The Zille Agreement

Signed in 1927, the Zille Agreement granted the Republic of Wehlen temporary ownership of the Zille region of Rizia. Officially, the land was given away as a token of gratitude for Wehlen’s aid in quelling the Uprising of 1926. Unofficially, the agreement served as a punishment for the province of Brenas and its ruling house the Sazons, whose Duke and Duchess were said to have been complicit in the rebellion. Per the terms of the agreement, the Republic of Wehlen was to maintain control over the Zille region for a period of 25 years, after which the territory would revert to Rizian sovereignty. During this time, Wehlen was granted full authority over Zille's governance, economic activities, and natural resources, including any mining operations and agricultural production. The agreement also stipulated certain conditions to ensure the fair treatment of the local Rizian populace within Zille. This included provisions for cultural preservation, allowing residents to maintain their traditional practices and language. Additionally, it outlined protocols for cross-border movement and trade, aiming to minimize disruption to the lives of those living in the border area. Despite this, many Rizians still left Zille when the agreement went into effect. A further wave of mass emigration occurred during the Wehlen Civil War several years later. Though framed as a diplomatic gesture, the Zille agreement and its repercussions proved contentious among the populace. In particular, the actions of Wehlen’s post-war government, led by Wiktor Smolak, have led many in Rizia to call for an early termination of the treaty.