Starfleet Directive 010

Starfleet Directive 010
Subject: First Contact Procedures
To: All Starfleet Personnel
It is the policy of the United Federation of Planets to seek peaceful resolution and diplomatic contact with all alien species, whenever possible. In the event of a potential hostile encounter, all Starfleet personnel are to adhere to the following procedures:
# Make all attempts at peaceful communication and establish contact with the alien species before engaging in any form of military action.
# Use all available means of communication, including universal translators and diplomatic protocols, to establish a dialogue and avoid misunderstandings.
# If necessary, use defensive measures to protect the safety of Starfleet personnel and assets, but only if all attempts at peaceful resolution have failed.
# When military action is unavoidable, use the minimum amount of force necessary to achieve the objectives.
# After any conflict, Starfleet personnel are to make all attempts to initiate dialogue and seek peaceful resolution with the alien species.
Failure to adhere to these procedures will result in disciplinary action, up to and including court-martial proceedings.
By order of Starfleet Command