Erasmus house

[Kugelan Free State]

Erasmus House​

Erasmus house sat in idylic Vryburg along the banks of lake Ketewayo. The large dutch gabled building was set aside in its own grounds surrounded by imported european trees and flowers, in taste it was every traditional burghers dream.

Jacobus sauer sat alone on the stoep sipping a good vintage red.

He awaited the arival of the representatives of the Government of Belmont a string of black saloons should be bringing them up from Paul Hammilton international airport shortly

 

[Serenierre]

Philippe Chatellete, the Foreign Secretary*, and the other three members of the delegation had arrived at the venue for the meetings, an estate by a picturesque lake directly from the airport. For the bureaucratic head of the Foreign Ministry the visit was exciting, it was after all his first official visit anywhere. In fact, the Kugelan Free State was a nation that had been ignored in the past, mainly due to the former governments' more Gallia-centric policies. Chatellete checked his watch, "Just on time," he whispered and got out of the car. Behind him, another one of his delegations exited from the car.

The delegation was greeted by an aide of their host. After the usual round of greetings, the four Belmontiens were guided towards where the actual meeting would take place.

Entering a veranda, of sorts, Chatellete extended his hand forward and spoke, "Bonjour, Monsieur Sauer, what a pleasure it is to be in your country."

OOC: The Chief of Staff in US terms.

 

[Kugelan Free State]

"Welcome to Kugela Mr. Chatellete. On behalf of the Volksraad of the Kugelan republic I wish you a fruitful stay here"​

The Sunshine was hot and heavy at this time of day. Sauer knew that his guests would have had a tiring journey and Erasmus house was equiped with all the luxury mod-cons

I have made sure that their are rooms available for each of you, If you agree Mineer​

Each room was furnished in white linen with mosquito nets and iced water the ivory fabric of the high backed armchairs helped the cool clean feeling of each room. Each room was also equiped with a generous bar.

Perhaps we can meet when it is cooler at supper, say seven thirty gentlemen​

 

[Serenierre]

Chatellete started speaking, "For too long we have ignored your country and first off, I must ask, how may we help."

OOC: Its 7.30 now

 

[Kugelan Free State]

The sun was heavy in the sky, pinks, reds and purples streamed over the horizon casting great shadows over the open veld around erasmus house, and reflecting brilliantly upon the lake water.

Jacobus Sauer sat in his comfortable linen trousers and pure cotton shirt he wore no tie.

"Mynheer, we are at a crossroads, and I think you will have been informed of the problems we have had in Ndebeleland. We need Investment in these areas, Factories, shopping centers and schools to keep the population occupied, after all, the more men have the less they want to lose it."​

 

[Serenierre]

Chatellete cleared his throat, "Yes, you are quite right..." he trailed off, smiling at the other man, he took a sip of water and continued, "In our eyes the KFS' economy is ripe for investment, you have several sectors here in which many Belmontien companies already are active and could produce great profits. I believe, your diamond and gold reserves rank as one of the largest in the world, Thatsise and A&O Mining are greatly interested in exploring that. Your agricultural sector is equally promising, many companies are eager to invest there as well."

He paused for a moment, "In simple terms, The Kingdom of Belmont is looking to establish an agreement with your country to work extensively in your agricultural and mining sectors. That is our primary interest but, we also understand the needs of your country and we offer our assistance in setting up a manufacturing sector. Furthermore, I have full permission to offer you a military assistance and modernization package... of-course if you choose to accept it."

 

[Kugelan Free State]

Sauer considered this, the Havershaw mining elite was a crusty old club of old boys who had billions, they could do with a shake up.

"I think that the Volksraad would aprove of so much development, I think our mines are some of the deepest in the world with a pay yeild ratio of 33:1 at the Sunder Ditch near Vildeburg.​

Sauer was thinking quickly now, The belmontien had promised more than it had been within his remit to accept, this could bring jobs and stability to large regions of the tribal homelands.
The Belmontien pushed the idea of Millitary help, Sauer allowed himself a slight grimace at what the Belmontien would make of the Scouts regiments,

"As for Millitary Assistance, we tend to be able to keep our local trouble makers under controll and I hope we have no enemies on the horizon, we are not historically a peaceful people, but our struggles have always been internal, I must admit to knowing very little about the upper echelons of diplomacy around the world at the moment,
perhaps you could enlighten me Mynheer​

Sauer laughed heartily and cicked his fingers, a retainer bearing a jug with several crystal glasses polished to gleaming

"Let us talk more over a glass of De Vere Estate's finest white"​