The First Steps

[Sarah Tintagyl]

With the end of the Civil War, Therese soundly establish with her and her cabinet in Versailles and the country in a relative state of stability, it was time to begin the first movements for the establishment of the Fourth Empire and the restoration of claims that France once had either in the immediate past, or the far distant past. Years ago, the nation of Conti, that lay in the region of Brittany in France had been successful in negotiating with the people of the People's Republic of China or claims on the city of Hong Kong in Asia. With economic partnerships opening with both the United States of China and Vietnam, along with an entire Asia market open for trade, the reestablishment with relations with the People's Republic and a definite understanding of what France's claims were, was imperative and in light of that, Therese had a letter drafted as quickly as possible sending it, with all possible haste to Beijing.

[quote]
[b][i]
TO: Her Excellency, Bai Ling, of the People's Republic of China
From: Her Imperial Highness, Therese I, of the Empire of France[/i][/b]

[i]Excellency,

I hope this letter finds both yourself and your country well, recently the people of France have been embroiled in a small civil war that rendered our foreign service inoperable. With the war over and a new government established, it has come to my attention that in the past the nation of the Conti had claims to the region of Hong Kong and only a few months ago, this nation unfortunately fell into anarchy and was annexed into the then French Republic. I would like to begin new relations between our people, negotiate what will become of the future of Hong Kong and hopefully open up French markets to greater trade in Asia as well. Recently we have been approached by both the Vietnamese and the United States of China to open markets and a nation as large, ancient, and as powerful as your state would be a push that France would be truly honored to hold economic pacts. Therefore, I would invite Your Excellency to my palace at Versailles to discuss this personally. I hope to see your reply and arrival in haste.

Sincerely,

Therese Zelle,[/i]
[b]Empress of France[/b]
[/quote]

[Sir Keshav IV]

The Premier left as fast as she could. She had to finish some work first. She replied to the letter,

[quote] To: Empire of France
From: People's Republic of China

Our treaty with Conti has been in existence for a long time. We were sorry to see them fall but nevertheless flew the Conti flag in all government buildings in Hong Kong. We are very interested to open relations. We are sorry to hear about the civil war but we are happy to see the nation safe and stable. I shall leave immediately to Versailles.

Regards,

Premier Bai Ling [/quote]

After sending the reply, she left to Paris, France. It would be her first official visit since she became the Premier of China.

Edited May 16, 2010 by Sir Keshav IV

[Sarah Tintagyl]

When the Chinese Premier would arrive at the International Airport in Paris, she would be greeted by a squadron of the French Imperial Guard, who were the descendant soldiers of the first Knights of Aquitaine and the French Special Forces as well during the Republic. Wearing shimmering blue uniforms, frock coats, high black boots, and raised rapiers into the sky as the Premier would walk down from the jet. There was a great red carpet rolled out for her entrance, while at the end stood both the Commander of the Imperial Guard, Claire Delacour, and the French Foreign Minister, Charles Talles. As Bai Ling approached underneath the raised swords, both Delacour and Talles bowed their heads as Charles approached with an outstretched hand. "Excellency, it is an absolute pleasure to see you have arrived in France safely. Her Highness is expecting your arrival and Versailles and I would hate to keep her waiting, this meeting is very important to the future foreign policy of the Empire."

Claire nodded. "We have a limousine prepared to take you to the palace, if you would follow us."

Getting into the limousine, they pulled off with the Imperial Guard following in Armored vehicles behind, while any of the Premier's own guard was in attendance, they were given their own vehicles to follow the motorcade through the streets of Paris and then the short drive across the countryside that lay between the capital and the Palace of Versailles. Versailles when they arrived was as grand as it would have seemed during the Reign of the Sun King. Gardens were neat and trimmed, the fountains created rainbows in the air with the falling mist, and dozens of both estate servants, political workers, French Aristocrats, and people who came to the palace for relaxation and enjoyment wandered the grounds. Therese had been sure to keep the palace as much as a symbol of public pride as the power of the Imperial Throne. Lovers walked through the gardens, while other gentlemen listened to music in the courtyards and drank tea near the fountains. It was a lovely spectacle.

Entering the palace itself, Versailles had lost none of its splendor as their shoes clicked on the sparkling floors of the palace, gilded walls and doors as they reached one of the many private parlor rooms. This one with larger doors, belonging to the Empress herself. At the knock on the door, Talles and Delacour opened it to find Therese, in her Imperial Garb, a long dress with a fur robe down her back staring out the sun kissed window towards the courtyard. The two officers bowed as she turned and smiled.

"Your Imperial Highness, may I introduce the Premier of the People's Republic of China, Bai Ling." Said Talles.

"Ah." Therese walked over and took the Premier's hand. "A pleasure to meet you Premier Ling, a true pleasure. Please." The Empress gestured to a table near a fireplace, one with a few sandwiches and three cups of tea lay on. "Charles if you would join us, that would be most appreciated. Claire, you may return to your duties."

"Of course Majesty." The Commander bowed and turned on her heels, closing the door behind her as Therese led Ling over to the table and took a seat.

"I trust that you already can assume what is on the agenda for us from my letter and I do not want to keep you, The Empire is extremely interested in two things. Opening new relations with the People's Republic and these relations come from the official reestablishment of French claims to Hong Kong from the Conti Regime." She took a sip of her tea. "These are by far the most important things that lay between the relations of our two states, so I would like to know your thoughts on those issues, Madame Premier."

[Sir Keshav IV]

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='16 May 2010 - 03:33 PM' timestamp='1274024020' post='2299842']
When the Chinese Premier would arrive at the International Airport in Paris, she would be greeted by a squadron of the French Imperial Guard, who were the descendant soldiers of the first Knights of Aquitaine and the French Special Forces as well during the Republic. Wearing shimmering blue uniforms, frock coats, high black boots, and raised rapiers into the sky as the Premier would walk down from the jet. There was a great red carpet rolled out for her entrance, while at the end stood both the Commander of the Imperial Guard, Claire Delacour, and the French Foreign Minister, Charles Talles. As Bai Ling approached underneath the raised swords, both Delacour and Talles bowed their heads as Charles approached with an outstretched hand. "Excellency, it is an absolute pleasure to see you have arrived in France safely. Her Highness is expecting your arrival and Versailles and I would hate to keep her waiting, this meeting is very important to the future foreign policy of the Empire."

Claire nodded. "We have a limousine prepared to take you to the palace, if you would follow us."

Getting into the limousine, they pulled off with the Imperial Guard following in Armored vehicles behind, while any of the Premier's own guard was in attendance, they were given their own vehicles to follow the motorcade through the streets of Paris and then the short drive across the countryside that lay between the capital and the Palace of Versailles. Versailles when they arrived was as grand as it would have seemed during the Reign of the Sun King. Gardens were neat and trimmed, the fountains created rainbows in the air with the falling mist, and dozens of both estate servants, political workers, French Aristocrats, and people who came to the palace for relaxation and enjoyment wandered the grounds. Therese had been sure to keep the palace as much as a symbol of public pride as the power of the Imperial Throne. Lovers walked through the gardens, while other gentlemen listened to music in the courtyards and drank tea near the fountains. It was a lovely spectacle.

Entering the palace itself, Versailles had lost none of its splendor as their shoes clicked on the sparkling floors of the palace, gilded walls and doors as they reached one of the many private parlor rooms. This one with larger doors, belonging to the Empress herself. At the knock on the door, Talles and Delacour opened it to find Therese, in her Imperial Garb, a long dress with a fur robe down her back staring out the sun kissed window towards the courtyard. The two officers bowed as she turned and smiled.

"Your Imperial Highness, may I introduce the Premier of the People's Republic of China, Bai Ling." Said Talles.

"Ah." Therese walked over and took the Premier's hand. "A pleasure to meet you Premier Ling, a true pleasure. Please." The Empress gestured to a table near a fireplace, one with a few sandwiches and three cups of tea lay on. "Charles if you would join us, that would be most appreciated. Claire, you may return to your duties."

"Of course Majesty." The Commander bowed and turned on her heels, closing the door behind her as Therese led Ling over to the table and took a seat.

"I trust that you already can assume what is on the agenda for us from my letter and I do not want to keep you, The Empire is extremely interested in two things. Opening new relations with the People's Republic and these relations come from the official reestablishment of French claims to Hong Kong from the Conti Regime." She took a sip of her tea. "These are by far the most important things that lay between the relations of our two states, so I would like to know your thoughts on those issues, Madame Premier."
[/quote]

The Premier replied," We interested in opening relations with a nation like France. It will greatly improve our economy. The issue of Hong Kong is a rather old one. We allowed Conti to set up operations in Hong Kong because they wished for trading post in the East. We saw no reason in denying them this port. Over time our relationship deteriorated. We are rather sad to see them fall into Anarchy."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Well in truth their anarchy, led to a reformation of their government who then was merged as Aquitaine grew in power. Nevertheless, this would be something that our relations could come full circle. For deterioration, to a trusted and helpful ally in the East and the economic benefits would help both your country and the Empire. So if the claims are still existent, I would like to know what they constitute, what France can expect diplomatically out of the People's Republic, and what can be done to cement our relations further."

[Sir Keshav IV]

[quote]Treaty of Hong Kong

Preamble

Sharing the belief that international commerce and openness are key drivers of economic growth and acknowledging that the city of Hong Kong’s pre-eminent role as a major global commercial hub is vital to the protection and pursuit of our common economic interests, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Bailiwick of Conti, hereinafter referred to as the Signatory Powers, have agreed to the following articles establishing a joint administration of the city and of the Port of Hong Kong.
Article 1 The present treaty establishes the Hong Kong International Settlement (HKIS).
Article 2 The present treaty establishes the Municipal Joint Council (MJC), the governing body of the HKIS in charge of the day to day administration of the city and the port. The Signatory Powers will appoint six representatives each (reffered to as councillors) to the MJC.
Article 3 A total of 1000 soldiers, 500 from PRC, 500 from Conti, shall permanently be located in the Hong Kong International Settlement.
Article 4 The flag of the Hong Kong International Settlement is to be flown alongside the flags of the PRC and Conti on all public buildings.

Signed on behalf of the People’s Republic of China:

Signed on behalf of the Bailiwick of Conti:
Cllr Charles de Kervaen, Bailiff of Conti and Chancellor of Justice, Member of the Council of Ten[/quote]

This was the original agreement signed between Conti and China. The same terms can apply. One request, we wish for the Conti flag to continue flying in Hong Kong. It was a rather historic agreement in our view. To further increase our relations, we are definitely interested in signing a Non-Aggression Pact that can be upgraded eventually.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Therese looked over the treaty and nodded running certain sentences over with her finger. "Well everything seems to be in order with this treaty, things that France can most definitely agree to. The Conti flag can be flown below our own and the Non-Aggression Pact isn't a problem at all. My Minister of the Interior has already made plans to improve the city once we begin to administer the city, bringing in engineers and architects to make Hong Kong a truly marvelous city. The envy of Asia if you will." Charles took a pen from his pocket and handed it to the Empress who then took the treaty and signed her own name for the Empire to the paper.

[quote]
Treaty of Hong Kong

Preamble

Sharing the belief that international commerce and openness are key drivers of economic growth and acknowledging that the city of Hong Kong’s pre-eminent role as a major global commercial hub is vital to the protection and pursuit of our common economic interests, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Bailiwick of Conti, hereinafter referred to as the Signatory Powers, have agreed to the following articles establishing a joint administration of the city and of the Port of Hong Kong.
Article 1 The present treaty establishes the Hong Kong International Settlement (HKIS).
Article 2 The present treaty establishes the Municipal Joint Council (MJC), the governing body of the HKIS in charge of the day to day administration of the city and the port. The Signatory Powers will appoint six representatives each (reffered to as councillors) to the MJC.
Article 3 A total of 1000 soldiers, 500 from PRC, 500 from Conti, shall permanently be located in the Hong Kong International Settlement.
Article 4 The flag of the Hong Kong International Settlement is to be flown alongside the flags of the PRC and Conti on all public buildings.
Article 5 The Nations of France and the People's Republic of China, agree to a pact of Non-Aggression.

Signed on behalf of the People’s Republic of China:

Signed on behalf of the Empire of France:

[i]HIH Therese I, House of Zelle,[/i]
[b]Empress of France[/b]

[i]Charles Talles,[/i]
[b]Foreign Minister[/b]
[/quote]

"I believe that this will be acceptable Madame Ling and of course if there is anything else you would like to discuss, this would be the perfect time to do so."

[Sir Keshav IV]

[quote]Treaty of Hong Kong

Preamble

Sharing the belief that international commerce and openness are key drivers of economic growth and acknowledging that the city of Hong Kong’s pre-eminent role as a major global commercial hub is vital to the protection and pursuit of our common economic interests, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Empire of France, hereinafter referred to as the Signatory Powers, have agreed to the following articles establishing a joint administration of the city and of the Port of Hong Kong.
Article 1 The present treaty establishes the Hong Kong International Settlement (HKIS).
Article 2 The present treaty establishes the Municipal Joint Council (MJC), the governing body of the HKIS in charge of the day to day administration of the city and the port. The Signatory Powers will appoint six representatives each (reffered to as councillors) to the MJC.
Article 3 A total of 1000 soldiers, 500 from PRC, 500 from France, shall permanently be located in the Hong Kong International Settlement.
Article 4 The flag of the Hong Kong International Settlement is to be flown alongside the flags of the PRC and France on all public buildings. The flags of Conti shall be flown alongside the flags of the Signatory Powers in memoriam.
Article 5 The Nations of France and the People's Republic of China, agree to a pact of Non-Aggression.

Signed on behalf of the People’s Republic of China:

Premier Bai Ling

Signed on behalf of the Empire of France:

HIH Therese I, House of Zelle,
Empress of France

Charles Talles,
Foreign Minister

In Memoriam,

Signed on behalf of the Bailiwick of Conti:
Cllr Charles de Kervaen, Bailiff of Conti and Chancellor of Justice, Member of the Council of Ten[/quote]

"We have mad few adjustments, please see if they are acceptable?"

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Therese chuckled reading over the changes. "You have respect for a dead nation Madame Ling, I can respect that a great deal, though I am not sure how much I desire the existence of old leaders on an official document such as this, if this is Chinese custom I can most definitely agree." The Empress finished her cup of tea and placed it lightly on the saucer before standing up and taking the hand of the Premier. "It was a true pleasure to have you here at Versailles, Madame. In honesty, I don't have much to add to our discussion and I definitely do not want to keep you from the administration of your nation, so if you have pressing matters I will have Claire escort you back to the airport. But anything else that you believe is a necessary talking point I can have another cup of tea and a few more delicacies brought to the parlor. Otherwise, I will be happy to bid you au revoir, Madame Ling."

[Sir Keshav IV]

"Conti was our first friend from Europe in a very long time. Our respect for them has not diminished even though they are no more. We wish to show them the respect they deserve in our minds. But I have nothing else to discuss, it has been a pleasant evening in Versailles. I thank you for inviting me. I do have work to finish back so I wish to take my leave. We are happy to see this meeting successful. Au Revoir Madame. A bientot.

[Triyun]

OOC: Rather than start a new topic. I assume this is public knowledge as I saw that Cochin posted a news report.

IC:

As soon as the Prime Minister heard the news report on GNN he picked up his phone.

"Get me the French Ambassador, have them get their $@! over here at their earliest convinience." he barked grumpily slamming down his phone in the office.

A message was dispatched to the French Embassy summoning their ambassador to the Taibei 101 National Tower.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Francois Decoux walked briskly through the Taibei 101 National Tower on his way to meet the Prime Minister of the United States of China. In honesty, Decoux expected something like this eventually. The two Chinese nations, almost equivalent to the German situation in Europe, and with Hong Kong nestled smugly in South China's territory and France leaning a bit more closer with the North Chinese, it was time to call the diplomats to order and see what problems would arise and what problems could be solved. Needless to say, Decoux had little hope for what could be done, he had learned all too well in dealing with the two German States, that two nations, both desiring unity of a people, very rarely see eye to eye. But it wasn't in France's primary interests to involve themselves in what could easily turn into a civil war. Though that mood was always subject to change either way, just so long as it was favorable to France.

Decoux was admitted into the chambers of the Prime Minister and bowed his head, his thick white mustache and neat black suit, made him look ever the gentlemen. A calm demeanor helped as well. "My embassy alerted that you requested an audience Monsieur Prime Minister?"

[Triyun]

"Yes." he said in a rather perturbed tone.

"Why is it that I hear you are changing the political status of an island smack dab in the middle of my country through the press?" he said. "You don't think that this is something you'd want to inform my government about, if not you know... consult us?"

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Decoux smiled and gestured to a seat across from the Prime Minister. "May I?"

After sitting down, he folded his hands over his lap. "In truth Monsieur Prime Minister, I don't understand the perturbed tone, that area was always French. My, it was still flying flags from the nation of Conti at the same level of mast at the People Republic. Indeed, the territory never truly changed hands, Her Highness just believed it best to further cement France's relations with the North Chinese government. That is what you've heard by the press, France always had claim to that island we just never really made it public until now. So the political status hasn't changed at all, unless you still view Conti as an independent power and not part of the French State that is. Other then that, I'm afraid I don't really see the problem here."

"However." He nodded. "If you are cross because the treaty was not made public right away, it was because we figured the importance of just want comes down to a Non-Aggression Pact with the People Republic, is minor. But if you would like to be consulted with domestic information between your neighbors, I have no problem doing so in the future."

Edited May 17, 2010 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Triyun]

"Hong Kong is in Southern China. I would also remind you that it has been Chinese for several millenia, it has only slipped out of Chinese possesion when foreign powers have decided to bully China. It is a fact permanently branded on the soul of all Chinese people. I would remind you that the city only [i]exists[/i] as a major city because the British and your ancestors launched a series of war against the Chinese simply because we wanted to have the right to keep our countrymen off of [i]opium.[/i] I would strongly urge you to be more mindful of the history before you arrogantly brush off one of the greatest crimes of history committed against China." he sternly responded.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Monsieur Prime Minister, if you would like the Imperial French Government to issue an apology about our history that occurred years ago, I can do that. It is a sin of what has been done in the past and I would have hoped that the relations that our people have set to build between your nation, and the People's Republic are making up for that. Unfortunately, the people of Conti did not bully the People's Republic into allowing them passage into Hong Kong and neither did we. Hong Kong was given to Conti legally and without use of arms and France will continue that practice. So given that the territory was given to Conti, peacefully and legally by the People's Republic. That being said, I still fail to see the problem with how my country has conducted her business."

[hawk11]

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='17 May 2010 - 02:34 PM' timestamp='1274121263' post='2301356']
"Monsieur Prime Minister, if you would like the Imperial French Government to issue an apology about our history that occurred years ago, I can do that. It is a sin of what has been done in the past and I would have hoped that the relations that our people have set to build between your nation, and the People's Republic are making up for that. Unfortunately, the people of Conti did not bully the People's Republic into allowing them passage into Hong Kong and neither did we. Hong Kong was given to Conti legally and without use of arms and France will continue that practice. So given that the territory was given to Conti, peacefully and legally by the People's Republic. That being said, I still fail to see the problem with how my country has conducted her business."
[/quote]
"Legally?" A man strode into the room like he owned the place, and he did at one point. He had owned the place for a long while; in fact, some conspiracy theorists within the United States of China argue that he still does. But the man didn't care. He was old, and the military uniform and mask he wore were symbols of a different era, one of Palintinian rule which collapsed under him. He continued his stride to the table where the meeting was being held. "Sorry I'm late, but discharge from prison is a tricky business. Now as for legality," the prime minister said as he turned and looked at the French representative party. "The government of the People's Republic of China says they have taken over the former capitol of the Elective Dictatorship of Palintine legally and without bloodshed, but they ignored their own rules for annexation, written into the very founding documents of their nation. Does that sound legal to you?"

[Triyun]

"Allow me to introduce you to my new deputy, and the former Prime Minister of the Elective Dictatorship of Palintine." the Prime Minister said calmly.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Decoux chuckled at the entrance of the Deputy Prime Minister and just how calm and collected the Chinese Prime Minister had become, but it was always that way when one laid down a full house, or a straight-flush. "Well, is there going to be any other surprises coming through that door? I'm waiting to see perhaps a Ming Emperor come back from the dead. Anyways." He pulled out a handkerchief and sneezed, after wiping his nose continued. "Now, I understand the people of Southern China's dislike of their northern brethren, if you would even call them as such. However, again, France's concerns are not with how the People's Republic gained the land, only with Conti's claims after the land was transferred to the Baliwick's rule."

The Ambassador sighed and sat up in the chair. "My problem lays here gentlemen. This claim, that Conti and France held in Hong Kong was never kept secret. Why it is blatantly visible on I believe all geographic maps, yet you wait for this point in time to bring this up when you could have brought it up at any other point. Especially when the Conti government was on the brink of collapse. China has had a great deal of time to bring this up to the French government before we began to solidify relations with your northern neighbors. Now that just a smidgen of attention is being paid by the French government, the Chinese are quick to show just how horrible these claims are, when there was a definite time and place for that before."

"Now." Decoux crossed his hands. "We consider the transfer of territory legal and in honesty, if a country violates their own laws on annexation, it isn't really a matter of legality, more of a matter of morals. Many nations across the world have been guilty of this practice, but as far as I know and the esteemed Deputy Prime Minister may correct me, the leadership of Palintine had collapsed and whether or not that the world liked it or whether you two gentlemen liked it, Palintine was unable of leading itself and therefore the People's Republic moved in and secured the nation. It may not be legal to you, but I don't think that it is a practice that is illegal throughout the world. So no, the legalities of the Electorate Dictatorship of Palintine, I would say are moot here."

[Triyun]

"I would ask you to refrain from your mocking of Chinese historical figures. This is not the Palintine Legalities which we are referring to. This is in fact PRC legalities: Article 2 of the People's Republic Premier Doctrine states:

RULES OF ANNEXATION-

The government of the People's Republic cannot annex any territory that does NOT WISH TO join the People's Republic. A VOTE shall be run where at least 51% of the votes have to vote yes for the LAND TO BE ANNEXED. An International VOTE shall also be run where 40% of votes is more then enough for the annexation process to go through. ANNEXATION TROOPS shall not fire unless fired on and no citizen of the fallen nation shall be TAKEN INTO CUSTODY unless they have CREATED TROUBLES in the LAND. If the LAND is not on ASIA MAINLAND then the said province shall become an AUTONOMOUS PROVINCE and shall have a SPECIAL STATUS in the NATION.

This never took place in regards to Hong Kong. Now you may ask why bring it up now. The reason is quite simple, because we are a relatively new nation, our lawyers are still analyzing many documents. The annexation of Hong Kong can never be considered to have legally taken place. Therefore it was never the People's Republic for giving away. This matter has very little to do with my views towards the People's Republic of China. Palintine is descended from the Neo Triyunican Empire, not the People's Republic of China. Hong Kong was never was legally part of the People's Republic of China. The issue here is that someone, the People's Republic government, took control of Hong Kong, the capital of Palintine, and sold its sovereignty away illegally. If someone took your car illegally, and then subsequently sold it off to someone else, it would still not be legal for them to possess even if they did not take part in the act of theft.

Your Prime Minister recently informed our leaders that they want to have warm relations with the United States of China. Are you really so dishonest that you simply do not care whether or not land was illegally taken from one of our states?"

Edited May 17, 2010 by Triyun

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Monsieur we do want warm relations with the United States of China, but this meetings strikes me of really nothing short of the bullying of France out of Hong Kong because of your worsening relations with the north. We mention Palintine, but the Palintinian government has fallen twice, once annexed by the People's Republic and then by yourselves from Taiwan, when it had fallen the first time and it was taken by the People's Republic, but that would not have happened if the Palintinian government would be able to function without collapsing into anarchy. To continue on however, you mention the analogy of the car thief, but these are people's lives we are talking about. When Palintine reformed, nothing was done as far as I know to even ask for Hong Kong to be returned to them. There was no population revolt, there was nothing done, so if Palintine has any responsibility at all, during their second incarnation they would have done something to secure the city away from the People's Republic and at the time, Conti, nothing was done and their government collapsed once again only to be annexed by the United States of China. Now over six years have passed and nothing was done until now."

"Now, I am going to make an assumption and you gentlemen can tell me if I am wrong or not. The Southern Chinese wish to see France leave Hong Kong and most likely give our territory to you gentlemen. However that would severely hurt our relations with the People's Republic who we are also attempting to have warm relations with. However, if your government can propose another Asian Economic Center that France could use as its outpost in Hong Kong, we would have no problem with that. Unfortunately, I can assure you that France will not be reneging on its possession in Hong Kong, which it has held for six years and was never argued before. And again as I said before, it only feels that I was brought in here to be bullied into giving you this territory, correct me if your intentions were more noble, but forgive Monsieur Prime Minister, your attitude earlier, was anything but welcoming."

[hawk11]

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='17 May 2010 - 04:24 PM' timestamp='1274127833' post='2301426']
"Monsieur we do want warm relations with the United States of China, but this meetings strikes me of really nothing short of the bullying of France out of Hong Kong because of your worsening relations with the north. We mention Palintine, but the Palintinian government has fallen twice, once annexed by the People's Republic and then by yourselves from Taiwan, when it had fallen the first time and it was taken by the People's Republic, but that would not have happened if the Palintinian government would be able to function without collapsing into anarchy. To continue on however, you mention the analogy of the car thief, but these are people's lives we are talking about. When Palintine reformed, nothing was done as far as I know to even ask for Hong Kong to be returned to them. There was no population revolt, there was nothing done, so if Palintine has any responsibility at all, during their second incarnation they would have done something to secure the city away from the People's Republic and at the time, Conti, nothing was done and their government collapsed once again only to be annexed by the United States of China. Now over six years have passed and nothing was done until now."[/quote]

The deputy prime minister spoke up. "Now excuse me, but the Palintinian government [i]did[/i] make private overtures concerning the state of Hong Kong, and was even contacted back [b]once[/b]; however, after that initial contact, the nations of Conti and PRC did not follow up again. I'll use the term "pocket veto" to describe it, because that's basically what happened. We had it on good faith that they would enter negotiations with us, so rather than aggressively pursue those negotiations in a counter-productive manner, we contacted them frequently at first, then eventually we gave up. They never tried. Then we hit a severe economic recession that forced our government to dissolve and form the United States of China. I'll provide documentation if you don't believe me. However, saying [i]nothing[/i] was done is a blatant lie, and I'll consider you misinformed rather than trying to be insulting." The prime minister only masked his irritated tone a little bit.

"Also bear in mind that I was the supreme executive of that nation, so every time you accuse it of being ineptly ruled, you're calling [i]me[/i] inept. And I'm sitting right here."

Edited May 17, 2010 by hawk_11

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Your country collapsed not once Monsieur, but twice, surely even you can admit that there is something wrong within the levels of your government to create such a volatile government as the one that plagued Palintine. Perhaps it was not you that was inept Monsieur, a bureaucracy can do horrors to a central government. So my apologizes, I do not mean to insult your personal honor, just the strength of your previous nation's national government. However, I was not aware the the United States of China is the successor to Palintine, I had believed the United States had simply annexed your land after your second collapse. That being said, I, nor the Empress, can speak for either Conti's old government or the People's Republic. So I think it is time that we come to the point of this discussion. Besides explaining to me the illegalities of the People's Republic's ownership of Hong Kong, which I'm sure that if the discussion would be brought to them would only fuel more hatred and heated discussion. Why have you asked me here? Surely it is more then just to say your perception of what France owns, in our eyes fairly, as territorial contraband."

[Triyun]

Sir with due respect, we are a culture which has a history of 4000 years. I have no idea why you continue to assume that everyone either does not care about or has a desire to become French. Thats preposterous.

"The United States as the name implies is a union. We do not annex territory, in order to join our union the citizens of a nation must vote on statehood, we then seat their delegation in our grand assembly. Palintine is several sovereign states within our union all of who retain their local laws except where federal law super cedes. After Palintine's great economic recession it joined with Taiwan to form a more sustainable state with sufficient domestic markets and strength to protect its freedoms.

You seem to be trivializing the fact that there is a state of territory that was illegally annexed, that you are in possession of now. Suppose I were to say the same thing about Bordeaux, would you not find this cavalier attitude extraordinarily insulting? The fact is is that what clearly has happened, whether you like it or not is that the People's Republic of China simply annexed Hong Kong without regards to its own regulations, regulations which IF followed could have allowed the [i]capital[/i] of the Palintine Nation (something you might want to consider before lecturing again about the second collapse) to vote to remain part of Palintine. THEN they ignored the pleas of the leader of the Palintinian people to negotiate the status of Hong Kong. Finally they sent it off to a power that is located half way around the world.

I am left to wonder, if you are not outraged by this process, what does it take for you to get outraged?" the Prime Minister said. "If you are unwilling to talk about Hong Kong Island be reunited with its people, than perhaps you'd allow for it to become a free independent city state with special provisions for France to use it as a trade base. There is no economic reason for the France to find this disagreeable, but it gives dignity to the citizens of that city state. That would be an acceptable compromise."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Decoux chuckled again. "For everyone to become French? Not at all Monsieur, that would be preposterous indeed. However, I still see this argument as nothing more than one of two Chinese states attempting to gain the upper hand in local affairs. No matter what I or the Empress could agree to, it would first have to be consulted by the original owners of the territory who gave rights to Hong Kong to Conti, that being the People's Republic of China. Not Palintine and not the Palintine successor state of the United States of China. Second, you mention this kind of problem in Bordeaux, France actually had just this kind of problem in uniting the country from the Kingdom of Burgundy, which was little more than a German reactionary state, we dealt with them diplomatically and as friendly as possible and eventually the people saw the benefits of joining Aquitaine, instead of throwing their loyal to the Burgundian pretenders. But I am not hear to tell your government how to go about situations such as these, France and the United States of China just conduct their diplomatic ventures in different ways. I can't help you that Conti and the People's Republic did not make good either their promises to Palintine or so forth, I am not those people, so I cannot answer for them."

"Now, your proposal is interesting, but we have territory at the moment that we can use for whatever is good for both the people of the region and for the Empire and for six years since the People's Republic had first secured the area, there has not been but a peep from the local population and there has not been a word from counter movements until the publication of these movements between France and the People's Republic. Therefore, we have little to gain from your proposal. In addition to that Monsieur, the attitude that you have showed me while here was anything but considerate and I must apologize again to your Deputy Prime Minister. I do not believe I would have been as cross if I hadn't had to walk into an environment where myself and my country were already being labeled as villains. However, to honor the United States of China as allies that we do consider you, I would like to see this dilemma in much more depth. The Deputy Prime Minister mentioned documents from the People's Republic and Conti, I would actually like to be able to take a look at them. I think it will help us get to the bottom of this."

"But again, nothing could be changed without approval from the People's Republic as well. I'm sure Monsieur that you have read the treaty that the Premier and Empress signed. This is not French territory, it is co-owned by both France and the People's Republic. So even if we were totally enthralled by your proposal, we couldn't do anything without consulting our allies first. Perhaps if relations between the two China's were to improve and any withdraw would not be stepping on the toes of the other, all three of our states could be more reasonable. But until that hatred has gone away, I do not see negotiations going beyond arguments. However, considering just how volatile the region is, I will write to the Empress and let her know that France should do everything in its power to mediate further talks between yourselves and the People's Republic. We would be honored."