I apologize for the Chief of State's delay. I'm sure you can appreciate that his schedule and his duties in the Senate pose many demands on his time, and he cannot respond to all of the correspondence that he may wish to in a timely manner. This is not, however, to be interpreted as having any bearing on his interest in the contents of that correspondence. That is, he has not expressed a position either in support or opposed to your proposal and, rest assured, will respond in due time when he has had the opportunity to study it with the full consideration that it deserves.

The New Republic values its correspondence with the Empire, as it believes that constructive dialogue is the best means to assure the peace that we have both agreed to, and to which the Republic remains committed.