The “No Peace Beyond the Line” Memorandum represented the first major break in Starfleet policymaking since the end of the Romulan War in 2161. By placing defensive measures and military action to counter Klingon aggression above Starfleet’s ongoing mission, Admiral Ch’Shukar’s memorandum would radically alter the nature of Starfleet activity within the Disputed Area. While the document itself is short by Starfleet standards, the doctrinal changes and operational plans based on its reasoning would be at the core of Starfleet Command until the end of the Klingon Cold War. FROM: THE OFFICE OF COMMANDERING OFFICER, OPERATING FORCES OF THE FEDERATION STAR FLEET TO: ALL FLAG OFFICERS, FEDERATION STAR FLEET CC: CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE FEDERATION STAR FLEET, C-IN-C FEDERATION STAR FLEET, OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS, CHIEF SECRETARY OF THE FEDERATION SECURITY COUNCIL, COMMANDING OFFICER STAR FLEET INTELLIGENCE, FEDERATION HIGH COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE, OFFICE OF THE STARFLEET JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL STARDATE: 1519.7 [November 28TH 2259] LOCATION: SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH, SECTOR 001 TITLE: DIRECTIVE NO.1832-B ON THE SUBJECT OF THE KLINGON BORDER ZONE. In reference to the command meeting Stardate 1499.4 [October 1st 2259], Starfleet Intelligence reports dated 1470.3/1599.23 (Summary from Commander Ash Tyler attached in appendix a), Starfleet Planning Division memorandum 145A-R, Star Fleet Command has concluded that operation directives within the Klingon Border Zone are in need of urgent need of reorganisation. The state of the border area since the cessation of hostilities on Stardate 1005.77(n) [September 2nd 2257] has been dramatically altered from its state before Stardate 1207.3(na) [May 11th 2256]. Furthermore, with the failure of the Diplomatic Corps to reach any formal compromise over territory and the Klingon declaration of Stardate 1478.4 [October 14th 2259] that all systems within the ‘Line of T’Kuvma’ are Imperial territory, it is certain that the Imperial Navy, in conjunction with their auxiliaries, will attempt all measures short of a general war to assert their authority over their ‘claimed territory’. The Star Fleet’s top priority will remain at all times the preservation of sentient life and civilisation, as well as the expansion of knowledge and understanding. However, it must be understood by all Officers and personnel that this goal also requires the defence of the values and way of life that allows our ongoing mission to continue. As Klingon aggression continues to grow, the demands placed on Starfleet to protect Federation assets, colonies and commerce are certain to grow. It is therefore urgent that the Star Fleet gain and maintain tactical superiority over the Imperial Navy within the entire prospective disputed zone. Starfleet Command has been directed by the President of the United of the Federation of Planets, with the unanimous support of the Federation Security Council, to take all measures short of open hostilities to maintain Federation authority, presence and stability within the Treaty Zone. The fulfilment of this directive will require a major readjustment in the operations of the Star Fleet within the regions of Federation Treaty space adjacent to the recognised borders of the Klingon Empire.
Minor powers Elas, Troyius, Asparax, Acamar, Kobax, Ardana and Krios/Valt lie beyond the Axanar line. Major colonies Corvan II, Elora, Sherman, Archer, Altair and New Paris are also in this area.This zone contains almost all the space officially claimed by the Klingon Empire that overlaps with the Federation Treaty Zone, along with several systems beyond the Klingon claim line that Imperial Warships have been encountered in. This area, as outlined on the Starmap in appendix A, is referred to furthermore as the Disputed Area. This area includes the operational areas of the following jurisdictions: Tactical Command: Klingon Command (2nd Fleet, 4th Fleet, 7th Fleet), Axanar Command, Triangle Command, Federation Border Patrol Exploratory Command: 5th Fleet, 8th Fleet Five Year Mission Commands: Enterprise, Hood, Constellation, Gardner, Vh’hallac, Mombassa Shore Division: Starbases 10,12,15,19,21,22,23, Federation Mercantile Authority Operational Areas: Axanar, Argelius, Triangle, Archanis. Capella, Valt Mercantile Facilities: K-4, K-5, K-6, K-7 Starfleet Intelligence: Triangle Sector, Klingon Sector, Tholian Sector 2. Klingon Intentions and Speculated Rules of Engagement Since the 2257 Armistice, there have been over 138 confrontations with Klingon Imperial forces. 64 have resulted in the exchange of weapons fire. Of these, only 1, the engagement at Caleb IV, has resulted in major losses on both sides. These hostilities, while major, have appeared to still be below threshold for a General War in the Beta Quadrant. It is understood that while Klingon captains are prepared to use force, such use of force is not regarded as a Declaration of War. As such, Starfleet believes that at present there is a purview for a certain level of defensive action by Starfleet Operating forces, including (but not limited to)
As previously stated, the operational priority of the Star Fleet within the Disputed Area is as follows.
Where these orders come into conflict with existing regulations, Command Officers are advised to follow the regulations listed in section 5 of this memorandum, subject to further orders, memorandums and regulations issued by Starfleet Command. The priority maintains the defence of Federation Treaty territory from encroachment by the Klingon Empire. Starfleet Command emphasizes that all measures short of war must be taken. Any actions taken towards a direct provocation with the Empire will not be tolerated by Starfleet Command. POTUFP has emphasised to both Commander, Starfleet and Starfleet Command that Star Fleet will not act as the aggressor. It is understood by the Diplomatic Corps that the Klingon Empire will accept a certain level of undeclared hostilities before opening a confrontation to a General War. This does not mean, however, that the Star Fleet should abuse their ability to confront the Imperial Navy. Escalation and provocation are to be avoided at all costs. 4. Hostile Contact within the Disputed Area Starfleet Command has designated this area a zone of limited security and authority. Within this area, we presently lack the strength to maintain regional space superiority over hostiles. While local superiority around Starbases and major worlds is likely, this should not be taken as guaranteed either. Both Starfleet Intelligence and Klingon Command have confirmed the sighting and engagement of Klingon warships of the D6, D7 and Scout class designations as far into the Treaty Zone as Axanar waypoint V-1-2, Regulus and New Paris. Starfleet vessels should consider these targets as hostile. However, normal rules peacetime rules of engagement will apply in all circumstances except under the exceptions detailed in said peacetime regulations. Starfleet vessels of Class 1, 2 and 3 specifications, when operating independently within the Disputed Area, should consider themselves to be hostile territory and conduct themselves accordingly. All ships should expect hostile contact with Klingon warships and other hostile powers. Class-1 Starships are not to put themselves at risk of capture or destruction by enemy vessels. Independent Starships are encouraged to make regular port calls at Federation colonies and outposts along their travel routes in order to provide a visible sign of Starfleet presence, subject the requirements of their mission profile. Vessels designated Class 4,5,6 and lesser craft are not to travel unaccompanied unless authorised by a Flag Officer. Vessels on long-term survey missions are required to maintain regular contact with the nearest Starbase as part of security measures. 5.Starfleet General Orders and Exceptions The follow exceptions and amendments to Starfleet General orders and regulations have been authorised by the Federation Security Council and the POTUFP as of Stardate 1495.50 [November 4th 2259].
Other exceptions and adjustions to regulations and General Orders are likely to be made at the discretion of the Federation Security Council and Starfleet Command. 6.Orders in Relation to the Department of Commerce and the Merchant Marine Within the disputed area, all mercantile vessels operating under the flag of the Federation Merchant Marine are required to report their travel itinerary and ports of call to the nearest Starbase. These vessels will also be subject to convoy operations under the direction of the Tactical Command, as detailed in the operational directives in appendix B.The operations of Mercantile Starbases will be subject to oversight and control by Tactical Command in their areas of operation, subject to Fleet-wide alert status. Other orders are likely to be issues and regulations developed as the ongoing tensions with the Klingon Empire continue. Starfleet Command will remain vigilant in providing clear instructions to Flag Officers and Command personnel in both Quadrants. Signed, Admiral Ryn Ch’Shukar, Commanding Officer, Operating Forces of the Federation Starfleet (Commander, Starfleet) Stardate 1499.7
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