Judicial Activism (ATTN: @FSPR)

[Telora]

FR:Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Telora
TO:People's Directorate of Foreign Affairs, Fennian Socialist People's Republic
ENCODED: SECRET

Sir;

Further to communications earlier in the month exchanged between our two governments, I initially directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Legal Bureau to develop proposals for treaties to cover the issues discussed with regards to Antarctic territorial claims and arbitration of disputes, including over the Law of the Sea. The President, the Legal Bureau and myself agreed that Telora's geographical position and lack of traditional claims to territory in the Antarctic make our proposing any such treaty a difficult one, and as such the Bureau drafted a treaty for Arctic affairs, a template we hope could be adapted for the Antarctic. Below is an outline of the two treaties the Bureau has proposed.

1. A treaty for the protection of the Arctic: This treaty would suspend all territorial claims above a certain degree of latitude, and set aside the area above that line for the common welfare of mankind, through the pursuit of scientific endeavour. All military operations would either be banned, or restricted in some way, above the line. A council of representatives would be created - heads of government, ministerial or official - to oversee the Treaty. Such a body may have attached to it additional institutions, such as a scientific co-operation body, or common naval patrol, to help further the aims of the Treaty.
2. A treaty for a permanent court of arbitration: This would establish a permanent body of judicial experts to arbitrate disputes between states over both legal arrangements, such as the Law of the Sea, and questions of territory. The body would have no power of initiation; states would agree to bring their disputes to the court, and agree to adhere to its rulings. It would be based in a neutral territory, funded by parties to its treaty and composed of an international staff sworn to impartiality.

These proposals are an early stage, and we are open to your advice on further amending the drafts. We look forwards to working together on this topic.

Yours;

Dr. Gustav Orff;
Minister of Foreign Affairs;
Federal Republic of Telora

MESSAGE ENDS