Post by Leopold I von Habsburg on Feb 28, 2015 19:48:33 GMT
Following the successful and complete occupation of Swedish Pomerania by Austro - HRE allied forces, a historical decision has been made by his Imperial majesty, Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold I. The Treaty of Stettin, signed 1653, is to no longer be recognised by the Holy Roman Empire, particularly when referring to Austria. This day shall mark the reestablishment of the Duchy of Pomerania. This Duchy is comprise all the lands of Swedish Pomerania. To ensure that these lands remain free from unwelcomed foreign interference, his Imperial majesty has said that Pomerania is to become an Austrian Vassal state on the Baltic. The Reichs Direktive, drawn up by the Court in Vienna and signed by Leopold I, lays out Austria's overall plans for Pomerania.
Even when signing it, Leopold I is believed to have commented on Pomeranian topic, though this is disputed (OCC: please pardon the pun), "This...shall be my plan". Some of the more important clauses of the Reichs Direktive can be found below:
Die Reichs Direktive 1688 (Duchy of Pomerania)
In order to secure the continued security of the most northern reaches of the Holy Roman Empire, and in order to ensure the continued prosperity of the HRE's most northern members, the Imperial Court on order of Leopold I, has decided to establish a Duchy of Pomerania.
Leopold I, by the grace of God elected Holy Roman Emperor, forever August, King of Germany, King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Rama, Serbia, Galicia, Lodomeria, Cumania, Bulgaria, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Brabant, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, Margrave of Moravia, Duke of Luxemburg, of the Higher and Lower Silesia, of Württemberg and Teck, Prince of Swabia, Count of Habsburg, Tyrol, Kyburg and Goritia, Landgrave of Alsace, Marquess of the Holy Roman Empire, Burgovia, the Enns, the Higher and Lower Lusace, Lord of the Marquisate of Slavonia, of Port Naon and Salines, shall for the foreseeable future ensure the continued existence of the Duchy of Pomerania with all available means at his disposal.
On the death of his Imperial majesty this responsibility shall pass immediately to his successor and heir of the Austrian thrown
Details: of the Reichs Direktive
Austria shall establish a Duchy in Pomerania, independent in name only
Pomerania shall become a vassal of Austria
This Duchy is to comprise all the lands of Swedish Pomerania
Pomerania shall be welcomed back into the Holy Roman Empire
Austria promises to protect the Duchy for the foreseeable future
Austria shall provide for the Duchy in order to speed up the process of integration with the Holy Roman Empire
Austria shall have the right to place troops within the Duchy of Pomerania
The capital of the Duchy shall be the city of Stettin
The national religion shall be Protestantism, however other religions will be accepted and tolerated within the Duchy
The official language shall be German, though there will be an acceptance of Swedish among the Duchy's Swedish enclaves
Until a successor is found the Duchy shall be ruled by the Imperial government in Frankfurt with the Duchy's needs in mind
