Operation Honeymoon

[Californian]

(Closed RP, Californian and Markus)

 

It was time. The Northlands and Alvonia had one of the most tumultuous relationships of any two nations in modern history, with an oscillatory pattern of help and war between the two. The seemingly endless ephemeral German states served only to stoke the flames between the two nations, but it was hoped that this vicious cycle could become a permanent fixture of the past.

 

A message would be sent to the Alvonian government, inviting the Minister of Foreign Affairs or equivalent to talks in Luxembourg City. Royal Officer for Foreign Affairs Lord Timmermans would lead the Northlandic delegation as the most senior diplomat, and would host the summit at a government retreat in the picturesque outskirts of the city. Security would be somewhat enhanced to ensure the safety of all present but Alvonia would be greeted with cautious optimism. Timmermans would wait for his equivalent to arrive.

 

OOC: Feel free to skip straight to the meeting.

Edited November 29, 2014 by Californian

[Markus Wilding]

Foreign Minister Finn Powers walked in, already pissed off from having his fifth of whiskey confiscated by Northlands airport security, and unlike in France the security inside the meeting zone were smart enough to check him thoroughly, depriving him of another, smaller bottle of vodka he had "liberated" from the hotel mini-bar. "There better be some really *$#@ing good alcohol in this place, or I swear to God I'm going to get Wilding to declare war on these uptight asshats," Finn muttered under his breath, although his two Schwarze Korps guards definitely heard and chuckled. Of course, pissed off was no way to approach another foreign representative, so Finn put on his best fake smile and extended a hand to Lord Timmermans. "Lord Timmermans I assume? Wonderful city. I remember the last time I was here, I spoke to a Mr. Rontgen. Is he still in service with the Northlands diplomatic ministry?"

[Californian]

Powers was in luck. Diplomacy in the Northlands was considered incomplete without alcohol, which was served before, during, and after negotiations. He would have his choice of select liquor that was wheeled in as the men began to talk, Timmermans choosing to enjoy a nice glass of scotch.

 

Timmermans, normally jovial, turned somber at the mention of Rontgen. "Unfortunately, Mr. Rontgen is currently indisposed at the moment, and is no longer working for the foreign affairs office." It was clear this was a topic that he was not comfortable speaking about, and instead took the opportunity to change the subject.

 

"I'm glad you have such fond memories of our staff and city. Fortunately, I can say that the standing of Alvonia is likewise quite high these days around these parts. With our nations so close to each other, it's natural for us to seek closer ties and I'm hopeful the two of us can be strategic partners in the region. 

 

While wishing to pursue closer ties, I'm hoping to avoid the tensions that created issues in the past by hammering out a comprehensive agreement with Alvonia and the Northlands to move forward. To this end, I'm curious as to what sort of relationship Alvonia is interested in with the Northlands, and what your foreign policy goals are. I hope I don't sound too presumptuous, but are there any territorial aspirations of the Alvonian state in the currently unclaimed regions of Europe that you're willing to disclose? The more that we share and bring to the table, the better we would be able to avoid problems in the future and chart a new course for relations between our nations."

[Markus Wilding]

"Now this is what I'm talking about," Finn said as he raised a glass of whiskey to his mouth. "Shame about Mr. Rontgen, but good to hear about the praise. Here I was thinking we'd still be holding grudges over that scrap in Brandenburg."

 

"Oh, ambitions are aplenty, sir. First thing we want to do is get our Polish provinces back. That's been long overdue. The promise of reunification is starting to wear thin in Vienna and elsewhere, and we have about fifty thousand Poles with guns who know how to use them. Then it's getting the Burgenland back from Hungary-Slovakia, thank God the world is rid of the horrid woman who decided to implement that. Other than that, status quo. Keep our enemies away, keep our friends closer. That answer your question?"

[Californian]

Timmermans was taken aback by the bluntness of Powers, and mentally took note of what he was saying. "That answers the question, yes. Fortunately, it seems like the Alvonian interests you listed and those of the Northlands don't come into conflict. We are unconcerned with Poland and the Burgenland and have little interest in interfering in these matters."

 

"It would seem then, that we could re-activate the non-aggression pact once held by our nations. We would be open to the lifting of some border restrictions between our states, as well as optional defense between our nations, depending on what Alvonia is comfortable doing. 

 

Additionally, what are your thoughts on Nordisk Rike and Russia, and the roles they are playing in the region?"

[Markus Wilding]

"Optional defense sounds like something we in Vienna can agree to, and I would only hope that came with a reactivation of the non-aggression pact."

 

"Russia is complicated to Vienna. I'd be lying if I said we could get along with them, the whole Bolshevism outlawed in Alvonia and such, but I'm confident that we can try to mend relations. It's going to be a rough road, to be sure. Nordisk Rike...well, like I've said, the Alvonian-Poles aren't too happy they've seen fit to involve themselves in Poland, but the rest of Alvonia seems to be alright with them. The high government is a mess of likes and dislikes about them, and good luck trying to get a read on Director Wilding's thoughts. Overall, I feel comfortable saying we see them as equal regional actors. Time will tell, I suppose."

[Californian]

 Central European Friendship Accords

 

In the spirit of friendship and cooperation, the Northlands and Alvonia agree to the following provisions laid out in the mutually-agreed upon pact. Both nations remain fully sovereign states and sign this treaty in the hopes that better relations may be attained for the greater peace, prosperity, and good of these two nations.

 

Article I. Trade

 

Both Alvonia and the Northlands agree to promote trade between one another. Each state will endeavor to lower any tariffs or fees on trade of products and industries between the two nations, bar those considered necessary for vital national interests or those industries which have been granted exception. The nations pledge to work together to achieve this, preferably through reciprocation of changes in commerce regulation and oversight.

 

Article II. Nonaggression 

 

Both Alvonia and the Northlands agree to a pact of non-aggression, and will not interfere or step into the soil of the other nation when not specifically requested. Nor will either signatory illegally spy, destabilize, or in any other way attempt to bring harm to the other. 

 

Article III. Optional Defense

 

Both Alvonia and the Northlands agree to reserve the right to defend each other from foreign aggression. Should either nation find themselves engaged in a defensive war, the other maintains the option to provide the aid, including economic and military, needed to support and defend the other.  

 

Article V. Termination

 

Should either Alvonia or Northlands feel this treaty no longer serves the purpose for which it is intended, they may notify the other of their intention to cancel. Such notification must be communicated three weeks (OOC: 72 hours) in advance.

 

 

 

"Of course, our relationship should be built on an understanding that neither of us plan to attack the other. Here's a standard draft treaty including non-aggression and optional defense between our states, you're welcome to look it over and suggest any changes."

 

"I appreciated you honesty regarding Russia and the Nordisk Rike. I'll respond in kind and let you know that the Northlands intends to cooperate with these nations on a closer level in regards to security and defense. I'm hopeful that all of our nations can work cordially, if not closely, in Europe and improve ties to one another, although I understand the delicate intricacies involved in the Polish region and I hope it can be resolved amicably."

 

"There a few other matters I wished to discuss with you. First, the Northlands has deployed troops close to the Alvonian border in Germany in response to the recent unrest on the French border. Alvonia has no reason to be alarmed, the Northlands continues its protection of the northern German people and this is simple a precautionary measure.

 

Additionally, we were hoping to form a Rhine Commission consisting of our nations and France, to better manage this critical line of trade and transportation in the region. Would we be able to count your government in favor of such a measure? Along those same lines, we are hoping to improve our trade with Alvonia, whether that be the Rhine river or overland. If we work together towards the construction of a rail network between our nations, your companies will have easier,quicker access to trade in northern Europe and ports on the Atlantic."

[Markus Wilding]

After taking a few moments to look over the treaty and ensure all was correct, Finn signed it and added that his signature carried the full authority of the Reichstag and the Alvonian state as a whole.

 

"Yeah, we've noticed the action in the French part of Germany too. We've considered deploying additional soldiers to the area, but with the brouhaha going on in Poland I doubt we could spare any troops. Now the Rhine Commission sounds like a decent idea. I'll run it past Vienna when I get back there and we'll see how it pans out."

 

"Anything else we need to discuss today, or have we finally run out of things to say to each other?"

[Californian]

Timmermans would pen his name on behalf of the Northlands. 

 

"Excellent, that's all I had to discuss today, if you have nothing more I believe our business is concluded. Please keep in contact in regards to the Rhine Commission, and we look forward to working together with Alvonia in the future."

[Markus Wilding]

An encoded message would be sent to the Northlands, requesting a meeting in either Alvonia (Munich being the prime meeting place) or in the Northlands, to discuss northern Germany.

[Californian]

Minister for Foreign Affairs Lord Martin Timmermans would respond in the affirmative and travel to Munich for discussions.

[Markus Wilding]

In Munich, Timmermans was escorted from the airport by a government delegation and taken to Marienplatz's Neues Rathaus, where inside was Finn Powers and Head of Government Karoline Dressler, along with a few select leaders of the Alvonian-German community in Alvonia. Finn and Dressler extended a hand, first giving their introductions, then presenting the four representatives of the Alvonian-German community. Finn then took over, saying, "Lord Timmermans, once again my thanks and the Alvonian people's thanks for coming here today. You know me, I prefer to get to business, and today will be no different. We have some concerns about northern Germany, especially in regards to the [post='3349743']resettlement and militarization[/post] of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Our colleagues in the Alvonian-German community have also voiced concerns with Vienna that Germany is divided among three nations, one with dubious ties to Germany at best. I realize that we haven't always seen eye-to-eye when it comes to Germany, but I'm hoping we can get something settled here. Any thoughts, Lord Timmermans?"

[Californian]

Timmermans took the time to greet all that were present, having only met Powers previously. He enjoyed the man's knack for getting to the heart of the matter.

 

"I'd be more than happy to discuss the current situation in Germany. As you have stated, the Nordisk Rike intends to assume control over the Vorpommern region. Many of the citizens in this area are resettling in various areas throughout the rest of Germany and have been financially compensated to do so. Frankly, this region of Germany has been claimed by numerous states in recent history including Brandenburg, Alvonia, Prussia, and now the Nordisk Rike. The Northlands has long ago ceded control of this region, notwithstanding Mecklenburg and Rugen island, and we are pleased to see one of our closest allies assume its administration. Knowing the Nordisk Rike, I believe they plan to rule it fairly and I do not believe there are further plans for them to assume control over any more lands associated with Germany. 

 

Additionally, as you are aware, the Northlands has recently begun the integration of portions of north Germany. As our peace agreement made clear, we have respected Alvonia's decision to do with southern Germany what it saw fit, which led to its annexation. In reciprocation of that, Alvonia recognized Northlandic control over north Germany. While we have allowed this region great autonomy in the past, the string of failed regimes has led many of these people to seek closer ties with the Northlands, which we have warmly accepted and allowed. We do however, plan to keep much of eastern Germany a protectorate, and will notify Alvonia in the future of any changes in that status so that it does not come as a shock. Does this answer your question?"

 

He would also comment. "I also wished to discuss the matter of Alvonian shipping the Baltic, if you are willing to work towards a resolution on that situation."

[Markus Wilding]

"It does. The good news is that most of us here are OK with the Northlands being in Germany. The bad news, I'm afraid, is that virtually none of us here are OK with the Rike being in Germany," Finn said, referring to the Alvonian representatives gathered. "We've already had our maritime trade and travel restricted by an at-best unfriendly power, who from our standpoint, doesn't seem to be willing to let that go easily. Now we hear of them annexing a known German province? This reeks of containment, sir. With our navy unable to do anything to oppose such a thing, the Nordisk Rike is free to build up troops in German Vorpommern which could be used to launch an invasion of Alvonia, Granted, we in Vienna don't have any intelligence that states they plan to do this, but I believe it's a valid concern nonetheless. We're highly uncomfortable with the Rike there so long as the present situation persists, but we at this time can do nothing but sit back and watch, which perfectly segues into answered the other matter you brought up. What would said resolution be?"

[Californian]

"I'm not sure what you're asking us to do. Contest a move by our strongest ally, when we have already given such a move our blessing and publicly supported it? I understand that the Nordisk Rike and Alvonia have had differences in the past, and I hope that these tensions can be gradually reduced, but we will stand with our northern allies on the matter. Although as I have mentioned, out of deference for your concerns and a desire for a peaceful German community, I will ensure Alvonia is aware of changes in the future status of the German protectorate so that you are not caught for surprise.

 

Additionally, we believe that a resolution can be achieved to provide Alvonia access to the Baltic. Although I must admit you stating you want naval access in order to directly oppose Nordisk Rike actions in the future concerns us greatly and makes me question the desire of the Northlands to negotiate such an action. We are in favor of lifting restrictions of Alvonian civilian shipping in the Baltic."

[Markus Wilding]

"We're not asking you to help us kick them out, if that's what you're wondering. We have a problem with the fact that Germany is divided among three nations now, one of which is outright hostile to us. What we would like is for this province of the Rike's to not be a starting point of aggression against Alvonia. We in Vienna would be much more comfortable with them there if it wasn't used to host an army group. Again, we have no intelligence that states they plan to do such a thing, but it's something we have to think about."

 

Finn shook his head at the response. "You misunderstand me, sir. Any Wehrmacht action in the Baltic against the Nordisk Rike would be purely defensive in nature. The only plausible situation I can find the Wehrmacht in an offensive conflict against Nordisk Rike forces would be if there were overwhelming evidence that pointed to egregious violations of the sovereignty of the German people living in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, like say forced resettlement, mass murder, that sort of thing. We want this access not to strike, but so we can defend our home should in come under foreign invasion, which I sincerely hope will never happen."

[Californian]

Timmermans would speak plainly. "I can tell you there are no plans by the Northlands or our allies, as far as I'm aware, to use Germany as a staging grounds to attack Alvonia. However, we are not going to limit the amount or location of forces in Northlandic- or Rike-held Germany. While in an ideal world Germany may not be partitioned, the realities of our planet have decided otherwise and we must all be prepared to move forward with an understanding that is not likely to change in the near future. We must all learn to work together as responsible neighbors, and as I have mentioned the Northlands is willing to be respectful if such respect is returned."

 

"As a gesture of goodwill, we are willing to talk with the rest of Nordic Hammer to reopen the Baltic to Alvonian commercial shipping, although container and cargo ships will need to be checked prior to entering of the Sea. Once that has been re-established and after a period of time has passed to show that shipping has been done responsibly, we can begin to allow for a Alvonian naval presence."