Austenasia-Ladonia treaty signed at Heathrow meeting

The Empire has signed a treaty of mutual recognition with the Royal Republic of Ladonia. Emperor Jonathan I met yesterday evening with Queen Carolyn I of Ladonia and her daughter Crown Princess Greta at Heathrow Airport in the UK. The Ladonian royals were returning to their home in the USA after having visited Ladonia, which is bordered by Sweden. With several hours until their next flight, they invited the Emperor to meet them at the airport. Austenasia recognised Ladonia in February 2013, but due to a busy bureaucracy the Ladonian government never replied to a request for diplomacy. The Emperor and Queen used the meeting as an opportunity to sign an impromptu treaty of mutual recognition. Ladonia is uninhabited, despite having over 17,000 citizens worldwide, and is comprised of a Scandinavian beach that was declared independent from Sweden in 1996 after the local council demanded large sculptures which had been built there to be demolished.

Bradley of Dullahan appointed Pontifex Maximus

Duke Bradley of Dullahan, the Prime Minister of Wyvern, was yesterday appointed Pontifex Maximus after Lord Admiral Joseph Kennedy resigned from the position. The Pontifex Maximus is appointed by the Emperor to serve as a sort of “philosopher/theologian-laureate” for Austenasia. Lord Admiral Joseph transitioned the position into its current form in January, and on 1 July resigned in order to allow the appointment of a successor more suited to the new duties of the office. Emperor Jonathan I has appointed Bradley, Duke of Dullahan, as the Lord Admiral’s successor as Pontifex Maximus. Lord Admiral Joseph had held the office of Pontifex Maximus since January 2014 as Pope Alexander IV (the title of “Pope” having been retained from the position’s days as a Wilcslandian institution). In what is sure to look odd on lists and timelines, Duke Bradley has succeeded him as Pope Alexander III, reassuming the name that he held during his previous brief month-long stint in the office in early 2013, when it was a mere ceremonial title bestowed by the King of Wilcsland. The Duke of Dullahan has been known in the past for making controversial statements about Islam, and, although an atheist, has described himself as “culturally Calvinist” and contributed to several theological debates from a pro-Calvinist perspective. Whatever he writes as Pontifex Maximus is likely to raise much discussion.

Treaty signed with Westarctica

 A treaty of mutual recognition and national co-operation was signed yesterday by Emperor Jonathan I with Grand Duke Travis of Westarctica. The Grand Duchy of Westarctica was founded in 2001, and claims a large part of western Antarctica, which was previously unclaimed by any state or nation. Austenasia previously recognised Westarctica between 2009 and 2010, but withdrew recognition after the temporary collapse of the Westarctican government. Since then, however, Westarctica has been restored to activity by its founder, and in February 2015 gained non-consultative status with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The Empire resumed recognition of Westarctica earlier this week, upon which negotiations for the treaty immediately begun. A signed copy of the treaty has been deposited in the Imperial Library.  

Grand Unified Micronational reformed

For much of 2009, the Grand Unified Micronational could have reasonably been described as the United Nations of the MicroWiki community. Earlier today, almost six and a half years after its foundation, the GUM as an international organisation came to an end. The GUM has been through two major reforms in the past – one in February 2012 and another in February 2014 – but today’s reform has seen most of its structures completely disestablished. After several months of declining activity, a consensus was reached by the member states of the GUM that there was no longer a need for a UN-style organisation in today’s MicroWiki community. Instead, the GUM has been transitioned into what could be described as a Skype-based private members club, with national delegates retained as members and the Chairman – Adam Belcher, who oversaw the transition – remaining as administrator. Membership of the GUM is now no longer for delegations representing small nations, but rather for politicians and diplomats acting in a personal capacity. The Empire of Austenasia had formerly been a member state of the GUM since October 2009. Emperor Jonathan I, Lord Admiral Joseph Kennedy, and Prince Andrew I (governor of Corinium Terentium) are included in the members of the new GUM.

Imperial Library founded

In celebration of Imperium Day, Emperor Jonathan I has announced the foundation of the Imperial Library. The Emperor founded the library by an edict this afternoon. Based in the Imperial Residence, the Library contains numerous books and documents, including many relevant to the history of the Empire. The Imperial Library is in three parts – Section A, the largest, is situated in the Imperial Quarters; Section B, the smallest, in Parliament Hall; and the books in Section C are in storage in the Imperial Attic. From now on, a copy of every piece of Austenasian legislation will be deposited in the Imperial Library. An online catalogues of the items in the library can be seen here. Imperium Day is observed every 4 June, in celebration of when, in that day in 2011, the then German Emperor recognised the imperial rank of the Austenasian Throne. In other news, the Emperor used the edict establishing the Imperial Library to also announce yesterday – 3 June – to have been the first day of Summer 2015 in the Austenasian calendar.

Emperor’s address five years since the end of the Austenasian Civil War

Today is five years since the Austenasian Civil War officially ended on 24 May 2010, when the final signature was affixed to the Treaty of Ruskin Road. This evening, His Imperial Majesty the Emperor gave the following address to Parliament, marking the occasion: Noble and esteemed Representatives, It is five years since the Austenasian Civil War came to an end, with our predecessor Esmond III affixing his signature to the Treaty of Ruskin Road. Since then, apart from the brief orchestrated war with Orly later that year, the Empire has seen no military conflict. This can only be a good thing, especially when one takes into account the attitudes prevalent among our diplomatic community at the current time. On Wednesday last, His Imperial Highness the Prime Minister upgraded Austenasia’s DEFCON status from 3 to 4. Since June last year, it had been set at 3 in response to the tensions with Zealandia over New South Scotland. Despite Zealandia’s flagrant violations of international laws and customs during that time, we decided to respond not with the might of our armed forces but with diplomacy. Even when foreign troops briefly occupied our crown dependency, we were steadfast in our determination to act with mercy rather than vengeance. Our unwavering desire for a peaceful resolution resulted in a compromise being adopted, which was confirmed by the signing of a treaty at the start of the month. Diplomacy and negotiation triumphed over aggression and sabre-rattling, and an accomodation acceptable to all was reached without the need for conflict. However, our desire to avoid war should not be interpreted as outright pacifism. While we shall turn the other cheek to aggression and attempt to obtain a pacific solution wherever possible, we shall never shirk from defending the Empire’s population and territory. Our Imperial Majesty is not only a descendant of many mighty warriors, but has not ever commanded the losing side in any of the many battles we have fought. With the recent re-establishment of the Imperial Navy, the Empire’s military is more numerous and well-organised than ever before, and we are confident in its ability to defend Austenasia with ease against any plausible threat to its territorial integrity or to the safety and well-being of its people. Despite the great strength of the Empire’s armed forces, however, we sincerely hope that we never have to see them used. Warfare is the very crudest method of solving disputes, and while we shall always defend our Empire, we shall always seek to avoid the circumstances in which such would be necessary. We take this opportunity to implore you all in your interactions with foreign politicians and diplomats to always keep our words in mind. Austenasia has one of the largest and strongest militaries in the history of small nations, but respect for the Empire is a far greater and nobler defence than fear of its arms. As stated on the famous Peace Pole in Molossia: “May Peace Prevail On Earth”. ICJA Wrythe, 24 May 2015

IGS Expedition to Friday Street and nearby woods

The Imperial Geographical Society has conducted an expedition through woods to the south of the British hamlet of Friday Street. The expedition was led by John of Zephyria, and included Emperor Jonathan I and Emperor Mother Margaret. Since 2009, it has become customary for the IGS to launch an expedition on the first Monday of May exploring rural areas of Surrey, accompanied by several members of Carshalton Methodist Church. This year, the turnout was unfortunately rather small; including the three Austenasians, only seven people took part in the expedition, compared with over twenty in 2009 and 2010. The expedition set off south from Friday Street, turning west before reaching Leith Hill and then stopping for lunch at the village of Holmbury Saint Mary before walking north-east through Abinger Common to arrive back at its starting point. After the expedition, its members travelled to the café at the nearby Denbies Wine Estate for refreshments. Photographs and video clips were taken, and a short film of the expedition can be seen here.

Treaty signed with Zealandia over New South Scotland

A treaty with the Commonwealth of Zealandia has been signed by the Emperor and Prime Minister regarding the Austenasian Crown Dependency of New South Scotland. Emperor Jonathan I and Lord Admiral Joseph Kennedy, along with Queen Astrid of Zealandia, affixed their signatures to the treaty via the Internet. The treaty confirms the arrangement reached in June last year, whereby New South Scotland is governed by the Zealandian monarch as the ex officio governing commissioner of the Emperor, and administered by Zealandia while remaining officially part of Austenasia. Under the terms of the treaty, the defence of New South Scotland is the responsibility of Zealandia, and a new police force will be founded to replace the defunct New South Scotland Constabulary. The treaty can be seen here.

First tourist visit to Austenasia

Austenasia hosted its first ever tourist this morning. Jonny Blair, a travel writer, visited Wrythe to write an entry for his journey blog “Don’t Stop Living“. He was given a guided tour of Wrythe by Emperor Jonathan I, met the Emperor Mother and Crown Princess, and spoke with the Emperor about Austenasia and other small states around the world. After tea and biscuits in Wrythe and posing for some photographs with his own Northern Irish flag (which has been to over ninety countries), Mr. Blair went with the Emperor to be given a guided tour of the nearby nation of Orly. After looking around Orly and hearing about its history and government, Mr. Blair was accompanied by the Emperor to Carshalton train station, from where he departed. Mr. Blair’s visit raised the matter of the Empire acquiring physical items which in future could be sold or presented to tourists – postcards, fridge magnets and the like – as well as a passport stamp for when they cross the border.

Jonathan I speaks on the fifth anniversary of the Austenasian Civil War

Writing this, Our Imperial Majesty sits in a room where, five years ago today, we were as Crown Prince immediately before the outbreak of the Austenasian Civil War. We are in the Park Annexe of Carshalton Methodist Church as our sister Crown Princess Caroline sets up an event in the church hall next door. Five years ago today, however, she attended the Vestry Conference, called to arrange a peaceful solution to her claim to the Throne, which had passed the previous month from our father Terry I to Esmond III. Of course, the conference failed, and we came into this room to confront our sister after negotiations broke down. It was immediately after leaving here that she announced an intention to overthrow the Emperor and the Austenasian Civil War was declared. Despite the small scale of the war in military terms – only two “battles” being fought, neither truly deserving of the title – it left a permanent mark on Austenasia. What was in theory a victory for parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law over untempered hereditary right became a victory of the Throne over the Representatives. Some have pointed out what could have been; had Esmond III been made Regent for an Empress Caroline, he and his army would have left Stanley Park – the school at which most government business took place after his ascension to the Throne – mere weeks before Caroline would have come of age to rule herself. Overlooking this solution cost the Empire much in terms of stability, and the reign of our predecessor likely would not have happened should Esmond have only been Regent. However, neither would many other things immensely important to the modern-day Empire have taken place had not the civil war. We cannot change the past, but we must reflect on and learn from it. On a positive note, the war brought many benefits to the Empire: a massive increase in local knowledge of Austenasia, a military which functioned in practice as well as in theory, a balance between the power of the Prime Minister and of the Throne, a “golden age” of court culture, and ultimately the foundation of our friends the Orlian nations. Despite an increasing tendency towards eccentric ideas once his power was secure, Esmond III showed himself to be a great leader during the Austenasian Civil War and the months after it. He is almost single-handedly responsible for the making of the modern day Austenasian Monarchy and for the position of the Empire among the Carshalton Nations; one can only image what great things he would have had a chance to do had his first three months on the Throne not have had to have been dedicated to holding on to it. As we commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Austenasian Civil War, let us not only mourn the tragedy of a nation divided. Let us also reflect upon and appreciate the dynamic new order of things it brought in. Had the war never occurred, Austenasia may never have expanded beyond a small community of seven people. It was the war which resulted in us first reaching out to the wider world, and that, if nothing else, can only have been a positive outcome. ICJA Park Annexe of Carshalton Methodist Church, 7 March 2015