The Almuñécar Accords (TWI Only, Closed)

[Rejected Regents]

Almuñécar, República Régencía


President Antonio José Larrazábal held the parchment in his hands, reading the immaculately written letter with the immense attention it deserved. Seated at the head of a long teak wood table, directors of the National Directorate government attentively awaiting their Chief Director's commentary on the immense proposal. Occasionally President Larrazábal would furrow his brow, the Podolskis had respectfully written the letter in the Spanish dialect of his nation, a fact which was enormously appreciated yet still certain word choice errors caused the president to need to decipher the precise meaning of a word or phrase. After long minutes, the president laid the paper before him and looked upwards towards the directors.

The Director of the Foreign Ministry, Duilio Reyes Rendón, spoke first. 'Mr. President, this letter arrived today. It is my personal belief that accepting is in the best interest of the Republic.' Nods around the room followed as each director concurred in an unusual display of unanimity.

'The Podolskis are proposing,' Larrazábal began, 'that we host a discussion to formalize a joint partnership between ourselves, they, Atnaia, Franco-Albion, and To Quoc Duc for the expressed purpose of off-setting the perceived regional hegemony of the Mesder Sea Treaty Organization. This is problematic for us, as we are presently allied with the members of that organization.'

'Yes, Mr. President,' Director Rendón conceded, 'however that alliance is based off of their,' he stopped nodding to the Director of the Navy, 'fear of our Naval forces. When the Imperial War ends, will our partnerships stand? Do they ever share any information or make displays of friendship to us? No, they most certainly do not. If anything, they ignore us until such a time as they need us, only to begin the cycle all over again. These nations are our only consistent and demonstrated allies, with the exception of Atnaia with whom we have not previously engaged.'

The president nodded and shrugged his shoulders. 'You make a valid point, Director Rendón.'

'Furthermore,' the Director of Foreign Affairs continued, 'it has always been our position to uphold the regional balance of power so that trade is uninterrupted. IW2 has thus far seen our trade be unaffected, no involved nations are foolish enough to turn away Regencian commercial vessels at the risk of dealing with our navy. However, as the war drags on and the conflicting states become more desperate, this may change. What also will become in the aftermath? Can we afford to allow, if they win, the MSTO to become hegemonic in their influence?'

The president sighed and continued to nod. It was a very valid point. Historically, Regencia had avoided entangling alliances prefering to focus on commerce. Recent instability in the region during his tenure as Chief Director and President had forced Regencia, for the first time in her existence, to choose sides. 'Gentlemen,' Larrazábal said, panning the room and the sixteen directors seated before him, 'Are we in agreement that we should, if nothing else, agree to host and discuss terms with these nations?' The room abounded with calls of 'aye'.

'Very well. We shall listen to the Podolskis and their perspectives, and determine what role such an alliance would play in the regional balance of power. Director Rendón, make it so.' The Director nodded, collected his papers and briefcase, and exited the board room.


***

Director of Foreign Affairs,
Almuñécar, República Régencía


A response to the Podolskis was drafted with care, Director Rendón stressing to the Podolski staff to be certain their use of the Polish language was correct and formal. Every detail of the letter was scrutinized to ensure its perfection, that the greatest ally of the Republic would be assured in the knowledge that the Regencian state respected them. While the actual writing of the letter took less than an hour, it would be a full day before the reply was deemed acceptable to send to their Podolski partners. Director Rendón recognized the immense importance of both their existing partnership, as well as the value of the proposal which they were being offered. The security of the Republic depended now on the formulation of strong partnerships.

To his Grace, King John IV Sobieski of Kamieniec Podolski, our dearest friend and partner,

It is with great honor that we accept the request you have issued us to host an accord in Almuñécar for the discussion of regional security and forming a new multi-national partnership. We believe fully that such a partnership would be most beneficial to the Regencian Republic, and to the region at large both aligned with us and not. Maintaining the balance of power in the Western Isles is of the utmost importance to our nation, as it is no doubt to yours, to maintain the harmony that is at present evading us. While our nations face no external threats, the presence of regional discord is disconcerting and now we see the necessity for a strong regional partnership to dissuade aggression.

We have taken the opportunity to forward invitations to each of the governments you have listed as being suitable for inclusion in such an organization. The accords shall be hosted in the [i]Paradores, our most luxurious diplomatic hotel and conference center. We wish you well, and eagerly await the arrival of your representatives.

~Duilio Reyes Rendón, Director of Foreign Affairs[/i]

The message sent, Director Rendón set about the task of ensuring that the Paradores was ready for the arrival of their guests. The Accords would be a momentous event in Regencian history, and indeed the entire Western Isles. He was determined to ensure it went smoothly.

[Franco-Albion]

Major Simon Belmont, Franco-Albion's Foreign Minister, mulled over the contents of the letter in his hand once more. It was a copy of the telegram sent to their Government, direct from the offices of President Antonio José Larrazábal of the Regencian Republic. The letter had invited a representative from the Franco-Albion Commonwealth to join with them in a discussion over the region's future - and alluded to the possible formation of an alliance of some sorts. Folding the paper and placing it back into his pocket, he pondered as to what the outcome of this meeting would be. If an alliance was on the table, would it be beneficial for Franco-Albion to join? She already had several defensive pacts with some of the meeting's attendees, along with the members of the Western Isles Commonwealth.

The talk of an alliance was all too eerily familiar, what with Franco-Albion's joining, then sudden and dramatic leaving of the MSTO organisation. Would this new alliance be something new and in Franco-Albion's interest? Or merely a tool for another nations to seek influence over the Commonwealth ...

A sudden jolt of turbulence rumbled through the Ambassador transport aircraft, snapping the Minister from his trance and back into the surroundings of the Ministerial offices aboard the aircraft. His gaze turned to the window, watching the cloud layer begin to thin as the aircraft continued its descent towards the Regencian tarmac below.

[Kamieniec Podolski]

King John IV Sobieski steps out of his car and onto the front steps of the Paradores. He is a tall, slightly rotund old man with a glorious Polish mustache. He has high hopes for this alliance, and so far everything has gone very well. The Regencian Republic has agreed to join, and the mighty Franco-Albion may soon follow. King John hopes that it is time for the domination of the Western Isles by two parties to end, and that it will end here, at this meeting.

He walks up to a Regencian attendant. "Hello, could you show me the way to the meeting?"

[Rejected Regents]

Almuñécar International Airport, Diplomatic Terminal,
Almuñécar, Regencia


An INIA, or Instituto Nacional de Industria Automóvil, stretch limousine awaited the Major beside the terminal. Standing beside an already opened door, a uniformed attendant awaited the Franco-Albion minister's exit from their charter jet. The attendant, a senior sergeant in the elite Regencian Army Fuerzas Especiales would accompany and provide additional protection in addition to the Major's own security detail if one was provided. Not that one would be necessary, it was hoped, but no risks would be taken with the life of Regencia's valued ally. Inside the limousine the Major and her entourage would find a bottle of Regencian wine as well as several cigars, Regencian tobacco being known as the finest in the Western Isles. President Larrazábal hoped that the Franco-Albionese would like their gift and had personally instructed the sergeant to inform them as such.

Once they were safely inside the limo, its driver, another Fuerzas Especiales operator, would deliver them to the Paradores and show them to their staterooms.

At the Paradores, the King's exit from his own car was met immediately with a civilian attendant of the Paradores itself. Dressed in a black suit with deep red tie, hair slicked back and immaculately placed in a uniquely Latino style, the chief attendant projected the model image of the sharp and articulate Regencian. The man bowed slightly to the King and said, 'Your excellency, please allow my staff to move your belongings to your state room suite. You may follow me if you wish to your room, or to the executive dining hall whereupon a meal shall be provided. We offer Kaczka z jabłkami, or a simple Gulasz with Kartofle gotowane, in respect of your nation. If you wish, you may instruct the culinary attendants of your meal preferences.' With that, the attendant turned sharply and led the King and his entourage inside.

The Paradores exterior was marked by an elaborately Baroque style, a white washed Tezontle façade lined by dozens of Tuscan columns leading into a Loggia gallery. The walls engraved with visually frenetic motifs of flowers and other organic shapes, stucco shells and inverted tapers, were designed to both convey the wealth and power of the Regencian Republic, as well as inspire recognition of its aesthetic beauty. A large archway led to a large wooden door engraved with a female and male figure. The Paradores interior was equally as resplendent as its exterior, albeit in a more modern Spanish way. The floors were of diamond polished black basalt, and the concierge roundal was of the finest teak. Frescos of Spanish, Regencian, and other heroes adorned the walls, and the ceilings adopted layered caisson squares, and ornately decorated lights hung against the walls. In the center of the grand entrace was an immense crystal chandelier, which sparkled in the light as it hung stately over the concierge.

The chief attendant, upon ushering the King and his entourage inside, bowed again slightly and extended his hand inwards, saying pleasantly, 'Welcome to los Paradores, your Excellency.'

[To Quoc Duc]

Envoy Nguyễn Xuân Lộc, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was accompanied by Colonel Lê Khả Cầm, an officer in the Tổ Quốçi Army. The two men had been picked up by a Regencian limosine from the Almunecar International Airport's diplomatic terminal and delivered to the Paradores. Still chomping and puffing their exquisite cigars, Lộc turned to the Colonel and, eye brows raised, said 'This building is unbelievable.' The colonel, straightening his uniform, nodded his agreement. The two were approached by an attendant who offered to take their luggage and informed them that Tổ Quốçi meals would be prepared for them upon their arrival in the dining hall. They bowed and gave their thanks, though only Lộc spoke Spanish. An interpreter would be joining them upon the initiation of the conference proper to assist Colonel Cầm.

The two entered the building and, their luggage entrusted to the Paradores staff, headed to the dining hall. The long flight to Regencia had left both of them tired and in need of rest, but that could wait. First, they would dine and meet the other representatives and potential future partners.

[Franco-Albion]

Emerging slowly from the aircraft as it came to a standstill, the Minister and small entourage stepped out from the huge delta-winged aircraft and began to descend down the steps onto the tarmac. It wasn't long before he was shaking hands and quickly whisked away into an official limousine. As he planted himself into the plush seats of the vehicle, he politely accepted a cigar and lit it - taking in a long drawn breath of the cigar. Holding the smoke in his mouth for a moment, he examined the cigar more closely, noting the Regencian emblems printed upon its small, golden sleeve. The Major had always taken kindly to Regencian cigars and was a fond customer of their product.

Looking out of the window, he exhaled gentle, watching the scenery change from the cold tarmac and concrete of the airfield, to the wonder and splendour of the Regencian city. It wasn't long until the vehicle arrived at the Paradores, where the meeting was to be held. Thanking the civilian who opened the door, Simon emerged from the vehicle and turned towards the entrance of the building and waited to be greeted.

[Atnaia]

The town car slid up towards the black baroque building. Duke Bastien Adenbury read over the foreign policy dossier that the Hegemon had provided him. It was his third read-through since the flight, but this was an important matter, and Adenbury had been selected for his skill in diplomacy. He wasn't about to disgrace the new government by being uninformed. As the car halted, he pulled himself out. He wore a light gray suit with a white shirt, a purple-and-yellow silk tie, and amethyst cufflinks. He removed his reading glasses and slid them into the inside pocket of his blazer and gazed about. The Paradores was impressive, that much was certain. Adenbury tugged his mustache and looked about for an attendant to gather his belongings and lead him to where he needed to go.

[Kamieniec Podolski]

The chief attendant, upon ushering the King and his entourage inside, bowed again slightly and extended his hand inwards, saying pleasantly, 'Welcome to los Paradores, your Excellency.'

As the king walked inside the building, he marveled at the massively ornate palace. It was far nicer than anything he had ever seen at home. The Regencians obviously aim to impress their guests, which bodes well for the formation of the meeting. As he took a seat, John reflected on what he aimed to achieve here, and how close it is to fruition.

[Rejected Regents]

Some time had passed, and the guests were treated to culturally appropriate dishes popular among the elite of their homelands. This was of course by design, the Paradores was designed to entirely overwhelm foreign representatives with splendor and power, while treating them with due respect to lower their guard and build their trust in the Regencians at an unconscious level. So far, thought Director Rendón, it was working splendidly.

After the Podolski, Atnaian, Albionese and To Quoci guests had time to rest from their long travels, they were ushered to a conference hall which was relatively plain in comparison. The walls were white washed and the room was relatively small, the center of which was occupied by a long teak table. Comfortable black leather padded chairs lined the table's length. This room had been purposefully selected for such a small meeting, that the emptiness of a much larger chamber did not appear disconcerting to the emissaries. Another carefully orchestrated aesthetic ploy by Director Rendón.

None sat at the head, as this meeting was a discussion of equals, so Director Rendón took a seat in the middle of the far side of the room, opposite the Podolski King. Getting straight to business, the Director said, 'Your excellency, Ambassadors, and welcomed guests to the Regencian Republic, I trust your meals were acceptable?' He did not wait for them to answer before continuing, 'Excellent. Now then, to business. I believe our good King wishes to relay his initial thoughts which prompted this gathering. If I may be so bold, I wish to add that after his Excellency has finished his thoughts and proposal, then we may issue concerns, and addendums, to the base plan. Thank you all again for being here.'

Looking again at the King, Director Rendón said, nodding, 'The floor is yours, sir.'

[Franco-Albion]

Feeling somewhat relaxed after the travelling and introductions thus far, the Major joined the other diplomats at the table, placing his half-full glass tumbler of whiskey down upon the table. A senior member of his entourage sat next to him, opening up a briefcase and placing a slim computer tablet down in front. Simon didn't take much interest in technology, but knew that it was a vital tool needed in his diplomatic position. Turning the screen towards him, he quickly glanced through the notes he had typed earlier that day - notes outlining the key wishes and requirements from the Ministry in a possible deal:

• Establish Alliance - Full Mil. preferable, Defensive Acceptable
• Trade ties - FAAC links?
• Distribution of FA/shared tech, exporting mil. tech, etc.
• Joint exercises - Naval to show RFAS Charlotte?

Gently clearing his throat, he casually glanced at the other delegates as they sat down at the table.

[Kamieniec Podolski]

Looking again at the King, Director Rendón said, nodding, 'The floor is yours, sir.'

“Thank you.

Over the past few years, I’ve watched this region sink into violence. Warfare is becoming more common and more brutal, to the point where it becomes hard to stay out of conflict. Just look at the events of a days ago. The MSTO has declared war on the Communist powers, and threatens to drag us along with it. But you already know this.

It is no secret that Kamieniec Podolski is no stranger to war. We’ve certainly had our fair share over the years. However, we have gained a taste for the money that is brought by trade. War threatens trade, and therefore the security of my pockets, and the security yours. This is distasteful, to say the least.

I’ve kept you waiting long enough, what do I intend to do to fix this? Simple, if we want people to stop harming our interests we make them stop. Through diplomacy or, God forbid, through war."

[Rejected Regents]

Director Rendón nodded enthusiastically at the King's statement. Taking the opportunity, he offered, 'The Podolskis, Franco-Albionese, and To Quocis are all allies of Regencia. We wish to extend the same of course to Atnaia through what King Sobieski proposes: a unifying military alliance dedicated to defending the interests of we the member states. Through this, we push strategically valuable trading nations into our sphere of influence and profit enormously. It would also keep the Communists and the MSTO in check, their endless wars impede all of our economies. Perhaps they will be less likely to push their views on the region knowing that there is yet another bloc of comparable, if not greater, military strength than those two conflicting blocs combined.'

[Atnaia]

Adenbury tugged the tip of his mustache. "And what, if I may be so bold, would be the goal of this alliance, aside from standing in defiance of the MSTO?"

[Kamieniec Podolski]

"Simple, Mr. Adenbury. We will maintain stability in our area of the region."

[Atnaia]

"I apologize, but that is not an answer," said Adenbury. "One might maintain stability a thousand ways. I am an economist, I am wholly aware that stability can be maintained through trade as much as through a military alliance. Furthermore, that is the unspoken and inherent role of any international alliance. What I mean to say is, aside from the obvious, what is our goal. MSTO seeks to counter the communist bloc, the communist bloc seeks to push communism. Is our only point to counter those powers?

"If I may be frank, I will put this simply...what is in it for Atnaia? Why should we be willing to tie ourselves to the destiny of other nations and to an organization with no founded proof of effectiveness? Tell me what is in it for the Principality...I'm sorry, the Hegemony. I must learn to get that right..."

[To Quoc Duc]

Envoy Nguyễn Xuân Lộc turned to the Atnaian delegation and said, 'Simply put, I view this as beneficial because it comes not from an ideological stand point, but rather from a pragmatic one. Look at the nations we have assembled, To Quoc Duc is a democratic republic, Franco-Albion is a constitutional monarchy albeit a democratic one, Podolski is an absolute monarchy, and Regencia is, let us be honest, a military dictatorship.' Sensing the inevitable discomfort from Director Rendon, Nguyễn casually raised a hand and said, 'We are not passing judgment, merely stating a necessary fact. Our ideological stances may be different, but our unity comes from pragmatic recognition of military and economic strength. The benefit to our union would come from defense of that strength, as well as agreement to unilateral come to the aid of the group when vital strategic interests are threatened, if I am to understand correctly the intent of this organization.

'To further my point, I would say that this is an agreement to which the Tổ Quốçi government can support. Pragmatism is a much more agreeable virtue than idealism in the realm of international affairs. Perhaps, Mr. Adenbury, you can agree to this point?'

[Atnaia]

"I wasn't referring to an ideological unity," Adenbury said, "but a prupose. A goal. A gun has no ideology, but if you are going to carry one around you better have a good reason, ideologies be damned. And, like I said, my concern was pragmatic. Simply put, I need to know, one hundred percent, that agreeing to this will offer a return on the investment."

[Kamieniec Podolski]

"A purpose? What purpose do we need, other than to increase the influence and power of our fellow members?"

[Atnaia]

"Power for power's sake alone is corrupting," Adenbury said. "Atnaia doesn't seek large scale force projection. 'It is sufficient that our power discourages others from invasion', to paraphrase the Hegemon. Without purpose, this alliance is simply a blunt object."

[Rejected Regents]

Rendon looked confusedly at the Atnaian before saying, 'I believe that the esteemed Mr. Ngyuen laid out a rather decent, and succinct, purpose for our organization. Mutual defense, security guarantee by way of the Regencian National Navy of the maritime commons concerning our trade lanes, and the establishment of a cooperative sphere which leaves no member prey to be coerced by either the MSTO or the Communist Bloc. I fail to see any more reasonable a purpose for this association, however if Atnaia does not view common security, profit, and prosperity as a sufficient guiding principle, then one can say little else.'

Turning to the other delegates, Rendon continued, 'To bring this a step further beyond the simple promise of mutual security cooperation, I would also wish to broker the suggestion that we eliminate any tariffs and excises which may exist between our nations. Furthermore, I would propose the adoption of standard small arms. Regencian State Defense is currently producing a range of battle rifles, light and general purpose machine guns, which we would make available to all member states for domestic production free from royalty payment if, unless I am mistaken, a member state already produces their own small arms. To my knowledge, none here have done so. This would make joint operability significantly more efficient.'

[Atnaia]

Adenbury swallowed and looked uncomfortable. He smoothed his tie unnecessarily. "Perhaps I should rephrase. A military is a blunt instrument, and like with any blunt instrument it can be used as a tool or a weapon. The goal of the new government of Atnaia is to develop peace and diplomacy through a beautiful culture. I'm sorry to say it, but a large-scale alliance like this one, without some form of goal or motive outside of security, is just going to look like a gang of thugs teaming up to either get into brawls with the other gangs or strong arm those who are not. If we are to maintain strong diplomatic relations with nations outside the bloc, we need to at least determine what our public face is going to be, what goal we tell the world we have. Simply aligning ourselves this way is going to make enemies, you must see that. And I do not mean militarily. We have to be ready to answer the criticisms."

He flipped open the foreign policy dossier he had brought with him. "Furthermore, it is the position of the current administration of Atnaia to strengthen our reliance on domestic goods. Simply put, our manufacturing industry is far too reliant on imports from other nations. An elimination of tariffs between the nations in this bloc, should Atnaia agree to join, would simply give our companies less incentive to follow the economic guidelines that the government is designing. Finally, and I am letting you all in on a matter of state as a sign of trust, I have it on good authority that Hegemon Wessich is seeking to grow the arms manufacturing industry back to Atnaia's pre-coup levels, in order to equip our armed forces with domestically produced arms. in fact, he implied as much in his first address to the nation only a few weeks ago. Agreeing to any of what you said would have me directly undermining the decisions of the Hegemon and the Quorum in terms of our current economic policy.

"I am very interested...Atnaia is very interested...in pursuing a military and economic alliance similar to what you are proposing. We see the benefit in security and strength. However, until our concerns are addressed, we simply cannot follow through on this. I understand the negative associations of the terms 'autarky', 'protectionism' and 'fascism\, and I'm sure those terms will be bandied about in regards to Atnaia in the coming years, but it is important that my nation shows its unity and loyalty to the Hegemonic Quorum's goals at this time."

[Franco-Albion]

The Franc sat quietly, listening to each of the delegates retort each other, somewhat reluctant to get involved in the verbal aggression some were engaged in. Taking another sip of his drink, he leant back in his chair, his gazed fixed upon the glass as he swirled its contents.

"Gentlemen. The way I see it, which is shared amongst many in my government, it that having but two power blocs in the region is not the most stable and sustainable. Some of you have suggested that our role to would be merely to counter one or both of the other blocs - is that such a bad idea? The Imperialist war to the East is growing, the flames of war are spreading throughout the region and the future of all the belligerents is uncertain."

He paused, collecting this thoughts and place the glass down on the table - his eyes now slowly going around the room, examining the faces of each of the delegates.

"The only clear picture, or indeed certainty, is that one of these power blocs will be severely weakened, possibly even collapse - leaving the other unopposed. Is this really the future we want for the region? One dominated by the Communist ideals of Aapelistan and Eurania, or the backward, corrupt morals of the bloodthirsty Miklanians? Should one of these blocs fall, someone needs to fill the void and counter the other or face a future of repression, instability and chaos. That, gentlemen, is why we must unite: for the common good of the region."

[Atnaia]

Adenbury leaned back and contemplated the words. "So our stated mission would be to act as...let us say, impartial moderators in an atmosphere of increasingly radicalized views? To ensure the prevention of power vacuums that could accelerate destabilizing imperialism...hmm, I can see that being an effective public relations message. Simply put, I do not want Atnaia joining this coalition to drive a wedge between it and its economic allies. In order to avoid that, I need as effective a public face as possible."