A Meeting of Presidents

[The Rock Doctor]

Presented for OOC interest rather than IC knowledge.  Carthaginian and I will be alternating posts here.  Feel free to speculate - elsewhere - on the outcomes

9 May 1919:  Cartagena

The average Cartageno was completely unaware of the arrival of President Hoover.  The Confederate leader, accompanied by a very modest retinue, arrived mid-day on a small steamer.  The wharf was secluded, and the presence of some men in straw hats was sufficient to keep the dock workers focused on other matters.

President Rey Alizandro waited at the foot of the gangway, two aides flanking him and a six vehicle motorcade parked close by.  As President Hoover arrived on Colombian soil, the two shook hands. "Welcome to Cartagena", Rey said simply.

"Thank you for the invitation", Hoover replied.  

"Thank you for making the journey - and bringing sunlight with you", Rey added.  "It's been pouring for the better part of a week now."

"We must have collected the sun on the way, Mister President, for it was no better when we departed Richmond", Hoover said.  

Rey chuckled and gestured towards the motorcade.  "Regardless, the weather is just right to enjoy the sights as we head back to my office.  I understand that our respective associates have sorted out the particulars of their rides, so shall we be on our way?"

"Indeed.  I look forward to seeing the city", Hoover agreed.  The two leaders walked to Rey's Rolls y Royce, trailed by one aide each.  The other men briefly conferred and fanned out towards three other cars, the presidential aides having indeed sorted out the logistics of this visit beforehand via telegram.

In a few minutes, they were on the road, heading inland for the Presidential Palace.  Conversation was naturally focused on the geography and history of the city, though President Hoover did inquire into the Alizandro family.  "They're good.  My son is enjoying a new career in the army", Rey replied.  He didn't respond in kind, as Hoover was said to be too focused on his career to have gotten around to marriage.

Once at the palace, the group split up.  The modest security details for both mens waited outside, content to ignore each other for a while until somebody accidently started a conversation about boxing.  Meanwhile, the two presidents and a handful of aides went into Rey's favorite meeting room, a library lined with teak bookshelves and tiled with marble.  The aides would not directly participate in the conversation, but some were there to provide information on request.  One of each nationality was simply there to listen and take notes for the benefit of their president and the bureaucracy, which might have to implement presidential commitments yet not necessarily benefit from a timely de-brief from the president in question.

When they were settled into their chairs with drinks and smokes, Rey began, "Again, thank you for travelling here so soon after your elevation to the Presidency.  President Wilson's passing came as a shock and disappointment to me, as I had respect for him as a person and a statesman."

"That's very kind", President Hoover replied.  "Woody's death was a shock to us all.  All we can do is put our heads down and move forward in his memory."

"Indeed, and so I'm hopeful that our conversation will be fruitful.  Let me begin by summarizing where I think Gran Colombia is at in the world."  President Hoover merely nodded.  "Internally, we are enjoying order and an open environment for free enterprise.  The amalgamation of Cuba, Jamaica, and other territories over the last two decades has been smooth - and beneficial for the state as a whole.  The population is content and at peace.  We have sought out new opportunities in the world and secured them through honorable transactions, rather than through conquest.  I'm pleased that, while it has been a close thing on a few occasions, we have managed to wield considerable 'soft power' on the world stage without havng resorting to actual, direct use of 'hard power'."

"Colombian/Confederate relations in this time have been tentative at best.  Our greatest successes have been at the international level, where it seems we often think in the same general way.  Closer to home, though, this translates into rivalries:  domination of the Caribbean and territories between our respective heartlands.  As a recent example of this, we need only look at Mexico.  Both of our governments was not content with Rohan's oversight of the former Anahuac Empire, and we each sought to facilitate a transition to a more responsible, market-oriented government in recent years.  In this case, our preferred choice for new government acted prematurely, setting the stage for a successful transition to the new government of Mr. Villa with Confederate assistance."

President Hoover nodded.

Rey continued.  "At this time, Gran Colombia is taking a go-slow approach to the new Mexican Republic.  If it proves to be a peaceful, cooperative neighbour, we will be happy to formalize relations and look to build a friendship.  If it proves otherwise, we will work to ensure that Colombian interests are not at risk by the new republic.  At this time, however, we simply lack sufficient information to make an informed judgement.

"Another area our two nations have been rivalries is the acquisition of territories held by European powers.  Previous Confederate governments have not been pleased by our acquisition of Cuba, and we took issue with your acquisition of Haiti and, more recently, the Yucutan territories.  Add to this the fact that each of us is engaged in modernizing and expanding our armed forces - for reasons that only partly relate to our own rivalries - and we have some volatility in the region.  I think it would be beneficial to us both to consider how to relieve some of that pressure and increase our ability to peacefully co-exist."

"I share this view", Hoover replied, "And I do have some ideas we can discuss shortly."

"Excellent!", Rey said.  "I would also suggest we consider areas for international cooperation - or, at least, discussion.  We have overseas allies and interests, and we have seen some of those same allies and interests clash on occasion.  Two immediate examples come to mind - Italy, Orange, and New Zion in East Africa, and the RRC and smaller powers in South Asia.  It would be unfortunate if such events were to cause our respective nations to come into conflict over a matter that originally had nothing to do with our relationship.  It may behoove us to seek ways to prevent or reduce conflicts of this nature or, since we can not shirk from our obligations to friends, seek means to limit the degree to which we come into conflict in such events."

Rey took a breath, and concluded, "I think I'll stop my open remarks there, Senor President."

[Carthaginian]

"Presidente Alizandro, I agree that our two nations have accomplished more for the world, and for ourselves, by remaining 'behind the scenes' and manipulating the situation with words rather than force of arms. A war does not decide who is right; it only decides who is left. Far too often, however, that nation is left in such a state that it no longer wields the influence it previously did. By working to preserve peace in the world in the past, our nations have also preserved our ability to influence the world in the present... and the future.

The Confederacy is still reeling form the loss of Woody. Steps are currently being taken to help ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

Aside from this, currently the Confederate situation is not unlike that of Gran Colombia. Our recent acquisitions of Haiti and the Bahamas are being integrated into the whole, and our foreign policy centers on the prevention of conflict, both domestically and abroad. The final removal of the vestiges of the Anahuac Empire by removing the corrupt government of the DRM was one result of this policy. Presidente Vila long proved to be a man with the best interests of his people at heart while working to overthrow the government of the DRM. He fully understands the tenuous situation facing his new Republic... this I can assure you.

With the socialist government, still linked to the old Anahuac Eye Worshipers, now out of power- how best to put this... the Confederacy's interests in Mexico can best be likened to a man who helps his somewhat harried neighbor by tending his yard. If your neighbor's home looks bad, it causes your own to become less attractive. Indeed, it can cause your home to be less valuable if the situation becomes severe enough. Having no desire to see this scenario played out on an international scale, we plan to assist Mexico in becoming as 'well manicured' as any other house on our block. Such a goal only helps all the nations of the Americas.

The Confederacy is also closely watching the situation in Africa, hoping that the Zionists will see reason and begin to distance themselves form the Swiss. Semantics aside, they are definitely breeching the spirit of their agreement, if not the letter, by accepting gifts of a military nature from the Swiss. Though we are tied to the Italians and their interests by treaty, we have no desire to engage in open conflict with the Zoinists... indeed, the Jewish population of our nation shows some support for the Zionist cause- though they strongly question their choice of allies.

The situation in Asia might not be as volatile as it appears. To be blunt... a reopening of dialogs with our associates in the Middle Kingdom has formed something of a conflict of interests in our legislature. Some wish to continue in support of the RRC, some wish to strengthen our neglected ties to the Royalists. I am currently unsure how this situation will play out; probably after congressional elections in November, a clearer picture will emerge.

With regards to our own relations, the makeup of the Confederate fleet has long indicated it's purpose- defense. Ships with strong capabilities but short range are not generally useful in attacking. Of late, though, ship classes with great range, speed and power have been appearing. These classes have largely been designed in order to support our commitments to our allies rather than out of any desire to project our own power abroad. Several more classes of ship with capabilities like the Wheeler and Enterprise classes are planned, but they will largely be deployed to the Pacific where range and speed are necessities. Thus, there will be a buildup of forces in the Pacific over the next few years, though not so much in numbers as in quality.

The Caribbean, the primary source of friction between our two nations, is not slated for any further fleet development for some time. We have planned to expand the port facility in Haiti, but could be persuaded to defer this development should similar concessions be made by Gran Colombia. We similarly have no plans to increase our presence in the Bahamas beyond that of local defense. Our biggest concern is the tension created by the arrangement of our possessions in the Caribbean. With our interests overlapping in such fashion as they do, there is much potential for 'misunderstanding.' We would like to see the establishment of some form of delineated shipping routes- both to help eliminate the possibility of misidentification and to allow for ease of security concerns in a time when piracy on the high seas seems to be making a return.

These are our basic positions... not greatly different from your own.

Now, on the subject of Africa... how could we go about limiting the damage should something regrettable happen there?"

[The Rock Doctor]

"Africa is certainly a tricky issue.  From what I have seen and heard, the Swiss and Zionites are acting within the letter of the treaty.  I will not argue that they may not be acting within its spirit, but it is the letter to which they are accountable", Rey said, lighting up a new cigar. 

"It's entirely possible that this could escalate into conflict.  At the very least, we would see Italy against the Swiss and Zionites.  It stands to reason that Orange could fall in with the latter group, while your own alliance, the DKB, and Maoria could all aid Italy.  That's a larger war than anything we've seen in decades, and that assumes I can maintain my own neutrality amongst it all."

President Hoover nodded.  "A difficult task, if that is your preference."

Rey smiled slightly.  "I candidly admit I was disposed towards assisting Orange in the last conflict, but times change.  If the Zionites and Swiss push too far, so be it.  I have expensive territory in the region to defend and I can not do so easily if I get into a land war with the neighbours.  I can seek to assist in a diplomatic solution, as I did prevously - but what of the Neutral Commission established through the Dar-es-Salaam Agreement?  Is there scope for your nation, Japan, and the Confederation to work something out?"

[Carthaginian]

OoC:
OK, guys... I have tomorrow off and a quart of white liquor tonight.
Should have something interesting by tomorrow morning. ;)

[Carthaginian]

"Our interest in Africa is simply to ensure that Italy's territorial claims are not challenged by New Zion with the help of the Swiss. The Confederacy does intend to pursue the option of having the Neutral Committee examine the situation and define clearly whether the current actions of New Zion are actually in breach of the treaty or not. Our current exercises with Italy are preparing for the least desirable outcome, but I firmly hoe that they remain exercises.

I can clearly understand the problems- both in security and economic disruptions that a war between Nassau and the Swiss/Zionite alliance could produce... and would like to know how such problems could be mitigated at least, if not avoided entirely. I can say that, in spite of our past tensions, that the Confederacy would defend and Colombian vessels entering the area peacefully as fiercely as our own- free enterprise and free trade must be preserved even in the event of conflict. "

[The Rock Doctor]

"This is very kind of you", Rey said, "And while CSA were to remain neutral in such a conflict, we would extend similar courtesies.  For that matter, your vessels in Africa are welcome to make call in Villa Alberto or Banana while on exercise, though I concede that neither has a great deal to offer the average sailor.

"Your Italian allies - and likely your own people - will be aware that I have dispatched additional troops to Montana.  These are cordilleran troops, intended to provide better observation and security of my borders with both New Zion and Italian Africa - nothing more.  It may be less obvious that the torpedo-boats escorting the convoy will be staying in Villa Alberto for a while, but that is to be the case.  It will allow me to maintain the integrity of Colombian waters in the Gulf of Tanganyika if this proves necessary, without unduly upsetting the agreed-upon balance of Orange and Italian power in the Rift Sea.

"From a mitigation standpoint - it is not lost on me that the Nassau Alliance has a worldwide presence, and that the Swiss favor asymmetric warfare such as commerce raiding.  It would be unfortunate if this translated into a globe-spanning war, given the risks and costs that this imposes on maritime trade in general. 

"On the other hand, Gran Colombia does enjoy reasonably positive, if sometimes erratic, relations with New Switzerland.  As I believe I indicated towards the closing of the Second Pacific War some years ago, I am not especially keen to see New Switzerland invaded or conquered by the Nassau Alliance in the course of a war.

"While I'm speaking of unlikely, worst case scenarios, wars have a way of becoming unpredictable.  Therefore, should we see a conflict break out, I would urge all parties to make best efforts to limit the conflict to the immediate area of the Rift Sea.  Should it become necessary to persuade one or both sides to make these best efforts, I'm prepared to offer such persuasion", Rey smiled.

"That all being said - I have directed my senior diplomatic representative in Africa, my ambassador to Orange, to attend the conference in Dar-es-Salaam and make best efforts towards securing lasting peace in eastern Africa.  I have faith that the Neutral Committee has a role to play, and that other participants in the conference will make genuine steps towards a peaceful resolution of our current difficulties.

"So with that in mind - you spoke earlier of being prepared to limit your military presence in the Bahamas and Haiti in exchange for concessions from myself.  Could I ask you to elaborate on this point?"

[Carthaginian]

*sorry to have been out for so long... real life is running me ragged*

"Presidente, the Confederacy has long believed that the best way to prevent conflict is to, to put it bluntly, keep our noses out of the business of others. We have, to this end, stayed out of the 'colonial game' and have pursued interests at home rather than abroad. We believe in keeping our influence strong by keeping our responsibilities small... and thus our power concentrated.

Samana Bay has is the closest thing to a 'colonial port' that the Confederacy possesses- and we've never intended it to be anything else- a simple port by which to provide a measure of protection for our interests in the Caribbean. As Gran Colombia maintains such a large presence in Cuba and Jamaica, a large force on our part is unnecessary from a 'law and order' standpoint; your nation does an admirable job of keeping the Caribbean safe for civilized men. Thus, our only needs in the area are basic local security- provided by some small craft and the occasional visiting cruiser.

The Confederacy would be interested in hearing your opinion on possible re-deployments of major combat units from the Greater Antilles to areas where they might soon be more 'in demand'.  The Confederacy would remove all our major Fleet units- three coastal battleships and their supporting forces could go a long way elsewhere for us- and promise to neither enlarge nor upgrade Samana Bay for a period of not less than 10 years. In return, we would ask that Gran Colombia remove her capital ships from the Greater Antilles and refrain from infrastructure build-ups in the area as well. This would enable you to perhaps deploy those forces to the somewhat more volatile African theater or other 'trouble spots' and also both of us to save money on infrastructure upgrades and deployments in an area that already has one of the highest populations of warships per square mile in the world.

Do you have any input on this issue?

[The Rock Doctor]

"Were the Greater Antilles entire rustic and possessing a long colonial history, I could likely agree to your terms.  However, this is only true of Cuba.  The Armada operates nothing larger there than a protected cruiser, and has no immediate plans to change this.

"Jamaica is a very different matter, of course.  It was a proud, independent state long before either of our own nations were sovereign.  While the last fifteen years have seen the former Island Commonwealth and Gran Colombia make great progress in amalgamating, the Jamaicans remain quite proud of their naval heritage - and quite concerned about the security of their territory, given that they have been invaded twice this century.  To withdraw capital units from Jamaica would be quite...troubling...for the Jamaicans.

"What I could offer, then, is this:  I will refrain from adding to naval infrastructure in Cuba and Jamaica.  I will formalize the policy of not deploying capital ships to Cuba, and limit the number at Jamaica to two.  I recognize this seems like preservation of the status quo, but note that the Armada will be laying down two new Jamaican-crewed armored cruisers in the next two years, which would bring the total to four.

"In compensation, I will offer to refrain from deploying long-range strategic bombing aircraft - with the potential to strike the Confederate mainland - to either Cuba or Jamaica. 

"This would be in return for Confederate withdraw of capital units from Hispaniola and the ten year moratorium on infrastrcture build-ups.  It would not be an equal deal, obviously, but would it be an equitable deal?"

[Carthaginian]

"I can see the wisdom in something like this. Though the Jamaicans retaining such large ships within only a day's hard sailing of one of our more important naval bases is troubling... well, let's be honest- we have two rather large navies, and the Caribbean is a rather small sea. Some comfortable rubbing against your neighbor must be expected, I guess.

The Confederacy will agree to these terms."

[thoughtbubble] "Especially since the Confederacy has neither the manpower nor infrastructure to deploy capital ships to Haiti... but maybe the Colombians don't actually know that" [/thoughtbubble]