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The Wallace Islands and Kasnyia Meet
Topic Started: Nov 5 2013, 01:24 AM (655 Views)
the Wallace Islands
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The Haddenfeldt Palace, Guranburg, Kasnyia...

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Gordon Mitchell, Prime Minister of the Wallace Islands, strode the spacious halls of the Kasnyian seat of government with a delegation two abreast, his thoughts racing. The Secretaries of State and Treasury were present along with several other top-tier cabinet officials.

Mitchell's pace quickened. Though he had lead his government as Prime Minister for nine years, he had attended relatively few diplomatic meetings at this level. The Wallace Islands self-imposed isolation had not left much opportunity for state visits. But that was beginning to change.

Privately, he wondered how his country would be received. The preliminary discussions leading up to this meeting had been positive, but Kasnyia had spent much more time on the world stage. As the group descended the staircase to meet the Kasnyian delegation, Mitchell adjusted his tie.

At the bottom of the large staircase, the Kasnyian delegation was waiting, headed by the interim prime minister, Anup Kohn. Mitchell suppressed the urge to grin with satisfaction. It was somewhat unusual for the him, as the Prime Minister, to attend a first-round diplomatic meeting personally, and he appreciated the respect shown by Kasnyia returning the favor.

Perhaps more importantly, it looked good to the cameras. A flurry of flashes from which were now going off. A press contingent was present, along with a sizable number of Wallace Island news outlets: the Island Times, The Pacific, WITV, others. His communications team had done well.

If nothing else, coming away from the meeting with a significant appearance with the leadership of Pope Bartholomew's protector state would be a political boon back home. This coming election could be close, very close. The Islands' Colognian Catholic population made up 24% of the electorate, and they had overwhelmingly supported the opposing Christian Democratic party in the past. Shaving off even 1 or 2 percentage points would have a big impact.

But Mitchell hoped to go even further today. Never let a crisis go to waste, he thought to himself.

"Mr. Prime Minister," Mitchell extended his hand with a wide smile. "On behalf of the Wallace Islands, I thank you for offering to host this meeting between our governments. This is a remarkable space," he continued as his eyes swept a circle around the room.

"We offer our sympathies on His Majesty's ill health and wish him a full recovery.

"And for your country's continued protection of His Holiness Pope Bartholomew and the Papal State, you have the warm thanks of millions of members of the Catholic faith in my country."

Mitchell concluded an extra-long handshake. The flashes of light from the cameras continued to flood the room.
Edited by the Wallace Islands, Nov 5 2013, 01:25 AM.
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Kasnyia
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Anup Kohn was an elder statesman. He had served as an aide to the Iron Man of Kasnyia himself, Prince Lionel Karschburg, the famous and sadly long deceased wartime Prime Minister of Kasnyia. He had also, in his own right, been the man responsible for most of Kasnyia's reconstruction after the war, and so he had earned, both with brushes with history and his own endeavors, the honor of being called upon to serve at the pleasure of the Emperor for whatever position deemed fit, once he retired in his own right.

To that end, he had only just recently retired as a member of the Grand Parliament's upper chamber, the Council of Lords, in favor of his son Dylehp Kohn. Since then he had been serving as the interrim prime minister while the elections were going on.

"Thank you for your kind wishes," he stated gently as he returned the handshakes, "We hope for this meeting to become the harbinger of a glorious new era centered on our ties as good neighbors."

KNS and other news services were giving this a full court press. Rumors of the breaking of Kasnyia's post-war isolation had come and gone, but this had been the first time anything concrete had come of the notion, and the public was excited.

-----

Once the cameras were away, the delegations sat at the conference table.

"What might Kasnyia do for your country, Mr. Prime Minister?" Kohn asked simply.
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the Wallace Islands
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Gordon Mitchell drummed his fingers on the conference room table as he waited for everyone to take their seats. He was a handsome man and an athlete in his youth, but had gained just enough weight in his middle age for his face to be noticeably fuller. His thick dark hair was neatly combed, though in need of a slight trim. He had the politician's look: photogenic and an alpha male, but simultaneously disarming.

He had been leader of the Republican Party and Prime Minister for nine years. Presiding over a relatively bland period of stability, excepting the stock market bubble of a year ago. Though the recovery was underway, the legacy of that economic crisis together with fast moving demographic trends now threatened his party's hammerlock on control of Parliament.

But recent events in Europe, including the tragic execution of Pope John David, had presented a rare opportunity. Many social commentators in his country had long sensed that the Wallace Islands yearned to step out onto the international stage. They were children of the British Empire after all. Arrogant, rebellious children--but of the same breed none the less.

The cause of defending Cologne was a just one, but also an opportunistic one. It was politically popular at home, and abroad it was a chance to show conviction and gain friends, while simultaneously allowing the Wallace Islands to insert itself into world affairs, without raising too many eyebrows.

With both delegations finally in full attendance the side conversations abruptly died down as Kasnyia's interim prime minister began the meeting. "What might Kasnyia do for your country, Mr. Prime Minister?" Kohn asked simply.

Mitchell was at first taken aback by the directness of the question but pressed ahead. "Mr. Prime Minister, on behalf of the Wallace Islands, I again thank you for your hospitality in hosting this meeting. Let me first say that I believe very strongly that our two nations share many of the same ideals and have much in common. I am here with two main goals in mind:

"First, we believe that closer economic ties between our countries would be mutually beneficial. We are neighbors to your colony in Australia, and we have access to direct shipping lanes to the Indian subcontinent. We have taken the liberty of preparing a pamphlet on what we believe could be sources of those ties. He motioned to a thin booklet which everyone seated had been given a copy of. In particular, our low corporate tax rate, strong manufacturing sector, and rapidly expanding middle class should make us an attractive market for you.

"Secondly, as the protectors of Cologne and the Papal State, your government has the extreme gratitude of Wallace Islanders. A significant minority of our population is Colognian Catholic, and our nation as a whole is committed to the ideals of religious tolerance and freedom.

"If I could start there. How are you currently situated for Cologne's defense and its rebuilding? It is my understanding, for example, that some nations have proposed a mutual defense pact. Though our nation is somewhat far, if we are able to assist in the future safety and welfare of Cologne, we are eager to contribute.

"How might the Wallace Islands best be of assistance?"
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Kasnyia
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"Kasnyia would gladly accept closer economic ties with your country. Our ships would be delighted to make port with your islands," Kohn replied, "As to the matter of Cologne, any assistance to her defense will be appreciated, especially since Kasnyia is going to take some time to return to the world stage."

"We would also like to offer you a stake in the Australian Dynamic Energy Grid, which is currently under construction, to create greener and cheaper energy for the region," Kohn continued, as he began ticking off a series of proposals, "In addition, we offer your ships berthing rights in Kasnyian Vanuatu, for any vessels under your flag going through the south pacific. We also encourage your public's tourism of Australia."

"With regards to your manufacturing sector, we would like to take great advantage of your offer with several of our manufacturing firms, who could certainly use the extra capacity. Particularly in the field of aircraft and shipbuilding."

"Now, how to address the practicalities of your joining a defense pact with Cologne..."
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the Wallace Islands
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"We have the manpower and the technological capacity to contribute, but since they will be based far from Oceania, our forces will require logistical support from your government," Mitchell replied.

"We can provide approximately 500 of our special forces operators. They could be folded into your command structure and their commander will take his operational instructions through your chain of command."

OOC: I don't really want to haggle over an exact number, so if that sounds low/high...what I'm aiming at is a pretty small force of some of my best trained troops. Big enough to be given something to defend, but we're very much a junior partner.

IC:

"We can certainly discuss any operational details at this point, or if you prefer, my Secretary of Defense can discuss the particulars further with his counterpart in a later meeting."
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Kasnyia
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500 would be fine. And we'll see to it you are stationed there and provisioned, though do note you will have to take care of expenses of the materials themselves.

OOC- I also am not one to haggle on details.
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the Wallace Islands
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We will certainly accept the costs of provisioning our troops. We will set aside an appropriate amount in our defense budget for this purpose.

One related issue, however. Transporting troops and some smaller vehicles at this level will not be a problem. However, if you would require a supplemental commitment of armor from us, that may be an issue. The Caliphate has, we believe recklessly, blocked access to the Suez Canal for the transport of military hardware.

If you do not require such a commitment, this is not a concern. But if you do, would your government be willing to provide for the transport of this hardware? We would need to travel around the horn of Africa and this is not a shipping lane we frequent and it will be a significant expense for us considering we are only moving a small force to begin with.

On that note, would Kasnyia consider supporting our resolution to classify the Suez as entirely neutral and open to all ships of war or commerce?

We have no intention of sending a significant force to Europe, but we are deeply concerned that nations are already ignoring the Caliphate. This is bound to escalate sooner or later. Or regional powers may gain de facto control of the Canal through coercion or blockade and be able to move troops freely while European and Asian powers are cut off.
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Kasnyia
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Kasnyia will review the Suez situation, but as it has great similarities to Cologne's situation vis a vis the Danish Straits, whom we support in the matter, it is unlikely you will see much action from our end.

With regards to handling transport of your forces, that can be done, provided again that you handle expenses such as food and fuel and the like. Military vehicles of any kind would be welcome. Cologne is to be rearmed, after all.
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the Wallace Islands
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I regret our difference of opinion on the Suez, but wish only to note that we consider the matter of the Danish Straits to be entirely different and support the existing policies there. The Suez is at the junction of three continents and is contested by all the major powers. If it is closed as a result of these conflicts, the implications for global commerce are extreme. The Danish Straits are crucial to Cologne's security which obviously has been threatened so recently.

Our offer to provide a contingent of troops and small arms stands, but we do not feel we can commit armor or other larger weapons systems under the present circumstances. I must emphasize that we will contribute to Cologne's defense, but if it is attacked our commitment cannot be expanded. Our geographic situation leaves us accepting substantial risk even for this smaller force, and the situation in the Suez and elsewhere makes it impossible for us to do more with any security.

I hope that we are still in agreement and that you appreciate our circumstances.
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Kasnyia
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We can transport via air, if it will assuage concerns about the straits. As to our stance, we actually agree with you, but we know of others who would take advantage of the Suez precedent and force Cologne to do the same. His Imperial Majesty nor the Grand Parliament can accept this.
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the Wallace Islands
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We appreciate the offer of air transport and will commit some extra resources, but we will still need to remain a junior partner. What is the current situation as to Cologne's defense? It was our understanding that other nations were discussing a defense pact but we are not privy to the details.
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Kasnyia
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Still in negotiations. Any particular reason why?
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the Wallace Islands
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A fair question. We are relatively young on the world stage and have not established formal ties with most nations and, to be frank, are still attempting to sort out which nations may ultimately prove friendliest to peaceful goals. I wouldn't say that the list of nations rising to Cologne's defense is necessarily a perfect guide in Europe right now, but it may prove instructive.
Edited by the Wallace Islands, Nov 8 2013, 09:50 PM.
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Kasnyia
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Negotiations are only in the starting phase. However, I wouldn't use it as a barometer of friendliness.
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Can I ask your opinion then of some of our neighbors? We are concerned for instance by Scythirus's movement through the Suez Canal while blatantly ignoring the Caliphate's restrictions. Additionally, Eastern China's movement into Indonesia seems aggressive though we are reserving judgment. We have recently entered into an initial trade framework agreement with Pocuian Singapore, and we notice you share a border with Porcu Proper. Other nations such as Kiru Tao or Chirondom we have had little contact with.
Edited by the Wallace Islands, Nov 8 2013, 11:11 PM.
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Kasnyia
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Chirondom is in a state of self imposed isolation. They, like us and the rest of Asia, were devastated by the Dominion. Kiru Tao is Kasnyia's oldest and closest ally and an honorable nation.

Porcu we are neutral with, though their slight militancy on republicanism, vis a vis Cologne, irks the Emperor.

The Eastern Empire you must be careful of. They were once a core territory of the Dominion as Kasnyia was...and they are far less remorseful of their involvement. A nation of bloodthirsty conmen. We do not have active emnity, but we avoid them all the same.

For Scythirus, their rulers believe in the rule of the sword...and the sword they wield can cleave most easily. They find the Caliphate to be an upstart. His Imperial Majesty agrees with him, but at the same time agrees that the Lesser Caliph must protect his waters. It is just in Kasnyia's opinion that the only way they would be able to accomplish that is through some kind of alliance. Til then, they cannot back their rules. And it is why Kasnyia does not worry about the Suez. In short, they do what they do because none can oppose. So unless you are proposing war and have a ready alliance, I would not challenge them.
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the Wallace Islands
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Certainly we do not wish for war. We are only attempting to gleam what we can of the character of the nation, should they ever turn their attention further eastward...

In full disclosure, the Wallace Islands had something of a streak of militant republicanism in its youth. As we overthrew a former colonial power. We are proud of our heritage as something of an "upstart", but I don't think you will find any true prejudice in your dealings with the government.

What matters most is strong civil institutions and that those elites who are in power handle their role responsibly.

Could you go into a bit more depth on your system of government? I am interested in the relationship between the monarchy and the legislature.

Please don't take this anything other than genuine interest. We am very eager to know more of your country and the topic has reminded me. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about my nation as well.



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Kasnyia
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Don't lecture us and Kasnyia will have no issue with you.

Our legislature is the Grand Parliament and it is trilateral. The provincial governors, who are appointed by the Emperor, form one chamber, another is formed by the aristocracy and business community, which is hereditary, and then there is the third formed of the empire's subjects, who are elected by the public. The Council of Govenors are an advisory body to the Emperor and have no power to make law outside of their individual provinces, though they do have the power to mediate disputes between the House of the People and the Imperial Senate and to affirm Justice appointments to the Imperial High Court. The Emperor is himself the leader of the Council. The Imperial Senate is the upper house, which handles appointments to the Imperial Cabinet, sees bills for approval or remedy from the House, among other duties. The Lord High Magistrate of the Senate leads this body. The House of the People handles money bills, other legislation, the census and other day to day workings. Political parties are only allowed within this body. The Prime Minister is chosen from thos body. The Lord Speaker of the House leads this body.

The Emperor has the final say in matters relating to military and foreign affairs on the advice of the other bodies. In domestic matters he must consult the other bodies and follow their lead. On matters of the Imperial House, the Household Council, which consists of members of the Imperial Family and the leaders of the various bodies, makes decisions regarding heirs and other matters in the event of an issue.
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the Wallace Islands
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If I could change topics. Would your government object to our claiming some of the smaller islands in the Indian Ocean as military bases in the near future? Perhaps if our contribution to Cologne is well received, we can work together more in the future.
Edited by the Wallace Islands, Nov 9 2013, 03:33 PM.
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Kasnyia
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It depends on which specific islands, and we must insist you tell us for what purpose do you need these bases.
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Essentially, we are expecting to significantly expand trade with Asia and Africa. A more forward presence in the region may eventually help us ensure security.

Let me step back as I've probably been too forward too quickly. Our early discussion was going well. This is a long term project and earning your trust is important to us. But we feel Kasnyia and the Wallace islands share some common interests and there is a chance for us to work together in the future.
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Kasnyia
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Indeed, there is.
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the Wallace Islands
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Then to that end, we propose the following takeaways from our meeting today:

- The establishing of formal relations and an exchange of embassies and ambassadors

- A Trade Framework Agreement between our governments which would establish a "council" to meet semi-annually at the cabinet or sub-cabinet level to discuss the current status of trade relations, look for areas of mutual economic benefit, and work to lower trade barriers where possible

- That this council's immediate agenda would include discussion of the following proposals: The Wallace Islands' acceptance of a stake in the Australian Dynamic Energy Grid, cooperation between our manufacturing sectors

- An agreement for berthing rights for commercial vessels of both nations in the ports of the Wallace Islands, Kasnyian Australia, and Kasnyian Vanuatu

- An agreement by the Wallace Islands to contribute a force of 500 troops to the defense of Cologne. Logistical support to be provided by the government of Kasnyia with the expense handled by the Wallace Islands.

- A commitment to meet within the next 12 months (IRL 3 months) to discuss a possible broader cooperation agreement which may include: regional defense cooperation, visa-free travel to encourage tourism, cooperation in the basic sciences, and cultural exchanges

Would these meet with your approval, and do you have anything you'd wish to add?
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Kasnyia
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They should be fine, though I'd increase the troops to 5000 or make the 500 of a special forces unit.

OOC- Because of the way Nationstates works, the troop levels are a lot large than they would be in real life. 500 is a drop in the bucket.
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the Wallace Islands
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OOC: I'll make the 500 a special forces unit if that sounds ok to you.

I'd like to draft one or more formal agreements to have us "sign." Probably just an economic one and something about the defense of Cologne.
Edited by the Wallace Islands, Nov 10 2013, 03:06 AM.
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