[CAN] Phone Call to the United Kingdom

[Alex]

The re-elected Prime Minister Jean Chrétien had first ordered for the Department of Global Affairs to contact the United Kingdom but given the recent aggression from the High Kingdom of France, Chrétien believed it to be reasonable to contact the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom directly through speech rather than an e-mail. In his office, in solitude, the Canadian Prime Minister would use his encrypted phone line to call the office of Prime Minister Andrew Evans.

He would be asked to be re-directed to the Prime Minister himself. Once, or if, the phone would be answered Chrétien would speak. "Hello, Dear Prime Minister Evans! I'm Jean Chrétien, Prime Minister of Canada. How are you today?"

Jamie

 

[Alex]

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

The phone was answered by a secretary who, following clearance that the PM was available, transferring it to the Prime Ministers phone. Andrew, held up in his private quaters took the call that he ensured was private and encrypted. Next to him, a notebook and a pen for any notes he may need and a glass of water for since the beginning of entering officer, his mouth seemed to be ridiculously dry. Likely due to the overwhelming workload that he had to take on as part of his responsibilities. Clearing his throat, he responded to the Canadian Leader: "Good Afternoon, Prime Minister." he responded politely. "I am doing very well, thank you, and might I take this moment to congratulate you on your new position. I am sure you will do your country well. How are you, may I ask?", taking a sip of his water.

Alex

 

[Alex]

"Thank you, Prime Minister! The results of the election were quite... surprising... But I'm glad that the Liberal Party was able to come out on top of the voters. But overall, I am well, thank you.

I was calling you in the hopes of beginning bilateral relations between Canada and the United Kingdom. However, the reason I contacted you directly is to ask your opinion of France and if your nation has had any negative encounters in the past? Canada has attempted to form relations with them but they have ended quite... aggressively regarding the province of Quebec."

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"I am sure you were voted in for a reason" smiled Andrew. "I'll be honest, communication with the current French Government is, well, gone, actually. We had previous relations with the last government and we've not had any complications. The current one remains quiet and somewhat isolated. I find it surprising that they've created some form of hostility. I know they have had a bad running with Belgium but that aside, we don't hear much from them. I'm not sure if it's something to be concerned about though, it seems to be a government of inaction. Have you had anything from them since your initial contact?"

Alex

 

[Alex]

"Ah, it's quite worrying that even the United Kingdom has heard nothing from the French government... We have heard nothing from them since our last 'diplomatic' discussion. We attempted to form relations, putting the past and the tensions of Quebec behind us. Instead, however, they replied with an aggressive stance regarding Quebec and with their recent purchases of amphibious warfare vessels... Well, I fear that it is possible they will take their stance beyond verbal demonstrations. With their islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon being located a mere seven kilometres from Canadian territory, it's something that my government sees as quite the threat.

I'm assuming that with your lack of contact with them that no such military threat has arose between your two nations?"

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Quite so, I must admit, their unpredictability is a cause for concern but not necessarily something we've had much thought into. We've had no contract, political, economically or even through military means. We find it odd, actually, sharing what may as well be a border is usually a good instigator for talks but the common travel of the Eurotunnel is of vital infrastructure to both the United Kingdom and France. Their.. erm.. quietness is somewhat unorthodox. Especially with their quarrel with Belgium. Although, I wouldn't be too worried. Their government seems to be somewhat lazily uninvolved in global politics. It would be political and economical suicide for them to make any kind of move against Canada for.. well, for no reason actually aside from their own ego. Obviously I can't be certain but it'd be very erratic if they did. I suppose only time will tell in that regard.

Nonetheless, on an unrelated note, well mostly onto the discussion of relations, our government has been somewhat slacking in the aspect of really pushing for Economic and Political friendships, agreements and such meetings. Trade is often discussed in these kind of conversations but perhaps I'll start elsewhere. Given you've only just come into office, no doubt you have plenty of work to be doing! Is there anything that the British Government is able to offer or assist you with that you would find useful? Of course, we seek to help others where possible and if we are able to support you, we will."

Alex

 

[Alex]

"I hope you are right, Mr. Prime Minister as I don't believe the French see the situation of Quebec as simple as egotism.

That I do. While nothing major comes to mind, with the major sudden rise of ultra-nationalism in the Canadian people I believe that a formal support of the Liberal Party of Canada from you and your government would go a long way in assuring that this Nationalist Party of Canada does not gain anymore momentum and support than they already have. But I understand that that might be a touchy subject so if you would rather not do so I completely understand."

Jamie