The Combine would like to declare that Rome should consider peace with Carthage; Carthage is clearly in a dominant position and henceforth it would be pragmatic for Rome to rebuild itself into peace.
We also like to declare that any question of the fate of Hispania should have the consultation of the Combine, which sees the region as important for our trade links and we are concerned in particular with the fate of Gibraltar.
Our aim is stability; if war continues in the Med it may threaten our plans to use the Suez as a means to enshrine a round-the-globe trade linkage from Panama to the Indian Seas to the Pacific and Panama again.
The Empire fails to see how Carthage is in anything
close to a dominant position. They've lost all of Hispania and have failed in their assault on Rome, and their losses are only growing. Soon, the greedy Carthaginian state will fall, and the Mediterranean will be rid of them once and for all. In addition, the Empire questions the very notion that the Combine should have any influence in the Mediterranean, noting the Combine's previous statements requesting other states to stay out of Latin American politics. These statements dramatically contradict each other, and the Empire cannot help but notice this. The Empire refuses to consider the Combine's declaration, and also to allow them into any peace conference, until these contradictions are resolved in a reasonable way.
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The Cordoba Speech, 2102 AD
The decisive Roman victories across Europe - both diplomatic and military - have put the Empire into a very advantageous position, indeed. New Carthage's only saving grace is their control of the Mediterranean, and that might not even last. The Empire is now in a position to finally break Carthage and seize victory once and for all - if they play their cards right...
"Greetings, fellow Romans, and with great joy I speak today, for our victories are practically without number. On every front, Rome has proven itself indeed superior to the Carthaginian 'soldiers' (if you can even call them that), and there is no reason to stop now! I commend every soldier who defended Roma from the Carthaginian invasion, for the efforts of each and every one of you have proven worth it in the end. Gallia has broken free of the Shuddering Coalition and their vile associates, and they are indeed now free to exist as a sovereign nation, free of the machinations of the barbarians to the North. The damage dealt in the vile acts of Barcelona has even begun the long process of healing! The Lord has truly blessed us with these many victories, and for that I thank him. The Empire has once more begun to climb ever higher!
There are still some who oppose us, though. The Carthaginians still hold North Africa, and the Spaniards refuse the olive branch and instead take up the sword. They slander us and think that they can find allies abroad. I question this notion: If the powers of the world truly cared for the freedom of states, then why were there no delegates from them at the Conference of Bordeaux? Why did none of them speak up against the tyranny of the Shuddering Coalition and their vile associates? Why did they not lift a
finger at the terrible detonation that nearly ended the conference before it could begin!?
Now, I know what you must be asking yourself right now. 'How is this relevant? Why are the events in Gallia important to those in Hispania?' If you indeed think of these questions, I will answer them thus: If the world's nations abandoned the people of Gaul, why would they support the people in Hispania? Why would they value the Spaniards over the Gauls? The awnser - they don't.
They simply wish to restore the horrible status quo of the 'exclusion zones' that so gripped Europe these past few years. They do not value your freedom, they value your irrelevance in international affairs. They intend to use you - yes, you, Spanish Resistance fighters - as a way to weaken both of us so it is easier for them to march in and imprison all of us in cages to 'preserve the peace'. They are the enemies of all of us, and if we are to defeat them, we must stand united.
Even now, the Shuddering Coalition has expressed apathy towards a group that seeks to exterminate humanity. Look around, Spaniards. Look around, Romans. The foreigners seek to follow the principle of 'divide et imperia' - Divide and Conquer. They cannot be allowed to do this. People of the former states of Catalonia, Spain, and Portugal, I understand your fury at the horrific crimes committed in Barcelona. I understand the grieving for friends and family who will never return. But, truth is, there is no way to undo them. The dead will not rise up again, and the loss of innocence can never be restored. The people of Rome and of Hispania must unite against these common threats or both of them will be imprisoned forever.
And so, I once more extend the olive branch to the people of Hispania. Only together can we stand free.
I propose to the new Imperator of Gaul a mutual alliance pact against those who would threaten our states and strongly advise against joining the NAP. As stated before, they turned a blind eye to the Conference of Bordeaux - Why do you now expect them to help you? Nevertheless, the decision is theirs to decide - but they should keep in mind the previous action - and inaction - of the Pact. In either scenario, the Empire supports the independence of Gaul unconditionally and will refuse to allow them to return to being an Exclusion Zone.
And now, on Carthage. With their attacks at Rome thwarted and their eviction from Hispania, it is now time we looked across the Mediterranean - but to do this, we will need more superiority of the Mediterranean. In remembrance of the strikes in Lombardia, we will, of course, negotiate with the unions there, but if the Empire is to finish this war, we must have air superiority. The Empire requests the production of additional fighters and naval bombers should the unions be willing. With these fliers with us, we will finally be able to cross the Mediterranean and win this once and for all
Do your duties, Romans, Spainiards and Gauls. Together, we can finally restore peace and freedom to this bloodied sea. And remember, God is watching over us all - make sure He is not ashamed!"
Overcome: Roman Airplane Production Shortfall (Economic, 0)
The recovery of the Lombardic factories will allow us to finally begin construction of an air force to be reckoned with to counter Carthage's naval superiority. If Rome is to win this war, we must have a good air force.
Action: Operation: Gibraltar (Military, +3)
Take half of our Spanish legionaries and prepare to finally cross the Gibraltar strait once and for all. With the collapse of the northern side most likely crippling their ability to control the strait, shell any ships garrisoned there before as swiftly as possible ferrying a vanguard across Gibraltar. Once this vanguard has taken the southern part of the strait, we will be able to easily ferry the resto f the men across. Should the vanguard fail this, immediately abort the operation - we have no intention of wasting good troops. This gambit, however risky, is our best hope of ending the war - if we get our troops across, the war is essentially over for Carthage. Invoke Crippled Army Morale provided they make it across.
Action: Extending the Olive Branch (Political, +1)
We don't have to immediately try to crush the Spanish rebels - a peaceful accord can still be reached. Offer the Spanish Resistance an opportunity to come to the negotiating table as opposed to fighting to the death for a misguided cause. Invoke Barcelona Healing Process.
Action: A Gallic Alliance (Political, +1)
Attempt to solidify relations (perhaps even form an alliance) with the Gallic Empire while discouraging them from aligning themselves with the NAP, pointing to their utter refusal to support Bordeaux independence and especially the bomb strike at the beginning, almost certainly caused by the Shuddering Coalition, and also to the strong cultural ties between the two Empires.
If I can, invoke Romano-Frankish Identity.
Create Advantage: Imperial Discipline Reforms (Military, +3)
In the interest of avoiding another Barcelona, the Empire must ensure that the standards of discipline for the Legions are top quality. Ensure that we take every effort to improve the standards of discipline for Imperial troops, even if it slows the recruitment of more troops.
