Hail,

I feel as though there has been misunderstanding on this matter of
jurisdiction. So, speaking only as a private citizen, let me express my
own understanding of this legislation and its implications.

- Shallam has, as all city-states and organizations have, the right to
declare enemy status based on whatever criteria it likes.

- Shallam has declared enemy status on the basis of behaviors hostile to
Shallam that occurred outside of the territory which, by divine mandate,
we can directly apply military forces (guards, etcetera) to protect. For
example, when citizens have been attacked or molested in the Pash Valley
and Jaru, attackers have been enemied or subjected to fines and other
penalties.

- Shallam, as the City of Light, is very committed to giving the public
an understanding of what offenses will and will not lead to enemy
status. This change in jurisdictional policy is not a demand for
recognition of sovereignty. It is, rather, an attempt to give a more
accurate representation, and to allow for more consistent application,
of our enemying policies.

- With regard to these concerns about pearling and the hunting of
eagles: we have never had a policy, so far as I know, of enemying for
peacefully pearling or hunting. Nothing in the new law changes this.
Further, divine law gives us no power to regulate these sorts of
activities, even if we desired.

- With regard to Saltaern's statement that an innocent was attacked and
enemied in one of the outlying territories, a review of Shallam's logs
for the last six months reveals that none of those enemied are currently
citizens of Hashan. It is possible that this individual has changed
citizenship, of course, or that I and another individual who also
reviewed the logs both made an oversight. If the Seneschal would give
specifics, it would be easier to deal with the alleged offense. The
behavior Saltaern describes, if it actually took place, is certainly
outside of Shallamese law.

- The talk about the Church is a non sequitur; the Church claims no
territory outside the Chrysalis Basilica, so far as I know. And even if
we wished to 'deny passage', we would have no mechanism to do so.

- Finally, I would note that no mortal law can change divine law. It has
always been illegal to do battle outside the city walls without cause.
This will continue to be the case.

I see no reason for any of this to change the diplomatic relationship
between Shallam and any other body.

With regard,
Father Azor Dev'Celeste, Elysian


Penned by my hand on the 14th of Scarlatan, in the year 481 AF.