Kanjor

[Drax]

CLAIRON PICARD


Foreign Minister Malateste
 
FOREIGN MINISTER DISCUSSES MIGRANT’S PASS
 
Foreign Ministry, August 27, 5636: After Foreign Minister Marcel Malateste met with the Director of Foreign Security (DSE), CLAIRON PICARD asked Malateste where the governing coalition stood on Migrant’s Pass, a matter discussed with the Empire of Istalia during the State Visit of Emperor Alessandro V but not mentioned since.  Malatese responded:
 

There are legitimate reasons a ship might be prevented from free passage through Migrant’s Pass. Being a known pirate or drug smuggler. A time of war or plague.  Absent one of these or other accepted exceptions, there are international waters running through Migrant’s Pass between the national waters of Malivia, Pontesi and Selucia and perhaps even the Dual Republic, Amudin and Cildania.
 
There have been several treaties purporting to control those international waters. Absolutely true.  And absolutely binding. On the signatories thereto. And only those signatories. Those not a party to those treaties are not bound legally by them.  Which is not to say nations may not and have not unlawfully claimed control for hundreds of years.
 
This was discussed during the meetings you reference; and a legitimate question is what are doing about it.  And the truthful answer is not much.  Our one ongoing major customer in Dovani is better reached by going east not west   Likely we would be more prone to immediate action if we had major trade arrangements in western Artania.  We are one of 85 or 86 nations on Terra, and conforming everyone to our view is not our solo task.
 
With that said, we are open to considering suggestions for collective action should they be made.
 

CLAIRON PICARD asked if Royaume Uni de Kanjor would consider closing the Silliers Channel, and Malateste replied:
 

We could do that.  If we were willing to spend a great deal on an ongoing full mobilization of our Navy and having our Army and Air force constantly on alert status. And willing to make enemies of our friends and amuse our enemies.  We really do think it is better to have our transit ports provide fuel, repair services, recreation and rest to commercial and merchant shipping passing through the Channel.
 
As a matter of complete honesty, we have considered restrictions. But that is for the puffin breeding habitat off the La Tondelle Coast and for the two times a year when Humpback Whales traverse the Channel.