Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Buckingham
To: Itō Shunsuke, Genrō of his Imperial Majesty Kogen Tetsuya
From: Lawrence Duncan, Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Esteemed representatives,
We welcome these latest developments and we are highly pleased to see that the Empire of Kusari and the Crayter Republic are willing to cooperate both with economic and military means to aid the joint projects on Planet Harris. The Kingdom will acknowledge and discuss any proposals presented over this channel at any time during the negotiations, as communication is highly important for maintaining a working relation between Kusari, Bretonia and Crayter.
However, in light of the events unfolding in the Vespucci sector, it is also in our mutual interest to propose the formation of a defensive alliance between the Kingdom of Bretonia, the Empire of Kusari and the Crayter Republic, aimed to protect the common interests of all three nations. Whilst we understand that this may be a radical shift in policy, we welcome any approach to undertaking steps to facilitize the development of an alliance aimed at reducing the present interests of Liberty in the Tau region due to the danger it poses to the security of all states participant in these negotiations.
We must further stress the need for such due to the progress made in the Vespucci sector by the Liberty Navy, aimed at routing all the Insurgent forces without presenting civilians with any opportunities to remain safe and their refusal to provide adequate shelter for refugees and captured pilots and soliders alike. They represent moves that we deem as absolutely unacceptable and the Kingdom of Bretonia strongly condemns the exaggerated use of military force in dealing with the Insurgent threat.
Before formalizing any plans, we wish to hear the thoughts of both the representatives of Kusari and Crayter on this matter.
Lawrence Duncan
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Kingdom of Bretonia
At this time and date, the Empire of Kusari wishes to make no official statement on the Vespucci Operation conducted by the Republic of Liberty. We can ensure you that we are observing it with great interest though.
Regardless, the Empire can only stress that the stability of the Tau sector would only be endangered further, should more 'large players' enter the area to pursue their own egoistical goals. The looming presence of a possible re-emerge of Gallic interest into the sector, the Outcast issue and most importantly the past two decades of warfare destabilized the area to a point where any further large-scale meddling by a larger new party could cause the area to explode again.
It is in the interest of the Empire and by our view also every law or peace abiding resident of the Tau sector to discourage large scale Liberty Corporate activity and investment. Therefore, we are most pleased with the path Bretonia has - while regretfully forced to - chosen for Planet Harris, as it was always the Empire's firm belief that a large-scale Synth Foods investment would lay ruin to the Planet and could be used to extort the Bretonian Kingdom into permitting Liberty a military presence in Tau-31.
Prior to commenting on a possible future pact, the Empire of Kusari will curiously await the views of the Crayter Republic as well as an initial, detailed concept proposed by the Kingdom of Bretonia.
With utmost respect, Genrō of his Imperial Majesty Kogen Tetsuya,
Shunsuku Itō.
The Crayter Republic too abstains from commenting on the Vespucci operation. Although the defense minister talks about how Insurgents prefer to turn themselves in to us, rather than taken as a captive of Liberty.
The Republics' mission has always been peace in the Taus. Liberty would have drained Planet Harris completely and looked deeper into the sector to suckle another victim. Which it has no place in. Though any proposition to make an alliance to subdue Libertys encroachments will have to be taken up with the Ministry of foreign affairs, I do not see Liberty making another attempt to grab what is not theirs in the Taus. They have failed already.
The Republic is open to come to the table to talk more about the alliance.
In service to the Republic
Sebastian Riordan
Minister of Trade
Crayter Republic
Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Buckingham
To: Kusari Empire; Crayter Republic
From: Lawrence Duncan, Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Representatives,
I am highly pleased to see that both Kusari and Crayter are open to discussions about a possible alliance. It is therefore my duty not to postpone this any longer and present the details and interests that the Kingdom of Bretonia has in concretizing this effort for peace.
Firstly, it is our desire that the Republic of Liberty be designated as a national security threat to all signatories of the alliance. While we understand the implications, there is no requirement to announce this part of the agreement publicly. In turn, we ask that all states prepare for a possible attack by the Republic of Liberty.
Their brutal and uncalled-for offensive in the Vespucci and Kansas systems has proven that they will not hesitate to utilize military force to achieve their goals in the name of so-called "freedom". The Kingdom of Bretonia opposes such expansion firmly and we will not tolerate such moves done closer to our border.
Secondly, we wish to express the need for organizing both the Armed Forces of Bretonia and the Armed Forces of Kusari in a manner that best suits the need for combined defence in case of a potential attack. It is imperative that the differences be set aside and both forces collaborate in the best manner to guarantee the security of our Great Houses. We also wish to ask if the respected representative of Kusari stands open to negotiating a potential change in access for militaries of both Houses in border system such as Leeds and Kyushu for the purposes of security.
In this, the Crayter Republic will play a crucial role. Due to Yuma's location, it will inevitably become a target in case of conflict. For this very measure, the Harlow Great Fleet will stand by to assist. However, the Kingdom of Bretonia is presently facing a serious economic crisis and is not able to play a significant role in supplying armaments or other warships on a large scale. Instead, we propose that a small percentage of the profits generated by the agricultural efforts on Planet Harris be redirected to the Crayter Military for purposes of modernization and maintenance of the warships. Coronado is a system that must remain under Crayter control, and our potential alliance heavily relies on such.
Thirdly, we wish to also propose economic sanctions against Liberty for their latest actions in the Vespucci system as part of the security alliance. Though not direct measures, this will present a joint response to the recent moves to annex independent territory and greenlighting brutal measures to acquire a victory against the Liberty Insurgency,
Fourthly, and lastly, the Kingdom of Bretonia highly desires that information regarding any movements by the Liberty Navy be made a joint effort of all signatories, so that the militaries may respond in equal measure.
We hope this is a sufficient explanation onto our interests in signing an alliance.
Lawrence Duncan
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Kingdom of Bretonia
Seeing as how we are all in agreement in terms, I must state Crayter will maintain its relationship with the Republic of Liberty for the time being. In part due to the placement of our territory and Yuma's importance.
An important event happened this morning with the appearance of a Gallic fleet within Tau-31. Though they were dealt with it goes to show they aren't afraid of throwing themselves away. Harris will be under a huge threat once they figure out the situation. I find more importance of a immediate threat to the Harris operation than Liberty scraping the bottom of a barrel to get something done.
In service to the Republic
Sebastian Riordan
Minister of Trade
Crayter Republic
While we appreciate the eagerness of the Bretonian Crown, it would appear wiser to take one step at a time. Our planned joint investment into the security of the Tau highway and the development of Planet Harris is already a huge step forward towards an interconnected and secure landscape within the Tau sector. This should remain our primary objective here.
While it is certainly not far off to call Liberty's campaign a potentially dangerous sign of expansionism, we are far more concerned with the immediate effects their campaign has on our shared border with Liberty. Military analysts are already calling for preparations to fill the power vacuum caused by the almost complete absence of Liberty Navy assets within the Colorado system. We expect a wave of Liberty criminals to flood the independent worlds like never before in the nearby future. I suppose, this is enough to show that we include the Republic's action into our regional security policies already.
At this stage and with the information available, the Empire of Kusari will not enact any kind of economic sanctions on the Republic of Liberty. Should ample proof reach us that Liberty engages into severe misconduct when handling prisoners of war or severely mistreats civilian refugees of the Insurgency, our stance may or may not change.
Regarding the proposed security cooperation to reach all the way into the Kyushu system: A hard no. There is no negotiation room to permit foreign military into our territory, with the exception of Tau-29. We are willing to permit access to both Crayterian and Bretonian security forces for the sole purpose of pursuing common enemies of our three nations, such as the Outcasts or the Gallic Royalist remnants. The possibility of holding joint military exercises is to be discussed with the Admiralty.
With utmost respect, Genrō of his Imperial Majesty Kogen Tetsuya,
Shunsuku Itō.
Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Buckingham
To: Kusari Empire; Crayter Republic
From: Lawrence Duncan, Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Delegates,
We understand the concerns risen about our request to formalize a military alliance in the Tau region at the present time. As the circumstances are unfavorable, we do not wish to further pressure our partners onto following through with this proposal for the moment. Should there be an increased need for such, we leave the decision of restarting talks about a potential military alliance in the Tau region entirely in the competent hands of either Kusari or Crayter representatives.
Further, the Kingdom of Bretonia does not have other measures or matters to suggest at hand. We leave this channel open for 48 hours for any necessary additions to the discussed changes to the Planet Harris initiative, after which we will present the initial scheme for an economic treaty.
Lawrence Duncan
Ambassador for the Taus & Independent Worlds
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Kingdom of Bretonia
Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Buckingham
To: Kusari Empire; Crayter Republic
From: Lawrence Duncan, Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Representatives,
I apologize for the delay in sending this message. Top representatives of the Foreign Office of Bretonia have revisited prior talks and have established the initial form of the agreement concerning Planet Harris land acquisitions by Samura Heavy Industries, Kishiro Technologies and the Yuma Ocean Farming Co-operative respectively.
It is therefore my duty to present it. Please view all the details and suggestions of the Foreign Office of Bretonia in the below attachment.
The ever-changing political and economic landscape of the Tau region has presented all regional powers with the challenge of dealing with one another's clashing interests. Despite past agreements, the situation has remained dire, at best, and there stands the need to finalize a number of agreements aimed at both limiting Gallic expansionism and re-drawing the economical map of the Tau-23 system.
Furthermore, as a consequence of the Republic of Liberty abandoning operations on Planet Harris, in the Tau region, the Kingdom of Bretonia (further: Bretonia), the Empire of Kusari (further: Kusari) and the Crayter Republic (further: Crayter) have recognized the importance of maintaining cordial relations and working as a union on Planet Harris with the joint mission of assisting all the Colonies in dealing with food shortages and increasing the production of food stuffs for the closer future with the backing of Samura Heavy Industries.
The Treaty of Harris aims to bring about an economical partnership between Bretonia, Kusari and Crayter that will not only provide a substantial source of income for all three participant nations, but also allow for closer ties between Bretonia and Kusari in a present that requires much attention to one's stellar neighbors.
Military Articles
Samura Heavy Industries (further: Samura) will relocate up to 3000 personnel belonging to the security division for purposes of maintaining planetary and low orbit security on Planet Harris;
Kishiro Technologies (further: Kishiro) will relocate up to 3000 personnel belonging to the security division for purposes of assisting Samura personnel with planetary and low orbit security on Planet Harris;
Crayter will provide up to 2 (two) squadrons of snubcraft for defence purposes of Planet Harris. For the duration of the deployment(s), the vessels and personnel will be stationed on Battleship Macduff;
The Imperial Guard of Kusari will relocate up to 5000 personnel to Planet Harris for purposes of maintaining planetary control and counter-insurgency missions. The present number may be amended at any point in the future should the need arise.
Economic Articles
Samura and Kishiro solemnly engage by the present treaty to assist Bretonia in continuing agricultural operations on Planet Harris;
Planet Harris is henceforth split into three zones of operation; Every corporation, respectively Samura, Kishiro and the Yuma Ocean Farming Co-Operation (further: Yuma Farming Co-op) will receive 30% of the total available terrain for agricultural purposes and will become the immediate land holders. Bretonia will remain the land owner;
The remaining 10% will be administered directly by the Crown of Bretonia for the maintenance of military installations utilize by the Armed Forces, Imperial Guard and security assets of the participant corporations;
As the land owners, Bretonia will receive 40% of the total revenue generated by the agricultural efforts on the planet. Samura and Kishiro will receive a total of 40% of the profits. Yuma Farming Co-op will receive 20% of the profits. This may be changed in the future should participant states not agree with the present amounts;
The supply of all operations planetside will be organized and completed by BorderWorld Exports and Gateway Shipping;
The Crayter Republic will dedicate a total of 30% of the Integral System Engineering commerce fleet towards purposes of maintaining trade of food stuffs from Planet Harris to the Republic of Liberty and Independent Worlds.
Secret Articles
By signing the present agreement, all participant nations solemnly engage to recognize any attack against Planet Harris as a direct attack on all Bretonia, Kusari and Crayter.
The Imperial Guard of Kusari and the Kusari Office of Intelligence will receive permission to operate within the Tau-31 system for purposes of security and safeguarding Kusari space. In return, Bretonia and Kusari will organize a joint channel of communication to oversee Gallic operations within the Tau-23 system.
Benedict Thomson
Foreign Secretary
Foreign Office Kingdom of Bretonia
Yasmin Kaur
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
Department for Trade and Industry Kingdom of Bretonia
SIGNATURE HERE
Genrō
Foreign Affairs Ministry Empire of Kusari
SIGNATURE HERE
Minister of Trade Crayter Republic
Lawrence Duncan
Ambassador for the Taus & Independent Worlds
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Kingdom of Bretonia
The Foreign Affairs Ministry returned to me and wishes to express a few subjects and details requiring amendments.
The first and smallest 'issue' is the treaty's title. We suggest the alternative name: Treaty of Lewes. This avoids confusion with the existing Treaty of Harris and highlights the future importance of the Lewes Shipping Platform in our joint cooperation.
Next on, paragraph four of the military articles includes a misinterpretation of our military's internal structure. "Imperial Guard of Kusari" shall be replaced with "Imperial Ground Forces of Kusari".
Furthermore, the economic articles two, four and five will require adjustments. As it stands, our ministries pursue the goal of pushing the great Keiretsu towards tight cooperation wherever possible. Kishiro Technologies is no large-scale agricultural corporation but holds significant shares in the market for agricultural equipment which the treaty should reflect in a mutually beneficial way. In the light of these circumstances, the Empire wishes to propose the following alternative articles:
2. Planet Harris is henceforth split into two zones of operation; Samura will receive 60% of the total available terrain for agricultural purposes. Yuma Ocean Farming Co-Operation (further: Yuma Farming Co-op) will receive 30%. Each corporation respectively will become the immediate land holders. Bretonia will remain the land owner;
4. As the land owners, Bretonia will receive 40% of the total revenue generated by the agricultural efforts on the planet. Samura and Kishiro will receive a total of 40% of the profits of which Samura receives 57% and Kishiro 43%. Yuma Farming Co-op will receive 20% of the total profits. This may be changed in the future should participant states not agree with the present amounts;
5. The supply of all operations planetside will be organized and completed by Border World Exports (further: Bowex) and Gateway Shipping (further: Gateway). Bowex and Gateway retain the freedom to choose the origin and producer of all goods required for the operations planetside, with the exception of fertilizers and agricultural equipment. Samura will provide Bowex and Gateway with fertilizers required for planetside operations for 55% of the standard market price. Kishiro will provide Bowex and Gateway with high-tech agricultural equipment required for planetside operations for 65% of the standard market price. Both discount regulations stay in effect for a duration of seven (7) years.
With utmost respect, Genrō of his Imperial Majesty Kogen Tetsuya,
Shunsuku Itō.