Wish they All Could Be California Girls

[TheShammySocialist]

[quote][b]To: Government of the California Republic
From: State Department of Greater New England

Subject: Formalizing Diplomatic Relations[/b]

[i]Salutations[/i]

Despite the storm that has seemed to envelop North America in recent times, I believe that promoting unity and friendship between the nations of North America should be paramount. I believe that the nations of North America should formalize more diplomatic relationships, and develop the disjointed North American community. While we saw that attempts at American unity were badly mauled at the Summit in New York not so long ago, we feel that despite that setback, and North America seeking diplomatic relationships elsewhere, we need to make fundamental attempts to promote more positive relations amongst the American states.

For these reasons, we would like to invite the Californian Republic to send a delegation of officials to Greater New England to discuss the opening of formal diplomatic ties with Greater New England, as well as formalizing economic bonds between our two nations. Given the long term stability that the Californian Republic has shown since its independence, we feel as though that forging a relationship with our western coast neighbors would be fruitful, and offer benefits to both our nations. Maybe even set a standard for moving forward with creating a strengthened network of American nations.

We hope this invitation finds your nation well, and look forward to hearing back from you.

[i]Best of Regards,

Edward Ouellette
Secretary of State
Confederation of Greater New England[/i][/quote]

[Tanis777]

[quote]
To: State Department of Greater New England
From: Department of State of the Californian Republic

Subject: RE: Formalizing Diplomatic Relations

Greetings!

Thank you for your high esteem towards our nation. The Californian Republic is very much a force of stability in Western North America. I'm afraid North America has seen better times, due to the war against Canada. We've attempted very much to formalize 1-on-1 relations with those at the badly publicized American Forum in the wake of it being derailed. California is much inclined to renew the spirit of American unity at an upcoming summit to be hosted by us very soon; however, to be set with more realistic goals in mind.

I would be honored to represent California on her behalf to promote diplomatic and economic goodwill towards our nations. Please regard this message as an acceptance to your invitation to visit your nation.

Sincerest Regards,

Kevin O'Malley
Secretary of State
Californian Republic
[/quote]

With the reply of the message, the Secretary of State and the Undersecretary of Commerce of the Californian Republic were whisked to the Sacramento airport to an awaiting DC-12 governmental aircraft. They would take the several hour flight across North America to Boston at Logan International Airport. The aircraft touched down to a private tarmac and emerged to an awaiting convoy to take them to the meeting site.

"Greetings, Secretary of State Kevin O'Malley. Pleasure to be in New England today. Here is my colleague Matthew Blinkerson, Undersectary of Commerce. He'll be handling economic details of our agreement." O'Malley said briskly, as he shook the New England representative's hand.

"A pleasure as well," replied Matthew Blinkerson.

[TheShammySocialist]

Arriving at Logan International, the Californian delegation would be greeted by a small entourage of New England government officials and aides, mostly centered around New England's own Secretary of State, Edward Ouellette. When O'Malley and Blinkerson arrived at the bottom of the stairs of their aircraft, Ouellette would greet them with firm handshakes and a friendly smile on an aged, but energetic face.

"Welcome to New England Secretary O'Malley, Undersecretary Blinkerson," said Ouellette, after they made their own introductions. "Edward Ouellette, New England Secretary of State, its a pleasure to make your acquaintance. The President apologizes for not being here in person, he had some urgent business to attend to and could not make it to our little welcoming committee here," said Ouellette, as he escorted them towards a convoy of white government vehicles, a montage of sport utility vehicles and large sedans. "But, we will be joining him in the Capital," he added, with a firm smile, as doors were opened on one of the large sedans for them.

Once comfortably settled into the sedan, the convoy would take off at a steady pace out of Logan, and headed for Boston Proper, via the Sumner Tunnel, as they rolled through the streets and into the darkened tunnel, the convoy moving through daytime traffic smoothly, its attendant police escorts clearing the way deftly. "Of course, New England is still developing its economy and standard of living, it took a bit of a dip during the time that New England became a protectorate and lost a sovereign state status after Pravus Ingruo rescinded back to New York. The economy did not crash, nor did unemployment soar too high, but people had to tighten their belts, the economy stagnated, and we're trying to reverse that as fast as possible. Crime is a major issue that has come up, and we're still dealing with those effects as we speak. That being said, we feel that our economy is stable, and we need to enhance our economic relations with other nations, creating strong economic bonds, as well as building general relationships with other nations."

They would emerge from the Sumner Tunnel before making their way through crosstown traffic and a series of main thoroughfares over to the Beacon Hill district, the home and seat of the Greater New England Government. The old Massachusetts State House, expanded to include more offices and meeting spaces, served as the Greater New England capital building, and sat prominently overlooking the Boston Commons. As the convoy approached the State House, Ouellette nodded, "Our own people have looked forward to building more external relationships, looking for more unity in North America, the situation in Canada has frightened many, and I do apologize if your visit was more publicized as usual." The Californian Republic's visit was being televised by many of the national news networks, albeit in a relaxed way, but to reassure the citizens of New England that steps were being taken to build external relationships, especially with fellow North American nations.

Upon reaching Beacon Street, and the steps of the Capital Building, the convoy would slow down in front of the steps of the Capital, and the door would be opened by an aide, to reveal a number of prominent government officials, including the middle-aged President, Martin Gibbs, standing at the bottom of the steps, with a warm smile on his face. Upon exiting the sedan, he would offer his hand to O'Malley and Blinkerson, "Welcome to Greater New England, my friends."

[Tanis777]

"Thank you very much for seeing us today Secretary Ouellette. I understand the jobs of being a leader to attend to every detail would be very taxing, I totally understand. I wish to regard based on the outcome of this week's meeting that President Farren is expressing interest in seeing the East Coast sometime in the near future," expressed O'Malley as the group moved towards the SUVs.

Undersecretary Blinkerson commented on New England's economy, "Our economists are sincerely impressed at the rate of growth happening in New England in the wake of the formation of your nation. California has had extensive internal growth of own since splitting apart from Canada. Our consumer technology, aerospace, and agricultural industries are looking for new markets and see New England as promising new ground. Drogheda is our greatest port facility, probably the greatest West Coast port facility now. The port is about to outline expansion plans, your nation's may be interested in that."

In the meantime, O'Malley took in the sights of Boston, grinning slightly, "Just as classy as New York, but less tall."

When Ouellette commented on the war in Canada and the publicity of the visit, O'Malley replied, "No need to apologize, your nation has made a good step with American unity starting with us. Most of California supports greater unity for the Americas, and I represent that vision by coming to you today. The American Forum was a disappointment; however, it could be done rightly without the great vision of alliance. We have to take the basic steps like we're doing today to cultivate relations. President Farren and I are working on a new forum to be hosted in Drogheda very soon. I will explain the details later with your president. As for Canada, it cannot be denied that's a problem. Unfortunately, we've gone to help the Canadians down in the Pacific Northwest as I speak. The conflict puts in a slight bind with being allied to the Horde, but we see anyone that is helping Tianxia is just bandwagoning in the conflict."

As the convoy stopped in front of the Capital Building and were greeted by President Gibbs, both Californian representatives shook his hands. O'Malley spoke first, "A pleasure to be here President Gibbs, glad to be developing the relationship between our two nations this week. Boston is a beautiful place and we have much to discuss."

Blinkerson responded, "And likewise, Mr. President. An honor to be here."

EDIT: ninja edit

Edited March 6, 2012 by Tanis777

[TheShammySocialist]

"Yes, we do," nodded Gibbs, as he led the two delegations up the steps of the Capital building and into its modernized interior, the building from the exterior seemed very vintage and old, but the interior was completely modern. With the use of lots of glass and attempts to bring in as much natural light as possible, the interior also incorporated a very sleek and progressive style of architecture. There were lots of places where people could gather and chat, they would pass by the parliament hall, which was devoid of its usual occupants at that point in the week, and would proceed to the east wing of the building, which was full of meeting halls, one of which was prepared for the two delegations.

As they walked towards the meeting hall, Gibbs would speak, "I did notice in your letter the mention of a new summit to create an alternative to the American Forum, that ended with very little in the way of progress made. I can assure you that we would be glad to attend a summit in your own nation when you organize it, we'd like to have much more interaction between American states."

"Hopefully this new forum will also help avoid American states getting into the same position Canada basically maneuvered itself as well," nodded Ouellette, who was walking next to Blinkerson and O'Malley as they entered the meeting room. The center of the room was dominated by an oak meeting table, surrounded by a plethora of comfortable leather chairs. Along the perimeter of the room, refreshments had been laid out, including drinks, a light assortment of food, and other snacks.

"Please, make yourself at home, then we will sit back and discuss a suitable diplomatic arrangement between our two nations," said Gibbs, with a polite smile.

[Tanis777]

O'Malley and Blinkerson entered the meeting hall and went to the refreshments table to get a snack and some water. O'Malley would listen to President Gibbs as he poured himself some water and a grab a cracker with cheese on top. "I'm listening, I do better with some food after a flight," remarked O'Malley. Blinkerson did the same; however, choosing a scotch on the rocks and a piece of salami. They both would stroll to the chair and sit.

After Gibbs finished his initial remark about the possibility of a new American Forum in California, O'Malley replied, "Of course, Mister President. We hope to have another go about with another American Forum-like conference in California in the near future. My department and several others are gathering the last logistical measures needed to accomplish the task. We hope to provide a better moderated forum and promote greater one on one discussions amongst each other to build relationships. That is our goal, to do something like we're having now, but in one place for a week or so to hash out deals and get to know each other. The last Forum died to having grand ideals come up so soon, talks about super economic or defense treaties to nations people didn't really know. Our thoughts is to take things a bit slower, cultivate and maybe down the road, have some unity in the Americas."

O'Malley paused as Secretary Ouellette remarked on Canada and then stated, "The expansion of Canada was indeed a worrisome affair that attracted too much attention to themselves. The news is grim with the war in Canada, our representative in Ottawa hasn't heard much from the Canadians since the war started. There's not a lot of great forces in the Americas, except perhaps the Lunar Republic; however, their eyes are set on space besides on what is here.

As for a diplomatic arrangement between us, it's best to keep things basic for now. Obviously, expansion of trade and commerce flow between us. Setting up permanent embassies in both of our nations to keep up with each other. I'm not sure how you'll be entertained by a defense clause, I would assume optional at this point with possible review of upgrading to mutual sometime down the road. Deadlines for cancellation and I turn to Mr. Blinkerson here on the finer details of the economic part of the proposed treaty."

Undersectary Blinkerson stated, "Thank you George. The economic clauses to our treaty wouldn't be a full free trade agreement; however, it would involve the reduction of tariffs from both of our nations on each other's export goods. We would like to offer your nation's businesses to expand their operation to California, while you would do the same for Californian companies. I can also offer exclusive early access to our Port bonds to finance their expansion and participate in the new leases for pier space in Drogheda. It can also have expedited customs crossing to ease travel between us as well, as a cross-exchange of promoting tourism between us. Like the rest of the treaty, it can be amended down the road."

Secretary O'Malley asked, "Any questions so far on the proposal?"

Edited March 8, 2012 by Tanis777

[TheShammySocialist]

Gibbs would listen to the Californian delegates closely, nodding his head at points at which he agreed, his hand curled over his mouth as he gave them a strict gaze of attention. The opening of California's markets, as well as the opportunity to open foreign expansion was one that was very attractive to the New England President. His country was on the move, it needed economic partners to help with growth, and the opening of international markets could allow for more international investment by his own nation's banks and investment groups. Boston was the home of some financial giants, and they needed international investment opportunities, as many as they could get. The possible expansion of domestic companies to open foreign facilities was also a possibly lucrative idea as well. Moreover, Greater New England needed defense partners, and while California had opened the option for an optional defense pact, Gibbs had a history of being a decisive actor, sometimes to a fault, when he had been first, a lawyer, then a district attorney for Suffolk County, and the idea of an optional only treaty was completely unnecessary one.

"I feel that a reduction in tariffs, and the opening of our borders to each others' corporations would be one that we could both certainly profit from, and we would be pleased to put money into infrastructure projects, especially one that has a great potential, such as your Drogheda project, as well as lease port space there. We can offer access to our own bonds, as there are many special bond projects involving our expansion of key infrastructure, and I feel as though we could certainly allow for more expedited travel between our nations, establishing links between our government border security agencies and the like," noted Ouellette, before looking at Gibbs, who had taken a sip of a brandy from a tumbler.

After clearing his throat, Gibbs leaned forward, and spoke, "Although I feel this is an initial meeting, I like setting a high standard for international relationships, and I feel as though a mutual defensive pact establishes the priority, commitment, and respect we have for the Californian Republic. I have no qualms about signing such agreements early on in an international relationship, and establishing that strong sense of commitment. We are willing to establish defense contracts with your nation as well, as well as establish military liaison programs, and down the road, establish military facilities in your country, as well as ours, to help with this coordination, and work further on that idea of commitment and coordination."

[Tanis777]

O'Malley would listen intently to his hosts while they replied to his initial discussion. He was glad to see the economic side of the treaty was going to be very smooth and was agreeable to everyone in the room. When President Gibbs spoke about the military agreement being negotiated between the two nations, O'Malley's offer of optional defense, at least in his mind was a test one's comfort to suggest what level of cooperation a particular nation wanted with California.

[i]"High standards to start indeed,"[/i] O'Malley thought in his head. Only Blinkerson didn't know this and was slightly surprised.

O'Malley rose from his seat and spoke to Gibbs, "California will be glad to accept a mutual defense pact between our two nations. President Gibbs, you are giving the utmost regard in initial commitment to North American unity, thus far in my travels on the continent. The Californian military will be glad to hear of great access to possible work with your nation's defense companies on possible project ahead. I expect the military liaison program a good start with the defense cooperation and coordination between our armed forces. I cannot control the introduction of leasing land for possible land for your forces in California, since that is controlled by our legislature, but I don't expect huge opposition this when the time has solidified the relationship.

Glad to see the economic side of the proposed treaty is acceptable. Both of our nation's are growing, we'll be glad to help build your country's infrastructure and economy. Blinkerson, the briefcase."

Blinkerson picked up the briefcase that was beside him and gave it to O'Malley. He twisted the combination lock to open the briefcase and it's content of documents, and picked up the paper he was looking for. It was the basic draft of the treaty based what was the topics of discussion, there remained in the briefcase, other drafts that either added on or omitted parts to the full treaty draft prepared by California. O'Malley gave it to the Gibbs to overlook the treaty and spoke, "Take a look, anything that needs editing, just let us know."

[quote]
[center][b]The Beacon Accords[/b]
[i]Confederation of Greater New England-Californian Republic MD/EP[/i][/center]

Preamble:
We, Greater New England, and the Republic of California, strive to aspire for improved relations. In this document, we seek to further economic growth, ensure mutual cooperation and assistance, and to provide our nations the opportunity to achieve the highest national and economic potential as possible.

Article I - Non-agression:
Each signatory shall recognize the sovereignty of the each other, and as such shall pledge themselves to a peaceful co-existance and non-aggression. Both signatories shall not commit hostile actions against the each other in any way, including but not limited to waging war or conducting espionage.

Article II - Tariff Reduction:
Each signatory shall agree to reduce or eliminate tariffs on goods and products from the each other, with the tariff rate set as agreed upon by both nations.

Article III - Trade Agreement:
[i]a)[/i] Each signatory shall share information pertaining to trade mediums, as well the relative infrastructure needed to sustain and faciliate trade between both nations.
[i]b)[/i] Both signatories agree to facilitate the needs of each nation's companies to ease the establishment of business and commerce between us.
[i]c)[/i] Each signatory agrees to allow each other early access and preferential treatment in regards to national infrastructure bonds that are either privately and/or publicly funded.

Article IV - Intelligence and Travel:
Each signatory shall also share intelligence on matters pertaining to the national security interests of the signatories. The signatories agree to allow the expedited processing to entering each others' borders based on streamlining documentation, shortening processing time, and cooperation between our security agencies.

Article III - Mutual Defense:
An attack on one signatory shall be considered an attack on the other, and shall merit appropriate response of force.

Article IV - Defense Cooperation:
[i]a)[/i] The signatories agree to mutual defense, it must be backed with cooperation and coordination of our armed forces. Each signatory recognizes the needs of improving the logistical and technological nature of our armed forces through improvement of equipment and weapon systems by defense companies, and do so in the admittance of allowing the exchange of defense contracts.
[i]b)[/i] Each of the armed forces will establish a military liaison program to promote cooperation in the officer's ranks of our armed forces.
[i]c)[/i] The signatories agree to allow the establishment of small military bases to each other to help facilitate relations. It is also agreed that each signatory navies have access to berth in any of our deep-water ports.

Article V - Cancellation Clause:
Should, for any reason, either signatory deem it necessary to cancel this treaty, the signatory shall give a one hundred and sixty-eight (168) hour notice to the other signatory. This agreement shall remain in effect during that time period.



Signed this day of the 10[sup]th[/sup] of March 2054,



[b]For the Californian Republic[/b]

[i]Colin Farren
President of the Californian Republic

Kevin O'Malley
Secretary of State

Cathal MacDonald
Secretary of Defense[/i]


[b]For the Confederation of Greater New England[/b]

[i]Martin Gibbs
President of Greater New England
Ranking Member of the Honorable Parliament of New England

Edward Ouellette
Secretary of State
Greater New England Department of State
Leading Foreign Representative of the Honorable Parliament of New England[/i]
[/quote]

Edited March 14, 2012 by Tanis777

[TheShammySocialist]

"We would be happy to establish some sort of joint military procurement deal between our nations, which would probably help with logistical issues if they were to arise. For example, standardizing the type of ammunition our main ground forces use in their assault rifles or something to that degree. I'm sure that if you have any special requests for military technology, we can certainly do our best to supply some of the best that we can offer," nodded Ouellette, as Gibbs took a gander at the treaty that had been set forth for the New England delegates to read.

"And given that infrastructure is a key to a part to any great nation, we would be glad to likewise invest in your own, as I said earlier," nodded Gibbs, as he looked up at O'Malley and Blinkerson. "I believe that this treaty suits both of us quite well, and we could certainly expand it at a later date if need be, otherwise, a great basis for starting a strong and fruitful relationship. Might I suggest we name this Beacon Accords, given both our commitments to establish a new order in this hemisphere, and setting an example? Other than that, I believe that this will just require a flick of the pen."

Ouellette had taken a moment to look over the treaty, and nodded at Gibbs, before having an aide deliver a fountain pen to their sides, Gibbs would pick up the device and carve his signature into the document with no hesitation. Ouellette would follow suit, and both would shake hands with the Californian delegation when they were done.

[quote][b]For the Confederation of Greater New England[/b]

[i]Martin Gibbs
President of Greater New England
Ranking Member of the Honorable Parliament of New England[/i]

Edward Ouellette
Secretary of State
Greater New England Department of State
Leading Foreign Representative of the Honorable Parliament of New England[/i][/quote]

[Tanis777]

"Our defense department is currently researching work in new 5th generation fighters to replace our recent inventory of upgraded F-15s and F-18s from Tixania. They are closing in on a working prototype; however, a production model is some time away from now. I know the military has adopted the 6.8mm round for our assault rifles currently from Browning, but it still somewhat under testing for it's effectiveness." O'Malley commented on California's military, at least what he could say here. "They'll let you know what they'll need soon enough."

President Gibbs suggestion of the Beacon Accords was somewhat of a play on words for this moment and of history, and O'Malley mused, "An aptly named treaty. I just thought of a moment of history in this region when you said that President Gibbs of the American Revolution and the ride of Paul Revere. Instead of riding on horseback to push for American independence by warning the minutemen in Lexington and Concord, we're here now signing this treaty on the commitment of defining a new order in the Americas. Very apt, Mister President, very adpt."

Secretary O'Malley and Undersecretary Blinkerson returned the handshakes, each of them thanking President Gibbs and Secretary Ouellette for being excellent hosts and a wonderful country. At the conclusion, they would return to Logan International and make the journey back to California.

On the flight back, O'Malley would call the President. "Farren, O'Malley here. Just got done with the meeting with New England." opened O'Malley.

"So, how did it go O'Malley?" replied President Farren.

"Very well. Signed a mutual defense and economic pact with them. They are very eager to see a new order in the Americas." O'Malley stated.

"Good, then. We need you back O'Malley, you've missed a lot during your time there. California has massively expanded. When you arrive in Sacramento, get your stuff you thought up for the conference we're hosting in replacement of that failure of the American Forum in New York. I need that stuff on my desk asap." Farren sternly stated.

"Yes, sir." O'Malley replied as he read an incoming fax of the annexation of Canada and the fall of New Spain, thinking, "[i]God d***! All that in this time frame, the Americas is on the rocks."[/i]

"One more thing O'Malley, you'll be meeting with representatives of the Korian fleet with me when you also get back. A helicopter will pick you up in Sacramento to fly you over to the meeting site in Drogheda. I know you'll be late, but catch some zzz's on the flight." Farren requested.

"You got it Mister President, see you in a bit." said O'Malley with a slight irritation and hung up the phone.