".

He had little more to say until this part was over and the Germans and Chinese could talk together about a more peaceful future between there nations, something the Kaiser was very angry about having to do.

Sir Felix Handley, Alversian Ambassador to China, sat back calmly and looked over the situation. Although amongst the oldest there, he was 61, the Ambassador had experience far beyond his years.

"Firstly, Herr Hellmann, I agree that the German Empire needs to expand and southern Asia would be a wonderful place to start. However, I must stress that the Alversian Empire also has ambitions in that section of the world and therefore I must know where and how you plan to expand into that area"

(OOC:
Whoops, forgot the map. Here it is.
I'll write a real reply once class is out since I'm on break right now. And (judging from the map) Macau is in my territory. Its kinda hard to tell, though.)

(OOC: Looking at the map, Hong Kong is pretty much even with the southern tip of Taiwan. It'd be a good idea to update the map so that our territories are touching if you claim Macau.)

The samurai glanced to the Frenchman, "Ah...a slight cartographic error, I apologize, Linbon-dono, our present maps show Macau as an independant territory. Please do not feel that we are making such requests of your nation. However, the Japanese Empire is not willing to forgo its claims in the Guangdong province either. Hong Kong is a valuable trade center and strategic location, and, although I do not wish to seem overly possessive, this castle is my home. Although Hong Kong is not a pleasant place to live, I have grown somewhat attached to it. No, I am afraid that we must insist upon the Yu River as the proper dileniation between our colonial possessions, this allows much room for all of our empires to expand, as Japan will not seek to take any possessions in SouthEast Asia, while we may rest assured that we will not face colonial conflicts in our particular sphere of expansion."
"But the Phillipines are yours for the taking, although the Japanese Empire would not be averse to obtaining portage rights. Perhaps an exchange could be made? We would be pleased to allow French trade and militar vessels refueling and resupply rights within our Chinese ports in exchange for equivalent rights within your own Phillipine and Chinese possessions."
Once the German had finished speaking, the ambassador turned his attention to him, "Naturally, such a city would have been under the govonorship of an individual selected by the involved parties," Houjo placed the slightest additional stress on the word 'involved', "But the matter has been resolved, as our French friends have laid claim to the area."
He smiled now, apparently pleased at the Alversians interjection, "And this, gentlemen, is the perfect opportunity to resolve such possible future conflicts. As your Pope drew a line across the world for Spain and Portugal, now we shall draw a line for Alversia and Prussia."

This is what I had in mind Al. Basically, we divide Vietnam. It is easier for me to go South due to the fact I have colonies in Malaysia already, plus I expressed vocal interest in the area first :p.

Personally, I would prefer to have Thailand (including Bangkok and touching China), Cambodia and Southern Vietnam whilst you have the North and Laos. Vietnam (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/04/VietnameseProvincesMap_edited2.png) will have a divide, everything under Thau-Thein Hue is mine, everything above is yours (including the TTH province). Considering the fact that you have colonies in both China and India whereas I do not, and this was my main aim for Asia throughout the whole game, I think this is pretty fair. However, I will address any issues.

This is OOC.

((OOC:
My idea was to end up with more of a paritition along these lines, this would (of course) just be a plan, since theres lots of little kingdoms and such, but its very much along the lines of what nations of the time were into. Neat lines dividing everything up into 'Mine and yours'.
The lighter areas are 'spheres of influence' which is sort of like saying "This is ours, but we dont feel like taking it over just yet.'
Again, I stress that the lines on the map would be purely political in nature, physically taking them over would have to be acomplished by the nation in question later on.))

OOC: Can The Raptor Pack participate? If the meeting is actually in 1860 it's a no go for me however. Because we remain hidden in the Gobi Desert until the twenty-first century.

OOC: This thread is part of Antigonal's Earth 1860 rp, and is unfortunately closed to non-participants. Applications are no longer being accepted.

OOC: DGNT, you're aware I own Canton and Hong Kong already, right? I own everything around the Yu River delta.

EDIT: By the way, I understand your map of spheres of influence was meant to be rough, but I still think it neds to be more refined than that. It's also a bit much to divy up all of southern Asia so soon.

(OOC:
To judge by the map, I own Hong Kong at the least. Its even with the southern tip of Taiwan. Whatever. Im too tired to argue right now.)

This is what I had in mind Al. Basically, we divide Vietnam. It is easier for me to go South due to the fact I have colonies in Malaysia already, plus I expressed vocal interest in the area first :p.

Personally, I would prefer to have Thailand (including Bangkok and touching China), Cambodia and Southern Vietnam whilst you have the North and Laos. Vietnam (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/04/VietnameseProvincesMap_edited2.png) will have a divide, everything under Thau-Thein Hue is mine, everything above is yours (including the TTH province). Considering the fact that you have colonies in both China and India whereas I do not, and this was my main aim for Asia throughout the whole game, I think this is pretty fair. However, I will address any issues.

This is OOC.

OOC: This is more than acceptable, I'll take north Vietnam and Loas will you take every south of TTH. It's a deal!

Ok, so my Asian lands, if I can invade them, shall be South Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand possibly Burma if Bedford agrees, and Malaysia/Singapore (which I already own, I'll also want Borneo Malaysia as well, though not the whole of Borneo).

That's German Indochina, a lot, but unlike most I haven't touched India or China...yet.

i shall take the indonesian possesions that were just proposed, but i want porting rights in Hong-Kong, Macau, and Colombo, and combined German-Spanish control over Burma.

Ok, so my Asian lands, if I can invade them, shall be South Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand possibly Burma if Bedford agrees, and Malaysia/Singapore (which I already own, I'll also want Borneo Malaysia as well, though not the whole of Borneo).

That's German Indochina, a lot, but unlike most I haven't touched India or China...yet.

If you stay out of India then the deal is acceptable although I keep my Borneo Colony

((OOC:
Alright, alright, lets TRY to keep the negotiations IC, please. Also, since ownership of Hong Kong is disputed, the confrence is ACTUALLY in Fuzhou until we figure out who owns Hong Kong. Our map is rather ambigous, and SEEMS to show that neither of us owns the area, but assuming that my border ends at the souther tip of Taiwan, I own Guangzhou/Canton at the very least.))

Ambassador Massalla spoke,
"Ethiopia has little interests in this region. However, His Highness, Emperor Zenhawa wants to have a port city, somewhere on China, preferably either Shanghai or Dailan. We also with to establish trading posts in some of the cities, and in the lesser-populated areas, in China and in other parts of Asia."

"Unfourtunatly," Hojo said, "The Emperor is not willing to part with his current Chinese possessions, the cities you have stated a desire to own are...very valuable, you see. More valuable, than, say, a very large amount of money. You may establish trade in those cities, but we will not...sell any part of the Japanese Empire."

((OOC:
Also
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/7682/taiwanthingoz8.png
>_>))

Charles coughed.

"Excuse me, but these terms are not agreeable with the French. The only land we are promised are the Phillipine islands. While we have been given north-western India as a sphere of influence, we are guaranteeed no major amounts of land like the Germans and British are in South-East Asia. And also, the land given to us to be kept in our sphere of influence in India is right across the border from Persia. I'm sure those warrior people will love that. I'm sorry, these are completely unacceptable terms.

"Unfourtunatly," Hojo said, "The Emperor is not willing to part with his current Chinese possessions, the cities you have stated a desire to own are...very valuable, you see. More valuable, than, say, a very large amount of money. You may establish trade in those cities, but we will not...sell any part of the Japanese Empire."

((OOC:
Also
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/7682/taiwanthingoz8.png
>_>))


Haha, I guess you took that initial promise very litereally.

((OOC:
You DID say the nothing south of Taiwan. I assumed that meant the southern tip of Taiwan was even with my southern border.
Also, that map was OOC, just an idea of something we could work towards.))

"Then what would you propose, Linbon-dono?" The samurai traced a finger along the river casually, "We have yet to discuss India, as Japan is not involved...we would be pleased to offer advice on the matter to our European friends."

((OOC:
You DID say the nothing south of Taiwan. I assumed that meant the southern tip of Taiwan was even with my southern border.
Also, that map was OOC, just an idea of something we could work towards.))

"Then what would you propose, Linbon-dono?" The samurai traced a finger along the river casually, "We have yet to discuss India, as Japan is not involved...we would be pleased to offer advice on the matter to our European friends."

OOC: Sorry, I meant to write OOC before that last comment.

"I would like some of South-East Asia, control of the Guandgong (spelling?) province south of Taiwan, to retain control of Macau, and hopefully Hong Kong and/or Canton. I feel France has been seriously undercut in this deal."

OOC: Sorry, I meant to write OOC before that last comment.

"I would like some of South-East Asia, control of the Guandgong (spelling?) province south of Taiwan, to retain control of Macau, and hopefully Hong Kong and/or Canton. I feel France has been seriously undercut in this deal."

"And so has Ethiopia, considering that we want so little."

OOC: You've asked for one of the most important cities in the world NB.

Also, Alversia, you can take whatever you want that hasn't been claimed, which is some of the mainland, though the German lands I've been promised are what I intend to take. You can expand into India and Indonesia, but, I really want these lands. I'm not very colonially, so I stick to my claim of South Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and most of Burma, which me and Al have sorted out. Sorry, but if you really need a piece of land in every region, the most populated Indonesian island, Java, is still mostly open.

OOC: Sorry, I meant to write OOC before that last comment.

"I would like some of South-East Asia, control of the Guandgong (spelling?) province south of Taiwan, to retain control of Macau, and hopefully Hong Kong and/or Canton. I feel France has been seriously undercut in this deal."

"Macau is in the southern portion of the Yu River Delta, if you wish, we will consider it part of France. In the matter of SouthEast Asia, perhaps France would consider Annam? I beleive that our German and English friends have only expressed interest in Thailand thus far. The exact details would need to be worked out with those nations, however."

"And so has Ethiopia, considering that we want so little."
"Shanghai is not so little, sir. Unfourtunatly, Ethiopia is does not have a significant presence in this region, however, by entering into this pact, you will hopefully gain significant trade with the other involved nations. We have been considering allowing trade between our American colonies and the outside world for some time now, and this is a good forum in which to solidify a strong trade agreement."

((OOC:
Youre SUPPOSED to make silly demands in the first round. Then you negotiate until everybody is more or less happy or theres a war on ;) ))

OOC: I can't help but feel under dealt just because I didn't make ridiculous claims.

OOC: I'm sorry to do this OOC but I'm in sorta busy.

If I could have Hong Kong & Canton, and maybe just a base or two in Annam, I'd be happy (this is ontop of what was already promised to me).

EDIT: I would like Hainan as well but this colony is my lowest priority.

"Shanghai is not so little, sir. Unfourtunatly, Ethiopia is does not have a significant presence in this region, however, by entering into this pact, you will hopefully gain significant trade with the other involved nations. We have been considering allowing trade between our American colonies and the outside world for some time now, and this is a good forum in which to solidify a strong trade agreement."

"Shanghai is not the only option we have in mind, sir. There are several other port sites that we will accept. As for trade, of course Ethiopia will trade with other nations of the world."

OOC: You've asked for one of the most important cities in the world NB.

Also, Alversia, you can take whatever you want that hasn't been claimed, which is some of the mainland, though the German lands I've been promised are what I intend to take. You can expand into India and Indonesia, but, I really want these lands. I'm not very colonially, so I stick to my claim of South Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and most of Burma, which me and Al have sorted out. Sorry, but if you really need a piece of land in every region, the most populated Indonesian island, Java, is still mostly open.

All the British Empire wants is Northern Vietnam, Loas and Yunnan, possibly Guizhou, but we're not picky. We'd also like to enquire about the northern most island of New Zealand.

All the British Empire wants is Northern Vietnam, Loas and Yunnan, possibly Guizhou, but we're not picky. We'd also like to enquire about the northern most island of New Zealand.

Oh crap, I didn't mean to write Alversia, I meant to write Ant. I got your names mixed around, sorry. I've got no problems with your claims, I accept them happily. Oops.

The British Empire is planning to colonise Fiji so for the moment is is under British claim until people from the Solomons can get to it.

Landing on it's shores will be considered an act of war and dealt with accordingly (Always wanted to say that last part :D)

"Shanghai is not the only option we have in mind, sir. There are several other port sites that we will accept. As for trade, of course Ethiopia will trade with other nations of the world."

Hojou sighed, sitting back in the chair, "As I have said, the Emperor is not willing to part with any portion of the Japanese Empire, at least not without some compensation in the matter. We have no particular desire for any Ethiopian cities or colonies, so there is little you can offer us that would be persuasive in exchange for a city and the citizens of the Empire."

OOC: Not much time right now, I might be back on later. Does anyone have any issues with the new claims I made way above? Sorry to do this OOC but I wasn't even planning on getting on once today.

((OOC:
Would you two talking about SE Asia care to post a map of what youre planning?
And Anti, in regards to the Yu River situation, how 'bout we do something like this:
Canton is roughly split across the Yu river anyway, so I'll take Hong Kong, you take Macau, and Canton'll be split into two cities along the river. Sound good? The agreement we make will just be to solidify the political border, of course.))

OOC: DNGT, you have a TG

((OOC:
Would you two talking about SE Asia care to post a map of what youre planning?
And Anti, in regards to the Yu River situation, how 'bout we do something like this:
Canton is roughly split across the Yu river anyway, so I'll take Hong Kong, you take Macau, and Canton'll be split into two cities along the river. Sound good? The agreement we make will just be to solidify the political border, of course.))

OOC: Sounds great. I'll lower my Chinese provinces' IP since I no longer own Hong Kong and half of Canton... not that I ever did techincally.

((OOC:
K, you might want to adjust the map so that it shows our possessions touching.
Also, if you'd like, I think I have a larger map somewhere, it'd be good if we could have more precision in our cartographic areas, eh? :P))

OOC: Sounds good. I can't update the map for a while though, my desktop got a bad virus. What's the equivilant of Paint on a Mac?

EDIT: Ughhh, time warp.

((OOC:
K, you might want to adjust the map so that it shows our possessions touching.
Also, if you'd like, I think I have a larger map somewhere, it'd be good if we could have more precision in our cartographic areas, eh? :P))

OOC: Sorry DGNT, my post is above. Stupid time warp.

((OOC:
No idea, Im allergic to macs.
Heres the map, if you want to use it. Sorry, it needs a bit of cleanup, but it shouldnt be too hard. Its MUCH larger, so I suggest putting an image link up instead of putting tags around it.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8508/copyofworldmapeh2.png))

((OOC:
No idea, Im allergic to macs.
Heres the map, if you want to use it. Sorry, it needs a bit of cleanup, but it shouldnt be too hard. Its MUCH larger, so I suggest putting an image link up instead of putting tags around it.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8508/copyofworldmapeh2.png))

Thanks but without Paint, I'm useless.

OOC: By the way DGNT, check your TG and the Events Thread.