Greek-Northlander Diplomacy

[Yerushalayim]

Ambassador Nicodemus Katsaros finished the last of his cup of coffee, which he handed off to one of his aids, before he rose and stretched. It was nearly time for his appointment with the Northlander, and while he was tempted to remain and continue to indulge himself, he had no desire to put forth a bad showing for his nation by being late. He'd wanted a scenic breakfast, but he was glad he had allowed one of his bodyguards to talk him into stopping at a cafe that was much closer to his meeting.

 

“Well, what are you waiting for,” he growled at the men and women around him. The younger aids looked startled and began to rush around, collecting their things in a flurry of activity. The guards, and the senior staff, were more calm and collected, unfooled by his grim demeanour. It took less time than he'd expected, but Nicodemus' party was soon packed and paid, and on their way.

 

The majority of the diplomatic team broke off and made their way back to the embassy, which they were continuing to make into their home. Nicodemus, a senior aid, and two guards continued on foot to the Northlander meeting place. The guards checked their weapons with security and took seats outside the meeting room.

 

Nicodemus and his aid stepped into the room, where he sketched a slight bow to the man facing him. “Lord Timmermans,” he growled in the dialect of the Northlands, “Ambassador Katsaros,” he gestured to himself, then to his companion, “Mister Leventis. Greece greets the Northlands warmly.”

[Californian]

Augustine Timmermans was impressed the man spoke Nordlandic, even if his accent was quite noticeable. As he had come to learn through his years of travel, very few beyond northern Europe knew of, much less spoke, the language and he was used to conversing in English or French with other states. He appreciated the gesture. 

 

The meeting was in a large room in a government building, not too far from the embassy sector where the Greeks resided. The room itself looked somewhat aged, and the wear on the oak table they sat around hinted at the volume of past diplomatic discussions that had taken place in the room. Timmermans was sharply dressed in a suit, and was tall even for a Dutchman. He would rise as the congregation entered, moving to greet the men. "Welcome Ambassador Katsaros, Mister Leventis," he would say with a nod. "I'm afraid the interaction between Greece and the Northlands has been too little in the past, and I'm glad to be able to rectify that today. How has your transition been, moving to Noordenwind and starting up the embassy?"

 

As introductions and pleasantries were being made, an aide would walk in with a platter of glasses, ice, and an extremely strong whisky. As it was customary for such talks to begin with a shot of liquor, the man would pour glasses for the guests as per their liking, and do Timmermans in kind. 

 

Augustine would lift his glass and cheers, downing the drink and exchanging it for a glass of water. "Now, what did you wish to discuss gentlemen?"

 

 

[Yerushalayim]

Nicodemus nodded along with the Northlander, his hair falling into his eyes now and again. “Unfortunately, the Monarchists burned most of their diplomatic papers. We're still piecing together where they were and what they were doing before the war.” He paused for a moment to consider the next question, then shrugged with a half smile, “The beer is good, the coffee a bit weak, and the women more than friendly. So far, I'd say the Noordenwind is mostly to our liking. A bit chilly, but pleasant all around.”

 

He paused for a second time when the whiskey came, drank his, and set the cup aside. “Greece values stability and prosperity,” he growled out in answer to his counterpart's question, “And the Northlands possesses territory within our sphere of interest. To that end, it behooves us to establish friendly relations between our nations. Notably, we wish to ensure that Greek shipping free movement through the waters surrounding these islands, and that our ships may refuel if need be at whatever ports the islands boast. In return, of course, Greece would agree not to close our own waters or ports to your shipping.”

[Californian]

Timmermans was unsurprised the discussion involved the Baleares. "The Northlands has and will continue to be a respectful partner with all fellow Mediterranean states. Easing barriers to trade and relations only helps us and others in the region, and we thus have no issue with establishing friendly relations and ensuring commerce through our respective waters in the Mediterranean. The Balearic Islands have some of the best ports in the Mediterranean Sea, including the capital of Port Mahon, and your ships will be welcome there."

 

"Perhaps you could enlighten me as to Greek foreign policy plans and goals for the Mediterranean region? I am curious to hear what your national vision is for this neighborhood, and the extent to which Northlandic cooperation is possible."

[Yerushalayim]

Nicodemus let out a rough laugh that could easily have been mistaken for the growl of some predatory beast. “Our plans? Pretty simple. Greece's policy is for stability and prosperity. We don't want another war in the Med. Closing off shipping, like the Africans did in the Great War, hurt us all. Ships coming and going from Africa to Europe, fighting and missiles going back and forth, a complete mess. What we want is for there to be enough agreement between the powers that exist within the Sea to avoid fighting there if at all possible. In our studies of history, one of the best ways to prevent strife is to encourage mutually profitable trade. Nations that are dependent on one another for their economic well being are less likely to wage war on one another.”

 

He shrugged and took a sip of water. “Northlands could be of help simply by agreeing with this philosophy, engaging in mutually profitable trade with other Mediterranean powers, and allowing the Greek navy to move freely within your waters, so that we can more easily act in the Western Mediterranean if ever the need should arise.”

[Californian]

"We too are looking for a peaceful, prosperous Mediterranean and we are certainly interested in promoting and ensuring safe trade. What you say is agreeable enough, and we are glad to see another responsible actor in the region. Is there anything else you wished to discuss today?"

[Californian]

"We too are looking for a peaceful, prosperous Mediterranean and we are certainly interested in promoting and ensuring safe trade. What you say is agreeable enough, and we are glad to see another responsible actor in the region. Is there anything else you wished to discuss today?"

[Yerushalayim]

“There is one more matter,” Nicodemus rumbled. “Your position within the Mediterranean, and the fact that you are not native to the region, marks you as a bit of target for others. We wouldn't want to see anything ill befall a new found friend. I believe it is in the interests of both our nations to come to an agreement regarding a mutual defense of one another. God forbid we ever need to call upon one another, but such an agreement along with an easing of trade will greatly encourage friendship between our peoples.”

[Californian]

It was Timmermans turn to let out a laugh. "I pity the leaders who underestimate our commitment to the Baleares and Gibraltar and choose to commence hostilities with us over some perceived notion of lesser 'nativeness.' I appreciate your concern for our well-being and I trust you would let us know of specific nations that saw as a 'target' in the region, as you say.    

 

From a strategic perspective, Greece currently has large amounts of influence and territory particularly in the eastern region of the Mediterranean. The Northlands is currently the only nation with any specific holding in the western part. This presents a felicitous opportunity for our nations to work together in complement of one another's strengths in the region. This would enhance security and trade in the area, as you mention.

 

As such, the Northlands would be willing to pursue closer military cooperation. Due to the geography of our nations, we would be comfortable signing an optional defense agreement, to be upgraded to mutual defense after consultations in one years time. It takes time to commit assets to be in a position to support an ally as far away as Greece, and it will also serve as an opportunity to learn more about one another and opportunities that exist to work together."

[Yerushalayim]

“Of course Greece will provide any intelligence relating to threats against the Northlands as we learn of them. We find the idea of enhanced trade, and formal military relationship in the form of an optional defensive pact, to be perfectly acceptable, and I look forward to a lasting friendship between our peoples.

 

You brought up a good point that our nations are far from each other, especially our mainland holdings. Perhaps our first joint effort should be a high speed transit network to bridge this gap? Such a network would allow Greece to provide support to the Northlands much faster, or the opposite, as needed. It would also encourage travel and tourism between our peoples, and such proximity and contact would be a pleasant furtherance of the friendship we begin here.”

[Californian]

Based on what both men had discussed, a draft treaty would be prepared and presented for review and revision, if necessary. 

 

 

 

The Northlands and Greece Agreement of Economic and Military Cooperation

 

In the spirit of friendship and cooperation, the Northlands and Greece agree to the following provisions laid out in the mutually-agreed upon pact. Both nations remain fully sovereign states and sign this treaty in the hopes that better relations may be attained for the greater peace, prosperity, and good of these two nations.

 

Article I. Trade

 

Both Greece and the Northlands agree to promote trade between one another. Each state will endeavor to lower any tariffs or fees on trade of products and industries between the two nations, bar those considered necessary for vital national interests or those industries which have been granted exception. The nations pledge to work together to achieve this, preferably through reciprocation of changes in commerce regulation and oversight.

 

Article II. Nonaggression & Intelligence Sharing

 

Both Greece and the Northlands agree to a pact of non-aggression, and will not interfere or step into the soil of the other nation when not specifically requested. Nor will either signatory illegally spy, destabilize, or in any other way attempt to bring harm to the other. Greece and the Northlands agree to disclose and share any relevant intelligence and information.

 

Article III. Optional Defense

 

Both Greece and the Northlands agree to reserve the right to defend each other from foreign aggression. Should either nation find themselves engaged in a defensive war, the other maintains the option to provide the aid, including economic and military, needed to support and defend the other.  

 

 

This article will be reviewed in one year's time (OOC: one month) to be amended to mutual defense following consultations.

 

Article IV. Termination

 

Should either Greece or Northlands feel this treaty no longer serves the purpose for which it is intended, they may notify the other of their intention to cancel. Such notification must be communicated three weeks (OOC: 72 hours) in advance. 

 

 

 

"I'm sure we could work together towards a more interconnected transportation network. A rail system is one possibility, although we would likely need to consult with Alvonia, Hungary-Slovakia, or Yugoslavia depending on the route chosen, or else detour through currently unclaimed land. I'm sure the Royal Engineering Corps is up to the challenge of working together on such a venture. 

 

More realistically, we can also expand our air and naval transport capabilities in the region including airports, runways, hangars, docks, and other infrastructure. This will be the most convenient way to support one another, and will also allow for more direct flights and ferrys for civilians between our nations.

 

Cultural exchange is another area we could immediately begin initiating closer ties. We are willing to reciprocate any measures to decrease visa or other border requirements to facilitate tourism and travel between our nations."

 

"I have the authority to sign this document, and it can soon be officially ratified by the head of state and Council, should you find it satisfactory."

[Yerushalayim]

“This treaty looks satisfactory. I'll fax a copy to the Prime Minister for final review and signing. As for the transport networks, I think that you are correct; a rail line, while an ideal to work toward, will take a significant amount of time to construct. I don't think that Greece will object to setting aside additional air fields for use with Northlander airlines, nor will we object to increased ferry services in the Mediterranean. Additionally, with approval of our Ministry of Culture, I think we can open Greece's elite universities to applications from Northlander students.”

 

OOC: Consider the treaty signed.

[Californian]

It had been a year since the Northlands had signed the treaty, and the world had changed somewhat drastically. But with the formation of the Economic Security Pact and the beginning of rail lines to connect the two, relations between Greece and Northlands had never been stronger. Royal Ambassador Sir Johann Freudenberger would request a meeting with Greek officials to discuss upgrading the current treaty.

[Yerushalayim]

The Greek Foreign Minister made the trip to the Northlandic capital for the review of the treaty. Nicodemus and other Greek staff accompanied her to the meeting, where pleasantries were first exchanged before she withdrew a copy of the treaty and set it on a table before her. "Thank you for the invitation. This year has been good to us both, I hope."

[Californian]

"It has indeed. Peace has at last reached Poland and our participation in Nordic Hammer and the Economic Security Pact has allowed us to maintain a network of friends and nations who see the world similarly to ourselves. With our recent participation in the South Atlantic, Greece has especially has been a trustworthy friend and both of our governments seem to be on the same page about a great many things regarding international affairs."

 

"Our treaty," he would begin, pointing to the document she had brought, "specifically mentions the possibility of revising our security agreement now that time has passed and we've been able to cooperate with each other. From our end, we believe that an upgrade to mutual defense is warranted and wish to know what Greece thinks of this."

[Yerushalayim]

Thea gave a slight nod. "Greece shares this opinion. We have found the Northlands to be a cooperative partner in achieving our mutual objectives on the world stage. Especially with the formation of the Economic Security Pact, and the joint operations undertaken as part of the Pact have seen our Armed Forces performing side by side without issue. We would be comfortable upgrading the security clause of our treaty."

[Californian]

The Northlands and Greece Agreement of Economic and Military Cooperation

 

In the spirit of friendship and cooperation, the Northlands and Greece agree to the following provisions laid out in the mutually-agreed upon pact. Both nations remain fully sovereign states and sign this treaty in the hopes that better relations may be attained for the greater peace, prosperity, and good of these two nations.

 

Article I. Trade

 

Both Greece and the Northlands agree to promote trade between one another. Each state will endeavor to lower any tariffs or fees on trade of products and industries between the two nations, bar those considered necessary for vital national interests or those industries which have been granted exception. The nations pledge to work together to achieve this, preferably through reciprocation of changes in commerce regulation and oversight.

 

Article II. Nonaggression & Intelligence Sharing

 

Both Greece and the Northlands agree to a pact of non-aggression, and will not interfere or step into the soil of the other nation when not specifically requested. Nor will either signatory illegally spy, destabilize, or in any other way attempt to bring harm to the other. Greece and the Northlands agree to disclose and share any relevant intelligence and information.

 

Article III. Mutual Defense

 

Both Greece and the Northlands agree to defend each other from foreign aggression. Should either nation find themselves engaged in a defensive war, the other will provide aid, including economic and military, in support and defense.  

 

Article IV. Termination

 

Should either Greece or Northlands feel this treaty no longer serves the purpose for which it is intended, they may notify the other of their intention to cancel. Such notification must be communicated three weeks (OOC: 72 hours) in advance. 

 

 

 

"Excellent, here's a copy of the updated treaty reflecting that change." Very strong whiskey would be poured for both parties and Freudenberger would drink it, as was customary for the successful signing, or re-signing, of an agreement. "Other than that, is there anything else you wished to discuss here today?'

[Yerushalayim]

Thea happily signed the provided treaty, took her whiskey, and enjoyed the drink. "To a long lasting friendship," she murmured, a bit of colour already rising to her cheeks. "I think there is one thing, a small military matter. Would the Northlands be willing to grant Greece the right to base a small number of air units out of the Balearic islands? Our capabilities in the western Mediterranean are fairly limited, and we would greatly appreciate having a small air lift and patrol capability from that position. In return, we would be willing to allow a similar deployment of Northlandic military to Greek held territory."

[Californian]

"This shouldn't be a problem, I'll forward the matter to the Office of Security to make the needed arrangements, we have several facilities on the Baleares that have ample space and logistical support for Greek aircraft. A reciprocal agreement on Crete or Cyprus would likewise be appreciated."

[Yerushalayim]

"We would be honoured to provide housing for Northlandic forces in either location. Crete would be the more crowded, being as it is closer to our mainland defenses, though Cyprus has bases assigned to the defense of the Suez. Whether you wish to reach out into Europe, or to West Asia or North Africa, I suppose is the determining factor. I'll have our Minister of Defense coordinate any details with your own military."

[Californian]

"Crete would be a suitable location for an air wing detachment, we can keep the associated logistics and support to a minimum to accommodate the area limitations that may be in place. Though this talk is no doubt better suited for the military logistical officers of our nations, and I will leave it to them. We look forward to our continued close cooperation with Greece."