From john.penta at gmail.com  Tue Sep  2 11:35:27 2008
From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta)
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 11:35:27 -0400
Subject: [War] US/Germany: Reforging old links
Message-ID: <ab8370d40809020835u49efe9b8x534307ba98f4492@mail.gmail.com>

"Reforging old links"
16 August 2014
Pres. John Williams, USA
Chancellor Klaus Menzel, FRG
========================
<Berlin>

It had taken long enough, John Williams thought to himself as Air
Force One touched down at Berlin's new airport.

Long enough for him to be able to get this trip done, at least.
Everything had seemed to conspire to prevent it until quite recently.

That thought quickly left his mind, though, as AF1 rolled to a stop
and the stairs rolled up.

Regardless of how long it'd taken, he was here.

It was, in a word, showtime.

The honor guard snapped to attention as Klaus straightened his tie
unconsciously, one problem with meeting world leaders he couldn't
exactly go without.

As he strode down the pathway to meet president Williams face to face
he extended his hand, "Welcome to Berlin Mr President, and Welcome to
Germany."

"It's good to be back," Williams replied, smiling as he shook his
counterpart's hand. Last time he'd been in Germany, it had been as
part of the usual Congressional delegation - he mostly remembered the
beer; the rest of the trip had been kind of pointless.

"I hope the trip was not arduous."  They walked along reviewing the
troop, towards the end was the now Sgt Goss, not sure about his fame
but wearing his new medal with some uncertainty. After all, he never
figured he'd be here of all places.

Williams reviewed the troops with a practiced eye as he replied to
Menzel in crisp German, "It wasn't, thanks." As they reached the end
of the line, he noticed the unusual new medal about one soldier's
neck. With a reflexive coming to attention, he saluted first. If the
custom of saluting living holders of the Blue Max hadn't been
established, he figured, it had been so established now.

The Sgt returned the salute, Klaus nodded, "Mr President this is
Feldwebel Joachim Goss, our first recipient of the Pour Le Merite in
almost a century."

"Congratulations, Feldwebel," Williams replied, shaking hands with the
nervous NCO.

"Thank you sir." Goss responded then the group moved down the line,
Klaus understood Goss would rather be in the field, as would most
young soldiers.  They got in the armored limousine and the drive to
the Berlin office began.

"I believe last time we were here, there were more congressmen with
you and that Kennedy fellow wanted to hit the beer hall."

"You're right, but it wasn't Kennedy - he was doing an admirable job
of staying clean and sober despite the temptations - it was Tom
Waters, one of his aides," Williams recalled with a grin. "Who drank
like a fish." A pause. "I miss being an anonymous House member at
times - I don't miss the CODELs, generally. Sure, it's fun to
travel...But it never felt right to be getting plastered on government
business."

"True, but then again, how much business gets done in the Gasthaus, it
can be considered part of government business."  Then he got serious,
"I visited Bucharest, as a tourist of course."

"They're not exactly looking at the politics of the matter rationally,
I think. I understand their frustration...but dropping out of the
system does nothing to change it," Williams replied. "But I'm
interested in your impressions."

That got a nod from Klaus, he didn't disagree, but he thought it was
all for nothing, "She is a determined woman, she has a vision that she
wants, right now she needs to focus on her country, and well with the
situation with China and the Canadians of all countries, she was upset
and angry.  She is not unwilling to talk, we had a good conversation."

"You're upset, therefore you shut down all normal lines of
communication and try to isolate yourself like Shogun-era Japan? That
makes no sense," Williams replied. "It's looking like it might well
*devastate* her country, and she was looking to improve it?" He shook
his head in bemusement. "Maybe there's something I'm missing, but are
her advisors clueless? What did she *think* the world would do, other
than make her into the butt of jokes?"

"If she shut down all lines of communication how did I meet with her?"
Klaus asked directly, "She does not want to have the rigamarole of a
State Visit, but has been more then willing to sit down over a cup of
coffee, amazing what can get worked out over that."  He continued, "It
will only devastate if the EU tariffs are opposed and we will be
filing a motion to stay the tariffs. Think about it, the United States
has been lucky, but I've driven through the eastern part of my own
country, where poverty exists, because the Communists had no
management skills to speak of."

"She is upset because how many times have we only reached out when we
needed something from them, if not we look at them as our backwards
cousins.  And I am not talking about the zoo fiasco, I have seen the
video of US Marines fishing in the rivers with blasting caps."

Then he paused, "Next time I take a trip to Bucharest for the sites,
perhaps you might wish to come along. "

Williams looked thoughtful. "September 30 comes ever closer, else I'd
extend my trip for a few days to head out there on my own. As it is,
I'm lucky to grab what time I have from forcing through the budget
bills - we're close to actually getting them all signed by 1 October,
but I'm taking no chances after this trip."

"No arguments from me, budgeting is the newest curse," He waited a
second, "when you have the time, there's a small coffee shop near the
state house, it is a place where a treaty can be negotiated over a
biscotti."

That definitely got a curious look from Williams. "Oh?"

"The German Embassies will be assisting Romanians abroad with all
consular services." Klaus explained, "Also we have offered to continue
our trade relationship." Then he paused, "Perhaps treaty was not the
best word, more like, agreement."

"No need for formalities, the notification is enough," Williams
replied. At that point, they pulled up to the Chancellery.

Stepping out of the limo media seemed to be everywhere as cameras
flashed, the plain-clothed police officers of the BKA formed a loose
protective wall as they headed inside.  Several shouted questions were
ignored, though there would be a press conference.

As they escaped the horde of press, Williams shrugged. "I'm almost
getting used to that," he quipped. He paused as they reached the
Chancellor's office.

Once inside they took their seats as coffee was brought in by white
uniformed stewards and cups were poured, Once they settled in Klaus
leaned back slightly, "Now, that we are alone...why is Canada poking
the Chinese dragon so insistently?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. McColl isn't insane, but he likes Hong
even less than I do." Which was saying something. "Plus, it is
punching above their weight, which is good for a government to do on
occasion, I suppose."

"There's punching above your weight and letting the child in Golden
Gloves take on the Heavyweight champ, one is a good idea, the other is
pure foolishness."

"No argument, but the Canucks had to prove themselves somehow; their
initial op was brilliantly done, speaking professionally. The timing
sucked, is all. I have feeling he's using it to build capital in DC
for revisions to NAFTA with the new Congress." Williams paused. "I'm
not sure how successful he'll be on that, but his odds did improve
when our guys got rescued."

"I am glad your personnel were rescued, however I do ask that he not
do that again, considering her reaction was to test the readiness of
her nuclear weaponry.  As for NAFTA, where else can you expand it too,
Central America?"

"He doesn't want to expand it, he wants to strangle it. And somehow
not destroy US-Canadian relations in the process. By all accounts,
he's against free trade." Pause. "Which is lunacy to me, but then,
he's never asked."

"Perhaps he is certifiable after all." Klaus said, "Free trade is the
lubrication that keeps the world going."

"Could you kindly convince Bucharest of that, get them to come back
into NATO at least, while I tug on Ottawa not to do something weirdly
similar?"

"I will try, but she is a strong willed woman, I guess you could say
stubborn in her own way."  He paused, "I will talk with her about it."

"She wants to focus on her country? No argument. She wants to drop out
of the international system and give Allies that were willing to spend
serious money on *helping her do that* a middle finger? There I have
to argue."

He nodded, "I don't see it as a finger I see it as frustration, maybe
I see it different because of what we've seen with the soviet's
"assistance" to their former puppet nations.  LIke I said, I will talk
to her, it's not irreperable Herr Williams, but it will take some
work, carrot instead of stick."

"We had a few-billion-dollar project all ready to go to design and
build her new nuclear reactors to handle her power issues under ANDA,
she agrees and then, come the inevitable crisis, tells us 'fuck you'.
In those terms." Williams shrugged, though. "It made life interesting
for Secretary Abbot - it made his kids think swearing like a sailor
was okay cuz the President of Romania did it...On global TV." Another
shrug. He'd be just as happy if friendly nations didn't make raising
Luke so hard.

"Moving along, did you see what I sent out to the North Atlantic
Council regarding upgrading the defenses of our Eastern allies?"
Williams moved the topic along, past the Romanian sticking point "It's
a crying shame how they've been neglected, and in my opinion, it's
time to tug them up to NATO standards - they've done their bit, now we
need to do ours in regards to training, supply, and infrastructure
upgrades." He couldn't, he reflected, *not* talk about this with the
Bundeskanzler - they were talking about countries smack between a
resurgent Germany and a resurgent Russia. So it was best to draw
Germany in, have them do part of the heavy lifting.

Which, as Klaus recalled, meant pay a chunk of it. "I can talk to the
Poles, and we could also begin training our eastern allies with
western units, so they can get up to NATO doctrines."

"Good idea - how much local opposition do you think there'd be within
Germany to resurrecting and expanding the old REFORGER exercises?"
Williams asked. "I know they're not particularly popular with the
Greens, so we'd do about half the exercise schedule in the US - but
it'd be good for everybody if we could stress test the systems for
deployment to Europe from CONUS regularly, in particular."

"The Greens are a bit annoying, but what Hong did and the Iranian
situation, Germans would not object, we don't have the same freedom we
did in the cold war, but if we use the East, we could rent fields as
needed, and the income from soldiers can't hurt these communities."  A
pause, "I can handle the Greens and the BKA can handle the extremists
in the area."

A nod. "I'd prefer not to cause too much trouble for you if I can
avoid it - that said, it'd be good to use the East - and Poland,
probably - for training space."

"It makes sense, as for trouble, there will be no trouble, like I
said, Hong's decisions and Russia has made things much more
palletable, plus it is a good idea to get our newest allies on the
same game plan in training then in an actual conflict."

With that, the conversation drifted to less substantial matters.
---
Actions:
1. POTUS visits Germany.
2. US and FRG agree to resurrect the old REFORGER exercises, and to
jointly upgrade the training, equipment, and defense infrastructure of
the newer NATO allies - all of the allies that acceded since 1989, who
in many cases aren't fully up to NATO standards, nor fully integrated
in the Alliance.
3. Discuss Romania and other issues of mutual concern.


From martellian at hotmail.com  Wed Sep  3 15:54:36 2008
From: martellian at hotmail.com (Ian Martell)
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 12:54:36 -0700
Subject: [War] Japan: "Soldiers of Peace"
Message-ID: <BAY124-DS2C0220928212983320DEFC65E0@phx.gbl>

"Soldiers of Peace"
Prime Minister Shunichi Sato
Japan

---

If someone had told him as early as last year that he'd be addressing 
Japanese troops in Iran after a successful campaign he would have told them 
to seek help. However here he was at camp Nakamura just outside Kerman, 
doing just that.



He walked to the podium after Colonel Fukada introduced him and then after a 
moment of polite applause from the assembled soldiers of the Japanese 
contingent in Iran bowed deeply.



"On behalf of the people of Japan, I thank you, and please forgive the time 
you have been away from your families and homes, my government believed it 
was nessisary."



It was the standard opening for Japanese speeches, thanks and apology.



That out of the way, Sato rose to his full height, and smiled. "However you 
have been glorious and the whole of Japan should be proud of what you have 
accomplished here. You have represented Japan flawlessly, and shown the 
world that Japanese soldiers are not the Imperialist legions of the past, 
but soldiers of peace."



There was more applause and Sato paused.



"Soldiers of peace," he said rhetorically. "To many that idea is a paradox. 
How can someone trained for war, be for peace? But we have seen it here in 
all of you. You have traveled across half the world and used your training 
in war to bring about peace. To liberate strangers from oppression and 
Empire and when the fighting was finished, you lay down your weapons and 
picked up your tools and built again what was destroyed by war and you 
joined hands with your enemy and made peace where before there was strife."



He nodded towards the small group of Iranian soldiers present with the 
Japanese, serving as advisors and translators to the larger Japanese 
contingent.



"This is the future of Japan's forces: Soldiers of Peace. Soldiers we call 
soldiers and no longer bind them with words of selfish optimism written in 
relief after the end of the world's most horrific war. We must recognize the 
sacrifice of time, sweat and blood Japan's bravest citizens offer their 
nation, to do otherwise would be cowardly and shameful. Also, we can not be 
miserly with the gifts that providence has given us. Japan has enjoyed 
prosperity and peace for seventy uninterrupted years. Few if any other 
nations can boast the same. It would be unfitting then to hide behind our 
borders and not share these gifts with our fellow man. As such, our 
soldiers, should therefore too not be limited to our shores, but when the 
need arises, and peace is threatened should go forth in accord with the 
soldiers of our brother and sister nations, to secure it for Japan and the 
world.



"However despite this purity of purpose, many at home and abroad will be 
suspicious of Japan's return to the soldierly and to them I have a few 
words.  To those abroad, I understand, the scars of history do not heal 
easily, but I ask for time for Japan to prove itself no longer a maker of 
war, but a champion of peace. To those at home."



He paused to take a deep breath as though to hold back his anger.



"I have no patience. Do you have so little faith in your government; in 
those who have volunteered to protect you from harm to believe words on a 
page is all that restrains us from once again pursuing a ruinous course of 
military conquest? Those days are finished, hung with their architects 
seventy years ago. Japan, will never pursue conquest, and war will be the 
final option once all others have been exhausted. Even then, as war rages 
our diplomats shall meet with the enemy and attempt to reach an accord, as 
was the case here in Iran.



"Japan is and will be forever a nation of peace, however, peace is not 
achieved free of sacrifice, and free of conflict. We shall always look to 
our diplomats first to calm those who would distrupt that peace, but if 
there is no other path, Japan must be also ready to fight for peace, that is 
what I propose, and what, these men and women before me have done."



He turned to the soldiers again and bowed.



"Thank you, thank you all, I am proud of your accomplishments and am 
grateful for your sacrifices."



Sato bowed again and Fukada stepped up beside him and nodded to the senior 
NCO who stood below the podium. "Up," the Sergeant shouted.



The Japanese soldiers stood.



"Bow."



The men all bowed the standard ten degrees that took the place of a salute 
in the JSDF.



"Up," he said after five seconds then rasied his hands and shouted. 
"Soldiers of Peace!"



The others echoed him as Sato descended from the podium to come down and 
shake hands with the men and women of the JSDF.



Actions:



1> Praise the troops, and explain to Japan and the world what exactly the 
government has in mind for the Japanese military.



From iain at iain-waddell.co.uk  Fri Sep  5 14:34:58 2008
From: iain at iain-waddell.co.uk (Iain)
Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 19:34:58 +0100
Subject: [War] Spain: "This and That"
Message-ID: <CCBF0831CA4249E6B61B948C5918C111@iainw>

"This and That"
Prime Minister Elena Rodriguez
Spain
16th August 2014

"Are you sure that's the wisest course of action?" 

Elena had not expected her defence advisor to be particularly happy with the
majority decision that had been taken regarding the Iran/Azerbaijan
situation. Although they had committed to the mission and NATO may have
other plans for their members, Spain was in the non-proliferation and
arms-reducing camp. Where she had sat quite happily with Romania until
rather recent and rather abrupt events appeared to have left Spain out on a
limb and looking for new chums. So the decision to withdraw mainstream
military from the Caucasus shouldn't have come as a surprise.

"It's the 'right' course of action as far as this government is concerned,
so it is what must happen." She could see further objections about to come
her way so she held her hand up and continued. "Before you give me the
'abandoning needy people' lecture, I can assure we shall be doing no such
thing. Aid workers are already on their way to the areas where they are most
needed and I shall be sending additional military engineers and medical,
nursing and health professional staff to flesh out those we already have in
the area. There are more than enough NATO and other forces there to 'police'
and 'ensure safety'. If they see the need to do that then let them, we do
not need to get involved."

Mouth still agog, her defence advisor bowed his head in what could have been
seen as a naughty-puppy-caught-in-the-act gesture. It was then that the
Minister for Foreign Affairs piped up. "And what of the Embassy in Romania?
We're currently still operating and I am anxious about any withdrawal and
the impact it would have on any citizens we have out there."

"Continue as we are for now," Elena shrugged a little. "Until we meet
opposition from the Romanian Government I see no need to change the status
quo." (OOC: Nothing ever came of the last post about us delaying out
departure so thought I'd test the water again hehe)

"Very good, I shall inform the Ambassador. Shall we return more staff?"

"Not for the time being, I'd rather keep people out there to a minimum."
Elena turned around to face the last person in the room, her PA. "Now, I've
come to a decision that may well make me unpopular following our statement
on the Canada-China incident. But I intend to reschedule my visit out there.
See if you can get a window in my schedule that matches up with that of
McColl's and tell Diego he's coming, he's not getting out of this one.
Obviously make it after the President's visit but other than that I'm open
to whatever suits."

(OOC: Sorry so short but thought I should get something out pre-WR and not
sure if I'll have time to finish JPs tonight)
==============
Actions:
1) Withdraw combat troops from Iran/Azerbaijan and leave our Engineers and
Medics to help out where they can.
2) Send out further Military Engineers and Medics/Nurses/Aliied Health
Professionals to support our efforts at rebuilding/aiding the populations
affected by the 'war'
3) Encourage Spanish and international aid agencies to work in compliment
with these forces
4) Reinforce our anti-proliferation/military regime policy
5) Keep Embassy open in Romania for time being
6) Rearrange meeting with Prime Minister of Canada




From john.penta at gmail.com  Fri Sep  5 19:23:17 2008
From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta)
Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 19:23:17 -0400
Subject: [War] WAR World Report, Volume 11
Message-ID: <ab8370d40809051623r6ef49e3es98981ca63121686d@mail.gmail.com>

WAR: World Report Volume 11

For all actions since Volume 10, advancing the timeline to 17 August
to 31 August

United Nations Security Council (Permanent Members): United States,
United Kingdom, France, China, Russia

United Nations Security Council (Non-Permanent Members as of 1 June 2014):
Until January 2015:  Germany, Thailand, Poland, South Africa, Panama
Until January 2016:  Canada, Japan, Hungary, Algeria, Venezuela

Pending UN Security Council Actions: None
Pending UN General Assembly Actions: None
United Nations Secretariat: No news.
=========================================
GM babble:

I realize the timeline may not be even, trying to correct for the
weird timekeeping of earlier WRs. - John
=========================================

=========================================

ACTION RESPONSES
=============================
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
===========================
Population Approval: 53%
Government Approval: 53%
International Favor: 50%
Economic Growth: 3.9%
Inflation: 4.1%
Unemployment: 4.2%
----------------------------

For the most part not much to report from Australia.  The reforms
regarding education costs while recieving hopeful reception, have also
drawn some raised eyebrows as to how it actually will pan out.
Welfare advocates are quite outspoken that with the adjustments made
to Centrelink that services to those, particularly aboriginals
recieving government aid will suffer especially in light of blogs
highlighting the barely at third world living conditions many
aboriginals are currently living in while being willfully ignored by
the caucasian populace.

Deployment of troops for the rebuilding occupation has met with the
expected grumbling of 'no blood for oil' no more than usual and many
pondering if the proposed 12 months of occupation ends up getting
extended.

============================
CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
Population Approval: 52%
Government Approval: 50%
International Favor: 23%
Economic Growth: 9.7%, high
Inflation: 3.0%
Unemployment: 10.1%
----------------------------

While not much has been leaked over the recent 'housecleaning' by
President Hong short of an approximate 400 arrests ranging from
students to long time politicians, little if any violence around the
arrests have been reported.  However leaks on the internets allude to
the deaths of some of those imprisoned while in custody with
conflicting word on 'accidents' or simply old age.

On the international front, while the standing down from potential
global war is met with sighs of relief across the board, it appears
that China's taking a 'keeping an eye on you' stance in regards to the
Iran occupation as the agreement between China and the US over letting
the Iranians rebuild on thier own is appearing to be empty words in
light of the deployment of occupational forces from the western world.

The prompt establishment of facilities for assistance for the Iranians
wanting democracy is going to have a rocky road to travel, but in
light of past actions from the 'West' are going smoother than
expected.

Dealings with Pakistan are going difficult from the Pakistani end of
things from natural hesitance that comes from the usual dealings with
one of the major powers since anything from them tends to have a
price.

============================

CANADA
========================
Population Approval:47%
Government Approval:43%
International Favor: 50%
Economic Growth: 2.2%
Inflation: 5.0%
Unemployment: 6.3%
-------------------------

Protests over the Canadian Government's actions in China continue
unabated...and seemingly ignored by the McColl government. Thusfar the
newest tensions with the Chinese and the successful war in Iran have
limited the media impact of this, but it still sets tongues wagging in
Ottawa, especially among the Opposition.

===========================

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
===========================
Population Approval: 55%
Government Approval: 55%
International Favor: 50%
Economic Growth: 2.2%
Inflation: 2.0%
Unemployment: 8%
----------------------------

The resurrection of the Blue Max is greeted with mixed reactions at
home and abroad - Germany's general lack of bravery awards for its
troops is now corrected, bringing the country one step closer to being
a 'normal' country, but that very step closer to normality is deeply
opposed by pacifists, both in and out of politics.

The return of the old REFORGER exercises is a hot topic in and out of
NATO circles at the moment - among the broader public, opinion is
split. On the one hand, besides all of the usual concerns, the
large-scale, force-on-force exercises seem a relic of another era,
despite what need there may be for such training. On the other, it's
pointed out that modern technology will in many cases reduce the need
for actual troops-on-the-ground (or tanks-in-the-field) for the same
training benefit, and the prospect of Allied troops arriving to
Eastern Germany and Poland brings hopes of new infusions (of
undetermined regularity, granted) to the local economy.

============================

JAPAN
======
Population Approval: 51%
Government Approval: 56%
International Favor: 65%
Economic Growth: 2.8%
Inflation: 0.6%
Unemployment: 4%
-------

Despite the best efforts of the PMO, the Japanese people don't
entirely believe the PM when it comes to his wayward son - however,
they're proving unusually forgiving in the wake of a successful (and
for Japan, mostly naval) war, and the impact on the PM long-term is
expected to be minimal. The man in question for this small scandal was
hanged at 1200, 16 August 2014, at the Tokyo Detention Center.

The Prime Minister's efforts as regards the Japanese military receive
far more coverage. Japan's "taking the lead" in Iran gets a lot of
press coverage, and the JSDF is praised for its stance in handling
Iranian protests.

=============================

FRANCE
=======
Population Approval: 60%
Government Approval: 68%
International Favor: 43%
Economic Growth: 2.5%
Inflation: 5.6%
Unemployment: 6.2%
-------------------------

The Visit for the US President was met with the usual cheers from some
protests from others.

The decision to hold off on imposing the EU trade restrictions is
showing a desire to work with Romania that bodes well for the
reuniting of the wayward nation.

==============================

NIGERIA
============================
Popular Approval: 57%
Governmental Approval: 57%
International Favor: 50%
Economic Growth: 9.3%, high
Inflation:5%
Unemployment:4.7%
-----------------------------

LOA

===========================

ROMANIA
===========================
Popular Approval: 59%
Government Approval 59%
International Favor: 50%
Inflation: 7.1%
Economic growth: 4.3%
Unemployment: 4.9%
----------------------------

Despite the valiant efforts of the Romanian government, there's still
some exit of foreign companies from Romania. In many cases, the lack
of official diplomatic ties between Romania and the countries
concerned is cited as a reason - tourists may survive fine with
"diplo-tourists" handling their consular services in Romania, and
Germany acting as the protecting power for Romanians overseas, but
businesses in many cases are not so flexible.

So far as Project Aqualung, the potential of a wave farm is debated -
on the one hand, the technology would receive quite a boost by
Romania's investment in it (mostly because the technology has yet to
really be explored much). On the other hand, there's a potential kiss
of death for it: The Black Sea simply does not produce very powerful
waves, making it hard to draw power from them.

On that mixed note, expansion of the Cernavoda plant should take
approximately 6 months and $3 billion USD, presuming the Canadian
government approves export of a fifth reactor to the now-isolationist
Romania.

The legalization of gambling is greeted with disfavor by many, even if
it may be seen as necessary. Reports (of unknown veracity) of a turf
war in the Romanian underworld over cuts of the profits from these
casinos do not help in the least.

=============================

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
===========================
  Population Approval: 57%
  Government Approval: 55%
  International Favor: 60%
  Economic Growth: 2.3%
  Inflation: 5.6%
  Unemployment: 6.2%
----------------------------

When things get bad for Russia, they get really bad.

The oilfield workers around Vladivostok are sick of poor working
conditions, second class citizenship, poverty and other problems; this
has resulted in not only strikes but demonstrations, while there has
been limited violence it has festered.

Several workers were quoted as arguing he cares more for what the
world thinks then his own people. The protests and strikes have
carried to other Russian fields where work slowdowns have dropped the
supply of oil on the world market and the trickle down effects have
severely damaged Russian economic situations.

The Russian people are still annoyed at their failed goodwill summit,
and most point the blame directly at their leader. There have been
several hard-line protests calling for the return of both Communism
and the Czar.
============================

SPAIN
=============================
Popular Approval: 57%
Governmental Approval:57%
International Favor:48%
Economic Growth:2.9%
Inflation:3.35%
Unemployment:2.6%
------------------

While a successful war gives anybody some political capital, the
seeming eagerness of the Government to leave the hardest work, that of
occupation and reconstruction, to Spain's allies is quickly noticed
*by* those allies - and is the subject of unfavorable comment at home
and abroad, limiting whatever political capital may have been gained
by the successful prosecution of the war. This shoves the Government's
domestic agenda off the front pages, where it had been receiving
somewhat favorable comment (if accompanied by worried glances at the
budget for 2015).

==============================

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
========================
Population Approval: 63%
Government Approval: 61%
International Favor: 50%
Economic Growth: 2.5%
Inflation: 3.0%
Unemployment: 5.3%
-------------------------

A successful war gives anybody political capital, and the Young
Government is no exception. The visit to the troops gets positive
coverage back home, too. Now, though, comes the hard part: the
occupation and rebuilding of Iran, with tensions already developing
with the Chinese.

=========================

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
========================
Population Approval: 54%
Government Approval: 54%
International Favor: 68%
Economic Growth: 2.9%
Inflation: 3.1%
Unemployment: 4.2%
-------------------------

Williams world tour as it's been dubbed on the media circles has gone
off without a hitch.  Several members of congress grumble that he
should spend so much time at home.

There were a few unguarded moments though, an open mike slip caught
Williams making an angry comment about Romania and it's "temper
tantrum" in addition to references to their "little contribution" and
commentary about their undisciplined troops resulted in angry
commentary from Several Romanian American celebrities, including
Screen Legend Lauren Bacall who denounced Williams as "typically
arrogant" and has planned a trip to Bucharest.

The Iranian rebuilding will take time, but so far the US response has
been called a 180 from Iraq, though protesters are cropping up
demanding the US go home.  Old tribal arguments have cropped up
without the unifying force of the Islamic government to knock it down.

The Congressional hearings on what is being dubbed Maple-gate, or the
US assistance to the Canadian raid begins with congressmen from both
parties vowing to 'get to the bottom of this'.
=========================

=============================================

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

NOTE: Initial indicators were gleaned from as recent sources as
possible, for the most recent term possible (annualized). In some
cases, the numbers used are published estimates, but the English-
speaking nations' data is more or less right from the source.

Depression: Economic forces retracting uncontrollably and at a
dangerous pace with little end in sight.

Recession: Economic forces retracting, but more shallow than
Depression and more controlably. Sometimes necessary and part of
regular economic trends, although prelonged.

Revision: Economic forces retracting slightly and short term,
associated with economic systems refitting to accomodate new
industries, concentrations, etc.

Zero: No movement one way or the other.
Low: Comparatively low Economic growth/activity. (miniscule to about
2%, depending)
Good: Average economic activity (ranging from 2%-5% normally)
High: Above average performance (Greater than 5%) Sometimes
dangerous if in excess of 8% continuously.

SITES OF INTEREST

WAR Website: http://war.dagarcia.net/
United Nations: http://www.un.org/
Central Intelligence Agency: http://www.cia.gov/
CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/
Federation of American Scientists: http://www.fas.org/
GlobalSecurity.org: http://www.globalsecurity.org


From john.penta at gmail.com  Sun Sep  7 12:13:48 2008
From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta)
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2008 12:13:48 -0400
Subject: [War] US: Again to the overseers
Message-ID: <ab8370d40809070913y74ab7e41j70eaee633cce3c22@mail.gmail.com>

"Again to the overseers"
18 August 2014
SECDEF Julius Abbot
USA
===================
<Capitol Hill>

    These actually got easier the more you did them, Iulius reflected
privately as he strode confidently past the press pack.

He was still going to have words with John about his paycheck not
equalling the risk, but it was hard to be too grumpy.

After all, the security of American democracy was part of why his
family had left Greece when he'd been a kid, and this was *part* of
that security, wasn't it?

It was.

But it was still damn annoying.
----

"Congressman, I am reluctant to discuss matters such as this in open
session. To give any further detail as to the process of transfer of
the received take of satellite reconnaisance would, in my opinion,
tend to damage the security of future intelligence and military
activities," Abbot repeated.

"You're really not going to tell this committee anything, are you, Mr.
Secretary?" the Congressman poked.

"In closed session, I'll sing like a canary. In open session? No."

It was a promise he kept. In closed session, the SECDEF was open,
candid...Exactly why people usually tuned in to hearings involving the
Williams Administration.

There had been screwups, and the Williams Administration was
self-flagellatingly brutal in closed session about what those had
been, the relevant committee members struggling to get their questions
focused.

But in open session? Not a word of consequence. Duck, weave, practice
your footwork. On what was being called the second Canadian Caper,
nothing useful was being released in open session.
---
Actions:
1. Radical Openness is being practiced once again, this time with a twist.
   A. In open session, the Williams Administration isn't saying much
of anything.
   B. In closed session, they spill it. Exactly -how- everybody from
POTUS on down screwed up, in self-flagellatingly brutal detail.
2. Appearing before the committees:
   A. SECDEF
   B. SECSTATE
   C. CJCS
   D. DNI
   E. National Security Advisor


From martellian at hotmail.com  Sun Sep  7 13:17:10 2008
From: martellian at hotmail.com (Ian Martell)
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2008 10:17:10 -0700
Subject: [War] Japan: "Tehran"
Message-ID: <BAY124-DS692D82D3C2CC9C07F8B59C65A0@phx.gbl>

"Tehran"
Prime Minister Shunichi Sato
Japan
Backpost


The trip from Kerman to Tehran was quick, in fact the drive in the heavily 
armed motorcade to the Tehran Grand Hotel, the headquarters of the Allied 
Control Council, was almost as long at thirty-minutes.

Once the PM's limo reached the steps of the hotel, and the men with 
sub-machineguns secured the area, Sato emerged and approached Ambassador 
Matsuda and his party who waited for him on steps.

They bowed, and Sato bowed back and introductions and greetings were 
exchanged before everyone headed inside out of the August heat of Tehran and 
the ever-present chance of assassination. The knot of Japanese men, and it 
was all men, Akemi went home after Beijing, walked through the controlled 
chaos that was the Allied Control Council headquarters which was still being 
set up and had the additional problem of what to do about the Chinese to 
deal with now too.

Sato was wondering what exactly he had gotten his country into as the group 
entered the small but elegant conference room that would serve for his 
meeting with the Ambassador. Sato nodded and dismissed his aides and Matsuda 
took it as a cue to do the same and shortly they were alone.

Sato took an admiring view of the room and asked lightly. "Prize of war?"

Matsuda snorted. "Hardly, the Council is paying market rates to rent the 
place," the Ambassador said.

"Likely good news for the owners, I don't imagine Tehran is seeing much 
tourism at the moment. At least no-one that rates the Grand."

"Actually there is a lot of traffic into the city. Protesters mostly, but 
also businessmen representing the bidding parties for the reconstruction 
contracts."

Sato nodded. He forgot war could be good for business.

"How's it look for our companies bidding on the reconstruction?"

"Not good, the transport costs kill us; it's likely going to be local firms 
who do the work."

"Can we get away with transporting them in?" Sato asked.

Matsuda shook his head. "No, the Americans are adamant that the bids are 
fair across the board, even their own companies are losing out."

Shrugging Sato replied. "Nothing can be done then," he said. "I suppose if 
local firms win, all the better, so long as the job is done and done right."

"Believe me, we will be making sure of that."

Sato nodded. He knew Matusda would.

"Now about China."

Matsuda stood up and bowed almost in half. "Let me apologize for my message 
to the Chinese. I did not anticipate they would make it public."

Playing the part of benevolent superior as was required by the custom, Sato 
nodded. "It's fine Matsuda-san, Hong is frequently unpredictable. Let us 
move on."

Matsuda sat back down satisfied he had done what he had to alleviate his 
professional shame at the incident. "Thank you sir," he said.

Sato waved it away. "Let's not think about it any more, what we need is a 
solution."

Matsuda nodded and for a while the conversation was dominated by China's 
newest incursion, when they were finished they moved on to the parts of Iran 
they did have a say over.

"Alright, where does the occupation stand?"

"There are protests of course and some tribal governments forming in the 
hinterlands of the country, nothing that was not seen in Iraq or 
Afghanistan, but less so. No violence as yet though one of our troops did 
get hit by a rock the other day."

"Yes, Corporal Harima, I met him when I was in Kerman," Sato noted. "Thrown 
by an eleven year old wasn't it?"

"Yes, " Matusda said.

"If only our youth were so politically interested," Sato joked.

"Less politics, more fanaticism, they throw rocks because we're the ally of 
Great Satan not because they know or care what our politics are."

"You really should be our Ambassador to Russia, you would get along with 
their President," quipped Sato.

Matsuda smiled. "I've been told that."

Sato returned the smile and then carried on. "That aside, the protests have 
been manageable?"

"So far, however with the Spanish leaving the contingent and the Chinese 
arriving, it would be good to see more boots on the ground."

"Japanese boots?"

"Any boots at this point, but so far Japanese boots are all we have direct 
say over."

"What sort of numbers?" Sato asked.

"A thousand more troops, non-combat mostly, MPs, engineers, people who can 
repair the damage and keep the peace."

Frowning Sato rubbed his chin. The Diet wasn't going to like that idea, but 
it was better to spend some political capital now for more men, than lose it 
all when something goes horribly wrong. "I will put the request in motion," 
he replied.

Matsuda nodded. "Minister Jonouchi also informed me there was an aide 
package being discussed."

Sato nodded. "Yes, the Ministry is discussing it, we're looking at about a 
billion USD for rebuilding as well as money to help small businesses and 
schools, similar to the package we've offered Malaysia and Indonesia, but 
bigger."

Those packages were part of Japan's overall anti-terrorism plan, the idea 
being that if people had education and work they would be less likely to 
throw their life away fighting Great Satan. And in the end prosperity was 
cheaper than war.

"And Azerbaijan?" asked Matsuda.

"500 million," Sato replied. "I discussed it with their President yesterday. 
Don't worry we've read your memos, we won't mess up the end game like the 
West has done so many times before."

Matsuda nodded.

There was a knock on the door and Matsuda shouted enter. Sato's new aide, 
Satoshi was at the door.

"Sir, the Iranians are here," he said to the Prime Minister.

The 'Iranians' were former officials working for the ACC during the 
transition, many of whom planned to run in the elections that would bring 
about the end of the occupation, in short, the future leaders of Iran. Sato 
was determined to make a good impression for the sake of Japan and Iran's 
future relations.

Sato rose. "Ambassador, I suppose our time is up. Shall we go?"
The Ambassador nodded. "Yes sir," as he rose to his feet.

The two left the conference room to meet the Iranian delegation.

---

Tehran - Prime Minister Sato of Japan met with the Japanese representative 
on the Allied Control Council, Hiromasa Matsuda, today in Tehran. While the 
meeting was a said to be private, afterwards, both men announced at a 
meeting of Iranian officials that Japan would be offering a billion dollar 
aide package to the war torn country, including earmarks for school 
construction and a program of business grants.

When asked about the Chinese accusations against the Allied forces 
occupation of Iran, the Prime Minister had this to say: "This [occupation] 
is temporary, and was with the consent of the Iranian government, while it 
undergoes transition, once there are new elections and the peace treaty is 
ratified, we will hand over all functions of government to Iran and happily 
go home. China has made no such promises and entered this country without 
any negotiated terms with the Iranian government. If this were my country, I 
know whose occupation I'd protest."

In regards to the 'oil memo' China released from Ambassador Matsuda, the 
Prime Minister stood by Japan's representative by saying: "China does 
benefit by the swift rebuilding of Iran's oil infrastructure, it is also 
benefits Iran. Oil makes up 80% of Iran's exports and without that money 
Iran cannot rebuild."

.

Actions:
1>	Generally introduce the HQ of the ACC in Tehran.
2>	Offer Iran a billion dollar aide package: 500 million for rebuilding 
projects. 200 million in grants towards improving the Iranian education 
system. 300 million in grants for business creation.
3>	Look into more troops for Iran.
4>	Counter China's claims that the Allied forces are trampling Iran's 
rights.
5>	Support the Ambassador publicly and explain his statements.



From john.penta at gmail.com  Sun Sep  7 14:40:06 2008
From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta)
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2008 14:40:06 -0400
Subject: [War] US/Spain: Spanish Dance
Message-ID: <ab8370d40809071140ndee89bp8e0ca14a9f0f9b0@mail.gmail.com>

"Spanish Dance"
19 August 2014
Pres. John Williams, USA
PM Elena Rodriguez, Spain
=========================
[OOC: This post refers to events in an as-yet-unfinished US/France JP.
Ignore the out-of-order posting, please. - John]
<Torrejon Air Base, Spain>

As Air Force One flew into Madrid, John Williams looked out the window.

Germany had gone well; Now, hopefully, time for more of the same in Madrid?

Nah, that would make it too easy.

This was going to be a challenge, actually.

Spain was not one of the places usually on the US radar - too quiet,
honestly. Until lately. They had the distinct possibility of becoming
as unpredictable as Canada had become, so it seemed a good idea to
keep communications open.

Elena Rodriguez stood side-by-side with her Deputy Prime Minister as the
stairs were brought alongside Air Force One and a smirk crossed her face.

"Tristan, remind me why we don't have one of those."

He shook his head slightly as his eyes rolled. "For that I quote you..." He
cleared his throat and did his best Rodriguez-impression. "Why would anyone
spend that much on a jet to ferry a leader about from a Cessna costs hardly
anything in comparison and doesn't eat fuel like there's no tomorrow."

"Oh, yes I remember now, thank you." The was a brief chuckle passed between
the two as the President began to descend onto Spanish soil. "Well here
goes..."

Elena Rodriguez began to stride forward, closely followed by her deputy,
passing by the several military officers that lined the way. Too much pomp
and ceremony as far as she was concerned, but the base's CO had insisted. As
she reached President Williams her hand extended in the automatic gesture of
greeting and he lips turned upwards into a genuinely warm smile. Despite
never having met the man, they had co-operated on several projects which
would not have happened with previous US administrations.

"Mr. President, welcome to Spain. It has been some time since we had the
pleasure of entertaining the 'Most Powerful Man in the World'."

"Thank you." Although most days, I could do without the power, he
refrained from saying.

"This is Deputy Prime Minister Tristan Mendez." Tristan extended his hand
and greeted the President with a solemn nod and a 'pleased to meet you'.

Williams shook the outstretched hand, returning the greeting.

Elena led the way back past the military officers standing at attention,
feeling surprisingly calm. There had been no reason for security worries but
of course extra measures had been taken then the usual visiting dignitaries,
both the Civil Guard and the American Secret Service had insisted on it.
Tristan broke from the group to head to a car to the rear of the Mercedes
that awaited the two world leaders.

As someone opened the doors on either side for them to enter, she looked
over the roof at Williams. "I apologise for my taste for smaller vehicles,
but I believe they are much more effective and discreet."

"Believe me, if I could get the Secret Service to agree, I'd be
following your example. Unfortunately, they're terrified about some
whacko with a bazooka." Williams replied with a grin. "Or at least
that's their latest excuse, and my wife doesn't have the taste for
risk that I do."
---
(Palacio de la Moncloa)

"Can I get you anything, Mr. President?" Elena was pouring herself some tea
from the fresh pot that was constantly renewed throughout the day - that had
been one of her first acts as Prime Minister.

"Coffee, please?"

Elena nodded as she approached the pot at the other end of the desk on which
they were set up and began to pour. "So, what brings you to Europe?" She had
a few matters she wouldn't mind getting some discussion in on, but courtesy
wouldn't go amiss beforehand.

"Trying to consult within NATO on the general situation, trying to get
out of DC...Whole horde of small reasons, but no topic in particular,"
Williams offered. "That said, what concerns Spain at the moment,
thinking internationally?"

She handed Williams his coffee then sat on the chair opposite him taking a
sip of her own tea. "Well you may have noted our recent attempts to be
noticed, we are a bit of a childish nation like that." She gave him a small
smile but continued. "And that said, we do have a few concerns that it might
be wise to discuss with you, for one our growing economic status..."

Williams just nodded, sipping his coffee occasionally.

"Well I am told by reliable sources that these days our GDP and other
economic indicators outstrip that of Russia and Canada and are easily on
track to rival that of Italy. Yet not only have we got no say in the G8 on
serious matters, but we are not even involved in the plus 6 'bone' that has
been tossed out to some nations in the recent past. That is, of course,
unless you count our contribution to EU representation once in a blue
moon..."

"I get what you're saying; I have two points to that. One, G8
membership is decided by consensus - it's not just me you have to
convince. Two, it's meant to be a small gathering - not necessarily
representative as such. It's one reason why I look at expanding the G8
by much in a skeptical light. The purpose of it was never meant to be
a global talking shop, even if it fulfills that function on more
occasions than not.

"It's meant, in short, to head off crises - Spain being within the EU
and the Euro, a lot of the reason for your presence would actually be
handled by more consistently inviting the EU. At the head of
government level, the fact remains that Spain doesn't have enough
throw-weight militarily or diplomatically to really help in crisis
resolution. The Canadians are invited because they tend to be effected
by whatever the US decides; the Italians are admittedly a relic of the
1970s start of the forum.

"I doubt I can satisfy you, really - it's not about right or wrong,
it's about the power base of the world's industrialized democracies
plus Russia. In any event, if you're going to make that case, make it
to the Italians - they're the logical ones to step aside."

Williams explained this with hand gestures moving with his voice - the
reality was, Spain was asking to be admitted to the top level of
global affairs when, outside of the economic sphere, the country
simply didn't have the resources to warrant admission. It wasn't
-fair-, or ideal, or a lot of things...But it was how power worked. So
he laid that out. Not to lecture, but to explain: Spain's military and
diplomatic power wasn't there yet.

Elena's smile had faded but not yet vanished, more out of courtesy than
anything else, but she shrugged a little in a 'what can you do' way before
responding. "We shall see how things develop, it's just a thought that has
been tossed around here a lot recently. Admittedly we have other forums that
we need to work on increasing our active participation in before we tackle
something so large, perhaps. We have already taken a more active role within
the European Parliament and we are doing a lot less abstaining within
organisations such as NATO and the UN. I suppose that's also a lot about
profile-building."

Another sip of her tea before she continued. "I have heard a little bit of
noise about our standing over our military services. My representatives in
the US had told me that you perhaps would be interested in discussing that
area?"

"It's an old issue for me, from when I was in Congress. One of the
oldest complaints from the US public, on the rare occasions they sit
down to think about NATO, is that European countries don't do enough
to help share the burden, capabilities-wise. Spain's military cutbacks
are a case in point: You already spend below the 2% level NATO has
suggested since basically forever - it feels to many Americans, myself
*not* among them, that countries such as Spain are exemplifying the
'free-rider problem'." He paused. "In short, I need something to take
back to Congress to show how Spain is not being a 'free-rider' oin
defense matters."

"Although we are have made cut backs in recent years to our military force,
our lack of defence requirements and tactical obligations as a nation have
allowed us to contribute more than required to NATO and other international
peace-keeping forces. I don't see why a minimum spend, in terms of GDP
percentage or actual monetary amounts should be set for each nation in NATO,
surely that should be dependent on the nations' own requirements?"

"Unfortunately, that's not how force generation works - this was my
job while I was a reservist during my Congressional service, so I'm
speaking as someone with experience. What gets looked for in NATO
planning is something of a 'minimum contribution' to the general
defense - a certain amount of capability, force levels, etc. Spain's
current posture leaves you, professionally speaking, with no more fat
to cut - it's all bone now, and cutting into bone makes it look like
you don't take Spain's obligations, as a NATO member, to contribute to
the common defense seriously. That's not my position, not yet, but it
is the thinking of a lot of people in Congress...And it's hard to
dispute." Williams had been asked to bring it up, so he did.

"Our rationale for the cutbacks is twofold. Firstly, as a nation the Spanish
are dedicated to peace and oppose arms proliferation, and I'm sure you're
aware of our anti-nuclear efforts in concert with several other governments.
We do understand that in order to maintain peace or establish order a
military force is sometimes required, but not on the levels we see them in
many places. Secondly, our budget would not allow us to expand our military
or to maintain a force of a much greater size than that which we presently
keep. A reallocation of former defence spending has arisen from the
attitudes I raised in my first point, and that which has yet to be allocated
will be required for the several rather ambitious projects this government
has announced for the coming year."

There was no convincing the PM, Williams saw. Instead, he simply
replied. "I'll be sure to tell the Joint Staff to keep that in mind
when planning for the defense of Europe."

Perhaps the scaling down of Spain's military was something that needed to be
addressed domestically, but that was not going to be on the agenda for a
while, Elena mused. She thought she almost detected bitchiness in the
President's last comment and perhaps it was time to change the direction of
the conversation. "On the note of European affairs, have you any insight on
the Romania matter? It has caused some concern over here..."

"Not sure how to think of it. The Germans and French are of the
go-slowly mindset, Germans even more lenient than the French. I was
actually wondering Spain's position on the matter, and whether I
should head over to Bucharest yet? The French say not yet, the Germans
ask why I haven't gone already."

"Well we're actively encouraging communication there with our embassy
delaying it's closure. However, little has come of that unfortunately." It
had caused a few setbacks on international co-operative projects that Spain
and Romania had been involved in, and Rodriguez was still hopeful that
Romania might return to those in the near future, whether this was na?ve or
not. "And I don't think it could do any harm to visit - after all I believe
Danesti's main gripe was the lack of attention anyone paid to Romania and
other countries of 'lesser means'. A visit from the President of the United
States would go a long way to proving her wrong. Besides, I hear Bucharest
is lovely this time of year - I'm tempted to join you."

"It's definitely something I'm considering; On the other hand, I don't
want to encourage such moves on the part of anyone else," Williams
noted.

"I find the whole situation a bit surreal and bizarre to be honest. I'm
still unclear what she's hoping to achieve over there on her own. But I
suppose each should be left to their own decisions on foreign policy, she
doesn't seem to be doing anyone any harm at the moment."

"You're hardly the only one who finds it surreal. I'm not sure, also,
that she's doing no harm - the precedent she's setting is...worrying
for the international system. Dropping out is supposed to not be a
viable option."

Elena nodded, a look of concern on her features. "Indeed, surely the
United Nations is less a body to be joined than an international forum
of recognised governments? I wasn't aware one could...leave quite like
that."

"Leaving was always an option, just...not one ever supposed to be exercised."

"Well let's hope this is a first and last for it to be so. I'm aware this
might not be possible but anything you learnt if you were to visit Bucharest
would definitely be of interest to us."

"Of course. We'll pass on anything interesting."

"Was there anything you wanted to discuss with me, Mr. President, I'm aware
that I have perhaps been steering this conversation. It is not often I get
the opportunity to do so with world leaders..."

Williams chuckled. "I hardly mind. On our end...I must admit, I'm
wondering precisely what the big projects you have in mind are. If
there's any way we could help, I'd be willing to consider it."

Now that was music to her ears. "Well we have a big renewable energy project
in progress at the moment, and we're pretty well equipped for it but outside
input is always welcomed. And on that note we're more than willing to share
our research and progress on the matter with yourself and any other
interested parties. On top of that an overhaul of our rail system is
underway to an entirely high-speed network which will hopefully complement
those already in Europe as well as others in progress and planned. You
probably are also aware of our recent interest in ANDA and either renewing
to more up to date and 'green' reactors or decommissioning and disposal of
nuclear waste. And finally we're looking into a lot of social reform
policies as there has been a distinct lack of that in recent years given the
current social climate. So not very much at all..."

He grinned. "Slow down, slow down. ANDA - You need to be more specific
on what you want. It's like any engineering project, you need to
define your requirements or the project gets beyond any control. Your
other projects, I'm not sure how we can help."

Rodriguez laughed a little. "I apologise, I'll be a bit more specific, and a
little slower. With ANDA, we are specifically interested in new generation
nuclear reactors, with better safety, longer life and less wastage. Also
we're interested in disposal technology for safe and environmentally
friendly disposal of nuclear waste."

Williams smiled. "Civil reactor development and disposal. I know that
the reactor development is moving along, I'll put in some calls once
we're done here, but more contributions to the development budget are
always helpful. Essentially, what we're looking to develop is a
standardized reactor type that, like an airplane, can be
'type-certified' once, then built repetitively to the same design,
spreading costs across all of the reactors." He paused. "Disposal is
still in basic research, sadly."

"I'm sure we can make a decent contribution if some assurances can be taken
back to my government that disposal research could become more of a
priority?" The diplomat in her was beginning to shine through, she did miss
the negotiations sometimes, and now she could state her own terms rather
than those handed to her.

"It's not a matter of priority, it's the fact that the research'll
take another few years to even get anywhere." Williams replied. "There
are some methods that show promise, but these things require time to
prove efficacy."

"Alright, I'll have a word with the relevant people here but I'm sure we can
free up some funding to support the research, but I must be explicit in that
we shall have no part in funding nuclear weapons technology."

That had Williams smiling. "Agreed. Nuclear weapons are outside of
ANDA in any regard. The only military aspect to ANDA is the work on
naval reactors."

"Still not my favourite area to work on, so you won't mind if Spain perhaps
shies away from that particular part of the project?"

"Not at all, but the money goes into a general pot. It is, after all,
the same atom - a lot of the basic research on naval reactors feeds
into civil reactors, and vice versa."

"Understood. I think we could have ourselves an agreement, in principle at
the moment anyway."
---
Actions:
Actions:
1) Rodriguez and Williams finally meet
2) Discussion around NATO and Spain's military policy.
       a) US suggests increasing military spending would be in Spain's and
NATOs best interests
       b) Spain reinforces policy of having scaled down
       c) Possible review of military spending in the future
3) Discussion re Romania
       a) Rodriguez supports idea of POTUS visiting Bucharest
       b) Agreed that any information gained from such visit will be shared
4) Discussion re ANDA
       a) Rodriguez to secure funding for Spanish participation in ANDA
       b) Expression of interest in newer and 'greener' reactors
       c) Expression of interest in disposal technology, where Spain will
be likely to deploy most resources
       d) Statement of non participation in nuclear military research.


From john.penta at gmail.com  Sun Sep  7 14:42:12 2008
From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta)
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2008 14:42:12 -0400
Subject: [War] US/Russia: A Russian Interlude
Message-ID: <ab8370d40809071142r54561ea1w437964caeeba4c0d@mail.gmail.com>

"A Russian Interlude"
19 August 2014
Pres. John Williams, USA
Foreign Min. Irena Denemetov, Russian Federation
========================
<Madrid>

Foreign Minister Irena Denemetov appreciated the hot Spanish weather.
Nemerenko always complained that Southern Europe was always too hot
and gave him headaches. However he was back in Moscow enjoying his
beloved cold while she made the rounds in the Spanish capital. It
lacked that austere, industrial post-Stalin feel that Moscow had and
was instead more artful and decadent.

"The President will see you now, Minister," the Presidential aide said
to Denemetov. She nodded graciously and followed the young man into
the impromptu office Williams was using while staying in Madrid.

Williams had snagged this office from a member of the defense attache
staff currently on home leave. It wasn't meant to be a long stay in
Madrid, but 36 hours gave a good chance to get out of AF1, confer with
the State Department, and generally catch up on paperwork.

Oh, and meet with the Russian Foreign Minister about the situation in the world.

Not a minor detail, but it -had- been set up on the fly.

"Minister," Williams welcomed with a smile as he saw the door open,
walking over and extending a hand as the door shut softly behind the
Minister. "It's good to meet you."

"President Williams," replied Denemetov cordially. "I hope you are
enjoying the Spanish weather as much as I am. But enough idle chat. I
have been sent here to meet with you because President Nemerenko has
extreme reservations about the current situation occurring between the
Western allies and China in Iran."

"He is hardly the only one - not only do I not appreciate the Chinese
barging in on a carefully-planned redeployment purely out of what
appears to be spite, I really despise their attempt to redraw the
Inner-German Border in Iran," Williams offered  "I told Hong when we
met that I did not *anticipate* it being necessary to send troops in.
As it were, it turned out to -be- necessary to firmly enforce the
Armistice. I rather *resent* being deemed a liar for the situation
having changed under my feet. Also, I forget, when did the Chinese
claim the world to be but provinces of a Chinese Empire? Because the
peacekeeping excuse is getting a bit old. One does not peacekeep with
artillery pieces, *despite* the wish of the redlegs."

"Were either of our nations ever so different?" mused Denemetov
cynically. "But that was then and this is now, I suppose. The reality
is China can do whatever China wants to do and no one can stop them.
Just as America can do whatever America wants to do. And now we have
an immovible object being met by an unstoppable force. We have China
under siege by the West, you supplying weapons insurgents use to kill
Chinese soldiers and North Korean civilians and your Canadian allies
attacking mainlaind China, which leaves China to intefere with your
peacekeeping operation as revenge.

"The reality of the situation, Mr. President, is that we hold both you
and China equally responsible. There is no 'good guys' and 'bad guys,'
just two nations having a conflict of interest that is dragging the
world into a Second Cold War. Now my question is this: how are you
going to react? What is America going to do about it? Because right
now Russia is not a participant but a bystander, a bystander that
could get shot in the crossfire, just like the rest of the world."

"That's why I'm here in Europe, to consult on just that question,"
Williams replied. "If Hong is going to act on a tit-for-tat basis, as
if this is some logic puzzle written with human lives, then I wonder
seriously what you expect." 'Sit there and take it' was a plausible
answer, but not one an American President could afford - pacifism
never having been a serious strain in American politics anyway.
Nemerenko, and his FM, knew that, surely.

The grumpy part of him noted silently that had positions been
reversed, had it been Russia v China, there'd be a nuclear standoff to
make Cuba (or recent events with Canada) look puny. So the hypocrisy
inherent in the Russian position wasn't going unnoticed, either.

"Well if you want our consultation, then it is this: detente. Make
peace. We're not saying that America is the sole hostile force. We are
saying that you are BOTH as equally responsible." The reality of the
situation was that Russia wasn't the one starting all this, they were
watching while the world lurched towards anarchy. America and China
were at fault and now the rest of the world had to do something.
"Gorbachev and Reagan did it, we see no reason that you and Hong
cannot. This petty squabbling is bad for global stability and more
importantly to global trade. Both China and America are THE capitalist
economies on Earth. Surely that alone is enough common ground for you
to make at least an overture of reconciliation to Hong. If she accept,
fine. If she doesn't," Denemetov shrugged. "Well, that's her problem.
But the world cannot afford a new cold war."

"When she's as...difficult as she is at the moment, I doubt much is
possible. Nonetheless, we'll put out feelers. Be advised, though, her
exit from Iran is a precondition to anything happening. I refuse to
let countries be carved up like cake on my watch." Williams replied
simply.

Denemetov did not view that as an unreasonable stipulation but also
knew it was s total deal breaker; she did not view Hong as deciding to
leave Iran anytime soon.

"If that is your decision," nodded Denemetov. "I wish you luck."

"I have no doubt I'll need it. Minister, I want peace as badly as you
do - but a peace that means China may do whatever it pleases is no
peace at all." Williams replied. "That point seems...lost on many."

"Not on us," replied Denemetov curtly. "Not with one and a half billion
Chinamen desperate for land on our doorstep. Goodbye Mr. President."
---
Actions:
1. Chatter.


From Chazenesq2b at aol.com  Sun Sep  7 14:49:41 2008
From: Chazenesq2b at aol.com (Chazenesq2b at aol.com)
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2008 14:49:41 EDT
Subject: [War] Spain/China:  "Acceptance"
Message-ID: <ce6.35aa7eab.35f57c45@aol.com>

OOC:  The actions in this post are subsequent to  actions in posts not yet 
finished, and therefore the writers reserve the right  to change what is written.
 
Likewise there are a few IC shots which, as always, are  intended to remain 
IC.  You are warned.
 
"Acceptance"
 
Prime Minister Elena Rodriguez
Spain
 
President Xia Hong
People's Republic of China
 
Date:  To Be Decided
==============================================
 
(Palacio de la Moncloa)
 
?Well, Madam President,? Elena smiled as she sipped at  her orange juice in 
her office, the Chinese leader sat opposite before her. ?I  must say I wasn?t 
really expecting you to take me up on my offer of visiting  Madrid. I?m 
beginning to feel quite popular??
 
"As well as the leader of such a lovely country should."  Xia gave a  
congenial smile and offered her hand to the Prime Minister.  It was rare  that she 
came across another woman in the 'Captain's Seat' as it were... before  Ms. 
Rodriguez's rise it had really been just Xia and President Denesti in  Romania.  
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance under happier  circumstances."
 
"Indeed," She accepted the hand in a firm shake before releasing it. "You  
and your family have been in my thoughts since our last meeting. However we  
should focus on the future now, I think?"
 
Xia nodded.  "I appreciate your sentiments, but I also  agree the future is 
where our attentions should lay.  Where would you like  to start our 
discussions?"  

"Please, take a  seat," Elena also did so, "Well as you know from the 
proposals I sent you, the  main thing I wish to discuss is the disparity between 
current G8 members and the  actual economic situation today. Both of our country's 
economies have grown in  recent years and for some time now have been 
stronger in several terms than some  of the current G8."
 
There was no arguing that point.  "I agree, the G8 is hardly as great  as 
it's label implies.  I would go as far as to suggest that Spain, China,  India, 
and perhaps Brazil should be considered for membership in these  talks."  As it 
stood, China was one of those nations that was often invited  as an onlooker, 
but not an actual participant in the major discussions. 
 
"Yes, there are arguements for all of us to put forward regarding our  
economies being comparible to, if not stronger than some of the G8 members.  Whilst 
I appreciated that getting others involved may be the way forward, I  wanted 
to discuss with yourself first - being the strongest economy not  currently 
included."
 
"I'm more than happy to discuss our mutual applications."  Xia  smiled.  "Out 
of curiosity, have you approached any of the G8 members as of  yet inquiring 
about membership?"
 
Elena frowned a little bit, betraying what she was about to say. "I have  
spoken in person to both President Williams and Prime Minister McColl. The US  
believes that Spain hasn't got the weight diplomatically or militarily to be of  
assistance in a crisis or indeed be taken seriously within the G8 and that  
membership is more about consensus than actual independent measurements." She  
let a little sigh escape. "McColl was much more neutral, he is concerned that  
Canada would lose it's seat if we were to gain membership and offered to take 
 forward our concerns by proxy. However, if Canada's seat were 'safe' as it 
were  I feel his support might be gained."
 
"That's simply... not right."  Xia shrugged, her native fluency in  English 
failing her momentarily in coming up with a better description.   "The G8 is 
supposed to be a group composed of economically strong nations to  settle 
economic matters.  Williams' concerns about Spanish military  capacity shouldn't 
prevent Spanish membership in the G8... besides the G8 is an  informal 
arrangement anyway, and membership could be expanded by agreement  without anyone 
'losing' their seat."  Her feelings about McColl needn't be  stated, for obvious 
reasons.  "It sounds like a stalling tactic, to  me."
 
"Perhaps, but even if it is not we may need to be thinking  about addressing 
inclusion or membership criteria. It seems strange that such an  'informal' 
yet powerful group have no agreement for why those who are members  should be 
members and no arrangements for review of this, in my view."  

"I stalwartly agree with you."  Xia folded her hands in her lap.   It was 
nice to finally have a neutral party to talk with on such things.   "Perhaps we 
should consider formally petitioning the standing G8 members to  either provide 
concrete guidelines to membership, or formally expand the G8 into  the G12."
 
"I agree that would be a prudent course of action. If we could gain the  
support of India and Brazil our position would be much stronger. I do not see  
that being a problem, I imagine they would both be more than happy with gaining  
membership."
 
 "Agreed."   Xia nodded again.  "It may be worthwhile to have a general 
meeting from  which a formal petition will be made.  With your agreement, my 
government  will send formal invitations to India and Brazil, and our four nations 
can meet  in Beijing to discuss our petition for application, and issue a 
formal statement  of goals."
 
"Agreed, I look forward to receiving your invitation. There is another  
matter I'd like to get your view on along a similar vein. It came up in  discussion 
that perhaps consistant representation of the EU at the G8 may be the  way 
forward. Now whilst this does not directly affect China it would be  
consolidation of Italian and French and possibly UK representation with others  under the 
EU banner so would effectively 'free up' a seat. Whilst this is not my  first 
preference, as obviously deciding how the EU would be represented and with  
such varied views on some matters whose views would be taken forward would be 
an  issue, it is perhaps an avenue worth some exploration?"
 
Dwelling on it for a moment, Xia decided that ought to be a  call for the PM 
to make.  "Prime Minister, I don't think the concentration  of European 
involvement under one EU seat woujld be practical given the strength  of national 
identity in Europe today in spite of the EU, however if that is an  avenue you 
wish to pursue, even realizing it may somewhat lessen Spain's voice  in the 
organization, than we will certainly support you."  

That was a definite 'it's your call', Elena could tell. "Thank you, Madam  
President. In the meantime getting our original plan off the ground should be a  
definite priority."
 
"Agreed.  But before we adjourn Prime Minister, I would like to raise  the 
issue of Iran."  It was something they were going to have to deal with  
eventually after all.  "I understand Spain has recently left the western  allies after 
their occupation of Iran.  In support of the Democratists that  my government 
had been supporting throughout the war, Chinese troops have moved  in to 
southern Iran to guarantee that Iran has a positive say in it's own  future.  The 
assistance of Spain, with it's democratic history and ideals,  would be of 
great assistance in helping us further develop the Iranian  system."
 
Elena was slightly skeptical of where this could lead so prompted further.  
"Although our combat troops have left we have non-combat personnel still  
involved in the allied rebuilding and aid work. What is it that Spain could do  for 
you there, Madam President?"
 
"We would like to see the Spanish military serve as an informal  intermediary 
between the Iranians, the Western Allies, and China.  Quite  frankly, the 
Iranian government as it does exist is a western puppet, but the  puppet we will 
need to deal with at least until a transitional election is held  as promised. 
 I would like to see that promise kept, and obviously it would  be best to 
ease tensions so that those promises could be kept."
 
"Whilst I am doubtful of deploying our military to act as  'intermediaries'," 
She sat forward a bit, this was an offer to get out there and  be recognised 
that perhaps they shouldn't decline. "I have no problem with  dispatching some 
of our Guardia Civil - essentially military police - and or  some diplomatic 
staff to assist how we can?"  

"The people of China, and I'm sure of Iran, would be grateful for, and  
welcome any participation Spain could render."  Xia smiled again.  "We  are also 
hoping your government may facilitate the involvement of NGOs and  humanitarian 
aid groups in Iran, as mine will be."
 
"We have already assisted in aid operations in Azerbaijan and of course  this 
will extend to Iran also. I do wish to point out, however, that as members  
of NATO our allegiance is to the 'western forces' as you called them. However  
Spain will be happy to remain neutral and assist in a fair electoral process 
in  Iran to select a government which is not controlled by any foreign power."
 
"That is all we are asking for."  Xia bowed her head  respectively.  "Are 
there any additional concerns you may have, Prime  Minister?"
 
"Well, there are the usual ones that you no doubt knew I would have to  throw 
in," Elena's smile returned with a vengeance. "Namely environmental  matters 
and the possession of a nuclear arsenal..."
 
"Two fields I am more than happy to discuss."  Xia chuckled as she  handed 
over a small, manilla folder.  "China is currently at the global  forefront in 
the development of 'green technology' as it is usually  termed.  Such 
developments have been a government priority since the days  of President Hu Jintao, 
but we have recently expanded national support even  further for conservation 
and environmental technology development.  As for  the possession of a nuclear 
arsenal, I fear after the Canadian attack on my  country any entertainment of 
an idea to reduce our nuclear capacity has had to  be shelved.  Most western 
nations, Spain not included, continue to see  China as an adversary rather than 
a partner.  It is a fundamental  philosophy that was proven in Williams' 
Korean Crusade, in the Canadian attack  on Chinese sovereign territory, and by 
Japan's involvement in the US North  Korean operation, and in the US disregard for 
our agreement over Iran."
 
"I'm not sure that justifies maintaining a nuclear arsenal, it does justify  
maintenance of an armed service. And before we go down the road of 'we'll give 
 them up if they give them up' - it needs to start somewhere, it just 
unfortunate  no-one will be the one to start..."
 
"There have been several incidents over the course of my Presidency where  
the only way to get those that 'needed' to listen to do so was the threat of  
nuclear attack.  I'm afraid that at this juncture, particularly following  the 
Canadian attack, China simply can not be the country that affords a  reduction 
of capacity without drastic assurances."
 
"I suppose I shall just have to accept that, at least for now." A small  
smile still remained. "On the matter of 'green technology' how does China stand  
on the development of an international project on research into the area -  
particularly with regards to energy generation?"
 
"China welcomes such a program, and would be happy to take a leading role  in 
it's creation.  We already have an abundantly diverse and well funded  
domestic program, and we could bring several developments to an international  
effort that might assist a global effort.  Naturally Spain is welcomed to  
participate in China's environmental programs should your government decide  to."
 
"We have several ongoing projects of our own and have developed one of the  
leading markets in such projects and would be more than happy to co-operate in  
the continuing development of these internationally. Unfortunately the 
financial  aspect of setting up an international body or project may be beyond our 
scope  until next year's budget I imagine."
 
"Well I'm sure the People's National Congress could be persuaded to fund  the 
creation of such a body for the remainder of 2014, at which point we can  
evaluate fairness in share of the 2015 budget."  Unlike Williams was famous  for 
being, Xia was no stooge.  She understood China was wealthier than some  other 
nations, and that when it came to global movements sometimes the richer  
'did' need to bear a little more of the burden.  "In turn, perhaps we could  allow 
our Ministries of State to negotiate a fair-trade agreement?  As  you've 
stated, Spain has an expanding market for environmentally friendly  technologies, 
and China has a burgeoning environmentally friendly  industry."
 
"I think my government would be more than happy to discuss that. And if you  
can find the funding, please do let me know. I'm sure Spain would be a 
valuable  partner in such a venture." She only just stopped herself short of 
suggesting  approaching Canada, perhaps a little too early for that.
 
"I think we can assume they will."  Xia gave a reassuring nod.   "If there is 
nothing else Prime Minister, I will return to Beijing and begin  working on 
our proposal to India and Brazil, as well as request from the PNC the  funding 
necessary to begin our international program."
 
"Thank you for your time, Madam President."
=================================================
 
ACTIONS
 
1.  China and Spain agree to approach India and Brazil about  petitioning the 
G8 members to expand membership to become the G-12.
    A.  A meeting between representatives of  Brazil, China, India, and Spain 
will meet in Beijing to make a united petition  and request.
 
2.  Spain inquires about China reducing it's nuclear arsenal.   China refuses 
because of past problems with agreements with the west, and for  the security 
reasons cited.
 
3.  Spain agrees to deploy Civil Guard and Diplomatic staff to help  Chinese 
forces and NATO forces in Iran to co-exist, and work with the current  Iranian 
government.
    A.  Agreement to facilitate the operations of  NGO and Humanitarian Aid 
operations in Iran.
 
4.  Spain and China agree to negotiate a Fair Trade Agreement.  
    A.  China agrees to pay 100% of the costs for  an international 'green' 
cooperative effort with Spain for the remainder of  2014, while 2015 will be 
negotiated so that the dispersion of costs is  fair.



**************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, 
plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com.      
(http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)
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From iain at iain-waddell.co.uk  Sun Sep  7 14:50:05 2008
From: iain at iain-waddell.co.uk (Iain)
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2008 19:50:05 +0100
Subject: [War] Spain/Canada: "Spaniard on Tour Continued."
Message-ID: <331F3B47176145F19E17D2C254DC9568@iainw>

"Spaniard on Tour Continued."
21st August 2014
PM James McColl, Canada
PM Elena Rodriguez, Spain

<Ottowa>

Elena's hand tightened around her husband's as they stepped onto the top of 
the stairs taking them onto the Canadian runway. She wasn't used to landing
aboard to a crowd of people, albeit mostly press, vying for her attention.
When his hand squeezed hers gently, she put her best smile on her lips and
they descended in synchrony. The gentleman she had read so much about was
stood a few metres away and she let go of her husband's hand as they
approached him purposefully.

"Mister Prime Minister," Elena extended her hand to shake his with a curt
nod. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you."

"And I you, Madame Prime Minister.  Welcome to Canada!"  McColl said with a
big smile as he shook her hand.  Introductions went around as McColl
presented his family.  "I am glad you could make this trip, may I call you
Elena?"

"Indeed you may, Mr. McColl." She gave him an uneasy smile as they began to
walk away from her plane. "I believe we have much to discuss, particularly
in light of recent events."
 
"Please, call me James.  Yes, we do have much to discuss.  However, I think
it should wait until our meeting tomorrow when you will be refreshened by a
good night's sleep after your flight.  For now, the drive into Ottawa to
your residence, where Mr. Decker and his wife stayed not so long ago."

"I look forward to that, James." She gave him a nod and relaxed a little, it
wouldn't hurt to play the tired traveller, at least for this evening.
Tomorrow would be business as usual.

----------------------
The next morning:

"Good morning, Elena.  Welcome to my humble home away from home."  McColl
gestured grandly to his spartan office with a grin.

"Can I get you anything?" he asked.

Elena looked around the rather desolate looking office, a stark contrast to
the one she normally inhabited back home full or personal effects. She shook
her head as she replied. "Just some water, I've already had two mugs of tea
this morning so you'll probably be excusing me to the bathroom in the not
too distant future..."

"Ah, no worries."  He poured the iced water into a tall glass for the
Spaniard.  "Here you are," McColl said as he handed the glass to her and
poured one for himself too.

"So where did you want to start?  I know there are several issues at hand,
maybe get the big ones out of the way?" McColl asked.

"Indeed," Elena sipped her water and place it on the table before her. "I'm
sorry to jump right in on this one but I'd rather get this over with. Do
feel free to answer as much as little as you'd like, but what exactly
happened in China? We have only what has been released by yourself and China
and what little Interpol has on the situation. Our intelligence networks are
very limited as I presume you know."

"Indeed.  Well, most of the information is quite classified.  But I can tell
you the general gist of it, you know?  Basically, paired CSIS and JTF2
agents infiltrated China via Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the
Philippines and pulled out those prisoners.  The Americans provided some
help, but they played a minor role in the shenanigans.  We did everything
else on our own.  This is of course strictly confidential and you never
heard this."  He looked her right in eye with a very direct gaze.

Elena nodded her understanding, they had figured out almost as much. It was
the next part that could bring a troubling answer that may mar this visit
for her. "And of Hong's claims that you did not approach her government to
negotiate the return of these prisoners?" She held his gaze, now was a time
to be candid not to brush over the matter.

McColl looked right back at her.  "No, we did not.  We figured the time for
action had come and that further negotiations with the Chinese government
was a waste of breath and effort."

Rodriguez shrugged a little. "Let's agree to disagree on this one. It's very
easy for me to sit here and talk about morals, but what I would have done if
it was my citizens in Chinese prisons.Who can tell." She allowed a smile to
cross her lips, softening her tone somewhat. "Besides, despite what the
media may think, there are more important things to discuss are there not?"

"Agreed.  I have been made aware that Spain might be interested in a Free
Trade Agreement.  What did you have in mind, exactly?"

"Well, I thought a little tit-for-tat on that matter would be beneficial to
both our countries. We have good production lines in some products that may
be of use to you..." The olive-skinned woman fished into her briefcase to
remove an analysis of Spanish surplus products for export to hand to her
Canadian counterpart. "And I believe you may have some things that we would
benefit from getting at...preferential rates if you see my meaning - for
instance, I believe some of your aircraft are much better than what we
currently work with. Furthermore we are also considering upgrades to our
telecoms and energy supply systems and an overhaul of rail systems is
already underway - I believe you may have some more experience in those
fields than our own industries?" Nothing like getting straight to your
point, and she was sure she could tempt some sort of deal out of McColl,
given that she had a reasonable amount to offer in return.

McColl opened the dossier and browsed through it.  "Hmm... Obviously, I
cannot rush into a thing like free trade.  We have seen the consequences
first hand with NAFTA.  However, because our two countries have economies of
a similar size, in my opinion domination of one by the other will not be an
issue."  He paused.

"I have never really approved of free trade.  Outsourcing and globalization
have transformed our countries from industrial nations to service based
economies.  That being said, I think we can come to an... agreement.  Now
that you've said what you're willing to offer, what did you want in return?"
He raised an eyebrow.

"A little assistance in our aviation trade - both civil and military would
be useful, as would anything you could do to assist the improvement of our
transport links in general. Also, I do believe my Ministry for Economics did
hear tales of the possibility of oil exportation from Canada being a
distinct possibility in the near future. Whilst we currently get adequate
supplies from Russia and the Middle East, a more 'stable' trading partner
would be something I'm sure many of our companies would be highly interested
in." A killer smile seemed appropriate at this juncture.

"I see..."  he mused.  "Yes, I did suppose that you would be interested in
something along those lines.  Right now, we are currently in the process of
re-organizing our energy infrastructure.  Any oil exports to Spain will need
to wait until next year, once our pipeline is finished and the refineries
are done retooling.  We do have a massive surplus in production compared to
our needs, so I'm sure we'll be able to help you."  

"But, a formal trade deal will need to wait until parliament resumes this
fall.  With regards to the aviation and rail industry, I have no doubt that
Bombardier among others will be more than interested in business prospects
in Spain.  Also, I know that Spain operates several nuclear power
facilities.  Perhaps I could interest you in a dedicated source of Canadian
uranium to feed those plants?"

"That would be a matter of some controversy with our current proposals to
reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear power. But in the meantime it is
true that we must continue to supply our facilities as without them we would
have a rather large power shortage. I must admit, I am not briefed on where
our current sources are but I'm sure my people could talk to your people as
it were?"

"Mmm'yes, I think that would be quite satisfactory." McColl mused.  "We all
recognize the need to reduce nuclear power dependence.  But until then,
people still need electricity, and the uranium that fuels it.  I'd also like
to propose a joint Canada-Spain research effort on recycling technologies.
Any thoughts?"

"I'm not sure if you're aware," Another document was produced from the
briefcase, obviously pre-prepared. "But we recently made commitments to
replace a nuclear facility with renewable energy sources, so we have a lot
of need for said research. Given our joint research projects currently
underway, I was actually going to propose a refocusing on renewable energy
as I believe it would benefit us both?"

"I was also going to propose that as well, so it seems we have found some
excellent common ground.  We have a burgeoning green technology sector that
needs new markets and not only would Spain be good for that, but the joint
research will benefit everyone involved.  I'm sure our respective tech
sectors will be in ecstasy."  He grinned, and pulled out the document that
he had prepared from his desk and handed it to her.

Elena reviewed the document with a smile, it wasn't dissimilar from the one
which she herself had been carrying. "Excellent, and our current research
staff in the marine technology sector will be well place for development in
wave farming, as well as sea-based wind farms." She read over it a bit more.
"I think this is going to be a very beneficial venture to all involved
also." She looked back up to McColl with a childish smile. "I think these
documents making their way 'accidentally' into the press wouldn't be the end
of the world."

"I think that's a good idea.  Was there anything else you'd like to
discuss?"

"Just one thing, with the upturn in the global economy and people starting
to increase spending on luxury goods and services once more, I thought
perhaps addressing tourism between our two countries might be worthwhile?"

"Hmm, that's not a bad idea.  Having been to Spain several times, I know
it's a wonderful country.  What needed, in your view, to be addressed
concerning this area?"

"Well there is definite improvement that could be made in links between our
two country's as fair as air travel goes. I imagine some preferential
treatment for those willing to set up more might help this area, and perhaps
a little subsidy to get the market for tourists going between Canada and
Spain on it's feet more firmly could be scraped together?"

"Honestly, although tourism is a good thing, I think this is something best
left in the hands of the people who travel, and not their government; it
just seems too heavy handed for me.  If Air Canada or SpanAir want to start
direct flights from Canada to Spain or vice versa, that's their prerogative.
If they find that enough people are interested in something like that, I'm
sure they will.  I know that a flight over the Atlantic is long, and that
the routes follow the north pole because it is shorter.  Sorry to shut down
that idea, but I just don't see it happening.  Most Canadians go to Florida
or California for their winter vacations just because it is so much easier
than those gruelling flights to Europe."  he shrugged.

"However, there was one thing that has not been mentioned yet, and that is
Spain's desire for a seat on the G8, namely, Canada's seat.  You must know
that there is no way I will give up my country's seat on such an important
council.  Although yes, your economy is marginally larger, and Spain has
used that argument before, to shake up the G8 would make it not the G8
anymore, and I'm not sure I'd like the consequences of that, seeing as
Canada would most likely get turfed.  So until a solution comes to hand, the
best I can offer is that we'll take your concerns and present them along
with our own.  We will, in effect, represent your interests as well as
ours."

"As reassuring as that is, James." Elena shrugged a little helplessly.
"Spain does deserve more appropriate representation. I'm not saying I won't
take you up on your offer neither that I am threatening Canada's position in
the G8 but I do wish to investigate our options regarding membership. Baring
in mind that technically Russia has the weakest economy of the 8 it is
perhaps they who should feel threatened although I know it likely they will
not be thrown out. I am intending to take the advice given to me by
President Williams that perhaps approaching Italy may be an option though I
imagine they will be more than reluctant to handing over to Spain."

"Well I hope that goes well for you.  I'm not sure they will be likely to
give up their spot either..."

Elena smiled. "You're probably right, the other option we were thinking as a
proposal would be to have an EU membership rather than individual countries
of the Union but we haven't really developed how that would work in terms of
representation yet. This is perhaps a more likely option that would meet
more approval than someone losing their position to our determination."

"That would indeed be an option to explore.  I'm afraid I'll stay neutral on
the issue for now."  McColl shrugged again.

"Sensible stance, and one I can't blame you for. Now, if you don't mind I
think I need that bathroom break now. Perhaps something a little more
light-hearted can be on the agenda for when I return?"

"Sure, nature calls after all."

-----------------------

Actions:

1] Canada and Spain agree to disagree regarding Canada's recent incident in
China.

2] Canada and Spain agree on a joint research program for recycling and
renewable energy technologies.

3] Canada and Spain agree to pursue closer economic ties, possibly a FTA
down the road.  Oil exports to Spain starting in 2015, and Canadian access
to Spanish markets in exchange for help in modernizing transportation and
energy infrastructure.




From iain at iain-waddell.co.uk  Sun Sep  7 15:25:06 2008
From: iain at iain-waddell.co.uk (Iain)
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2008 20:25:06 +0100
Subject: [War] Spain: Letter to Iran
Message-ID: <6FFFB4AC04B54A67B598A6D03008369C@iainw>

To: Commander, Allied Control Council, Iran; Commander, Chinese Control,
Iran; Spanish Embassy, Tehran
From: Spanish Defence Ministry
Subject: Deployment of troops.

Dear Sirs,

It has come to our attention that the withdrawal of Spanish combat troops
from Iran and Azerbaijan has left a gap needing to be plugged in regards to
the national security and policing of both nations. There has also been
suggestion of difficulties regarding control of areas of Iran by either
Chinese or NATO forces. Given both these points, and following discussion
with the Chinese on the matter, Spain is in a position to deploy some
further assistance to Iran.

The Guardia Civil will deploy 1000 personnel to further assist in policing
operations. These troops shall be dispatched immediately. In the interest of
international co-operation and to integrate efforts made by all within Iran
to expediate rebuilding and the fair election of a government to represent
the Iranian people, these troops shall work with both AAC and Chinese
forces. AAC shall of course retain overall command of these personnel but
they shall operate closely with Chinese forces and will be in a position to
advise of co-ordination of efforts and intermediate should any difficulties
arise.

Please also note that Spanish diplomatic staff shall be being sent to Tehran
to work out of our Embassy but to assist in the process of a set up of free
and fair elections. We encourage and welcome any contribution other nations
may wish to make to these efforts.

Sincerely,

Carme Chacon, Minister of Defence

=========
ACTIONS:
1) Spain to deploy 1000 Civil Guards to Iran
	a) Under AAC command
	b) Permission to operate in Southern Iran with Chinese
	c) To co-ordinate efforts of AAC and Chinese forces as able
	d) To act as direct line of communication between two
2) Extra diplomatic staff to be sent to Tehran
	a) Will operate from Spanish Embassy
	b) Will act as intermediaries between China/AAC should need arise
	c) To begin preparing for free and fair elections and to remain as
observers when these happen
	c) Will submit open reports to AAC/China/Spanish Government/UN re
issues/progress




From michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com  Tue Sep  9 15:30:39 2008
From: michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com (Michael Downey)
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 17:00:39 -0230
Subject: [War] LOA
Message-ID: <6b6ab8a70809091230p40350985l2737eeec55f1e3c0@mail.gmail.com>

I have to go LOA for at least a week


From Chazenesq2b at aol.com  Sat Sep 13 01:19:47 2008
From: Chazenesq2b at aol.com (Chazenesq2b at aol.com)
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 01:19:47 EDT
Subject: [War] China:  "Just the Facts, Ma'am"
Message-ID: <d1d.3331ff5f.35fca773@aol.com>

"Just The Facts, Ma'am"
 
President Xia Hong
People's Republic of China
August 21, 2014
================================================
 
(Executive Residence- Beijing)
 
With recent events still fresh on her mind, today was the day she sat down  
with Minister Ah-guo Peng from the Ministry of Justice to discuss legal issues  
in China.  The 110 minute briefing passed just as slowly as the time limit  
allowed it to.  Ah-guo had a stellar record as a member of the Hong Kong  
division of the CNP, and as a military officer... but the man certainly was not  
the most charismatic man one could ever hope to meet.  He had a definite  
'elitist' aura to him that Xia never quite liked... in anyone, let along a  
professional lawyer.
 
It took a lot of green tea for her to keep her composure around the  man.  
She knew he was 'trying' to be sociable, approachable, and to be  helpful... she 
could've just done without so many stories related to his past  
accomplishments and how the lessons he helped pioneer should be incorporated on  a grander 
scheme of things.  There was more than one moment where she  simply felt like 
saying 'oh grandpa.'
 
He was however a capable minister who took charge, and consequence, when it  
came to his ministry.  He was doing a very tough job very well, and for  that 
he really had no lack of admiration.  The reorganization and  retraining of 
National Police forces was going well.  There was a shifting  of 'nominal law 
enforcement' operations to local municipalities where  possible... though for 
the moment that was really limited to places like  Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong 
Kong which had the local structures and budget to  support modern, capable 
police forces.  It became clear the CNP would be  bearing most of the burden for 
the foreseeable future, but with it's  modernization, the ongoing national law 
review, and a road map towards the  future they were at the very least on 
their way to reducing CNP's bureaucracy  and putting more effective, more 
technically trained, more professional and  civic minded police on the streets.
 
"Your plan for developing a professional cadre of law enforcement trainers  
is promising, Madam President."  Ah-guo sipped from his tea.  "But it  would 
require the redistribution of considerable resources."
 
There really was no getting around that.  The CNP had provincial units  which 
worked on general law enforcement in each of the geographic areas of  
China... and in that case were more akin to American 'State Police' in that they  had 
marked cars, precincts, supporting facilities, wore uniforms and carried  
firearms, etc.
 
The CNP also had what was considered a more 'elite' group of Special Agents  
that worked in bureaus.  The Investigative Service as it was called was  much 
more like the American FBI, with extremely high-tech supporting structures,  
wide-ranging jurisdiction, fairly broad discretion, and often times devoted to  
specific tasks.  There was the Cyber Crimes Unit, the Marshall's Service  
which protected officers of the court and saw to the movement of criminals, the  
Special Services Unit which trained and fielded SWAT teams, the 
Human-Traffiking  Bureau, the Special Investigations Bureau (SIB) which investigated 
corruption  and political crimes, the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) which handled 
things  like bomb squad activities and natural disaster response, and of course 
the  Intellectual Property Unit.
 
There were many more units in the CNP, but when push came to shove the only  
unit that really 'could' spare people at the moment was the IPU.  It was a  
simple matter of priorities... they needed seasoned, experienced officers that  
were smart and civil in how they operated... the IPU had a lot of those, and  
many of whom had worked in the other units thus bringing wide ranges of  
experience.  Plus at 2,500 strong, the IPU had people to spare.
 
"I know Ah-guo, and I'm sure there might be 'some' worry about the move,  but 
we've made great strides towards trademark and copyright security.   Those 
officers are needed to train the next generations... it's a matter of  
priorities.  If protecting hundreds of millions of Chinese means worrying  one or two 
companies a little in that it might take 2 months rather than 1 month  to find 
a low-scale violator of copyright laws who sells bootleg 'Mickey Mouse'  
T-shirts, well that's a price I'm willing to pay."  She smirked.  "IPU  doesn't 
really need more than 300 officers.  The other 2200 can be freed  up... transfer 
some of them to the other units so we can provide a cadre of  mixed 
experiences and talents, and get the best trainers we can.  We'll  then revamp the 
National Police Academy and provide specialized training  facilities as satellite 
schools... by the end of this year I expect our Police  to be the envy of the 
world."
 
"You say that as if they're not already."  Ah-guo winked.  It was  true, the 
conviction rate China's police and prosecutors managed to get was  above and 
beyond anything the West could hope for... though the reasons that it  was, was 
ironically the same reasons that called for re-training.   "Consider it done 
Madam President.  There is one more thing before we  adjourn.  Our 
investigators have completed their review of the Canadian  prisoners released during the 
Canadian attack.  The Marshall and  Corrections services included internal 
documents for your review."
 
Xia was a bit curious, taking the rather dense black binder from Ah-guo  with 
a mixture of interest and trepidation.  He left it up for grabs on  whether 
or not this was a good find or a bad one.  She started going  through it, 
listening to Ah-guo as she thumbed through it's pages.
 
"Of the 40 prisoners they released, only 11 were held exclusively on  
espionage charges, and 7 of those were commercial espionage charges related to  IPU's 
work in trying to cut down on IP theft at the request of the western  
governments to begin with.  The remaining 29 were hardened criminals.   Among them, 
we have 7 convicted murderers, 2 murderer-rapists, 8 general rapists  including 
3 wanted for raping children.  4 more were mafia organizers  looking to set 
up in China, 2 were drug kingpins, and 3 were arrested in  connection to 
investigations launched to stem human traffiking into Russia and  out to the West.  
You might... want to avoid the pictures since you've just  had something to 
drink."
 
"Oh my God..." the tea-cup fell from Xia's hand and shattered on the marble  
floor of the rear terrace as she saw the mutilated body of one 'tween, 
butchered  beyond all recognition, a small elmo doll placed next to what was 
'supposed' to  be her body, and a white flower meticulously placed in the middle of 
her still  developing chest.  Her quivering hand reached for her lips... Xia was 
a  woman who most often could control her emotions, or project them as a 
tool, but  even for her this was way too much.  She slammed the book shut.   
"Release it."
 
Ah-guo placed his own cup down.  That wasn't the order he'd 'been'  
expecting.  "Are you sure Madam President?"
 
"Yes, yes I'm sure.  The world needs to see this."  She shoved  the book back 
towards Ah-guo.  "Provide a copy to Interpol first, along  with anything they 
request.  Affidavits from arresting officers, court  testimony, certified 
copies of evidence reports with complete chains of  custody... I want the 
Americans to know who it was they helped to escape, and I  want the Canadians to know 
exactly what their tax-dollars and resources had gone  to helping escape and 
bring back to their shores."
 
"Being that open might harm some of our ongoing operations."
 
Xia nodded.  "Make all preparations in that arena that you need to,  but I 
'want' those criminals either back in prison where they belong, or  dead Ah-guo."
 
====================================
 
ACTIONS
 
1.  Sit down with Minister Ah-guo Peng
    A.  China to continue with it's 'Law Review',  modernizing China's laws 
and policies to better serve the People's Republic in  the modern day.  The 
National Law Review consists of recognized private and  public experts on the 
law, including Minister Peng himself, lawyers, judges,  professors, and Congress 
reps.
    B.  The Modernization of the CNP to  continue.  Acquisition of new 
technologies, new training, and new  capabilities so bureaucratic staff could be 
greatly cut and more officers put in  the field.
    C.  Continue a shift to reliance on Municipal  police to enforce most 
laws in major areas.  Most cities have long standing  police, but cities that 
don't will get help and advisement in creating  them.
 
2.  CNP training to be reorganized.  The National Police Academy  will serve 
as the primary school for CNP officers (especially of the  Investigative 
Service) with satellite training facilities to provide the  capacity and training 
diversity China needs.
 
3.  2,200 officers to be transferred from the IPU.  The spare  space will be 
used to cycle through the various units of the CNP to get the best  and 
brightest to be trainers for the CNP Education and Training centers.  
 
4.  Release to Interpol and world news outlets exactly what kind of  
'innocent citizens' Canada freed, and brought back to their shores.  Spare  no secrets 
regarding the rapists, murderers, organized criminals, drug kingpins,  human 
traffikers, etc.
    A.  Undercover operations etc. to be given  early warning to wrap up and 
grab who you can to safeguard the lives of Chinese  police at operational 
control discretion.
 
5.  Demand the Canadians return the prisoners to finish their terms  and/or 
be executed.



**************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, 
plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com.      
(http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)
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From dylandv at gmail.com  Sat Sep 13 01:48:34 2008
From: dylandv at gmail.com (Dylan de Valk)
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:48:34 -0700
Subject: [War]  Canada: Dealing with the Consequences
Message-ID: <763946e70809122248p6cabca52v30cd88d5a79f1a57@mail.gmail.com>

Dealing with the Consequences
Aug. 21/2014
PM James McColl
Canada

-------------------------

The reality of the situation was that, like the Chinese whose investigation
had turned up several nasty things, the Canadian government was figuring out
what to do with these people that had been rescued and taken back to North
America.

McColl had scheduled a press conference to brief the press on the
situation.  The briefing was done and now it was time for questions.

"Mr. Prime Minister, the Chinese have released their investigation to the
public media.  What is Canada planning to do with these hardened criminals
that were rescued, along with the other people?"

"Excellent question." he responded.  "Already, CSIS has confirmed the
information the Chinese released, and I assure the Canadian public that
these people are not loose in the streets.  All are still are at an
undisclosed location undergoing therapy and psychological analysis.  When
that is completed in the next week or so, we will hand over those who are
convicted criminals to the RCMP and the justice system so that they may be
treated accordingly.

The fact that these people are criminals does not give anyone the excuse to
torture them and abuse human rights.  That we now have these people in our
custody and that they will be treated fairly and according to the law is a
triumph for human rights.  We all recognize that the Chinese government has
done much to facilitate human rights within their country, but they still
have a very long way to go."  McColl finished with a sneeze.

"Will these criminals ever be released to interact with the general public?"
one reporter shouted.

"If our justice system deems that these people have rehabilitated themselves
and are ready at that point to rejoin society, then I am sure they will.
All convicted persons who rejoin society are watched and monitored closely.
They will all undoubtedly undergo therapy, rehab, and recieve psychological
help with the issues they face.  Thank you for your question"

The process went on for several more minutes, with the Prime Minister
answering such questions referring to the protests across the country.  He
seemed largely of the mind-set to let people protest as they wished, without
interference.  McColl stated that the legal protest was an excellent
invention of mankind and that the Canadian public's concerns were being
taken very seriously.  The actions in China had been undertaken after only
the most careful deliberation, and most certainly not lightly.

The consequences were not light, obviously, and were resounding throughout
Canada.

------------------

Actions:
1] Answer questions about those people released from Chinese prisons.  Those
people who are known criminals would be transfered to the justice system.
Those innocent of crime would be allowed to reconstruct their lives in
peace.
2] Answer questions about the widespread protests.  Allow people to express
their concerns, assure them that they are being listened to, and acknowledge
their concerns and opinions.
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From dylandv at gmail.com  Sat Sep 13 01:58:05 2008
From: dylandv at gmail.com (Dylan de Valk)
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:58:05 -0700
Subject: [War]  Canada: Population Pressure
Message-ID: <763946e70809122258s235d968o17578d6c63296096@mail.gmail.com>

Population Pressure
August.7/2014
Prime Minister James McColl
Canada

-------------

As the country had seen over the last several months, McColl had been
implementing various economic policies at will.  To complement his
protectionist policies and encourage domestic population growth, McColl
would be touring the country from coast to coast, promoting a baby bounty
policy.

If couples want more than one kid, but can't afford it, guess what?  The
federal government would give them an additional $1000 on submission of the
birth certificate, and another additional $200 per month until the child
turned 18 on top of what they already gave out.  That was for families who
were classified in the lowest income bracket.  If the family was wealthier
[ie, a higher tax bracket], the bonuses would be reduced slightly with each
upward category.

For those single working mothers and fathers, who barely scraped by, they
could now apply for federal grants that would give them a monthly lump sum
of $200 and a tax reduction of 20% for as long their children were living at
home or the parents were sharing custody.

This would be the Ministry of Finance's responsibility, in conjunction with
Health Canada, the national health care agency.  Health Canada would get all
the funding it needed to see it through the new expenses.

Canada's birthrate was among the lowest in the world.  At 1.4 children to
each couple, without immigration or another way, the population would
decline.  The federal government had chosen the other way.  The short-term
goal of the plan was to start giving people the means to have larger
families if they desired.  The longer-term was of course to increase the
birthrate to that magic number of 2.1 children per couple, and surpass it.

Both the Prime Minister and the Health Minister had been quoted as saying
that, "Working families and families in general who want to have more
children but cannot afford it will now hopefully the financial means to
accomplish that goal.  It is a well known fact that living in the modern
world is expensive, and that children are no exception to this rule."

To go hand in hand with this, over the next five years the government would
slowly reduce immigration down to 100,000 per year, down from the current
250,000 per year.  The rate would then be re-evaluated at the five year
mark.

Since the 1960's immigrants of visible minorities had flooded into the
country to form huge cultural diaspora communities in Vancouver, Toronto,
Calgary, and Montreal most notably.  With this veritable flood, tensions
between Canadians and the new immigrants had increased, although violence
was uncommon.  For members of Generation X-II, the children of the baby
boomers, people had become increasingly unsatisfied with immigration as a
method of propping up the population.  Many were disgusted or concerned that
immigrants of visible minorities actually constituted a majority of the
population in both Vancouver and Toronto.  After all, aren't you supposed to
be the majority in your own cities?
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From dylandv at gmail.com  Sat Sep 13 01:59:12 2008
From: dylandv at gmail.com (Dylan de Valk)
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:59:12 -0700
Subject: [War] Canada: Population Pressure
In-Reply-To: <763946e70809122258s235d968o17578d6c63296096@mail.gmail.com>
References: <763946e70809122258s235d968o17578d6c63296096@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <763946e70809122259y3d83db24t79a392fcca227ae1@mail.gmail.com>

erm make that date Aug. 24/2014
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From iain at iain-waddell.co.uk  Sat Sep 13 08:51:44 2008
From: iain at iain-waddell.co.uk (Iain)
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:51:44 +0100
Subject: [War] Spain: "Money, Money, Money."
Message-ID: <3C0665E54BEB4FAAB33F3CF3126A9235@iainw>

"Money, Money, Money."
Prime Minister Elena Rodriguez
Spain
25th August 2014

The meeting with the Minister of Economy and Finance and the Minister of
Industry, Trade and Tourism was going to overrun, there was little doubt
about that. Luckily Elena had a rather slow morning as far as that of the
Spanish Prime Minister went so she had a spare 30 minutes, 60 if she had
lunch on the run. Diego wouldn't be happy but hey, that was life these days.

"Prime Minister, thank you for seeing as at such short notice." Minister
Aido, like the Prime Minister was a young and reasonably fresh politician
whom Elena had elevated to the Second Deputy/Finance position from Minister
of Equality. It had not been a popular decision amongst the old circles, and
to be fair it had been done mostly to shake up the 'old faces' who were
perhaps getting a bit too comfortable in their seats. Some fresh
perspectives had proven, thus far, to be beneficial to the country and her
government.

"Not a problem, Bibiana. Though I think I might be a bit less amenable when
you bring up the points I imagine you are both here to..."

"Well we'll start with the good news, then." Miguel Sebastian was one of the
few remaining 'cronies' from as far back as the Zapatero administration, and
he was good at his job, as well as advice over a range of subjects. He was
one of the more well known faces around the office at the Palacio de la
Moncloa, and quite often also at the dinner table. "The renewable energy
project is really gaining momentum now. Iberdola have essentially won the
tender mainly due to their being able to throw some funding at the project.
They are keen to continue providing the power, being the operator of the
nuclear station we are shutting down. This is obviously meaning a lean
towards wind power, which is already well established and working
efficiently in many areas of the country. Also, with the new agreements with
Canada and China in the field we might be able to gain not only further
technology and attract secondary companies to assist in the project but
possible new sources of funding."

"Are we doing anything to actively encourage that?" Elena was all for
getting some help from abroad, particularly where it eased the strain on
their wallets.

"Not at the moment, but I'm sure I could approach my counterparts there and
maybe open up lines of direct communication with the companies that might
like to take advantage of this opportunity? Also I think with the formation
of the International Project for Energy from Renewable Sources (OOC: hey I
couldn't come up with a better name - feel free guys ;-)) we could encourage
more countries to seek membership - after all, as forefront as China and
ourselves are in the area having a few more hands in the pot wouldn't be a
bad thing."

"Good, do it." Elena leant back into her chair to prepare herself for what
was still to come. "So, onto the bad news?"

"Oh no, we still have some good news to impart yet." Sebastian sounded
positively cheerful, probably actually got a night's sleep for once. He was
renowned for working himself into the ground. Admirable quality, but not if
one did it all the time. "RENFE reports that the rail overhaul is going
well. We also have Bombardier working again with Talgo to advise on the
latest technology and techniques in high speed train construction. It means
the actual work comes to us but we still get the expertise they had
developed on the matter. There has also been talks with a South African
company, but they are unwilling to go ahead with any deal unless they retain
the construction rights also. I think it would benefit us both financially,
in terms of job creation and not having to import, and also in the media if
we were to insist on Spanish construction."

"Agreed, you have obviously been working rather hard the last few weeks. So,
any more good news?"

"I'm afraid it starts to go downhill from here." Aido spoke up, so it was
going to be a talk about financing the whole operation clearly. "First of
all RENFE reports that due to the high volume of work being put their way,
that without outside help the project is going to be delayed, and we're
talking a couple of years here not a matter of weeks. The companies that
have approached us with quotes for their assistance in the matter have all
been well outwith what we proposed spending on the project."

Elena nodded solemnly, the privitisation of rail maintenance had come up for
discussion before and always ended when the discussion of how to maintain
uniform and acceptable standards came up.

"Furthermore, financing both the purchase of high speed trains and the rail
overhaul would currently involve borrowing a lot more than I'm comfortable
with, particularly considering what has already been borrowed in the past
few years. Essentially Prime Minister if we are to go ahead with the plan as
it is, we're going to be overdrawn to a figure I dare not even say."

An expletive made it's way from Elena's lips, barely audible but very sharp.

"On a slightly more positive note, our expenditure on energy has began to
see a downturn with the new self-generation project underway, but no, before
you ask, not by enough to give us the funds for our other projects. Not by a
log way even on the most optimistic estimates."

"Well, I'm open to ideas?" Elena eyed the two Ministers, hoping that they
had some sort of plan.

"Well, I do have one proposal. I'm sure it would not be enough on it's own
but it could increase our budget somewhat." Miguel looked thoughtful, this
was clearly an on-the-spot idea. "The much-flouted smoking ban has been an
area which has been quite quiet recently, and one which we have received
criticism for. I believe that is we were to be a bit more stringent in
enforcing it, with penalties, we would get a bit more revenue."

Elena nodded slowly. "Yes, but that wouldn't bring us much. Plus the
enforcement may cost as much as we make anyhow."

"Hmm, yes but I also wish to propose something a bit more...radical. What if
we were to require licensing of establishments which sell tobacco products,
rather like those which sell alcohol?"

Elena smiled a little. "Then the payments for those licenses, at least in
the initial phase, would bring us a bit more of a substantial sum. Yes, that
would be interesting. It strengthens our health policy, allows us a bit more
scope to meet our targets financially and makes us seem a bit tougher with
regards to criminal behaviour. Although I doubt the tobacco or retail
industries will be our best friends over it."

"They are already barely on speaking terms with us, Prime Minister." The
older gentleman's smile was contagious. "I shall set the wheels in motion."

"I also think we should open up the discussion about privatisation of the
rail network." Bibiana was insistent when she wanted to be.

"Ok, I'm not sure much will come of it but let's see where that leads. Also,
I want you to see if you can negotiate down some of the companies that
approached us with regards to the rail construction tender. Threaten them
with bringing in help from abroad, I find that usually works."

"Yes, Prime Minister." Elena liked when her Ministers spoke in tandem, it
gave her an amusing sense of being in control.

"So, about this budget..."

=======================================
Actions:
1) Iberdola to keep the energy tender and decommission their own nuclear
station and provide replacement energy throw wind technology.
2) Approach other companies internationally to seek interest in assisting or
provision of other energy sources.
3) Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism to approach counterparts in China
and Canada specifically to seek co-operation.
4) Other countries to be approached regarding membership of IPERS (OOC:
anyone got a better name?? lol) and encouraged to join
5) RENFE continue construction of high-speed rail lines
6) Talgo to work closely with Bombardier to construct high speed trains,
most of the construction to go through Talgo with Bombardier being put in a
consultation role mainly.
7) Re-approach companies with regards to assistance to RENFE and try and
talk them down, if that fails go international and seek cheaper alternatives
8) Open the topic of rail privatisation for discussion nationally
9) Begin more stringent enforcement of smoking ban with fines in place for
those that disobey
10) Introduce new law to be ratified requiring all vendors who wish to sell
tobacco products to purchase a license which is reviewed annually.
11) Try not to borrow too much more money lol




From Chazenesq2b at aol.com  Sat Sep 13 11:39:56 2008
From: Chazenesq2b at aol.com (Chazenesq2b at aol.com)
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:39:56 EDT
Subject: [War] China:  "The Spanish Project"
Message-ID: <d4a.3b97812e.35fd38cc@aol.com>

"The Spanish Project"
 
Some NPC Business Dude
Shenyang Railroad Industrues, Inc.
August 25, 2014
==============================================
 
President Gao Li of the Shenyang Railroad Industries Inc. was a man prone  
for business.  He enjoyed risk... and had done considerably well in the  
business world.  Shenyang Railroad Industries was at one point a number of  small 
companies that, through coercive (but legal) means he managed to  consolidate 
into a massive International Cooperation with an annual profit in  the billions 
and climbing.
 
Between 2005 and 2010, SRI managed to get several lucrative contracts to  
modernize the transportation infrastructure in Beijing for the olympics, and the  
National Rail Service passageways that served as vital links between the 
large  cities, some more isolated hubs, and the dozen plus large port cities which 
were  the bloodline of China's massive containerized shipping lines that 
allowed it to  provide it's goods to the world market.  The company expanded, it's 
 workforce exploded, and as it got larger so did the demand for it's  
products.  It's massive influx of capitol was partly responsible for the  incredible 
transportation revolution that took place in China starting in 2010,  and in 
many ways still continuing.  In 2010, then Congresswoman Xia Hong  fought for a 
major new railroad project to curb land and air traffic, and  facilitate 
transport across China.  It started with the "Coastal Corridor",  dual purpose 
railway systems that allowed high-speed passenger and freight  service from the 
Yalu River transfer station on the North Korean border, and  heading down 
China's coast; starting with Shenyang and continuing through  Qinghuangdao, 
Beijing, Tianjin, Qingdao, Zhengzao, Nanjing, Shanghai, Ningbo,  Hong Kong, 
Guangzhou, Macao, and terminating at the Ferry station to Hainan  Dao Island.
 
It was a hugely ambitious project, necessitating tens of thousands of  
workers building for 'years', hundreds of domestic and international  
subcontractors, dozens upon dozens of technology exchange agreements, years of  legal, 
political, corporate, and diplomatic wrangling... but it was now  estimated the 
line was the most traveled rail system in the world, brought in  huge profits for 
the government and private investors, and generated millions of  jobs 
directly and indirectly.  It was one of many massive civil service  projects that 
brought China's economy back to the forefront from a possible  depression... and 
Shenyang, despite the nay sayers, had been first in line to  receive those 
contracts.
 
And then there was no looking back.  
 
Currently Shenyang was overseeing the finishing touches on the Lanzhou  
international transfer hub which included lines that allowed cargo and  passengers 
by high-speed rail to reach across any province in China, as well as  Russia, 
India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgistan, Uzbekistan,  
Kazakhstan, Mongolia, North Korea, and the 'Indochina' (historical reference  only) 
nations.  Shenyang had 250,000 employees in 18 different countries  and of 
immensely diverse populations.  Whether you spoke Mandarin, Russian,  Hindi, 
Pakistani, English, or what have you... Shenyang was looking to hire  you.
 
He'd been following progress on the Spanish rail system through various  
media outlets.  Projection overruns was nothing new in  European markets... 
extensive unionization, rising production costs,  needless bureaucracy, and 
purposefully low bids in the first place were chronic  problems in the European 
market.  That being said, Shenyang had a long and  established track record of 
building things earlier than deadlines and on  budget.  He analyzed the situation 
carefully through his subordinates,  forecasts of profit based on deductions 
for increased salary layouts, projected  delays because of government 
aquabbling, etc. etc.
 
In the end, he was convinced the benefits exceeded the potential  losses.  
 
The proposal was simple.  Highlight Shenyang's previous achievements,  then 
make a deal.  They could guarantee 90% of the workforce for  construction would 
be Spanish, and 99.9% of facility maintenance staff; and  that care would be 
taken to employ local sub-contractors when they needed  equipment.  They could 
also cut anticipated costs by 15% by switching to  Chinese suppliers rather 
than EU suppliers for things like steel and  concrete.  He firmly believed 
Spanish work and Chinese products would be a  good combination... one of those 
instances in International business where it  was a 'win win'.
 
=========================================================
 
ACTIONS
 
1.  Shenyang Railroad Industries offers Spain a deal.
 
    A.  15% reduction in project costs by  switching to Chinese suppliers for 
steel, concrete, building supplies of  comparable quality to what is being 
purchased already from EU nations.
    B.  90% Spanish workforce in construction, the  remaining 10% being 
reserved for foreign technical advisors, sub-contractors,  etc. which may not be 
available in Spain in sufficient numbers to meet our  requirements to finish 
this job on-time.  (Especially if it's already  delayed)
    C.  Should Shenyang be hired to maintain the  facilities as well, 99.9%+ 
of the workforce will be Spanish.  Shenyang will  open a wholly Spanish 
subsidiary to administer the contracts
    D.  Shenyang can also offer railway cars,  trains, and equipment equal to 
or better than what's available elsewhere, at  substantial savings should 
Spain decide to enter into a contract with it for  such items.
 
2.  Provide some background into the massive leaps forward China's  made in 
Transportation.



**************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, 
plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com.      
(http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)
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From dylandv at gmail.com  Sat Sep 13 17:33:20 2008
From: dylandv at gmail.com (Dylan de Valk)
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:33:20 -0700
Subject: [War]  Canada: Those Spanish Railways
Message-ID: <763946e70809131433u354418a2t4c92c8c62c444e1f@mail.gmail.com>

"Those Spanish Railways"
Aug.26/2014
Bombardier leadership
Canada

------------------------

Bombardier's leadership had been looking closely at the new Chinese bid for
Spain's railways network improvements with trepidation.  They knew Shenyang
had made a good offer, and they were determined to better it.

Representatives would approach the Spanish administration and re-iterate
that if Bombardier got the contract, they would absolutely guarantee that
95% of the workforce would be Spanish.  If other people needed to be brought
in, they would consult with the Spanish before taking any action.

They also knew that the Chinese had an advantage in the cost of products.
Bombardier would outline it's extremely extensive experience within the High
Speed Rail industry, and it's connections with North American suppliers of
the needed goods and materials.  They would further state that with
something like High Speed Rail, the risk that you take with a lower cost of
materials, especially from developing economies, is of the course the
quality of those goods.  Why risk a catastrophic failure when, for only a
little more, you can build with the best quality goods and reduce those
risks of shoddy construction.  They had gone to the Canadian federal
government and received a financial guarantee that extra costs would be paid
by them, so as to save the Spanish from extra borrowing.  According the
financial plan, Bombardier would make it work for just as much as the
Chinese offer.

With Shenyang outlining it's excellent array of railway products, Bombardier
was compelled to do the same.  They knew that their products were as good
as, if not better than, Shenyang's.  Even the Chinese had hired Bombardier
to build their railway vehicles for the Tibet railway.

While the Chinese did have a history for completing projects on time and
on-budget, partially because they did not have to deal with unions,
Bombardier would outline its experience in dealing with worker unions.  The
Chinese simply did not have the know how or the experience in those matters.

Furthermore, if the Spanish so wished to hire Bombardier, or one of their
subsidiaries, to maintain the new facilities, then they would form
partnerships with Spanish companies in order to keep the work within Spain
and the benefits to Spanish companies.

CEO Pierre Beaudoin even sent a personal communique to the head of the
Spanish agency overseeing the process.  Personal connections after all, mean
a lot.

-----------------------

Actions:
1] Outline the details of, and guarantees for, any contract Bombardier is
awarded in Spain's railway overhaul.
2] Try to outdo Shenyang's bid
3] Play on the good relations between Spain and Canada
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From iain at iain-waddell.co.uk  Sun Sep 14 15:30:12 2008
From: iain at iain-waddell.co.uk (Iain)
Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:30:12 +0100
Subject: [War] Spain: "I changed my mind, again."
Message-ID: <39A78CF93B8D47CC81CA9E12D8B95F3D@iainw>

"I changed my mind, again." 
PM Elena Rodriguez
King Juan Carlos I
Spain
25th August 2014 

<Palace of Zarzuela> 

Elena gave a slight bow as she stood before the King of Spain, signifying
the respect she held for the man. "Thank you again for seeing me, Your
Majesty." 

Juan Carlos smiled, nodding as he gestured towards a fairly comfortable
armchair in his private office. "It's hardly an imposition. My secretary
said there was something on your mind?" He asked as he took a seat opposite
the PM. 

"Yes," Elena settled herself into the chair, and liked the feeling of
sinking into the material as she did so. "I've come to seek advice on one of
our long-standing policies that has been gaining momentum over recent years
- that of disarmament and scaling down the armed forces of our country. I've
begun reassessing this situation and was wondering what our C-in-C's view
might be?" 

"You know as well as I do what the only answer I can give to that is," 
Juan Carlos replied. 

Elena gave a little lopsided smile, he was right of course. Ever the
benevolent observer. "Well let me tell you the story that has brought me to
this way of thinking. We have been working quite hard to lead the way on
arms non-proliferation for a good decade or so now, and the next obvious
step for that was to scale back our military power in the hope that we could
lead by example. Now with raising our profile, and participating more in
international affairs - including conflict resolution and peacekeeping - as
well as attempting to gain entry into the upper echelons of international
politics, it has been brought to my attention that our goals of
demilitarisation might be a problem. 
President Williams, for example, made it not too subtle that we wouldn't be
taken seriously unless we began spending a lot more on defence and that was
even just to be seen as at the forefront in NATO let alone anywhere else..."
She trailed off with a bit of a shrug. It wasn't an easy predicament. 

"And to an extent, he's not wrong. Remember the difference in
perspectives: It wasn't long ago at all that he was a serving soldier under
fire, while you've been trained in diplomacy. Where you see a place for
ideals, he finds that ideals are often the first casualty of events; he's a
pragmatist. It's sad, because he -was- an idealist in Congress, I'm given to
understand. Being President, not merely an anonymous legislator, seems to
have worn that away. 

"But what he meant isn't wrong. It's perhaps a bit harsh, but it's true.
There are still dangers in the world, and countries are, for better or
worse, looked upon mostly for their ability to fend off those dangers." The
King paused here. "But understand from whence it comes - someone who
*believes* in NATO, but who seems to feel like his side's been carrying most
of the burden. It's a common complaint among American soldiers, and it isn't
entirely without merit, when you look at NATO as a whole. They *have*
carried most of the burden, and it does feel a bit unfair from their
perspective. 

"Add in, I think he felt more than a little sore about your quick pullout
from Azerbaijan. You had good reasons, yes...But the way I read it, it felt
to a lot of Americans like you pulled our troops out just when the
solidarity was needed. Even a partial pullout feels like a lot from that
perspective. It may not be -accurate-, but perception
-is- nine-tenths of reality. When you add that up with our force structure
cutbacks, I think it feels to some like you're taking advantage of them." 

Elena listened intently, and hearing it from someone on 'her side' seemed to
bring it into sharper focus. "Perhaps the old saying is right after all- to
get peace we must prepare for war. Perhaps it is my background, my idealism
that points me away from spending too much on defence. I'd much rather it
spent on healthcare, infrastructure, education...but then what are these
things without protection? The Azerbaijan situation was not our proudest
moment, I perhaps should have taken the advice I was given rather than act
so quickly. After all I have ended up sending back almost as many troops as
were pulled out, albeit supposedly non-combatant personnel. I'm sure the
headlines about my backtracking will last a while yet, but that's something
I'm used to." She had been focussing into midair and now looked back to Juan
Carlos. "Perhaps maintaining a larger military would not be the end of the
world, after all we still hold the decision when and how to deploy them." 

"Precisely. So long as we maintain the ability to say 'no' to a particular
conflict - something not even the Americans argue with, not too much anyhow
- we maintain the final say. But, strictly unofficially? I think what even
your opposition would say is that we need to be able to credibly contribute
when called upon, and that means having a military that can bear the burden
of, as Williams put it in that transcript your office sent over, 'the common
defence'. We have, after all, gotten more out of NATO than we could ever
give back. 
That doesn't mean we shouldn't aim to contribute our honest share." 

"You are, of course, correct." Elena thought for a moment in silence before
continuing. "The fact I've spent a lot on ambitious plans in other areas
doesn't help us out on this matter. I'm sure I can find a few Euros to throw
in the direction of the armed services, even if it is just a token gesture
until something a bit more formal could be worked out." 

"Won't really satisfy anybody, I'm afraid. As I review the transcript of
your conversation with Williams that your office sent over, I'm struck by
the thought that he, in particular, seemed to want you to at least commit to
a formal improvement plan. So would the voters here, too. So would anybody -
words don't help much, unless they're backed up by measurable actions." 

Elena sighed a little, he was right and he hadn't even been party to the
actual discussion with Williams. "I think it's time I got together the
Defence and Finance Ministers for a discussion. If we're going to do this I
want to do it right first time. I don't suppose you want to lead the
discussions while I take a few days off?" Her features contorted back into a
smile.

"It sounds tempting, but I'm not going to do your job for you." The King
replied.

"Well it was worth a try." She shrugged a little. "Perhaps, instead we could
have a chat about a few other things on both our minds?"

========
Actions: 
Well none really, just a chat to show shifting views on Spain's defence
policy and as a precursor to future posts.




From john.penta at gmail.com  Mon Sep 15 15:00:45 2008
From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta)
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:00:45 -0400
Subject: [War] US/Canada: Subs for sale
Message-ID: <ab8370d40809151200u77597d72s901171e165b34e8f@mail.gmail.com>

"Subs for sale"
27 August 2014
Pres. John Williams, USA
PM James McColl, Canada
And Assorted Others
=====================
<Washington>

  WELCOME TO JWICSNET.

 With that simple message, John Williams was logged on to the White
House's private nerwork for secure communications.

 A quick check of his appointment book found that there was a
virtual conference - as much a test run of new features as to discuss
issues of note - with the Canadian defense team, from PM McColl
through to his service chiefs, with their counterparts on the US side.
Still 30 minutes to go.

---

 It looked like something out of sci-fi; A virtual conference room
floating in sky. Around the US side of the table were himself,
currently in his "internal avatar" of a wolf; Secretary Abbot, Admiral
Giambastiani, and the Joint Chiefs. Their internal icons were
stylized, metaphorical - and used strictly for US-only chats. A
keypress, and everyone changed to external avatars - realistic
representations of the person at hand.

 Beyond the immensely faster transfer of data such a virtual
conference allowed, it also allowed for some fairly neat graphics
effects, which the Joint Chiefs were playing around with. Abbot and
Williams had already run through the system.

 Soon enough, playtime ended, though, after a virtual swordfight "to
test how much the arms move" between Army and Navy. Uh huh.

 It was time to meet the Canucks, so Williams tapped another key,
indicating that the US Side was ready to connect through POLARISNet.

Meanwhile, in Ottawa, several people were linking into the system at
the same time.  Prime Minister McColl, Defense Minister Ansdale, Chief
of Defense Staff Girard and Head of MARCOM Matthieu Charpentier.
Everyone, like the Americans, had their own avatar, a digital photo of
themselves, nothing too fancy.

This was likely to be a most interesting meeting, McColl reflected to
himself while pressing the key to connect.

After the usual introductions (and a quick bit of instruction on some
features, like messaging among a delegation), the meeting got down to
business.

"We were warned to have defibrilators ready," joked Williams. "I'm
told Ottawa has an offer they'd like to put on the table?"

That provoked chuckles from everyone.  "It is true, even we come up
with bilateral somethings once-in-awhile." McColl grinned.

"But yes, for real.  I know that several months ago we approached you
with an offer to buy 3 Virginia Class subs off you.  We may have an
offer that could be a better solution.  Instead just giving American
shipyards the money to build those boats, we could also apprentice a
Canadian yard to yours, so we can also learn those building methods."

"That definitely is an interesting proposal. Is Canada doing this with
a view to building her own SSN fleet?" Williams asked.

"I don't know if you could call it a fleet.  We do want the future
capability of building them, but we have no ambitious plans, if that's
what you mean.  We do want to be able to contribute more to North
American defense, and especially our own Arctic Sovereignty, and we
view these submarines as an excellent way to do so."  explained
Charpentier.  He coughed, though whether out of nervousness or or not,
McColl couldn't tell.

Williams nodded thoughtfully.

Admiral Michael Walther, the Chief of Naval Operations, spoke then.

"Nuclear submarines require a sustained commitment, Mr. Prime
Minister. What assurances can you give us that Canada will continue to
spend the money required for a safe and efficient nuclear operation,
even when governments change?"

Williams coughed. "That was badly put. What kind of cross-party
support do you have for this endeavor?" Or, for that matter, within
the Liberal caucus itself, he did *not* add. "Nuclear safety requires
a substantial investment across decades, and it doesn't matter who
happens to be in power at the time. And one accident would bring a
cloud over the navies of both nations. So we need you to make a gut
check: Is this a policy you'll be able to get support on when the
situation is...less insane?"

McColl took the lead.  "I believe so, yes.  The main issue is of
course the money.  No government wants to be seen spending piles of
money for no reason.  However, the world we live in is quickly
becoming more and more dangerous.  This requires a consistent
investment in national defence, which America is no stranger to. "

At this point, Ansdale stepped in.  "As to whether there is support
among the Liberal caucus and the rest of the government, yes.  Once
the initial investment is made, which is the hardest part, people will
go along with it.  We have offered the Conservatives the Immigration
portfolio in order to gain their immediate support in the house, and
we know that they are interested in this for the long term too."

Williams smiled. "Good to hear. Now, as discussed, the base subs will
cost $2 Billion per submarine." *Now* he could as easily be selling
wrenches as attack subs, weirdly. "Additionally, Canadian crews will
undergo US training - subject to the same requirements in all
respects, no exceptions.

"If those conditions are agreeable, we have a sale."

Girard, the Chief of the Defence Staff, grumbled, "We were going to
ask for US training anyways.  We have no experience in these matters."
 McColl grinned, he sounded in anguish there, he thought.

Then McColl said, "We set aside the money in the spring budget, and
it's still there.  Money will not be an issue."

"Then it sounds like there's nothing left. Any other matters on the
defense side to discuss?"

"Nope, we're good for now.  You?" asked Ansdale.

"Good for now."
----
Actions:
1. Canada to buy 3 Virginia-class SSNs at $2 Billion per sub.
2. Canadian yard to "apprentice" with builders, to gain experience in
sub construction.


From john.penta at gmail.com  Mon Sep 15 15:11:25 2008
From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta)
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:11:25 -0400
Subject: [War] US: Homeward Bound
Message-ID: <ab8370d40809151211w4906d4d9v759eb10d58412056@mail.gmail.com>

"Homeward Bound"
23 August 2014
Pres. John Williams
USA
================
<Air Force One>

    Sleep or do work, sleep or do work.

On an aircraft like Air Force One, most people, after the jam-packed
trip that had defined the last few days, were picking the former
option.

The President was not among them. However, he was gracious enough to
let the non-flying crew sleep, and so was parked in his airborne
office, catching up on paperwork.

Next among the memohorde, an item on the Chinese release of details on
the released Canucks.

The more that came out, the more the President felt even more played
like an idiot.

Which, of course, he had been.
---
<Secure Message Traffic>
JWilliams: Why, oh why are you even -awake-, Mr. Secretary?
CHill: It's only 1800 here, you're still on London time. Though I
could ask the same thing.
JWilliams: Yeah, I know. So has everybody else.
CHill: Take the hint, then?
JWilliams: Can't, if I do I'll be all screwed up tomorrow.
CHill: Ambien is your friend.
JWilliams: China
CHill: Nice dodge. I suggest to de-escalate it from our end. Dept
Spokesman says again that the Canadians played us, but that we
consider it a bilateral issue, to be solved -diplomatically and
peacefully-. Similar messages through ambassadors in Washington.
Nothing from either of us.
JWilliams: Sounds good.
CHill: McColl screwed up. He's paying the price.
JWilliams: Yup.
CHill: Curiosity arises: What the hell are you -working- on?
JWilliams: The last of the budget bills.
CHill: You have staffers for that.
*JWilliams kills the overcurious cat*
CHill: Meow.
JWilliams: Zombie cat? Sheesh.
CHill: Mwahahahaha. Oh, BTW.
JWilliams: Mweh?
CHill: Argentine Ambassador just got into DC today - when do you want
to receive credentials? They were all 'You pick' when we tried to get
a time out of them.
JWilliams: Tuesday, then, around 10. I must confess, I've been
slacking on mi espanol. Did Madrid in English.
CHill: Bad linguist, bad. But then, the guy we're speaking of needs
the English practice.
---
Actions:
1. State Dept de-escalates the China-Canada mess, politely noting that
they regard it as a bilateral matter to be handled diplomatically and
peacefully. In other words: Play nicely and LEAVE US OUT OF THIS.
We've said all we're going to say.


From john.penta at gmail.com  Fri Sep 26 14:41:25 2008
From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta)
Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:41:25 -0400
Subject: [War] WAR World Report, volume 12
Message-ID: <ab8370d40809261141q704a55f7pba567cf58cb97a3a@mail.gmail.com>

WAR: World Report Volume 12

For all actions since Volume 11, advancing the timeline to 1 September
to 15 September 2014

United Nations Security Council (Permanent Members): United States,
United Kingdom, France, China, Russia

United Nations Security Council (Non-Permanent Members as of 1 June 2014):
Until January 2015:  Germany, Thailand, Poland, South Africa, Panama
Until January 2016:  Canada, Japan, Hungary, Algeria, Venezuela

Pending UN Security Council Actions: None
Pending UN General Assembly Actions: None
United Nations Secretariat: No news.
=========================================
ACTION RESPONSES
=============================

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
===========================
Population Approval: 53%
Government Approval: 53%
International Favor: 50%
Economic Growth: 3.9%
Inflation: 4.1%
Unemployment: 4.2%
----------------------------

No news to report.

============================

CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF)
============================
Population Approval: 52%
Government Approval: 50%
International Favor: 23%
Economic Growth: 9.7%, high
Inflation: 3.0%
Unemployment: 10.1%
----------------------------

No news to report.

============================

CANADA
========================
Population Approval:47%
Government Approval:45%
International Favor: 51%
Economic Growth: 2.2%
Inflation: 5.0%
Unemployment: 6.3%
-------------------------

After the last two weeks the McColl government's fortunes have
improved, slightly. The PM's comments regarding the prisoners have
calmed a few tempers, and most Canadians believe that even the hardest
criminals are better off in Canada than in China. However, according
to a recent Ipsos-Reid poll, 68% of Canadians believe Canada should
pay reparations to the families of the Chinese policemen killed in the
raid.

The contracts with the US for subs, while giving the budget hawks
fits, are well received, both as a needed military development for
northern defense, and as a chance for the firms 'apprenticing' with
the US builders to learn valuable skills to give Canada a shot at
making their own subs in the future. The support for the Bombardier
bid has also got nods from industry, and promoted the general feeling
in Canadian business that the government is in their corner.

However the same cannot be said of immigrants, especially those who
hope to bring their families to join them, as reducing the number of
slots reduce their chances. As such they have begun their own protests
on Parliament Hill and Liberal MPs from ridings with a majority of
immigrant voters have been grumbling mutinously in caucus meetings.
However, the rest of the 'Baby Bounty' package is well received by the
public.

===========================

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
===========================
Population Approval: 55%
Government Approval: 55%
International Favor: 50%
Economic Growth: 2.2%
Inflation: 2.0%
Unemployment: 8%
----------------------------

No news to report.

============================

JAPAN
======
Population Approval: 51%
Government Approval: 56%
International Favor: 66%
Economic Growth: 2.8%
Inflation: 0.6%
Unemployment: 4%
-------

As Japan steps into a prominent role in the rebuilding of Iran, a
fierce debate is beginning in Japan. While there's general support for
the aid project, and it gives a slight bump to Japanese standing in
the world, it begins anew the debate over Article 9 and much of the
Constitution - if Article 9 is to be changed by stealth, then why not
the role of the Emperor, or other elements of the Constitution?

Curiously, that argument, being advanced by leftists, is being taken
up (in a different way) by those on the right: Why -not- change the
role of the Emperor to one more reminiscent of the British monarchy,
or otherwise change the Constitution?

Despite even a minor brawl being unleashed in the Diet in a debate
over the issue (quickly ended by physical intervention from both
sides), tempest still swirls, and all eyes are coming to rest upon the
Government, where factions are quickly developing on all sides of the
issues at hand.

=============================

FRANCE
=======
Population Approval: 60%
Government Approval: 68%
International Favor: 43%
Economic Growth: 2.5%
Inflation: 5.6%
Unemployment: 6.2%
-------------------------

No news to report.

==============================

NIGERIA
============================
Popular Approval: 57%
Governmental Approval: 57%
International Favor: 50%
Economic Growth: 9.3%, high
Inflation:5%
Unemployment:4.7%
-----------------------------

LOA

===========================

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
===========================
 Population Approval: 57%
 Government Approval: 55%
 International Favor: 60%
 Economic Growth: 2.3%
 Inflation: 5.6%
 Unemployment: 6.2%
----------------------------

No news to report. (LOA)

============================

SPAIN
=============================
Popular Approval: 58%
Governmental Approval:58%
International Favor:47%
Economic Growth:2.9%
Inflation:3.35%
Unemployment:2.6%
------------------

All in all, not a bad two weeks for the Rodriguez government. Her wide
consultations on military matters have generated something of a
stateswoman buzz about her, and her firm response to the US regarding
military nuclear matters is well-regarded. That said, the "trains
issue" is becoming a matter of national pride for both Canada and
China, and there's mixed feeling specifically regarding
Spanish-Chinese relations; While on the one hand people are generally
happy regarding the trade deal and the green initiatives, there's a
feeling of unease regarding the general closeness of relations, and
particularly regarding Spain's seeming legitimization of China's
occupation of part of Iran.

On that note, the EU has nodded to Spain's green technology plans and
economic plans, and the Benelux countries are among others in the EU
that have joined the green technology bandwagon.

==============================

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
========================
Population Approval: 63%
Government Approval: 61%
International Favor: 50%
Economic Growth: 2.5%
Inflation: 3.0%
Unemployment: 5.3%
-------------------------

No news to report.

=========================

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
========================
Population Approval: 54%
Government Approval: 56%
International Favor: 68%
Economic Growth: 2.9%
Inflation: 3.1%
Unemployment: 4.2%
-------------------------

The last two weeks have been positive for the Williams Administration,
with Congress satisfied by their cooperation with the Canadian Caper
investigation and the productiveness of the President's working
vacation in Europe. Additionally, the President's support for NATO and
letting other nations do the heavy lifting in Iran, are met with nods
from the internationalists in Congress, while the more Imperial minded
politicos feel it weakens the US position not to be taking the lead in
every endeavor. However, the people are satisfied by the move and
approve of the more neighborly America put forward by Williams.

However the sub deal with Canada is another matter. Following so soon
after the Canadians used US intelligence on a raid that nearly sparked
war between China and Canada a lot of people are critical of trusting
the Canucks with nuclear powered submarines, let alone teaching them
how to make them. The general feeling among the people, government and
media is that the McColl government is too unstable to be trusted with
the subs. As such, Congress has called hearings to review the sale,
and in general call the Canadian government and their supporters in
Washington onto the carpet for the raid on China.

Lastly, as the Chinese incursion into Iran continues, there are voices
in government and in the press who are calling for a clear direction
from the White House in what to do about China and its recent spate of
Imperialist aggression.

======================================

=============================================

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

NOTE: Initial indicators were gleaned from as recent sources as
possible, for the most recent term possible (annualized). In some
cases, the numbers used are published estimates, but the English-
speaking nations' data is more or less right from the source.

Depression: Economic forces retracting uncontrollably and at a
dangerous pace with little end in sight.

Recession: Economic forces retracting, but more shallow than
Depression and more controlably. Sometimes necessary and part of
regular economic trends, although prelonged.

Revision: Economic forces retracting slightly and short term,
associated with economic systems refitting to accomodate new
industries, concentrations, etc.

Zero: No movement one way or the other.
Low: Comparatively low Economic growth/activity. (miniscule to about
2%, depending)
Good: Average economic activity (ranging from 2%-5% normally)
High: Above average performance (Greater than 5%) Sometimes
dangerous if in excess of 8% continuously.

SITES OF INTEREST

WAR Website: http://war.dagarcia.net/
United Nations: http://www.un.org/
Central Intelligence Agency: http://www.cia.gov/
CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/
Federation of American Scientists: http://www.fas.org/
GlobalSecurity.org: http://www.globalsecurity.org


From john.penta at gmail.com  Sun Sep 28 01:06:26 2008
From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta)
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:06:26 -0400
Subject: [War] US: The China Policy
Message-ID: <ab8370d40809272206s62ccf54anf6c99b289fb35e47@mail.gmail.com>

"The China Policy"
1 September 2014
Pres. John Williams
USA
================
<Washington>

     "They expect...a China strategy...all on my own." John Williams
said this with more than a little amusement in his voice.

"Hey, you -are- the guy who agreed to take the top job," noted Rob
Beiler, his Chief of Staff.

"Yes, but that's a simply insane request."

"It's the White House," Beiler began.

"THE WEIRD SHIT'S OUR JOB!" finished POTUS, the Chief of Staff, and
the Cabinet, laughing.

Monday mornings were the times for Cabinet meetings in the Williams
Administration. Unlike in most Administrations, he'd come to actually
use full, formal Cabinet meetings to gather opinions. Not just pro
forma meetings, but regular meetings of the full cabinet, Some were
conducted virtually, over the secure networks that connected the
Cabinet departments. Every so often, though, they met in person, in
the Cabinet Room, around the long mohagony table.

"Okay, with that reminder for all of us," Williams continued, "China
does need a coherent strategy, across the government. I don't expect
it to be decided here, though. Instead, I want ideas on how to begin a
process for *finding* a strategy."

"Key points:

"One: Any such strategy must have bipartisan support. Insofar, because
I get the same polling data as everybody else, as the parties still
matter...I want there to be -one- strategy, that'll last whether my
successor comes in 2017 or 2021, regardless of who it is. Don't think
a 'Williams Doctrine', think a rerun of NSC-68.

"Two: Any strategy will use -all- levers of US power. Diplomatic,
military, economic, technological.

"Three: We. Are. Not. Intrisically. Hostile. To. China. No, I do not
like President Hong much. But we can never afford to build a policy
based on considerations such as who, precisely, is in power on either
side.

"That said, I would regard them, dispassionately, as a strategic
competitor at a minimum. At most, a potential near-peer rival for
influence in the global system.

"Four: I do not at present anticipate a change to the One China policy.

"With that said, I throw the discussion open to the Cabinet. This
discussion is conducted under the usual rules."
***

Eventually, a decision was made. The Cabinet didn't know -what- to
make of China's recent actions, so it did the timeless Washington
thing: Hand it off to a committee.

Working with Congress, there would be established an informal
commission, members appointed by both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue.
The Commission would, in secrecy, examine all aspects of the US's
China policy - nothing would be off-limits. It would be a continuous
process - the Commission would be a watchdog over the evolution of
American policy on the PRC, using its influence on the Washington
debate to keep DC's eye on the ball.

First up would be the writing of a report, due to the new Congress in
January, on the general outlines of US-China relations - in dhort,
what was it believed that the general American outlook towards China
should be, based on current indications? Were they agreed to be a
threat? The other side in a new Cold War?

The report would, in tandem, propose legislative and statutory
measures to align US policy with the outlook that followed from the
consensus opinion of the panel.

Next would be reports focusing on, respectively, the military,
diplomatic, economic, and other responses to Chinese activities.

The idea was not, it would be emphasized, to develop policies for
right now - rather, the idea was to bring "official Washington" to
some form of agreement about what to do over the long-term, in a
strategic sense.

It'd still be a political issue - nobody was naive enough to think it
wouldn't be. But, hopefully, it'd at least create a common footing.
---
Actions:
1. Commission on Relations with the PRC to be created, to report as above.
2. General principles of the commission's remit stated, as well as
general principles for the US-China relationship.
3. Work with Congress on appointing members and otherwise establishing
the Commission.


From martellian at hotmail.com  Sun Sep 28 05:30:14 2008
From: martellian at hotmail.com (Ian Martell)
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:30:14 -0700
Subject: [War] Japan: "Opening Address"
Message-ID: <BAY124-DS4ED1FB8820CC1149274C7C6410@phx.gbl>

"Opening Address"
Prime Minister Shunichi Sato
Japan
Sept 5 2014
----

What was that saying? Oh yes, the best laid plans of mice and men, or in this case governments, the summit had been delayed but such was the nature of trying to get so many different national leaders together in one place. But finally it had begun, the first day had been basically spent carousing in the custom of many of the Asian nations involved, where all sides got to know each other recreationally, before they got down to business. It had been a good time, at least from Sato's perspective, they had gone up into the mountains to see the bathing monkeys, and then came back down to the resort for a private and informal dinner with the leaders and their families.

 

Today, though was business and in the full view of the media, so it was Sato rose early and sat with the damned stylists to make sure his appearance was immaculate, and then when the time came he was ushered to the stage, where he along with the other world leaders were seated, below their families, other dignitaries, such as the Chinese, Russian, and American ambassadors, were present behind them, the press with their cameras and microphones.

 

With a nod from the Foreign Minister, who provided his introduction, Sato rose and smiling, and walked to the podium.

 

He bowed turned slightly when he reached it and bowed to the assembled leaders. "Fellow leaders," he turned to the crowd. "Assembled guests, I am a poor voice to welcome you all to a historic summit such as we shall begin today, but I thank you for your indulgence, I will be brief," he said, with customary Japanese humility.

 

"When I look at the world, I see it as colder than it was a year ago, not in climate, for that is quite the opposite, but in relations. Nations no longer talk with one another, unless that communication is made through the barrel of a gun and some have gone so far as to turn inward, and unlawfully throw off their obligations to their brother and sister nations. This speaks ill for our futures. It is only through cooperation that the world shall move forward to a better future. Which is why I am happy to see my fellow leaders here with me today, and I hope this will be a sign for the future, where cooperation not conflict and selfishness is the order of the day.

 

The speech went on that topic for a while, praising the efforts of leaders around the world, President Williams for his swift and right action in Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Rodriguez for her reaching out to the world to help develop greener technologies, and to President Nemerenko for reaching out to his former satellites and to Chechnya in hopes of a brighter future. Then it returned to the topic at hand.

 

"So it is to us, to Asia, and the Pacific nations, to follow these examples of good governance and bring our combined might on the dangers of piracy, narcotics and terror that plague our world and this region we call home. So it is in that spirit I welcome you, and hope that we shall be successful in the following days in coming to some accord that allows for our cooperation on these issues and further issues in the future. Thank you very much."

 

There was applause all around, polite applause Sato expected as he returned to his seat, he was no great speaker and not all the attending nations would be pleased with the objectives of the summit, still, just to have them here was something. As far as his government was concerned so long as the leaders attended and left with at least half-meant promises for action, it was a victory, though it didn't mean he wasn't going to shoot for more.



Actions:

 

1> Open the Southeast Asian summit in Japan, with  the leaders of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and New Zealand and Australia as co-host.

2> State the objectives: Form an agreement between these nations to focus on combating the problems of terrorism, narcotics, and piracy in Southeast Asia. 
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From john.penta at gmail.com  Sun Sep 28 17:44:32 2008
From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta)
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:44:32 -0400
Subject: [War] US: Debt. The Eternal Enemy.
Message-ID: <ab8370d40809281444x4ed1d7adq3f6def8026fa2dd9@mail.gmail.com>

"Debt. The Eternal Enemy."
3 September 2014
Pres. John Williams
USA
====================
Bang bang smash smash.

Such was the soundtrack of the President's life as Luke approached his
first birthday, now only 4 days away.

Luke had been a quiet baby, but he loved to move, to make noises, to
see what happened when he did things.

Running a country, keeping his son from getting where he
shouldn't...There were a lot of reasons why the Williams family had
considered hiring a nanny to look after Luke during the day,
particularly as Kay took up a schedule that kept her as busy as her
husband.

There were equal reasons why they hadn't, yet, but as the President
watched Luke bang toys together, he found it hard to concentrate on
what was in front of him, a report on the FY2015 budget as it was
shaping up.

Kay was in Chicago for the next week, doing research for the doctorate
she was pursuing (as well as giving speeches and local media
interviews, something John had been surprised to find his wife
enjoying, even if only a little).

So it was just him and the kid, family-wise.

At that point, he made a decision, and picked up his cellphone to text Kay.

LUKE MKNG IT HD 2 FOCUS. FEEL FOR U NOW.

The response was simple:

PAYBACK SUCKS, HUH?

They went on like that for a bit, Then, one of his staffers came in,
carrying some papers.

"Luke treating you alright, sir?"

"Oh, yeah. Just...being loud."

A look of sympathy. This particular staffer had 2 kids of her own,
both grown up a bit.

"Aww. Need help?"

At that moment, John was abundantly happy he'd kept to an informal
tone with his staff.

"Yes, *please*. Also, let Mrs. Rosen know...I've still to clear it
with Kay, but I think that we're going to be looking for a nanny to
take cate of Luke during working hours. I can handle him fine at night
and in the mornings..."

"But you can't be dad and POTUS at once?"

"Exactly. Or at least, I can't concentrate while he's banging stuff."

That got a chuckle.

"Yeah, Cameron and Dylan were the same way. How about I take him off
your hands?"

"I shouldn't. He's my kid, my problem. And besides, it'd be bad to
have me have an employee take care of him."

"You should. This isn't exactly covered in the job description, no,
but I'm waiting for DOE to get back to me with some stuff anyway.
They're going to be a while, and besides, it's more productive than
the alternatives."

"Which are?"

That got a grin. "Sorry, not gonna tell the boss what we do with dead time."

*That* had John laughing. "Good one. Fine, go keep him quieted down for a bit."

Upon reflection, she'd offered, and it wasn't like it was a permanent
thing. Just for an hour, so he could focus.

Nonetheless, he'd confess his sin to the ethics advisor.
---

Debt. Ever since the founding of the Republic, it had been a constant
problem for Presidents.

In some respects, a level of debt was necessary, even desirable - it
helped establish government credit, and provided a safe source of
liquidity to the economy.

High debt, however, was not a good thing, for governments as much as
for families or businesses.

As it was, the US's debt level was high, but not necessarily crushing.
However, measures could be taken to reduce it.

Thus, he began to write, since Luke had left under the watchful eyes
of the staffer who'd agreed to mind him til DOE got back to her.

First off, he decided, it was time for another scrubdown.

Line by line, the Cabinet would go through the budget bills before
they were presented for signing. If Congress wouldn't release the
specifics on earmarks, the White House would, in the ten days allowed
for delay under the Presentment clause.

It didn't mean they wouldn't be *signed*, but it'd make sure
everything was out in the open. And who knew, maybe it'd give
ammunition to fighters for a line-item veto.

Next, there was projected to be a surplus. A small one, not accounted
for in the projections used in assembling the budget months before.

That, he decided, would be used to pay down at least a small part of
government debt. He also made another note: In FY16, at least 80% of
whatever surplus came about would be used to pay down debt.

The objective would be simple: Reduce US debt so that it was no more
than 50% of GDP. How long that would take?

That he had no clue about.
---
Actions:
1. Cabinet to release the specifics of earmarks in final funding bills
as they arrive at the White House. Who requested how much for what. In
detail, online.
2. President to push for using surpluses to pay down debt.
3. President to issue objective of reducing government debt to under 50% of GDP.


From dantheman2210 at yahoo.com.au  Sun Sep 28 19:08:42 2008
From: dantheman2210 at yahoo.com.au (Daniel Sanderson)
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:08:42 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [War] Australia: The Summit
In-Reply-To: <BAY124-DS4ED1FB8820CC1149274C7C6410@phx.gbl>
Message-ID: <830679.48182.qm@web39105.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

OOC: Sorry I've been quiet guys, life has been C-R-A-Z-Y!

IC:
"The Summit"
Prime Minister Jack Decker
Australia
September 5 2014

Decker applauded as the Japanese PM finished his welcoming address. He'd arrived two days before, with a few key people from Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence. And his family, of course. The kids had been cranky that they'd hadn't been able to go to North America when their father had gone, so he was making it up to them, on the condition that in the school holidays (which were towards the end of September) they did a lot of work. Not that the twins needed to be told, they had exams coming up before they knew it.

The family had enjoyed the previous day's activities, the kids loved the monkeys, and Jack's wife hadn't even known there were monkeys in Japan.

The cameras flashed as leaders shook hands, and prepared to get down to business. There were individual groups on narcotics, piracy and terror, with representatives from each nation, at each session. Decker had already laid out what Australia would do, for the most part. They would contribute to any task forces on these issues, as well as stronger liaising amongst the region. They would consider asking permission to broaden the patrol sectors of the Australian military, though the great obstacle to that was Indonesia. Despite cordial relations, both nations were always a little wary of each other.

And so they broke up, and the conference began...


1) Australia's response to the Japanese PM's welcome.
2) Australia to help wherever, whenever and however it can.


      Make the switch to the world&#39;s best email. Get Yahoo!7 Mail! http://au.yahoo.com/y7mail


From iain at iain-waddell.co.uk  Tue Sep 30 15:15:56 2008
From: iain at iain-waddell.co.uk (Iain)
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:15:56 +0100
Subject: [War] Spain: "Those trains again."
Message-ID: <0B643F739EFA4302A60105F7C304C988@iainw>

"Those trains again."
Minister Miguel Sebastian
Spain
4th September 2014


(Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism)

Minister Sebastian was sat with two of his colleagues from the Ministry and
the representatives of the RENFE and unions representing the rail workers.
It had taken two hours for the entire group to come to the agreement that
the current direction of rail construction and maintenance projects could
not be viably maintained. The cost to the government was becoming
unacceptable, the timeframe for completion was expanding to embarrassing
levels and both of these were affecting the morale of those working on the
projects and others associated with it.

It had taken a further half an hour for the ministry to convince both RENFE
and the Unions that the problem could not be solved domestically. The only
companies able to expedite the project were already involved in various
parts of it and the only option they could offer was to increase workforce
and material acquisition at a subsequent increased cost.

So two and a half hours after this meeting started, Sebastian was finally at
a point where the plan his ministry had presented to the Prime Minister when
offers had come in from foreign companies could be voiced to those present.

"Therefore, we are agreed that international co-operation is the only way
that this matter is going to be resolved." It was a firm statement, he dared
not open it to discussion yet again, before a response was ascertained he
continued. "We have received offers from several sources but only two have
had weight enough to be considered." He looked pointedly to the RENFE
representatives. "One comes from Bombardier in Canada, where we already have
many contacts and a good working relationship. The other, from Shenyang in
China. Both have guaranteed a Spanish contingent of 95% and 90% of the total
workforce for construction of these railways respectively. Furthermore,
should we allow these companies to operate and maintain the rail systems
Shenyang has stated in their offer that 99.9% or more of the workforce would
be Spanish, the Bombardier offer didn't detail their plans in this respect."

"This is unacceptable!" One of the senior RENFE officials had stood up at
the last statement, in an almost fury, no doubt stemming from the
frustration of the conversations that had been going round in circles over
the past few hours. "With all due respect, Minister, you have just casually
suggested the privatisation of the Spanish rail network and no doubt the
dissolution of RENFE and lord knows how many redundancies."

"If you would let me finish, -sir-." Sebastian was used to dealing with
people who were less than happy and getting above their stations. "We intend
to send back both offers with provisions to see just how keen these
companies are in their bids. Firstly, RENFE will remain as a regulatory body
to ensure the standards of service for Spanish rail travellers, the workers
rights and working conditions and the standards of maintenance of the lines
will be maintained to a standard we are all happy with." Here the unions got
a pointed look. "The current senior staff and those involved in regulation
will remain in post. The rest of RENFE's branches will be taken over by
whomever wins the contract on the provision that all current workforce are
all either maintained in post or given comparable positions and their pay is
guaranteed to remain the same."

The silence that prevailed for a few moments spoke more than words would
have. The discussion then turned to matters of salaries for RENFE officials,
profit margins and future projects but really nothing came of these and the
meeting was over in another half hour, much to everyone's relief.

===============
ACTIONS:
1) Agreement reached that foreign involvement required in rail project
2) Agreement that privatisation is a viable option.
3) Respond to both Bombardier and Shenyang
	a) Considering both offers
	b) Request confirmation of proportion of workforce to be Spanish for
both construction and maintenance
	c) Request confirmation of decrease in costs for these
	d) Request guarantee of employment of all current RENFE staff not
involved in regulation on same pay or greater
	e) Request confirmation to allow RENFE to regulate operations and to
abide by RENFE decisions on such matters and to cooperate fully with unions.