The "Moscow" File

[Hereno]

In the closet of the Doge's home office lay several file cabinets full of various documents regarding the Doge's thoughts regarding nations and meetings. One of them, just as drab and tan as the others, was simply labeled "Moscow".
 

Page 1
 
Date
 
Title: Visit to Moscow
 
To the leader of Muscowy: I will be visiting your national capital on a series of diplomatic talks that I am planning around the world. While I am there, I would like to meet with you personally and discuss the affairs of our nations. Please let me know as soon as you can, as I'll be there in just a few days.
 
Signed,
Doge Hereno

[JEDCJT]

To: Doge Hereno of Milan

From: Sergei Medvedev, Deputy Foreign Minister of Muscovy

Subject: Visit to Moscow

 

I will personally meet with you for this meeting. The Diplomatic Corps will undertake appropriate preparations for your arrival. Tsar Mikhail conveys his sincerest apologies for not being able to make it, for he has a very busy schedule, but he gives his personal greetings. The same goes for Foreign Minister Vladimir Lavrov, who is currently in a diplomatic meeting.

 

I look forward to meeting with you.

 

Signed,

Sergei Medvedev, 

Deputy Foreign Minister

[Hereno]

The Doge found Moscow booming, albeit somewhat chilly. The overcast skies and damp air kept any uncovered skin uncomfortably clammy. Luckily for him, however, he was watching this world from the seat of a room with central heating and air conditioning. The grey hustle-and-bustle of the Muscovite capitol hosted many buildings of splendor, and today a particularly special one would host the Doge of Milan. Turning to Mr. Medvedev, he broke the ice with a bit of small talk that would be later described in the file as "typical", before getting down to business.

"With the collapse of the European Community so soon after it illuminated Europe, if only for a brief moment, it is necessary for us to take this experiment in global alliances as the proof of concept that it was. To those ends, the Italian Republic sees that the changing of tides has washed us up on the doorstep of Muscovy. While we have no qualms about engaging in diplomacy with whomever, it is often easier to stick with what is close and well-known - Europe. Always the dominant power of the East, when we are concerned with these happenings, we go to the Russians. And today, I bring to your people offer of an alliance."

[JEDCJT]

"The European Community was a great institution, but the infighting among its members, along with the increasingly negative reputation across Europe, was what doomed it. What it did succeed, however, was fostering increased trade among its members. We hope a similar, more superior organization will be established in its stead in the future. With that said, what kind of alliance do you have in mind, exactly?"

[Hereno]

"Well, there are two main ideas that I've had. In the first, a simple military alliance and trade agreement. In the second, we would form an alliance of several central and eastern European powers to help unify the continent. As the area has both political and economic interests served by cohesiveness, and it will therefore have a unifying vision, it could become possible - as long as we exercise judicious judgment in regards to membership - to unify this section of land from the West and the East."

[JEDCJT]

Medvedev took the time to mull over his Milanese counterpart's words. "Regarding the first idea, a trade agreement would be acceptable to us. Our nations could take appropriate steps to promote trade by reducing or phasing out tariffs and other barriers as per the standard norm. As for a military alliance, I must inform you that we do not enter into alliances lightly. As we have not had much interactions with your government since its formation, I think it would be prudent to start off with a non-aggression pact and/or an optional defense pact, and proceed from there. As for the second idea, the alliance of several Central and Eastern European nations is commendable in theory, but the European Community aimed to do the same across Europe, and it largely failed. What steps will the proposed alliance take to avoid a repeat of the past, so to say? You mentioned judicious membership standards, but how will that address the differences among the members that may arise?"

[Hereno]

"Trade is important, is it not?" the Doge mused. "Those who are hesitant about joining alliances are also hesitant about abandoning them. For now, we will trade."

He uncrossed his legs, and sat up in his seat.

"As for the multilateral agreement, like my great grandfather used to say, 'any alliance whose purpose is not the intention to wage war is senseless and useless'. The European Community was drafted with the goal of peace, but inevitably, keeping so many people happy is impossible. By limiting it to our backyard, we ensure that our geopolitical goals can stay in tandem, as none of us wants an invasion of entral/eastern Europe from outside of it. And through numbers and cohesiveness, we will fend off wars without firing a single shot. The European Community sought an end to war - I seek victories in wars won without unnecessary bloodshed."

Edited July 27, 2014 by Hereno

[JEDCJT]

Medvedev nodded. "I presume there will be procedures designed to facilitate productive dialogue among members to resolve internal disputes or disagreements. Perhaps in the near-future, when we've facilitated closer relations with the Central and Eastern European nations, we might consider joining this alliance. With that, I assume we're in agreement in regards to trade and non-aggression. If so, do you have a treaty that we could sign?"

Edited July 27, 2014 by JEDCJT