[Diplomacy] A Response to the Swabian League

(Continuing the saga found here.)

Recently the Swabian League, taking offense at the Swiss Confederacy's diplomatic efforts to begin voluntarily integrating of some of its small neighbors, bullied those small states into declining the offer of protection.

In response, the Tagsatzung issues two statements, one to the local nations of Swabian League itself (none go the Vienna!) and one to the various city-states.

 

To the nations of the Swabian League,

We in the Swiss Confederacy understand that you have some right to be wary about the offer that we have extended to the small nations of Swabia. However, remember that this offer was and is an entirely voluntary diplomatic choice for the recipients of our invitation, and you had and indeed still have no right to meddle in their decisions.

Some of you are our partners in the Rhenish Trading League, a cooperation we hope to continue. This cooperation, however, is contingent on your allowing freedom of choice to the people of Alemannia.

If you still wish to meddle, recall the Swabian War of barely a decade ago, and remember the result of interfering in the right of every state to self-determination. Our pikes stand ready to defend anyone who wishes to join the Confederacy.

Thus, it is the heavy encouragement of the Confederacy that you issue a statement rescinding your previous actions and inviting all the Swabian states to decide as they themselves wish on this matter.

We do not wish for conflict, but are prepared for all outcomes.

Signed,

The Tagsatzung of the Swiss Confederacy

 

To the people of Swabia,

It is the understanding of the Swiss Confederacy that you have been unduly pressured by the Swabian League into refusing to join the purely-beneficial partnership that has been offered to you.

If it is truly the wish of your nation and your people that you do not join the Confederacy, that you remain vulnerable to the vultures in Austria and France, then that is your right. But if your decision was made out of fear of the League, allow this letter to place you at ease.

Perhaps it is your fear that the League will impose embargoes on you, in an attempt at punishment. Fear not! Remember that all the Swiss cantons have been offered, and accepted, full membership in the illustrious Rhenish Trading League -- a full membership that will undoubtedly be extended to you if you accept our offer.

Perhaps, more directly, you are worried by the prospect of military intervention. Fear not! Thousands of Swiss pikes stand ever-vigilant in the Confederacy's defense, with additional thousands available at a moment's notice. All of this protection will be extended to you if you accept, comprising far more than enough to defend against any paltry force the League can raise.

With all of this now in mind, we urge you to reconsider your prior decisions, if indeed they were influenced by the Swabian League.

Signed,

The Tagsatzung -- a council you may soon join -- of the Swiss Confederacy