Dutch Republic, Late 1642:
1. Treaty of Vienna:
His Highness the Stadtholder is optimistic in the news of the negotiation and signing of the Treaty of Vienna. For years a bloody war of religion has led to untold devastation across Europe, to deep division, to constant strife, to brother fighting brother, and prosperous nations being ruined through debt, pillaging and disease. There could never be peace without proper compromise, and in an act of reason the Kingdom of France, the Holy Roman Emperor and the Dutch Republic have put aside their differences to end strife between themselves. To this treaty we commit in honesty, and express our hope it may be a lasting one.
A particularly welcome development is the long awaited full and formal recognition of our rightful independence, which the Stadtholder will defend to his dying breath. Despite our many differences, even the Emperor recognizes the Dutch Republic as an entity, and we hope any European princes or nations yet to recognize our nation will do so in the coming months, earning thus our gratitude and friendship.
2. The War:
We find the latest statement from the Spanish King fascinating on account of His Majesty giving away his position so openly, and ask the courts of Europe to consider his words carefully.
He talks of supposed peace offers to others, but none whatsoever was directed towards this nation which this stubborn King refuses to recognize as sovereign and independent. Far from peace with honor, the Spanish King appears to desire permanent war towards this great nation, a nation which he and his predecessors have refused to recognize despite our seventy year struggle to rid ourselves of Spanish tyranny and oppression. Catholics and Protestants alike should see clearly that the unwillingness of Spain tolerate the existence of the Dutch Republic is an honest obstacle to true peace in Europe, and that their own ambitions towards the Netherlands are based on the "territorial greed" he claims to denounce. Otherwise he might not be so bold as to inflict insult and offense on his kin the Emperor Ferdinand, and on King Louis XIII.
Philip IV is right in one aspect, there will be no unjust peace which sees the Dutch Republic enslaved again and subject to misrule and terror. This, we swear.
3. On Humanitarian Concerns:
The tales we hear from Germany and other places in Europe affected by war continue to surprise, shock and inflict sadness upon the Stadtholder. As a beacon of religious tolerance, knowledge and liberty, the Dutch Republic will offer sanctuary and refuge to Protestants of different faiths suffering from persecution, violence and death. We will also continue to offer regulated, fair sanctuary to the Jews of Europe in open cities such as Amsterdam. While for obvious reasons such refugees will not have some of the rights reserved to the citizens of the Dutch Republic, we believe they can find a better, prosperous life within our nation while working hard, respecting the rule of law, and aiding us in our task to secure both our permanent independence, the prosperity of our trade, and the glory of the Netherlands.
4. On Matters of Culture:
Even as we struggle in our quest for freedom against the might of an Empire, there is always time to acknowledge the benefits of culture, from improving the learning conditions of our citizens to promoting and supporting the creation of art. His Excellency the Stadtholder considers himself a friend and patron of the arts still, and encourages skilled artists, learned men and scientists to consider visiting the Dutch Republic. Yearly contests for the Arts and Sciences will be organized by the Stadtholder - for nationals and foreigners as well - to reward artistic achievements and scientific discoveries, and we shall encourage the different regions and cities of the Dutch Republic to undertake similar contests so achievement is rewarded.
