((Considering one of my colonies is marked as a French Interest, I will not accept any deal that surrenders our position in the Windward Isles))
((Wait, is France empire-rank or Holy Roman Emperor?))- His Imperial Highness, Louis XVIII de Valois, Emperor of France
Petros read over the letter from the King...Emperor of France. He shook his head, since when did France claim to be the equals of Hispania? Did the Pope attempt to name France the successors of Rome in defiance? No matter, the title Empire was a title, and titles were only worth what others gave them. And Petros did not consider this Louis any Emperor.
To His Excellency, the Ambassador from France:
I am sure you have noticed the letter from your lord that arrived recently. I wish to discuss it.
As you know, both France and Hispania have colonized areas in both the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles. As you are aware, it has been demanded that Hispania abandon its holdings in the Lesser Antilles. It would be equitable and fair that if this request were to be granted, France would grant a similar concession in the Greater Antilles. But this is not to either of our nation's benefit.
We may not be admirals, but surely we must agree that having no ports or naval bases in either the Greater or Lesser Antilles would be a great disadvantage to both of us. Thus, I feel that having all islands that have currently been settled must remain with their current owners to ensure that we both have a presence in both areas. The acceptance of this status quo will be a great starting point in the negotiations between our countries.
I eagerly await your reply,
Petros Mandromenos, Prime Minister of Hispania
I'm afraid that I have as yet not received any word from my Emperor nor my superiors in France. If any demands have been made, they have been made without my consultation.
I would agree, based on your account, that it would indeed not be an equable agreement for France to claim Hispania's colonies in the Lesser Antilles without concessions elsewhere, despite prior agreements regarding the Council of Rome. After receiving approval, I was going to broach the possibility of exchanging Jamaica for Hispanian possessions in the Lesser Antilles. This, of course, is a tentative suggestion. We could seek an alternative path in agreement to both sides instead.
I shall send a letter to my superiors immediately to clarify the matter.
((To clarify, the newly proclaimed French emperor might be acting alone.))
The Prime Minister looks over the response from the French Ambassador. Was the fool that controlled France not only make brazen demands but not inform his servants of his actions? Strange, this puts the French at a disadvantage.
I must apologize, I believe I presumed too much when I assumed that your lord acted with your consultation. After all, I was the head of Hispania's foreign affairs and none of the four Emperors I served did such a thing without speaking to me first.
I will admit your suggestion is much better than the unilateral demand from one of our closest allies. I still feel that both countries having a presence in both sides of the Caribbean Sea is an important advantage in maintaining the status quo. The journeys at sea are often dangerous and having places to repair and resupply are important to a successful sea venture. In fact, to help our negotiations with a valued ally, I will offer something only we can. We have three groups of islands in a unique position in the Atlantic, the Azores, the Canaries, and Maderia. All three can be used to greatly shorten the journey from the Caribbean and the Mainland. I will be willing to grant French Ships access to the ports of these islands for repair and resupply, something that should greatly aid French efforts in the New World.
((I have few ideas, but it would be much easier to present them OOC. If you want to brainstorm more then I think we should do so either in the IRC or a conversation here on the forums.))
((I'll show up in the chat tonight then.
((Alright. I've already discussed about what I have in mind with Mike and he agreed on most of it.))
Revoke Military Organization Act: Yes
[landed noble, general, funded colony]
((What do you have planned. I am interested.))
I would like to see that no settled islands change hands, as already stated, but I do feel that among the unclaimed islands, it is better that they become French islands rather than colonized by other nations. I propose that of the unsettled islands, Hispania is allowed settle one for every two France claims, due to Hispania's already large presence in the area and respect to one of our closest allies. Also, I will be willing to accept French claims to other areas where Hispania has not already settled to a large degree, such as Louisiana or California and will be willing to defend these claims.