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A Travers l'Atlantique


Sarah Tintagyl

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[quote]
[i][b]To: Mlle. Lilian Meridian, Foreign Minister of Disparu
From: Mlle. Claire Delacour, President of the French Republic[/b][/i]
[i]
Excellency,

I realize that this letter seems to come a bit late considering France as well as Aquitaine's existence in the previous decade and subsequent years. Of all the countries on Earth, it is amazing that Disparu and France, two nations which have so much in common, language, culture, and until just a few months ago, government systems have not had stronger diplomatic ties with each other. With Europe and especially the world changing as well as France's recent diplomatic fiasco concerning the Franco-German War, the Republic now must re-evaluate its place in the world and one of the goals of my administration as well as the White Party currently in power is to extend France's diplomatic recognition across the planet. Disparu and France have maintained distant relationships but I hope that perhaps this could be ended by coming to a better understanding of how our people are different and yet, very much alike.

Therefore Mademoiselle Meridian, I would like to include in this letter a personal invitation to come to France, particularly to my home at the Chateau de Chantilly where we might be able to discuss a growth in Franco-Disparuan Relations. Non-Aggression, Economic Pacts, as well as possibly Defense Pacts as well. I trust that no matter what we discuss, the evening will be fruitful.

I await your response in haste.

Signed,

Claire Delacour[/i]
[/quote]

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[b]PRIVATE[/b]

[quote][center][img]http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091230220739/cybernations/images/thumb/2/29/DisparuGovernmentSeal.png/250px-DisparuGovernmentSeal.png[/img][/center]

[b]Date : [/b] 1 septembre / September 2011

[b]TO/À :[/b] Mlle. Claire Delacour, President of the French Republic
[b]FROM/DE :[/b] Mlle. Lilian Meridian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Disparu

Greetings Your Excellency,

The Government of Disparu has often considered extending relations with France in the past, mainly due to our strong cultural ties with each other, but crises and emergencies both at home and abroad had sadly pushed this initiative further down the federal agenda. We still recall our distant yet amicable relationships in the past in the Confederation of Arctic Nations and the Francophonie; hence we would be eager and glad to discuss our nations' diplomatic relations, and of course, a potential non-aggression, economic and defence treaty.

I shall personally arrive in Chantilly within two days' time to personally discuss this matter with you, Mademoiselle President. I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely yours,
[i]/s/[/i]
Lilian Meridian
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Disparu
Member of the Empire Party
[/quote]

In about three hours, a chartered aeroDisparu flight carrying the Minister departed from Jubilife's Darach International Airport for Paris. It carefully skirted hostile airspace over Eterna, and arrived at Paris's Roissy Airport in seven hours. Once there, Meridian rented a room in a Parisian hotel to get to her bearings and prepare everything she would need for her meeting with the President. After sleeping and hastily eating breakfast, Meridian found herself inside a limousine, speeding towards Chantilly...

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Claire had been up since the early morning preparing for Lilian's arrival. In truth there wasn't much to be nervous about, however Claire found herself pacing back and forth in the upper library of Chantilly thinking about the meeting in..."She should be here any moment now." She said looking up at the clock situated high on the mantle of the fireplace. There was a plethora of reasons of why she was nervous and very much excited for the arrival of the Disparuan Foreign Minister. France was in desperate need of allies, dependable allies. Athens, Holy America and Vauleyo-Buryatia were there. But York's recent silence within the government was cause for alarm as well as J Andres' recent moves to colonize the British Isles, France was not sure who they could depend on in the future and who they could not. Surely Europe, perhaps Africa, but who else? Fellow French Nations? Louisiana was moving along with J Andres, Vietnam had become part of the Asian Superpower, the UFE, which in Claire's mind left Disparu. Disparu and France had never really had relations, strong relations, but in her mind and what she hoped to create, starting today, would be the beginning of a wonderful and powerful friendship.

The knock on the door of the library startled her out of her thoughts as Maurice LaRoche, her butler and chauffeur walked into the room. "Mademoiselle? Claire? The Foreign Minister is here, she is waiting for you in the parlor."

"All right, thank you Maurice, I'll be down soon." Claire nodded, watched him shut the door and took a deep breath. She adjusted the emerald brooch she wore around her collar, straightened her white blouse and dress then proceeded to head towards the parlor where Lilian was waiting.

Lilian had been escorted in to Chantilly by the Presidential Guard, Claire's personal bodyguard outside of the Chateau. They had brought her in through the hallways leading to the parlor, now decorated with Claire's taste, still classical, but with a definite modern feel. Especially given some of the statues of football stars standing around the parlor. Finally after two cups of tea were brought in, Claire rounded the corner meeting Lilian face-to-face for the first time.

"Mademoiselle Meridian." Claire walked up to her and took her hand in her own. "Its a true pleasure to finally meet you. I apologize for the suddenness of my letter, but things have been so hectic around here, as with the new government, the death of Empress Therese and so forth. It's been a diplomatic explosion if you will." Claire said sitting down on the couch. "However, what I would like to discuss is the possibility of furthering our two country's relations. With some French colonial ambitions still strong in North America, in our region of New France, yet no real allies to speak up aside from J Andres on the continent, Disparu is the obvious choice for a friendship. I can see good things coming from an alliance and I want to make that a reality, if you would be in agreement."

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Lilian had remained silent as she was escorted through the Château, instead opting to observe the building's intricate designs. The Château's classical was quite a refreshment from what she was used to - the ultramodern jumble of glass, steel and concrete known as Jubilife. She felt that the football players' statues were somewhat out of place, though she did not bring them up lest Claire take offence. When the President finally came in, she felt somewhat nervous upon noticing that she was wearing majestic-looking clothes, whereas she was only wearing a business suit. She made a mental note to wear something more elegant in the near future.

Lilian felt more reassured when Claire talked to her. She certainly had an air of friendliness around her. "[i]Salut, mademoiselle Delacour.[/i] It's also a pleasure to meet you in person." she said cheerfully. "To be quite frank, we were also a bit surprised when we received your letter at the Ministry. After all, it's been quite a while since Disparu and France had any relations with each other." She took her seat on the couch. "As I've said in my message, the Disparuean Government would be welcome to extended relations among our nations. We had been supportive of New France when it was established, and our support continues to this day." Lilian paused for a bit. "If it's not too much of a bother, [i]mademoiselle présidente[/i], what exactly do you have in mind? I have, indeed, read our proposal, but I would like to enquire about the specifics beforehand."

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"Yes, even when I was a soldier in the Empire, the fact that the Empress made no real moves to consolidate a friendship with your people, upset me a great deal. We are looking to alliances with Greeks, Slavs, Germans, Easterners, but our own French neighbors, we have had no contact with, especially one with such large political and military power as Disparu commands." Claire reached for her cup of tea that had been brought in and took a quick sip. "Also I'm glad to hear that Disparu still approves of New France, it is, very important for the Republic to maintain some semblance of the past Colonial Empire, personally I would say across the world. France has the ability to become one of the global superpowers, it just needs to renew its ability to project influence, which I believe we are doing quite well at the moment."

She turned to Lilian and smiled. "As for the diplomatic discussion proper. France has been moving to secure as many possible alliances as she can. Our war with Germany, which the Germans have been making the pinnacle of humor as of late." Claire glared for a moment out the window towards the courtyard outside. "I have talked to Monsieur Martens and he has told me it is the citizens' voice, but men are men, they have to stay on a news topic until it is corroding in their hands. Nevertheless, with Disparu, I could say as the successor state of the Ancient Form of New France, an alliance is necessary, but like alliances it has to grow on its own accord."

"What I would suggest is the beginning of a treaty that can be upgraded as time passes. We begin with an NAP/FTA/ODP, move on towards, in a year or so, an MDP, then another year, an MDoAP, and finally at the end we are presented with one of the strongest alliances in the world. From there, the sky is virtually the limit. What would your government say to something such as that?"

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"Such a treaty can be easily arranged. We have been looking for an ally outside of North America proper, especially the French, for years now, but concerns closer to home had been hampered that goal. Granted, our own culture has evolved separately from France since the establishment of New France, Lower Canada, Quebec, Saboria, and communist Canada, however we still feel a close yet informal connection with the Motherland. Now that she once again beckons for us, we shall heed her call." Lilian took a sip from her cup. "Upgrading the treaty over a period of time is also a good idea. After all, our relations will surely develop even more as time passes. I am, however, unsure with what you meant by 'one of the strongest alliances in the world'. Care to elaborate a bit?"

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Claire smiled and chuckled for a moment as she sipped. "Aside from the Rebel Army, the proverbial Ottoman Empire of the world, who is the strongest nation Lilian? The United Slavic Republics? The Federation of the East? Germany? All of these nations who are the powerhouses of the world are not one single country, in retrospect. In essence, the USR is Dalmatia and Caucasia, Germany is of course North Germany and the Gothic South, and so on and so forth. The Superpowers of today's worlds are the greater merging of cultures to form super states. German, Chinese, Slavic, these Nation-States are the states that now control the world. Well naturally, it is only right that the French people, ascend to their own power to counter these other Nation-States. It is a world that either, you counter the growth of states, or you become servitude to them. This is something that France and the French People cannot become."

"France has in recent times gotten along quite well with these Nation-States, but our own Nation-State is not in existence as of yet. The Franco-Disparuian Alliance can make such a Nation-State a reality. With our combined power in the future, our strength would be stronger than that of the Germans, on par with that of the Slavs and perhaps just under that of the Asians. Perhaps I am being too ambitious..." Claire sighed, but kept a faint smile as she did. "But we have to take French destiny into our own hands, I will not leave the destiny of my people as well as my cousins in the hands of anyone but the French themselves."

"We are different cultures Lilian and at the same time, we are very much the same. You and I are sisters, perhaps distant, but sisters in my eyes nevertheless."

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Lilian remained silent for a while as she pondered what Claire said. "Well, you do make an excellent point, [i]mademoiselle présidente[/i]. The most powerful and influential nations in the world, both from the present and the past, are usually different states united for the same cause. " Lilian took another sip. "Sadly, I alone do not have the authority to approve such a proposal. That's the entire Government's job; and they have a lot to consider before forging such an alliance. Allies' and neighbours' opinions have to be sought, all Government officials have to be consulted, referendums have to be held...there's basically an unlimited amount of bureaucracy that could be created by this..." Lilian paused. "Don't get me wrong, [i]mademoiselle présidente[/i]. I certainly like this idea, and I'm sure some members of the Government also will, but this is just too much to consider for now. Perhaps we can go on with the treaty for now, and when the time comes, we can evaluate a union between Disparu and France."

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Claire chuckled for a moment and patted Lilian on the shoulder. "Oh Mademoiselle, I had no intention of saying a Union now. This would be years and years down and in the future and when Disparu and France are as good as friends as I hope we become, then, and only then, can we bring out the idea that there could be such a think of a Union between us. But of course, not until that time, if ever. As to actual alliances though, can we at least approve or do you think your government would look favorably on my first proposal of the Upgrading Pact? Friends should be judged by their commitment to the friendship, not because of culture, power, or whatever, I can rely much more on a friend who has been there in the past, than a nameless group of people I've never heard of before."

"So to my first proposal what do you think?"

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Lilian felt somewhat relieved. "I certainly understand your rationale. After all, you could have the world's most powerful nations officially backing you, but it would all be meaningless if they aren't committed to their relation. Oh, and, of course, I can certainly approve your first proposal right away." She smiled. "Do you have some sort of draft for it?"

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"Then if you'll excuse me for a moment Lilian." Claire said getting up of the sofa and walking upstairs to her study, where she kept various drafts of treaties to be signed. It saved her the work of always having to write up one herself. A few minutes later, she appeared back in the parlor with the draft of the treaty to be signed. "I think it might be best to avoid free trade as well, at the moment at least and work for a consolidation of our economies over time. But what are your thoughts on this." She said handing the parchment to Lilian.

[quote]
Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between France and Disparu

Preamble
The Republic of France and the Federation of Disparu hereby enter into a understanding of friendship and economic cooperation.

Article I. Sovereignty
Each signatory shall respect the sovereignty of the each other, and thus shall not commit any action that limits or otherwise hinders the each other’s sovereignty.

Article Ii. Non Aggression
The undersigned nations hereby agree to non-aggression. Neither nation will engage in military or undercover operations against the other.

Article III. Economic Cooperation
France and Disparu hereby agree to reduced tariffs and economic cooperation, encompassing a push for stronger trade ties between their nations.

Article IV. Optional Defense
France and Disparu, given their friendship have come to the agreement that if either nation is invaded, the other signatory has the option, not obligation to defend the other. While not obligated, the participation of the friend is encouraged and if military support cannot be given, financial aid is also encouraged.

Article V. Upgrading
At the end of every year (RL = 1 Month) This treaty will be placed under review for the prospects of upgrading it to a higher level of friendship between the signatories.

Article VI. Cancellation
This treaty can be terminated by either signatory at any time, provided that the other nation is made aware of the cancellation 48 hours in advance. This treaty is considered to still be in effect until the 48 hours is up.

Signed for The Republic of France,

Claire Delacour
President

[/quote]

Edited by Sarah Tintagyl
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"Ah, thank you." said Lilian as she carefully read the text on the parchment. "Avoiding free trade for the moment would be acceptable. I understand your concerns about that. As for the treaty itself, I would like to point out a minor error - Disparu is not a kingdom, despite having a monarchy installed. We prefer to call ourselves the [i]Federation[/i] of Disparu." Lilian smiled at Claire. "Don't worry, [i]mademoiselle présidente[/i], several other nations in the past have mistakenly called us a kingdom. You are not the first. Anyways, I also have two other suggestions.I think something along the lines of 'both nations should recognize each other's sovereignty' should be added somewhere in the treaty, just for formalities. I also think that the possibility of upgrading this treaty should be written. Something along the lines of 'both nations shall consider upgrading this treaty to a higher one every year'. Otherwise, I have no qualms with it." she said as she took out a fountain pen.

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"Thank you very much Lilian." Claire took the parchment from her and after calling an aide to receive it from her, she turned back to the Foreign Minister. "A copy will be faxed to Disparu as soon as the treaty is looked over and made official by the National Assembly. Nothing to worry about of course, most of that is purely ceremonial. But I believe now, Mademoiselle, we're well on our way to mastering the Atlantic, Disparu and France along with our other allies. In fact, give me one moment."

Claire left the room suddenly, if only for a few minutes before appearing with a bottle of Chardonnay and two glasses filled half way. "Its one of the better wines I've collected, so I'm sure it will be enjoyable. But after we've finished, please, the bottle is yours to take home Lilian, think of it as the first national transaction between our peoples." The President laughed and handed one of the glasses to Lilian. Claire raised it slightly and toasted. "Vive la Disparu. Vive la France."

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