ARCHIVED: A Proposal to form an International Education and Cultural Organisation

Morheim

Morheim

TNPer
morheim__55337.jpg

To:- All interested nations of the world

The Queendom of Morheim has long held education and tradition in high regard. We encourage the study of history and archaeology as a means of improving our knowledge of our nations past. In order to improve our knowledge of the wider world and encourage educational and scholarship links around the world we would like to establish an International Education and Culture Organisation (IECO). We would therefore like to invite any nations interested to meet with Her Majesty Queen Abigail Barren II and Prime Minister Amelie Habich in order to establish a network of nations who would be willing to support each other in the fields of culture and education.

We have enclosed a potential charter for your perusal but by no means do we see this as a completed document, we value your nations input.

We look forward to welcoming you in St. Pauli soon.

International Edcuation and Culture Organisation​

Purpose

The Purpose of this Treaty is as follows

1. To promote cross regional co-operation in all aspects of cultural research and education.

2. To allow all citizens of the region to take ownership of their own culture and traditions.

3. To allow all citizens of the region to experience and appreciate the culture and traditions of their neighbours.

4. To promote greater respect and understanding between the nations of the Independent Order

To these ends the signatories of this treaty agree to the following

1. The remains of any sentient being found must be returned to the nation of origin if that nation requests it. The repatriation should be carried out with 12 months and costs will be meet by the nation requesting it. Any disputes will be handled using Appendix 1

2. A standardised regional method of cataloguing artefacts will be drawn up and all attempts should be made to digitalise this allowing access to scholars of all levels across the region.

3. Any artefacts discovered which are thought to be non-native are to be catalogued as in Article 2. These artefacts should then be made available to the native nation on the same conditions as Article 1 after approval has been given by the panel of scholars. The panel of scholars shall follow the guidelines as set out in Appendix 1.

4. Scholars of all nations should not be prevented from accessing sites of interest in other nations as long as the following conditions are meet.
i ) The study does not interfere with research already being undertaken at the site.
ii) Non destructive techniques are used.
iii) Scholars undertaking the study comply with all local customs and laws
iv) If an area is considered "off limits" by the government of the nation then alternative methods of study must be contemplated.
v)A nation may reserve the right to refuse entry if the nation has evidence of actions, speech or beliefs that contradict those customs and or laws of the host nation."

5. Each nation will establish a faculty at a University which is devoted to the study of non-native history and cultures.

6. Each nation is to make available for loan a series of artefacts they believe represent a overview of their nations history. These are to be made available for loan to any Treaty nation for a period of 6 months. It is the financial responsibility of the nation loaning the artefacts to cover safe transport costs and to compensate the home nation should any loss or damage occur.

7. The establishment of a Cultural and Education Exchange Organisation which will oversee the administration of the following.
i ) A register of sites which are of interest to more than one nation. The process for admission onto this register shall be as follows. Applications will be made by the government of the nation in which the site is located. Applications to be on this register will be submitted to the panel described in Article 8. A simple 3/4 majority of scholars from treaty signatory nations will enrol sites onto the register.
ii) A quarterly Historical and Cultural Journal which will contain peer reviewed articles by scholars from across the region. This will be open to all citizens of the Independent Order.
iii) An annual conference to take place where the aims of this Treaty can be discussed and promoted.

8.Should any disputes arise between nations over the issues of repatriation of artefacts or remains an international panel of scholars will be created that will arbitrate such matters. The panel will consist of one scholar from each nation, the scholars of the nations in dispute will be excluded from passing judgement on the matter disputed. The panel of scholars will use an independent set of guidelines (Appendix 1) to judge disputes.

9. The establishment of a student exchange programme. Each year participating nations agree to host 25 students from each other participating nation. During their stay the host nation agrees to;

a) Provide the student with accommodation with a carefully selected host family with a child of the same age and gender.
b) Enroll the student at their host family child's school for a period of at least 7 days.
c) Provide the student with the opportunity to experience a traditional festival/event/holiday

9. Any nation wishing to join at a latter date may do so as long as they meet the following criteria
i) Agree to uphold the Articles of this Treaty
ii) Obtain the backing of at least two other Treaty nations




Signed by_______________

APPENDIX 1 - Guidelines for Scholars


1. The panel will be made up of one scholar per nation.
2. The chair of the panel will be held by one nation for one calendar year, this will then rotate. We suggest this work alphabetically to avoid disputes.
3. Upon any dispute arising between nations the chair will convene a meeting of the panel. If the chair's nation is involved then they will be disqualified from the meeting and the next country alphabetically will take over the lead of the meeting, that is obviously unless they too are involved in the dispute, in which case it simply rotates to the next.
4. The first role of the chair during the meeting will be to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement between nations.
5. Should this negotiation fail the chair will instigate an investigation into the dispute.
6. Once the investigation is complete the chair will call for a meeting between the nations involved and the panel. During this meeting all sides may present their case.
7. The panel will retire and discuss their decision, they have the option of awarding artefacts to either nation or awarding "Shared custody" (this will be defined as 6 months in each)
8. In the events of a split vote the Chair will have the casting vote.
9. Should any nation fail to comply with the decision of the panel they will forfit the right to remain part of this treaty.
10. All nations signed to this treaty agree that military threats or use of force will not be used to solve disputes or influence the panel.
11. Disputes must be brought to the attention of the panel with 24 months of an artefact being catalogued.
 
While Sadakoyama salutes the intent and wholeheartedly supports the ideals behind this treaty, and offers to participate in such cooperation in an informal role with anyone so willing, particularly with regards to item numbers 2 and 9, we regretfully advise we cannot at this time sign the agreement as it stands. The provisions with which we take issue are numbers 1 and 4. Unfortunately, it is the view of Sadakoyama that too many nations in the region simply lack an equivalent or indeed adequate scientific background, integrity, or responsibility to properly care for artifacts we may possess that they may choose, under such a treaty, to lay claim to. As an example, we refer to the recent travesty that occurred in Ixelonia, where a multinational looting party masquerading as an archaeological expedition engaged in extralegal military violence as well as wholesale destruction and theft of a great deal of scientifically significant material.
 
Parliament has closely reviewed this Charter and finds no discrepancies from our point of view. As the cause is extremely positive as well as lacking in discrepancies, we will join.
 
The government of the Dish'Nok Val di Morrsk sey Cronaal endorse this treaty and it's motives, we believe it is and integral and vital for the people the region to take part in multi-cultural events. We believe this because experiencing only your own culture is like not experiencing one at all, you only see one view of the world. We, personally, as a nation would be able to oblige and comply to the terms of this treaty but we must agree with The Chronosynclastic Infundibulm of
Sadakoyama. Many nations have a different intellectual background.
 
Piscivore:
While Sadakoyama salutes the intent and wholeheartedly supports the ideals behind this treaty, and offers to participate in such cooperation in an informal role with anyone so willing, particularly with regards to item numbers 2 and 9, we regretfully advise we cannot at this time sign the agreement as it stands. The provisions with which we take issue are numbers 1 and 4. Unfortunately, it is the view of Sadakoyama that too many nations in the region simply lack an equivalent or indeed adequate scientific background, integrity, or responsibility to properly care for artifacts we may possess that they may choose, under such a treaty, to lay claim to. As an example, we refer to the recent travesty that occurred in Ixelonia, where a multinational looting party masquerading as an archaeological expedition engaged in extralegal military violence as well as wholesale destruction and theft of a great deal of scientifically significant material.
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(OOC: Most of the explorers were not evil, and the evil ones died by the end of the RP. They were also not a looting party, they were sent to salvage and find the lost treasures of the gold mine. The Azkayiis got there first and after the good guys won they took the loot and it is now on display in a museum in Balamb.)
 
Syrixia:
(OOC: Most of the explorers were not evil, and the evil ones died by the end of the RP. They were also not a looting party, they were sent to salvage and find the lost treasures of the gold mine. The Azkayiis got there first and after the good guys won they took the loot and it is now on display in a museum in Balamb.)
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Sadakoyama would like to remind Syrixia that notions of "good" and "evil" are highly subjective and based entirely on the point of view of the one applying the adjective. Sadakoyama does not use or acknowledge the validity of such concepts.


Sadakoyama would also remind Syrixia, and all participating members of the alleged "exploration", that the most meaningful value of archaeological artifacts lies in the context in which they are found and the information such context can thereby illuminate. Haphazardly removing such artifacts, even with such noble aims as "salvaging treasures", destroys any potential for recovering this information, rendering the artifacts as nothing more than commercial trinkets. There is no difference to the professional archeologist if such irresponsibly collected material is housed in a museum, or sold in the open marketplace; its scientific value has been destroyed. Such behavior is contrary to every ethical principle of the archaeological and anthropological sciences.
 
(OOC: Ok, so maybe I didn't do necessary research. The past is the past and the RP is over and we all had fun doing it. Please, can we get back to what this thread is about now?! I find this conversation to be threadjackery.)
 
Syrixia:
(OOC: Ok, so maybe I didn't do necessary research. The past is the past and the RP is over and we all had fun doing it. Please, can we get back to what this thread is about now?! I find this conversation to be threadjackery.)
Click to expand...
(OOC:Actions have consequences, I told you my people would have problems with what you were doing. :) And no, I did not have fun, that's why I dropped out of it. Also, why won't you role play this? All these "OOC" comments are the "threadjackery".)
 
OOC - Can I just point out before what appears (no idea the background to this) to be an arguement continues. The concept of this is essentially like the real life UNESCO with some educational links thrown in and simplified as much as you can for a forum like this. The idea is that this is a DRAFT charter. I had hoped that it would be a way of introducing my nation to the region by hosting some kind of event other than the balls, parties etc that had been going on. Therefore the charter is not perfect and I had expected it to change and have a few IC arguements and debates etc (like one would expect from real nations) I'm highly aware that often our words and actions as charetcors here will not be our real life opinions etc, after all its all about the story.

Anyway I hope people will consider the argument of what has happened in another RP to have been done and that people will attend these talks and IC'ly help draw up what I believe could be an interesting RP organisation.
 
OOC - Can I just point out before what appears (no idea the background to this) to be an arguement continues. The concept of this is essentially like the real life UNESCO with some educational links thrown in and simplified as much as you can for a forum like this. The idea is that this is a DRAFT charter. I had hoped that it would be a way of introducing my nation to the region by hosting some kind of event other than the balls, parties etc that had been going on. Therefore the charter is not perfect and I had expected it to change and have a few IC arguements and debates etc (like one would expect from real nations) I'm highly aware that often our words and actions as charetcors here will not be our real life opinions etc, after all its all about the story.

Anyway I hope people will consider the argument of what has happened in another RP to have been done and that people will attend these talks and IC'ly help draw up what I believe could be an interesting RP organisation.
 
I like it, but i'm pretty disagree about beign obliged to return the remains to the nations of origin if this requires them.
 
(OOC- As I have stated the idea behind this was to get people around a table, thrash out something people can agree to via negotiation and then hopefully form an organisation that may be of interest in RP stuff. Therefore I'm setting up the idea of a conference in St. Pauli, Morheim. If anyone is interested in RPing it feel free to jump in)


The final preparations for welcoming delegates to discuss the Queen's idea of a multi national cultural organisation were well under way. The Royal Palace was a hive of activity as the large Conference room had been kitted out with flags of each nation, name places and copies of the proposed charter. Outside members of the Queen's Rifle Regiment practiced their drill ready to form an honour guard. The Regiment's drill sergeant's voice carried over the royal lake to the lodge at which Crown Princess Rachel was preparing to head to the airport as the official welcoming committie. As she boarded one of fleet of diplomatic cars to ferry the delegates to the Palace her phone rang. "Hello mother" she said glancing at the caller ID.

"What the devil are you still doing here, you should have left five minutes ago." the Queen almost yelled down the phone.

"Mother I have it all under control, just calm down and concentrate on your part" Rachel could almost sense her mother exploding on the other end of the phone as her car headed out the palace grounds.

"Rachel, this is a very important day for our nation, it's the first time we've had guests from other nations of official business, remember your representing us, nothing would be worse than you being late and leaving someone hanging around the airport."

"Mother I have plenty of time, it's a twenty minute drive normally and I have a police escort, it'll take fifteen at most, no one's due for an hour. Just relax, I've got this." Rachel said calmly.

"You better have young lady" her mother snapped before the phone went dead.

"Yes Mother" Rachel said sarcastically to no one in particular. The drive to the airport took twelve minutes and Rachel found herself chatting to the small Queen's Rifle Honour Guard contingent while they waited for the first guests to arrive.
 
On Board the USDKY Science Vessel Rosalind Franklin:


Chantry stepped out of her cabin; the unfamiliar and tight pencil skirt she was wearing made stepping over the bulkhead threshold an awkward and delicate maneuver. Thankfully, the waters off Morheim were still as glass compared to the storm-tossed sea they left in Sadakoyama. The suit was completely impractical; she much preferred the spare Navy jumpsuit she'd worn during the voyage. It was soft and sturdy and had lots of pockets. For her current assignment, though, style was important. She was going among people for whom wealth correlated with social status, appearance indicated virtue, and the gulfs between social classes were wide. Still, she had to admit--she looked good.

The soft moccasins she wore barely insulated her feet from the cold deck of the hangar; the low heels she was meant to wear to the meeting dangled from her left hand. The bay doors were open; the cool, northern air of Morheim raising goosebumps on her bare arms. Yes, it is just the cold, she thought to herself. I'm not at all nervous.

Tom, one of the sailors she had played poker with during the trip, walked across the hangar near her carrying a toolbox; he smiled and gave her a thumbs up. She waved back, then spotted Sciencemaster Addison talking to Captain Dembele. She walked over, drawing the kimono-style long suit jacket closed a little tighter against the breeze and clamping down on the cloche hat that barely contained her short but unruly mass of dark russet curls.

"Nervous, Walsh?" Addison smiled. The older woman was wearing a skirt suit as well; white, tailored blazer with a masculine cut over a crisp blue blouse. The lines befitted her taller frame, and with her black hair tied back in a tight bun against the rotor wash of the helicopter it lent her an even more imposing presence than her formidable reputation did.

"A little, I admit. Excited too. I've been studying monarchical social systems but I never thought I'd get to experience one in person."

Addison addressed the captain, "Our Ms. Walsh is attending this meeting officially as a representative of the Archaeology department, but she’s an accomplished social anthropologist as well. I've asked to record her impressions of Morheim and pass on fast abstract to Dr. Lane to help him with his project."

"He's the film maker, correct? He was here last year, did a doco on the Rosalind Franklin. A bit officious and high-strung, if you ask me, but the results were good. Got the media back home to understand why calling our ship 'Old Rosy' was disrespectful to the lady. Didn't seem the type to welcome notes, though."

"He does, he's no fool. One just has to avoid embarrassing him with them in public." Addison looked pointedly at Chantry's scuffed pink moccasins, which clashed violently with her dark charcoal suit.

Chantry flushed. "I was going to change on the helicopter," she said, presenting the shoes she was holding.

"Best get used to them now."

The captain lent her a steadying hand as she swapped shoes. The assistance was of questionable value as Chantry had been crushing on him since she came on board and actually holding his large, strong hand made her feel a little wobbly. So did the fact that three days ago, after an unfortunate attempt at flirting, she had been discretely informed that Thierry was gay.

Just as she slipped on the final shoe, she heard the helicopter’s engine whine to a start. She handed the mocs to the captain, who chuckled in his gorgeous baritone, and staggered out to the flight deck. Addison was already onboard, waving her over. She tottered over to the craft; the heels were low, but still unfamiliar.

Compared to the large workhorse helicopters still in the hangar, the diplomatic aircraft specially loaded for this trip seemed like a delicate little dragonfly. When she got aboard, still clasping her hat to her head, she found it was unexpectedly roomy and comfortable inside. She buckled herself in and the pilot lifted them off the deck gracefully.
 
The Sadakoyaman helicopter touched down at the airport, because of the historic buildings that made up much of St. Pauli's central area it had been thought best to have the esteemed delegates land on the edge of the city. Crown Princess Rachel waited for her Queen's Rifle Honour Guard to form up, the four immaculately dressed officers flanked either side of her in their jet black tunics and swords held ready to salute. Rachel stood waiting patiently, her finely made white jacket buttoned over her dark green dress. As the rotors finally stopped spinning she gave herself a final brush down. An army officer opened their guests aircraft door and the four guardsman snapped neatly to the salute. The band that had gathered began playing the national anthem of the visitors as they stepped down. "On behalf of my mother, Queen Abigail, I wish to extend our greetings to you" she extended a hand to each of the foreigin delegates. "If you'd care to follow me we have a car waiting to take you to the Palace." she gestured for them to walk with her and she headed back towards the terminal, the guards flanking them as they did. "I trust you had an uneventful journey, you must forgive me I'm not too familiar with your nations culture but I hope that is something we shall soon change" she smiled at the visitors.
 
“Likewise,” said the taller of the two women, who returned the smile and took the princess’ hand with the tips of her fingers, bowing moderately at the waist as she did so. The younger, smaller woman bowed as well, and looked slightly aghast at the sight of the other two women touching hands.

The older woman released the handshake quickly. “I am Dr. Harper Wade Addison, representing the University and the Council, and this is Dr. Chantry Walsh, of the Archaeology department. Please forgive my colleague’s astonishment, but shaking hands is something of a taboo in Sadakoyama.”

Chantry’s ears were turning a deep red. “I apologize again for my rudeness, but how should we address you—by name, or is there a title that is more proper? We wish to honour your customs while we are here.”
 
Rachel had grown up protected by Morheim's institutions that valued the monarchy, it hadn't crossed her mind that people may not be aware how to speak to royalty, "Well, my own personal view is that I am a Princess of Morheim, the people of this nation see me as a member of royalty and heir to our throne, you'll hear the people here call me Your Highness, however away from the public many of the government and household us my first name, so feel free to do the same."

It was one of the things her mother had tried to drill into her, the need to obey protocol, frankly Rachel found it all a little unneccessary, she found herself grinning imagining if Grace, or as her mother called her "the royal rebel", had been sent here, she'd probably have turned up in jeans and t-shirt. "May I ask why the hand shake is taboo?" Rachel was intrigued, in Morheim it was associated with trust, to offer someone your sword hand was seen as saying to them, "I respect your good intentions" She didn't mind the astonishment, it was interesting to learn about this new nation.
 
“Thank you, Rachel. You may of course call me Harper.”

“Chantry,” the young woman said, raising her hand slightly.

"Sadakoyama is largely tropical, so our ancestors were plagued, quite literally, by a host of virulent and often deadly microorganisms. Most of these exist now only as laboratory samples, but the discomfort with touching a stranger's hand remains.”

"What is ironic about that," Chantry piped in, "Is that so many of us live in such close quarters today. Without universal health care and our research hospitals, every flu season would be an epidemic."

“St. Pauli is lovely,” Harper continued, changing the subject. “At least what we’ve seen from the air. When the conference is concluded perhaps we can arrange for a delegation from the Engineering department to visit; I’m sure there are a number of them that would love to do an architectural survey of the city.”
 
As the conversation had progressed the Princess and their guests had made their way into one of the black diplomatic cars, one of the security team was riding in the front as Rachel took the rearward facing seats. The car began to wind its way through the modern buildings that made up the area around the airport. "Well our cities would love to see more tourists, be it your engineers coming to study our architecture or just members of the public coming sight seeing." the car reached the central district, wide streets were clear of vehicles, only the diplomatic and government vehicles passed through the central, the rest being pedestrianised or only open to public transport. Members of the public stepped back as police outriders cleared the route.

It didn't take them long to reach the Palace and the gates swung open allowing them in along the road that lead beside the canal. The swans were happily bobbling along preparing their nests for the coming Spring, a group of workman were up the opposite end clearing out the winter debris ready for the boating the Queen's husband liked. The car swung round into the turning circle that was marked out by a giant flowerbed bursting with red and yellow flowers. A second contingent of Queen's Rifles stood to attention as Duke Gerhard Braun walked past the waiting Chamberlain and opened the car door. He first helped his daughter out of the car before offering a helping hand to his guests.

"Exceedingly nice to meet you," the Duke said walking with the party through the guards. "Sorry you must forgive me, I'm not familiar with your nation's greeting protocol. We do love a good show of tradition, some would say we're a little out of touch but my personal view is that it makes us who we are. Perhaps you'll have the chance to tell us about your own ways of doing things." By now they had reached the top of the steps were Queen Abigail was waiting. A staunch traditionalist she had chosen to wear the Queendom's crown, a floor length bright red gown and a golden belt around her waist, a small dagger hanging at her waist.

Rachel curtsied to her mother, "Your Majesty I have the honour to introduce Dr. Harper Wade Addison and Dr. Chantry Walsh from the nation of Sadakoyaman"

"Doctor Addison, Dr.Walsh" the Queen nodded to each, "It is a great privilege to welcome the first diplomats to our nation" an aide produced a small oak box crafted with a gold latch bearing the flag of the Queendom, inside was contained a bottle of mead brewed by the royal household. "It is customary for guests to be welcomed with a glass of mead, we keep our own bees on the estate, my youngest daughter is even a keen brewer herself, I apologise if your nation is one which avoids alcohol, it forms quiet an important part of our nations ceremonial rituals."
 
Chantry was glad she’d had the foresight to pop a couple of limosasine on the helicopter. She’d been suspecting for some time that she was developing mild agoraphobia, and this trip was only exacerbating it. She’d have to bite the bullet and seek treatment when she got home; being afraid of the outdoors was a problematic condition for an archaeologist. Now, standing under the bright, cloudless sky she felt like a paramecium on a microscope slide. The pills took the edge off and made the experience bearable, but she was still glad when they got in the large black car.

She’d ridden in an internal combustion vehicle before, of course, as part of her basic training but that APV had been like most things Sadakhan; not uncomfortable, but durable and utilitarian. The Morheim vehicle was obviously built for comfort; the seats were a soft, buttery leather (or a convincing simulation) the air inside was climate controlled, and the car was so well insulated against road noise that the other two women were able to speak quietly.

Chantry’s job in the army, and part of her work as an archaeologist, involved studying field reports, satellite imagery, or aerial photographs and reconstructing site plans from them. She applied that skill during the ride, mentally drafting a map from the buildings and natural features she saw. Sciencemaster Addison was correct, St. Pauli was beautiful. The mental exercise helped her focus, until they got to the palace itself.

It is one thing for someone from a fiercely egalitarian culture to read a report that states that a single family resided in a building complex larger than many Sadakhan towns, but it was quite another to see the place in person. The shock must have registered on Chantry’s face, because Harper discretely placed her hand on the young woman’s arm; it was a gesture of gentle support and encouragement. The Sciencemaster is very good at her job, Chantry thought as she watched her take the Duke’s hand with easy grace and no hesitation. The Duke was friendly, charming, and handsome, so she found it not too difficult to take his hand as well. It was warm and soft, but there was a strength there too; she found it easy to smile and return his greeting.

She liked these people, she thought, and she watched the Sciencemaster explain bowing and the fist bump to the Duke. Maybe the elitism the royal family enjoyed wasn’t the Sadakhan way, but it had been drilled into her head since preschool that science has to allow for different points of view. Besides, the dossiers they had studied during the voyage spoke of a Queen that had taken bold steps to increase equality in Morheim, and the royal family had a collective interest in science and education.

When the princess curtsied to the queen she had to suppress an impulse to do the same, but her unfamiliarity with the mechanics of the gesture, the heels, and her natural awkwardness seemed guaranteed to make an international incident of any such attempt. She satisfied herself with following the Sciencemaster’s lead and bowing.

As she bowed, Harper said, “We are honored and delighted to have the opportunity take part in your customs, your majesty.”

To Chantry, the sciencemaster’s south Asian ancestry and formal bearing made her seem almost regal herself, as she replied to the queen’s hospitality.
 
OOC- Sorry for the inactivity, been away with work. Feel free to join in, that goes for anyone. Either just pretend you've always been there or arrive at either the airport or palace, whichever you prefer)


The formalities out of the way the group made their way through to one of the lounges close to the room they'd be meeting in. "Please Doctor's take a seat" the Queen said placing herself in her favourite red armchair. "Help yourself to tea or coffee, I'm sure my husband can find something stronger if you wish." the Duke was hovering near a cabinet in which he kept the "good stuff" as he called it.

"Now I believe we have several others joining us." the Queen said hopefully. "Perhaps in the meantime I could get your thoughts on the document we sent you, it is after all a basis for discussion not a completed document, I'm keen to ensure everyone has what they deem necessary in it." It was her first attempt at starting a multi-national treaty and she was beginning to feel rather nervous despite keeping up her façade of total calm.
 
"Please call me Harper," the older woman insisted, smiling. "We have so many doctors in Sadakoyama the title is almost useless." She looked appraisingly around the room. Her eyes seemed to linger on the cabinet, and a trace of some deeper emotion flickered briefly on her face--was it amusement? Irony? She seated herself gracefully and accepted the Queen's offer of tea.

Chantry sat as well, with somewhat less coordination. She seemed unsure of how to position her legs. looking decidedly uncomfortable she opted for some tea as well, complimenting it's quality after taking a deep drink. At the Queen's mention of the business at hand, though, a new focus seemed to come to her face. She sat down her cup and produced a thin smartphone from her jacket.

"Yes, your majesty. As was indicated in our initial communication, we are pleased and enthusiastic about this concept. Our sole concern is in the provisions," she tapped and swiped at the phone briefly, "regarding the repatriation of artifacts and anthropological remains. We frankly have grave concerns about the competency and intentions of some of the groups that might make such requests."

"For instance, certain groups might make a claim to discovered human remains simply to bolster their perceived group identity or as a political maneuver. Such groups have in the past simply reburied these remains as part of some sentimental rite, putting them beyond scientific examination for simple, immediate emotional gratification."

"In other cases, governments that request artifacts they claim, however tenuously, to be part of their cultural heritage have later fallen to revolutionaries or religious extremists and these artifacts subsequently and maliciously destroyed in the name of rewriting historical narrative or ideological purity."

"Then there are those cultures with legitimate claims to archaeological material that simply lack the resources to study or protect them."

"Your majesty, Sadakoyama does not oppose repatriation in principle, we just cannot let ourselves be bound by an international agreement that dictates that we effectively destroy valuable scientific material."
 
"Breaking news! The king of True Sebland is planning to visit the capital of Morheim St. Pauli and meet the Morhemian royal family to discuss the entry into the organisation IECO" said Lisa Salinski a news reporter on the Main News Channel. 30 minutes after the report came out a palace servant stepped in and announced the arrival of king Zertan I. Seblandian.
 
With the new comer arriving the Queen quickly welcomed them , a hastily arranged presentation of the decorative oak boxed mead was made and King Zertan invited to join them in the lounge.

"If you'd permit me to just bring King Zertan up to speed, we were discussing initial impressions of the charter. Our guests here brought up the issue of repatriation of artefacts and their view that it should not be automatic. I agree whole heartedly, this organisation should exist to preserve the history, artefacts and cultures of the world not send them to ruin. However I believe equally as firmly that a nation should be the ones who take a leadership in preserving that culture and heritage. I firmly support nations reclaiming artefacts or remains that are of importance to that culture and heritage. While Articles 1 and 3 talk of native nations reclaiming lost artefacts or heritage a method is in place to tackle concerns like you have. Permit me to give you a hyperthetical example." the Queen edged to the front of her sofa.

"Imagine a situation where your nation discovers the remains of a Morheimian trade ship off the coast, lost for hundreds of years. We would clearly be interested in claiming the remains or artefacts as they are of great interest to our nation. We would therefore make a request for them to be returned. Now let us also imagine that our nation had poor research facilities, little funding for cultural preservation and civil unrest, this is a scenario you would not wish any artefact to return to. Your nation could therefore invoke Appendix 1. In that case the chair, assuming it is not from our nations, would gather us together and try and come up with some mutually agreeable solution, it may be sharing the artefacts, it may be something such as once we meet certain care standards they are returned or whatever they deem reasonable. Should that mediation be unsuccessful a team of scholars from the organisation would carry out an investigation into the artefact itself and the conditions of it care, they can then independently ensure the safety of the artefact. I hope this allays your concerns." the Queen sat back picking up her china cup of tea and saucer as she did so.
 
When the Queen brought up the arbitration provisions in the agreement, she detected a brief but unmistakable look of condescension, possibly even contempt, which lit up the younger Sadakhan’s eyes. The look was very much one that an unbroken horse got before it threw its rider; it was same one the Queen had seen far too much of from the aristocracy when she first assumed the throne.

This child does not think any other country is worthy of even negotiating with them about this. She might dismiss this as youthful pride; but then again, this was the woman they chose to send to the conference. Did the rest of her people share this arrogance?

There was an uncomfortable pause as Chantry seemed to struggle to come up with a polite response. Harper interjected to break the silence:

“I think we would be more comfortable if there were clearer language in the arbitration guidelines unambiguously requiring that such negotiations would, in every case, prioritize scientific principles over political or emotional concerns.”
 
"It is exactly for that reason that we would have to panel making the decision made up of respected scholars from nations not attached to the claim. They would be people just like yourself, concerned less with emotional ties to the artefact or remains and more concerned with preservation and study. Each side gets to put their case and have their voice heard and reason will prevail. This is however a draft and not a finished article, if you have any recommendations for how you believe it should be reworded then I am more than happy to hear you out." the Queen said before relaxing back into her seat.
 
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