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Post by alxeu on Feb 28, 2023 10:31:38 GMT -5
It hadn't sat well with anyone in the government that Lusatia had effectively left Franerre out to dry, and many decried the treaty ending the Notch War as a whole lot of Lusatia doing too little, too late.
Public opinion towards the government was now waning, and many wanted some kind of grand show of support for Franerre beyond the promised treaty obligations. A bit of deliberation within the Sejm yielded such a proposal, one that, though expensive, the Lusatian government hoped would be accepted by Franerre.
Deciding that meeting the Franerri Ambassador Mattieu Janos with the Foreign Minister would bring up memories of worse times, Janos was invited directly to the Prime Minister's residence, which doubled as his office, to receive Lusatia's proposal from the head of the government, himself.
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Post by callmedelta on Feb 28, 2023 15:23:06 GMT -5
Janos was...cautiously optimistic about this meeting. Extremely so. He had never officially met the Prime Minister before, and could count on one hand the number of chances he even would have had in the past. Being invited to his own office, then? If Janos was a betting man, he would wager Franerre was about to get the biggest apology the world had ever seen, for the unmitigated fucking disaster the Notch War was for both their nations. But would it be enough? Mattiu couldn't exactly imagine anyone being pleased with Lusatia back home. Perhaps this would turn things around, but there was only one way to see, and that was to go and see what Komorowski had to offer.
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Post by alxeu on Feb 28, 2023 16:25:36 GMT -5
Matthieu would be welcomed into the Prime Minister's residence by a butler and lead past a large dining room and sitting room into an ornately decorated office where Feliks was pacing and generally fretting about.
Upon seeing the Franerri Ambassador, the tension around Feliks noticeably dropped, and he waved Matthieu into his office, the butler closing the door behind him. Walking up to Matthieu, Feliks took his hand and gave an eager handshake, greeting him by saying, "Ambassador Janos, thank you so much for visiting. Could I interest you in some tea or coffee? I believe what I've invited you here today for will take much longer than just a few minutes, after all."
After arranging for Matthieu to receive whatever drink he requested, the Prime Minister sat behind his desk and invited Matthieu to sit on the other side. Though most of the room was decorated in the high splendor of 1890s interior design, the desk itself was more civilian in nature, lacking ornate wood-crafting. The chair Feliks sat in was similarly, bizarrely, normal. If there was any confusion on Matthieu's side regarding the arrangement, the Prime Minister seemed uninterested in answering it.
The Prime Minister took a moment after sitting to take a drink of his tea, before taking a breath and speaking to Matthieu again.
"I suppose the best place to start would be with this. My government deeply regrets the outcome of Franerre's war with Kumosenkan. It is unjust that any nation, large or small, strong or weak, should give up a land populated by its own people and held in trust by its government for hundreds of years. However, I won't pretend that my government would've acted differently had we known our involvement would've changed the outcome - there's too many factors to consider, especially the ever-present threat on our border, Galra, and its new group of hateful villains. Lusatia could not intervene - not in any meaningful way - without risking a stab from the back."
He sighed, "This, of course, is no excuse, but it is worth mentioning, because no apology coming from that direction could've ever been sincere or satisfying to your government and its people. It's my opinion a truer apology is one born of actions that shows Lusatia does care for the well-being of Franerre and its people. If you would hear it, Lusatia wishes to offer something that could, hopefully, begin to repay the debt of friendship and trust Lusatia owes Franerre."
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Post by callmedelta on Feb 28, 2023 16:37:26 GMT -5
Mattieu looked down at his untouched tea, swirling it around in his cup, thinking. The man seemed sincere, but what was sincerity worth in the face of geopolitics? "It's been some time since I've been back in Franerre," Janos said, without looking up from his cup. "A Prime Minister has come, gone, and came back again. When I left, Franerre had never been at war for as long as I had been alive. And now she's gone through a great triumph in the liberation of Tafatu, and what could rightly call the greatest national catastrophe to ever befall Franerre since Lusatian colonization." Mattieu took a sip of the tea. It was a great as one could expect, given Komorowski's station, even if it wasn't to his personal taste. He looked up at the Prime Minister. "What I'm trying to say is that I can't say with any certainty how the people of Franerre are feeling right now. But it's not exactly a logical leap to say, and I hope that I will not offend you by saying so, that an apology is more than due. Let's hear your offer, Prime Minister."
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Post by alxeu on Feb 28, 2023 17:10:47 GMT -5
The Prime Minister offered a smile before beginning, "Yes, well, it is the understanding of this government that your nation's economic situation is, for lack of a better word, atrocious. The military spending was manageable. Resettling refugees would just require a tightening of the belt. Even reparations to Kumosenkan can be grinned and beared."
"What no nation can afford is all those factors colliding together, combined with a noticeable reduction in the available workforce. Between Amali's published financial reports and what we know you've been spending on arms procurement recently, your nation needs cash. Ideally, cash without strings attached."
"To this end, there are two things Lusatia can offer Franerre: the first is relatively minor, that being that all debts owed to the Lusatian government that began between 1930 and 1932 are to be delayed and rendered without interest. Payment can effectively be deferred for as long as your nation wishes. The government will negotiate on your behalf to reduce the interest of any amounts owed to Lusatian corporations and banks, but the decision in those instances belong to private individuals."
"The second is more complex. I've received for my consideration and signature a new national budget that would increase tax rates on upper and middle class Lusatians to create an annual surplus to replace the current national deficit. Though some of this surplus is to be used on military expenditure and research and development, the majority of this new surplus is to be earmarked for a new foreign aid program whose first benefactor is to be Franerre."
"Franerre lags behind nations outside of Touli in industrial and military development, these recent wars confirm that, but, Ambassador Janos, would $40 billion Złoty of unconditional foreign aid annually for the next five to ten years change such matters?"
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Post by callmedelta on Feb 28, 2023 17:28:55 GMT -5
Ambassador Janos broke into a coughing fit, half the tea in his mouth going down his throat and the other half going into the arm of his suit jacket, trying not to spill any on the Prime Minister's desk. "I'm sorry, you said forty billion with a b? Annually, for five years to a decade? I want to make sure my Lusatian skills aren't failing me." The Prime Minister nodded. "How is this money going to be distributed? I'd imagine you can't just write me a check for $40 billion right here."
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Post by alxeu on Feb 28, 2023 17:45:23 GMT -5
The Prime Minister chuckled, "Of course not. That'd be an irresponsible amount of money to just have written on a check."
The same butler from earlier entered, having heard the commotion, and quickly determined that Matthieu would need some napkins. He would return, napkins in hand, and with a note providing directions to a local suit cleaner.
Feliks continued, "The foreign aid would be handled by a new administration under our Foreign Ministry. Its job would be to work with whichever part of your government is best suited to the matter and ensure the distribution of funds to appropriate hands. For example, if you wanted to use some of the aid to build new power plants, the administration would release the funds to your economic ministry or whichever portion of your government handles payment for such matters. This will be handled via bank accounts here in Lusatia and any banks or other institutions in Franerre willing to handle the money after its been transferred."
"All money would go from the administration to your government, then to whoever you intend to distribute it to. This can either be done on a case-by-case basis, or if your nation drafts a specific sub-budget for the usage of the funds, it will all be distributed immediately to the appropriate government departments."
"The main reason it's being handled like this is because fiscal conservatives on the right end of the government want to make sure the money isn't disappearing down a rabbit hole of corruption, as I'm sure you understand. Otherwise, its yours to spend as you see fit. The first five years are guaranteed, after that, it depends on who wins the elections here in a couple years."
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Post by callmedelta on Feb 28, 2023 18:36:29 GMT -5
Mattieu swallowed, the lump in his throat going down along with the last of the pain from the coughing fit. "That's certainly a large apology, Komorwoski. As much as I want to -- and believe me, I want to, this is big. I can't even fathom how large of a number that is, much less the first thing to do with all of that money, or who the right people to give it to would be." Part of Janos feared that, even with all the money Lusatia could offer, it still wouldn't be enough. "But even more than that, with opinions on Lusatia as...potentially divided as they may be in Franere, well, hopefully this will swing opinions back in your favor. I'll get this deal wired over to Pareau as soon as possible."
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Post by alxeu on Mar 3, 2023 20:13:18 GMT -5
"Thank you, Ambassador Janos. Before you leave, there's one more, smaller matter that I would like your advice on."
"The treaty port we control in the eastern part of your country is probably a sorer spot than previously, given the outcome of the war. While you refer to your government regarding the foreign aid we are delivering to you, I would also like for you to inquire if your government would desire us to leave the port empty. We won't completely vacate the lease early - partially in case that you may change your mind, partially so that all secondary agreements offered for the port are maintained, primarily the guarantee of cheaper military equipment from Lusatia. However, if you wish for us to not station a garrison in the port, we shall yield to your wishes and leave it vacant of our forces and once the lease expires, we shall not seek to renew it."
"I'll leave you to refer to your government, now. Just mail a response to the Foreign Ministry, they'll see that it gets to me and whatever decision your government makes, mine here will ensure that our part is played."
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Post by callmedelta on Mar 7, 2023 1:28:44 GMT -5
Prime Minister Komorowski,
I have received a telegram back from my government back on the matters we discussed, with news both good and intriguing. Lusatia's offer of foreign aid has, perhaps unsurprisingly, been accepted by the National Chamber with a near complete majority. In response to the foreign aid, they've seen it fit to expand the personnel here at the embassy so that the large sums of money coming in can hopefully be better managed without needing to wait on a telegram back from Pareau for every little project the money will be used for. The intriguing part of this news is that, along with these people, His Royal Highness King Dante Emil Soleil Della Rosa II, Sovereign of Franerre, Shield of Her People, Defender of the Foa Restoration and Mordred’s Revolution, Lamentor of Elenerre, has seen fit to come here himself and personally request a meeting with you. To what end this meeting is for, I cannot say. The telegram from Pareau was vague on that matter, but I believe this is ultimately this is more likely to be a good sign than a bad one.
Ambassador Mattieu Janos
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Post by alxeu on Mar 8, 2023 10:50:55 GMT -5
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Post by callmedelta on Mar 9, 2023 21:31:23 GMT -5
King Dante shut the door to Komorowski's office behind him. Dante's first day in Lusatia had been what one would have expected, given his station. He arrived later in the day, too late for any proper business to take place but with the sun still out, which was exactly how he had wanted it. Even still, the press was there to see him get off the plane where he was greeted by Komorowski and a few other key members of his government. The King spoke on how he was sorry that King Oskar couldn't be there to greet him due to his health, but that he was here to 'reaffirm the special relationship between Franerre and Lusatia.' For most in Lusatia, the meeting was a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. But now came the time for Dante's true purpose for being here. The meeting that could very well decide the future of his government, of his nation, and the Notch. Perhaps the better question would be, then, what wouldn't be decided by this meeting?
The King sat down on one side of Komorowski's desk, the Prime Minister sitting on the opposite side. Dante took a deep breath, a stern, cold look on his face as he stared down Komorowski. Here and now, the die was cast. "Before I truly begin this, Prime Minister, there are three things you must know. The first is that I flew all the way from Franerre to have this conversation specifically, with just the two of us and no one else. The second is that, despite what I may say, I truly do appreciate the aid package you have given Franerre. I do believe that you are truly sorry for the fate that has befallen Franerre -- not because it's the 'right thing' to be sad, or it's politically expedient for you, but because you are truly sorry. The third thing is that I am not trying to exploit your feelings on this situation as I bring my proposal to you." Time to begin in earnest, then. "These things do not change the fact, however, that Lusatia stabbed Franerre in the back. Our purpose in leasing you that military base in Elenerre was to prevent this exact situation from happening. Kumosenkan would have -- has, assaulted what is legally Lusatian territory and property. We thought you would have no choice to declare war, and call in your allies in Ulster-Gaelia. Instead, you send us shipments of weapons that never made it to Elenerre, and you give to Franerre this disgrace of a treaty you call peace. Perhaps it was the best Franerre could have gotten, given the circumstances, but a disgrace it is. I know you had your reasons for not intervening, which I'm sure I've heard almost every one of by this point. From a man in a similar position I have nothing but respect for you, dealing with the situation as best as you could while ensuring the best outcome for Lusatia. But from a man in my position, from the King of Franerre, you have still stabbed me and my entire nation in the back. What your aid package has done has pulled the knife out, but the wound remains. A bleeding, gushing wound called the Notch, that will not heal until the spiders are off Franerri soil."
"I would be surprised if you told me that Lusatia would be willing to commit ground troops to the reclaiming of Elenerre. The Galrans are still a threat, after all. Again, I can respect and understand your decision from a man in a similar position, but from my position specifically, the aid package alone is not enough. If you are unwilling to send your troops, I want your steel instead. I want everything -- from the smallest pistol to the largest tank and airplane. I want licenses to build them in Franerre, and I want it all at-cost, or as cheap as I can get them. I want my officers Lusatian-trained -- more of them then are currently, anyway. And make no mistake about what Franerre will use this for. These guns will go to Elenerre, either smuggled across a river and handed to a freedom fighter, or in the hands of a soldier crossing the river to reclaim what is Franerre's when the time is right."
"I know this is a lot to ask, and that you have already been more than generous to Franerre with your aid package, Prime Minister. But until the day that Kumosenkan would simply sell Elenerre back to Franerre, cash alone will never be enough. What Franerre needs is blood and steel. Blood she does not want for, and as we have learned so painfully, steel she does not have."
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Post by alxeu on Mar 9, 2023 22:31:57 GMT -5
Feliks handled the brunt of the King's words with as much poise as he could, shifting uncomfortably in the meantime. Internally, he fought off the desire to frustratedly retort against the King of Franerre, but held his tongue and responded more measuredly, instead.
"Your words are harsh, Your Royal Highness, but I will grant that they are not unearned. Lusatia failed in its commitments, even if such commitments were tossed upon us without much forewarning. I will pass my permission to the armament corporations to sell your nation production licenses along with the strongest recommendation not to charge an arm and a leg for them. They'll still want their profit, but I can probably strong-arm them into keep margins low."
"You'll get whatever equipment you want bought, too, as our arms factories are more numerous and efficient than what you would have for domestic production. Prices will be as agreed in previous talks with the foreign minister - he was already offering prices for our weaponry far below what we would charge others and we cannot reasonably charge lower. I'd recommend against Lusatian armor and would request you find another supplier, even if it is not what you wish to hear. Aircraft, guns, and artillery we can offer in spades and as modern as they come. We haven't funded armored research as much as other equipment if only because we choose to focus on our strengths."
"We will send to your nation all the training officers and army engineers we can afford, to retrain your army and instruct your engineers in constructing modern defensive structures. Concrete defensive bunkers and trenchworks will buy much more time in defensive efforts than the forts of old."
"Finally, while I cannot stop any decision to support resistance efforts in Elenerre, I am obligated to warn you that if any of your government's involvement in such activity is detected and is in violation of the Treaty, though we could probably talk down Kumosenkan in such an instance, it would likely come at the expense of further military equipment from Lusatia; such an action being the most likely demand from Kumosenkan."
"I will say, as well: I believe Ambassador Janos - an upstanding man whose eagerness to do what it takes to protect his nation rivals that of any soldier in the field - asked of the Foreign Minister what Lusatia would do if it was our nation being demanded to cede core territory. 'Would we have been as eager to appease and avoid conflict as we had been in the case of your nation against Kumosenkan?' I believe is what he framed it as. Well, as a conversation between only two, I shall offer my take on the question. Lusatia is a nation of over two-hundred million souls. I entered politics to protect and improve the lives of as many of them as I could. If - and I truly hope such a day never arrives - if a foreign power approached demanding Nowa Lusatia, or our lands in Arema, or, heaven forbid, lands on the continent itself, and Lusatia was truly powerless to hold by itself, I would do all that is reasonable to keep Lusatia whole - to protect all its people - but if it was hopeless, I would sacrifice however many I would have to sacrifice to preserve the rest. As long as there is some Lusatian nation at the end of the adversity, I have followed through with my duty, even if to all appearances, I have failed. Even in the smallest spark, there is still hope."
"Franerre has lost an integral part of its nation, I shall never deny that. There is, however, millions more in what remains who must also be preserved. While I shall see that Lusatia gives you all you ask for today, and what you may reasonably request in the future, I beg you and those advising you to not throw what remains of Franerre over into the abyss in an effort to retrieve what is lost."
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Post by callmedelta on Mar 10, 2023 0:34:42 GMT -5
Dante sighed in relief, letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. A weight was off his shoulders. Dante didn't get all that he wanted, but this was acceptable to him. He had been prepared to accept complete rejection, but Komorowski had been reasonable, perhaps even more than Dante had been. He certainly didn't agree with Komorowski on everything, and no matter how much he wanted to correct the man, Dante knew that there was no point in risking a perfectly good agreement. The faintest hints of a smile began to form on the King's lips as he began. "I'm glad you could be of assistance to Franerre, Prime Minister. I've sprung a rather large request on you on you unexpectedly, but you've handled yourself admirably. And what's more, you've left me with something to consider." This next thing, however, was something Dante had to say. "I'll leave you with something of mine to consider, then. You say you would sacrifice however many you would have to to preserve the rest. I would ask you, however, is there no line where it becomes too much? Franerre lost a tenth of her population in the Notch. Would you sacrifice a fifth? A quarter? A third? Half? And what if they come again, taking Lusatia piece by piece until you have sacrificed the many to save the few?" Dante shook his head, standing from his chair. "I've said my piece on philosophy, but perhaps it's a conversation best left to the philosophers." He extended a hand to the Prime Minister. "Thank you, Komorowski. This agreement means more than you know."
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Post by alxeu on Mar 11, 2023 0:06:02 GMT -5
Komorowski accepted King Dante's hand and allowed himself to smile, "I'm glad my government can be of some assistance, in the end. I'll pass instructions to the appropriate officials to see that the process of sending Franerre guns and licenses begins posthaste. Ambassador Janos will have information regarding anticipated prices and timetables for all we discussed by the end of the day tomorrow."
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