Chapter 980: The International Maritime Convention Organization
Joseph quickly shook his head, driving the horrifying vision from his mind.
"Father, the open space near the Palace of Versailles is limited after all. I believe it would be better to build the Engineering Design Institute on that wasteland further to the west."
"Ideally, we should move the Royal Armory there as well. After all, the armory will have many weapons that require the Design Institute's assistance in the future."
Louis XVI pulled a long face immediately. "But that's two kilometers away from Versailles."
This was not at all convenient for His Majesty, who practically lived in his workshop.
"We can lay a wooden rail track," Joseph suggested with a smile. "Then, we'll install several steam engines at both ends to pull the carriages. You'll be able to arrive in just a few minutes while sitting comfortably."
In truth, these traction cars were already in use in British mines. Their drawbacks were that the distance couldn't be too long and, due to the winding of the traction ropes, only one car could run on the track at a time.
However, this was enough to make Louis XVI's eyes light up.
"Hmm, that sounds quite good."
By the end of the afternoon, the father and son had preliminarily determined that the hammer of the first steam forge would weigh seven tons—the most suitable weight selected based on the power of the LJ52A engine. It would utilize a movable frame structure, a flywheel-less design, and full gear engagement with no belt transmissions.
During the banquet that evening, Joseph gave Mirabeau instructions regarding the establishment of the Engineering Design Institute. His mother's complaints about his father nearly missing her birthday celebration echoed in his ears, while the air around them was filled with music and laughter.
Indeed, it was a relaxed and wonderful day.
...
September 3, 1794.
Copenhagen, Denmark.
Amalienborg Palace still appeared somewhat modest.
Unfortunately, the ill-fated Christiansborg Palace had been destroyed by fire the previous month. Luckily, the Danish royal family had escaped safely and were forced to establish their palace here for the time being.
Nevertheless, Amalienborg Palace was bustling with activity at this moment.
The square was packed with the carriages of representatives from various nations. Hundreds of members from foreign diplomatic missions conversed with one another as they followed court officials through the palace gates.
Behind them, dozens of national flags of different colors and patterns stood neatly in the eastern part of the square, swaying gently in the wind.
Indeed, today was the day for the first plenary session of the International Maritime Convention Organization.
At nine o'clock in the morning, within the Rococo-style hall, Frederick, the Regent of Denmark, watched the representatives filing into the venue. He gripped the initial draft of the International Law of the Sea in his hands, his heart brimming with excitement.
He had originally thought that fifty countries at most would attend, but to his surprise, eighty-one nations had expressed their willingness to join the Maritime Convention Organization!
Admittedly, a large portion consisted of states from the Holy Roman Empire.
Led by Austria and Bavaria, along with various small city-states, more than sixty had arrived from that region alone.
From Italy, every state except for the Papal States was present, totaling ten countries.
There was Morocco from North Africa, the Ottoman Empire from the Middle East, Georgia from the Caucasus, and even the Republic of Santo Domingo and the Republic of Jamaica from the Caribbean had made the journey.
In short, the scene was magnificent.
The only regret for Frederick was that the Americans had not sent any representatives.
Soon, the melodious music ceased. Frederick walked to the front of the hall with his head held high, bowed slightly to the audience, and declared loudly, "Welcome to Copenhagen!"
"Today is a moment that deserves to be remembered by the entire world. The great International Maritime Convention Organization is officially established."
The representatives immediately responded with applause, only to see the Danish Regent suddenly gesture toward the front row. "Now, please welcome the Honorable Archbishop Talleyrand to deliver the opening address."
A few representatives felt a slight confusion, but the vast majority turned their gaze toward the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, their applause growing even more enthusiastic.
Yes, while Denmark was the host, everyone understood that France was the true "master of the house."
Talleyrand leaned on his cane as he stepped to the front. He began by praising the noble spirit of the Roman era when the "sea was common to all the world," and then proceeded to denounce certain pirate nations for treating shared property as their own backyard, trampling on the trade rights of other countries, and even engaging in open robbery.
The hall erupted in a chorus of agreement and applause.
Since the British weren't there, everyone was naturally eager to vent their frustrations. More than forty percent of the nations present had been "bullied" by the British. The other sixty percent were landlocked nations with no coastline at all.
Talleyrand then recounted how the Crown Prince of France, in the spirit of upholding justice, had initiated the Maritime Convention Organization alongside His Highness Prince Frederick.
Once again, thunderous applause filled the room.
Finally, the Frenchman took a volume of the International Law of the Sea from Frederick's hands and held it high above his head. "Now, let us create history together!"
During the first two days, the representatives collectively settled on the framework of the International Maritime Convention Organization.
For instance, the headquarters would be located in Copenhagen, and they would establish an International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea as well as a Council.
The Maritime Tribunal would be responsible for adjudicating cases involving violations of maritime law. The judges would be elected by a vote of all member states.
The Council would be responsible for supervising the operations of the Maritime Tribunal and handling the organization's daily affairs. It would have seven seats, held by all member states on a rotating basis for two-year terms.
Starting from the third day, the meeting moved into the critical phase of voting on the specific articles of the International Law of the Sea.
In reality, the only countries with true influence were France, Russia, Spain, Austria, Denmark, and Sweden.
Even the Ottomans didn't have much of a say—the Europeans had never truly taken the Turks seriously.
As for the Italian states with maritime trade influence, they all followed France's lead closely.
Talleyrand announced loudly, "Article One: The sea belongs to all mankind, and no nation has the right to claim ownership of it..."
"In all areas of the high seas, all nations shall enjoy equal freedom of navigation, fishing, and salvage, and no nation shall interfere..."
Applause followed.
All member states passed it unanimously.
Talleyrand continued, "Article Two: A nation's territorial waters are defined as the area extending ten nautical miles outward from the coastline. Within its territorial waters, a nation enjoys complete sovereignty, and without permission, other nations may not enter..."
Hardly had his voice faded when the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke up in French. "That is unreasonable, Monsieur Talleyrand. Ten nautical miles is too much. It will turn a vast amount of sea into 'private property,' which contradicts the concept of the 'high seas.'"
"I suggest it be changed to three nautical miles."
The Spanish Special Envoy, Valenciano, added, "One nautical mile would be more appropriate."
Countries like Georgia and Santo Domingo immediately raised their objections. "This is outrageous! If your warships are parked on the high seas, their cannons could fire directly into our territory!"
"Our country supports the ten-nautical-mile limit for territorial waters."
The Russian Foreign Minister glared coldly at them, and the sounds of protest came to an abrupt halt.
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