A trip to the South

[Rheinbund]

Eiffelland was developing a supersonic plane together with scientists from a.o. Elben, but the government planes of Eiffelland-Retalia were subsonic ones. King Albrecht was sitting in one of them, an Eiffellandian-built

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in a long-range version. The plane had a reach of 15,000 km — enough for his destination, the island kingdom in the South-THaumantic ocean called Justosia.
Not much publicity was given to this trip, but it was an important one. Justosia was very friendly towards Eiffelland-Retalia, and the Eiffelloretalians wanted to reciprokate this friendliness. There were concerns though, especially about the tensions between Natalia and Justosia, mainly resulting from misunderstandings. After the Gallogermanian War, Eiffelland-Retalia was trying to get good relations with as many countries as possible. That included Justosia, but also Natalia.
The role of the King in Eiffelland-Retalia was not really a powerful one. The fact that the King had to sign all the laws implied a veto right, but the King was not supposed to use that implicit right. The role of the Justosian King was a more powerful one, and King Francisco was considered a man who preferred to speak with monarchs. Therefore, King Albrecht went to Justosia after a long-lasting conversation with Demissionary Chancellor Dr. Röpke about what he could promise and what not. This should work out. The King had been in comparable situations several times under Dr. Röpke's predecessor Graf von Seydewitz.

@Justosia

 

[Justosia]

Avalon Internationale Airport

A full diplomatic Honour Guard awaited the touching down of the Eiffelland Royal Delegation. This was a huge deal. A visit of this significance elevates the Great Southern Kingdom on the European stage. HRM had longed for a fellow monarch to converse with, befriend in person. An alliance was desired.

The Royal Palace trusted virtually none of its regional neighbors. Sometimes HRM almost wished he could move the whole country up north....

 

[Rheinbund]

Avalon Internationale Airport
Avalon, Justosia
4 December 2018

The plane with King Albrecht touched down on Avalon Internationale Airport and taxied towards the Honour Guard. The pilot parked the plane in such a way that the stairs did not need to be moved. The door of the plane was opened, and King Albrecht emerged. He was wearing a perfectly fitting custom-made dark grey suit, a white shirt of a cloth that did not shine through and a wine-red tie.

Given the fact that Justosia is on the southern hemisphere, it was Summer here. The contrast with Eiffelland was clear. This year's winter was not really hard yet, but a cloudy sky with +8 degrees celsius was something else than the bright blue sky with high temperatures in Justosia.

King Albrecht walked down the stairs in a smooth but elegant pace. When he was on the ground, he walked to the delegation and greeted King Carlos Francisco.

 

[Justosia]

The Honour Guard began playing the Eiffelland National Anthem as King Albrecht descended. They assumed positions, saluted. Adjacent were fluttering Justosian & Eiffelland flags.

"THEIR MAJESTIES KING ALBRECHT AND KING CARLOS LUIS FRANCISCO THE SECOND." The Honour Guard Captain announced.

King Francisco II walked up to & greeted the first foreign monarch to set foot in Justosia since its independence.

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[Rheinbund]

King Albrecht and King Carlos Francisco were sitting in the most luxurious car in the motorcade driving them to the Royal Palace, where the discussions between them would take place. Now the Kings were mainly doing small talk. The negotiations would be held later.

 

[Justosia]

The motorcade rode through downtown Avalon. The streets lined with Justosian & Eiffelland flags. Justosians waved the same as they shouted greetings at King Albrecht. As they made their way to the palace, Carlos took his measure of his counterpart from his peripheral. He was impressed enough. He was always curious how House de Francisco stacked up against the other royal houses of Europe.

After another 20 minutes they had arrived at the home of Carlos II. The Milenio Royal Palace.

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[Rheinbund]

King Albrecht was a sober man. Of course he enjoyed the cheering by the crowd, but he also realised (or maybe: was of the opinion) that the cheers needed to be earned by more than just descendance. He had been raised with that notion in mind (especially because his father King Heinrich, an extremely devout Catholic, considered that a religious duty), his father and grandfather had been raised with that notion in mind, he had raised his children with that notion in mind, and his children raised their children with that notion in mind.

At the palace, there was the fotoshoot before the two monarchs went inside.

"Your Majesty, I want to thank you for this invitation," King Albrecht said. "Indeed, we have a lot of topics to discuss. First I want to commend you for opening Justosia to the outside world. That was a wise thing to do. As you have noticed, you have opened your country to a rather unstable world. We ourselves are reorienting ourselves on our position in that world as well, after the war in Germania."

 

[Justosia]

The 2 kings walked down a red carpet. Past the ceremonial Royal Honour Guard as they stood at attention lining their way inside.

"I am truly honoured that you're here, your Majesty. Indeed our long period of isolationism was tragic. Justosia suffered greatly for it. I'm still dealing with after mess. Heading into this new millenium we foresaw the threats of Communism, Socialism, the spread of that oppressive specter. The threats we received recently, firstly from the NCU. What we did not foresee was the condescending, ominous, antagonistic pseudo threats we'd receive from simply bringing our military to modern, proper defencive status. Vindicated by your own assessment. Specifically the nations of Auraria and the Natalian Federation. Distressing that they're both in Himyar. As you know we haven't been on good terms with Auraria since the Great Betrayal of eighteen nineteen. While we're under treaty with the Natalians, I must confess to you I believe they're in violation. I feel betrayed down to my bones. I even suspect they might be conspiring against us. This is partly why we're thrilled you've joined ECONAMS. The accord is quite necessary...."

 

[Rheinbund]

"Also we think that it is good that we joined ECONAMS. It is needed to have institutions where representants of countries can discuss," King Albrecht said. "I do have some questions to you. You indicated that you feel betrayed by the Natalians, and that you feel that they are violating the treaty you have with them. Could you please tell more about that? And could you please also tell more about the threats from the NCU?"

 

[Justosia]

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The two monarchs had entered the Milenio Palace. Walking & talking. Matters of state & status between those chosen by God to father & lead their people. At least this was part of Justosian monarchial creedo. Of Albrecht's royal philosophy Carlos wasn't sure. He was also curious how his palace stacked up to his new friend's.

"The Natalian Federation & our great southern kingdom have been under non aggression treaty for some time now. Non aggression & friendship. Friendship..........tell me Your Majesty. If you had a 'friend'. If you had a very proximal neighbour. If say three doors down you had an adversary. The adversary spied on you. Severely encroached on your property with remarkable ease. Despite being a rather considerable distance away. It would obviously I believe, stand to reason someone gave them a lift. By either land or sea. I leave that who to you Your Majesty. For I take you for no fool. I don't have concrete proof.......yet. They know this. I suppose they think they've gotten away with this disgusting betrayal. I'm happy to let them think that, for now.

Majesty I believe republics generally can't be trusted, at least as well. They masquerade as champions of their people, yet are in reality every bit as devious, threatening, perhaps more so, than nations like the NCU. Theyre arrogant, and much weaker than they realize. They think us antiquated. No. We are due for another golden age.

To your last point. The NCU have gone quiet lately, but praise God we are not fooled. The tensions originally started when we were abruptly threatened by their theiving cabal of a 'government'. We were told we have no place in Europe, or on the Earth. We were 'warned'. They'll live to regret that yet. Though I know I need not elaborate to you the threat the Red Menance poses. You know well. I would also like to discuss matters deeper, integral, a treaty."

 

[Rheinbund]

King Albrecht didn't know what to think. This spying submarine thing was something he considered a very strange story. What was true about it? Was it something King Carlos thought up to have an excuse for severing ties with many countries? Or were those spying submarines really there? And how would Auraria benefit from spying on Justosia?

"Well, there are submarines which can travel from Auraria to Justosia and back. Furthermore, it could be that the country spying on you not only sent submarines but also a fuel supply ship that provided the submarines with fuel. And there are more options than just those. Please look at them all," King Albrecht said. "More in general, do not forget to ask the question: Who would benefit from spying on you, and why? Furthermore, how would Natalia benefit from supporting other countries in spying on you, or more in general, from hostilities against Justosia?"

King Albrecht had the feeling that there was some kind of uncertainty in King Carlos. It seemed like the Justosian King tried to impress his Eiffelloretalian counterpart with his palace. Unnecessary according to King Albrecht. Heads of state always lived in well-maintained and well-decorated palaces, so they were used to the beauty. But that notion didn't prevent King Albrecht from enjoying the beauty he saw in this palace.

"Also in the case of the NCU, how would they benefit from being hostile to you? Indeed, we experienced the bad side of the red menace as well. But I also think that the problem posed by Serenierre and the Rurikgrad Pact is not caused by communism; it is more caused by their wish to impose their will upon other countries. Especially their neighbourcountries. The governments of Serenierre and the Rurikgrad Pact countries are power hungry; that is the threat they pose. Not communism in itself. With that respect, I like the approach of Ostmark much more. Indeed, Ostmark implemented a variant of communism to its economy, but after that it took other decisions. Like all the other economically leftwing countries, they want to prove that their system is the way to go. Ostmark tries to prove that for national-syndicalism, Kadikistan for marxism-leninovism, Serenierre for its own system etc. But there is a difference. Kadikistan and Serenierre want to impose their systems upon the world; Ostmark wants to show that its system is the best and then only advices other countries to implement it. That is a big difference," King Albrecht said.

He remained silent for a moment. Then he continued talking. "At this moment, Eiffelland-Retalia is reconsidering its foreign politics. In the past, we made some judgemental errors on how other countries look at us and our deeds on the international stage. That led to the war with Serenierre and the Rurikgrad Pact. Now we are investigating how we have to present ourselves on the international stage so that other countries see us the way they want us to see. Because we are going through this process, we cannot close military alliances at this moment," King Albrecht said. "That also means that we cannot allow new members into the Trier Concord at this moment."

 

[Justosia]

King Francisco II was bewildered by this sentiment. For it seemed like a white flag for a red one.

"Your Majesty. I believe the Natalian Federation allowed two Aurarine submarines to dock at its ports for provisions and such before engaging in the actual espionage and encroachment on our borders. It makes pure logical sense. We have long had soured relations with Auraria. I know you read the news. On that note, you should also have read that the Natalian Foreign Minister, Mr. Tanner, tactfully threatened our nation with war for not kow towing to demands far below his arrogant station. Trust me and God. Our reasoning is beyond sound. As I said we don't have physical proof yet, but it's only a matter of time.

Onto the Northern Cooperative Unions. My friend I know not why their twisted government makes the threats it does. Ill tempered from their horrid climate? Or just the depravity of Communism in generale. Again you need only read the news. Their threats are public. I urge you not to weaken. Though I must tell you, if Justosia had been admitted into Trier, that war would have ended differently. Don't make excuses for them please I implore you. You know very well they want our way of life, especially you and I ourselves, and our families, destroyed. Don't bend. They can dress their rabid oppression up in whatever frilly dress they like. I'll always see through it. It's still either us, or them. If one of their bigger powers were to extend an olive branch though, we'd at least consider its facets.

Furthermore. Trier is dead, disgraced, history. Hopefully something more righteous can rise from its ashes."

"Your Majesty, I propose a free trade and economic partnership accord between our two great nations. If you will also, military cooperation."

 

[Rheinbund]

King Albrecht suddenly realised that he had made a mistake. The first thing he did, was correcting it.

"I see your points ... First of all, let me correct something I said wrong. I said that we are investigating how to change our presentation on the international stage so that other countries see us the way they want us to see. Of course I meant that we want to make sure that other countries see us the way we want them to see us.
I do realise that the Trier Concord has effectively been reduced to a military alliance between Occitania and Eiffelland-Retalia. At this moment, there are Eiffelloretalian troops in Occitania to defend the country against a Serenien invasion."

King Albrecht knew about the plans developed by the previous government to effectively double the ground forces of Eiffelland-Retalia, but he didn't tell that to King Carlos. The doubling of the ground forces had to happen in secret as long as it was possible to hide such an enormous operation. Furthermore, Eiffelland-Retalia was still recovering from the war, so currently the land army was extended at a slow pace in order to not put too much strain on the economy.

"For Natalia and Auraria, I do want to mention to you that nobody will benefit from a war between Justosia, Auraria and Natalia. Show that Justosia is willing, capable and prepared to defend itself, but do it in such a way that you remain on speaking terms with other countries.
By the way, Eiffeland-Retalia is going to apply for membership of ECONAMS. As far as we understood, membership of that organisation also comprises free trade between its member states. Of course we are not a member yet, but my proposal would be to close a free trade and economic partnership between our countries when we are not allowed into ECONAMS. What is your idea about this?"

 

[Justosia]

"I'm sure Eiffelland will be accepted Majesty. I however was talking about those facets as a separate treaty for our two respective nations."

 

[Rheinbund]

"The problem I am facing is the following. Eiffelland-Retalia just came out of a war. At this moment, I want to prevent as much as possible that my country is dragged into yet another war. Therefore, I want to maintain military neutrality. As a consequence, I don't want to induce the idea that Eiffelland-Retalia implicitly aligns itself with other countries. Furthermore, I want to make sure that the international reputation of Eiffelland-Retalia improves. Those are the reasons why I am mainly looking for memberships of international organisations with multiple membernations, and why I am hesitant about signing treaties with individual countries. In any case, the circumstances forbid me to sign treaties including military cooperation."

King Albrecht wanted to make clear to King Carlos that the latter had to change his foreign politics. But how?

"My underlying idea is the following. I want the world to look at Eiffelland-Retalia as a country that treats other countries well if it is also treated well. A country that strikes fear into people, or irritates other countries in a different way, will only create enemies on the long run. That is not the path I want my country to go."

OOC: @Justosia, don't forget that this RP takes place in December 2018, not at present-day

 

[Justosia]

King Francisco II motioned for expresso to be brought over by a palace paige.

"Do you drink coffee Your Majesty? Do you feel also like you could consider a strictly economic and non aggression treaty? A treaty of friendship?"

King Francisco II was becoming happy to call King Albrecht his friend. However he knew there was no place for his shades of gray in a Europe he saw very much as black & white.

(OOC: Well aware. Also he goes by King Francisco II or Carlos for short as he likes you.)

 

[Rheinbund]

"I certainly drink coffee, Your Majesty," King Albrecht said. "And a strictly economic and non-aggression treaty is certainly possible."

OOC: My King is an Eiffellandian. The only places where the average Eiffellandian is not stiff and formal, are in pubs, cafés, discos, at home and in bed while making love. King Albrecht will never be the first to offer the "du" (or in Spanish the "tú")

 

[Justosia]

"Excellent. Your Majesty, may I present to you." He placed an officiale document before him.

Treaty of Economic Friendship & Non Aggression
​

Whereas the signatories of the Great Southern Kingdom of Justosia & the Kingdom of Eiffelland-Retalia agree to the following:

Article I
- Signatories agree to never impose trade sanctions & tarrifs upon the other.

Article II
- Signatories agree to fully respect each other's shipping lanes.

Article III
Signatories agree to propose to their respective legislative bodies bills containing tax relief/incentives for respective companies & interests in each nation.

Article V
Signatories agree to impose trade & personal sanctions against any potential aggressor against each nation.

 

[Rheinbund]

"I have two remarks. The first one is the name of my country. I am indeed King of Eiffelland, but Grand-Duke of Retalia. Officially, my country is called 'The Union-State of Eiffelland-Retalia'. Another point is the article numbering. You number it I, II, III and V. Shouldn't that be I, II, III and IV?"

 

[Justosia]

"It would appear some employees of certain administrative organs may need to be disciplined. Those logistics aside Your Majesty, how do you feel about the body?"