Great Lakes Republic-Japanese Relations

[Mogar]

To: Great Lakes Republic Department of Foreign Affairs

From: Office of the Empress, Imperium of Japan.

 

Greetings,

As the Imperium has fully recovered and even expanded in our southern regions, this leaves us with a shared Ocean. I feel I should take the opportunity to reach out to those surrounding my nation's shared oceans in order to discuss a future that ensures a stable and peaceful Africa, as well as ensure the security of our mutual economic interest in the Indian Ocean. With the recent instability in Europe, it falls upon a united Africa and Asia to promote a better future for all if we work together.  If The Great Lakes Republic is interested in my vision of a peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean and wishes to meet with me, send and I shall arrive within a few days.

 

Signed,

-Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Hoshiko, Sovereign of Japan and Joseon, Daughter of Amaterasu, Prophet of Takamagahara, Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown, Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure.

Edited July 31, 2014 by Mogar

[Yerushalayim]

A response, from the hand of Queen Akinyi, is written.

 

The Republic has always been a friend to peace. However, I feel it improper to host such a meeting while our naval forces remain at a stand off within the very ocean of which we would speak. When peace has returned to the Indian Ocean, I would gladly welcome you to the Republic to discuss the future of our nations, and our shared interests.

 

-Queen Catharine Victoria Akinyi

[Mogar]

"A reasonable response, we have been awaiting further negotiations."

[Yerushalayim]

A missive from the Queen.

"As tensions have ceased between Africa and Japan, it is my pleasure to invite you to join me at the capital of the Republic, Nairobi, to discuss the future of Japan and the Republic."

[Mogar]

:Diplomatic cable:

 

Most honorable Royal Queen Catharine Victoria Akinyi,

 

Unfortunately I do not believe my traveling across the Indian Ocean would be wise at this time considering the Persian Empire is currently attempting to find any excuse they can to attack us, a teleconference is the best I could do currently unless you would like to travel to Tokyo. I apologize for being unable to attend, but my military has acknowledged we would be unable to ensure my security on such a journey due to the blockade not allowing us to have assets in the Indian Ocean.

 

Yours faithfully,

Empress Hoshiko

[Yerushalayim]

A response:

"I have never visited the islands of Japan. It would be my honour to attend you at Tokyo. My diplomatic corps will be in contact with your foreign ministry to make arrangements for my arrival."

***

The Queen's jet landed at the Tokyo airport at the scheduled time, delayed only slightly by inclement weather, and Queen Akinyi got her first view of Tokyo from the ground. She rose from her seat and stretched, her joints creaking and popping after the long flight. Her trio of consort-guards rose with her, and they filed down from the plane. One guard took the lead while the others followed. All wore a fine mesh armour beneath their clothing, as did the Queen.

[Mogar]

Entering the Imperium was almost like entering into another world, A Lexus Century Royal would be waiting for the Queen at the airport, the entire area kept secure by the Empress's Guard, standard for foreign HoS in the country. The car would bring her through Tokyo to the Imperium Palace with a police escort as well as numerous aerial surveillance equipment ensuring every meter of the path was clear and secure, the convoy briefly passing the ruins of old Tokyo, as the majority of highways did in the city. The Palace was kept as close to the Meiji era Castle that once stood upon the grounds as possible, with modern conveniences and security of course.

 

One of the queen's guards would be invited by the Empress's Guards to the security room upon the groups arrival to the palace. if they so desired to be given vision of the numerous surveillance cameras both aerial and mounted throughout the palace grounds.  Their meeting would be taking place in the Chigusa Drawing Room, A regal table with two opulent chairs would be set up in the center of the room. The Empress stood upon the arrival of her guest, a beaming smile upon her face she would say, "Welcome to Japan Queen Catharine, I trust you had a pleasant journey."  One of the Empress's hand maidens would begin to prepare Tea upon the Queens arrival into the room, while not following the standard etiquette of a Tea ceremony, the Empress rarely wished to force anyone to have to study simply to enjoy a diplomatic meeting with her. "If tea is not your style I'm certain we have anything you'd like to eat or drink."

[Yerushalayim]

"A journey with a pleasant destination is always one worth taking," Queen Akinyi inclined her head to the Empress, before taking her seat. "Tea would be wonderful, thank you." Two of her consort-guards, the third having accompanied the Japanese security personnel, flanked her seat. They waited with the relaxed confidence of trained fighters, and the detached disinterest of veteran aids who were well versed in the protocols of hearing only what they were meant to hear at high level meetings.

"I trust that the Imperium has faired well in the years since its rise from the anarchy of the White Zones. With luck we can bring even greater fortune to our nations, eh?"

[Mogar]

Kazuko thought for a moment at the statement, taking a moment to actually enjoy the company of another leader close her age, while the backgrounds of how they came to power were entirely different, they both had the weight of millions upon their shoulders. "We have certainly changed dramatically compared to our humble beginnings, Japan's culture has shifted since our incorporation of the Imperium, my people have developed into a society beyond what I had imagined was ever possible. I certainly hope we can be of service to your nation, and to Africa, working with Africa to maintain a more secure world has been a strong belief of mine for quite some time now. The united African continent is an excellent example to the rest of the world of how neighbors should behave. Europe is too fractured for us to achieve a long term peace in the region, not to mention the difficulties of potentially being forced to choose between friends at a moments notice, and while the Imperium enjoys warm relations with the seemingly united North America, our own backyard does not appear to be as cooperative as we'd like. Asia has been united but I have failed in my duty to ensure that those surrounding us have trust in our motivations, which led to the current predicament we find ourselves in." 

 

The tea was Matcha, of course, a finely ground green tea, when the handmaiden completed the preparations, a Chawan with Chrysanthemum emblems stamped upon it was set in front of both of them and the tea poured, the hand maiden backing up until she felt she was needed or if asked of course. The Empress raised her Chawan "I apologize for ranting, it is rather difficult for me to have anyone to speak to lately who understands the pressures of international politics, and even those I can speak to are not in the same position. May good fortune favor both of us." She said taking a sip. feeling slightly embarrassed at the outburst.

[Yerushalayim]

Catharine's lips quirked up in a small smirk, which she hid by sipping at her tea. She made a soft appreciative noise as she drank, and when she lowered the cup there was no trace of her smile left. "Africa has been strong since the rise of the Republic, there is no doubt of this. Since the days of Hawaii's collapse, to the formation of the League, we have led the world in word and deed. We stand united, and at the center of the world.

"You are right, though," she let out a soft huffing sigh, "that it is better to have confidants that one can relate to. We live in a world dominated by the elected, the elderly, and almost all who are men concerned with their personal power and prestige, rather than the good of their populations. Friends who understand our situation are rare, and to be cherished, yes?"

[Mogar]

Kazuko on the other hand, had no trouble showing emotion, in fact it was difficult for her to hide it lately. Her dimples showing briefly as she enjoyed the thought. "They certainly should be cherished. It is good to see we already share a similar belief in that regard, and I would bet on upon many other issues. Obviously our current situation with Persia is troubling, but I believe it will be resolved through diplomacy, I have enough weight upon my shoulders from the War of the Twin Chinas, I need no further souls to welcome me in Yomi..." pausing for a moment, "Hell would be better word choice for you. It is so disappointing  and frustrating to me how quickly men will send their children off to war without even attempting to negotiate. At least I can have faith that should our nations ever come to a disagreement, you will come to me frankly and we will discuss it like civilized people." She paused, taking a sip of her own tea to make herself stop vomiting emotions upon this poor woman she had just met and allow Catharine to lead the conversation. "I doubt you came here to listen to me compliment you though, what do you believe our future should look like?"

[Yerushalayim]

Catharine nodded along blandly while the Empress spoke. Though the two were quite similar, in this they were different. Where Catharine was stoic, the Empress was emotive. A result of different upbringings in different cultures, one in the war torn jungles of Africa, the other in the densely populated regions of Asia. There were worse differences to have, by far, between leaders.

"Peace is one of the greatest gifts a leader can bestow upon their people. It is nearly our sole responsibility; nearly." She leaned forward, setting her empty tea cup aside and lacing her fingers together on the table before her, "It is vital to remember, however, that it is also our obligation to fight when certain lines have been crossed, most notably when our friends have been attacked. Persia seems to be a problem for us both. For you they offer belligerence and aggression, and for us they act to keep the most stable of the Asian nations from engaging fully with us. Somehow," she paused and flashed a brief smile, "I do not expect Persia to remain as obdurate as they are now for much longer. As to our future," she gave a shrug with her brows, "I see in it peace, prosperity, trade, and friendship. Else wise I would not have come to see you personally."

[Mogar]

"I will always stand to defend those whom I call my friends, and protect their citizens, I am certain I have lost potential friends in Europe due to speaking out against the divvying up of Snow Haven, rather than allowing the French sections to return to France. It may sound childish, but if you don't stand up for your friends when they need your help, then I don't feel you really value that friendship." She paused for a moment, "I feel as though I can be candid with you, I am a bit surprised at you reaching out to us even while we are in a relatively diplomatically isolated position. Most nations would choose the easier route and stay away from us while we were in a predicament. I will not forget this later on, regardless of what comes to fruition from this meeting." She'd finish her tea before continuing.

 

"It might seem sudden, but perhaps we could sign a Mutual Defense pact to make a diplomatic statement towards Persia, giving them pause towards pursuing their current course against Japan. On the economic front, we cannot sign anything due to your AL membership, but we have sent word to your bloc for a formal meeting to discuss a closer economic relationship with Africa, obviously though trade with you would have to wait for the blockade to end, or take a bit longer to get through as we'd have to go the long way around, not that Tikal minds significantly, considering the millions of additional tolls a day they are making and Alexandria is losing."

[Yerushalayim]

Catharine listened patiently to the Empress, before nodding once. "Sudden friendships, as with sudden storms, often take the world by surprise. I have no objection to this, though I offer a further suggestion. Allow the Republic to purchase Imperium goods and ship them across the Indian. Should Persia wish to face the wrath of Africa, they are free to accost us, but I doubt that such an event would happen."

She turned slightly and held out her hand to one of her consort-guards, who handed her a rolled up screen. She quickly unrolled it on the table and keyed it into activity, bringing up a map of the Indian Ocean. An island was selected, near to Japan's holdings, and highlighted. "I further propose that the Republic take this island and build a naval base here. This will allow our forces to be closer to your holdings, and allow for a much more rapid response to any requests for assistance. In addition, it will allow us to guard access into the Indian Ocean through this route, and provide for further security for all nations in the Indian Ocean, against future attacks such as that launched by Iceland against the Imperium."

[Mogar]

She'd consider it for a moment, "Your nation has worked with us diplomatically previously, I see no reason to not be willing to share in the East Indian security with another nation, especially considering it was further display our intentions are collaborating with our nations for mutual security, something we had thought we had shown by working with the African League but I feel was twisted into Persia believing us weak and thus an easy target to bully. As for your suggestion, I love the idea since it both removes the teeth from the blockade and provides a boost to your own economy, something we are happy to assist our friends with. I have a prewritten treaty if you'd like to read it over." one of her hand maidens placing it upon the table in front of Catharine.

 

Military Cooperation Pact between the Great Lakes Republic and Imperium Of Japan

 

The parties; recognizing the mutual friendship and trust placed in each other, resolving to aid each other in the fulfillment of goals, and believing that is in the interests of both parties to enhance cooperation, have agreed as follows:

 

Article 1

Both Great Lakes Republic and the Imperium of Japan pledge a state of constant and continuous non-aggression between each other. Neither nation will conduct espionage, invade, blockade, embargo, share false intelligence, withhold important intelligence or otherwise harm the other.

 

Article 2

In the event either party comes under attack, the other signatory has the duty to join in defense of that nation.

 

Article 3

In the event either party must use their military aggressively against a third party, the other signatory has the right to militarily, economically, or political assist them.

 

Article 4

If for any reason the signatories feel this agreement is not in their best interests, there must be a warning notice of 3 months(OOC 1 week) prior to cancellation, as well as a formal meeting between the Foreign Affairs Leadership of the signatories in order to reconcile any differences. After this warning period, the treaty is then null and void.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned Plenipotentiaries, being duly authorized thereto by the collective peoples, have signed the present convention,

 

For Great Lakes Republic:

 

For Imperium of Japan:

"Of course, any editing you'd wish to do is perfectly acceptable."

Edited August 23, 2014 by Mogar

[Yerushalayim]

The Queen glanced over the treaty and took a quick snapshot of it using her screen. She then signed it with a flourish, "This seems acceptable to me. If you don't mind, I'll be calling my people now, to begin arrangements to get Japanese goods flowing once more through the Indian." She rose from her seat, resisting the urge to stretch, and smiled at the Empress, "This has been a fine step forward for peace and prosperity for both our nations. May our friendship endure well into the future, beyond even our own lives. If you ever wish to visit the Republic, my military shall provide an escort for you."

She exchanged a scant few more pleasantries before politely excusing herself to retire to whatever quarters the Japanese had prepared for her. From there orders were sent to begin moving forward. Ships sailed across the Indian Ocean to claim new territory for the Republic, and a civilian fleet made way for Japan's holdings. The machinery of the Republic turned, and the nation took another step along its path.

[Mogar]

After signing herself, a paper copy would be sent home with Queen Catharine, and plans would be made to expand the port facilities at Padang and Bengkulu for the GLR civilian vessels, obviously for now though Singapore would serve as the major port of call for the GLR.