//------------------------------// // Interlude: The Monroe Doctrine // Story: The Nineteenth Century: The Saga of Equestria // by mint20 //------------------------------// Interlude: The Monroe Doctrine The Nineteenth Century: The Saga of Equestria March 1, 1822 Canterlot, Equestria To her Most Serene Celestia, Princess of Equestria, I, the President of the United States, extend my greetings, and would like to congratulate you and your country on your continued drive towards reaching a level that would be considered modern or western. Particularly impressive is the establishment of your Equestrian Military Academy, in Canterlot, and your new and budding list of departments, that are operating much more efficiently than anybody - or pony - could have predicted. As you may know, every year, the President of the United States delivers a speech to the legislative body of the United States, the Congress. This speech is known as “The President’s Annual Message to Congress,” and this year, I shall give it to Congress in person, in a slight deviation from tradition established by Thomas Jefferson. I hereby cordially invites you to witness it, and afterwards, invite you to a private conference with myself. Sincerely, James Monroe President of the United States of America “Will you go?” asked Luna, lowering the piece of paper. “Probably,” replied Celestia. “After all, it is the United States. Can I really ignore the opportunity to try to instill friendlier relations with them?” “Perhaps not. But this is not the President that pardoned the man responsible for the Manetown Incident?” “It is. But we must not be too hasty. You know how finkle representative democracies can be; they always bow to their voters. And voter wishes can change overnight with little warning and no apparent cause. Unstable, if you ask me. Therefore, it is possible that his pardon came as a political concession to some faction within their Congress or the population.” “Possible, I suppose,” “I will leave in a few months, with a detachment of Royal Guards. Say, twenty strong. Make sure they are equipped with both rifles and spears. I don’t think it will be necessary, but I want my options open in case it becomes so.” January 23, 1823 The President’s Annual Message to Congress (Modern Name: State of the Union Address) Washington, DC “...We owe it, therefore, to candor, and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers, to declare, that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere, as dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered, and shall not interfere. But with the governments who have declared their independence, and maintained it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration, and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling, in any other manner, their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition towards the United States. In the war between those new governments and Spain we declared our neutrality at the time of their recognition, and to this we have adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provided no change shall occur, which, in the judgement of the competent authorities of this government, shall make a corresponding change, on the part of the United States, indispensable to their security…” Celestia yawned, bored by the President’s continued yammering. “It is impossible that the allied powers should extend their political system to any portion of either continent, without endangering our peace and happiness: nor can any one believe that our Southern Brethren, if left to themselves, would adopt it of their own accord. It is equally impossible, therefore, that we should behold such interposition, in any form, with indifference. If we look to the comparative strength and resources of Spain and those new governments, and their distance from each other, it must be obvious that she can never subdue them. It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in the hope that other powers will pursue the same course.” Celestia leaned forward slightly, as it seemed to her that President Monroe was extending something of a challenge the other world powers: Interfere in the continent at your own risk. The President cleared his throat and hesitated. After about five seconds, he shifted the papers in front of him and said, with a very slight tremor in his voice at first, but growing confidence: “It should also be noted, that interfering in the internal political affairs of the neighbors of the United States of America and cultivating anti-American mindsets of those nation’s leaders constitutes, if possible, an even more grievous trespass in this hemisphere than any military intervention could possibly cause. With that in mind, we warn all foreign nations from interfering within the political process of any state within this region of the world, while reaffirming our goal of lifting the natives of this continent up from their poor state of backwardness and teaching, with God by our side, them the ways of civilized life. “Thank you.” Celestia quietly considered what that meant. Warn all foreign nations from interfering within the political process of any state within this region of the world...reaffirm our goal of lifting the natives of the continent up from their poor state of backwardness...the ways of civilized life. After a moment: Natives...Is he talking about us? Equestria? Is he warning countries away from help us? Was this put in to stop the British from lending their assistance? A tidal wave of anger came over her, and she quickly got up and left the chamber of Congress, pausing not even for the Sergeant of Arms of the House of Representatives, who tried to gently stop her. Celestia may or may not have “accidentally” knocked him over, and “accidentally” kicked him in the chest on the way out. Not fatally, just enough to bruise his sternum and make him reconsider trying to stop the Princess of the Sun ever again. “Foolish humans,” she whispered under her breath. As she left the building, Ambassador Sapphire Flower caught up with her. “Your Majesty! Princess Celestia!” Celestia turned around, looking back at the light blue unicorn. “Yes, my little pony?” “If I may be permitted to speak plainly and informally…” “Of course.” “I take it you understood the thinly veiled threat as well?” “He hardly could have made it any clearer.” “What do you think the British will do about this?” “I’m not sure,” replied Celestia. “I doubt that they will take kindly to being ordered around by their former colony, however.” “True. Does Your Serene Majesty have any orders for me?” asked the ambassador, moving to a more business-like tone and shifting back to a more formal mode of address, with it. “Stay the course,” replied Celestia. “So far, the only thing they have is words. Thus, we must remain as conciliatory as possible, and not seek a fight. However, with that in mind, we must be firm on one issue: our westernization process is not open for debate. We cannot allow them to interfere. Deflect them, stall them, keep them distracted. Don’t sign a single treaty until you send a messenger to Canterlot.” “I understand.” “See that you do. We are practically walking on a knife-blade. Even the slightest misstep one way or the other can and will be disastrous.” “Yes, Your Majesty. You can count on me.” March 25, 1823 Canterlot, Equestria “...It is the option of the British government that the statement issued by President James Monroe is, for the most part, commendable. The statement to discourage European imperialism in the the American continent is applauded by the Prime Minister and His Majesty, King George IV. However, the government of the United Kingdom wishes to launch a furious objection against thinly veiled threat given by the United States against British aid to our friends on this continent. We state that the United States of America has absolutely no control over who we choose to conduct treaties and lend aid to. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland acknowledges the Principality of Equestria as the legitimate government of the horse-like natives referred to as ‘ponies.’ Therefore, that government possesses all the rights of a sovereign nation, including the right to independent diplomatic relations.” Ambassador Liston looked up and said, “That was the statement issued by the government of the British government, on the subject of President Monroe’s address to his Congress.” “The Equestrian Royal Council thanks the British government for its continued political and economic aid,” replied Celestia. “Your assistance will not be forgotten.” He inclined his head in acknowledgement. Not only did we get a rebuke of their anti-westernization rhetoric, we also got acknowledgement as a sovereign nation, thought Celestia. Spectacular. “And has His Majesty received Ambassador Golden Moon?” “Yes. His Royal Majesty, King George the Fourth, welcomes the diplomatic mission from Equestria, and has acknowledged the Honorable Golden Moon as the legitimate and acting ambassador from Equestria. He looks forward to lasting cooperation with Your Serene Majesty.” “And we with him. Thank you, Ambassador.” Taking that as a dismissal, Ambassador Liston bowed his head and left the Council’s chambers. “Alright, so we now all have heard the British government’s answer to the United States’...declaration,” said Celestia. “I, for one, am satisfied.” “As am I,” said Luna. “I doubt the United States will try anything. We have provide no justification, and the British is still sympathetic to us.” “I can’t help but feel a sneaking suspicion, though, that they are only supporting us to serve some goal of theirs,” said Princess Twilight. “I hate to say it, but maybe they are not as friendly as they claim to be.” “The same thought has occurred to me,” replied Celestia. “But our position is too dangerous as it is. If Equestria is going to survive, we cannot antagonize the British. If they do have some sort of ulterior motive, we will simply have to deal with it when it comes up. But for now, we cannot afford to - what’s the human saying? Look a gift horse in the mouth, I believe.” All of the Council members cringed at the saying. “Stupid saying, but appropriate enough, I suppose.” “Anyways,” said Luna, “this Council needs to consider the continuation of westernization policies. As was noted by the United States’ letter, the establishment of the Equestrian Military Academy is a good step, but we’re not done yet.” “We aren’t, but I think the Royal Ministry of the Sciences and Arts may have something to report to us. Princess Twilight? If you will…” “Thank you, Princess. As you all know, making modifications to imported human weapons so we can use them effectively has been of top importance to the Ministry. And we have had a breakthrough. By removing the trigger guard and reworking the design of the weapon, we have been able to convert the weapons into a form that can be used by us ponies with minimal difficulty.” “Which means that we can now begin producing weapons,” said Celestia, smiling. “You are to be commended for your efforts, Princess Twilight. Your Ministry has help ensure the continued safety of Equestria as we know it.” “Thank you, Princess.” “You earned it.”