A Collaboration Conversation
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A Collaboration Conversation
United Duchies / Inimicus / Spain / North Diessen Summit
Telum, 29th September 2020
The Imperial Capital, TelumImperial Foreign Officer Sarah Gladwell was once again awaiting a chance to extend Inimicus's network of allies. It felt as though she had only just returned from her summit with the Spanish President and representatives, and now she would be able to host them and officials from two other nations on home turf. She had decided to host everyone here, at the Imperial Palace, rather at her offices in the Imperial Foreign Office's administrative buildings, purely due to the impressiveness of the Palace grounds.
The Emperor had been precise in His orders: approach the United Duchies and North Diessen, but not at any cost to the immensely cordial and friendly relations with Spain, and not at any cost to Inimician military or territorial integrity. North Diessen would be a hard nation to convince of bonding together with the Empire - only months ago, the Diessenian government had sanctioned Inimicus and the two nations had been close to war.
The Spanish were on Sarah's side, she was sure of that. Spanish authorities were well aware of Inimician intentions, as the two nations had been in almost constant communication over the last few months over the increasing aggression and rashness of the Kingdom of Reitzmag. Whether the United Duchies were as co-operative, Sarah did not dare to guess. She had heard of Duchy representatives meeting Reitzmic officials recently, which was cause for concern. Concern which, hopefully, this meeting would take away.
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Felix Underhill and Prime Minister Fitzcharles departed seperately. Both would arrive seperately as was security protocol. They hoped to increase cooperation in the region especially with their neighbour Dreissen. They hoped to increase trade , regional investment and co-operation in science and military among other affairs.
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It was Dastis time to shine. With Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría having to stay in Spain due to the Eastern Haane's crisis, Alfonso Dastis was sent by the Acting Spanish President into this summit which he expected to be good. North Diessen and the United Duchies were 2 new nations for him, despite the first one being in the European Union for a while. Jesús Aguilar cooperated with Dastis on how to approach new nations, as he was ambassador before being Minister. Dastis remembered the advices Aguilar gave him when the Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Minister phoned the President: "We are loyal to the Treaty of Finisterre, we don't want a new currency other than the EMU."
Despite he needed to receive some instructions, Dastis knew what to do. The plane arrived at the airport and the motorcade escorted the Minister to the Imperial Palace. He looked through the window to see Telum, the capital city. It was amazing. The motorcade got to the Imperial Palace and Dastis shook hands with Sarah. "Nice to see you, Sarah. How are you doing today?" The Minister said.
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President Inge Pekcan was not enthusiastic about this meeting. In fact, she had such disdain for just about everyone in the Inimician Imperial Palace she genuinely considered bringing a sick bag. Her one weakness - her temper - would need tough controls today. Being from North Diessen, and naturally humble, she decided to take the cross-border railway service between Het Goor and the Inimician service of Lacerta, before transferring onto a national Inimician train. She soon realised that she was now more well known than she had been the last time she'd visited Inimicus. Several times, she had had to explain to a "concerned" Inimician citizen that no, she was not travelling to the Imperial Palace to assassinate their oh-so-beloved Emperor. And no, she was not carrying any type of explosive or weaponry - although her three security guards in civilian clothes and two in service uniforms might have begged to differ.
From Telum Imperial Railway Station, Inge took the number 24 tram to the Imperial Palace. She drew some looks from the Palace guards, who watched her disembark. "Eh, welcome", one of them announced as she ascended the steep steps. After shaking hands with Sarah Gladwell, perhaps the only figure she respected in the Inimician administration - strong women were strong women, after all - she entered the conference room, where the other delegates had already been seated.
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Sarah was immensely surprised at the North Diessenian President's arrival by public transport - she could, after all, have been killed. Or worse still, she could have had to speak with an actual voter. Sarah could not bear the thought. Of course, Sarah herself had not been elected to any position. Ever. And yet, she found herself in the Imperial Palace, about to host a meeting of the highest level, with huge sums of money and prestige, as well as human lives, at stake. She had worked her way up the ladder by other means.
"Thank you all, for coming to the Imperial Palace today", Sarah began as the representatives were all seated and appropriate drinks of choice had been poured, "I would, in particular, like to welcome Mr Underhill and Prime Minister Fitzcharles, new members of our European family of nations, on their first ever visit to Telum. It is indeed great to see you here. Mr Dastis, I trust Spain has been treating you well? It is my pleasure to host you here, your nation is, after all, among Inimicus's greatest and most important allies. President Pekcan, it does the Imperial Government good to see you here after the 'rough patch' our nations went through recently. We hope that this meeting provides a catalyst for further improvements to our national relations."
"Now, as we are all gathered here at the proposal of the United Duchies, I would like to start by asking Mr Underhill and PM Fitzcharles what their aim in calling this meeting is, and what they hope to achieve."
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PM Fitzcharles responded "Thank you for the great welcome. I called us together today as I believe as big regional powers and close neighbours we have a lot to gain by working together. I would like us to work together on defence and security, economy, research and the environment among other issues. One of my main goals is to set up a defence union to keep our area secure and also in order to co-operate on military technology development. I understand some of you may be nervous since our meeting with Reitzmag but that was purely economic and friendship with an aim to bringing relations closer together for all of us in the long run. What I am proposing is we have a defence treaty , capacity for joint command and developement of some standardise equipment in order to lower costs, increase efficiency and also increase security by pooling our defences together. Furthermore we would offer as part of this organisation access to the Baltic Canal so we can assist each other when we need to , this should hopefully deter nations that pose a threat to our wellbeing."
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Dastis was making notes of what the United Duchies Prime Minister Fitzcharles was saying. He looked at Sarah saying if he could speak. When Sarah gave Dastis the go-ahead signal:
"Well Mr. Fitzcharles, I have to say Spain is interested on this defensive pact and getting access to the Baltic Canal is essential for accomplishing with the functions of self-defence between us. At the moment, Spain and Inimicus have a defensive pact in which they share 4 bases each, and we do joint military trainings. I wanted to know what are your plans for keeping the treaty we signed and enforcing this one without touching the Madrid Pact.
About the production, I have to confess Spain is interested on Inimicans products, as said in our meeting with Ms. Gladwell not so many time ago and in the United Duchies products too, so I hope this alliance makes us 4 stronger. We have a very important agreement with Inimicus and we would like to have a similar or mostly similar agreement in this area, if we all agree the terms and conditions."
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@Spain said in A Collaboration Conversation:
Fitzcharles was saying. He looked at Sarah saying if he could speak. When Sarah gave Dastis the go-ahead signal:
"Well Mr. Fitzcharles, I have to say Spain is interested on this defensive pact and getting access to the Baltic Canal is essential for accomplishing with the functions of self-defence between us. At the moment, Spain and Inimicus have a defensive pact in which they share 4 bases each, and we do joint military trainings. I wanted to know what are your plans for keeping the treaty we signed and enforcing this one without touching the Madrid Pact.
About the production, I have to confess Spain is interested on Inimicans products, as said in our meeting with Ms. Gladwell not so many time ago and in the United Duchies products too, so I hope this alliance makes us 4 stronger. We have a very important agreementFitzcharles had researched the agreement before coming up with their plans. He replied " We would keep the same collaberation as that agreement and then any additional areas of co-operation would be covered by this treaty. Basically this is designed to compliment existing treaties essentially and not supercede it entirely. We know superceding entirely isn't practical due to common currency conditions which nations like my own are not ready for and might never be hence we would like this to be a distinct and separate agreement. We do however in spirit of regional peace and defusing of tensions have a request of our own , we would like a tri-partite Inimicus and Spain talks with Reitzmag in the spirit of peace and defusing tensions coming to a lasting agreement on vital issues. We would like to act as the mediator in these talks and we have the trust of Reitzmag in this regard. We know there are big issues but ultimately we trust both sides have a strong desire to keep peace and stop tensions getting to a dangerous boiling point for the sake of regional stability."
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Sarah frowned somewhat noticeably at the Grand Duchies' representatives' comments surrounding tripartite talks with Reitzmag. "Mr Fitzcharles, you must understand", she began, kindly though sternly, in that manner she had honed over her years in power, "It is entirely likely elements of the Kingdom of Reitzmag will enter into open conflict with forces from Spain and Inimicus within the next 24 hours or so. Tripartite talks? As a condition for agreements with the United Duchies? This is a condition Inimicus can never accept. We will decide for ourselves, and with our current allies, who to speak with and who not to. The United Duchies' apparent friendship with Reitzmag is its own business, of course - the Empire would not dare suggest who you can be friends with and who not, but please, do the same for us.
"That said, defensive co-operation in itself is not something the Empire would shun. Indeed, the Baltic Canal access of which you speak, Mr Fitzcharles, is immensely attractive to, I'm sure, both Madrid Pact signatories. I'm quite curious about the specifics of this Canal, however - who currently has access to it? What exact townships does it connect and where does it end up? What types of vessels does it support? We must know this information to judge whether access is worth the risks that access brings with it - particularly given Reitzmag's hostility to the Empire of late."
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Mr Fitzcharles listened before responding "It is not a condition of talks so to speak just a call on behalf of our nation for defusing of tensions. We just don't want a war if it is at all possible to avoid. We understand its difficult at the moment especially with the issues in East Hahne and that it is possible conflict could erupt, we just want peace to be given a chance. We think its possible we could convince them to leave East Hahne or at least act cooperatively in this matter which is at the moment a top priority given the damage that has been done there.
Now in terms of Baltic canal access is open to all civilian ships that fit which at present though we are considering random ship inspections of ships heading up to East Hahne. In terms of military ships only we can use the canal at present and it would be expanded to nations in this grouping. Also depending on how responsible Reitzmag are they may have any canal access revoked if we find they are using our canal to transport items contrary to our rules which specifically ban siginificant military munitions."
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Dastis was kind of confused. ¿Did they really read what was going on? Peace was signed by Spain and Reitzmag in an Europolis park, so tensions were gone. And now, a new nation pretends to go back into past to let the boats pass through the Persian Gulf. No, no and no, that was not possible.
"Mr. Fitzcharles, I think you are slightly confused. Spain signed peace with Reitzmag time ago, and there are no troubles. The Reitzmic oppose to the No-Fly Zone Spain, Inimicus, Vayinaod and Fremet are establishing but that doesn't imply there are tensions or something, all is going good as of now. Also, Spain is de-escalating on those tensions so another meeting would have no sense.
I would like to ask you again about your equipment. Would we get free equipment or low-prized equipment with this treaty? I think it's something that matters to every of us here. I mentioned the Madrid Pact because we have agreements on many defensive aspects which could help to orientate this treaty too."
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Fitzcharles once again listened and thought before responding "Okay perhaps a meeting is not necessary. We will try our best using our connection to talk to Reitzmag in order to calm down on the East Hahne issue.
In terms of equipment we would be thinking of working on standardising weapons in some areas between us so we can all contribute our best technologies and have similar equipment. This would be on a programme by programme basis.We believe this could seriously cut costs and increase military capacity for the same resources through efficiency." -
"Talk about weaponry and arms is certainly something the Empire is interested in. I think, however, that we should leave this discussion for slightly later in this meeting. The issue of Reitzmag is still very much on the Imperial Government's mind. We must receive some kind of reassurance that no military vessels from Reitzmag will ever pass through the Baltic canal. That, if anything, is paramount to any agreement signed here today. The same, by the way, goes for North Diessen" - Sarah glanced over at Inge, who had been quietly fidgeting with her pen for the last few minutes - "Inimicus must receive reassurance that North Diessen will not be building a canal that will allow Reitzmic military ships access to the Persian Gulf. "
"As for equipment, I think joint development of military gear would be preferable to standardisation - which, in itself, would be hugely expensive and cumbersome. However, the Empire is definitely extremely interested in developing equipment, especially aircraft and naval vessels, in conjunction with the Duchies and Spain."
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Fitzcharles replied with confidence saying " I can assure you the only way Reitzmag will ever get canal access is if they are party to this treaty in the future and ultimately that is in your hands. Our priority is this treaty and any future defence organisation we would insist on unanimous support for any entry to the military side.We have not interest in letting Reitzmag through the canal.
In terms on military standardisation it would only be for new equipment if all the countries or multiple countries need to develop new equipment. We are not suggesting scrapping all old equipment so what your saying is exactly what we are suggesting.A good place to start may be managing an update of the current Eurofighter model alot of us share."
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President Mohan Chakramurthy decided it was time to establish diplomatic relations with nations. So, when he saw His majesty's invitation, he decided that this was his chance to establish relations with the power nation
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PM Fitzcharles listened as discussions went on. Then the delegation broke for dinner. It was decided after being finished off the treaty would be signed the next day. The treaty was outlined the next day for signing:
Treaty of TelumWe the nations of this treaty pledge to work together for the good of all nations economically, culturally and in joint defence of democratic values in our countries. We pledge to protect our countries by working together in co-operation for peace and the common good of our nations.
Article 1: Free Trade and Standardisation
1.1 All members shall have free trade with all other members with no protectionist barriers unless they are implemented for all companies of member nations.
1.2 Any companies registered in member states shall have the right to operate in any other member state as long as they meet national standards.
1.3 State-owned airlines will set an airlines alliance to get joint benefits.
1.4 A Roaming-free zone shall be established between signatory states.
1.5 Free movement of capital within the joint market.
1.6 Joint sharing of information between members regulators and tax agencies may be allowed for regulatory or tax purposes.
1.7 Environmental minimum standards should be standardised among member nations to fight against Climate Change and degradation of the environment.Article 2: Free Movement
2.1 All member nations citizens shall be able to move freely around other member nations and live in any member state.
2.2 If any extreme situation may take place, member states will be able to shut down their borders.
2.3 Security controls are allowed to take place, especially those affecting cargo.Article 3: Military Pact
3.1 All members shall defend each other in case of attack by any foreign nation.
3.2 Only members shall have military access to the Baltic Canal
3.3 All members shall be able to co-operate on joint procurement and standardisation of equipment.
3.4 Co-operation shall exist in situations where member nations are in a conflict together.
3.5 Members will get reduced costs when buying military equipment from other nations, except if there’s a treaty between 2 or more members which include other conditions.
3.6 Nations in the Southern Association of Nations will get reduced tax on their cargo when entering Gibraltar, Adventuranza or the Kiel Canal. Agreements can be established to reduce that tax to 0%.Article 4: Culture and Research
4.1 All members shall develop cultural and educational exchange programmes with other member nations
4.2 All members shall co-operate on scientific research between universities for the good of all membersArticle 5: Security
5.1 All members shall allow extradition to another upon a warrant being approved.
5.2 Members shall share intelligence relating to national security of another member with that member unless it results in a national security threat to the nation
5.3 A joint arrest warrant and law enforcement information sharing system should be established between members if necessary.Article 6: Membership
5.1 Signatories shall be members of the Southern Association of Nations
5.2 Members may leave at any time following an agreement between the SAN and the member state wishing to leave.
5.3 Members shall meet twice a year to discuss progress and joint issues
5.4 New members may be admitted upon a vote of 75% or more in favour.
5.5 All member nations must have democratic elections.Prime minister Fitzcharles signed the treaty on behalf of the Duchies using his powers from parliament.
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Dastis read the Treaty with lots of attention, and he thought it was acceptable for Spain:
"I agree with the terms and conditions of this Treaty, so Spain will sign it."
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"Gentlemen, Ladies, it is my pleasure to affix my signature, which carries the authorisation and powers under the Great Imperial Seal of the Empire of Inimicus, to this present document, the Treaty of Telum, to establish and forge a permanent bond between our great nations."
The Kingdom of Spain