From michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com Mon Oct 8 09:03:47 2007 From: michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com (Michael Downey) Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2007 10:33:47 -0230 Subject: [War] Canada: "Let's Not Get Grumpy" Message-ID: <6b6ab8a70710080603xeed87fmf5c27447dfcbb11e@mail.gmail.com> "Let's Not Get Grumpy" Prime Minister R. Leon MacIntyre Canada 21 March 2013 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "So the Americans are feuding with the Japanese, eh?" observed MacIntyre as he read the article in the Globe and Mail. Not surprising. Japan was acting contrary to American foreign policy interests, which was to get the PLA out of Korea and the ROK and US military forces in, and the Yanks were getting pissed because they considered Japan a client state. "This is just Washington getting their pants in a knot because an ally isn't going what Washington wants. They got the same way with us when we didn't go into Iraq. It'll pass. So what's the big deal?" "The big deal is that you just ratified an important commercial treaty with China and agreed to send humanitarian aid to North Korea," said Foreign Minister Daudelin. "If Washington is getting into it with Japan because they sat down and did a deal with China over North Korea, then they might perceive our actions as a similar 'betrayal.'" "America does more business with China than we do," pointed out Ingram. "And our aid offer is only meant to relieve the suffering of innocent civilians caught up in this operation. We have not given any political support or endorsement to the Chinese occupation." "They perceive China as a rival for control East Asia," emphasized Daudelin. "It is in their interests for China to fail, or at least turn to the United States and South Korea for assistance. Even if our humanitarian offers are not political, it detracts from that goal." "We're all being too paranoid," said MacIntyre. And by 'all' he meant the FM. "The President is not that hardheaded. They may have to choke back their pride and accept that North Korea is a Chinese protectorate now, but it never belonged to the USA to begin with so it's not like they've taken some sort of big loss." However it was still worrisome. Japan and America bickering was not more concerning than America and Canada bickering, which happened often. But America and China getting into a feud over North Korea could destabilize East Asia. "Does China really intend to set up an independent North Korean national government or are they going to make them puppets?" he asked Daudelin, the expert in the room. "They've resisted every attempt by the Russians and Japanese to help mentor an emerging democracy in the country," remarked Daudelin. "And let's be honest, they don't really have a good track record when it comes to the self-determination of other people." "Do we take a position?" asked Ingram. "I don't want to get drawn into something that's above our weight class," muttered the PM. He thought about it for a moment. Canada couldn't come out against China directly, but couldn't support what was likely the creation of a Chinese satellite state. "Okay, if someone comes right out and asks, our official position is that all involved parties should work towards creating a free, democratic North Korean state." Keep it nice, simple and vague, for the moment. "No comment on the sincerity of the Chinese or about reunification. But Charles? Keep me notified if China really is stringing up a new puppet." Daudelin nodded. "Okay, where is Vernon?" "Here," said the Defence Minister, just stepping through the door. "I take it the results are back?" asked the PM, gesturing for Garneau to sit. "Yes, the American vessel defeated the German boat in short order, as many had expected." Of course. A nuclear sub against a diesel sub was pretty much a foregone contest. What had the Cabinet expected? Mac had known the outcome the moment the idea landed on his desk, he had agreed to it to buy himself time to think. "Okay, so the German design lost. But did it do badly? I mean a Eurofighter is going to lose to a Raptor, doesn't mean it's a bad design, right?" "According to our observer the U212 did perform impressively despite its opponent," answered Garneau. "Far better than what our Upholders could ever do." "In the event we ever have to face an enemy with nuclear subs, which is very unlikely, then we will simply rely upon the United States to come to our aid," commented Ingram. "That's the whole reason we are their allies, isn't it? *Joint* defence of North America. We've already enhanced our armed forces in every other aspect. Nuclear subs are just to expensive and too powerful for our needs. Not to mention I still think Williams is just trying to sucker us into buying them so his own costs go down." "Okay, the German boats it is then," decided the PM. They'd already bought billions of dollars of fighters and surface ships from the Americans, he would have choice words for the President if the White House or Pentagon put up a stink. "Vernon, issues the official tender to the German contractor once Parliament approves the spending bill." --- Actions: 1) Encourage all involved parties to work towards a free and democratic North Korea, but do not become any further involved for the moment. 2) Continue with humanitarian aid. 3) The Royal Canadian Navy will adopt the German made U212-class submarine over the American Virginia-class due to cost. From martellian at hotmail.com Tue Oct 16 17:44:20 2007 From: martellian at hotmail.com (Ian Martell) Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:44:20 -0700 Subject: [War] Japan: "Reducing Grumpiness" Message-ID: ?Reducing Grumpiness? Prime Minister Shunich Sato Japan March 20th 2013 Here they were again, Sato thought as he sat down across from his predecessor Hiroshi Sakai, in his office at the Diet Building. They had tea in front of them this time and not scotch and the mood was more formal, each person had brought a staffer along as well. In Sakai?s case it was Mistato, his former public affairs director and now his chief aide, for Sato it was his daughter Akemi. They sat quietly a moment before Sato took in a long breath and got directly to the point. ?I want you to head up this co-operation council I?ve agreed upon with Xia Hong.? Sakai nodded. ?I thought you might. You really want me out of my seat don?t you?? The only answer Sato gave him was a slightly quizzical expression. They continued in silence for a moment before the disgraced former Prime Minister carried on: ?What are you expecting from this council?? Sato sipped his tea before answering. ?Are you taking the job?? Sakai frowned and shifted in his seat eyes flicking towards Akemi. Sato had invited her specifically for this moment. Sakai for all his brash Osaka upbringing was an academic who had adopted eastern Japanese mores, which included loathing confrontation, especially in front of strangers. Sato though was the son of a Japanese naval officer turned moonshiner who had come up in post-war Japan scrambling over the top of his rivals to sell cheap sake to American GIs and his father had passed on that winner take all attitude to his children. He let him sweat while he continued to sip his tea placidly. Sakai spoke up after a moment: ?May I take some time to consider it?? he asked. It was a difficult thing to stop himself from pushing further as he would have in a business negotiation but he did. ?I need an answer in twenty-four hours,? Sato said. He sipped his tea again. ?In the meantime, what I expect from the post is simple I want you to help Ministers Jonouchi and Inoue to shape our relationship with China to one of maximum benefit to Japan. Primarily we are looking at for the initial phases improving diplomatic and trade relations.? ?What areas?? Sakai asked leaning forward and setting down his tea cup. Sato smiled and did the same. ?Well diplomatically, there is room for improvement on just about every aspect I think you?ll agree, so you?ll have plenty of room for movement there.? ?You know if we went forward with the proposals for changes to our history text books and making some show of remorse to the Chinese and Korean governments on comfort women?? Sato put up his hand. This was a common battleground for the two of them. ?It?s impossible, you know this,? he said. ?You tried three times to put these through the cabinet, and it didn?t work, I am sorry for now its dead.? Sakai blew out a breath. ?Yes...? he said. Shrugging Sato said. ?We don?t win every battle Sakai-san. Anyhow anything short of making a real apology for our actions in the war is acceptable.? Hiroshi nodded. ?What about economically?? he asked. ?Two major points, first, I think we should seriously look at expanding the scope of the Sino-Japanese Trade Agreement and to clear the road of any Chinese interference in our investing in North Korean ventures.? ?I?ve heard that the North Korean?s have been shopping for international partners in Japan in South Korea for manufacturing and mining, I assume that?s the sort of ventures we?re talking about.? ?Yes our people are very eager to do business with them, after all it is cheap and local source of labour when we are entering a labour shortage, but they are concerned about the safety of their investments there.? ?Yes I can imagine,? replied Sakai. ?If China changes its mind about allowing the provisional government to open its doors to foreign investment or the provisional government collapses or is replaced by others less friendly to Japanese business it could go very badly for us.? ?Yes which is why we are going to make securing an agreement with China about investment in North Korea a priority of our co-operation committee; we will want an iron clad agreement with the Chinese that should they change their minds about allowing foreign investment into North Korea, they will respect the agreements already made between North Korea and Japanese companies.? ?I assume we will be making agreements with the provisional government as well?? ?Yes, I have invited members of the provisional government here to Tokyo to meet with Japanese business leaders and Ministers Inoue and Jonouchi with an eye to securing an agreement between our government including the establishment of Offices of Friendship and Trade in Wonsan and Pyongyang.? ?That will likely need at least the unofficial approval of the Chinese.? ?I know, it will be something else that the co-operation committee will need to deal with.? Sato could see that his plan was working; Sakai was seriously considering the job offer. Which would in the end be good for both of them; Sakai would be good at this job and by taking it, Sato would have ridded himself of the leader of an influential faction leader in his party. Oh yes, and it would also be good for the country; it was funny how that often came as an after thought to the politics. ?Yes, well,? Sakai said finishing his tea. ?I should leave you to your work Sato-san,? he said. ?But I will get back to you about my decision as soon as possible.? Sato nodded his head and stood after throwing back the last of his tea and setting down the cup. He extended his hand. ?I hope you call with good news.? Sakai shook his hand and they both bowed and shortly Sakai and Mistato had taken their leave. Akemi came around the sofa to face her father smiling. ?Do we even have a second choice for this job?? she asked obviously amused. ?No,? Sato admitted. ?But I think we won?t need one.? Akemi looked at the door the others had just exited and nodded. ?You?re right.? Sato grinned. ?I know,? he said as he walked over towards his desk re buttoning his suit jacket. ?Who?s my next appointment?? Actions: 1> Secure former PM and current pain in the ass Hiroshi Sakai as the head of the Japanese side of the Sino-Japanese Co-operation committee. 2> Approach China with a proposal for an agreement securing China?s recognition of any agreements made between Japanese and North Korea companies even if Chinese policy should shift away from keeping North Korea open to foreign investment. 3> Facilitate a meeting between the new North Korean provisional government and the Japanese government and business leaders to establish a working relationship that will speed Japanese investment in building up North Korea?s mining and manufacturing industries and establish unofficial diplomatic relations through Friendship and Trade Offices (similar to those in Taiwan) in Pyongyang and Wonsan. 4> Quietly get China?s approval of the meeting and the opening of diplomatic and trade relations with the North Korean provisional governments. 5> Contact the Chinese about talks to increase the scope of the Sino-Japanese trade agreement of 2010 (mentioned in the Japan 2013 backgrounder). _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself with free Messenger emoticons. Get them today! http://www.freemessengeremoticons.ca/?icid=EMENCA122 From michael.t.j.brittain at btinternet.com Fri Oct 26 14:30:04 2007 From: michael.t.j.brittain at btinternet.com (Michael Brittain) Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:30:04 +0100 Subject: [War] Germany: "An informal meeting" Message-ID: <009701c817fe$3a602290$31e0644d@MICHAELB> "Germany: An informal meeting" Chancellor Lukas Lehman March 22nd, 2013 Lukas had spent his lunch break poring over reports coming out of North Korea with his Foreign minister, later to be joined by the European Minister to discuss France's recent letter. Although Germany had no official reason or power to intervene in North Korea, it was still a prominent voice within the European Union and had the influence to persuade a number of member states. Alongside his foreign minister, the German Chancellor had expressed 'concerns' that no action should be undertook that would be to the detriment of the North Korean people. The German foreign office noted that while there were frustrations, all countries involved had a moral obligation to help NK. "Bickering," Lukas said over his lunchtime paper, "pure bickering." "It happens," Lukas's European Minister, Heinrich Kellen, commented. "No real damage was done." Lukas shrugged. "It wasn't helpful, but one can see why America are annoyed." "Pissed off is more apt." The two men glanced across at a middle-aged woman sitting next to Heinrich. Noticeably a lavish woman, she sat opposite Lukas with her legs crossed wearing a smart black suit. She was the countries Foreign Minister, Ruth Schneider. Lukas chuckled. "If you prefer Ruth. Still, it's not our fight so let's tread carefully and say nothing specific just yet." "It'll all calm down, " The Foreign Minister said with a sarcastic smile. Lukas just shrugged. He placed the newspaper down on his desk and sipped his coffee. "But let's make sure we get the French onboard, I think both of us would do better to appear unified. As a European bloc we would hold more influence." Ruth thought for a moment before replying. "It does make sense, but we still have little reason to be involved other than expressing European or economic concerns." "Quite," Heinrich interjected. Lukas leant back taking it all in. Before this meeting he had spent over four hours with a review body publishing its findings on planned government reform for the economy, and the sharp change of meeting was exhausting. "I would still prefer to work with the French on this. Traditionally, working together has only benefited us both, not just within Europe but abroad." "Agreeing with them over Europe wouldn't hurt relations either," Heinrich commented. Lukas rubbed his eyes. "The French are making sense though. The President is right, the EU has become far too bureaucratic. It is too distracted from its original goal" The three of them seemed in agreement. "Agreement with France would naturally make reform of the EU easier to achieve." Heinrich commented. "In all honesty, they have similar goals as us." "I will draft a letter to the French President this afternoon." Lukas sighed, flagging. "It's only lunchtime, Lukas," Ruth reached into her bag and pulled out a cigarette, before a look from Lukas made her put it back. "I know," he yawned again. "It has been a long day, Stefan was ill in the night and he kept us all up." Ruth was an old friend of Lukas's even though she was 20 years his senior. She was always seen as a motherly figure within politics. Heinrich smiled and made his excuses before leaving at the end of the meeting, it seemed he had a meeting at the Europe Office. Leaving the desk behind, Lukas and Ruth sat down in the sitting area to enjoy a cup of coffee and a quick lunch. "Coffee?" Lukas asked poring a fresh cup and motioning toward Ruth. "Please," she crossed her legs and flicked her hair back. "Thank you," she took the cup and Lukas sat down. "The economic commission report their findings tomorrow, I spent hours in a seemingly endless briefing with them today." He sipped his coffee, drawing a deep breath. He relaxed in the company of an old and loyal friend. "Sounds like a waste of time," Ruth sipped her coffee. The foreign secretary was infamous for always speaking her mind in private. "We all know what they are going to say." She paused. "All the same, I suppose you need it rubber stamping." Lukas nodded, smiling. Ruth was certainly a rare breed, approaching retirement age yet still at her prime politically. She was down to earth, fashionable and brutally honest. She didn't exactly look her age either, a topic that she notoriously detests. "That letter you were going to write to the French," Ruth sipped her coffee. "Would you mind if you run it past me before sending it?" "That's fine, I'll get a copy sent to you and Heinrich. I should warn you, I'm hoping that we can hold talks with the French at some point, the Beijing conference has woken us both up to the importance of an efficient and far reaching EU. " Lukas picked up a paper from the coffee table, the front page covered in pictures of North Korea. "How is the foreign office coping with the situation in North Korea?" Ruth just leant forward and began playing with her left earring. "Fine - I can't say there have been any problems. Generally, as with all things such as this, we are one voice in a choir. Aid work is underway in North Korea, and we have offered everything that we can to assist, as you know. The ball is well and truly in the Chinese court, but the recent Beijing conference has shown that things are moving along and that the Chinese are willing to sit down and talk. Nothing that's not in my report Lukas." The Chancellor nodded, "It certainly highlights Chinas new place in the world." "All the more reason for a stronger European bloc," Ruth interjected, bringing the conversation back to Europe. "This was a well needed wake up call." "Change takes time though Ruth, particularly when you're dealing with something so complex as the EU. I don't envy anyone who takes that task upon them," Lukas loosened his tie lying back into his chair. He tried not to sound patronising, but reforming the EU wasn't easily done - no matter how well intended some people in his government were. "Lunch?" He asked, wanting to take a break. ACTIONS: 1. Express agreement with the French letter and offer an invitation to hold talks to improve working relations between the two countries. An 'unofficial' discussion over the EU is on the table. 2. Offer whatever aide possible to North Korea. Encourage calm and the involvement of EU member states to offer aide and assistance. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.11/1093 - Release Date: 25/10/2007 17:38 From michael.t.j.brittain at btinternet.com Sat Oct 27 10:54:19 2007 From: michael.t.j.brittain at btinternet.com (Michael Brittain) Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:54:19 +0100 Subject: [War] "Germany: Welfare-to-Work" Message-ID: <007e01c818a9$40ed91f0$4001a8c0@MICHAELB> "Germany: Welfare-to-Work" Chancellor Lukas Lehman, Federal Republic of Germany March 23rd, 2013 (OOC: Thought I'd throw some domestic policy in somewhere, something to play with for the next few posts. :-) The cool evening breeze swept across Lukas's face as he stood beside an open window, staring across at the dusk, crimson red sky. Sipping a cup of coffee cautiously as the steam escaped in the breeze, the Chancellor rubbed his left hand through his thinning, yet still black, hair. He was pondering the day, winding down from a busy schedule. A government policy review had finally published its findings and recommendations on government reform of the economy. In line with Lukas's own election manifesto, it recommended the implementation of a form of a "new deal" for Germany as well as a number of tax benefits. High unemployment had dogged the country for decades and was a highly controversial election issue. The German economy although still the largest in Europe was sluggish with growth forecasts for 2014 in the region of 1.4%. It has long since been recognised government action was needed, but both main parties of government could boast little success. Lukas turned and placed his cup on the desk, taking his seat and picking up the phone. "Rosa, put me through to Ewald Roserlinger please," Lukas leant forward on the desk, waiting. "Ewald hello, it's Lukas," he began pleasantries with his federal minister for labour and the economy. "Have you read the findings of the review body?" "Yes, this evening. Everything is as expected, I was briefed by the commission this afternoon as well." "Excellent," although an independent government review, the fact that it was a government review meant they had a good idea of what the findings would be. "So we will proceed with our initial plan now we have the committees agreement, in a meeting with them yesterday they were quite happy to endorse our policy." Lukas rubbed his forehead as he spoke, nursing a slight headache. "I have scheduled meetings for the department all day tomorrow regarding implementation. The civil service are quite hopeful the policy can be in place soon; of course, I will contact you once I have had meetings with them and let you know. But, it is looking quite positive." Ewald replied. "Good." Lukas rubbed his eyes; tired from the hours he had spent poring over the report. "You make the initial press briefing outlining the plans, I'll hold a press conference in the afternoon to put a greater positive spin on it for the evening news." "Okay. Everything will go to plan, no need to worry Chancellor." The Government had known all along what it had wanted to do, it was in its election manifesto after all, but to ensure greater public and Bundestag support it commissioned a review of its own policy. With the full backing of the review board, they could now proceed. Germany's 'New Deal' as it had been dubbed, was a plan to roll out across the country comprehensive schemes to help people into work. Education and training was it its heart, as was Lukas's so called 'tough love'. Unemployment payments would only be paid out only to unemployed citizens taking part in a welfare to work scheme, and would cease if a person failed to take a job offered to them. Although intended to cut the number of citizens who cheat the benefit system, Lukas's government had a strong desire to get people into work, or retrained. Schemes would be in place for most unemployed groups such as school leavers, single parents, the disabled and long term unemployed. Heavy investment in adult education centres was also planned to retrain the unemployed German workforce. A boost of migrant workers from Eastern European countries had provided the economy with a supply of cheap labour, but Lukas could see that heavy industry and manual labour was few and far in-between with companies relocating to Asian countries. He was determined to attract new business to a skilful, highly educated and willing workforce. Placing the phone down, Lukas leant back in his chair. Funding for his 'welfare to work' policies would be costly and he would take a lot of criticism for what could possibly turn out to be a white elephant. None the less, content that everything was in order for the press release tomorrow, he relaxed a little. A lot had been going on recently, not only within his own government but further a field. The next couple of months would prove pivotal in the making or breaking of his government, with a lot of emphasis and reform on the education system coming into the spotlight soon. Glancing at his watch, he decided it was time to retire. He wanted to see his wife and children before they went to bed, anything else he could deal with at home. ACTIONS: 1. Introduce the welfare to work (WTOW) programme, which is designed to offer comprehensive help to all those unemployed. Its main aim is to get people into work, either through re training/further education, or simply improving interview technique and providing suitable support and advice. The programme is to also introduce the ability to withdraw benefits from those who refuse reasonable employment. In addition, there will be the introduction of a Families Tax Credit. This is a tax credit scheme for low-income workers that provide an incentive to work, and to continue in work. The programme will be split into four main areas: . WTOW for Younger People -It is targeted to the unemployed youth (aged 18-24) who have been unemployed for 6 months or longer, or who are seeking advice on a new career after leaving school. This scheme will liase strongly with schools, offering apprenticeships and further education courses. . WTOW for the Long-term Unemployed - is targeted to adults (aged 25+) who have been unemployed for twelve months or more. Opportunities will exist to retrain in various new careers and offer adult education courses for those willing to improve their German, maths and science skills. Part time university placements for those who are able to attend university, and who are willing, will also be made available. . WTOW for Lone Parents - is targeted at the employment reintegration needs of single parents with school age children. Additional funds will be available to pay for child care of participating parents who see this as a barrier to finding work. . WTOW for the Disabled - assists those receiving disability benefits to return to work. . WTOW for 50 plus - for those aged 50 years old and above. Participation in one of the options is mandatory in order to receive benefits. 2. Use the findings of the review committee to back up government policy. (OOC: I don't confess to know a lot about economics, so my apologies if this appears a bit loosely done!) -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.11/1093 - Release Date: 25/10/2007 17:38