CORRECTION

In our recent edition entitled League of German States we inaccurately named His Majesty the king of Götzborg as Augustus Charles II. The correct name should be August Charles II. The article also referred to the "Augustus Charles II School of law". The correct name should be the "King Charles II School of Law".

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Graf Schwerin
Editor

LEAGUE OF GERMAN STATES

One of the problems of micronations is the scarcity of qualified people in any particular micronation. Although the device of dual citizenship allows a certain degree of cross border pooling of skills, such dual citizenships tend to impose restrictions on the individuals involved. A more effective structure is required to allow several micronations to utilise the skills of their citizens.

Given the fact that micronations tend to be formed around a specific theme, each one is unique. Babkha is a Persian based micronation, Talamthom champions Irish identity. Each state has its own distinctive culture and traditions which tends to limit the degree of any cross-border cooperation. Standing apart from this general picture however are the German States. These comprise three main groups:

1. German speaking micronations such as Ratelon
2. English speaking states with a German tradition such as Götzborg
3. English speaking states which have a partial German element such as Hanover (the Calormeni population are proud of their German culture)

The common thread linking all these nations together is a sense of German identity, however great or small. It is the view of this paper that these nations have much to gain and nothing to lose by forming a loose association to cooperate on issues of mutual concern. A League of German States.

One key area of potential beneficial cooperation is law reform. The German States are fortunate in having a wealth of legal resources amongst their citizens. The setting up of a Law Committee under such a League would have the following advantages:

1. The Committee could produce draft constitutions and laws for those member states which lacked the necessary legal expertise.
2. Whilst respecting the individuality of each member state, the Committee could work on harmonising the laws of the League members to ensure basic common standards.
3. The Committee would supply independent lawyers to those states requiring internal arbitration of disputes.

The recent opening of the August Charles II Law School in Götzborg is the perfect forum for training and education in such a scheme.



King Johannes V of Arminy - enthusiastic

It is known that there is support for the creation of such a League. King Johanns V of Arminy is probably the most enthusiastic champion of the idea. The King would like to see a model of close cooperation between all the German States to produce common policies and perhaps ultimately
a federal structure. King Augustus Charles II is also known to favour the idea of a League but with a much looser structure. He envisages cooperation short of a federal pan-German Union.

Whatever the final format, it is hoped that all interested parties will concern themselves in an active fashion with this project.



Graf Schwerin
Editor

CORRECTION

Following the edition of Deutsche Posthorn published on September 12th entitled "Calormen", we have received the folowing message from King Louis of Varennes which we reproduce in full. We are grateful for His Majesty's correction and we apologise for any offence caused by our inadvertant historical error.

Graf Schwerin
Editor

Baron Munster:
If you would be so indulgent as to pardon my intrusion, I would like to make you aware of a small inaccuracy which I noticed printed in your excellent publication's most recent article about Calormen.The following is from the article in question:"The key document in Calormeni history is the Treaty with Hanover dated February 2nd, 2003. Under the terms of this treaty Calormen ceased to be an independent empire and the last Calormen emperor Christopher I abdicated his throne in favour of the Hanoverian monarchy. King James of Hanover thereby became also King of Calormen."

In point of actual fact, Calormen continued to be styled an "empire" until earlier this Summer, when King Alexander restyled Calormen a "kingdom". King Alexander, therefore, was the last Emperor of Calormen and not Christopher I. Christopher was the first emperor of Calormen.I know this because I was the second emperor of Calormen, James I.Thank you for your time, Baron Munster. Should you ever care to contact me, you may feel free to do so at kingdomofvarennes@yahoo.comWith esteem,LouisD. G. Rex

GÖTZBORG: COUNTRY AND MONARCHY

I recently had the pleasure to spend a very relaxing four days in Götzborg as the guest of His Majesty King August Charles II. I had the opportunity to interview the king in the magnificent Lonenberg Palace overlooking the picturesque river Stuhr. Amidst the pomp and splendour I was surprised to meet in the King a figure very different from my expectations. Here I found a thoughtful, quiet - almost self effacing individual who relies for his authnority more on his personality rather than his title. In the privacy of his own chambers, the King immediately dispensed with royal protocol to allow me to ask my questions perfectly freely as one individual to another. Talking with him, I formed the impression of a very well intentioned sovereign with very democratic principles.

Götzborg may be a relatively new state but I was extremely interested and impressed by all that I saw there. The calibre and quality of the citizens was most striking. I would recommend my readers to visit Götzborg - they will be well rewarded by their experiences there. The forums of the Kingdom may be found at : http://members.shaw.ca/gotzborg/

Schwerin:Your Majesty, thank you for the invitation to Götzborg and the opportunity to conduct this interview with you. With so many different micronations in existence today, what do you think are the distinguishing characteristics of Götzborg as a micronation?

King:It is my pleasure Graf. I think when you look at things on the surface, Götzborg is a micronation like any other. The particular qualities that distinguish our Kingdom are the regular presence of myself to ensure leadership, direction and support for the citizens. I am thoroughly convinced in the need to provide a rich and enjoyable atmosphere to give the Kingdom a 'feel' and I think that this distinguishes us from the majority of others out there. It is fine to have a forum as a place for people to gather and talk, but a forum is not the main component. The main component are the people, the forum just brings us together as a community. I think our website is also another important characteristic of the Kingdom as it provides a whole swath of interesting information for people to see, read and enjoy. I like to give people more of a chance to use their imagination when thinking of Götzborg instead of just a plain forum board. All citizens of Götzborg are entitled to recieve a Grant of Arms for their own personal use. The arms are a one of a kind 'signature' for each citizen to represent themselves and should a citizen recieve a major Order or peerage, their arms are upgraded to reflect those. Götzborg also provides every citizen with their own page on our Who's Who list which acts as both a historical record of one's contributions in the Kingdom over time as well as a directory for visitors to get an idea of the people who live here and what they do. I think it allows people to become more familiar with Götzborg.


The magnificent Lonenberg Palace above the River Stuhr.

Schwerin: What do you feel are the values of a monarchy as opposed to a republican system in today's micronations?

King: A monarchy retains much greater value in the micronational world than a republican system once again based solely on that one commodity that is most lacking...people. Now I recognize that there are 'ego-nations' out there who choose the monarchy only for the satisfaction of being what they may consider to be the 'supreme' citizen and it is not to those particular nations which I refer. The benefit of a monarchy is to be able to provide a course, vision and direction in all times. Where a republic may stumble in times when overall activity or participation is low, a monarchy allows the sovereign, according to their constitution some more flexibility and movement when getting things done. As well a monarchy allows a deeper and more rich environment by which to enjoy oneself with the pomp and ceremony that most often surrounds one. Now this is not the case in every monarchy and every republic, however I think overall the overall benefits weigh in a monarchy's favour.


The King's Standard

Schwerin: Götzborg' s name and component parts have an obvious German origin. How far does Götzborg have a German culture or influence?

King: Well when Götzborg originally became a Kingdom in 1989, it's German influence was extremely heavy. Everything was as Germanic as could be. Titlings, names, systems, etc. When I brought Götzborg back to the current medium through the course of last year, I felt the need to retain the core structures of the old paper Götzborg while introducing a more 'european' feeling to things. I felt that this wouldn't overlly peg Gotzborg into the 'German' slot and would instead attract anyone with a panging for any of the 'old country'. While Götzborg retains its Germanic name, and many germanic references, other references have been included to balance the 'continental' feel of Gotzborg through French, Italian, British, Russian and Eastern European names and formats.

Schwerin: Does Götzborg have diplomatic relations with German origin micronations?

King: Unfortunately not at this point however it is something that is on the radar and something we look towards purusing. Unfortunately at this juncture, we are spending our time and efforts concentrating our diplomatic efforts on the anglophone sphere where we live and operate. It is also an issue of language and while many of the German nations have people fluent in English, I feel we have some obligation to meet them half way when opening talks, whether that means I get some instruction in German or we attract someone who speaks German as their second language.

Schwerin: How does Götzborg view efforts to form a League of German States?

King: Götzborg sees the formation of a germanic league of states as more cultural in its benefits than anything. When it comes to inter-micronational opportunity for cooperation, dispute resolution, economics, etc, we already see many groups in place created just for that purpose. We don't think its necessary to reinvent the wheel and prefer to operate through groups such as the SCC based in Attera and the Raspur Conference in Babkha. The exciting benefits to a Germanic league are cultural in nature and would allow those nations to come together to discuss those cultural differences and similarities.

Schwerin: What role does Götzborg see for itself in micronational diplomacy?

King: As a Peacekeeper and dispute resolution provider first and foremost. I personally feel that actual micronational warfare (such as the use of anti-forum weapons, spam bombs and the like have no place in our world and we are interested in taking whatever steps are necessary to prevent their use, which is why we are a strong supporter of the SCC. We would like to see Götzborg known as a 'Peacekeeper' in the micronational world whereby we can help talk out and resolve differences between other countries as an objective, non-judgemental and fair nation. In normal diplomatic affairs, Götzborg practises an "open and friendly to all" policy. We are still a relatively new micronation compared to some in the 'old school' and we deeply appreciate the difficulty new nations have when entering the micronational world. Many new nations are ignored and treated very badly, considered 'bug nations' or 'ego nations' and closed off from the remainder of the world. The established micronations I feel are responsible for providing direction and assistance wherever possible. Yes it is true many nations do fail, many never get off the ground, however we feel that is no reason to not make any effort to provide support and direction.


The King: democratic values

Schwerin: What international diplomatic initiatives/organizations is Götzborg involved in?

King: As touched on earlier, Götzborg is a signatory to the SCC in Attera and is currently an Observer nation in the Raspur Conference in Babkha. We had begun to work in the Republic of Talamthom on a Joint-Judicial structure, but it is currently on hold. We are always looking for other opportunities to contribute in 'greater good' organizations that will allow us to contribute but which do not attempt to reinvent the wheel that may already be in place somewhere else.

Schwerin: How do you see the future development of Götzborg?

King: We have made some serious decisions to go strong with the King Charles II School of Law and judicial and legal affairs. I have some highly talented ability in the form of Sir Robert Davis, who has made it possible for me to make plans to provide the law school as the focal point for all micronational legal training. Coupled with the fact that we are working through both Raspur and Talamthom to evaluate joint judicial operations, we have a strong vision and lot of rewarding work ahead. We are firmly convinced that with the human resources being the most scarce in our world, we need to look for every opportunity to pool and combine efforts without undermining the sovereignty of any other nation.

Schwerin: What are the main influences and inspirations behind your governing of Götzborg?

King: I would say primarily to have others enjoy and love Götzborg the way I do. I like to provide people with choice for them to use their talents and abilities and be there to provide support and assistance to ensure that efforts are both rewarded and seen through from idea to result. I desire to be a strong and balanced leader. I do not have all the skills to do everything, however I like to think I can allow people to do what they need to do, give them the vision and tools they need and then hold them accountable.

Schwerin: What are your personal interests outside of Götzborg?

King: I am both eclectic and eccentric. I am an avid model railroader and railfan, and collect much ado about trains. I collect all manner of items ranging from general officer's uniforms from Canada, the US, Britain and Russia, to US Navy zippo lighters as well as collecting US martial arms from WWII. As with many micronationalists, I enjoy a good computer game and prefer those rich with atmosphere and story. I'm not much for the straight shoot-em ups, although they are enjoying. I thoroughly enjoy heraldry and creating graphics for the Kingdom as well. My overall problem is that I have so many interests and hobbies, it is difficult to maintain them all. It does however allow me to work from one to the other as needed in order to recuperate my strength

Scwerin: Thank you for this interview and the wonderful hospitality of your country.



Graf Schwerin
Editor

CALORMEN

In this edition of the Deutsche Post we return to the Kingdom of Hanover. Current events there have made the dominion of Calormen a topic of conversation. As we alluded to in our last article, the constitutional future of Calormen is presently being debated in the higher councils of the kingdom.

Calormen is distinct from Hanover proper and Athenoi, the other two components in the Hanoverian Commonwealth. Calormen openly espouses a German culture. In the opinion of this journal one of the problems that Calormen faces in its relations with both Hanover and Athenoi is that both dominions are either hostile or indifferent to Calormen's German culture. If that is not the case, that is how they are perceived by many Calormeni.

The acknowledged spokesman for the Calormeni community is generally accepted to be Sir Wyatt-James McIntyre, Viscount Lancaster. There is no doubting Viscount Lancaster's commitment to Calormen's German heritage. When the Duke of Brunswick declared emphatically that Hanover is the nation I belong to, and it's most decidedly not a "German" nation the noble Viscount replied in a manner worthy of Goethe:

Mein Lieber Herzog von Brunswick,
Die Calormeni Leute haben Bezauberung mit deutscher Kultur nicht, sind wir eine deutsche Kultur. Dies ist unsere Erbschaft, dies ist unsere Geschichte und der wir stehen stolz für es. Ich hätte gehabt, hat gehofft, daß Sie gehabt hätten, hat das erkannt. Bezüglich des Calormeni Nationalen Rats zu, daß unser Zweck die Zukunft von Calormeni innerhalb Hanover bestimmen soll, ist es simpe. Ja sind wir eine seperate Nation aber innerhalb einer größeren Hannoverischen Gewerkschaft. Herzlich



Viscount Lancaster - worthy of Goethe

There is no doubting the strength of the attachment of the Calormeni to their German culture. The titular leader of the Calormeni however is Prince Daniel. The Prince generally maintains a low profile and shuns publicity. He is however as committed a Calormeni patriot as Viscount Lancaster.



Prince Daniel - low profile

The key document in Calormeni history is the Treaty with Hanover dated February 2nd, 2003. Under the terms of this treaty Calormen ceased to be an independent empire and the last Calormen emperor Christopher I abdicated his throne in favour of the Hanoverian monarchy. King James of Hanover thereby became also King of Calormen. The terms of the treaty provided for the appointment of a Governor General in Calormen to represent the Hanoverian monarch. The ex-emperor Christopher was appointed as first Governor General to be succeeded byPrince Daniel. The Prince has held the post ever since. The other point to remember is that although the King is a constitutional monarch in Hanover, he rules as an absolute monarch in Calormen. The treaty also subjects the Governor General to Hanoverian law.

Recent efforts by the Hanoverian authorities to seek full union with Calormen have raised once more the issue of constitutional guarantees for Calormen's German culture. It is hoped that both sides will be able to settle differences amicably over this issue.



Graf Schwerin
Editor

ARMINY: A MOST GERMAN KINGDOM

The Kingdom of Arminy is one of the English speaking German micronations which absolutely prides itself on its Germanness. And this Germanness is far from the parochial variety, many of the institutions of the kingdom such as the Witan, Althing and Moot come from German influenced cultures such as Anglo-Saxon England, Viking Scandinavia and Iceland.

Arminy as a kingdom was forged from the merger of three states; Cranda, Northworthy and Slobovia. The inspiration for the kingdom comes from the ancient Teutonic warriorArminius, who harried the Romans. The customs and culture of modern day Arminy come directly from the Arminius' stronghold of the Teutoburger Wald. The kingdom's eclectic origins are reflected in its official title as the "United Kingdom of Arminy" and the "Arminy Community".

One unusual feature of Arminy is its system of an elective monarchy. There is no law of succession as with hereditary monarchies. The present king Johanns V ascended the throne in August 2004 after being elected as successor to the outgoing monarch, Dilerr Karlesson. Johanns V keeps the tradition of the German warrior kings very much alive. The new monarch announced a vigourous programme of reform for the kingdom; constitutional, political and legal. As part of the reform process a constitutional convention is currently revising the constitution to ensure it meets with modern day demands.



Johanns V - German warrior king tradition

The new king argues that democracy and human rights can be best preserved by returning to ancient German culture and traditions. By basing Arminy's constitutional system on a system of elective German kingship, Arminy is nearer to modern concepts of a civic democratic society than many other micronations.

King Johanns is also a fervant advocate of pan-German cooperation amongst the German micronations - both English and German speaking. He feels that such cross border cooperation would benefit all countries concerned. Such cooperation would be based upon each participant retaining complete sovereignty and separate identity. There would be confederation inthe sense of shared advisory institutions but not a super-imposed federal structure.

Arminy can look forward to the an interesting and challenging future under such a king.



Graf Schwerin
Editor

THE HANOVERIAN QUESTION

When we raised the issue of German micronations in our original publication as the German Times, we inadvertantly touched a raw nerve in Hanover. Or so it seems. We mistakenly took Hanover to be an English speaking German micronation along the lines of the Kingdom of Götzborg. Not so. It is clear from the response that the majority of Hanoverians regard themselves as having their own identity which has no connection with German culture. The strength of the reaction seems to indicate that rather than being neutral about the issue, the Hanoverian authorities are opposed to any notion of Germanness.

Hanover is a unique micronation in that whatever the cultural identity of the Hanoverian majority, there is a Calormen minority which very definitely regards its own distinctive culture as being German inspired. It must be remembered that at present the Commonwealth of Hanover is composed of three dominions; Hanover proper, Calormen and Athenoi. The issue of German culture and the force of the response to it also reveals another fault line running through the Hanoverian state; the relationship between the three dominions.

We do know that the constitution of Hanover is being reviewed. We have no information however as to what aspects of the constitution are being considered. The proceedings are taking place behind locked doors. We do know that the leading Calormen delegate, Lord Lancaster, is not happy about the proposals for Calormen to be more directly subject to Hanover. The present constitutional arrangements leave Calormen with considerable autonomy. The degree of that autonomy now seems to be under question. The force of the response on the German cultural issue would also seem to underly this deeper constitutional issue.

At any event, it must be accepted that due to the presence of Calormen, there is a German element within the Hanoverian Commonwealth - if not in Hanover itself. How the authorities deal with this reality can be termed the Hanoverian question. The King, Alexander I has shown the way forward. His initial comments on the issue were negative about the role of German culture in Hanover. However his latest statement posted in the Kingdom of Götzborg's forums reveals a more flexible approach.


King Alexander - flexible

We have observed a sort of clash recently in which it might appear that some citizens in Hanover are hostile to all things Germanic. This is an oversimplification of the situation. While it is true that some citizens do, as a matter of personal taste, prefer other styles and traditions, tolerance for wholesome diversity is the tradition in Our Kingdom Hanover.

Mr. Schwerin had the unlucky experience of touching an open wound. The vigorous response should be seen as the passion for which Our subjects old their values, not as a hostile attack upon either your person nor Germanic culture or values.We have been informed by Our Lord Munster that you shall continue your publication and We are most pleased by this decision and We invite you to advertise your editions on Our national forums as you are comfortable doing.We hope this bump in the road is soon forgotten and that the interactions between our Nations, and our Citizens will be far more congenial and beneficial.

Having said that, you will need to know that, as a danger of your profession as journalist you will often inspire others to respond, and often those will not be positive responses. Freedom of expression, and difference of opinion, sometimes over weigh common courtesy.

It is hoped that King Alexander's statesmanlike attitude expressed above will determine the course of future Hanoverian policy.



Graf Schwerin
Editor