NationStates Jolt Archive

Emperor Hirohito took his seat at the conference table in Shuri Castle on Okinawa. He had issues to attend to back at home, but Tennō Heika had decided he would show up to send a message, mainly to the local Okinawans. Not only did he care about them, or so they thought, he ruled them just as their former kings did.

He awaited the arrival of the other nation's delegates.

EDIT: Double post. Internet is pretty slow for me right now.

The doors to the conference room opened slowly, and the Chinese delegate whom entered was one that was unexpected. The royal clothes, imposing stature, and a steel expression revealed the Chinese delegate to be none other than the Emperor himself. Following behind the Emperor were two Chinese scribes whose duty would be to maintain records of the conference, and provide minutes to and from the Emperor himself.

The Emperor gave Emperor Hirohito a bow of respect before taking his position at the conference table. The Chinese Emperor, his scribes, and the Japanese then awaited the arrival of the Russian delegates.

Originally, not really anticipating anything momentous to come of the talks, the Union had intended to dispatch the German Social Democratic Party leader, Friedrich Ebert, to the conference at Shuri.

Relations with the Chinese were strained, and had been since the War, when many in the High Command who had supported the Chinee alliance had felt betrayed by Chinese "foot-dragging," while the radicals in the Union government viewed the entire Imperial system with disgust.

Those same radicals, under Chairman Trotsky himself, were now in power.

And while connections with the Japanese were increasing (and increasingly complex) since the end of the War, there remained a lingering mistrust, and the belief that the progress of socialism was, in the long run, incompatible with the existence of any monarchic state anywhere in the world.

Ebert was to show an interest, therefore, but was not expected to accomplish much.

Then diplomatic intelligence had learned of the identities of the other two delegates, and the importance of the Shuri Conference to the future of Asia, and possibly the world, became clear.

Karl Radek, President of the Sovereign People's Conciliar Union, head of state for the largest land empire the world had ever seen since the days of Ogodei Khan, shuffled unobtrusively into the room with a nervous (or perhaps mischievous?) grin, nodding politely at the two Emperors and running his hand absent-mindedly through his thinning, curly hair.

"Your Majesties," he began, "I believe I am empowered to speak for the Union."

He sat down.

"And to listen on its behalf, as well."

The Chinese Emperor nodded his head in respect towards the Russian upon rising from his seat. He then spoke in a calm yet determined tone of voice.

"Thank you for attending the conference personally.

Now with all parties here and accounted for, shall we begin discussion of the matter at hand and the issues that brought about this conference?"

Emperor Guozu inclined his head towards the Russian, awaiting a response.

OoC: Radek would be a little confused if you actually referred to him as a Russian, of course. He's a Ukrainian Jew educated in Switzerland who fought for the Revolution mostly in Poland, Lithuania, and Germany.

"Yes, by all means, sir, to business. Er . . . "

Radek leans back in his chair and begins searching his pockets, taking several minutes to finally produce, fill, and light his pipe. Puffing contendedly, he resumes.

"Yes, to business. I believe the issue here is peace in Asia, yes? I can assure you, of course, that the Union desires only universal peace, and for universal progress to man's highest possible level of development.

"With regard to the recent withdrawal of the Union from our mutual defense agreement, however, you must realize, of course, that the Union is entirely within its rights to do so. It was not illegal, and it was the conclusion of the Government that no advantage was likely to be derived from its continuation. Moreover, we are a democracy, or rather a collective of democracies, accountable to our citizens. And our citizens may fairly wonder why we have maintained such an agreement with a state that reminds them so much of the very imperial powers that we fought bloody revolutions to be free of.

"We simply cannot look idly on, without protest, as millions of inncoent Chinese are worked to death for the glorification and sustenance of, and I mean no personal offense, sir, an archaic system founded on superstition and brutality. There are only so many forms our protest may take, but eliminating our legal obligations to protect the aforementioned archaic system from external threats is a good place to start.

"I'm sure you agree, yes?"

Emperor Guozu nodded while listening patiently, and once Radek finished, the Chinese leader spoke.

"Allow me to put things from the Chinese perpsective.

First, China has always honored our friends and the treaties that it has signed. I are indeed disappointed that you chose to withdraw from the mutual defense pact, but I shall respect the wishes of the people of the Union. Despite this, China shall keep an open door for whenever the people of the Union wishes to re-establish the treaty with China.

Second, I was informed by my economic and industrial advisors that China needed to massively expand its economy so that it will be able to better service its considerable populace. According to the economic index that my advisors presented, after the Second Great War, China did not have the ability to provide sufficient healthcare, social security, education services, and domestic support programs for its populace. The economists also predicted that should China adopt a standard economy, it would be decades before China can even provide half-decent domestic policies to its people.

Therefore, I was obligated to establish a decree that the Chinese people have to work as hard as humanely possible so that our economy will develop to a level that makes it possible for over 500 million Chinese citizens to enjoy all the amenities that you Westerners possess. I knew that China needed to accelerate its economy building programs so that China could achieve these goals by this decade instead of by 1950 or 1960, an unsuitable time-frame that is a long way off.

To summarize this point, China needed to accelerate its growth so that it may remain a modern state with a modern economy, defense, and infrastructure. How do you Westerners say this, 'Without risks, there cannot be great reward' or was it 'No Pain, No Gain'?

Third, isn't it true that your people undertook a similiar effort between 1927 - 1932 to boost your economy, industry, and rebuilding efforts? We merely adopted a similiar method of accelerated growth.

Finally, a recent economic meeting I had approximately a month ago made it clear that China does not need to continue its policy of having its citizens work under difficult conditions after this year. China is planning on restoring normal working conditions starting next year in 1934, as by then China's economy will finally be able to self-sustain its domestic programs, a feat impossible this year and last year. Thus, the Chinese workers and people will finally be able to have their luxuries and decent working conditions returned to them at the beginning of fiscal year 1934, and these luxuries can be maintained every year from that point onwards.

To summarize my whole speech, China needed to make sacrifices so that it may enjoy greater rewards at an earlier time as opposed to small rewards in the distant future. That sacrifice had to be decent working conditions temporarily for 7 years so that China will be able to provide these very necessities and luxuries in their entirety to its people starting next year. We are the most populous nation on this planet, thus we need far more effort, resources, and work than any other nation or people to succeed at the same level as the Union or other Westerner powers.

Thank you for listening."

Emperor Guozu relaxed in his seat sipping a cup of Chinese green tea while waiting for either the Japanese or Union's response.

"Honored your treaties? What a fascinating interpretation of your behavior during the war. I'll be sure to tell the French and Russian admirals who watched their fleets plummet to the bottom of the sea while the Chinese ignored longstanding commitments that the Chinese were at least honoring them as they died."

Radek pauses a moment to clean his glasses, then turns to Emperor Hirohito, saying, "With respect, sir, I hope you do not take offense at what I am about to say - remember we were enemies at the time."

He replaces his spectacles on his nose and faces Guozu once more.

"Your own high command took the initiative in developing the invasion plan of Japan, which you subsequently ignored in the Union's time of need, waiting nearly two years before taking up arms to defend the Union against the inavders - by which time, in fact, we had come to terms with the Japanese and were no longer at war on that front.

"Then, when you did enter the conflict, your idea of waging war against the Allies was intern your entire fleet in Taiwan and plan an invasion of neutral Siam. It was only with the greatest difficulty that our commanders persuaded you to actually attack the enemy himself, and when you encountered your first setbacks, you tried to make separate terms with Washington, crying out that 'Russian pressure' had 'forced' you to war."

Radek points his pipe accusingly at Guozu.

"Sir, you are a liar or a fool - or more likely both."

He leans back into his chair.

"You are of course free to make whatever decisions your authority over the Chinese people entitle you to. But do not expect to evade the consequences of your actions by quoting idiotic American rhymes at me. You have no understanding of the specifications of the Five Year Plan if you think that our own industrialization efforts bear any comparison with yours (OoC: We had Level II Social spending throughout our own Five Year Plan, and besides, our industries are actually owned by their employees - who owns Chinese factories? I'll bet it's not the workers . . . ). Your oppression of the Chinese people, and expropriation of their labor, does not serve the interests of the workers and peasants, but simply maximizes the power of the feudal landlords and bourgeois capitalists. Your understanding of economics is wretched indeed if you think there are any similarities between our systems of political economy."

Radek holds the Emperor's gaze steadily while puffing on his pipe.

"In sum, sir, the alliance with the Chinese empire brought no advantages to the Union in either peace or war, and your system of government is absolutely antithetical to our own principles of social democracy. Even the Japanese have a parliamentary system of government much closer to our own than your window-dressing constitution allows for.

"I do not know what you want from this conference, sir, but you will get nowhere with me by complaining of your poverty - an Emperor's poverty, indeed! Now that's rich."

Emperor Hirohito remained stoic through most of the "mending fences" that was supposed to be going on, not even blinking as Radek described what China's plans were. It was only after Radek spoke of "Emperor's poverty" that Hirohito actually said anything.

"I can also confirm that an Emperor is not a poor man. Look at where we sit--and this castle was built by the old Kingdom that ruled this small island chain. That kingdom was by no means wealthy or powerful, yet it could still build this castle. There are ruins of others on this island. However, I feel that comment is beside the point. I feel that our tempers are flaring too much. Perhaps we should have a breath of fresh air?"

Hirohito motioned for the two to follow him, and a few guards opened the room's doors. They bowed as the Emperor walked through, and remained there, waiting for the others to follow. It was a nice day outside, sunny and warm with a gentle breeze. A new table had been set up just outside the castle's main building, and the Emperor took a seat.

Radek quirked an eyebrow at Hirohito, then grinned around his pipestem.

"You're right, of course. I'm a better revolutionary than diplomat, I must confess." He stood up and sketched a bow towards Guozu.

"My apologies, sir, for sometimes my tongue gets the better of me. I will not retract my opinions - for I have been merely honest about those - but I do regret my lack of, shall we say, civility.

"By all means, let us enjoy the fresh air."

Emperor Guozu simply nodded.

"It is agreed. Fresh air shall do us good."

He stood up and began to follow the Japanese Emperor and the Ukrainian.

On the way to the table, Radek is approached by a young blonde woman, obviously a Soviet diplomatic aide, who speaks very quietly with him for a moment and then departs. Radek passes the table, and gazes out thoughtfully at the ocean for a few moments, his hands clasped behind his back, puffing quietly on his pipe, before he returns to the summit. As he eases himself into his seat, he compliments Hirohito on the furniture.

"These are very comfortable chairs you have here, sir. I must admit I was a little worried on my way here when they told me the Japanese didn't use them, but simply knelt on the floor. My old knees wouldn't have been able to take that."

He turns back to Guozu.

"I can assure you that the Union is contemplating no hostile action towards your empire at the present time. But the condition and state of your working class, and of your peasants, leaves much to be desired. As Socialists, we must always advocate the cause of the poor and downtrodden. And we must support their efforts to achieve justice.

"I have been informed that a new socialist movement in your country has recently been founded, called the Chinese Communist Party. I hope you will not interfere with its lawful activities on behalf of your subjects . . ."

Emperor Guozu locked his eyes with Radek as the Ukrainian finished speaking. Guozu didn't show any emotion because he knew that showing it would reveal things that the Ukrainian or the Japanese didn't need to know. After all, a perfect poker face is one of the best tools of diplomacy.

"Your people can be well assured about China.

First, the working conditions and living standards shall begin to improve next year in 1934, as our policies will shift from a national effort program to a more reasonable and stable program. Chinese workers will no longer have to work 12 or 16 hour shifts, and they will be able to enjoy full education, healthcare, and other social services for the very first time as our economy is finally robust enough to sustain these efforts.

I personally invite your people to send observers to China starting in 1934, so that your people will see for themselves what I speak of today. This should allay fears and concerns of your people, which I believe is a major step that is necessary.

Second, I have introduced democratic reforms on the local and city level. Therefore, if there are socialist movements within China, they are free to pursure their beliefs. The same is said for aristocrats, capitalists, republicans, elitists, and any other religious or political group. China doesn't believe in suppressing its own people, even though the Chinese people had to undertake sacrifices to get where China is today.

Therefore, the Communist Party, the Capitalist Party, or a dozen or so other Partys are free to campaign or do as they wish within China. Once again, your observers can confirm this once they begin observing in 1934, should you choose to underake such an action."

The Emperor smiled inwardly, revealing nothing of his emotions on his exterior.

Radek blinked at the Chinese Emperor a few times, then quirked an eyebrow while smirking around his pipe. He leaned forward with his elbows on the table and clasped his hands in front of him, fidgeting with his fingers.

"Well, then, it seems we'll soon have little to complain about. I am gladdened by your words, sir.

"Of course, it is impossible for me at the present time to restore our old treaty, which was quite outdated in any event. Our people will need to see results first, to know that you are sincere in your desire for improvements for the condition of the Chinese people, before we can move forward together."

He slapped the table with his hands and leaned back into his chair, rubbing his palms together happily.

"But I do believe we've made genuine progress here. We will dispatch observers, as you suggest, but hopefully that should be a mere formality. Gentlemen, I - "

Radek cut off abruptly as a mustached man wearing the black frock coat that served as the unofficial uniform for Soviet dignitaries approached swiftly from the castle. The newcomer leaned down and exchanged a few hushed words with the President in an unknown language, nodded once sharply at the latter's response, and departed again as hurriedly as he'd arrived. Radek sighed, tapped out his pipe, and turned to the Tennō Heika.

"Well, sir, it seems I am needed in the West. Some of us may have bitten off more than we can safely chew, and I've got work to do if we're not to choke. I thank you most deeply for calling this conference, and I hope that the result may be a lasting peace and cooperation between our two peoples." He stood. "I apologize for the uncouth manner of my leavetaking, and I hope you won't hold it against me."

He looked back to Emperor Guozu.

"And I hope that what has transpired here today will lead to a better life for all our peoples, in mutual harmony and hope. A good day to you both, sirs. I thank you."

With that, President Radek departed.