Hillyard
03-11-2004, 20:41
"Good morning," the Secretary of Foreign Affairs said into the microphone. "We're here today to begin a new era. This morning, we will release language for a proposed referendum regarding a trade agreement with Communist Louisiana. It is the position of the Secretariat that we can not afford to continue on the road to prosperity and security on our own." Mathews paused, Jonah Mathews took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and walked out to the podium. The press corps immediately began snapping photos, and the lights on the handful of television cameras lit up as tape began to roll.
letting the press chew on what he had said. "The proposed agreement would strengthen our military forces, which at the current time are dangerously ill-equipped, open a market for our domestic industries, and increase both the economic and national security of our nation."
The Secretary paused once more, reaching beneath the podium and pulling out a copy of the referendum.
"We have already passed a copy of the treaty to the government of Communist Louisiana, and await word from their representatives. With their approval, a vote will be scheduled by the end of the month. A copy will be presented to all of you and your respective syndicates. Are there any questions?"
Now the room lit up with camera flashes. Hands shot up and the room turned raucous as the press shouted questions over one another. Jonah sighed. He had known that the trade agreement would create a stir. Hillyard had no trade agreements with any nation but New Ludlow. But the with a trade deficit, a promising but small industrial network, a military that lacked training, modern equipment, and expertise… well, the time had come to end the self imposed isolation, and if the current Secretariat had to fall on it's own sword to bring the issue to the fore, so be it.
"Yes, Mr. Wilkins…."
Official Communique from the People's Office of Foreign Affairs
To: The Government of Communist Louisiana
The strategic and economic interests of the People's Republic of Hillyard are intrinsically bound to those of Communist Louisiana. Therefore, the People's Republic would propose a military and trade agreement between our two nations.
The People's Republic of Hillyard proposes:
1) Cooperation in strategic planning including Louisianan assistance in training and arming the People's Army, Air Corps, and Navy.
2) Trade agreements that mutually benefit our two nations including the exchange of raw materials, weapons, and other industrial and consumer goods.
3) A treaty tying the strategic interests of our two nations to defend against the Fascist menace.
All of the proposals are open for negotiation. We await your response.
letting the press chew on what he had said. "The proposed agreement would strengthen our military forces, which at the current time are dangerously ill-equipped, open a market for our domestic industries, and increase both the economic and national security of our nation."
The Secretary paused once more, reaching beneath the podium and pulling out a copy of the referendum.
"We have already passed a copy of the treaty to the government of Communist Louisiana, and await word from their representatives. With their approval, a vote will be scheduled by the end of the month. A copy will be presented to all of you and your respective syndicates. Are there any questions?"
Now the room lit up with camera flashes. Hands shot up and the room turned raucous as the press shouted questions over one another. Jonah sighed. He had known that the trade agreement would create a stir. Hillyard had no trade agreements with any nation but New Ludlow. But the with a trade deficit, a promising but small industrial network, a military that lacked training, modern equipment, and expertise… well, the time had come to end the self imposed isolation, and if the current Secretariat had to fall on it's own sword to bring the issue to the fore, so be it.
"Yes, Mr. Wilkins…."
Official Communique from the People's Office of Foreign Affairs
To: The Government of Communist Louisiana
The strategic and economic interests of the People's Republic of Hillyard are intrinsically bound to those of Communist Louisiana. Therefore, the People's Republic would propose a military and trade agreement between our two nations.
The People's Republic of Hillyard proposes:
1) Cooperation in strategic planning including Louisianan assistance in training and arming the People's Army, Air Corps, and Navy.
2) Trade agreements that mutually benefit our two nations including the exchange of raw materials, weapons, and other industrial and consumer goods.
3) A treaty tying the strategic interests of our two nations to defend against the Fascist menace.
All of the proposals are open for negotiation. We await your response.