Offering an Olive Branch

[Oneida]

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LAS REPUBLICAS SOCIALISTAS UNIDAS DE AURARIA COMISARÍA POR RELACIONES EXTERIORES

bajo la autorización del Consejo de Comisarios del Pueblo
Clasificación: clasificado
10 de junio de 1955

Private Comminque to the Diplomats of @

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and Langerland

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The tensions in the Long Sea are growing at an exponential rate. As civility deteriorates and the industries are mobilized, the world sits in fear of what happens when rational minds fail and the irrational reign. The current course of the Long Sea nations is clear, foreign navies mobilize and lines are being drawn in the dirt. The citizens of the Long Sea and world cannot help but speak the word “war” and fear its dreaded consequences.

Despite whatever intent, perceived or actual, any of the Long Sea nations have with the region’s future; the Aurarine Government believes that peace can be secured. For peace to be secured, rational minds need to prevail.

In the interest of securing peace, I, Commissar Cayetano A. Palomo for Foreign Affairs, do request that the nation of @

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offer their grand territory to the esteemed diplomats of the United Socialist Republic of Auraria and the Empire of Sikandara. The goal of these talks will be to calm the tensions in the Long Sea and draw out a long term plan for the continued peace of the region.
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Signed,

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Cayetano A. Palomo
Commissar for Foreign Affairs
Districto Capital, Solis
Las Republicas Socialistas Unidas de Auraria

Estamos jurado proteger​

 

[Serenierre]

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IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT OF SIKANDARA
GRAND COUNCIL FOR DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS

PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE
​

11. June. 1955 The Imperial Government is not averse to the idea proposed by the Government of Auraria. The only requirement we have is that the meeting is conducted in secret. However, we await the response from the Government of Langerland before making a more formal reply. Mir Rustam Ghaznavi Grand Councillor for Diplomatic Affairs​

 

[Längerland]

Außenministerium | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Communiqué Privée

May I say how pleased we are to hear that both Auraria and Sikandara are prepared to enter diplomatic negotiations to discuss and hopefully solve these series of unfortunate events. Längerland will of course offer its services to host a series of meetings and we have no problem keeping the meetings secret. In fact, we will prepare our ministry's favourite countryside estate in the southern province of Süedspunkt for this event, to ensure that no one recognises any of the foreign delegation. I am sure both parties will find the surrounding countryside of farmland and the views of the coast most suitable for lengthy and meaningful talks. A nearby seaside resort will be booked for the privacy and discretion of the delegations. We ask that each delegation keep their numbers to no more than 20, including support and security staff. Delegations can fly into Melmö Continental Skyport where they will be picked up and transferred to the resort. Security will also be provided by the Siicherhiitspolizii, or SiPo, throughout the talks.

I recommend to my colleagues that they come prepared for a long series of talks. This could take days, but it is patience and an open mind that will lead to a successful outcome. My team and I greatly look forward to your arrival.

Signed, sealed and stamped:
Augustus J. Mauritz
Außenminister
Friirepublik Längerland



OOC: shall I open a thread? Same thread as this? Let me know.

 

[Oneida]

(OOC: This thread is fine.)

As the delegates from Sikandara, Längerland, and Auraria gathered in one room, under the veil of secrecy, Commissar Palomo once more felt the pressure of his position. After pleasantries were exchanged, the Commissar rose to make the first statements.

“Esteemed colleagues of Längerland and Sikandara, I must offer my sincerest gratitude that the leaders of Längerland agreed to host these talks. What is decided here will have a profound impact on the continued peace of the region in the Long Sea. Despite what may be seen as inevitable, I am a man that believes that rationality and understanding may always prevail in times of crisis. Today, the United Socialist Republic of Auraria extends its gratitude to Längerland and shall not soon forget its contribution to peace in the Long Sea,” Palomo began “On a lighter note, getting out of my office and going to such beautiful landscapes is always a welcomed gift.”

After slight laughter, the Commissar turned his attention to the Sikandari Delegation.

“We are all men of politics here, you and I understand what is expected of nations when its peoples’ full attentions are directed at their rightful governments. I do not fault the Empire of Sikandara for its rhetoric, no matter how false, for I understand the pressures we face. I do hope that the Empire would see it fit to offer my nation that same courtesy. In any case, I thank you for giving peace a try,” Palomo spoke.

When Palomo took his seat, his Under-Commissar handed him a folder containing a number of documents that were circulated throughout all members at the negotiations.

“I do hope that the Delegates hear today understand that such negotiations, while thorough, must be done with haste. I would like to draw all of your attentions to this proposed Naval Task Force being organized by the Empire of Sikandara,” Palomo started “let me begin by saying that this Task Force is seen as a grave threat to both Auraria and Carentania. I do believe that everyone here can understand why we perceive it as such a threat.”

“Neither Auraria nor Carentania can sit back and hope for the best as an army assembles at our shores. For this reason, both nations have begun a mobilization. I do believe that this tension can be resolved by words as opposed to guns, so I am prepared to make the following offer: Auraria sees the dissolution of this Task Force and the immediate cease of all plans to create one as a non-negotiable part of these talks. If we cannot agree that this Task Force is disbanded, I fear that no agreement can be made.”

“In return for this dissolution, I can with all certainty state that Auraria will demobilize its fleet. I do not represent nor have power over the Carentanian Nation, but I will advise that they do the same. Let me reiterate and stress that stopping our mobilization is entirely dependent upon the ending of the Task Force.”

“As I am sure you have all seen, the Kingdom of Eiffelland has agreed to a pre-final version of its report on what had occurred in the Refugee Incident. The International Commission confirmed that an attack occurred, by torpedo. However, there is no sufficient evidence to determine a culprit. My Government is prepared to accept this and we will apologize for accusing the Sikandaran Government of orchestrating an attack. In return, the Sikandaran Government apologize for claiming Auraria had any part in any attack on any vessel.”

The Commissar leaned back, confident with his position.

 

[Längerland]

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Ostküstburg, Süedspunkt Province
Längerland

Foreign Minister Augustus Mauritz listened intently to Commissar Palomo of Auraria. Despite the five aides taking notes for him, he nonetheless swiftly manoeuvred his gold-tipped fountain pen over his paper, circling a few things Palomo said. The venue was ideal for this secret meeting. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Long Sea to the east, the Longview Hotel had been completely booked for the entire week by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Naturally the Aurarians and Sikandarans were staying in separate wings. The Siicherhiitspolizii, or SiPo, kept their distance, but they were never out of sight.

Mauritz, a tall and lanky man of a ripe 62 years, set his pen down on his notebook and sipped coffee from fine china as Palomo concluded. He cleared his throat and began to speak.

'Thank you, Commissar Palomo, for your opening remarks. I am very pleased indeed that we are all gathered here to discuss this very important issue. Negotiation is what will solve this issue, nothing else. I find it wise that both sides have agreed to initiate such talks.'

He shifted slightly in his chair and sat up, moving his pen away so that he could glance at his notes before continuing.

'May I start by saying that coming to the table with so-called "non-negotiable" demands is not usually conducive to successful talks. Now, I am not here to tell each side how to act or engage in discussion, however it is my duty as arbiter of this delicate matter to advise both parties as to how best to achieve a lasting solution that, above all else, ensures peace in the region.'

Mauritz sipped his coffee again, desperate to stave off a caffeine withdrawal headache, which he could feel coming on. It must have been the early morning train ride to the southern reaches of the country from Lörrach. He had forgot his ritual morning coffee and newspapers as his chauffeur had called on him at 4am to bring him to the station. He could tell from Palomo's face that the Aurarian was not terribly pleased with his remarks, yet he pressed on, knowing that he might conform to the Längisch style of diplomacy at least by the afternoon tea pause. He cleared his throat.

'The Sikandaran calls for a task force can be viewed and interpreted in many ways. Naturally Auraria and Carentania will see it as a threat and why not? They were deliberately excluded.' Mauritz glanced at the Sikandaran delegation, not with a stern look, or a friendly look, but with a typical Längisch poker face.

'On the other hand, Sikandara has lost quite a few ships in the past few weeks and feels vulnerable. Any government would press for similar measures to protect its trading fleet. Thus it is in my government's view that a happy medium can be reached. One that provides all parties with assurances that the Long Sea will be adequately patrolled by naval forces to deter further attacks, but also poses no threat, perceived or otherwise, to any country along the shores of this vital sea.'

A gentle and refreshing sea breeze came through the open windows of the large hall where they were sitting around the circular table. The curtains rustled softly and a few papers on the table flapped about, held back from flight by paperweights. The smell of the sea soothed Mauritz. Although he grew up in the far north of the country in the Uplands region, where low mountains shielded valleys from the winds, he had fond memories from summer holidays in the Southern Shorelands. His family's summer cottage was just a twenty minute bike ride from where they all sat here at the table.

'This is just an idea and it is rough. It will require much deliberation and revision, but allow me to impart its contents. To ensure safe passage of all merchant naval traffic in the Long Sea, we know that armed naval patrols are needed. We also know that such patrols, if organised and manifested only by one group, are viewed as threatening to others. Therefore, we need naval patrols that are truly international and cooperative. A task force created and run by Sikandara will not do, neither would one run by Auraria or Carentania. Those are quite obviously partisan and would stoke tensions to an extremely dangerous level. Quite frankly, it would be irresponsible to allow it to reach that point. Instead, I propose an international naval patrol of the Long Sea in which any interested government could partake in. The organisation and leadership of this task force would be under the umbrella of an international non-governmental organisation, based in a neutral location. This NGO would organise the participating fleets and ensure that all relevant naval regions were patrolled. It would serve as a central hub for information sharing on the location and activity of hostile elements on the seas, such as pirates. The NGO would not hold command over the naval units of each government involved, but rather serve as the place for discussion and cooperation between the governments.'

'For example, it would set forth the task that the far eastern reaches of the Long Sea need to be patrolled by a force of some twenty ships. It would contact the participating navies and ensure a mix of countries and ship class. This regional task force would set out on its patrol for that month and work together dividing up quadrants for patrol. Ships of different flags would sail side by side each other. Governments involved would know that the job was getting done all while keeping an eye on the other navies involved.'

Mauritz paused and let it all settle. What he had suggested was, in his opinion, nothing revolutionary, but it would surely take time to become palatable for some.

'May I also suggest that the admiral in charge of this NGO come from a country not on the Long Sea and also preferably neutral. This would help ease doubts.'

A server refilled Mauritz's china cup with a fresh brew of coffee. He took the creamer and the little silver spoon and watched the milky cloud gradually dissipate into the coffee. The integration of the cream and coffee would have taken longer were it not for the helpful stirring of Mauritz's spoon.

OOC: click link of 'Longview Hotel' for photo

 

[Serenierre]

Ostküstburg, Süedspunkt Province
Längerland

Rustam Ghaznavi was a confident man. He had been through decades of difficult negotiations, first as a member of the Imperial Diplomatic Corps, and then as a robust opposition politician for twenty years. The past five years as Grand Councillor for Diplomatic Affairs had been, he almost felt guilty thinking this, almost entirely boring to him. So, this most unexpected summit in a quiet town on the Langerlander coast was quite a refreshing break from the dull routine of ministerial duty. This was the first time he had actually met an Aurarine member of government and he had looked the Gallian man with keen interest as they had been introduced to one another by the Langerlander foreign minister. Overall, his impression of his counterpart from the "enemy" was that the man knew the hard realities that governments must face and his willingness to accept realpolitik was something which Ghaznavi could respect. He wasn't too fond of the

Of the three ministers, Ghaznavi was the most reserved with his thoughts, choosing to hear what the others had to say before laying out his position. As Minister Mauritz spoke, he found it rather amusing to observe the man, who, according to the intelligence reports on him, was slightly younger than Ghaznavi, and his slightly exaggerated movements. As he finished, the Sikandari man placed his cup in its saucer and carefully put down the beautiful porcelain on the table in front of him. He thought it wise to begin with the diplomatic courtesies before getting down to business.

"As I begin, I must firstly, extend my gratitude to the Langerlander government for agreeing to host these talks and for the kind hospitality, that I and my staff, have enjoyed during our stay at this lovely hotel. Further, I commend the efforts of Commissar Palomo at understanding the subtleties of statecraft." He paused for a moment. "But before I begin to state the position of my government on the matter... I must clarify a number of misunderstandings that were issued by the press."

"The Empire of Sikandara is committed to peace. The Empire of Sikandara was attacked on three occasions. First when ships were targeted within our waters, then when three ships carrying aid workers were torpedoed, and third when the Embassy that we maintained in Solis was attacked. Our actions have been in response to these events which happened in far too close a proximity in time for them to have simply been accidents," his cane slipped off the arm rest, which distracted him momentarily, but seeing an aide reach out to pick it up, Ghaznavi continued. "I do not think that the Empire can be faulted for the kind of restraint we have demonstrated in the immediate aftermath of these events..."

Turning to look at Palomo, "I must remind you that talk of the Long Sea task force only commenced when your friends in Carentania started issuing increasingly hostile statements and sounding territorial, nay, almost possessive for the Long Sea... this was obviously concerning to us. Further, if one were to rank the events in the past few weeks on a scale, I must say that mobilizing one's navies is a far more provocative step than asking the international community to meet to discuss maritime security in a vital corridor for trade."

"The Long Sea Task Force was an entirely incomplete proposal, I must say I cannot emphasise that fact enough, with no clear agenda with regards to the nations involved, nor the kind of mission it would be entrusted with. I feel the governments in, both, Rijecka and Solis severely overreacted to the press' reporting of the matter. Further, I must clear a confusion on your part Minister Mauritz, it was our belief that Sikandara would not play a major role (and neither would any of the other antagonists in the story) in the task-force since it would have been a controversial proposal... it was our vision to have neutral countries, such as your own, lead the task-force to ensure its credibility. The reason we led calls for its creation was that we were alarmed by the situation... and it was, I must be honest, entirely in our interest to have the international community take attention of the horrific situation in the Long Sea. The fact that strong opinions were formed about the effort, without even engaging with Shahdara, are wholly disappointing."

"But having heard from Commissar Palomo, I would like to say that we are willing to abandon our plans for an international task-force provided that Auraria publicly apologize for the claims it made against the Sikandari state and military, vis-a-vis the attack on the ship on May 25 (the so-called Refugee Incident), and de-escalate tensions by demobilizing its navy. It is in no one's interests to have the situation deteriorate into conflict. I would offer something in return but Sikandara did not mobilize its navy. An apology... might not be possible given the political mood in the country... however a statement can be prepared which will substantially ease the stance which we took earlier in response to the allegations issued by the Aurarine government. More than this I cannot offer."

OOC: Do you know about the greasemonkey script for images?

 

[Oneida]

Ostküstburg, Süedspunkt Province
Längerland

“mood?” Palomo thought, trying his best to not visibly show his disgust.

“With all due respect, Minister Ghaznavi, Auraria is not apologizing because the political mood of our nation would warrant such a thing. While I did comment that I know the finer details of politics, the exact words of Sikandara in description of Auraria were: the most disgusting union of heathens and uncivilized monsters,” Palomo paused to let it all sink it, particularly so Mauritz could hear.

“It is not the political mood to apologize – to admit a fault, to embarrass ourselves in front of the 45 million Aurarine citizens and comrades in Carentania who all look to the collective People’s Council of Commissars for guidance. Auraria mobilized its Navy because there was never an indication from the Sikandari Leadership that peace was a goal. This was only made more profound when this international task force – a large number of ships that possesses a task – specifically targeted communists and excluded Auraria and Carentania. It was clear to us that such an action was to compromise the equilibrium of power in the Long Sea. It was a threat.”

One of Palomo’s aides punched his knee, discretely. He had seen Palomo in action far too long and he knew where this was going.

“Forgive me for saying so, but I find it insulting to my country and to my government that we would put our reputation, credibility, and prestige on the line in order to guarantee peace in the Long Sea and Sikandara would not match such sacrifice because the ‘political mood’ would make it impossible.”

“Be leaders and do what is fucking right, you coward,” Palomo said to himself – showing his ability to restrain himself.

 

[Serenierre]

Ostküstburg, Süedspunkt Province
Längerland

Ghaznavi looked at the Aurarian man. It was clear that things were not proceeding as they should have been. The panic on the faces of the anonymous aides on the other side were enough for Ghaznavi to know that his comments had not been well-received. What was honestly going through the man's mind? Was he truly making such a fuss about that comment from the statement, which was essentially grandstanding from the government for the domestic press' consumption. Oh, those communist fools, he thought to himself. Rather than answer the Commissar directly, Grand Councillor Ghaznavi turned to look at Minister Mauritz, "Before I answer my honourable counterpart from Solis, I must first ask you a question... in negotiations as intense as this... do you not think that ideal solutions are not the goal but rather practical ones?"

Turning to look at Palomo, Ghaznavi looked at the man with his stern, dark eyes, "You matter you raise is inconsequential in the grander scheme of things. The goal of these negotiations is to achieve peace. The greatest obstacle, in the opinion of Rijecka and Solis," he was careful to emphasise the Carentanian capital before the Aurarian one, "was the proposal for the Long Sea task force. I have already stated my government's position on the matter. To pursue more than that veers into the realm of petty squabbles which I think is something we should refrain from."

Folding his arms, he leaned back in his seat, "But I wouldn't want Minister Mauritz's efforts to be in vain. If the price of keeping the world peaceful is this... I do not think that much else can be done. Anything else?"

 

[Längerland]

Longview Hotel
Ostküstburg, Süedspunkt Province
Längerland

Mauritz stayed completely silent during the proceedings. His fountain pen danced swiftly across his open notebook. He set it down only to reach into his jacket pocket and take out a roll of MantoMints, the chewable mint famous across Europe, proudly crafted in Längerland. He took two out of the package and chewed slowly, cleansing his palate of the taste of stale coffee.

It was like a game of tennis, nay, squash, for this was not a neat game of back and forth, but rather a complicated bash all over the place, at least in diplomatic terms. Finishing his chewy mints, Mauritz leaned forward once more.

'Gentlemen, please.' he held up his hand as he called for calm and order.

'I see that neither of you have heeded my plea to leave demands at the door. We can come back to specific requests at a later time. Right now we need to simply discuss potential solutions. Minister Ghaznavi, yes you are right, I wish to seek pragmatic solutions, albeit with some amount of idealism within. To do so we need to be ready to compromise.'

Mauritz paused, glanced down at his notes then back up again at those around the table. But he was not focusing on any one person. He was staring off into space in a moment of deep thought. Yet to those around the table, it may have seemed as if he were completely lost in space. As quickly as he had fallen into this mode, he snapped out of it and back to the table.

'Commissar Palomo, Minister Ghaznavi, I would humbly request a list of desires from your governments. Please note that these are not demands. A simple list of what your governments want to see in terms of security in the Long Sea. What that security should look like, how it should function, etc. We will divide this conference into two groups to achieve this goal. The Aurarian delegation will break to the Dunes Lounge and the Sikandarans to the Waves Lounge. In between your private lounges is the Grand Lobby where my team will be situated, but of course please feel free to send your aides into the lobby should they need to consult my staff at any time. I will be visiting both lounges myself to meet privately with both delegations and their leaders.'

A gong sounded from the lobby, which made Mauritz smile perhaps a bit too much, 'Oh and of course tea, coffee and snacks will be served during this working break.' He stood up from his place, buttoned his jacket and proceeded out to the lobby.

Yes, yes, precisely what they need!, he thought to himself. Separate them with their staff, let them lay out their desires on paper. I will meet with them privately so they can air out their concerns, conspiracy theories, what have you, without being able to debate them in front of the opposing side. I'll shuttle back and forth and whittle their lists down to what the real substance is. We will then reconvene and actually start to make progress...

Mauritz gave a friendly smile and nod to Palomo as he and his staff walked over to their lounge. Looking the other way he saw Ghaznavi and his team proceed to their lounge. Mauritz, satisfied so far that both men were cooperating, had one of his aides fetch the afternoon papers. He sat himself down in a plush leather armchair in the Grand Lobby and perused the pages with his fourth coffee of the day and a sweet cream puff pastry, his favourite. His aides knew better than to disturb him when he was with his papers - it was a daily ritual for the man and simply was not to be disturbed. Besides, they knew that he was thinking about the talks despite reading about interest rates in Eiffelland.

About half an hour after splitting from the main room, Mauritz set down his papers and walked over to the Aurarian lounge. May as well deal with them first, he thought as he entered the room and saw Palomo at a sofa with half a dozen aides hovering around him taking notes and displaying briefing papers.

'Commissar!', Mauritz said with a large smile and an extended hand. 'I do hope I'm not disturbing. I just wanted to check in with you and see what you've come up with so far. I am incredibly interested to see what you've come up with. You see, I feel as though with both sides decamped to their own private quarters, we can all breath for a while and see what the real issues are. Theatrics aside, naturally.'

Mauritz sat down next to Palomo, 'So, tell me, what really irks you? How do you envision we will all leave here this week with true peace at hand?'



OOC: I'm aware of the script but I often post from the office and I can't install it there. Haven't had the chance yet to install it at home, but will do so.

 

[Oneida]

Longview Hotel
Ostküstburg, Süedspunkt Province
Längerland

Palomo leaned back on the couch and crossed his legs. Palomo was a stern man, he was tall but not remarkably tall. His body type would indicate that he had once done hard labor, but years of government desk work have taken their toll. He had a well-kept beard that was no more than half an inch in length, coupled with dark eyes. His salt and pepper hair had become noticeably saltier. He wore a charcoal suit with a black tie. He also wore the Official Seal on his lapel, customary of Aurarine Officials.

“I grew up in Southwest Auraria, a land occupied by what was once occupied by House Vicario, one of Auraria’s greatest families, the Ancient rulers of Andaluz,” he began “Andaluz now stands as a Socialist Republic, united to the four other previous Kingdoms. The five Republics, together, form the United Socialist Republic of Auraria.”

Palomo motioned for a bottle of wine to bring out. The wine was Aurarine in nature, specifically Andaluzi. The ornate bottle suggested a high quality, not something regularly drank in Auraria. Two glasses were poured and he offered it to Minister Mauritz.

“In Auraria, it is rude to refuse such a gift,” he said as the Minister grabbed the glass “It is early, but I have no mind for arbitrarily designated ‘appropriate’ times for the finer side of life.”

Palomo took a sip of the red wine and twirled the liquid in the glass.

“I grew up on a farm, my father’s farm and his father before him. In 1899 I came into this world, destined to be a farmer, a servant to a bourgeois Republic that masqueraded as the liberators of the people,” Palomo said “When I was 24, barely a man, Cayetano Esteban Terrazas seized the capital of Solis and his revolutionary comrades successfully seized the capitals of the various Republics. The bourgeois were defeated. At that point, the farms were collectivized. The Government of Terrazas purchased all farmlands, guaranteed a minimum salary plus commission for whatever we grew beyond our quota. The land was no longer mine, it belonged to the people.”

Palomo took a few more sips.

“Before collectivism we did whatever we could to expand our yield. We destroyed our neighbors, worked till the bones in our finger tips showed. There was no guarantee of life, no standard we could rely on. It was a world of mistrust where only the most powerful survived – it was capitalism. A system reliant upon the inequality of man. When many rulers were replaced with one, who was beholden to us all, peace was secure.”

Palomo leaned back in the couch, and turned his face to Minister Mauritz.

“I say this because what is happening is a symptom of a much greater issue. The Long Sea and very much so the planet, are akin to my farms before collectivism. Auraria and Carentania are closer to escaping the hellish world of capitalism but I do not believe we’ve truly succeeded. The world is a battleground and it will remain one until the day comes that we all are beholden to the same presence,” Palomo stated, standing up.

“Yes, Minister Mauritz. I have a list of temporary solutions, concessions from both countries that I do believe can hold off what is inevitable. They won’t change perceptions. Auraria sees the world as occupied by oppressive tyrants and the world sees Auraria in the same light. It is in the interest of all tyrants for nation-states to engage in warfare. Where there is war, there is money to be made. Peace is not profitable, and if it is not profitable, than it cannot exist in the capitalist world,” Palomo declared.

“So tell me, Minister. Before I tell you my temporary solutions, how do you intend to secure peace in this world if it is true that peace is not profitable and mistrust, fear, paranoia, and hate continue as the guiding principles of the human nation-state?”

 

[Längerland]

Longview Hotel
Ostküstburg, Süedspunkt Province
Längerland

Mauritz tried the wine and let it sit on his palate for a moment, savouring the variety of flavours, he made a mental note that the nose was a bit sharp and smokey, but the finish was most enjoyable. He smacked his lips lightly after finishing and set the glass down on the side table.

'Most excellent, Commissar. I'll have an aide order a case, if you don't mind.'

Amateur sommelier moment aside, Mauritz crossed his legs and leaned back into the chair, 'Commissar, I am afraid that I would have to disagree with you on your last point. Peace can be very profitable. Extremely profitable, in fact. Take Längerland as an example: over one hundred years free from the yokes of war. We have been able to put our collective knowledge and strength towards feeding our people, and much of Europe, building ships for trade, mining iron ore for steel, setting up a wonderful welfare system that takes care of everyone, weak and strong alike. We simply couldn't have done this during war. All of our capital and efforts would have been put towards fighting, the military, defence and so on. No, no, we've been able to flourish without the scourge of war.'

He reached for his wine glass and took another gulp.

'That is not to say that Längerland's experience can be copied over to any country, but in general it is better overall for trade, commerce, life in general! Peace, that is. But yes, a cynical take on things will paint war as a money-making event for certain people and entities. Cynicism aside, you are right. Some do profit from war, but only a few. I, Commissar Palomo, don't wish to see a few profit and benefit. I want to see the people, the greater good profit and benefit thanks to a lasting and strong peace.'

His symphony to the social cause at its pinnacle (although Mauritz and his government were, indeed, Social Democrats and deeply committed to the people), Mauritz sat up a bit.

'I will tell you how peace will be secured, Commissar. Firstly, it will not be my doing or my government's. I am but a humble servant to the cause of peace. You and your counterpart in the lounge opposite will forge peace. You, as a man, will think of your family, your countrymen. You will put them first. You will tell me what you really need, diplomatically, to secure peace. Ghaznavi will do the same. I will work with you both. I will help you see the other side. I will show your side to them. We will talk it over sans rhétorique. We will compromise.'

Mauritz finished his wine, took a sip from a glass of water and then popped in two MantoMints from his fast-depleting roll of the candy.

He smiled at Palomo, 'In the meantime, I've already proposed one idea. Both you and Ghaznavi have not had a moment to comment on it.'

'Now please - tell me your desires.'

 

[Serenierre]

Waves Lounge - Longview Hotel
Ostküstburg, Süedspunkt Province,
Längerland

Sitting in the empty lounge which overlooked the vast emptiness of the sea, Grand Councillor Rustam Ghaznavi was sitting quietly in the sofa closest to the large windows, flanked by his aides and assistants. He had expected Mauritz to separate the two opposing sides and was relieved that the Minister had moved into action when he did. The negotiations had been in danger of breaking down had the Minister not done so. A few moment ago, a member of the security detail had come over to him and whispered in his ear that the Längerlander minister had just entered the lounge where the Aurarian delegation had settled down. Ghaznavi had nodded and gone back to observing the seagulls and the waves.

"Sir," the senior aide began, "What do you think about the proposals that Minister Mauritz presented."

"Seems like one of those ideas that are good on paper but when you actually get down to implementing them... they are disappointing. In all honesty, I do not see any functionality in the kind of patrols he talks about when you have the possibility of including the Communist countries... you tell me... does it at all make sense? Auraria shot down our ships and Carentania makes it no secret that the narrower portions of the Long Sea are theirs in toto. I can only imagine what Chancellor Suleymani would think of such talk." He laughed a hearty laugh. He knew Babur Suleymani was not the sort of man to get into bed with either the Carentanians or the Aurarians.

The room went quiet again.

"Its quite something isn't it?" Ghaznavi said to no one in particular, "These waters that I see before me, so calm today as they are, have sent us to the very brink of war." The door opened and a waiter rolled in a trolley of tea for the small group. The Grand Councillor looked up at the waiter and told his translator to ask if he had brought the tobacco he had asked for earlier. Having gotten an answer in the affirmative, the man went back to admiring the ocean, leaving the waiter to prepare his pipe for him.

Eventually as the pipe was handed to him and he began to smoke it, Ghaznavi found his mind wandering from the taste of the tobacco to the great issue that was still unresolved. What had most bothered the Reds - the naval task force - was something which he had already told Palomo that he was willing to see scrapped. The heated exchange in the conference earlier had entirely been on the issue of whether Sikandara should issue an apology for claiming that Auraria was behind the attacks on the vessels. He knew in his mind that Suleymani would fire him if he went back to Shahdara having damaged the prestige of the country by having the Imperial Government sink so low as to apologize for something which they believed was absolutely true.

"What do you think Feroz?" he called out to his senior aide, "Maybe we should just leave this summit... I don't think the Aurarians have come here with noble intentions... maybe the whole exercise is in vain."

"But sir, we can't just walk out."

"Of-course not. I won't do anything that will reflect badly on us... I'm just wondering what do you think of the whole situation? Should I walk out if they demand I apologize for those statements we made Auraria?"

"If I can speak freely sir..." he was hesitant until he saw the Grand Councillor nod in approval to the request, "Why should we apologize at all. The report from the ICLS, the AP press leaks, and our own intelligence gives us at-least circumstantial evidence that the Aurarians were playing dirty in the Long Sea. They were just trying to shift the blame by dirtying our name."

"Yes, yes, I know all of that." Ghaznavi said slightly annoyed.

But the aide continued, "But sir, you must not hesitate to pull out if they force your hand... but to do so in a way that, perhaps, the blame can be shifted onto them for scuttling the talks."

"Yes, I was also thinking that." He was silent. Thinking about what Feroz had said to him. "But this is of-course an absolute worse case scenario that we are preparing for. I think I need to jot down what my goal is. Get me a few pages from that pad over there," he pointed to the table a few feet away from them. Uncapping his fountain pen, a brilliant piece from a rare 1917 collection of a renowned Burgundian brand, he began scrawling some notes on the hotel pad.

1. SKD demands apology from AUR for making incendiary claims about sinking. SKD will not apologize about similar claims about AUR.
SKD will only support Mauritz proposal if no SKD, AUR, CAR involvement in patrol and no major power will lead effort... only neutral powers to be trusted with lead role.

2. In exchange, SKD drops LS Task Force proposal. SKD will ease crackdown on Communist Party to only criminal elements - amnesty for rest. SKD will allow Mauritz Patrol Task Force basing rights in SKD ports for eastern Long Sea operations.
​

He read his messy writing over once again. He ripped out the page, folded the paper in half and tucked it in his pocket. The Grand Councillor was not in a hurry to meet Mauritz and so went back to smoking his pipe. This was a horrible habit, he knew, but ever since his days as a young member of the diplomatic mission in the Embassy in Eiffelland, he had always enjoyed this way of smoking. The intense heat of the afternoon sun was now giving way to a cooler evening. Outside, the tourists were coming back to the beach, blissfully unaware of the nerve-racking negotiations taking place so high up in the hotel. Ghaznavi smiled.

 

[Oneida]

Commissar Palomo looked to the Minister.

“My desires,” he began “As you know, there was an agreement between Auraria and Sikandara, made in secret as to protect our rhetoric, that communists located within Sikandara would be shipped to Auraria, where they could live free of persecution. I am convinced that Sikandara will continue to deny such a treaty, and that is their own prerogative. However, I want that exchange completed. Only a day after the Refugee Incident, 300 communists were murdered by the Sikandari Government for what they claim is ‘lawful.’”

Palomo became visibly disgusted, he sipped more of his wine.

“The Sikandari view us as uncivilized barbarians, they will view our comrades in the same light. So here is my first desire, every single Communist that Sikandara currently has in custody or will inevitably arrest be brought before the Aurarine Embassy and given the option to flee to Auraria. We will house these people and grant them asylum. I have particular interest in the Communist Party’s leadership. They will be on the first ship out of Sikandara.”

“Of course for that to happen, the embassies must be opened. So, my second desire. Sikandari and Aurarine diplomatic ties shall be reestablished, as they were before.”

“Third, if the Sikandari Government will not apologize for the accusations made against my Government, we will not offer any such gratitude towards them.”

“Now, your proposal for some type of naval cooperation in the Long Sea. I can tell you now that the People’s Council of Commissars will reject any plan that makes the People’s Navy subservient to any direction of bourgeois nations. In my experience, Auraria is far more approachable than Carentania, so I can guarantee they’ll decline as well. Without Auraria and Carentania, and I do mean us both, any such cooperation is a moot point and only continues the crisis we see here.”

“My proposal is a Long Sea Trade Commission, which is formed from nations that have a coastline in the Long Sea, colonial puppet states do not count. The Commission’s governing entity shall be representatives from each country involved. The Chair of such Commission cannot be a citizen of Auraria, Carentania, or Sikandara. The Commission shall be able to communicate and share information between participating Navies and serve as an advisory board – not a command center. Even this will be a tough bargain for my countryman, but I’ll hold up my end if you can do yours.”

Palomo leaned back in his chair, the glass of wine almost empty.

“I enjoy your company, Minister Mauritz, I truly do. However, I think it in the best interest of the world if you go talk with the Sikandari, my how they must feel so neglected.”

(OOC: When I say Trade Commission, I'm simply giving a title to the patrol force that Langerland proposed and making some alterations I'd like to see.)

 

[Längerland]

Longview Hotel
Ostküstburg, Süedspunkt Province
Längerland

Mauritz stood, buttoned his jacket and shook hands with Palomo. 'I will do what I can, Commissar. I think quite a few items on your list can be achieved, with perhaps a bit of revision, but nothing too much.' He smiled, 'Do excuse me as I make my way over to the other side.'

Mauritz exited the lounge and began walking quickly across the Grand Lobby, not pausing to allow his numerous aides to address him properly as they would have liked. He nodded his head to one question, shook it in the negative to another, smiled when a third showed him the dinner menu for later in the evening.

'No, no, we can't serve that! Get something domestic, something neutral!! Any Längisch red will pair nicely with the quail.'

Logistics taken care of during the thirty second traversal of the lobby, Mauritz stepped into the Waves Lounge and saw Ghaznavi smiling and staring out the window at the sea. He politely cleared his throat to announce his presence.

'Grand Councillor!' Mauritz beamed at his counterpart and shook his hand before taking a seat. 'Such a pleasure to have some one on one time with you. I do hope you don't mind that I've split up the talks for the moment. I think it shall sincerely help with the proceedings and we will soon be able to all gather round the same table.'

Mauritz was running through the Aurarian list in his head, prioritising things for later on, but right now he just wanted to focus on what Sikandara had in mind.

'I trust you and your team have had ample time to prepare a list of some key desires. But before you begin, let me just say, as I said with the Aurarians, that these are rough beginnings. I will hear what you have to say, but compromise will be necessary. Revisions will be necessary. But with a bit of skill and patience, I believe we can leave this beautiful coastal town with sustainable peace as our trophy!'

A server brought in a silver coffee and tea service and set it down on the low table between the statesmen. Normally the young man would have served them, but knowing that they would rather speak in private, he simply set it down and departed, leaving Mauritz to pour his own cup of coffee. He first put in the cream, then the coffee, gave it a lazy stir and then plucked two shortbread biscuits from the tray.

'Help yourself, please do! Nothing like a fresh cup and some sugary snacks to settle the mind.'

Munching on his biscuit and sipping the fresh brew, Mauritz, fully composed and ready for another round of listening to the complaints of the other side, settled in for an hour of diplomatic battle.

 

[Serenierre]

Longview Hotel
Ostküstburg, Süedspunkt Province
Längerland

Grand Councillor Ghaznavi looked at his Längisch counterpart with some displeasure when he did enter the Waves Lounge. He had been kept waiting for much longer than he had anticipated. "The pleasure is all mine," he said as he shook the other man's hand. "Minister Mauritz, I think that separating the two parties was a wise decision on your part." As they sat down, the Sikandari foreign minister was ever so patient when he heard the other man call for compromise. When the tray was rolled into the room, Ghaznavi's translator poured out some coffee for him. The weather in this part of the world allowed a Sikandari to contemplate having a warm drink such as this in the dead middle of the summer.

"Yes, Minister Mauritz, the need for compromise is needed." He began to outline the Sikandari position. "How much more of a compromise do you want? I have already promised to my Aurarian counterpart that we would abandon the demand for an international task force to protect Long Sea maritime trade."

He looked at the other man for a moment to see whether he was paying attention. "You ask for our unadulterated stance... it is this... Auraria must apologize for alleging that we were responsible for shooting down the ship which carried the "refugees" and Sikandara will not apologize for anything other than the statement we issued with regards to the sinking of three humanitarian aid ships. I urge you to convey to the Aurarians to not get too upset with the kind of language used in the statement."

This he felt was fair. His eyes were on Mauritz throughout the time he spoke, monitoring each reaction on the Germanic man's face, looking for agreement or disagreement to the words of the Grand Councillor.

"The second demand that we have is that we do not want the patrol force in the Long Sea, as proposed by you, Minister Mauritz, to include any ship from Carentania, Auraria, or even Sikandara to maintain the neutrality of the force and to ensure that the patrol's mission is not politicised. This is very important for me. The role of neutral powers in this dispute is something which we think is essential to ensure regional peace."

He leaned back in the sofa and relaxed his grip on the arm rest. "But having said that I want you to understand that Shahdara is committed to keeping the Long Sea a neutral waterway open to all the peoples of the world... so my reservations are more about Carentanian involvement in the task force. They are known for their territorial and aggressive posturing in the region and the driving policy of the current regime in Rijecka is absolutely incapable of being brought in line with the guiding philosophy behind such a patrol force." He did not know how the Aurarians would react to their ideological masters being cut out of the program but he felt it was worth a try.

He took a sip of the coffee. He wanted to see Mauritz's reaction to his demands before he showed the concessions he had thought about earlier.

 

[Längerland]

Longview Hotel
Ostküstburg, Süedspunkt Province
Längerland

Mauritz remained calm and relaxed as he listened to Ghaznavi's demands. They were interesting, no doubt, but the Längisch gentleman was concerned that the devil lay within the details. He was by no means losing his patience (he had days left if necessary) but he decided to take a more direct tone with the Sikandari. He believed that it might work with him.

'Grand Councillor...' Mauritz let out a sigh, unusual for a Längisch diplomat, but he believed Ghaznavi could sense through his diplomatic robe anyway. 'I don't think either side will be making official apologies. In my professional and personal opinion, it would simply be too politically crippling for either you or they to do so. So I urge you to drop such a demand.'

He reached for a glass of water and nearly knocked it off the table. Despite its unstable moment, the glass settled and he successfully brought it to his parched lips.

'As for your second demand, there I think we can work on something. However, even if the task force is made up of so-called neutral states...' Mauritz paused and gave a knowing look. In his mind Längerland was the only truly neutral state on the Long Sea and its navy simply couldn't police the whole area for everyone. 'There would be no way of stopping Auraria, Carentania, Sikandara even, from embarking on their own naval patrols. That is their right and it would be naïve to think that a neutral patrolling task force would calm their nerves enough. No, we must have all parties involved so that they see first hand how the patrols are managed and run. If they are not part of it, they will view it as a threat. How would they know, for example, that your ships were not taking part? Would they take my word for it?'

He took in a deep breath, relishing the salty air. He couldn't wait for after dinner when he could escape the talks for even just an hour and take an evening dip in the sea.

'Längerland has decent relations with most countries, including the communist bloc. But they would absolutely not agree to a patrolling force that excluded them, even if Sikandara was not involved. They just wouldn't believe my government that it was a purely neutral force. Not to mention that aside from Längerland, I don't know which countries would be able to comprise such a task force, given that the sea is so large. We would need a sizeable force.'

Mauritz smiled, knowing he needed to keep things positive. At any rate things were moving in the right direction.

'Let us brainstorm, yes? How could ships from all sides partake in patrolling without causing problems? What about a Längisch ship leading each grouping of ships? A neutral ship there would make it impossible for any foul play. It would be the eyes and ears for both sides...'