To: Nation of Malta (NC-, L\-, QC) From: Bret Gov

[Markam]

Greetings to the esteemed representatives of Malta,

On behalf of the Bretonian Government, I wish you all good fortune in times to come.

Following discussions and a vote within the government, and in light of the recent movements in the Gallia war, the Bretonian government wishes strongly to establish a stable trade route with the Maltese Nation.

While we remain at war with Gallia, and the path to you is still fraught with peril, we are no longer facing a suicidal path to your Nation. The battle-group that blocked the path to Omicron Alpha is no longer there. While the IMG bases remains an eyesore (but nothing more), and the presence of Fort Albi impedes somewhat the route through Orkney, and New Tours somewhat blocks the route through Tau-31, with enough escorts, it is unlikely our trade ships, and yours too, will be unable to traverse the routes.

As such, we wish to begin trade immediately. Not just for the strong economic impact it will provide us, but also to show our foes that Bretonia stands strong, and flouts the attempts to strangle us in our beds.

As for what we intend to trade, there are no end to the amount of goods we can export to your nation. Robotics, Gold, Industrial Materials, Super Alloy to name a few. In return, one particular good that we seek to bring back to Bretonia, is Niobium, be it in ore or refined form. This ore is vital for ship production, and we must secure a stable supply of it. We are however open to any other good - one particular commodity aside - you feel you can offer us in trade.

As for Niobium, the Bretonian crown is willing to supply materials, equipment and expertise required for the Nation of Malta to mine this on an industrial scale, likely from mining fields taken over from the IMG. We also strongly suggest that Maltese raiders step up their efforts to cut the supply of Niobium to Gallia, and then move this good to Bretonia instead.

We understand no Maltese facility within short distance of the fields are currently capable of storing large quantities of Niobium for trade and processing, so as a short term solution we suggest Freeport 10 be designated as the trade hub for Malta - Bretonia trade. In the long term, the set up of a new base within Tau-37 for both trade and refinery, or the upgrade of your base in Tau 23 to take on large scale storage and refinery, is something we highly recommend, and are willing to cooperate with.

For reference, one of the proposed routes is as below;

Trade Route

As it can be seen, from our assessment of the Orkney passage, the main obstacle is Fort Albi. While we can operate even with it standing, If we can remove this Fort, trade will be almost unstoppable.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

Best regards,
Benedict Callahan, Secretary to the Cabinet

---

Markam is evil

[Mr.Cardaminum]

Incoming Message

---

---

Sender:
Recipient:
Subject:

Don Hernan Escudero
Representative of the Government of the Kingdom of Bretonia
Inter-Tau Trade

Esteemed Representative of the Crown,

We welcome your initiative to expand the trade between our Nations. The disappearance of the Gallic fleet from upper Taus has not gone unnoticed on Malta and we are already discussing possible ramifications of the events in question.

As you suggested, the trade through Taus is now more feasible albeit challenging. Our pilots have gained valuable experience of smuggling and are ready to begin the shipments. Now, more specifically about the goods.

Maltese side:

1. Niobium. As IMG yet another time proved their treachery and sided with Gallia, our organisation will put maximum efforts into filling the void and replacing the share of IMG in niobium market of Bretonia. To that end, we will kindly request Bretonian side to provide us with mining equipment: while Malta possess mining equipment, it is designed for different conditions of work and switching to new machinery would entail unnecessary financial burdens as well as time. Our mining fleet shall commence the extraction of Niobium ore right away with the equipment available to Malta, Bretonian mining hardware, however, would speed up the process.
   
   
2. Iridium and Azurite. Now that Malta has a profitable agreement with the Core, we can arrange regular deliveries of the aforementioned resources via trans-Omicron trade. I believe, you can also contact the respected Core side to this end to maximise the deliveries of these strategic resources.
   
   
3. Pharmaceutics and Alien Organisms. Centuries of studying Cardamin and its effect bolstered chemical researches on Malta and made our pharmaceutics one of the best in Sirius. While the scale of their production is limited, their deliveries can assist the hospitals of Bretonia, whose soldiers regularly receive wounds on the battlefield. Alien Organisms can serve both as the raw materials for Bretonian research and pharmaceutical field, as well as fertilisers for the agriculture which is of crucial importance in the face of war.
   
   
4. Unspecified Edge Worlds goods. At the discretion of the Kingdom of Bretonia, our pilots can serve as mediators to deliver other goods of interest to esteemed Bretonian side from the Edge Worlds.
   

Bretonian side:

1. Mining Machinery. As discussed above, mining machinery can bolster our mining process as well as serve as a basis for the development of planet Albegna that is a primary source of Titanium in Maltese space.
   
   
2. Gold. Gold is a good conductor, as well as an important for finances good. We would like to procure it if Bretonian side is willing to sell.
   
   
3. Cobalt. It is useful for the production of High Performance alloys that are needed in various fields of economy. The resource is expected to be beneficial for the diversification of Maltese economy.
   
   
4. Terraforming gases. This strategical resource is important for our advances on Albegna and further development of the colonies.
   
   
5. Unspecified Bretonian goods. Bretonia being a House manufactures a lot of goods, like plastfoam or whiskey, that might be of less gravity for the economy overall but are important for regular consumers. Unless Bretonian side objects, we would like to have access to these goods which can diversify our trade and strengthen the economic bonds.
   

Additional Remarks:

• We would kindly ask Bretonian Government to include in the talks the representatives of major Bretonian corporations. They specialise in particular fields and their opinion on the matters would be advisable. Their presence will also simplify the further talks with Malta in terms of economy and would negate the necessity of involving the Government for every trade discussion so that the Government can focus on its primary functions.
  
  
• In our opinion, the result of these talks should be the conclusion of the Trade Agreement between the Kingdom of Bretonia and the Nation of Malta. Prior discussions are necessary, of course. The Trade Agreement would allow to define the scopes of trade, facilitate the understanding of the parties involved, as well as serve a solid basis for further economic and political partnership.
  
  
• Opinion of other major Maltese factions, especially the ruling body of the National Council is required. Hence, while our proposal is standing, it might be subject to change depending on the reaction of other Maltese factions.
  

With this, esteemed Representative, I shall conclude my message and wish you good fortune in the future. We will be looking forward to your reply.

Respetuosamente,
Don Hernan Luis Escudero Grijalva

---

End of Message

[Backo]

---

COMM-ID: Eliza Valdez
Subject: RE: Inter-Tau Trade
Priority: High

---

Bueno dias, Bretonian representatives, don Hernan,

The Maltese Legion would like to voice its concern regarding the route you have chosen to take. While the Gallic battlegroup has left the Tau-23 system, this has led to an increase of Gallic dissidents that oppose the Maltese Nation as well. Passing near this many Royal Navy installations would also be of risk for the convoys as they are likely to also hold some limited defensive garrisons of fights and bombers. What the Legion can offer as a much safer, albeit slightly longer route would be the following:

Instead of going through Dublin, the path to Manchester should be taken and from there a jumphole in the Birmingham Ice Field sector 3C can be used to reach the Coronado system. The other side of the jump hole is protected by the Basilica battlegroup which ensures the Maltese sovereignty of the Barrier Rim in Coronado, where in sector 4B another jump hole leads to the neutral Zoner system of Baffin. From there following the buoyed corridor the convoys can reach the Tau-29 system. Using the connection to Tau-23 would bring the convoy much closer to Cali's defenses than any garrisons that might be left over on Java. From there on the route remains the same.

I would also like to raise the willingness of the Nation of Malta to acquire any unwanted individuals such as prisoners currently housed by the Kingdom of Bretonia. This would give said individuals a second chance of lawful and peaceful life under Maltese sovereignty as well as remove the tax cost of holding them in Bretonia's facilities. Of course this is all left to the discretion of Bretonia and is not a necessary demand on our side for this agreement to be accepted.

En servicio de Malta,
Legionario Eliza Valdez.

---

Attachments: None

---

[Markam]

Greetings to the esteemed representatives of Malta,

Following discussions within parliament and taking into account all reasonable opinions and requests, the Bretonian government has drafted the below agreement for your consideration.

Maltese-Bretonia Agreement for Trade and Future Relations

Maltese-Bretonia Agreement on Trade and Future Relations

This Agreement is made and entered into as of the date of signing by and between the Empire of Bretonia, with its principal area of influence being Omega (principally 3, 49 and 2), Tau (principally 31, 23 (partial)) and Bretonia proper (including Dublin, Orkney and Inverness), and the Nation of Malta, with its principal area of influence as the Western Omicrons, Northern Taus and Northern Sigma.

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Parties hereto to make mutual trade of commercial goods; and

WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Parties hereto to develop Maltese-Bretonia relations and deepen cooperation for the benefit of both peoples and the detriment of joint enemies.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1. The Empire of Bretonia agrees to open trade with the Nation of Malta.
   
2. The Nation of Malta agrees to open trade with the Empire of Bretonia.
   
3. The contraband laws of both parties apply within their respective territories, except in case of specially licensed exemptions.
   
4. The Empire of Bretonia agrees to dedicate means to stimulate the space mining industry of the Maltese Nation in the Tau-23 and Tau-37 System(s). The precise kinds and amounts are left to Bretonian and Maltese corporations to agree on.
   
5. The Nation of Malta agrees to sell processed or unprocessed niobium to the Empire of Bretonia at preferential prices. The precise percentage is left to Bretonian and Maltese corporations to agree on.
   
6. The Empire of Bretonia agrees to release all prisoners of Maltese origin convicted for minor crimes. Maltese courts may request the transfer of prisoners convicted for major crimes from Bretonian courts via a settlement, on a case by case basis, but the requests might not all necessarily be approved. The transportation of the released or transferred prisoners will be carried out at the expense of the Maltese treasury. The Empire of Bretonia, at its discretion, may transfer non Maltese prisoners to the custody of Malta for involuntary labour, but only if said prisoner is 1. Not Bretonian and 2. On a minimum of a life-sentence.
   
7. The Maltese Nation agrees to allow the return of all members of the involuntary labourer class that are of Bretonian origin, to the Empire of Bretonia, as soon as transportation is available. The transportation costs will be carried by the Bretonian treasury. The Maltese Nation agrees that it will not cease to support the lives of such persons until their departure. The Empire of Bretonia expects this process to begin as soon as the Nation of Malta provides a list of all such persons, the deadline for which the Nation of Malta agrees to be no more than one week after having signed this treaty. Should the Nation of Malta not abide by this clause, the Empire of Bretonia reserves the right not to abide by the Clause 6.
   

Both parties agree to the above clauses, and a representative from each party signifies agreement in however fashion is deemed appropriate.


Empire of Bretonia

SEAL/SIGN HERE


Nation of Malta

SEAL/SIGN HERE

Appendices

As an addendum, separate to the above agreement, the following appendices contain items supplementary to the agreement. Clauses herein are not binding under law, and serve only as potential actions or recommendations.

Appendix 1

Conference to discuss actions against Gallia, and the future of the Tau sector.

1. The Empire of Bretonia and the Maltese Nation are to convene a conference together with the Crayter Republic on the Barrier Gate Station at the earliest possible convenience, which will formulate the joint goals of the war against the Kingdom of Gallia, and will discuss on the future borders between the three parties, and the distribution of liberated or conquered territory or assets.
   

Appendix 2

Provision for joint development of deep Tau - Maltese controlled Omicron systems, and Maltese presence in Bretonia.

1. The Empire of Bretonia and the Maltese Nation will discuss in a two-party talk the future of de facto Maltese controlled Tau-37, Omicron-Tau, Omicron-Alpha and Omicron-Beta sectors, looking for opportunities to develop Maltese industry with Bretonian expertise, to the benefit of relations and creation of a strong trade partner and ally.
   The Empire of Bretonia and the Maltese Nation will discuss the presence of Maltese bases within Bretonian borders, seeking logical development where appropriate.
   

Appendix 3

Sale of Bretonian commercial ships

1. In the interest of stimulating trade, the Empire of Bretonia agrees to lease, sell, or lend to the Nation of Malta, applying to all its subjects, providing suitable terms are found and met, transports of Bretonian make and manufacture.
   

Appendix 4

Potential goods for trade. Below is a list of goods both parties are likely to trade. The below list is however not conclusive and complete, and may change depending on the state of the economy.

1. Bretonia; Food, Gold, Refined Metals (Super Alloys etc.), Robotics, Mining Machinery, Terraforming Gasses, Fluorine, Polymers, Industrial Materials & Metals (Cobalt, Titanium)
   
2. Malta; Niobium (refined or unrefined), Maltese Engine Components, Pharmaceuticals, rare goods such as Iridium, Azurite & Alien organisms
   
   

Appendix 5

Potential routes for trade.

• High Risk Route (Edinburgh - Orkney)
  
  
  
• Medium Risk route (Newcastle-Tau31
  
  
  
• Low Risk route (Coronado-Baffin-Tau-29)
  
  

The majority of the agreement relates to trade, however a number of appendix items have been added to serve as guidelines, allowing scope for further cooperation.

We eagerly await your response.

Best regards,
Benedict Callahan, Secretary to the Cabinet

---

Markam is evil

[Backo]

---

COMM-ID: Eliza Valdez
Subject: RE: Inter-Tau Trade
Priority: High

---

Bueno dias, Bretonian representatives,

The Maltese Legión agrees with the clauses listed in the main document. Appendix 1 does bring some concern for us though, as the Crayterians have already been proven to be untrustworthy by violating certain clauses of the treaty of Coronado they have signed with our Nación. The appendix can of course be discussed at a later date and shouldn't interfere with the signing of the main document. Unfortunately before the Legión signs this treaty on all of Malta's behalf, we have to consider what the rest of Malta's ruling body thinks of it and with certain political changes back home there has been some delay in the bureaucracy behind it all.

En servicio de Malta,
Legionario Eliza Valdez.

---

Attachments: None

---

[Mr.Cardaminum]

Incoming Message

---

---

Sender:
Recipient:
Subject:

Don Hernan Escudero
Secretary to the Cabinet of Bretonia Benedict Callahan
Trade agreement

Senor Callahan,

The agreement looks promising and will normalise most of the points we have aspired to discuss. We have a few observations and proposals, however, we deem it more appropriate to discuss them later as the time advances and the performance of this proposed Treaty are seen. We agree to the provided terms.

We would also like to draw attention to the fact that the part of Treaty providing terms of storing the copies of the documents as well as terms of denunciation and/or revisions is not provided. This can be added at the discretion of Bretonian side if the Kingdom aspires to secure itself in case of force majeure. Malta being less recognised as a lawful entity Sirius-wide is more protected from such unforeseen events reputation-wise, so we defer this option to the Kingdom. Otherwise, I can compose the part if your esteemed side sees it fit.

Respetuosamente,
Don Hernan Luis Escudero Grijalva

---

End of Message

[Markam]

Legionario Eliza Valdez, Don Hernan Escudero,

I would have hoped to hear from the representatives of the National Council, for their blessing on this, I know the nature of Maltese politics can be a little volatile I am told. Are they no longer the dominant force they once were?

If you both wish to wait for their blessing to this agreement, we are content to do so, if the above assumption on my part is true, then I suggest we proceed with the signing.

As for your concerns on the Appendix 1, I have requested a separate communication be conducted to discuss this in more detail, and following a briefing received this morning, I am to understand this is no longer feasible. In this case, I suggest a conference be held in its stead, just Malta and Bretonia. The location we are happy to hear suggestions.

Should you agree, we can make the arrangements. The Appendix can be amended to suit this.

Best regards,
Benedict Callahan, Secretary to the Cabinet

---

Markam is evil

[Backo]

---

COMM-ID: Eliza Valdez
Subject: RE: Inter-Tau Trade
Priority: High

---

Bueno dias, senor Callahan,

Apologies, but we had been kept busy over the past few days with some restructuring of Malta's governing body. The Naciónal Council has given its blessing to the Maltese Legión to handle Malta's external affairs. Though this internal change should not concern the Kingdom of Bretonia as we have made sure to make this transition smooth.

And to the more pressing matter at hand - the clauses provided in the document have been deemed agreeable and we are willing to sign it on behalf of Malta. Of course, with the first appendix amended to exclude the Crayterians, as I hope we have already mutually agreed.

En servicio de Malta,
Legionario Eliza Valdez.

---

Attachments: None

---