Matthias looks about, glad to see the Diet active.

I wish to propose two pieces of legislation concerning Outremer.

Edict 15.3: Nicosia is to be taken from the Greeks.

Edict 15.4: Edessa is to be taken from the Greeks. The city will then be transferred to English rule. Gaining military access from the English is recommended as part of the transfer, but the Chancellor is instructed to accept any deal, even a donation, to accomplish the Edict.

I would also like to use my personal Edict to propose the following, unlike the first two, this one will require seconds:

Edict 15.5: The Diet authorizes attacks on Iconium and Caesarea if the oppurtunity arises. This Edict may only be enforced if Nicosia and Edessa have already been taken.

The overarching goal of these edicts is to limit the Greeks to one avenue of attack into Outremer. By taking Cyprus, we will remove the threat from the south. By taking Edessa, we will be removing the one from the east. Unfortunately, due to geography, it will be difficult to hold Edessa once taken while still keeping a strong force in a central location to respond to other attacks. The English, with Aleppo nearby, would be in a stronger position to hold the city. Their presence in Outremer has served us well, and I would like to reward them while sticking a thumb in the eye of the Basileus. Having military access through English territory would also give us strategic flexibility in the future.

Once Cyprus and Edessa have fallen, this will limit the Greeks to attacks through the passes of the mountains northwest of Adana. We can contain them there, and if the oppurtunity presents itself, advance on them. Hence Edict 15.5. I am not sure if we will have this chance, but I would like to have the option available. Though 15.3 and 15.4 take priority.

In a related matter, my scribes have a list of all legislation proposed so far.