NUS News 1915

[Sachmle]

The following statement was issued:

In regards to the Kingdom of Italia's declaration of war against the Nation of New Zion we feel this action is unwarranted and that the Italian's have not provided the necessary burden of proof that the Zionites were in fact responsible for the death of the Pope, nor that it was a botched assassination attempt on the Iberian King. We strongly condemn this action on the part of Italia and sincerely wish they would reconsider this hostile and, in our opinion, overtly expansionistic action. In return we do feel the Zionites could be more forthcoming with evidence to contradict the Italian version of events, presuming it exists as they claim innocence.

NUS is hereby declaring it's neutrality in this event and will do all in it's power to avoid being forced into this conflict by either side. We offer any mediation services at our disposal to both sides to bring a peaceful resolution to this incident before it become another bloody example of force surpassing compassion and intelligence.

In regards to shipping, all NUS ports will remain open to both sides in this conflict. However all belligerent shipping will be subject to security measures including allowing NUS security personnel to board and search all vessels to ensure the safety and neutrality of NUS.

Presidente Jorge Martinez y Garcia

[ctwaterman]

The following statement was issued:

In regards to the Kingdom of Italia's declaration of war against the Nation of New Zion we feel this action is unwarranted and that the Italian's have not provided the necessary burden of proof that the Zionites were in fact responsible for the death of the Pope, nor that it was a botched assassination attempt on the Iberian King. We strongly condemn this action on the part of Italia and sincerely wish they would reconsider this hostile and, in our opinion, overtly expansionistic action. In return we do feel the Zionites could be more forthcoming with evidence to contradict the Italian version of events, presuming it exists as they claim innocence.

NUS is hereby declaring it's neutrality in this event and will do all in it's power to avoid being forced into this conflict by either side. We offer any mediation services at our disposal to both sides to bring a peaceful resolution to this incident before it become another bloody example of force surpassing compassion and intelligence.

In regards to shipping, all NUS ports will remain open to both sides in this conflict. However all belligerent shipping will be subject to security measures including allowing NUS security personnel to board and search all vessels to ensure the safety and neutrality of NUS.

Presidente Jorge Martinez y Garcia

Presidente Garcia,

The Empire of Italia thanks you for your decleration of Neutrality.  The Empire of Italia does not wish or desire a widening of this conflict and will take all precaution possible to protect Neutral Shipping and neutral rights durring the comming conflict.

Publius Rutilius Rufus

[Sachmle]

El Presidente Jorge Martinez y Garcia: Have you seen the Maori have declared war on the Zionites now?

Ernesto Gonzalo y Riviera (Secretary of State): Yes. Very confusing. What interest could the Maori possibly have in this war?

Vice-Presidente Juan Miguel Hernandez: They only thing I see is the possibility of the Zionites pulling their friends the Swiss in on their side, and the Maori want a shot at the Swiss.

JMG: Perhaps, but wouldn't it make more sense to wait until the Zionites call on the Swiss for help. Then they could surprise the Swiss. Now they'd be expecting it.

EGR: True, and I honestly can't see to many other reasons for the Maori to get involved either. They made some comment about owing the Italians, or something to that effect, but I'm not sure what they meant.

JMH: Perhaps the Italians are still supplying the Maori with technical information and production samples of new equipment. Or perhaps they just bribed them.

JMG: Bribery, I wouldn't put it past the Italians. As far as I'm concerned they fabricated the entire set of "evidence" against the Zionites to begin with, why not bribe someone to fight for them.

EGR: What ever chance the Zionites had dropped drastically. Even with what appears to be some very obvious help from the Orange, and most likely some not so obvious help from the Swiss and perhaps others, they still don't have a very good shot at stopping the Italians AND the Maori.

JMG: Not necessarily. On land the Zionites are well prepared and in defensive positions. Remember how hard a time the Hapsburgers had displacing some of the Ottoman Jannisary Corps when they were dug in.

EGR: True, but on the water the Zionites stand no chance. What navy, and I use that term loosely, they have is antiquated at best. It could hardly stand up to the Italian Navy the Maori Navy would grind them into powder, if they can catch them.

JMH: True, the Maori Navy may not even GET TO New Zion before the war is over as slow as they are. Unless they had already mobilized that direction BEFORE declaring war.

JGM: I seriously hope this isn't a sign of things to come. We certainly don't owe the Zionites any favors, but I don't like watching someone bully a smaller nation without a good reason. While I stand by my previous declaration of neutrality if more people see fit to pile on to those poor misguided Zionites we may have to alter that stance to a more provocative one.

EGR: Like what sir?

JGM: Like sending assistance to the Zionites and threatening trade and political sanctions against the others involved. Perhaps the Orange know something we don't, as they've already decided to help.

JMH: Or perhaps they just don't want to see Italy get any larger.

JGM: Nor do I. Thank you gentlemen, and have a good day. I have much to consider.

[Sachmle]

El Presidente Jorge Martinez y Garcia: Esmerelda.

Prez Secretary Esmerelda: Si, El Presidente?

JMG: Please draft a telegram for Sr. Tomas Martin y Rosales to request an audience with Consul Rufus of the Italian Office of Foreign Affairs. I'd like to see their evidence myself before this get out of hand.

Esi: Si, senor. I'll send it immediately.