VE–SOS団 Protectorate

The Protection Agreement between the Viridian Entente and the SOS Brigade was a protectorate between the Viridian Entente and the SOS Brigade, announced on 1 September 2009 in conjunction with the SOS Brigade's declaration of existence. It was extended on 29 September, and officially dissolved on 14 October (though the SOS Brigade's current protectorate treaty took effect on 4 October).

Preamble
The Viridian Entente and the SOS Brigade:


 * Aiming at the achievement of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace;
 * Aspiring to develop friendly relations and co-operation between them;
 * Seeking a pathway that will lead to full and frank communication between them;
 * Desiring to ensure lasting security for both alliances and in particular to avoid espionage and the threat or use of force between them;
 * Deciding to establish peace between them in accordance with these Protocols for Espionage and Armed Conflict Eradication;

Have agreed as follows:

Article I – ESTABLISHMENT OF PEACE
Peace is hereby established between the Viridian Entente and the SOS Brigade (the "signatory alliances") effective from the exchange of the instruments of ratification of these protocols.

Article II – SOVEREIGNTY
Both of the signatory alliances and their respective member nations recognize and will respect each other's sovereignty and political independence. They recognize and will respect each other's right to live in peace within their respective alliances. They will develop good neighborly relations of co-operation between them to ensure lasting security. They will refrain from espionage and the threat or use of force against each other and will settle all disputes between them by peaceful means.

Article III – COMMUNICATION
In signing these protocols, both signatory alliances recognize that full and frank communication is the foundation for a strong and enduring relationship and that there is mutual benefit for both alliances when open communication between them is maintained. To that end, both signatory alliances agree to productive two-way inter-alliance communication:

IIIa. The signatory alliances agree that whenever a situation arises which involves provisions within these protocols or other issues of mutual concern; there shall be full and frank communication between the signatory alliances.

IIIb. The signatory alliances shall encourage and promote effective methods of dispute resolution between the signatory alliances and their respective member nations.

IIIc. The signatory alliances commit to frequent and recurring dialog on each others forums and IRC channels. This commitment is based on the view that open access to each others communication channels is essential to the rapid and efficient inter-alliance communication. This shall include communication at the alliance leadership level where on an as needed basis, representatives of the highest decision making bodies of the signatory alliances will jointly meet to discuss issues of mutual concern. This shall be in addition to routine diplomatic communications and the regular communication between normal member nations.

Article IV – OVERT HOSTILE ACTIVITIES
Neither signatory alliance will knowingly engage in the use of sanctions against member nations of the other signatory alliance without formal, written permission from the other signatory alliance. Neither signatory alliance shall endorse, fund, approve or engage in military action against the other signatory alliance. If an individual member nation of either signatory alliance is found in violation of this article, it shall be directed to offer peace and reparations equivalent to a minimum of 1.5 times the total damages inflicted. Though not required, defending nations shall be encouraged to defer reprisal actions until a diplomatic solution can be reached.

IVa. Should the offending member nation of a signatory alliance refuse to offer peace and agree on reparations terms, said member nation will be declared a rogue and will no longer be offered the protection of either signatory alliance.

IVb. If a signatory alliance violates this article, such activity shall be considered an act of war.

Article V – COVERT HOSTILE ACTIVITIES
Neither signatory alliance shall knowingly endorse, fund, approve or engage in espionage or other covert action against the other signatory alliance. Both signatory alliances agree not to actively or passively recruit member nations of the other alliance for the purpose of committing espionage. If either signatory alliance collects intelligence regarding a security breach or a credible threat concerning the other signatory alliance, the acquiring signatory alliance will convey all pertinent information in their possession to the other signatory alliance.

Va. Should a member nation of a signatory alliance violate this article, said member nation will be declared a rogue and will no longer be offered the protection of either signatory alliance.

Vb. If a signatory Alliance violates this article, such activity shall be considered an act of war.

Article VI – RECIPROCAL DEFENSE
Protectorate: Should the SOS Brigade come under attack by a foreign power, the Viridian Entente, at the request of the SOS Brigade, shall immediately provide military assistance as well as, but not limited to, financial, political and such other assets it has at its disposal. Should the Viridian Entente come under attack, the SOS Brigade is encouraged but is not obligated to provide the Viridian Entente with such assistance as it is able to muster, be it military, political or financial or other assets.

Article VII – RECOVERY AID
In the event of conflict involving only one of the signatory alliances, upon cessation of hostilities and barring other conflicting treaty obligations, the non-combatant signatory alliance shall encourage its individual member nations to voluntarily provide recovery aid to individual member nations of the war-torn signatory alliance.

In the event of conflict involving both of the signatory alliances, upon cessation of hostilities and barring other conflicting treaty obligations, both signatory alliances shall encourage its individual member nations to voluntarily provide recovery aid to individual member nations of the war-torn signatory alliances regardless of alliance membership.

Article VIII – CIVILITY
Both signatory alliances shall be resolute in their insistence that their respective members remain polite and civil to each other at all times, especially in public forums and other public venues.

Article IX - EVALUATION & EXPIRATION
Thirty (30) days following the announcement of these accords, these terms shall automatically expire, standing null and void from that day forward. The signatory alliances may decide to upgrade, downgrade, retain, or cancel the treaty entirely before or after said expiration is reached.

Article X – AMENDMENTS
When this treaty requires revision, the signatory alliances will mutually discuss and agree on new terms. The amended terms to this treaty are effective following a 48-hour amendment activation timeframe. Either signatory alliance may unilaterally revoke the amendment so long as the 48-hour amendment activation timeframe has not concluded.

Article XI – RATIFICATION
These protocols shall be ratified by both signatory alliances in conformity with their respective procedures.

Article XI – TERMINATION
Either signatory alliance may terminate this compact at any time by providing the other signatory alliance with a 48 hour notice of intent to terminate. This compact is automatically terminated when either signatory alliance violates Article IV, V or VI of this compact. This compact has an expiration date, as stated in Article IX, and upon that date it shall stand null and void unless renewed as specified.

Signatories
For the Viridian Entente
 * Cornelius, Lord
 * Solaris, Duke
 * God of Salt, Secretary of the Interior
 * Impero, Secretary of Defense
 * CharlesinCharge, Secretary of State

For the SOS Brigade
 * Arrnea, Brigade Chief and Ultra Director
 * Freshmaker, ESPer and Mysterious Transfer Student
 * Xanatos, Time Traveller and Brigade Mascot
 * Elrich von Richt, Alien Supercomputer and Meganekko
 * Alekhine, Ordinary Human and Errand Boy