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Brandenburg Conference

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Jess Palace, Unter den Eichen, Brandenburg

The Brandenburg Conference would be a meeting scheduled for 3 - 13.XV.1680 AN. The primary objective of the conference was the formal re-establishment of the Treaty of Brandenburg. In addition, consideration was being given to further trade cooperation between the original signatories of the treaty with the possible accession of new participants.

The Kaiser of Francia would be the host of the conference. On behalf of him, invitations were sent by the Frankish government to the Empress of Shireroth and the Prince of Elwynn. The venue for the conference would be the Jess Palace on Unter den Eichen, the avenue between the Arkadius Palace and the Brandenburg Gate.

Background

On 7.IV.1673 AN the Treaty of Brandenburg (officially: Central Benacian Free Trade Agreement) was concluded between the Kingdom of Amokolia (predecessor of the Frankish Empire), the Elwynnese Republic and the Imperial Republic of Shireroth. This extensive trade agreement had to contribute to a level playing field for companies from the various participating countries.

On 24.VII.1678 the Second Amokolian War broke out, with trade disruptions in the run-up. Trade to and from the Kingdom of Amokolia was stopped during the war. The Norfae Peace Treaty was signed on 23.VI.1679 AN, after which the trade could take place again. But there still appeared to be obstacles.

The Frankish government urged a conference to remove the uncertainty about the status of the Treaty of Brandenburg. Because the participating countries had indicated that the treaty would still be in force, but in practice it appeared that there was uncertainty. Through a conference, the Frankish government together with the treaty partners wants to remove that uncertainty.

Visa policy of Elwynn

The Frankish government is concerned about the Visa policy of Elwynn, whereby visas can be obtained with approval from the Council of Eliria. There are cumbersome conditions, such as sufficient financial resources for the visa holder to leave the country at his own expense. This is not inviting for trade, according to the Frankish government.

Shirerithian Customs Area

Since 1.XII.1678 AN a full import and export ban applies to goods from the Frankish Empire to the Shirerithian Customs Area. This trade ban contradicts the Treaty of Brandenburg. In addition, there is a complex relationship with the Batavian Confederation, because the Kingdom of Batavia is a participant in the Shirerithian Customs Area, while together with Francia member of the Batavian Confederation, which is also a customs union.

Expansion of partnership

There are rumours that there are plans to allow several countries to participate in the Treaty of Brandenburg. A possible participant is the Kingdom of Batavia, where the idea is to leave the Shirerithian Customs Area and accede to this treaty. The complicated dual role of Batavia within the customs union of the Batavian Confederation and the Shirerithian Customs Area is hereby resolved.

Initiatives

There are various initiatives to facilitate trade. Such as:

  • Re-establishment of the Orient Express, the long-distance train service between 's Koningenwaarde and Shirekeep. The reconfigured route is likely to avoid the territory of the Unified Governorates of Benacia, but wants to achieve the original objectives of the train service.
  • Establishment of the Benacian Highway Network, a link between existing highways and the introduction of uniform numbering.

Refusal

When the idea for this conference was suggested by the Frankish government, the Elwynnese and Shirerian governments were reluctant. But the Frankish government insisted on a formal recovery of the Treaty of Brandenburg through this conference. Soon concerns were expressed about the legal investigations by the Froyalan Tribunal. The Frankish government argued that even at the time of the Second Amokolian War, Johan Anderson was not arrested, despite being a hostile soldier at the time. As a result, the Frankish government did not foresee any obstacle to inviting the Empress of Shireroth and the Prince of Elwynn to this conference.

But the invitations on behalf of Kaiser were refused. De Kaiser was very upset about this refusal. The broken vase was given to the Elwynnese diplomat to give to the Prince of Elwynn.

After that the Elwynnese and Shirerian government broke off all diplomatic relations. Called their ambassador back, expelled the Frankish diplomats and closed the Frankish embassy in Eliria. From other sources the Frankish government had to find out that the Elwynnese government saw a problem not only against the judicial investigations by the Froyalan Tribunal, but also against the Franco-Guttulian alliance and the foundation of the Autonomous Province of Mishalacia. Issues that were not discussed in diplomatic discussions. The Franco-Elwynnese border was closed on the Elwynnese side and provided with offensive surveillance. Crossing the border became a suicide mission. Francia remains hospitable to all who seek freedom and security.