NationStates Jolt Archive

It was a normal reaction to a normal telegram expressing a normal interest to work out a treaty when a normal nation withdrew from a normal Pact. Whether it seemed normal to the international community, however, was different. The two countries where separated by atleast 3 others and so it didn't look like a likely duo, particularly with the near-feudalistic nature of Benelux compared with Beatus' modern capitalistic nature. Dutch citizens were relatively apathetic towards religion while Beatusians had a chamber of legislature made of religious authorities.

The meeting was set up and it was to take place and Oranje Palace, Amsterdam. The Beatusian ambassador was supposed to drive up from the embassy and then negotiations would begin. Hopefully they would end with a bilateral agreement although with Dutch AU membership it wasn't as certain as before the cat had been let out of the bag. No matter, thought Willem as he awaited the friendly foreigner.

Ambassador Gerald Ford's black 4x4 pulled up to Oranje Palace. The ambassador got out, and walked up the steps to meet his host. He carried with him an attaché case. He hoped this talks would go well, and would be a step forward in relations between the two nations, but with the recent action on the part of Benelux, he was unsure of they're intentions.

"Greetings, I am His Royal Majestic Highness Willem VI, by the grace of God, King of the Benelux, absolute ruler of all fiefs granted to my vassals and fiefs granted by them to their vassals and so on and so forth, but you can just call me Willem. Shall we go into my palace?" Willem introduced himself before motioning towards the large building - painted completely in orange - behind them.

"Yes, let us," Gerald said. Following Willem, "I am Ambassador Gerald Ford, from the Beatusian embassy, although you most likely already know that. We really should get down to business, is there somewhere, 'secure', where we can talk?"

"But of course. I run a tight regime around here and bugging any governmental building consitutes treason, punishable by 5 years hard labour. We find it is very cheap and efficient and lowers the serfs - I mean taxpayers - burden. Please, follow me into the meeting room," Willem entered the building and proceeded down the hall and entered the fifth door on his right. It was a lovely small room, decorated in orange, with two comfortable chairs, a small table between them and a fireplace on the side opposite the door, "Perfect and free of any and all surveillance."

"But of course. I run a tight regime around here and bugging any governmental building consitutes treason, punishable by 5 years hard labour. We find it is very cheap and efficient and lowers the serfs - I mean taxpayers - burden. Please, follow me into the meeting room," Willem entered the building and proceeded down the hall and entered the fifth door on his right. It was a lovely small room, decorated in orange, with two comfortable chairs, a small table between them and a fireplace on the side opposite the door, "Perfect and free of any and all surveillance."

"Good good," said Gerald. "Why don't we light a fire, close all the curtains, and get down to business. I have some things for you in my case, they arrived this morning." He sat down in on of the chairs.

"Hans," was all Willem said and a large man dressed in a black suit came in, "Fire and curtains, please." Hans did as he was told. First he closed the blinds and then lit a fire. Once that was done Willem told him, "That is all." The man went through the door and gave them their privacy, "What do you have?"

"I have gifts from President Lange," Gerald said opening his case. "First," he said pulling a bottle out of the case, "is a bottle of his finest Brandy." He handed the bottle to the King. "Also, a hand woven scarf from the President's grandmother," withdrawing a fine looking hand woven scarf that was Red White and Blue striped like the Dutch-Ruled Benelux flag.

OOC note: No Dutch-Ruled unless you want to instigate a revolution, please.

IC:

"Wow, I didn't think he would give me such fine gifts before negotiations had been made. Please, give my thanks. On to business, however. Simply put, Beatus' geographic position makes joining the AU when tensions are so high practically suicide. This is why I am offering two things. First, a Free Trade Agreement and second, a Mutual Protection Pact. If you wish we can get into the details," the King explained.

"We never had any intentions of joining the AU, as we wish to remain neutral, so that if the time comes we can stand firm as a voice of peace, free from ties to either alliance. We would welcome a free trade agreement, as for the mutual protection pact, that may be difficult, as you are a member of the AU, but we are willing to attempt to work that out," he pulled out a pipe. "You don't mind, do you?" he asked, indicating the pipe.

"Oh, yes of course, you may smoke. I see. Ok, so the Free Trade Agreement I suppose the only worry would be ships flying false flags. As for the Mutual Protection Pact, do you not have one with Stoklomolvi as well? It is more incase the NOP's push through Calzorinstan or Bithunia onto Dutch land, not to assist us with any war fought on soil not our own."

"Oh, yes of course, you may smoke. I see. Ok, so the Free Trade Agreement I suppose the only worry would be ships flying false flags. As for the Mutual Protection Pact, do you not have one with Stoklomolvi as well? It is more incase the NOP's push through Calzorinstan or Bithunia onto Dutch land, not to assist us with any war fought on soil not our own."

"We have an arrangement with them," Gerald continued as he lit his pipe. It predates the NOP by a long shot, and when we left the NOP, it was discussed, and decided that we would assist them, in the event of an incursion onto they're national boundary, not any lands they' gain, and no support for offensive actions, just to defend. If you would find this acceptable than we could work something out. Also, you would be pledging to defend the Beatus in the same way, which may come up as an issue if the AU attack us. We would fight off the NOP invading your land, even Stoklomolvi forces on your territory, would you do the same for us if the AU was invading?"

"...I realize this works both ways. We would try a diplomatic approach to remove AU forces off your soil as you are a neutral nation now in regards to AU-NOP. I realize it would be hard for your men to fight Stoklomolvi forces. If there are others invading we would rather take care of Stoklomolvi forces ourselves. I know that you would fight off invaders regardless of nationality however I don't know about your troops and better safe than sorry. We understand you have obligations with Stoklomolvi, and if we sign an agreement, us too and as long as you are only defending soil which is Stoklomolvi or Dutch now we have no problem with this."

"...I realize this works both ways. We would try a diplomatic approach to remove AU forces off your soil as you are a neutral nation now in regards to AU-NOP. I realize it would be hard for your men to fight Stoklomolvi forces. If there are others invading we would rather take care of Stoklomolvi forces ourselves. I know that you would fight off invaders regardless of nationality however I don't know about your troops and better safe than sorry. We understand you have obligations with Stoklomolvi, and if we sign an agreement, us too and as long as you are only defending soil which is Stoklomolvi or Dutch now we have no problem with this."

"Our force would do as they are told, though they may not like it," Gerald said. "If diplomacy failed in removing AU forces from our territory, who would you side with then? Would you rush to assist in our defense, or stick with the AU, and sit idly by as we are overrun?"

"...Well, Article Three, Verse One of the AU Treaty says that diplomacy, then a meeting of the council and then re-administration by the AU. I don't know if I could trust the people to return me so I would be forced to invade; however we would not use our normal 'take no prisoners' attitude and not harm one beatusian citizen, placing them in our personal care to be sure that no harm came to them. Of course, we will give them the choice of that or death so that they do not have to go with us. We would not interrogate any of your citizens."

"So you wish us to defend you from our friends, but will not do the same for us? Your nation would attack a neutral nation, rather than defend it?"

"I would rather not loose control of my lands to the Atlantican Union. I really don't see why they would invade you if you are truly neutral. The Charter allows ex-NOP members to join so as long as you aren't part of the NOP when the hypothetic war takes place then you are fine. And if you wish, I will withdraw from the AU if they do invade you in order to assist the defence of the invasion. As long as it is purely defensive, of course."

"I would rather not loose control of my lands to the Atlantican Union. I really don't see why they would invade you if you are truly neutral. The Charter allows ex-NOP members to join so as long as you aren't part of the NOP when the hypothetic war takes place then you are fine. And if you wish, I will withdraw from the AU if they do invade you in order to assist the defence of the invasion. As long as it is purely defensive, of course."

"If you are willing to write that into the agreement, that if the Beatus is invaded by the Atlantican Union, that you will withdraw, and assist in the defense, than we shall sign it, and, if that were to happen, we would send any troops available, who are not already defending the Beatus, I.E. those in Stoklomolvi, and our other allies, outside the region, to your aide, and ask our allies to assist us, with your permission. If you agree to this, in writing, than we will have a deal, and a trade pact, and will lift the no travel recommendation on your nation."

"Yes, that seems fair. I am almost positive that the situation will never occur, however it is because I am willing to do so should it occur that I will sign it. Do you want it in one or two documents?"

"One document, the less paperwork the better," said Gerald. "This meeting is going well. If only all diplomatic meetings could be this civilized. I've been shot at, stabbed, punched, kicked, and burned at diplomatic meetings before, some people are just unable of being civilized."

"Wow...that is truly shocking," Willem was surprised to hear of such horrid acts at diplomatic meetings. He wrote something on a piece of paper and called for Hans. The servant from before came and took the piece of paper and came back with a wonderful document with text which read the following:

Bilateral Agreement between the Beatus and the Benelux

Section One

Article One
This is a formal diplomatic agreement between the Beatus and the Benelux and establishes the responsibilities each state has towards the other.

Article Two
Should on party violate the terms of this agreement it may be rendered null and void.

Article Three
The Beatus is defined as the territory of the Theocratic Republic of the Beatus on Febuary 29th.

Article Four
The Benelux is defined as the territory of the Dutch Kingdom of the Benelux on Febuary 29th.

Section Two

Article One
Both parties shall not hold any tariff against one another over 2% and shall eliminate all other barriers to the free movement of goods between them.

Article Two
Both parties shall certify the country of origin of their products to avoid re-exportation.

Article Three
Both parties shall provide a list of all registered ships to the other party in order to prevent foreign shipping from taking advantage of this agreement.

Article Four
Both parties shall allow the other's ships into their territorial waters and exclusive economic zone with the intent of shipping goods into the first party's territory.

Section Three

Article One
Should any forces invade either the Beatus or the Benelux, both parties shall send troops in order to defend against the invading army and drive them away from the land which belongs to the Beatus and the Benelux.

Article Two
If one party requests that the other party not send in their armed forces, the other party shall obey the wish of the first party

Article Three
The Atlantican Union is a multilateral alliance which the Benelux is a part of but which the Beatus is not a part of. Should the Atlantican Union invade the Beatus, the Benelux shall leave the Atlantican Union in order to defend the Beatus.

Article Four
Parties are not obligated by this treaty to help one another invade, occupy or annex new territory although they have the option to. Any territory annexed with the armed forces of both parties shall be considered the territory of which ever party it conjoins, or if it is an exclave of both parties then it shall become a condominium.

"Here you are, ambassador," the King said as he handed the treaty over, "I think you will find the terms acceptable."

=
Article One
Both parties shall not hold any tariff against one another over 2% and shall eliminate all other barriers to the free movement of goods between them.


ooc: So does that include the HOB, Norsikia, and Stoklomolvi navies which patrol the Barents?

ooc: So does that include the HOB, Norsikia, and Stoklomolvi navies which patrol the Barents?

((Morgians as well ;) ))

OOC: Well, look at article four.

Bilateral Agreement between the Beatus and the Benelux

Section One

Article One
This is a formal diplomatic agreement between the Beatus and the Benelux and establishes the responsibilities each state has towards the other.

Article Two
Should on party violate the terms of this agreement it may be rendered null and void.

Article Three
The Beatus is defined as the territory of the Theocratic Republic of the Beatus on February 29th.

Article Four
The Benelux is defined as the territory of the Dutch Kingdom of the Benelux on February 29th.

Section Two

Article One
Both parties shall not hold any tariff against one another over 2% and shall eliminate all other barriers to the free movement of goods between them.

Article Two
Both parties shall certify the country of origin of their products to avoid re-exportation.

Article Three
Both parties shall provide a list of all registered ships to the other party in order to prevent foreign shipping from taking advantage of this agreement.

Article Four
Both parties shall allow the other's ships into their territorial waters and exclusive economic zone with the intent of shipping goods into the first party's territory.

Section Three

Article One
Should any forces invade either the Beatus or the Benelux, both parties shall send troops in order to defend against the invading army and drive them away from the land which belongs to the Beatus and the Benelux.

Article Two
If one party requests that the other party not send in their armed forces, the other party shall obey the wish of the first party

Article Three
The Atlantican Union is a multilateral alliance which the Benelux is a part of but which the Beatus is not a part of. Should the Atlantican Union invade the Beatus, the Benelux shall leave the Atlantican Union in order to defend the Beatus.

Article Four
Parties are not obligated by this treaty to help one another invade, occupy or annex new territory although they have the option to. Any territory annexed with the armed forces of both parties shall be considered the territory of which ever party it conjoins, or if it is an exclave of both parties then it shall become a condominium.

Gerald quickly read the document. "This would be acceptable," he said. "If you have a pen, we can sign it now, and have copies made. We will need at least four."

OOC: Well, look at article four.

Article Four
Both parties shall allow the other's ships into their territorial waters and exclusive economic zone with the intent of shipping goods into the first party's territory.

ooc: that doesn't really answer the question.

OOC: As long as my ships are in International or Beatusian waters it doesn't include you if you let my ships through.

IC:

"Sure we can sign it right now, what colour ink would you like? I am curious, who would these copies be for?" HRMH took out an orange-inked pen and dated and signed the treaty.

OOC: As long as my ships are in International or Beatusian waters it doesn't include you if you let my ships through.

IC:

"Sure we can sign it right now, what colour ink would you like? I am curious, who would these copies be for?" HRMH took out an orange-inked pen and dated and signed the treaty.

Boothby is speaking of the fact that Beatus and the NOP have joint control over the waters still. Beatus hasn't withdrawn from that agreement, so the Barents is still under joint NOP-Beatusian control.

ooc: (perhaps this does not belong in this thread but I thought I would point something out), The Beatus as well as the rest of the NOP decided on joint NOP control of the Barents. However, now that The Beatus has pulled out of the NOP what is our official stance on control of these waters? I think Yani's assumption that the Barents are still under NOP-Beatus control is the right choice and ICly the HOB recognized Beatus's right to a Barents presence. Maybe we should finalize this in NOP boards.

OOC: But you will let my unarmed civillian ships with the only intent of dropping off cargo in a neutral nation through, right?

[OOC: My navy will escort the Benelux, and anyone stupid enough to shoot at them, will get a torp in they're port bow.]

IC: "Any color is fine, the three copies are for our records, on for the National Archive, on for my office at them embassy, and on for a secure location, that I don't know the exact location of."

OOC: But you will let my unarmed civillian ships with the only intent of dropping off cargo in a neutral nation through, right?

OOC: We probably wouldn't have any problems with that, so long as AU controlled avenues remained open. I mean, we don't hate you, or anything.

ooc: We would never impede international trade for our neighbor and friend, The Beatus. Civilian trade ships will be allowed through the Barents by the HOB, granted they adhere to current protocols (acknowledging their presence, cargo, and passage time through HOB waters). Other then that we would just request that your shipping not interfere with our oil rigging.

Of course this hinges on the AU not restricting other waterways.
Additionally, HOB military escorts may be obligatory for all AU civilian shipping, however this should not interfere with delivery schedules.

((OOC: Stok, they would allow the NOP to escort them to Beatus ports. I can't speak for the others, but I will allow you guys to ship through our waterways to neutral nations such as ----Kenny----))

"OK, that makes sense," Willem took out a black pen and a peice of paper. He handed the pen to the Beatusian and wrote on the paper before calling for Hans. Hans came, was handed the peice of paper and soon came back with four copies of the treaty. Willem dated and signed each one before handing them to the ambassador, "I need one of those back along with the original. The original goes in place which is secure and only I know the exact location and the copy for my easy-access files."

((OOC: Stok, they would allow the NOP to escort them to Beatus ports. I can't speak for the others, but I will allow you guys to ship through our waterways to neutral nations such as ----Kenny----))

"OK, that makes sense," Willem took out a black pen and a peice of paper. He handed the pen to the Beatusian and wrote on the paper before calling for Hans. Hans came, was handed the peice of paper and soon came back with four copies of the treaty. Willem dated and signed each one before handing them to the ambassador, "I need one of those back along with the original. The original goes in place which is secure and only I know the exact location and the copy for my easy-access files."

Gerald signed each copy, and handed the original and one of the copies back to the King. "Well, unless we have other business, I guess that's it then."

[OOC: The Beatusian Navy will escort any, and all ships going to or from the Beatus, and anyone ship that attempts to interfere, or board any said ships shall get a Mark 46 torpedoe in they're hull, port, midship.]

OOC: Not meaning any disrespect to The Beatus, but the HOB would prefer to conduct escorts through its own waters. Of course Beatus ships would be allowed to be part of this escort and once AU ships had left HOB waters escort duties would be handed over to The Beatus.

"Well, I suppose so. Good Day, and I hope you find your diplomatic mission to be to your liking. You said you would lift your 'return home' advisory warning?"

"Yes, yes," Gerald said. "I will get on the phone as soon as I get back to the embassy, and tell them the good news. Also, these," he said patting the bag he had placed the copies of the treaty in, "will be on the first Beatusian Airlines flight, and should be safely in the Beatus by tomorrow morning."

"Well, I suppose so. Good Day, and I hope you find your diplomatic mission to be to your liking. You said you would lift your 'return home' advisory warning?"

"That sounds wonderful. I can't remember, have I established an embassy in the Beatus? If not, do you think you could give me the appropriate paper work? ((OOC: i.e. link)"

"O, of course," said Gerald, digging around in his attaché case before removing a packet of papers. "Here they are," he continued handing the paperwork to the King. "It's all there, you won't be needing me for it just fax 'em to the number at the bottom there. Gerald walked out of the room, and found his way back to his car waiting outside. (OOC: see link in sig.)

"Yes, yes," Gerald said. "I will get on the phone as soon as I get back to the embassy, and tell them the good news. Also, these," he said patting the bag he had placed the copies of the treaty in, "will be on the first Beatusian Airlines flight, and should be safely in the Beatus by tomorrow morning."


"That sounds wonderful. I can't remember, have I established an embassy in the Beatus? If not, do you think you could give me the appropriate paper work? ((OOC: i.e. link)"