First, remark out of game diplomacy.
I want to apologies to all if my remark offended someone. It was never my intention. It was all part of diplomacy in our game after all. I suppose such a language would be used in real-world diplomacy. But if someone finds it unacceptable, I am sorry for bringing it in and will not use it again.
The reason why I said at all? When I am friendly with someone I just find it hard to say “no” when he asks something form me. So, I thought Portugal should have somewhat tensed relationship with Saxony and France if she want to continue her tough negotiations regarding maps. Basically, I wanted to create a more realistic situation.
French remark about Portugal being “handmaiden of Spain” I on the other hand find to be a perfect example of nice and eloquent diplomacy, completely acceptable and amusing to me. Once again I must congratulate Petrarca on his English: “lackey” and “handmaiden” are so much more appropriate words in that context than my “vassal”.
But, as I said before, if this kind of language is unacceptable to anyone I sincerely apologies and will newer use it again.
And now official diplomatic ansver to France
Originally posted by Petrarca
My mistake. Portugal, handmaiden of Spain, made the offending remark.
On Owens remark:
Originally posted by Owen
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Barnius. I won't say that your English is better than my Portugese, though it is true. I will say that your English is about as good as my English, especially given the number of typing mistakes I make. If I don't understand something, I will say, but I don't it expect it to happen often.
Portugal said:
Originally posted by Barnius
My remark about my language was meant only for diplomatic purposes, so that I could say I misinterpreted something (I don’t remember exactly what I meant), as you probably guessed. But, don’t diplomats do such things?
Hopefully I managed to say all that clear enough. The summary is I enjoy the game, I enjoy my diplomatic duels with Saxony (or is it with France, for who her vassal Saxony is doing great job as her attorney – I just couldn’t resist the temptation, if king of Saxony is offended this particular diplomat will be severely punished – exile to a villa on Azores)...
Does that sound like official diplomatic note exchanged between two ambassadors? I think not. It was just a joke heard in the lobbies between meetings. Later, when it came to representative of Saxony, it arose to a higher level until in the end a formal apology in the name of King of Portugal was offered to the King of Saxony and generously accepted, for which we are very grateful.
But a brief French note about Portugal being a handmaiden of Spain can’t but be interpreted as a direct insult to King of Portugal in the presence of Spanish representative.
And that is not all. French representatives very often and for a long time seem to make one particular mistake: they talk about certain “Iberians”. We cannot but to ask is it an intentional insult to Portuguese citizens, implying Portugal is not an independent state, or perhaps France finds all her southern neighbors unimportant to such extent that she can’t remember names of four countries?
Anyway, as things are developing now, regretfully I have to inform representative of France that I have strict orders from his majesty King of Portugal this matter has the highest priority in our relations. All other questions must be put on hold until this issue is settled satisfactory, in the way Saxony and Portugal settled their misunderstandings. Although I know there are more important questions for well-being of our two countries than personal pride and ego of two monarchs, in this situation and with current his majesty’s really bad mood I find it hard to bend his orders (as usually
).
Barnius, Duke of Lisboa
