Lord Steiner's address to the House of Lords

[FallenKnight]

In response to the proposal by Lord Edmund Steiner of Warwickshire, Baron Firmus Piett, Lord of Jarrow.

Lord Speaker, My Lords, as you are aware many representatives of various organizations and factions considered Bretonia vulnerable and weak since the time of the war with the Kusari. It was proven that we are not as weak as we were thought to be. The same applies to the period of the war with Gallia. And then "we were weak" but alas thanks to the efforts, strength and perseverance of our army and navy as well as our allies - we managed and survived this terrible period as well. Lord Steiner - Bretonia is not weak. Bretonia is badly injured. Nevertheless, our people strive for prosperity and do their best with the confidence that one day we will not be seen as "weak and vulnerable" as we have always been thought of, but as a strong and united nation that will fight with teeth and claws against anyone who dares attack us!

We were wounded during one war. We were sliced many times during the second one as well - we are bleeding. Are we either going to heal and move on or are we going to be constantly wounded? Here comes the contradiction to logic - The lion fights even when he is wounded - because he has to protect his territory. What if all the hyenas smelled the blood and noticed the absence of the "lion"? The two horrific wars we fought for so many years taught our forces to be extremely good at hit-and-run tactics. Our ships are built for this purpose, to hit hard and be able to hold their own while retreating. We must not cease to smite those who are still against us - we must continually, whenever we have the opportunity - to do so. And our fleets, by the actions of Lord Somerville, prove to do just that. When our enemies see us doing nothing - this will strengthen their thesis that we are unable to defend ourselves. When times come when our fleets focus in certain region or regions - such actions will expose us as strong...even if we use a slight flavor of bluff. Sometimes the result can be surprising.

In view of what I have said so far - I would not support this House issuing an immediate reversal of the recent Admiralty order. As a former Fleet Admiral of the Armed Forces, I can see clearly the purpose behind the actions of the First Sea Lord Somerville. Bretonia must continue to maintain its borders, including not allowing forces to build up on or near them at all costs. I suggest for the time being we keep a close eye on the situation in Orkney as well as the actions of our armed forces. But at the moment, I don't think anything needs to be done. I am convinced the fleet admiral would never do an act without her majesty's consent.

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