NationStates Jolt Archive

Pretoria, South Africa

It was announced today by Minister of Internal Affairs Gerard Brinkhorst that the Union of South Africa is about to undergo major internal reforms, primarily in the industrial sector, which will be aimed at "creating a more self-sufficient nation," in the words of Minister Brinkhorst.

The although the initiative will include the completion the rail and telegraph networks across the country, Minister Brinkhorst stressed that the primary focus would be on creating industry capable of "making products, both civil and military, which will be able to compete in both European and other markets."

A particular emphasis was on shipbuilding. Minister Brinkhorst noted that South Africa currently relies on foreign ships, primarily those of Britain, to transport export goods and passengers. The Minister admitted that South Africa's export market is small to say the least, but stated that as the country becomes capable of producing more, the need to transport goods independently will no doubt arise.

"We cannot hope to compete in European or American markets by the end of the decade, but our goal is to have consumers in South America and Asia by 1911, and to export to more developed nations by 1918, or sooner if possible."

Minister Brinkhorst also pointed out that the industrial reforms would lower the unemployment rates among non-whites, as they would find plenty of work not requiring a formal education.

Minister Brinkhorst ended his speech by expressing the hope that American and British investors will see fit to aid the development of South Africa, in light of the current instability in Europe.

To: South African Government
From: Emperor Kojong

The government of Korea, as you may or may not know, is undergoing economic reforms. Part of this includes the transition to a unified national currency to give our people a unified medium of exchange, the Won. We do need hard metals for Won currency, however, and seeing as how South Africa is rich in gold, we would like to inquire about purchasing gold to produce Won coins and buillion to support our currency.

We would also like to invest in South Africa, either industrially or agrilculturally.

Many British investors have expressed an interest in setting up industrial practices in South Africa. In particular the arms and food industries would like plants there. This is due to increased demand for their products resulting from the Great War in Europe. If they are allowed to set up their factories in South Africa they would provide guaranteed unskilled employment for all members of the populace. Exports would bring some much needed capital into the country and the Commonwealth would benefit from increased exports across the world.

I hope that you will consider this offer. We ahve engineers standing by who can (with the help of local builders) erect some prefabricated steel factories in South Africa within a few months and production can begin a short while after that. With this expansion I believe that we can all enjoy the benefits of knocking the US off the top spot for production.

To: Emperor Gojong
From: South African Ministry of External Affairs

Respected Emperor,

Though we would be happy to sell gold bullion to the Korean government, I must inquire as to how said nation intends to pay for the gold. Would Korea, for instance, pay with foreign currency such as British pounds or American dollars, or some other method?

Please do not take offense, but the South African government is curious as to how a nation without a unified currency intends to pay for large shipments of gold bullion.

Sincerely,
Martin Oduber
Minister of External Affairs

To: British Government
From: South African Ministry of External Affairs

To Whom It May Concern,

British arms manufacturers and food distributors are invited to set up plants and factories in South Africa. I can assure you that your engineers will find hundreds of willing, though admittedly unskilled, laborers to aid in the construction projects. I hope this arrangement will be of benefit to both South Africa and Britain.

Sincerely,
Martin Oduber
Minister of External Affairs

Secret Telegraph to the British Government
In the event that Britain goes to war in Europe on the side Germany, South Africa will follow suit, and provide troops to attack French and Italian colonies in Africa, though we will of course need the help of the Royal Navy in order to travel by sea.

OOC: Sorry for the delay in replies. I'm back in school now, so my posting is going to be limited to evenings and weekends.

To: Emperor Gojong
From: South African Ministry of External Affairs

Respected Emperor,

Though we would be happy to sell gold bullion to the Korean government, I must inquire as to how said nation intends to pay for the gold. Would Korea, for instance, pay with foreign currency such as British pounds or American dollars, or some other method?

Please do not take offense, but the South African government is curious as to how a nation without a unified currency intends to pay for large shipments of gold bullion.

Sincerely,
Martin Oduber
Minister of External Affairs

OOC: Sorry for the delay in replies. I'm back in school now, so my posting is going to be limited to evenings and weekends.

To: South African Ministry of External Affairs
From: Emperor Gojong

Rest assuredly, we have French francs on hand from a previous loan, will these suffice? If not, we do have reserves of Chinese coin and American dollars.

To: South African Ministry of External Affairs
From: Emperor Gojong

Rest assuredly, we have French francs on hand from a previous loan, will these suffice? If not, we do have reserves of Chinese coin and American dollars.


To: Emperor Gojong
From: South African Ministry of External Affairs

We would prefer American dollars. Perhaps we are being overly cautious, but given the current situation in Europe, we believe that it is not in our best interests to accept francs, which could become devalued quite suddenly if the League were to experience an ill fate in the European war.

Enclosed are details concerning the shipment of and payment for the gold; I hope that Korea and South Africa will have a fruitful relationship in the future.

Respectfully,
Martin Oduber
Minister of External Affairs

To: Emperor Gojong
From: South African Ministry of External Affairs

We would prefer American dollars. Perhaps we are being overly cautious, but given the current situation in Europe, we believe that it is not in our best interests to accept francs, which could become devalued quite suddenly if the League were to experience an ill fate in the European war.

Enclosed are details concerning the shipment of and payment for the gold; I hope that Korea and South Africa will have a fruitful relationship in the future.

Respectfully,
Martin Oduber
Minister of External Affairs

To: South African Ministry of External Affairs
From: Emperor Gojong

Very well, US Dollars it will be. Given a few days to exchange the francs into the necessary US currency, the money will be wired to you in several weeks. Thank you, the people of South Africa will be remembered.