Two Riders to Nippon

[TheShammySocialist]

Upon completing negotiations in Hong Kong with Tianxian officials, along with an additional forty-eight hour layover to take in the delights of the old European colonial outpost, the Polish diplomatic delegation would once again take to the air. The visits to the Far East for Poland's President and Foreign Minister would culminate in a stop in Dai-Tōhoku. After establishing a clear flight plan from Hong Kong to the Japanese archipelago, the government plane would lift into the air on the final leg of their journey.

 

The flight would be one that was relatively short, but it would give some time for President Sikorski and Minister Maczek to reflect on their visit to Tianxia in private. It would also give them an opportunity to further discuss Poland's future foreign policy and how the Far East would figure into that policy. Flying through the Korea Strait, the aircrafts' flight crew would make contact with the proper authorities in Dai-Tōhoku to make their approach and direct them to the proper landing facilities.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

The plane would be directed towards Sendai Airport, where it had to turn about two rounds before a free slot in the timetable was available. After all, it would be unresponsible to have flights not be on time. However, when the Polish would be finally able to land, Prime Minister Nakamichi and Mayor Date Seiranko would be present to greet the Poles, the first diplomatic delegation to arrive solely for bilateral diplomacy. Dressed in a classic black suit, with white shirt and light blue tie, Nakamichi tried to stay simple, but appropriate, while Date wore a long, but plain dark blue skirt and white blouse, keeping a stern view on the exit from which she expected the two foreigners.

 

Once Sikorsky and Maczek would have reached the asphalt concrete of the runway, the two would step forth to greet them; Date with a simple "Gokigen'yo", Nakamichi with a more elaborate french "Bon jour, I hope you had a nice trip from the continent. Welcome to our humble country in the greater Northeast." Additionally, he would offer the President a friendly handshake and put on his best diplomatic smile, which the mayor could not really emulate, so she just offered a handshake to the Prime Minister instead.

[TheShammySocialist]

Once given the chance to land, the Polish flight crew would bring the plane in for a gentle landing, whilst noting directions of where they were to taxi to. The plane would lumber along the tarmac to come even with the counterpart delegation, coming to a gentle stop in front of them as the engines would begin to power off. After a mobile staircase was brought forward, Sikorski and Maczek would depart the plane with a small group of aides in tow. Both were dressed in relatively simple suits for the occasion, but both wore a pin with the flag of Poland on their lapels.

 

Sikorski and Maczek both would view the lass who regarded them with a relatively firm stare with a even glance of their own, as their two counterparts stepped forward. Sikorsky would smile politely when meeting Nakamichi with a handshake, responding in French, "Well met, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for having us. This is my Foreign Minister, Wadislaw Maczek."

 

After shaking Date's hand, Maczek would offer a hand to Nakamichi, "Mr. Prime Minister, an honor, glad to be here."

Edited December 9, 2013 by TheShammySocialist

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"And this is the mayor of this town, Date Seiranko.", Nakamichi would gesture towards his companion after also shacking Maczek's hand. "As the mayor and as a not quite unimportant figure in regional, as well as national politics, she was so kind as to accompany me to greet you." Date would nod formally.

 

The two Poles would be guided to a black government limousine, where a driver in black suit, with black cap and white gloves would open the door for them. Once inside, the car would make its way through the streets and alleyways of Sendai. "It would be rather improper to leave guests at the airport. Preperations have been made already for a much better location where we are already awaited.", Nakamichi would explain to Sikorsky and Madzec. Date meanwhile just looked out of the window, a mostly empty, but slightly melancholic expression, as she gazed upon the many trees of Sendai that had already lost their leaves some time ago and stood there, lifeless, waiting for the next spring to return to the cycle of growth and regression.

 

While Date seemingly had sunken into deep thoughts, Nakamichi would use the chance to approach Sikorsky. "I'm curious, how are things in Poland? It has been quite a while to see the Polish people independent."

[TheShammySocialist]

"Miss Seiranko," nodded Sikorsky, offering a polite smile and a firm handshake to the mayor. Once opening pleasantries were over, the two Poles would drag along the President's Chief of Staff, whilst leaving the other staffers on board their aircraft. Embarking in the limousine, with a polite nod of thanks to the driver who held the door for them, they would settle into the vehicle. Both Sikorski and Maczek would take the opportunity to observe Sendai as they navigated through the streets, with Sikorski paying more attention to Nakamichi as he spoke, Maczek seemed to be immersed in deep thought.

 

"Well I'm glad to have you meet us at the airport, I appreciate it, some visits of ours have seen us only greeted by an honor guard or a couple officials. It's certainly refreshing to see a Head of State come out to greet us every once in awhile," noted Sikorski, with a grin. "That isn't to say that we understand that some heads of state are certainly busy people and might not have the time to perform such tasks though."

 

The two Poles noted that Sendai appeared much like their own country did at this point of the year, it was late fall and closing in on winter, much of nature's green had been dispensed with. It was rather bleak, but at the same time, winter offered beautiful delights of its own. The cool air was a bit of a refresher from the stifling sub-tropical environment of Hong Kong.

 

When Nakamichi would question Sikorski, and the Polish president would turn his attention to his counterpart, "Poland is in a bit of a transitional period right now. Our nation didn't exactly fall into anarchy after the fall of Germany, it was well protected and policed, so we came into power in a nation that wasn't exactly in shambles. That said, without a national government to really provide direction to policy, as well as help facilitate trade and economic policies that would stimulate or help the economy, there is work to be done. We have a lively mixed industrial economy, which I think will respond well to external investment and trade, and will be competitive not only regionally, but globally."

 

"Beyond that, the government has significant leaps and bounds before it can truly and effectively serve the Polish people on an efficient and effective scale. We're certainly off to a good start, but workers need to be trained, offices opened, policies enacted, its a work in progress, but nothing that can't be overcome," he continued, with a pragmatic but proud tone.

 

"What of Dai-Tōhoku? How is your own nation doing as it develops in this turbulent world?" he asked, reciprocating the question onto his counterpart. 

Edited December 9, 2013 by TheShammySocialist

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"Well, I'm relieved to hear that the Polish people are doing well. As to our own country, I would say, Dai-Tōhoku is still establishing itself. While we cannot say to have achieved a great lot, it has only been two years. We are working on our relations with other countries and while in the Pacific we are rather successful, I must admit that Poland is, apart from Russia, the sole European country we have come into closer contact with." Nakamichi shortly glanced over to Date, who still gazed out of the window. As she noticed him, she demonstratively turned away again. Nakamichi sighed, but left it be for the moment.

 

The car meanwhile drove uphill and more of Sendai became visible, as they climbed Aobayama. Buildings became few and instead, more and more trees came into vision. After a few turns on the road winding up the hill, suddenly the trees made room for the destination of the limousine, Aoba-jō, standing firmly above the city of Sendai, the old buildings were one of the historic political centers of the North and they were also now used at times for political meetings. As the car passed the main gate, Date would quietly sigh, looking at the structure that also had a certain personal value to her.

 

The driver would park the car in the almost deserted court, then jumping out to open the door for the honourable guests. A cold wind blew over the structure and apart from the leafless trees, solely one young woman in traditional clothing would be standing there to greet them and guide them into the main building. Wearing a reddish komon, her hair stuck up elaborately, she would approach Sikorsky and Maczek, speaking French like Nakamichi. "Good Day. Welcome to Aoba castle. I'm Konoe Sakuya, daughter of the Governor-General and I would like to kindly invite you in, to meet with my father and have a warm and comfy meeting." She would slightly bow, to show her respect.

[TheShammySocialist]

Sikorski would nod politely as he listened to Nakamichi speak, knowing full well there were outstanding issues between East Asia and Europe as of late, but elected to not bring them up for the time being. "Poland has made strong commitments to expanding its foreign contacts, and as per new government policy, we seek a robust foreign policy to cement our place in this world. As such, our visits to East Asia follows along that line of thinking, our nation not only looks to the European community, but also beyond that, as we understand how interconnected this world is," Maczek interjected, Sikorski adding a nod in approval of what his foreign minister said.

 

Sikorski would look a little uneasily at the Prime Minister's counterpart who seemed to be quite untalkative, before looking out the window again, as the buildings thinned out, and the wilderness seemed to be more prevalent. He would admire the East Asian castle complex as it came into view, and they passed through the gates. Maczek would share his curiosity in looking at the imposing structures that they pulled up in front of.

 

Thanking the driver as they got out, Sikorsky would wrap a coat over his shoulders as they approached the structure, where a young woman in a traditional Kimono stood before them. Sikorski and Maczek would return the bow that she gave them, knowing full well of some of the respectful traditions that were probably still alive. Sikorski would offer their reply, "Thank you Konoe, I appreciate your father's hospitality, please lead on."

Edited December 9, 2013 by TheShammySocialist

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Sakuya would nod to show her appreciation and led the group into the castle complex. The interior was held in a traditional style, with many wooden elements, sliding doors, tatami floors, large paintings of landscapes and guards, as well as a few employees populating the otherwise empty hallways. When they arrived at the room that was to be used for the meeting, Sakuya would push the door aside and gesture the guests to enter.

 

The meeting room was quite spacious, surely sufficient for larger conferences, though hardly any furniture was to be seen. In the middle of the room, an older man, maybe in his late fourties, early fifties, sat on a pillow, with a few more pillows readied for the guests. After all, one wanted it not to be too uncomfortable. Wearing a black suit with sash and with his moustache and beard, he almost seemed like some old Meiji era oligarch. He politely bowed and would greet the guests, like his daughter and Nakamichi, in French. "Bon jour. I see you have been already guided here by Nakamichi-san and my daughter, most likely one has asked this already, but may I ask again how your journey was? I hope it was not too uncomfortable. I'm Konoe Nobuhisa, the Governor-General of this country, please take a seat."

 

While Nakamichi would follow the two Poles, Date was shortly stopped by the young Konoe. "Sakuya-chan?" Date whispered, wondering. "Can you afterwards come and visit me? I want to know how it went. Please." Date let out a sigh but nodded. "Today or tomorrow. Depending on how things develop." Sakuya smiled. "Mmm." As Date followed the others into the room, Sakuya would go to make preparations for later.

[TheShammySocialist]

The two Poles would take in their surroundings, which was a little unlike most buildings in Poland, the sliding doors, and various floors, it was certainly foreign to them. But it was certainly warmer than the exterior of the castle, a couple times wind could be heard whistling from the strong gusts outside. They would follow Sakuya at a respectable distance as they finally arrived at their meeting room, noticing that there was already an occupant inside the spacious room.

 

When the Governor General regarded them with polite bow, the two would smile politely and would return the bow as they walked forward. "Governor General, it was a very smooth ride in from Hong Kong, and from the airport as well, thank you for asking," responded Sikorski, regarding the man with a respectful tone. "This is my Foreign Minister, Mister Maczek." Maczek would bow his head gently as the two stood in front of the Governor General, before he offered them a seat, which they would take without hesitation.

 

"Thank you for having us to your nation Governor General, I appreciate your offer to have us visit," said Sikorski, as he sat down on the pillow and afforded the Governor General an even stare.

Edited December 9, 2013 by TheShammySocialist

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"I heard, you were with our neighbours just until recently. Did you get to see His Imperial Majesty?", Konoe would ask. "The Emperor does rule over quite a a few nations. Even in peaceful times like these, we do not hear from him often. But after all, that is why I was bestowed with my duty as his representative."

 

Nakamichi and Date would meanwhile also sit down and listen to the conversation. While the Governor-General had little say in most internal matters, the respect Konoe Nobuhisa commanded was considerable.

 

"And we thank you for honouring us with your visit. We do not get such high-ranking visitors often here. Especially from Europe. But tell, how is Poland faring these days? It is not easy to guide a new state, even if the former administration was capable and good, there's still more to an independent state than that. One reads that you come around quite a bit."

[TheShammySocialist]

"We spent time with the Tianxian Prime Minister in Hong Kong, after an invitation bid us to East Asia. We did not have a visit with the Emperor, but I feel as though our visit was a productive and insightful one. It also opens the door to further diplomacy in the region, something we look forward to in the long term," replied Sikorski, speaking in an even tone.

 

Maczek seemed to be making a few notes, whilst Sikorski appeared to be taking the lead in the talks, as the two settled back onto their respective pillows.

 

"I assure you, it is certainly an honor to be able to represent the country that I love in a capacity such as this, Governor General," chuckled Sikorski, looking at Konoe Nobuhisa with smile. "Prime Minister Nakamichi was just telling me that your nation has little in the way of contacts within Europe, a quite unfortunate turn of events given that there are many nations that dot Europe altogether. Poland fares well, our state was far from a state of disrepair when we inherited the protectorate to create the Fourth Republic. That said, the national government has a long way to be able to provide state services to the whole reach of the country, it takes time. The national economy is far from shambles, but it has lacked some direction until now, so getting it back on track is a priority that we have realized from day one. That will probably be rectified quite quickly in the next year or so."

 

"How fares Dai-Tōhoku? I am of the understanding from the Prime Minister that you are working on your relations with other nations, and trying to press outside the Pacific Rim in terms of diplomacy? How has your national economy fared as you have established yourself since independence?" asked Sikorski, with a polite smile.

Edited December 9, 2013 by TheShammySocialist

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"It is good to hear Poland is faring well.", Konoe would comment upon hearing Sikorsky's account of the Polish situation. "It is not dissimilar to our own. Our country has been part of the great Empire of Tianxia until a couple of years ago, when the Imperial throne allowed for home rule in Japan, though as we can see, not all Japanese trust in our country yet. But thanks to having been ruled as a part of Tianxia until just recently, our country is in not too bad a shape."

 

After a short pause to think and a quick look at Nakamichi and Date, Konoe would continue. "In terms of diplomacy, Nakamichi-san's words are true, we do not have many contacts away from the Pacific Rim and we are eyeing the possibility of changing that. Our country still is young, but I know, the younger people in politics are all full of ambition... and partially also some older ones. And I am not one to call the ambition of a united, established and peaceful Japanese nation bad, as it was also my dream when I petitioned the Emperor to grant us home rule."

 

As Konoe ended, Nakamichi would take up the conversation. "Surely, as President of the sole Polish nation state, you would understand our national aspirations. And as a wise statesman you also understand the need to achieve this not via coercion, but through trust and good governance."

[TheShammySocialist]

"I'm keenly aware of what you speak of, it was because of the Polish Independence Front, an organization of many of the younger generation, that the Fourth Republic now stands where it is at today. It was their ambition that helped a small group of prominent Polish statesmen to succeed in garnering enough support for the Independence Council to come together and form the new state. It was because of them that voter turn out was quite spectacular, and almost overwhelming in some districts," nodded Sikorski, after considering the Governor General's words for a few moments.

 

"Although Poland is a fraction of the state that it once was long ago, it is nonetheless a place full of promise and big dreams; that said, I have found that ambition must always be tempered with realism and rationalism. Trust and good governance are a key to a stable state, good governance alone can foment trust itself alone. As you said, coercion tends to get someone nowhere, unless they hold and can swing the biggest stick, so to speak," Sikorski added. "Poland is still partitioned, no matter which way you look at it, but on the other hand, I trust my neighbors who hold their parts of it until they prove me wrong; that the descendants of Lech are well cared for and have prosperous safe lives within their own borders."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Konoe nodded. "Indeed, quite substantial Polish populations live outside Poland, it seems. Given our own country contains solely a small part of the overall population of Nihonjin, it cannot be claimed that Dai-Tōhoku represents all of Japan, however, it is a declared objective. Thankfully, in contrast to you, the vast majority of the Nihonjin live in our own country or directly under the rule of the Emperor of Tianxia. Given the Emperor seems to value the Japanese nation, the current arrangement is very reassuring and we do not have to fear any repression against our nation. It is good to hear that while your country may have a little bit more complicated arrangements, you are able to trust your neighbours."

 

As they were talking, the door slowly slided open and Sakuya entered, carrying a tray with traditional tea cups and a pot of tea. After approaching the group, she sat down next to her father and put down the tray in front of her. "May I offer some sencha?"

 

The old Konoe would meanwhile continue. "I doubt neither of us can swing the biggest stick in our respective areas, though I heard Poland was working on developing a credible military force. We ourselves work on a military force to keep order in the Pacific and to help preserve the Imperial Peace."

 

Date who had up to now not said anything seemed to involve herself at least somewhat, as the military was mentioned. "Words give actions legitimacy, actions give words credibility. Both are needed to conduct good diplomacy."

[TheShammySocialist]

"As with most civilized people, I give people my trust until they prove to be untrustworthy, and I have not been given a reason to be not trusting with my neighbors, and I hope that it never comes to such a point. I haven't put a whole lot of stock into prioritizing relations between one region or another, I feel that, given Poland's history, Poland's national interests will come before idealism. I am glad to hear that your own nation is able to feel at ease, knowing her people are in capable hands that can provide security, not only physical, but also economically and otherwise," nodded Sikorski, his tone unwavering, but still rather soft.

 

Both Poles would opt to pour tea for themselves brought by the Governor General's daughter, while the older leader spoke in short order about Dai-Tōhoku's development of a military force. Both would look mildly surprised when Date spoke up in the conversation, for the first time since they had met at the airport, and they both seemed to nod their understanding to both leaders' message.

 

"Peace through the strength of arms, an adage that may be ancient, but never old," chuckled Maczek, in a lighthearted but poignant tone. He would add, "Poland has not put its entire stock in such an adage, sir, we believe that such a strategy will eventually meet a roadblock that could be a troubling one. That is not to say that it is a legitimate way of preserving peace, but it can foment unnecessary dissent at times. Poland's approach to preserving peace is not entirely unlike your own, but it has several facets that help form a multi-pronged approach. It is true that Poland is developing a credible military force, although its numbers may be limited for quite some time, but we also work to develop diplomatic relations, both with those around us, and abroad. A mix of soft power, backed up by a capable military force and commitment to the general global communal peace is a strong hand of cards to hold, in my honest opinion."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Hearing the Poles' words, Nakamichi took up the word. "I would not say we prioritize military over dialogue, but to us, the military is an integral part of diplomacy. What Date-san wanted to say is that a country needs to engage in dialogue, but also has to keep a force ready to back up its words, otherwise, it will lose credibility and become a pushover. This world is not all sugar and rainbows sadly. Even though we are a young state, our forces are already engaged in action to protect the peace and stability of the Pacific region."

 

Date nodded in agreement, though she would not speak this time, sitting there in silence. Konoe meanwhile, who was not too keen on the topic would try to change it. "The Pacific ocean is our top priority, in terms of diplomatic involvement. It is vital to our national security to preserve the relative peace of this region and the status quo. However, we do not disregard the rest of the world beyond the Pacific Rim. Europe until recently has been sadly somewhat neglected, due to our attention being focused on the developments nearer to our home."

 

This time, Date would interject her thoughts. "And it surely did not help that most of Europe banded together to condemn Imperial actions to reestablish a stable regime in regions bordering the Pacific Rim."

 

Konoe would frown slightly, though after a short moment he regained his calm. "Well, Europe has sadly been neglected in our diplomatic approaches, thus we are curious about the possibilities to expand our horizon. I wonder, how does Poland see East Asia in general? After all, our regions are connected, but also kept apart by the vast Russian Empire, and actually, Poland is one of the few European countries that actually went to visit our region."

 

Date was about to say something, but then decided to just keep it to herself after Nakamichi glanced over to her a bit angrily.

[TheShammySocialist]

Sikorski would give Maczek a sideways glance when he was speaking, but would wait until Nakamichi was done speaking to clarify what his compatriot had said, in a rather lighthearted tone. "I'm sure it wasn't Mister Maczek's intention to imply that your nation only put stock in peace and stability through arms, as this meeting completely goes against such thinking. I agree that strength of arms does add a bit of credibility to one's diplomatic efforts and power, but I think his intention was to state what Poland considers important to its own foreign policy."

 

The two Polish officials would sit back on their cushions and slowly sip their tea as they listened to Konoe speak, nodding in an attentive manner as they kept eye contact with him. They seemed to understand where he was coming from, and Maczek seemed to be aiming to respond to his statement went Date interjected in the conversation, with a statement that both Polish statesmen seemed to be taken aback from. Sikorski seemed to have a calm, but enigmatic look on his face, and his eyes seemed to narrow a bit when she spoke, whilst Maczek appeared to be rather taken to the topic at hand, and would move to interject.

 

"Europe was well within its right to state th-," started Maczek, before the Polish President put his hand on his annoyed Foreign Minister's shoulder, and Maczek would stop his outburst, opting instead to sip his tea. Sikorski would let Konoe talk, noting that the Governor General seemed to be unsettled as well from the statement made, but seemed to reaffirm what he said before, and ask about Poland's opinions on the region.

 

Sikorski would take another sip of his own tea, seeming to collect his thoughts, while Maczek seemed to be breathing heavier, in an effort to calm himself. After a few moments, Sikorski would affix Konoe with a polite stare. "As per our foreign policy, the Fourth Republic welcomes diplomatic efforts from near and far, we view all of East Asia as an economic powerhouse, a place of opportunity. On the other hand, speaking from a personal view that is shared with many in my cabinet, and with a good many people in Poland, we are unsure of East Asia's intentions abroad. It's all a matter of perspective, in my mind. I'm not one to pass judgment too quickly, but at the same time, I grew up in a region beset by many dictators and strongmen in my time, Nordic Socialism and what have you, and burgeoning shows of force, recklessness, and disregard are something I've never been keen on showing support for, and fuels a certain wariness in my mind."

 

"Now, to reciprocate, does Dai-Tōhoku see Europe in general?" asked Sikorski, in an even and polite tone.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Before anyone from his own ranks could interject unwanted comments again, Nakamichi took it upon himself to respond. "Europe has certainly a lot of untapped potential for our foreign relations. After the fall of Greater Germany, the countries that arose are certainly providing a better opportunity than the bulwark of regionalism, ignorance, oppression and anti-Asian sentiments. Economically, we follow a policy of free trade, though most trade is still with Tianxia and it can thus be said that the European market could offer additional stimulation for our economy. Still, many in our country are reluctant to engage with certain parts of Europe, due to the opinion that it might conflict with the security policy regarding the Pacific Rim. Just as some of your people might suspect our intentions, so is there suspicion about the objectives of European powers. But I'm trying to tread these relation on a country by country basis, and we'll see how things develop."

 

Sakuya would bring open a bowl on her tray which was filled with strange small and colourful objects. "Konpeito?"

[TheShammySocialist]

Sikorski would decide to take the lead in the discussions as Maczek has rather flustered, the foreign minister deciding to take to the tray of sweets that Konoe's daughter had set down for them. Whilst the Polish foreign minister was distracted with the traditional Japanese sweets, Sikorski would nod attentively, rubbing his chin slowly as he listened to Nakamichi. He kept eye contact with him throughout his statement, and would ponder for a few moments, before offering a response.

 

"As with my own foreign policy; the Fourth Republic has, and always will follow a foreign policy that puts a value on engaging on an international scale, not a regional one. Every nation is dealt with on a nation by nation basis, regardless of proximity to Poland, I would say to group us with the rest of Europe is a generalization that is probably not due. Poland's objectives are quite easy to lay out for you here; the ensured future of the Fourth Republic, its economic and physical security, and sovereignty not dependent on the whims of others," said Sikorski, in a firm, but conciliatory tone.

Edited December 15, 2013 by TheShammySocialist

[Evangeline Anovilis]

Nakamichi would stay quiet for a few moments, to carefully think about a reply. Konoe seemed to have left it to the Prime Minister to sort out his policies and Date was as quiet as ever. "A rather prudent set of objectives and one that is to be respected. I would think there's surely room for better relations if the other's security is taken into account and efforts to promote understanding are made. To me, there seems to be little obstructing close Polish-Japanese relations, if our country's so wanted. While I think it would be very hasty and unreasonable to conclude any agreement concerning military-related topics, maybe Poland could be interested in an agreement for economic cooperation? Our country, while small, is not without valuable ressources and our universities are a pride of our nation. Economically, especially agriculture, fisheries, heavy industry and some electronic appliances are all fields where our country has decades, if not centuries of expertise in, and while most of them may sound quite old-fashioned and traditional, food and steel are still in demand, especially if they are of high quality. What do you think?"

[TheShammySocialist]

"We are similarly minded in such regards, it would probably be premature to set up such a cooperative regime on that front, at this time," nodded Sikorski, when Nakamichi made note of any military related topics that could end up on a resulting diplomatic pledge.

 

"Poland has a similar economic outlook, we have a small nation, but are well industrialized and able to supply several key economic sectors within our nation. Though I'm sure that introducing electronics, fishery, and heavy industry products would make for healthy market competition. We're in the process of slowly reducing import tariffs in Poland, the economy is still in transition, so we feel as though these tariffs are required for a little while. They will slowly be reduced towards a point where they are far beyond what free market advocates would say is protectionist. I'm sure you understand where we are coming from by taking such measures to protect an infantile economy," nodded Sikorski, in a calm, polite tone.

 

"Of course, we can also foster social cooperation as well," suggested Maczek, in a conciliatory tone, breaking his sugar-filled silence.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"While I personally do not favour tariffs for my own country, I see your point. We would hope that however still unobstructed business opportunities exist.", Nakamichi would reply. "Our own country is well integrated in the greater East Asian economy and we see it thus as important to not focus on the areas where we are weak, but on those where we are strong. Our own tariffs are hardly existent, as it is our policy that subsidising or protecting unprofitable industries, apart of course from a certain few, like public transportation, postal services, healthcare, etc., is only a waste of money that could be put into industries where one's country is competitive and can establish itself in the global economy."

 

When Maczek mentioned social cooperation, Nakamichi would pick up on the topic, as well as on one Konpeito. "If you mean cultural and student exchanges, I think this surely is a possibility. While our universities offer no courses in Polish, there are courses in English, for international guests that do not understand Japanese. Maybe one could even foster some ties in the field of science this way too?"

[TheShammySocialist]

Sikorski would nod understandingly, "Don't get me wrong, I am well aware that competition is healthy for business, the limited and temporary tariffs are more of a way of allowing for our industries to get themselves established and sound before being handed heavier competition. Poland has taken upon itself to nudge industries that we know will be profitable, and focused on ensuring those industries are really ready to undertake the transition to a truly free market economy. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing a healthy Polish economy integrating fully into the global economy, it means that at some level, government officials like ourselves are doing their jobs. It's a vindicating feeling, if you know where I am coming from."

 

Sikorski would let Maczek take the lead on social cooperation, letting his Foreign Minister focus on the topic rather than dwelling silently on what he had started to say but was cut off from saying. "I'm sure that increased cooperation on a bureaucratic level between customs agencies would help streamline visa application processes, and our countries actively, at some level, advocating for student exchanges at a secondary or postsecondary level would work well as a start. I'm sure that cooperation in the field of science would also be pertinent to our interests, if I remember correctly, there is a bill that is passing through the national assembly which is set to help enhance school-based scientific research and fund better science departments in schools?'

 

Sikorski would nod silently in agreement that Maczek was correct in his memory.

 

"We are looking towards bettering our nation through technology, and cooperation at some level would certainly be amenable to Poland."

[Evangeline Anovilis]

"Technological progress is the way by which not only single countries, but humanity as a whole moves forward. I'm sure arrangements can be made to allow for easier access to visa.", Nakamichi replied. "On the economic side, I would say our views differ, though not so much on ideological grounds, than on practical ones. What you try to achieve in Poland, I rather discourage in my own country, most likely for the overall same reason."

 

As he finished, Nakamichi would nod to Konoe, who would register the sign. "It is good to see that we have found ways to bridge the distances that are between our countries. If I may ask, is there anything you would still like to specifically adress?"

[TheShammySocialist]

"Well, certainly that is a positive thing to hear, I'm sure that the Ministry of the Interior will be in contact to begin cooperation over a streamlined visa scheme that would be advantageous," nodded Sikorski, with a polite smile on his face. "Without technological progress, it is arguable that any relationship between our two nations would never take place. I think, though, that I'm delving too deep in thought than is practical though, now," he chuckled, albeit a little nervously.

 

Sikorski would provide the response to Konoe's query, "Outside of perhaps adding a non-aggression pact, and perhaps establishing the basis for formal embassy residences within our respective nations, I don't believe I have any other specifics."