NationStates Jolt Archive

In February of 1958, the Republic of South Africa hosts multinational talks in Cape Town. The goal of the talks is to discuss the future of Africa, and the future of the nations present at the talks with regards to the new geopolitical balance created by the formation of the new super-alliance, the Oceanic Alliance.

The invited nations include Germany, Korea, Australia, Brazil, Nigeria, the United Republics, Indonesia, Malaysia, Yemen, the Gambia, Ireland, Senegal, Ghana, Nepal, Bhutan, Kuwait, both Cypriot republics, and Oman.

South Africa will be represented by Edgar Whitehead, current Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia, and Minister of Native Affairs for the Trust Territories.

OOC: Let's begin by assuming that all delegates have arrived and that the necessary pleasantries have been exchanged. That should get things moving quicker. And since this likely will take a few days, we can cite fluid time and say it all takes place in February. I'll leave it to Parth as NPC mod to decide which of the NPC countries come, though my feeling is that they would.

All of the NPC delegates arrive, but several (including the Cypriots and Indonesia and Malaysia) give each other harsh looks as they arrive.

The German Foreign Minister, Adenauer, reeling from the failure of the Berlin conference, which, other than a few nice discussions about the EEC, only brought about a few changes. Yugoslavia and Albania became EEC members and Scandinavia and Germany repaired relations. Czechoslovakia and Germany also agreed to lower tariffs some, in hope for future goodwill.

However, Adenauer came to Cape Town with a good attitude. Here was a chance to do something about the Oceanics. To him, the OA was a betrayal by the British, and, hearing word from Hubertus, it seemed that way in South Africa as well. Here, he was hoping to present new outlets for friends, since the numbers seemed to be dwindling.

Australia's representative at the talks is Lyle Kennard, a close friend of Prime Minister Parsons, and viewed by many as a possible successor when the PM steps down as planned in July. Needless to say, he was rather nervous about the responsibility he had today. Australasia was the only member of the controversial Oceanic Alliance invited to Cape Town, and the organization was going to need all of the good PR it could get. Kennard's plan was to wait and see how the other nations reacted to the OA first, though he made special note to greet the Indonesian and Malyasian delegates as they entered. One must always tend to ones backyard...

Adenauer, after greeting the various delegates and specially greeting the South Africans and United Republicans, and gave a nod to the Nigerian delegate, since he was across the room.

Once all were seated. The German got straight to the point.

"I assume many of you know why we are here. Recently, the United States, Britain, Australia and many nations of the Western Hemisphere have recreated the LTA in a new and more potent alliance dubbed the Oceanic Alliance."

"While I can understand the reasoning behind the creation of the LTA when there was a mutual threat of the Communist Beast at hand. However, in the days after the Dualization of the world, the need for such a alliance does nothing but create suspicion and distress. Those of us who are not a part of it see no reason for a protective alliance like that to be created, and feel it more of a threat than anything."

"To Germany, it seems to be nothing but a way for America to extend its powers over the whole world. However, rather than creating a separate alliance that would counteract them and create unnecissary tensions, we believe that the power of that alliance should be brought down by other ways. We in no way are espousing armed conflict, but rather, we should work together in a united voice to ease the world tensions. For surely the creation of unnecissary alliances are what caused WWI and the bloodshed that followed."

After greeting the entering delegates and listening to Adenauerstatements, Whitehead stole a quick glance at his Australian counterpart, and spoke up.

"I agree with Mr. Adenauer's statements. No one in this room, I am sure, wants to return to the days of the tensions between London and Warsaw; a cold war, if you will. However, this does spark the question, why was a new alliance created?

"This issue is of particular concern to South Africa. After all, my country was a stalwart support of London and Washington during the conflicts with the Pact, and we were neither invited into nor even informed of the creation of this Oceanic Alliance. I must clarify. South Africa is not opposed to the sovereign right of nations to make alliances with whomever they wish. However, this alliance does not seem to serve any clear protective or economic purpose.

Perhaps our esteemed Australian colleague can enlighten us?"

Korea's delegate, none other than the famous Syngman Rhee himself, got up to speak and said, "Yes. I agree with Mr. Whitehead. Quite simply put, we in Korea are just a tad unnerved at this new group; after all, the US helped us out when Kim Il-Sung tried to make a mess, what does America have to fear from Korea? We're friends.

Besides, we killed the Communists; so why form a massive alliance when there's no threat? It's unnecessary, and it only causes tensions."

Abdul Azzam, the UR delegate and a fierce pan-Arabist, spoke up next:

"The United Republics would do anything to stop another wave of Imperialism, especially one of the proportions the United States and it's allies could launch. Unfortuantly, the only nation with enough extra food exports to support the UR is the US. Unless we can find alternate food sources capable of feeding around 25 million people, I fear the United Republics are powerless against the US."

Tag.

Adenauer showed his appreciation for the Korean and South African statements, and sympathized with them much. He echoed the words of the South Africans, asking why such an alliance, one that upsets the world balance so greatly, is needed. He also concurs with the Koreans reminding all of the German's dedication to defeating communism.

"The Free German Army, made of Junker exiles, fought side by side with the British and Americans, pushing into the heart of the beast. They fought just as hard, if not harder, than any American or Briton. No man can rightfully say that Germans were not staunch supporters of the LTA in the fight against the evils."

"Now however, Germany has been hailed a warmongering nation and abandoned. What if the Germans had not rebelled against their dictators in Warsaw? Perhaps the war would have dragged on to a stalemate and we could be involved in World War Five by now!"

"No, I believe I speak for all of those not invited to the OA. We feel betrayed!"

He sat down. His assistant, the young Hans-Dietrich Genscher stood.

"If I may speak for myself, I wish to comment on the dilemma of the United Republics."

"The problem is too many of us rely on America. Granted they have the largest armed forces in the world and are on par, if not surpassing the Europeans in space exploration, but there are many other places to use. We are a united World. No country is alone. For more markets there is China. For technology, Germany. For oil, Arabia or the UIR. For food, places such as Argentina in the FNS and the Ukraine have vast amounts of food, and I am sure that the United Republics can work with others to accomplish that goal."

"We need to present a united front to show that we are not willing to stand for imperialism. We are a globe full of different, interacting nations. Globalization is at hand. If we can show that we can be independant of the superpowers, then we can show that the blantant imperialism will not work."

The Brazilian delegate, Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira (JK), held his breath after the German finished. He did not know how the others would respond to the Germans bold statement; on the other hand, he and his notes could not agree more.

He started with an extended nod to the German.

"First of all, Brazil is in compliance with Germany on all matters of the previous statement. Brazil was also under the iron hand of communism so we understand Germany's position."

He reached for his glass of water and continued.

"To touch on a note that South Africa made, I am also surprised to see that Brazil, being so close to America and the FNS geographically, did not receive an invitation to join the OA. After all, Brazil is the only other South American nation."

He continued with a statement directed to the United Republics

"Brazil would also like to add their name on the list of countries that Germany named for food exporters. Brazil would be more than willing to aid the UR if it was in need of food or other humanitarian supplies."

while the conference is underway....

In Washington, at a news conference, along with several Sunday morning public affairs shows like Meet that Press, the Capetown Conference comes up.

The various members of the Administration all point out that Brazil for example is allied with the US under the Pan American Treaty, while South Africa is allied to the UK under the Commonwealth of Nations treaty.

Since the US and Britian are now allied with each other, then all of the Commonwealth nations are de facto allied with the US, and all of the Western Hemisphere nations are allied with the Commonwealth of Nations.

As the US also has treaties with Russia and Japan regarding defense, trade and friendship, then those nations too are all allied together.

Then of course the UK is allied with the EEC economically, while the US has a longstanding treaty of friendship with all of the various nations of Asia (except for Pakistan of course). Not to mention treaties with Egypt, Ethopia, Liberia, and other various African nations.

The only change was the reformalizing of the 50 year alliance and partnership between the US and the UK, and the US and Australasia.

ooc
also figure that a lot of the African nations think the US is the best thing since sliced bread because of all the economic aid, and a lot of people in China, USAE etc will remember the Americans fondly for helping them beat the Japanese and Union during the Third Great War. Realistically, the US is not going to be hated a whole lot, except by socialists and the far left (which would be bitter about the whole Second and Third Great War)

Chinwe Babatunde represents Nigeria at the talks and he is quick to make his own opinions known.

"We in Nigeria do not especially feel that America is attempting to maintain a hegemony or anything of the sort. Did the Amricans not help us build our economy and infrastructure, along with the British? However, we are disturbed at the trend towards globilization.

"We are also deeply greatful to Germany, Brazil, and the South Africans for providing us with aid. It has helped Nigeria turn into a modern nation in the space of a few years!

"Let it also be known that we will not abandon our friends, the Germans. You have helped us greatly and we will stand by you, as weel the South Africans and Brazilians."

OOC: the following African nations are now effectively independent (though technically British dominions) and have some limited foreign affairs control. You may want them to be here, though they can't sign anything or do something radical until the start of next year:

The Republic of Kenya
The Republic of Uganda
The United Republic of Tanzania
The Republic of Chad
The Central African Republic
The Republic of Cameroon
The Republic of the Congo
The Republic of Gabon
The Republic of Equatorial Guinea
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau
The Republic of Rwanda
The Republic of Burundi

OOC: GB is right about the US not really being hated. But it WILL be feared. Following RL WW2 there was an upswing in anti-Americanism in Western Europe and other parts of the world (France in particular) by elites across the political spectrum who feared American cultural hegemony. This is despite the fact that the US saved all these nations from the horrors of Nazism and more.
A similar situation will actually be MORE pronounced in this timeline as the US is the sole superpower 50 years earlier than it should be. So far no hate has been described here, only wariness (or perhaps wearyness)--that is realistic.

IC: Kennard wearily stood with an audible sigh.

My friends he began (with a small but definate emphasis on the word) your concerns are legitimate and understandable. My nation when faced with anxiety over an increase in the Chinese military held talks with that nation which resulted in treaties of friendship and us growing even closer together. Perhaps you have noted the Sino-Aussie wargames on Formosa? They were all the rage in the news just a few months ago. Irregardless, I hope and believe that this conference will end just as successfully as the one at Darwin.

Let me continue to say that the Oceanic Alliance is not one to be feared. It is not the only, not even the first "mega-alliance" to arise in the wake of the Third World War. As our compatriot Herr Genscher said, globalization is upon us. The first step down that path is the conglomeration of large groups of nations together. Surely the estimed delegates here can think of other formal alliances that the OA balances out--perhaps one affiliated with your capital Mr. Rhee?

The Australian reached for his handkerchief to dab his forehead as he sat, awaiting the barrage of comments sure to come.

Syngman Rhee then said, with feeling and a sense of power in his voice: "Balance, eh? With Washington on your side, no offense, things seem especially, shall we say, preponderant.

But enough smart-mouthing. You have said some interesting words, but what assurances do we have that they are true? Because I don't fear the OA. My experience has taught in politics, fear is not an option. But I am wary of the OA. I again say that some of my fellow Koreans are wary of it. I know Mr. Adenauer is wary of it.

As it is, I agree with you, Mr. Kennard, that I wish for a pleasant end to this conference. What can we do to assure this occurs?"

"As it is, I agree with you, Mr. Kennard, that I wish for a pleasant end to this conference. What can we do to assure this occurs?"

Whitehead cleared his throat. "What we can do is to make sure that no unnecessary accusations or insults are made. It is not my personal belief, nor is it the stance of the government which I represent, that the United States has any dishonorable intentions for the rest of the world. South Africa is a friend of the United States, after all.

"That being said, it can only aid the spirit of competition and individual advancement, which all nations here fought for against the Warsaw Pact, to keep the entire world outside the American sphere of economic influence. For example, the United Republics are dependent on American food exports. Of the nations represented here, Brazil has already volunteered to ship food to the United Republics. And while South Africa's agricultural surplus is not as great as the United States', I am sure an understanding could be reached between Cairo and Pretoria.

"It would be hubris for us to assume that we speak for every nation outside the OA when we say that American influence reaches too far. On this very continent, the United States and United Kingdom contributed vast sums of money to develop and industrialize Africa in the years prior to the Third Great War. It is understandable that the United States is view favorably in those eyes. On the subject of Africa, perhaps at some later time we could discuss the issue of the Belgian Congo? But I digress. South Africa received no such aid, and thus we are not so indebted to the Americans.

"You understand, Mr. Kennard, why we feel the way we do? The Republic desires nothing but good relations with the Americans, but their actions make us wary."

"You understand, Mr. Kennard, why we feel the way we do? The Republic desires nothing but good relations with the Americans, but their actions make us wary."

Rhee then said, "I agree with Mr. Whitehead's statement in total. I do not hate the US. In fact, I am actually very grateful to the Americans. Nor do I harbor any hate for Australia or Britain. But bear my earlier words in mind."

ooc
Zimbabwe, or in this case Rhodesia, plus South Africa could very well be the breadbasket for much of Africa. It isn't in real life because of horrifically bad policy in Zimbabwe, but it was historically when under minority White Rule (in the Rhodesian case). Similarly, Uganda is also one of the most productive growing areas on the planet. With the right policies, and in game terms, that would be essentially remaining free market, with some industry (representing food processing)plus the higher tech levels that have occured in this game compared to real life, it could do so with the far smaller population living in Africa now, and likely to emerge in Africa in this timeline.

Most of modern Africa in real life is tech level 2.5 - 4, with South Africa being 7.5 and Nigeria tech level 6.

With an exasperated sigh, Kennard sat back in his chair, hands outstretched in front of him, palms up.

Gentlemen. What would you have me do? What can I say? This unease you all feel toward the Oceanic Alliance is the most natural effect of international politics possible. Australia joined the OA for the security it offered. What can I say to spread a similar feeling of security to you all today?

With an exasperated sigh, Kennard sat back in his chair, hands outstretched in front of him, palms up.

Gentlemen. What would you have me do? What can I say? This unease you all feel toward the Oceanic Alliance is the most natural effect of international politics possible. Australia joined the OA for the security it offered. What can I say to spread a similar feeling of security to you all today?

Rhee then said, muting his tone slightly, "You joined because it offers security. This is fair enough and I will not preach against it; it is one motiviation for why I forged the SCT, to provide greater security among our members.

But still, perhaps we could try to have some kind of non-aggression agreement? An assurance that the power of the OA will only be used in defense, same with the Korean nation and the others here? After all, this natural feeling, as you have described it, cannot and should not be allowed to cause trouble for the world."

Rhee then said, muting his tone slightly, "You joined because it offers security. This is fair enough and I will not preach against it; it is one motiviation for why I forged the SCT, to provide greater security among our members.

But still, perhaps we could try to have some kind of non-aggression agreement? An assurance that the power of the OA will only be used in defense, same with the Korean nation and the others here? After all, this natural feeling, as you have described it, cannot and should not be allowed to cause trouble for the world."

The Australian offered a very small smile as he addressed all those there.

Now gentlemen, I think we know that I can not speak for the entire Oceanic Alliance by myself, just as Herr Adenauer can not speak fot the EEC and Mr. Rhee can not speak for the entire SCT. Perhaps if such a treaty were of interest it could be signed in broader talks, but as you can see, I represent the only OA member in this room. Ican offer non-aggression pacts between Australia and interested governments, but I expect it is not the fearsome Aussie army, successful as it was at Formosa, that makes you wary.

I do believe that we are all forgetting one thing though. The last Great War and all the ones before it did not take place in a world under the protection of the UN charter, one which has already helped to defuse many situations that could have exploded into war, and to put an early end to even more. We are democracies after all. If there is one thing we know how to do, it is to talk...

I do believe that we are all forgetting one thing though. The last Great War and all the ones before it did not take place in a world under the protection of the UN charter, one which has already helped to defuse many situations that could have exploded into war, and to put an early end to even more. We are democracies after all. If there is one thing we know how to do, it is to talk...

Rhee then said, "Perhaps that is one thing we can agree on here. The UN's role is to prevent another Atomic Horror; perhaps we should keep it in mind.

As for the other portions, again, as you say, I do not speak for the Seoul Conference. Indeed, I am retired from the Speakership. Kim Gu is in power now. So, we should perhaps table this for another round of talks."

Adenauer stood.

"We all understand how the UN Charter acts as a defensive alliance between us all. Why then does the United States feel that it must create a new defensive treaty that would obviously heighten tensions and cause distress among the world? If it was an economic alliance they wish for, then all of us can understand. However, this one is one that promotes warfare by requiring all involved to come to war. It also destablizes the Space Exploration by creating a giant Space Entity which has the potential to be misused.

The Alliance Space Force sounds like something out of a novel, as well as militaristic. Not a peaceful exploratory entity.

ooc: Its a good thing I wasn't invited to this or I would be destroying your arguements.

In the US at another Sunday morning public affairs show, Secretary of State Dean Rusk remarks on the German pronouncements coming out of Capetown.

"Once again the Germans fail to understand why the Oceanic Alliance has been formed. It's not simply a military alliance, but also a commercial, trade, scientific and space partnership."

Parthini']Adenauer stood.

"We all understand how the UN Charter acts as a defensive alliance between us all. Why then does the United States feel that it must create a new defensive treaty that would obviously heighten tensions and cause distress among the world? If it was an economic alliance they wish for, then all of us can understand. However, this one is one that promotes warfare by requiring all involved to come to war. It also destablizes the Space Exploration by creating a giant Space Entity which has the potential to be misused.

The Alliance Space Force sounds like something out of a novel, as well as militaristic. Not a peaceful exploratory entity.

Kennard's eyebrows shot up.

Hypocrisy anyone? The screaming of the German press concerning the British and Commonwealth rejection of Daresalaam seems ironic, as that treaty was of an identical defensive nature. Surely you would not be so eager to lambast the Oceanic Alliance for succeeding at accomplishing what your government has attempted to do and failed. More interestingly, Daresalaam PREDATED the OA by a number of years.

As for space exploration, your claims are completely baseless. Assaulting the NAME of an organization? Surely you jest. At absolutely no point has the ASF had any militaristic leanings, nor does it, and furthermore the US Air Force has even ceded its projects to the organization!

The Australian's voice rose.

I came here fully aware that the OA and my nation's decisions would be a target, but I will not stand for such slander. This is not democracy. This is a shooting gallery pointed at a legitimate social, economic, scientific, and yes military alliance.

Whitehead spoke quickly, hoping to defuse the situation. "I find I must agree with Mr. Kennard. Rising tempers will accomplish nothing. Perhaps we should recess for a few moments, or change the topic of discussion for a time? I am several nations here have opinions on the current situation in the Belgian Congo?"

Whitehead spoke quickly, hoping to defuse the situation. "I find I must agree with Mr. Kennard. Rising tempers will accomplish nothing. Perhaps we should recess for a few moments, or change the topic of discussion for a time? I am several nations here have opinions on the current situation in the Belgian Congo?"

Rhee then said, shaking his head, "I agree. Mr. Adenauer would do best to know that temper tantrums may make things worse. We have our suspicions, but let us not be paranoiacs. That would be disaster.

As for the Belgian Congo, I say that it should gradually be made independent, with supervision of a UN Force. As it is, things look to be quite dangerous."

The UR would also like to point out that the US is getting a little TOO friendly with the Congo. It was the African nations that pleaded for the Congo's independence yet he has become the self-appointed leader of the Congo's independence. He even rejected military advisors from the UR, with one of the strongest militaries in Africa and the Middle East and one of the most experienced militaries in the world. The Congo government is being set up as the US sees fit and almost exactly like the US government. Why don't the citizens of the Congo create their own government in the way they see fit? This is looking more like an American coup than an independence movement.

The UR would also like to point out that the US is getting a little TOO friendly with the Congo. It was the African nations that pleaded for the Congo's independence yet he has become the self-appointed leader of the Congo's independence. He even rejected military advisors from the UR, with one of the strongest militaries in Africa and the Middle East and one of the most experienced militaries in the world. The Congo government is being set up as the US sees fit and almost exactly like the US government. Why don't the citizens of the Congo create their own government in the way they see fit? This is looking more like an American coup than an independence movement.

Syngman Rhee then said, "Now, now. Denial of assistance does not alone a puppet make. But, the preponderance of the other facts is worth noting-after all, who is to say the Congolese will use the systems put into place, or rise up against them?

Still, I see no reason to be paranoid. Is the issue not in the UN?"

Parthini']OOC: Thanks. Thanks a lot guys.

SIC: In Cape Town, Adenauer, hearing of the news quietly asks the Korean delegate to step aside. He reminds Korea of the vital importance of the Middle East to Germany and reminds him how Germany also went to nuclear war with Scandinavia over the region.

Syngman Rhee simply replies, "Wait...you would go to war over a simple reduction of tariffs and a call for dialogue that came from Syria? You would compromise an attempt to build unity and dialogue for simple short-term gain? I find that slightly irrational."

Syngman Rhee simply replies, "Wait...you would go to war over a simple reduction of tariffs and a call for dialogue that came from Syria? You would compromise an attempt to build unity and dialogue for simple short-term gain? I find that slightly irrational."

"No," he replies. "We would go to war to protect the balance of power and the status quo of the Middle East which allows Germany to prosper. By Germany being allowed to prosper, Germany assists the Middle East. It is a symbiotic relationship, not a colonization attempt. Thus, anything, including institution into the SCT, that will cause an unbalance is a threat to the status quo. Especially considering the rivalry that already exists between the OA and SCT, we cannot risk having a prime member of the Middle East vulnerable to invasion."

Parthini']"No," he replies. "We would go to war to protect the balance of power and the status quo of the Middle East which allows Germany to prosper. By Germany being allowed to prosper, Germany assists the Middle East. It is a symbiotic relationship, not a colonization attempt. Thus, anything, including institution into the SCT, that will cause an unbalance is a threat to the status quo. Especially considering the rivalry that already exists between the OA and SCT, we cannot risk having a prime member of the Middle East vulnerable to invasion."

Syngman Rhee then said, "I had no part in this, and I didn't accuse you of Imperialism. I understand now your need to defend your economy. I can assure you of that. A war is something I would rather avoid. Especially one that would cause a renewed Oil Shock.

But, I am sure we could find a way to do this while allowing Syria the right to make its own mind. And, do the Syrians not have their own defenses?"