Gilded Ambitions: Concert of Europe Part V (Gameplay Thread)

[Lumine]

Mexico City-Montréal Accord (1903)

In light of the recent signing of the Treaty of Mexico City, the governments of Mexico and Québec jointly agree that:

1.- Hostilities between both signatories as part of the Louisiana-Mexico war are considered to be over with the formal end of said conflict.

2.- The Quebécois government, whilst acknowledging Luis II as the present sovereign of Mexico, reserves its right to withhold recognition on the proclamation of an Empire of the Mexicans until a later date.

3.- The Quebécois border at Vaudreuil shall remain open for the remainder of 1903 for the arrival of refugees that wish to seek asylum.

4.- The Mexican government will allow and aid French-speaking population in Liberia & California that desires to resettle into the Empire of Québec within the province of Vaudreuil.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Mexico City-Montréal Accord (1903)

In light of the recent signing of the Treaty of Mexico City, the governments of Mexico and Québec jointly agree that:

1.- Hostilities between both signatories as part of the Louisiana-Mexico war are considered to be over with the formal end of said conflict.

2.- The Quebécois government, whilst acknowledging Luis II as the present sovereign of Mexico, reserves its right to withhold recognition on the proclamation of an Empire of the Mexicans until a later date.

3.- The Quebécois border at Vaudreuil shall remain open for the remainder of 1903 for the arrival of refugees that wish to seek asylum.

4.- The Mexican government will allow and aid French-speaking population in Liberia & California that desires to resettle into the Empire of Québec within the province of Vaudreuil.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

x Huey Tlatoani Luis II of Cuauhtémoc

[Spamage]

1903 Midturn Update

Palace Revolt in Siam
Military Junta Declares Republic of Thailand, Peace with China
 
Assembled members of the Thai military junta, 1903
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

   No power in Asia had been so overburdened by the war as Siam. Rama V had joined the war opportunistically, seeing in the conflict a means of expanding Siamese borders in the region. Cooperation with France had gone well at first, including the surprising pushback of the Chinese into northern Burma in 1901. Yet, 1902 had seen the cracks begin to show, the substantial expeditionary force sent to Northern China experiencing heavy losses and the Burmese front itself entering the realm proper. This came as manpower reserves were fully tapped at the behest of their ally in Versailles. Many Thai subjects wondered how their sovereign had been so lackluster in the basic duty of defending the realm, China poised to launch an offensive into the heart of Siam in 1903. Thousands of Thai soldiers lay dead thousands of miles away, sent at the behest of an ally, while the homeland seemed vulnerable. This was on top of extensive economic disruption caused by the New Hollander blockade.
   Against all of this was decades of brewing tension in the Siamese military. As Asian nations had fallen to republicanism in the 1870s, the instinct of the crown had been to increasingly rely on absolutism to keep order, military leaders sidelined and given no voice of influence. Rama V had pushed through numerous reforms autocratically, seeking to ensure the survival of the Siamese state, especially in the aftermath of the loss to Vietnam in the early 1870s. These typically western measures were disdained by most traditionalists. There was also brewing discontent over appointments to key positions, top generalships going to royal family appointees who often were unprepared for the task. A growing cabal of officers resented the autocracy, seeing little hope in the future either, the crown prince inspiring little confidence.
   Determined to spare the homeland of a potential defensive war, and suspiciously well-supplied for a domestic opposition group, an outright coup was executed on March 15th, 1903. The Home Guard revolted against royal command, heeding officers’ calls to defend the homeland. The palace was seized, Rama V’s personal guard attempting a futile resistance that saw them decimated. The King was arrested, despite protests and counter-orders, his numerous brood of children and consorts all falling into rebel hands in the coming hours. In a sign of the grassroots nature of the rebellion, many generals found themselves arrested by lesser officers and common soldiers. The Crown Prince, seen as a figure of pro-western absolutism and an admirer of Louis XX, was brutally caned shortly after falling into military custody.
   Yut Khongyu, a captain in the Siamese Army, publicly declared the foundation of the ‘Republic of Thailand,’ denouncing the absolutist nature of the late regime, dubbing himself Interim President. The junta has called for the convening of a constituent assembly in 1904 to draw up a new constitution and determine the outlines of the new government. The war with China, ‘our republican brothers,’ as the statement said, was declared over effective immediately. In a sign that the coup had been well-organized, Chinese soldiers in Shandong found themselves inundated with defectors and surrendered divisions. These troops would be escorted overland back to their home in coming months, their former French allies watching with horror. Along the Burmese front too the Thai forces generally followed the orders of the new government, relieved to no longer be facing the numerically superior Chinese with little French assistance. Thai forces withdrew out of French Burma back behind the Salween River, which they now claimed as an integral part of the Thai Republic and just payment for the lives that had been sacrificed on France’s behalf in Northern China. This left little opposition in the way of the Chinese forces in the region, who seemed poised to sweep down to the coast yet again.
   Within the public the reaction was one of surprising indifference. While Rama V had once been a popular and inspiring sovereign, his reign had been bookended by perceived defeats, first against Vietnam and lately against China. By this point the sovereign lacked an effective base of support, the nobility alone insufficient to hold up the faltering regime, especially as news of extensive casualties returned home. What was loyalty to the sovereign worth to the average Thai subject, when it meant dead sons, brothers, and fathers?
   With the collapse of the Siamese monarchy, yet another Asian realm has fallen sway to republican principles, following China, Korea, and Japan. Vietnam, one of the last bastions of royalist rule, was all too happy to welcome a detachment of Scandinavian soldiers to engage in military exercises in the north following news of the Thai Revolution. This was seen as a means of deterring all of the various combatants from even considering involvement in their affairs, directed pointedly at both China and France.
   

Pope Clement XIV Dies at Vatican
Question of Succession Looms Over Catholic World

Clement XIV, the Late Pontiff
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

   The Catholic world was stunned by the sudden news that Pope Clement XIV was found dead in the Papal Chambers on February 18th, 1903 after a term of 17 years. Overtaxed by the war in the region, where the Vatican found itself between French forces in Naples proper and the central government operating from Florence, most assume stress was the culprit. While a few members of the radical camp in the Church whisper he had been poisoned by the traditionalists, the sudden death of a 75-year-old is not particularly surprising. Others have pointed the finger at the Neapolitan government, blaming Francis III, with whom the Pope had vocally feuded. Still, after a reign of 17 years, skeptics wonder why anyone would act now and not earlier. Whatever the case, with the role as Bishop of Rome open once more, the question of what comes next looms ominously.
   Clement’s legacy will undoubtedly be complicated. A member of the 'Conciliatory' faction, he sought to bridge the growing theological and political divides between the Catholic-Republican world and the remainder of the Church. He had broken precedent by naming several dozen cardinals from the Americas in a bid to break the unilateral Italian stranglehold of the Papacy, though this came with mixed success as by 1903 more than 80% of cardinals still hailed from Naples, Austria, France, and Spain. The Pope had engaged in a war of words with the Neapolitan crown and often expressed political sentiments that were at odds with the establishment. His tenure reinvigorated the moribund Papacy, many having discounted that position in the century since the Tenth Crusade and madness that had consumed Verri’s Italy. Clement demonstrated that even without political and military power, the Vatican could still be an assertive and active participant in international diplomacy.
   Clement was a complicated and at time contradictory man. While he sheltered Catholic-Republican dissidents in Naples, he was also vocal in condemning the authoritarian practices of the Brazilian regime. He publicly abhorred the mission-states, yet did little to rectify the situation. He was a man who professed love for neither France or Austria, seeking to keep the Papacy a neutral power broker between the major European players. Similarly, the Vatican had conveniently ignored the intra Catholic-Republican feuding in South America, refusing to involve itself in the conflict. The Pope sidestepped calls for the Church Council, preferring to leave the Council of Trent as the final authority on Catholic doctrine for the time being.
   All eyes now turn to the next conclave. Yet, this matter too is an open question. With Rome caught between two feuding forces, the holy city has been evacuated by a significant portion of the population. Even the Neapolitan cardinals have fled the city for safer refuge further north. There is little question of them, let alone the dozens of French, Austrian, and Spanish cardinals convening on the Eternal City to select the next pontiff. With the Vatican off-limits, there are some who have proposed holding the vote somewhere else, French Avignon, Neapolitan Assisi, and Imperial Cologne floated as potential compromise sites, though each of these brings in potential disputes over prestige and legitimacy. Furthermore, how would French cardinals react to sharing a vote with Neapolitan and Spaniards? Given the dire state of relations among many Catholic powers, some are concerned with the prospect of yet another schism, two rival conclaves choosing two different popes. The future of the Catholic Church hangs in the balance to an extent not yet witnessed in modern times with this sudden and unforeseen passing of the indominable Clement XIV. If a conclave is even held, will it be possible to secure the necessary majority in favor of a new pontiff?

[KaiserDave]

Memo of the Office of the Foreign Minister of the Russian Republic M. A. Suvorin


The Russian Republic hereby recognizes the Republic of Thailand as an independent nation-state, and recognizes the existence of positive similarities between the Thai Revolution and the Russian Revolution. 

[Lumine]

Treaty of Bogota (1903)

A Treaty between the Kingdom of France, the Divine Republic of Brazil, the Empire of Québec, the Commonwealth of New England, the Republic of Japan, and the Kingdom of Portugal, and, the British Union, New Holland, and the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, putting an immediate end to the Colombian War.

PREAMBLE:

The signatories, sharing a common concern over the length and viciousness of the present conflict, its economic impact on the world, the hardships of civilians, and the lack of a decisive victory despite specific advantages, hereby agree to pursue an end to the war that acknowledges realities on the ground whilst seeking acceptable compromises.

They hereby agree to the following:

GENERAL:
• Complete cessation of all hostilities upon the agreement of all parties, to be followed by a ten-year non-aggression pact between both sets of signatories.
• The release of all prisoners of war, hostages, and other detained persons to their respective party, including dead bodies.
• A pledge from each party to not intervene in the domestic and internal affairs of each respective party.
• An investigation from the belligerents on the causes of the war, including but not limited to Colombian funding and supplying of subversive groups in Brazil before the outbreak of war, is conducted starting less than one year after the signing of this treaty.

ECONOMIC:
• Both sets of belligerents shall immediately end all naval blockades and work to restore submarine telegraphic cables.
• The Commonwealth of New England shall assume full responsibility for the unfortunate demise of Her Royal Highness the Princess Helen. Chairman Fitzgerald shall be turned over to an international tribunal in Zürich for trial as to his violations of the laws of war, details to be determined.
• Québec and New England will fully fund the reconstruction of all cities targeted by the explosions of August 1902, as well as aid and assistance to victims.
• Colombia’s share of the Panama Canal profits under the 1871 Treaty of Bogota is abrogated.
• The open and safe passage of Colombian citizens from the Philippines, Haiti and other ceded territories back to Colombia is guaranteed for five years.

TERRITORIAL:
The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, while fully preserving its independence and autonomy, shall make the following concessions:
o The Pacific Colombian islands, with the exceptions of Easter Island and the Society and Austral Islands, and the Colombian Lesser Antilles to the Empire of Québec.
o Panama and part of the Peruvian highlands to the Divine Republic of Brazil.
o Colombian Malaya and the portion of New Guinea previously negotiated between New Holland and Colombia to New Holland.

Additionally, the following territorial changes will take place:
• The Republic of Japan shall annex the Philippines and Aceh.
• The Kingdom of France shall establish a protectorate in the island of Haiti.
• The Kingdom of France will annex the Panama Canal Zone and establish full control over the canal. The profits will be shared between Brazil and France.
• The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia will cease cooperation and collaboration with the Andean Free State and any other would-be rebels within present and new Brazilian borders.
• The Divine Republic of Brazil shall take possession of the Andean Free State.
• The Empire of Québec will annex Tierra del Fuego.
• A demilitarized zone of 2 km along the Peruvian border between Colombia and Brazil will be established.
• The Empire of Québec and the British Union will agree to status quo antebellum.
• The British Union shall annex the western half of Adirondack and the southern half of Fairfield County.
• Aside from these territorial changes, all belligerents will return occupied territory not previously mentioned.

OTHER:
• New England, Britain, and Québec fully recognize the present borders of North America and will not provide aid or assistance to any rebels or domestic agitators.
• All belligerents agree that the Treaty of Trois Rivieres, while preventing even further loss of life, is in need to reform to prevent loophole abuse.
• The need for reform notwithstanding, both sides agree to drop any claims of usage of biological warfare in the course of the conflict.
• [REDACTED].

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Treaty of Bogota (1903)

A Treaty between the Kingdom of France, the Divine Republic of Brazil, the Empire of Québec, the Commonwealth of New England, the Republic of Japan, and the Kingdom of Portugal, and, the British Union, New Holland, and the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, putting an immediate end to the Colombian War.

PREAMBLE:

The signatories, sharing a common concern over the length and viciousness of the present conflict, its economic impact on the world, the hardships of civilians, and the lack of a decisive victory despite specific advantages, hereby agree to pursue an end to the war that acknowledges realities on the ground whilst seeking acceptable compromises.

They hereby agree to the following:

GENERAL:
• Complete cessation of all hostilities upon the agreement of all parties, to be followed by a ten-year non-aggression pact between both sets of signatories.
• The release of all prisoners of war, hostages, and other detained persons to their respective party, including dead bodies.
• A pledge from each party to not intervene in the domestic and internal affairs of each respective party.
• An investigation from the belligerents on the causes of the war, including but not limited to Colombian funding and supplying of subversive groups in Brazil before the outbreak of war, is conducted starting less than one year after the signing of this treaty.

ECONOMIC:
• Both sets of belligerents shall immediately end all naval blockades and work to restore submarine telegraphic cables.
• The Commonwealth of New England shall assume full responsibility for the unfortunate demise of Her Royal Highness the Princess Helen. Chairman Fitzgerald shall be turned over to an international tribunal in Zürich for trial as to his violations of the laws of war, details to be determined.
• Québec and New England will fully fund the reconstruction of all cities targeted by the explosions of August 1902, as well as aid and assistance to victims.
• Colombia’s share of the Panama Canal profits under the 1871 Treaty of Bogota is abrogated.
• The open and safe passage of Colombian citizens from the Philippines, Haiti and other ceded territories back to Colombia is guaranteed for five years.

TERRITORIAL:
The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, while fully preserving its independence and autonomy, shall make the following concessions:
o The Pacific Colombian islands, with the exceptions of Easter Island and the Society and Austral Islands, and the Colombian Lesser Antilles to the Empire of Québec.
o Panama and part of the Peruvian highlands to the Divine Republic of Brazil.
o Colombian Malaya and the portion of New Guinea previously negotiated between New Holland and Colombia to New Holland.

Additionally, the following territorial changes will take place:
• The Republic of Japan shall annex the Philippines and Aceh.
• The Kingdom of France shall establish a protectorate in the island of Haiti.
• The Kingdom of France will annex the Panama Canal Zone and establish full control over the canal. The profits will be shared between Brazil and France.
• The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia will cease cooperation and collaboration with the Andean Free State and any other would-be rebels within present and new Brazilian borders.
• The Divine Republic of Brazil shall take possession of the Andean Free State.
• The Empire of Québec will annex Tierra del Fuego.
• A demilitarized zone of 2 km along the Peruvian border between Colombia and Brazil will be established.
• The Empire of Québec and the British Union will agree to status quo antebellum.
• The British Union shall annex the western half of Adirondack and the southern half of Fairfield County.
• Aside from these territorial changes, all belligerents will return occupied territory not previously mentioned.

OTHER:
• New England, Britain, and Québec fully recognize the present borders of North America and will not provide aid or assistance to any rebels or domestic agitators.
• All belligerents agree that the Treaty of Trois Rivieres, while preventing even further loss of life, is in need to reform to prevent loophole abuse.
• The need for reform notwithstanding, both sides agree to drop any claims of usage of biological warfare in the course of the conflict.
• [REDACTED].

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

x Louis XX de Bourbon, King-Emperor of France

[Spamage]

Treaty of Bogota (1903)

A Treaty between the Kingdom of France, the Divine Republic of Brazil, the Empire of Québec, the Commonwealth of New England, the Republic of Japan, and the Kingdom of Portugal, and, the British Union, New Holland, and the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, putting an immediate end to the Colombian War.

PREAMBLE:

The signatories, sharing a common concern over the length and viciousness of the present conflict, its economic impact on the world, the hardships of civilians, and the lack of a decisive victory despite specific advantages, hereby agree to pursue an end to the war that acknowledges realities on the ground whilst seeking acceptable compromises.

They hereby agree to the following:

GENERAL:
• Complete cessation of all hostilities upon the agreement of all parties, to be followed by a ten-year non-aggression pact between both sets of signatories.
• The release of all prisoners of war, hostages, and other detained persons to their respective party, including dead bodies.
• A pledge from each party to not intervene in the domestic and internal affairs of each respective party.
• An investigation from the belligerents on the causes of the war, including but not limited to Colombian funding and supplying of subversive groups in Brazil before the outbreak of war, is conducted starting less than one year after the signing of this treaty.

ECONOMIC:
• Both sets of belligerents shall immediately end all naval blockades and work to restore submarine telegraphic cables.
• The Commonwealth of New England shall assume full responsibility for the unfortunate demise of Her Royal Highness the Princess Helen. Chairman Fitzgerald shall be turned over to an international tribunal in Zürich for trial as to his violations of the laws of war, details to be determined.
• Québec and New England will fully fund the reconstruction of all cities targeted by the explosions of August 1902, as well as aid and assistance to victims.
• Colombia’s share of the Panama Canal profits under the 1871 Treaty of Bogota is abrogated.
• The open and safe passage of Colombian citizens from the Philippines, Haiti and other ceded territories back to Colombia is guaranteed for five years.

TERRITORIAL:
The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, while fully preserving its independence and autonomy, shall make the following concessions:
o The Pacific Colombian islands, with the exceptions of Easter Island and the Society and Austral Islands, and the Colombian Lesser Antilles to the Empire of Québec.
o Panama and part of the Peruvian highlands to the Divine Republic of Brazil.
o Colombian Malaya and the portion of New Guinea previously negotiated between New Holland and Colombia to New Holland.

Additionally, the following territorial changes will take place:
• The Republic of Japan shall annex the Philippines and Aceh.
• The Kingdom of France shall establish a protectorate in the island of Haiti.
• The Kingdom of France will annex the Panama Canal Zone and establish full control over the canal. The profits will be shared between Brazil and France.
• The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia will cease cooperation and collaboration with the Andean Free State and any other would-be rebels within present and new Brazilian borders.
• The Divine Republic of Brazil shall take possession of the Andean Free State.
• The Empire of Québec will annex Tierra del Fuego.
• A demilitarized zone of 2 km along the Peruvian border between Colombia and Brazil will be established.
• The Empire of Québec and the British Union will agree to status quo antebellum.
• The British Union shall annex the western half of Adirondack and the southern half of Fairfield County.
• Aside from these territorial changes, all belligerents will return occupied territory not previously mentioned.

OTHER:
• New England, Britain, and Québec fully recognize the present borders of North America and will not provide aid or assistance to any rebels or domestic agitators.
• All belligerents agree that the Treaty of Trois Rivieres, while preventing even further loss of life, is in need to reform to prevent loophole abuse.
• The need for reform notwithstanding, both sides agree to drop any claims of usage of biological warfare in the course of the conflict.
• [REDACTED].

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

X- President Tokugawa Iesato of Japan

X-Stadtholder Samuel van Houten of the United Provinces of New Holland

X- King Antonio II of Portugal

X-Chairman William Lewis Douglas of New England

[Kuumo]

Treaty of Bogota (1903)

A Treaty between the Kingdom of France, the Divine Republic of Brazil, the Empire of Québec, the Commonwealth of New England, the Republic of Japan, and the Kingdom of Portugal, and, the British Union, New Holland, and the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, putting an immediate end to the Colombian War.

PREAMBLE:

The signatories, sharing a common concern over the length and viciousness of the present conflict, its economic impact on the world, the hardships of civilians, and the lack of a decisive victory despite specific advantages, hereby agree to pursue an end to the war that acknowledges realities on the ground whilst seeking acceptable compromises.

They hereby agree to the following:

GENERAL:
• Complete cessation of all hostilities upon the agreement of all parties, to be followed by a ten-year non-aggression pact between both sets of signatories.
• The release of all prisoners of war, hostages, and other detained persons to their respective party, including dead bodies.
• A pledge from each party to not intervene in the domestic and internal affairs of each respective party.
• An investigation from the belligerents on the causes of the war, including but not limited to Colombian funding and supplying of subversive groups in Brazil before the outbreak of war, is conducted starting less than one year after the signing of this treaty.

ECONOMIC:
• Both sets of belligerents shall immediately end all naval blockades and work to restore submarine telegraphic cables.
• The Commonwealth of New England shall assume full responsibility for the unfortunate demise of Her Royal Highness the Princess Helen. Chairman Fitzgerald shall be turned over to an international tribunal in Zürich for trial as to his violations of the laws of war, details to be determined.
• Québec and New England will fully fund the reconstruction of all cities targeted by the explosions of August 1902, as well as aid and assistance to victims.
• Colombia’s share of the Panama Canal profits under the 1871 Treaty of Bogota is abrogated.
• The open and safe passage of Colombian citizens from the Philippines, Haiti and other ceded territories back to Colombia is guaranteed for five years.

TERRITORIAL:
The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, while fully preserving its independence and autonomy, shall make the following concessions:
o The Pacific Colombian islands, with the exceptions of Easter Island and the Society and Austral Islands, and the Colombian Lesser Antilles to the Empire of Québec.
o Panama and part of the Peruvian highlands to the Divine Republic of Brazil.
o Colombian Malaya and the portion of New Guinea previously negotiated between New Holland and Colombia to New Holland.

Additionally, the following territorial changes will take place:
• The Republic of Japan shall annex the Philippines and Aceh.
• The Kingdom of France shall establish a protectorate in the island of Haiti.
• The Kingdom of France will annex the Panama Canal Zone and establish full control over the canal. The profits will be shared between Brazil and France.
• The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia will cease cooperation and collaboration with the Andean Free State and any other would-be rebels within present and new Brazilian borders.
• The Divine Republic of Brazil shall take possession of the Andean Free State.
• The Empire of Québec will annex Tierra del Fuego.
• A demilitarized zone of 2 km along the Peruvian border between Colombia and Brazil will be established.
• The Empire of Québec and the British Union will agree to status quo antebellum.
• The British Union shall annex the western half of Adirondack and the southern half of Fairfield County.
• Aside from these territorial changes, all belligerents will return occupied territory not previously mentioned.

OTHER:
• New England, Britain, and Québec fully recognize the present borders of North America and will not provide aid or assistance to any rebels or domestic agitators.
• All belligerents agree that the Treaty of Trois Rivieres, while preventing even further loss of life, is in need to reform to prevent loophole abuse.
• The need for reform notwithstanding, both sides agree to drop any claims of usage of biological warfare in the course of the conflict.
• [REDACTED].

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

X- President Tokugawa Iesato of Japan

X-Stadtholder Samuel van Houten of the United Provinces of New Holland

X- King Antonio II of Portugal

X-Chairman William Lewis Douglas of New England

x Federico González Suárez, Archbishop-President of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

x Manuel Antonio Matos, Secretary of State of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

[Lumine]

Her Imperial Majesty expresses her sorrow and condolences over the unfortunate demise of His Holiness Pope Clement XIV, a steady hand during difficult times for the Church and the Catholic world as a whole.

Cardinal Édouard-Charles Fabre, Archbishop of Montréal, shall be dispatched with haste to Europe in order to participate in the upcoming Conclave. It is the view of Her Imperial Majesty that a neutral city and a proper venue should be selected with haste in order to hold said Conclave, and she appeals to the Holy Roman Emperor and the King-Emperor of France to reach a viable understanding on the matter.

Cardinal Fabre, though having his own autonomy as a Prince of the Church, has been advised by Her Imperial Majesty not to attend any schismatic minority Conclave, nor to support any radical candidates to the Chair of St. Peter.

[Lumine]

Midjourney, made by Spamage

Let us Win the Peace
Her Majesty addresses Parliament

Empress Wilhelmina entered the National Assembly yet again, and this time with a much firmer step after recovering from her successful pregnancy. The deputies gasped at seeing her attire, much removed from the traditional royal dresses of the past. This time Wilhelmina had arrived dressed in a black hussar uniform in the Prussian style and wearing a pair of menacing black gloves, and a silver ring decorated with the Hohenzollern Eagle.

Escorted by the Prince Consort, Old Prince Louis and other key courtiers, Wilhelmina advanced to the throne, stopping on her way to gracefully offer her hand to the aging Prime Minister Papineau for a kiss. Though not one to completely forget Papineau’s outrageous behaviour nine years ago, he had been her Premier for the entire eight years of her reign, and they had achieved great things together. Ultimately, she had learned valuable lessons by governing with the Social Union of Québec, lessons she would not throw away on a whim.

“And to think”, she pondered, “in another world I’d just be Queen Consort of France.” Much as she had once detested Cousin Louis – now Louis XX of France – for having the unmitigated call of ditching her in order to marry a Bourbon-Savoie, she now admitted the French King had chosen wisely. After kissing the ring of Archbishop Fabre, Wilhelmina stood with her back to the throne.

And then she spoke.

Monsieurs,

The events of the past three years have been memorable and challenging for us all.

In this brief period of time, we have undergone major changes domestically and on the world stage and which have given us all pause to ask ourselves the important questions on the future of this grand Empire and its brave citizens.

We have been tested across the land, the sea, and for the first time, from the air. We have successfully weathered out the storm, expanding the borders of our Empire while protecting ourselves from enemy invasion from a fearsome and respected great power.

Messieurs, let us speak plainly. The price has been heavy. All citizens have sacrificed something for the good of the nation, whether on the field of battle, on the shifts at the factories, in the farms, or in the noble professions that keep society running. Today we must recognize and honor their sacrifices.

(A moment of respectful silence)

To you, messieurs, I pay tribute today as well, for your steadfast and unyielding support. From the Prime Minister to the most anonymous backbencher, every man has done his duty, and nothing was left undone.

But now comes the hard part. Now we must win the peace, gentlemen, and win it in such a way that none of our sacrifices prove in vain.

We promised you three years ago that we would not countenance the loss of constitutionalism and the erosion of accountable government. It is now time to fulfil that promise. This Parliament has survived for six years now, and you gentlemen must now go to the people and seek their wisdom, to consult them on the path we are to follow next.

Pursuant to the Constitution of the Empire, and after a final set of legislative proposals, this session of the National Assembly will be dissolved and a new one called forth, to be elected in a new General Election at the end of this year.

We will encourage all parties to put forward their own proposals on how to win the peace, and we shall work with the next government, just as we have with the present one, to improve and expand the État-Social, to bring relief to all those injured or affected by the war, to regain economic prosperity, and to enjoy our hard-won gains. 

Messieurs, the order of the day is simple: let us win the peace!

Vive la Nation! Vive L’Empire! Vive le Québec!

Proclamations and Statements from Her Imperial Majesty

ON THE 1903 GENERAL ELECTION

Her Imperial Majesty, fulfilling the promise made to the public last year and in light of the signing of the Treaty of Bogota, will decree a dissolution of Parliament on October 15th. General Elections to the National Assembly will be held on December 1st, 1903.

ON THE IMPERIAL WAR BOARD

The Marquis de La Durantaye is congratulated on the efficient and hard work of the Imperial War Board during the recent conflict. The Board will hereafter lead efforts in demobilization, early reconstruction of previously occupied areas and new acquisitions, and the shifting of industry back into civilian production, to be dissolved on January 1st 1904 and replaced by the previously existing government institutions. In recognition of his effort, the Marquis will be appointed to the Senate and awarded the Imperial Ordre du Mérite.

ON THE NEW IMPERIAL TERRITORIES

The Colombian Lesser Antilles annexed by the Empire will become the new imperial territory of the West Indies (Indes Occidentales).

The Pacific Islands annexed by the same treaty will also become the new imperial territory of Polynesia (Polynésie).

The Imperial Governors of the West Indies and Polynesia shall cooperate closely with the provinces of Puerto Rico and Hawaii.

The austral lands recently annexed will become the new imperial territory of Tierra del Fuego (Terre de Feu).

As a result of a 99-year lease negotiated with the Mapuche, the island of Chiloé will become the new imperial territory of Alexander Island (Ile Alexandre). Unlike Polynesia, Tierra del Fuego, and the West Indies, and recognizing the temporary nature of the lease, Alexander Island shall not be eligible for accession into province status.

[Lumine]

On the Establishment of a Jewish Homeland
The birth of New Judea

Her Imperial Majesty has been deeply touched in recent years by the ongoing diaspora of the Jewish people, particularly in regard to Europe. Although national governments are blameless on it, it is with concern that Her Majesty sees the rise of antisemitism in certain corners of the Old World, and with great sympathy that she looks at the plight of a people still looking for a viable homeland.

Therefore, after consultations with the government and relevant individuals, Her Majesty is proud to announce the formation of the Jewish Immigration Company (JIC), a privately funded institution that will work with the Empire to pursue the mass settlement of European Jews in the Empire of Québec.

Settlement will take place along a specifically designated portion in the south of Vaudreuil Province, across the eastern half of the Snake River Plain (the RL southeast corner of Idaho), in lands that are primed for agricultural use. The JIC will provide generous settlements to local inhabitants to willingly relocate to other provinces, but no current resident may be compelled to leave.

The area of settlement will become an imperial territory under special administration, bearing the name of New Judea (Nouvelle Judée). As with all imperial provinces and territories west of Champlain, the Pacific Gendarmerie shall guarantee the safety of all resides of New Judea.

A special railway – the David Express - will be set up between the ports of entry of Roquefort and Québec City and the new settlement of Zion (Sion), future capital of New Judea, for the purposes of safety transferring Jewish immigrants.

The Constitution of Québec will be amended to allow for the public worship of the Jewish faith in New Judea, and the territory will be eligible for accession into province status – still under special administration – once it hits the sufficient population. New Judea will have cultural autonomy under the protection of the Empire, with Yiddish and French as official co-languages.

A non-elected Administrative Council will handle matters of cultural autonomy, and the territory will be administered by an ethnically Jewish Imperial Governor. Monsieur Lyon Cohen, also known as Yehuda Leib Cohen, will be appointed as the first Governor of New Judea. The citizens of New Judea will enjoy Québecois citizenship and will have the same rights and duties as all imperial citizens, including military service.

[S019]

Treaty of Bogota (1903)

A Treaty between the Kingdom of France, the Divine Republic of Brazil, the Empire of Québec, the Commonwealth of New England, the Republic of Japan, and the Kingdom of Portugal, and, the British Union, New Holland, and the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, putting an immediate end to the Colombian War.

PREAMBLE:

The signatories, sharing a common concern over the length and viciousness of the present conflict, its economic impact on the world, the hardships of civilians, and the lack of a decisive victory despite specific advantages, hereby agree to pursue an end to the war that acknowledges realities on the ground whilst seeking acceptable compromises.

They hereby agree to the following:

GENERAL:
• Complete cessation of all hostilities upon the agreement of all parties, to be followed by a ten-year non-aggression pact between both sets of signatories.
• The release of all prisoners of war, hostages, and other detained persons to their respective party, including dead bodies.
• A pledge from each party to not intervene in the domestic and internal affairs of each respective party.
• An investigation from the belligerents on the causes of the war, including but not limited to Colombian funding and supplying of subversive groups in Brazil before the outbreak of war, is conducted starting less than one year after the signing of this treaty.

ECONOMIC:
• Both sets of belligerents shall immediately end all naval blockades and work to restore submarine telegraphic cables.
• The Commonwealth of New England shall assume full responsibility for the unfortunate demise of Her Royal Highness the Princess Helen. Chairman Fitzgerald shall be turned over to an international tribunal in Zürich for trial as to his violations of the laws of war, details to be determined.
• Québec and New England will fully fund the reconstruction of all cities targeted by the explosions of August 1902, as well as aid and assistance to victims.
• Colombia’s share of the Panama Canal profits under the 1871 Treaty of Bogota is abrogated.
• The open and safe passage of Colombian citizens from the Philippines, Haiti and other ceded territories back to Colombia is guaranteed for five years.

TERRITORIAL:
The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, while fully preserving its independence and autonomy, shall make the following concessions:
o The Pacific Colombian islands, with the exceptions of Easter Island and the Society and Austral Islands, and the Colombian Lesser Antilles to the Empire of Québec.
o Panama and part of the Peruvian highlands to the Divine Republic of Brazil.
o Colombian Malaya and the portion of New Guinea previously negotiated between New Holland and Colombia to New Holland.

Additionally, the following territorial changes will take place:
• The Republic of Japan shall annex the Philippines and Aceh.
• The Kingdom of France shall establish a protectorate in the island of Haiti.
• The Kingdom of France will annex the Panama Canal Zone and establish full control over the canal. The profits will be shared between Brazil and France.
• The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia will cease cooperation and collaboration with the Andean Free State and any other would-be rebels within present and new Brazilian borders.
• The Divine Republic of Brazil shall take possession of the Andean Free State.
• The Empire of Québec will annex Tierra del Fuego.
• A demilitarized zone of 2 km along the Peruvian border between Colombia and Brazil will be established.
• The Empire of Québec and the British Union will agree to status quo antebellum.
• The British Union shall annex the western half of Adirondack and the southern half of Fairfield County.
• Aside from these territorial changes, all belligerents will return occupied territory not previously mentioned.

OTHER:
• New England, Britain, and Québec fully recognize the present borders of North America and will not provide aid or assistance to any rebels or domestic agitators.
• All belligerents agree that the Treaty of Trois Rivieres, while preventing even further loss of life, is in need to reform to prevent loophole abuse.
• The need for reform notwithstanding, both sides agree to drop any claims of usage of biological warfare in the course of the conflict.
• [REDACTED].

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

X Mary III, Queen of the United Kingdom

[Dereich]

On the Death of His Holiness, Pope Clement XIV

The Holy Roman Emperor, as the sole temporal Emperor whose position is endorsed by God through the authority of His Holiness the Pope, sends his most sincere condolences to Rome on hearing word of the death of Pope Clement XIV. It is the utmost consideration of the Holy Roman Emperor that the head of the Church be chosen both safely and quickly. As neither France nor Naples is safe or at peace, the Holy Roman Emperor, as the sole defender of the faith at peace in Europe, declares that either Konstanz or Verona, both of which have both had the dignity of hosting papal conclaves in times of trouble, and are indeed the only locations in which conclaves have been previously held where there is no threat of war, will be the sole locations that the House of Hapsburg will tolerate for the upcoming Papal conclave. It is of such high importance that the conclave be held in one of these cities, again reiterating that they are the only locations which combine safety outside the bitter war between the French and Italians and historic significance, that the Holy Roman Emperor does hereby demand that the King of France and the King of Naples agree to either make peace or to submit to one of these cities or else face the full force of the Imperial and Royal Armies of the Holy Roman Emperor.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

“The Kingdom of France offers its sincerest condolences to the Vatican for the death of his Holiness.  It is the official position of the Kingdom of France that the conclave should not be held on French, Austrian, or Neapolitan lands given the present military situation in Italy and the threats of military force the Austrian regime has been making in an attempt to bully other nations into permitting it to turn the Chair of St. Peter into a throne of bones for its handpicked puppet.  It deeply saddens the Kingdom France to see that the Austrian regime has chosen to plunge Europe into a new dark age by proclaiming its intent to declare war upon the Kingdom of France should we decline to support its choice for Pope.  

We urge all nations in Christendom not to allow their Cardinals to participate in any conclave on Austrian lands as it will be a completely illegitimate mockery of a Papal Conclave.  We propose Lisbon as a neutral alternative.  However, if that is unacceptable, then there are other cities that could serve as neutral ground.  Effective immediately, all French funds and assets have been withdrawn from Habsburg businesses.  We urge the Austrian regime to 1) cease its efforts to use threats of military force to attempt to dictate the next Pope and 2) agree to a conclave held upon truly neutral ground.” - The French Foreign Ministry

[GoTfan]

The Kingdom of Naples finds itself in support of the proposal from the Holy Roman Empire. In times of strife, it is clear that a Conclave cannot meet where there is the danger of armed interference. The solution offered by Vienna gives us a clear path forward to elect a new leader of our faith on Earth without facing the pressure of armed hosts.

[Lumine]

The Empire of Québec will not be participating in, or legitimizing any Conclave that is summoned as the result of threats of military force, diplomatic coercion, or, as it has been alleged, designed to benefit any single European power.

We strongly regret that one of the moments of highest solemnity for Christendom may be used and/or manipulated for the purposes of national prestige, and urge for reason to prevail. We strongly encourage incumbent rulers to see reason and de-escalate before their passions threaten to spark new armed conflicts.

[Devout Centrist]

Statement from the Foreign Ministry

It is the opinion of the Chinese foreign ministry that all followers of the Popist faith should oppose any and all French efforts to control and manipulate the election and elevation of their new Pope. The web of Franco-Caesarism is evident among their national elite and the Bourbonic Dynasty seeks to use this conspiracy to upend the balance of power. It is imperative that Papists of all national creeds oppose this deception.

[Kuumo]

On the Passing of His Holiness, Clement XIV

Upon hearing of the death of Pope Clement XIV, the Archbishop-President offers his thoughts and condolences to the Vatican. Cardinal Bernardo Herrera Restrepo shall be dispatched to the Conclave in the Holy Roman Empire in light of the present safety of that state and its legacy in ending the First Western Schism through the election of Pope Martin V at Konstanz. As the Archbishop-President of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia and the Archbishop of Quito, I urge the other faithful sovereigns of the world to respect ecumenical precedent and send their cardinals to a Papal Conclave in the Holy Roman Empire to prevent another schism in the Church.

x Archbishop-President Federico González Suárez

[Attorney General & PPT Dwarven Dragon]

The Holy Union of Spain finds itself in support of the proposal from the Holy Roman Empire. In times of strife, it is clear that a Conclave cannot meet where there is the danger of armed interference. The solution offered by Vienna gives us a clear path forward to elect a new leader of our faith on Earth without facing the pressure of armed hosts.

We also join other nations in expressing our deepest condolences to the Vatican.

[windjammer]

We are close to an another third anti pope situation.

Brazil doesn't want an another schism.


WE would like to remind everyone that no pope Can be legitimately elected with the threat of violence. It has caused the Avignon papacy (the fact that the pope was elected with the threat of violence) and it's important WE all Come to an agreement without threatening anyone because otherwise the pope's legitimacy will be put under question

[certified hummus supporter 🇵🇸🤝🇺🇸🤝🇺🇦]

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Offical Firman from the Imperial Court in Delhi

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Timur III Coronated As Shah!

An artist's depiction of the Imperial Durbar which had been reconvened after over a century of being dormant

Image originally found on the Instagram page of puranidilliwaley

June 13th, 1903

Delhi, Durrani Empire (AP) — In a spectacular ceremony, the now former, Regent-Shah of the Durrani Empire, Timur, has been officially coronated as the 20th Emperor of the Afghan Empire roughly 150 years since its namesake founder, Ahmed Shah Durrani, was proclaimed King of the Afghans in the wake of the Persian Shah's murder.

The coronation of Timur, held in defiance of the, now formerly, unchallenged French authority over the Indian subcontinent was catalyzed by a series of events that unfolded in rapid succession. French invasions of Mysore and Aceh alongside allegations of a French-backed assassination attempt on the previous Shah, Abdul II, had plunged the region into turmoil, culminating in the surprise invasion of French-controlled India by Afghan forces led by Timur.

To say it was a lavish and ornate ceremony would be an understatement. Indeed, one would mistake it for being held during the glory days of the old Mughal Empire. Held in the old Red Fort to scores of dignitaries from both far and near, it is guaranteed an event that generations of Indians won't forget.

Envoys from far-flung, yet international power players such as China, Scandinavia, Russia, Great Britain, and the Habsburg Empire were all in attendance, highlighting the geopolitical importance of the ramifications of this day. Envoys from lesser states included the Nawabs of Awadh and Gwalior, who had personally attended, switching sides when the Afghans invaded French India—followed by the Ottoman/Turkist Empire, Kamran Mirza Qajar, leader of the rival faction in the recent Iranian Civil War, the Emperor of Ethiopia, the Sultan of Aceh, and most shockingly of them all, members of the deposed Mysorean dynasty, ousted by the French takeover of their state and re-installation of the Wadiyar's. Warmly greeting the various envoys, the newly christened Emperor gave a roaring speech declaring "the Era of the Franks in Hindustan" to be over for good.

Following the ceremony, a grand military parade, cheered on by tens of thousands of awestruck Delhiites, marched down the "Chandni Chawk" road, as the locals call it, and into the Red Fort itself through the Lahore Gate where Emperor Timur was standing at the top of it in full imperial regalia saluting the procession. Spectators, who had remembered the last time the Afghans occupied Delhi in the 70's, marveled at the newfound grace and discipline of the columns of goosestepping infantry, artillery pieces, dragoons, and cuirassiers in comparison to the Afghans of then. Most impressive, however, was the deployment of zeppelin aircraft to photograph the procession.

As the golden Indian sun adorned its last rays glistening upon this ancient city, Timur wasted no time in resurrecting a tradition long thought to be gone: the durbar. As night fell, and the moon rose high in the sky, the Imperial Durbar was in full swing. Attended by members of the Loya Jirga alongside other local Indian, Afghan, and foreign nobles, including by a man claiming to be the heir to the deposed Mughal dynasts. Emperor Timur wasted no time in setting to work asserting his authority to the benefit of the stability and prosperity of his vast realm. Discussions at the durbar ranged from adequately administering the newly conquered territories to settling land disputes between peasants, signaling that he was prepared to take on the various new challenges to come.

The coronation of Timur as Emperor of India is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Mughal Empire and the indomitable spirit of the Afghan people. And as the Great War rages on and the world watches with bated breath, the emergence of Timur as a formidable leader in the heart of the Indian subcontinent heralds a new chapter in the annals of history.

By Associated Press, Special Correspondent

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

On the Location of a Papal Conclave:

“If the Habsburg Empire’s intent is genuinely to ensure a fair vote free of coercion, then they should have no objection to an international peacekeeping force composed in equal number of peacekeepers from Christendom to ensure there is no effort made to coerce the Cardinals by threat of force - be it explicit or implicit - or to prevent Cardinals from any faction or nation from attending.  We would further call upon the Habsburg Empire to join the Kingdom of France in committing not to use the threat of military retaliation to coerce any nation into backing its choice for Cardinal.  In so doing, the Habsburg Empire could easily demonstrate benign intent.  Should the above be agreed to by the Habsburg Empire, the Kingdom of France would be willing to agree to a Papal conclave in Konstanz.

As has been emphasized in our prior statement, it is the Kingdom of France’s most ernest wish to avoid a schism and ensure the unquestioned legitimacy of the next conclave.  We would remind all nations that the past schisms have been deeply destructive to the Church and that all of Christendom lost regardless of which faction was the military victor.  We appreciate the wise words of the Quebecois government on the matter and agree that this most somber occasion for all of Christendom should not be reduced to a petty political squabble. 

As such - and in the interest of making every effort to ensure heated passions do not plunge European Christendom into a nightmare from which she may not awaken for a century - the Kingdom of France makes this proposal that we may all yet embrace one another as Catholic brothers.  It is what the late Pope would have wanted: conciliation rather than further bloodshed.  Let us honor the memory of His Holiness together by averting senseless bloodshed and all doing our part to ensure a clean vote at a legitimate conclave free of explicit or implicit coercion.

Furthermore, the Kingdom of France calls upon all nations, regardless of belligerent or neutral status in any conflict to commit to ensure unconditional and unobstructed safe passage to any Papal conclave for all Cardinals wishing to attend - even those from factions deemed hostile to the interests of the nation in question - and to instruct their Cardinals to oppose the selection of any candidate who would see the Church turned into a house divided against itself.” - The French Foreign Ministry

On Heretical Foreign Interference:

“The Kingdom of France calls upon all Catholic nations in general and the Habsburg Empire in particular to join our forceful condemnation of the vile attempt by the heretical Huns of China to meddle in the affairs of the Catholic Church!  These Godless barbarians know and fear the righteousness of our cause and so they - unable to comprehend the dedicated faith of Christendom - would have Catholics believe that efforts to secure a legitimate Papal conclave and prevent a schism within the Church as some sort of crude power grab.  Perhaps it should come as no surprise men such as these have no understanding of such concepts as “defense of the faith,” for it has oft been said that evil cannot comprehend good.  The Kingdom of France is proud to stand against the efforts of foreign heretics to meddle in the affairs of the Church.” - The French Foreign Ministry

[DKrol]

The Archbishop of New Orleans, and all Louisianan Cardinals, shall follow all directives and guidance issued to Cardinals of the Empire of Quebec with respect to the Papal Conclave.

[Lumine]

It is the position of Montréal and its aligned cardinals that a Conclave in Konstanz held under the compromise safeguards proposed by the Kingdom of France would be acceptable, and one in which they would be pleased to participate to avoid any danger of a schism in Christendom.

We appeal to the Holy Roman Emperor's wisdom and sense of fairness to accept a compromise, for he may hold in his youthful hands the fate of our Church and of European stability.

[Kuumo]

The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia would support the compromise solution proposed by the Kingdom of France as a way to respect ecumenical precedent and guarantee the integrity of the selection of the next Vicar of Christ.