Hussars on the Yellow

[TheShammySocialist]

With national elections now behind him, and with the popular backing of Poland sweeping his party into office, and a few days of domestic planning and regional meetings seen to, Lech Sikorski would turn his eyes east. When an individual makes a request for someone to visit them at your earliest convenience, usually that is when you have time. When a global power makes such requests, it typically meant at post haste, without completely dumping the contents of your schedule down the drain. It was after attending to some domestic social services planning that Sikorski had made it clear that he would honor the Tianxian request for a meeting in the east.

 

Although this would leave the new Polish Air Force little time to secure a suitable aircraft for such a journey, they would fit the bill with a suitable wide-body jetliner from a national carrier. With a little over seventy-two hours before take off, the Air Force would paint the aircraft in government livery, whilst the ABW (the country's Internal Security Agency), selected a suitable flight crew from a list of known citizens. These would include internal security agents and specialists, who would fly with the President to Tianxia. With some final preparations made, Sikorski, and the newly-appointed Foreign Minister, Wadislaw Maczek, would board the jetliner. Finalizing a flight plan from Warsaw, the aircraft would set off to Celestial Empire, with scheduled stops for refueling.

 

Whilst the trip to Tianxia would provide the Fourth Republic with its first formal visit outside of Europe, it would also give Sikorski and Maczek time to go over Poland's foreign policy and future engagements to consider.

[Triyun]

After arriving at the Victoria Harbor Penninsula Hotel Hong Kong and being shown to rooms and given several hours to rest, the delegation would be taken to the top floor of the luxury hotel, with a full view of downtown Hong Kong.  Helicopters would come in over the horizon landing on the hotel roof.  Coming out of them would be Prime Minister Kim and his delegation.  Heading down a flight of stairs they would meet the poles as the kitchen brought out food.  

 

It seemed that every dish they brought out was made from some form of garlic, potato, and onion.  This was largely due to the perception that the Tianxia Empress's entire slavic entourage ate solely these foods, and therefore all poles must subsist on these three food groups.

 

"Mr. President welcome to the Empire." the Prime Minister said, "I hope your journey was well."

[TheShammySocialist]

It would take some getting used to for the Polish delegation when they landed in the sub-tropical environment, having come from the cool start of a new winter in Poland. Much of the first few hours in Hong Kong were spent in their rooms, resting from the long flight, with some individuals going out to get some clothes that would be better suited for the climate. However, when the Tianxian delegation arrived by helicopter, Sikorski and Maczek would both be waiting with some of their aides when the Prime Minister came down from the helipad.

 

"Well met, Prime Minister, I do appreciate you putting me up in such style while I am here," said Sikorski, in a polite tone, as the delegations exchanged pleasantries whilst the food was brought out. "My journey was a long one, but I'm not completely unaccustomed to such long hauls, thank you."

 

As the food was spread out, Sikorski would raise his eyebrows at the selection of dishes that were being afforded them, but would not question the motives as to why they all seemed to consist of potatoes, onions, and a large amount of pungent garlic. He would smile politely as he took a seat at the relatively small table, looking over at the Prime Minister. "I daresay, its not everyday that one of the superpowers of the world affords a new country such as our own with a request for our presence."

[Triyun]

"We hope that you will enjoy Hong Kong while you are here.  It is truly a great world class city, and home to some of the finest restaurants and shopping in the World." the Prime Minister said, "We summoned you here because we feel a need to broaden our diplomatic relations hrough the achievement of srategic partnerships.  This would be distinct mind you from formal alliances and are hoping we can achieve common ground.

 

Our agenda today if you'll permit us is three fold economic, strategic, and diplomatic.  On the economic side it is our hope that we can find common ground. Our economy is mostly laissez faire so we are not here to facilitae the specific trade of various goods but it is our hope we can agree to low economic barriers to entry both on open foreign investment save for strict national security clauses and tariff and quota free trade."

[TheShammySocialist]

"Despite my best efforts, I tend to spoil my children a slight bit whenever I go abroad, and bring them something back as a momento of my journey. I hope someday they can dream large enough to be able to find employment that I feel is as meaningful as my own is now," said Sikorski, with a polite smile. "So I probably will certainly pay a visit to at least one or two shops within Hong Kong during my time here."

 

"Personally I feel that achieving some semblance of common ground is key to a relationship before any formal alliance is agreed upon. I would have been quite taken aback had you offered me such a proposal right out of the blue on my first visit to your nation," nodded Sikorski, looking at Maczek, who nodded his own agreement with the President's sentiment.

 

"The Fourth Republic is a free market, the government does have some certain tariffs and customs fees on imports and exports to an extent. We protect industries that are very important to us, and we think that's an important factor. On that note, we're willing to reduce some of our trade barriers to certain countries, but as you must understand, we are a nation that is in development. Our economy is still getting on its feet, and we're trying to foster growth, balancing trade and investment, in targeted growth, is something that is requiring our government to have some role in the economy," said Maczek, breaking into the conversation, and sitting back in his chair.

 

Sikorski would nod in agreement with Maczek, as he took a short sip from his flute of wine and seemed to be relaxed in the Prime Minister's presence.

[Triyun]

The Prime Minister would nod on occasion and take notes on the points of the Polish President, as kielbasa was served for them.  

 

"We can agree to the principal to allowing for some protection for infant industry, however, is our view that it is important that these be eventually phased out of there is to be fair economic relations so that both sides can enjoy their comparative advantages.  

 

Second we would like to discuss terms of diplomacy, it is our understanding that your nation has recently joined the United Nations.  We would like to congratulate you on your ascendance into the organization.  We would be interested to know what your goals are in the world and your approach to foreign policy in broad terms.

[TheShammySocialist]

"Of course, I am completely aware that domestic industry should eventually be weened of any protectionist policies as it develops into a robust manufactory. And that will gradually happen as Poland develops a healthy economy, which I am quite optimistic that it will, based upon our best estimates and economic leaders," responded Sikorski, as he would help himself to some kielbasa. As he ate some of the Polish sausage, he would listen attentively to the Tianxian Prime Minister's words.

 

As Maczek took to is own food, Sikorski would wipe his mouth, and sit back in his chair, "Thank you for your congratulations Prime Minister on our ascendancy, I hope our nation will eventually become a productive member of the international community through the United Nations. That said, Poland's foreign policy is still in development, but we are a nation who are seeking a robust foreign political standpoint. We are well aware that globalization and the advance of technology continues to draw the world closer together as a whole, and we recognize that countries should look beyond their home regions to find partners in this world. We are a nation that is quite willing to share relations with nations of similar ideals and policy stances, and we look forward to doing so. At the same time, we are quite aware that there is still an importance of regional politics as well, and engaging in cooperative politics with neighbors on a regional basis can be still quite important."

 

"I hope that makes sense, as you wanted a broad description, I tried to steer clear of intricacies that would muddy the waters. What is Tianxia's outlook on diplomatic relations as of late? In broad terms? If I may ask?"

Edited December 6, 2013 by TheShammySocialist

[Triyun]

The Prime Minister nodded, "Yes perhaps I was a bit unclear, my question was also a a more strategic vision level.  Would you say you align yourself more with those whom follow ideals or those who follow national interest.  Our view is that different regional blocs operate differently and a dichotomy between regionalism and internationalism should not be particularly useful, if not possibly dangerous in bifarcating the planet."

[TheShammySocialist]

Sikorski would sit back in his chair, as he chewed on a piece of kielbasa, after the Prime Minister posed the question to him. He seemed to be staring at the plate of food in front of him, and gathering his thoughts. Maczek would look at the President for a few minutes, before Sikorski would level his eyes with the Tianxian Prime Minister.

 

"I've always been a pragmatic man, Prime Minister, I took the helm of my nation because not only did my people elect me, but because I thought that I would do her justice. Throughout history, Poland has existed in some fashion or another, a sovereign nation, a protectorate, or not at all, bound in chains. The one ideal that I feel is most important to Poland throughout history is her sovereignty as a nation, her survival as a nation state, that is paramount," said Sikorski, with a firm voice. "In history, we see that the idea that nations were developed as a guardian and shepherd of her people, and when it comes down to one bare conclusion, it is a nation's interest that Poland sees as most important."

 

"That is first and foremost, at the core of our foreign policy, Poland's national interests come before that of ideals, her survival, and the security of her people and their well being."

[Triyun]

The Prime Minister nodded, "Very well with that in mind I think we can do business in a frank and pragmatic way.  Beyond the trade relationships we jus discussed, we think that some of the key areas that we can cooperate on are strategic communication, I think both our nations would do fine with an agreement for non-aggression and non-interference (where possible) in each others affairs.  Its Tianxia's views candidly that the main priorities in the World right now are enacting non-proliferation regimes on the World community, starting with nuclear weapons, something we've already seen enacted with UN SC Resolution 1, which our goal is eventually not just the prevention of new nuclear powers, but also implementation of the MTCR to prevent the selling to prevent the proliferation through exporting of long range missiles and UAVs.  

 

If we can get Poland onboard with this we believe it would redound to both our benefits as it would reduce the capability of states to launch an existential attack on Poland's sovereignty and only strengthen your survivability as a state."

[TheShammySocialist]

Sikorski would listen to the Prime Minister's words carefully, rubbing his chin slowly as he kept eye contact. Maczek appeared to make a few notes on a tablet he was holding, whilst the Polish leader nodded slowly as the Tianxian official spoke. He smiled wistfully at the thought of doing business in a frank and pragmatic way.

 

"You seem to be a man who does not like to muddy the waters, Mr. Prime Minister, I like that. I value pragmatism and directness, more than you might know," he commented, after considering his response for a few minutes, a grin on his face.

 

"I can see the logic in initiating non-proliferation regimes on the global community, lessening the possibility that large scale wars could break out. Speaking candidly, Poland has no plans for nuclear weapons technology, although we do have a program for peaceful nuclear uses that is ongoing. These plans are of course open to inspection under our laws, barring that they do not release any secure ongoing industrial research," he added, as he sat back in his chair and sipped his flute of wine.

 

"On another candid level, Poland does have plans to establish a conventional strategic strike initiative, but for the role of preventative deterrence and active interdiction of any threat that should move against us. Any technology associated with that initiative would not be exported, due to existing state security laws that prohibit the Ministry of Defense or any other government agency from selling it. Although under such a framework of the standard MTCR, I believe that indigenous development is not prohibited, if my mind serves me correctly," he continued, with a polite tone and reassuring expression on his face.

 

"That said, I can agree to an accord that would increase strategic communication between our two great nations, whilst promoting non-aggression and non-interference. As we seem to be two rational actors, I believe that we would both be able to solve any conflicting interests between our two nations at a discussion table."

[TheShammySocialist]

"Beyond a regime of the MTCR and a vow of non-aggression and non-interference, what other types of strategic communication is Tianxia interested in with the Fourth Republic?" asked Maczek, sipping a flute of wine.

[Triyun]

"Basic understandings of what goals are important to us, and therefore how we can respond accordingly I think would be a good measure.  I propose in light of that the following agreement."

 

Article I.  Non-Aggression

 

Both states shall not undertake a hostile act against the other, unless compelled to by the other previously abbregating this treaty, while maintaining commitments to the principles of the United Nations Charter and other defensive treaties.  States shall undertake all efforts in cases of treaty conflict to come to a solution which avoids the use of force.  As a general principle, direct offensive action by a state against the other signatory or one of their direct allies will be sough to be avoided.  

 

Article II.  Non-Interference

 

Neither state shall seek to obstruct the others goals or offer public diplomatic criticism as official policy where possible.  Both sides recognize each other's current claims.  Both sides in issues of extreme tension shall invoke article III.

 

Article III.  Strategic Communication

 

Both countries agree to partake in strategic communications with one another, communicating to the other major policy goals which they may wish to undertake so that the other can maintain the other articles to the best of their reasonable ability.  Article III offers additionally specific legal protection to any private correspondence between the two nations governments not to be leaked to third party sources.  

 

Article IV.  Strategic Economic Cooperation

 

Both countries shall lower tariffs and barriers to entry for the others consumer goods, and but retain rights to protect particularly goods related to national security.  Neither country shall engage in intellectual property theft or commercial espionage, and shall prosecute those within their borders who do so.  Further neither country shall buy goods from third countries acquired via these means from either signatory.

 

Article V.  Non-Proliferation Regimes

 

Both countries shall commit to the tightening of the non-proliferation regimes globally, and shall on principle restrain itself from selling advanced weapons to countries with poor human rights records and short political life.  Additionally both countries uphold the principle of the Missile Technology Control Regime.

 

Article VI.  Alteration and Cancellation

 

This pact is in effect for 10 years (10 months OOC) and can be withdrawn from with 6 months notice (2 weeks OOC), at year nine negotiations are automatically set for a renewal after 10 years.  

[TheShammySocialist]

"I believe that this agreement is amenable to the Fourth Republic, and is fair to both our nations," said Sikorski, in a firm, polite manner.

 

He would then affix his signature to the document.

 

[b]For the Fourth Republic of Poland[/b]

 

Lech Sikorski

President