From the Desk of: Her Ephemeral Majesty, Catherine von Marcum
To: The Lord Mayor, Garend Marsten
Dear Sir,
Although the world stands on the precipice of war, nations such as ours must consider the effects the conflict will have not on our manpower, but on our trade and commerce. The rights of neutral nations must be clearly articulated and defended to the belligerents: by force should the need arise. As such, the Imperium Divinium proposes the creation of a League of Armed Neutrality with the Associated Cities of Sheen. The Empress’ Council has proposed the following Articles for agreement.
I. The merchants of the League of Armed Neutrality will not be forced to submit to search or seizure by belligerent forces.
II. Merchant vessels of the neutral nations have the right to freely visit the ports of any nation, as granted by their status. Vessels carrying contraband are not included in this protection.
III. Unless a port is actively under blockade or fire a merchant vessel of neutral nations shall not be considered blockade runners, nor their cargo be considered contraband unless they are carrying military equipment.
IV. Ships of the League may convoy and defend their vessels from illegal search, seizure, or impressment.
V. Armed resistance to illegal search, seizure, or impressment is declared by the League not to be an act of joining the conflict, but a necessary defense.
VI. The League shall last until the signing of a peace treaty and end of conflict.
We hope that the terms will be acceptable to your government, and that they may secure economic ventures for our mutual benefit.
Cordially,
Oisín Durot, Councilor of Commerce