To all world leaders, ambassadors and free citizens of the world.
First of all, I'd like to thank all of the world leaders who welcomed and openly accepted the new government chosen by the Portuguese Empire on this moment of crisis and darkness. We should not let past grievances dictate the necessary steps mankind needs to take if we are to succeed in building an everlasting future of peace, security and prosperity to all. Rest you all assured that the Portuguese people will not let this time of reflection go unnoticed, nor the good-will to help showed by other nations of this world.
As you probably already know, our former Prime Minister João and his cabinet have retired from office right after the nuclear attacks sent by the United States have devastated the cities and the surrounding countrysides of Lisbonne, Coimbra and Oporto. We still haven't accounted all our losses in human lives and infrastructure - and we don't know if such a complete account will ever to be made - but estimatives climb up each day to tens of thousands of deaths and many millions of economic losses due to damage. Not to mention the wounded and the cost of rebuilding our nation almost from the ground.
Facing this uncertainty on our future, the Portuguese Congress has appointed an emergency executive government, which I have the honor and the burden to lead. Our people and representatives agree that now is the time we send a clear message to the world that we don't want to linger on old rivalries and arrogance, which may have led us to this dreadful situation. Instead, it's the new government compromise that we should take this time to rethink the path we're taking, understand past errors and rebuild ourselves anew, as a new nation and a new contribution to mankind.
This won't be easy, and won't be fast. Right now, the best minds on our society are still debating about which should be the next steps to be taken, as new data comes from the rubble all the time, and many worth citizens have been lost to death or caos. As soon as we're able to present a more clarified plan of action, the world will be informed of it in the aspects that should concern other nations.
But, in order to start a new dialogue and understanding in this world, I urge all of the world leaders to step back and also take a moment of reflection. We're mostly defeated, and want to rebuild our nation. But we're also cornered, and should we be forced to fight for our lives and freedom, our people and their faithful army can still show resilient resistance. We may have been defeated, but not broken in our souls. At this right moment, United States forces occupy the city of Coimbra, and local loyal citizens and scattered soldiers still fight for their rightful homeland and nation, showing the determination and strenght to not bow to pure force of arms. It is this cabinet position that this is an unecessary fight that only adds up to the high deathtoll we've already undertaken, and it shames U.S. soldiers and citizens.
We're willing to lay down arms and stop the bloodshed, if the world is willing to hear us and give peace another chance. We're willing to hear the enemies of our great nation and what they have to say, if they're willing to truly and respectful address to us with no greater concern than a just, peaceful and a free world.
We'll be waiting for the world leaders response before we take any precipitated actions, as we do not wish to do harm to those who are also willing for peace, but we won't be able to rest if our enemies are still willing to do us further harm, even in the face of this turning point. We'll welcome any public or private declarations with our uttermost respect, and we'll kindly listen to any proposal of peace and reconstruction.
From the heart of Portugal, myself and this cabinet wish peace and clarity to all of us, while we wait for your answers and prayers.
Under the blessings of God, who shall judge us all,
Prime Minister A. A. Silva of the Portuguese Empire
to all !
