Il Ducato | News from Potenza | Who Sunk the Nembo?

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

I will personally attend the negotiations in Torrence as proposed by His Royal Majesty Grand Duke Guido of Potenza and will take care of it that there is a place for us to negotiate.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Potenza]

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His Royal Majesty Grand Duke Guido III is very happy to hear the positive responses from Carentania and Eiffelland, and looks forward to the finalization of the date and time for the conference. I myself will be attending, along with the Grand Duke's trusted man, His Royal Highness Count Niccolo di Grimalid, Count of Turin.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister​

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

After consulting General Modersohn in Torrence, we would like to propose that His Royal Majesty Grand-Duke Guido III, a representative of Carentania and I myself gather together in Torrence on 28 October 1952. What are your ideas?

Best regards,

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Potenza]

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His Royal Majesty Grand Duke Guido III, accompanied by His Royal Highness Count Niccolo di Grimaldi, Count of Turin, will gladly attend the meeting in Torrence.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister
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[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We will do everything we can to make your stay in Torrence safe and comfortable, the latter as far as possible in a war-torn country. Now we only need to know whether a representative of Carentania can attend.

Depending on how the situation around the blockade of the Jurzan by Carentania unfolds, it could be possible that Chancellor Graf von Seydewitz will come to Torrence instead of me.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

Commissar Sitar will attend personally.

 

[Rheinbund]

OOC: Potenza, Carentania, where are we going to RP that small conference? New thread or the Chessboard?

 

[Potenza]

OOC: How about a new thread? It might get lost in all the other posts we might want to make during the conference.

 

[Rheinbund]

OOC: OK.

 

[Potenza]

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Danish Missile Lands in Sea
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There was a scare along the coast of the Potenzan Sea, as a Danish missile landed in the Potenzan Sea, where it exploded just off the surface. The light was seen from San Salvo and many coastal towns east of Turin. Naval vessels were called out to investigate, and government buildings in the capitol were set on standby for evacuation. It was eventually revealed that a Danish Brandstag II rocket had been misdirected during a test launch, flying over Lorraine and landing in the waters. Some fragmented remains of the rocket have been recovered by the Potenzan navy and are currently in military custody.

The Kingdom of Danmark has formally apologized for the launch and scare, and both offices for Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino and Grand Duke Guido III have accepted the apology, asking the Danish government to be "far more prudent" in their military testing. In the meantime, this has caused much discussion within the Defense Ministry on the nation's readiness for the possibility of a missile attack. Meetings have been held among the Defense Ministry's personnel as well as the military High Command. The main concern is the possibility of a missile attack against the Grand Duchy that would not be a mistake. Defense Minister Sergio Mattarella told journalists earlier: "In the past, Potenza often relied on both being landlocked and being surrounded by friendly neighbors as a natural defense. With the advent of rocket technology, we have seen a diminished effectiveness of this natural defense." There have been discussions on whether it would be more prudent to invest in training the Royal Air Force to engage in missile site attack runs, or to organize what some have called a "missile shield."

The mayors of Turin, San Salvo, Cremona, and Treviso have all suggested the possibility of holding a day-long missile attack drill, to prepare for the possibility of such an attack. Prime Minister Merlino advised citizens not to "get into a missile panic," as this incident had been more of a fluke than a possible regular occurrence.

 

[Potenza]

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Merlino Responds to Agderikan Criticism
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Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino responded to criticism stemming from the Lagtinget, the parliamentarian body of the Kingdom of Agderike, which attacked Potenzan policy regarding the Danish king's claim to the throne in Agderike. It was declared in Politiken, an Agderikan newspaper, that relations with Potenza had become "frosty" and that "public perception" of the Grand Duchy had "decidedly soured." All Potenzan candidates for the throne had been removed from the list, the same article reported. This news came shortly after the foreign ministry asked the Lagtinget, growing strongly anti-Danish, to "deal with the matter not according to emotions, but in accordance with the formal monarchical protocol."

"This might come as a shock to the Catholics in the Lagtinget," Merlino said frankly to journalists earlier today, "but the Grand Duchy is not made up only of Catholics, but Protestant Christians as well. The Grand Duke is pledged, traditionally speaking, with protecting the rights of Protestants to worship freely." The prime minister was referring to the Reformed Church of Potenza, the second largest religious body in the country. The prime minister added: "My cabinet doesn't decide her policies by religion or politics alone. That is why I can share a room with Protestant and pagan alike and not blush." Merlino's government had received criticism from the Agderikan government earlier this year for increasing economic ties with the communist state of Parthava, a move which Merlino also defended at the time. Defending this move again, Merlino made a jest at the Agderikan criticism with: "Perhaps one thing you could say is I'm consistently inconsistent."

Regarding the Grand Duchy's defense of Danmark's claim to the throne, Merlino said: "All Minister Lombardo said was that protocol should be followed. Danmark has a rightful claim to the throne, whether we like it or not. Lombardo didn't advocate war, and he didn't advocate a violation of Agderike's sovereignty. He just said we shouldn't be a slave to our emotions when it comes to these things. All this is just overreaction, I think."

The foreign ministry has warned Potenzans traveling abroad in Agderike to be cautious of xenophobic behavior targeted at Tiburans. The interior ministry said that no special acts would be targeted towards Agderikan citizens traveling abroad in the Grand Duchy.

Agderike's embassy personnel have been recalled from the embassy in San Salvo. However, it was said that this was done in compliance with wishes from Lagting for foreign staff in all nations, and not simply for Potenza in particular.

 

[Potenza]

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Fallout Over Sikandara Issue
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Earlier this week, the Potenzan ambassador in Shahdara was called by the Sikando Grand Councillor for Diplomatic Affairs in regards to rumors that the Grand Duchy was reviewing trade between Potenza and the Imperial State. The Potenzan ambassador assured the Sikandaran government that this was not only targeting Sikandara but other nations as well, and was not tied to any other action by the Potenzan government except by coincidence. The Imperial State replied that they did not find the ambassador's statement "satisfactory" and were now cutting off all diplomatic ties with the Grand Duchy, which included the expelling and recalling the ambassadors for the respective nations. Before leaving, the ambassador declared that all economic ties with the Imperial State were ended. The Ministry of Economy and Finance had released a statement that an embargo was now in place against all Sikandaran products.

The Democratic Party are already accusing Prime Minister Merlino of acting irrationally, and are saying this may dramatically affect the Potenzan economy. Although the Ministry of Economy and Finance assured the public that the affect will be minuscule, and that all wheat farmers who suffer any loss will be compensated by the government until an appropriate replacement trade is found. However, the Democratic Party and other opponents of Merlino's government state that the bigger fear is that foreign investors will pull out of Potenza for fear of quick and irrational reprisals from the government. Merlino responded to the criticism by stating this was an isolated incident that was responding to the irrationality of the Imperial State, not the Grand Duchy.

There is some confusion as to whether or not His Royal Majesty Grand Duke Guido III approved of the move.

 

[Danmark]

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We are somewhat saddened that the turn of events between two of our closest allies has descended into an all-out diplomatic war resulting in complete severing of ties between the two countries with immense impacts on both.

We feel that the very sad turn of events has consequences for both not entirely to be felt just yet in terms of economic fall-out and international affairs.

As such, we would like to propose to act as an intermediary between the Grand Duchy of Potenza and the Imperial State of Sikandara in an attempt to reach both countries to meet and strike an understanding, if not a new platform for both nations to conduct themselves between each other, as well as the re-connection of diplomatic and economic links.

For the record, this realm takes no sides on this dispute and we shall not seek to interfere in favour of either side.

We therefore, make ourselves at the disposal of the two countries with a possible conference to be held between representatives of both nations at the foreign office in Christiansborg with myself, Foreign Minister, to try to assist the healing of the wounds between both sides.


UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE KING

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HR. HENRIK JOACHIM WESTERVELD

FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE GREAT DANISH IMPERIUM

 

[Serenierre]

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PUBLIC STATEMENT
December 27, 1952
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The Council of Diplomatic Affairs
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The Imperial Government is appalled by the continued irresponsible and irrational tactics being utilised by the Government of the Grand Duchy.

Political actions undertaken by this government were a symbol of protest, an effort on our end to register our displeasure at an unsatisfactory and "hands-off" approach of the regime in San Salvo in regards to an issue that has affected Sikandari farmers and agricultural traders – due to the sudden halting of contracts due to alleged reviews being conducted.

It had been hoped by this Government that taking this drastic action would allow San Salvo to understand the scope of the issue. Yet, we are disappointed to see the course taken by Potenza.

By responding with an economic embargo upon the Imperial State, while creating obstacles for our businessmen, the Grand Duchy exposes itself to the world as an unreliable trading partner and headed by a cabal of unreasonable individuals who are seriously compromising the interests of the Grand Duchy internationally.

Due to the above mentioned government sanctioned policies being pursued by the Grand Duchy, the Imperial Government is further revising the current status of bilateral ties and announces the following:

1. The immediate cessation of coal, oil and natural gas shipments from Sikandara to Potenza.

2. The immediate withdrawal of Sikandari economic and financial assets in the Grand Duchy, due to the political victimisation of Sikandari nationals and businesses.

3. Restrictions on Potenzan commercial aircraft from using Sikandari airspace.

The Imperial Government, despite all that has transpired and all which the Imperial State has had to endure, is open to dialogue and reason. But it is our hope that His Excellency the Respected Grand Duke realises the folly of his ministers. If concrete measures are taken in San Salvo to restore order to the government, the Imperial State will restore the balance from its end and meet with Potenzan representaives at the meetings organised by our good friends in Danmark.



Azam Shah Khan
Grand Councillor for Diplomatic Affairs

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12 Ghaznavi Road,
Council of Diplomatic Affairs,
Imperial Citadel,
Shahdara.
​

 

[Potenza]

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Prime Minister Speaks on Sikandara
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Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino spoke earlier today about the recent closure of all diplomatic and economic ties with the Imperial State of Sikandara. An excerpt of the speech included:

"The state-controlled ASRC is still telling the Sikandari people that the Grand Duchy cut all ties because of the issue of the Faisal Dam. Believe me, if I was so petty, a lot of drivers in San Salvo would have already been put in prison...They are also telling the lie that Potenza is dependent upon the oil from Sikandara and that we will topple and fall, with our troops starving in Solaren, without their resources. Let me tell that Emperor of the Desert that the average Potenzan doesn't give a [expletive] about Sikandara. Your average Potenzan couldn't even point to it on a map. Besides, most of our oil comes from Parthava or the Germanic states, and I'm not aware of Potenzan machines being sold or traded in that nation...That emperor thinks he is far more important than he really is."

Shortly after the speech was given, a bulldozer approached the former Sikandari embassy and tore it down, creating the once beautiful building into rubble. The prime minister's office announced that this was in response to the Sikandari government's increasingly hostile stance to the nation, and that it was a symbolic gesture signifying the end of ties between the two nations.

Sikandari news reports that the state has sponsored the burning of effigies of His Royal Majesty and the prime minister, as well as the burning of the Potenzan flag. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have asked all Potenzan nationals to leave Sikandara at once, and may restrict travel to government officials only. The Reformed Church of Potenza has expressed some concern for her missionaries stationed in the majority Muslim country.

His Royal Majesty Grand Duke Guido III has openly stated that he supports the move against Sikandara, and that the Grand Duchy is merely giving the appropriate response to the unnecessarily hostile actions of the Sikandara governments. The Danish government has offered to mediate between the two nations, but the prime minister's office has turned down the offer.

 

[Danmark]

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Whilst we find that Potenzo-Sikandari relations are broken, the next step all out warfare, we do not believe that it dampens flames to draw down the embassy building of Sikandara to Potenza into the ground, which we find a most regrettable event to take place and we call on all to stand above the conflict and exercise calm and nobility.

We call on all sides to find dialogue. We are, however, perturbed at the apparent drastic actions of Potenza, and whilst we will stay out of the conflict at this stage, we must condemn the actions of the Grand Duchy for fanning the flames of discord which are inconsistent.

Needless to say, given that the Grand Duchy has declined offers at bilateral mediation, we shall offer our ambassadorial services with which the Grand Duchy may seek communication with Sikandara.

We sincerely hope that at least this offer is obliged.


UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE KING

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HR. HENRIK JOACHIM WESTERVELD

FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE GREAT DANISH IMPERIUM

 

[Serenierre]

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PUBLIC STATEMENT
December 28, 1952
​

The Council of Diplomatic Affairs
​

The Imperial Government would like to categorically state that it has not sponsored the reported effigy burnings reported by Sikandari media. Our own investigations, following it being brought to our knowledge, reveal that the incidents occurred during a political rally in the northern city of Osmaniye and occurred at the spur of the moment.

The Imperial Government furthermore, takes exception and condemns the language used by Potenzan officials insulting towards His Illustrious Majesty, Mir Bahadur II, Emperor of Sikandara.

The Imperial Government additionally would like to draw the attention of the international community towards the irrational policies being issued from San Salvo and question the rejection of the Danish offer for mediation. The Imperial State showed itself to be a voice of reason and cooperation by agreeing to meet to discuss the outlying issues but recent Potenzan actions and statements have harmed this already damaged relationship.

The Imperial Government would like to state that following the disrespectful and insulting speech from the Potenzan Premier, any meeting between the Imperial State of Sikandara and Potenza would carry the condition for a complete apology and appropriate reprimand of the individual guilty of this stupidity.

Azam Shah Khan
Grand Councillor for Diplomatic Affairs

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12 Ghaznavi Road,
Council of Diplomatic Affairs,
Imperial Citadel,
Shahdara.
​

 

[Potenza]

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The Grand Duchy thanks the Kingdom of Danmark for her offer of embassies for continued talk, which we will most certainly utilize should the time come. However, the Grand Duchy does not desire "all out warfare," and does not see such a venture as profitable to either party.

To the Empire of Sikandara, the Grand Duchy states that she is not moved by her words of condemnation. We have not acted irrationally, but in accordance with a nation that has wrongfully accused her of crimes of which she is not guilty. It was the Sikandari who made the first step towards the cutting of all ties. Our ambassador had explained our position carefully and succinctly, and yet this was met with the recalling of the Sikandari ambassador and the expulsion of our own. The Grand Duchy responded in kind. The Imperial State would have the world believe that she is a poor nation suffering under the brunt of a foreign power, when really she is just as guilty, if not more. The irrationality is not seen in the halls of San Salvo, but in Shahdara.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister​

 

[Potenza]

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[Thaumantica]

Solaris Populace of the newfound Holyland (SPH)

A war fought and a war lost, we as Solaris faithful and true thank the Potenzan people and its marshal forces for dropping litters of pity upon our leavings in the Old World. Pope Urban, the living occupant of Christ's Holy existence, reverberates a lasting presence on our sinful world at large in this time of political and social capitulation. Communism and the easy presentation of Republicanism may offer the easy way out of this lamentation, yet still we trust the true national spirit of Potenza to encourage Solaris ideals, spirits, and endeavors into sponsoring our Religious & Racial revival beyond the friendly confines of Implaric Oceania and deprived Cantignia.