[Germany] Message to Sweden

[Dutchy]

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Recipient: Margot Wallström, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Sweden (Connor)
Cc:
Subject: Bilateral Relations & Treaties
Classification: SECURE

Secretary Wallström,

The relationship between the Kingdom of Sweden and the Federal Republic of Germany has over the last decade grown to a height never seen before in our history. We are eager to continue the positive relationship established by the previous government, and we hope that ever closer cooperation can be achieved between our two nations.

I would like to invite the Swedish Ambassador to Germany to meet with the Federal Minister of the Interior Otto Schily to discuss avenues of cooperation, as well as the Leasehold Agreement signed by the previous government.

Yours Sincerely,

Bodo Hombach
Federal Minister for Special Affairs & Head of the Chancellery

 

[Connor]

Government of Sweden
Löfven Administration​

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Dear Minister Bodo Hombach,

I thank you deeply for your correspondence to my office regarding the formally fruitful relationship, political and military alliance between our great nations. Germany has always, and will always, be a priority when it comes to Swedish foreign affairs and I have to personally congratulate you on your recent appointment in office as well as the succession of the rest of your party to power. I look forward to the undoubtedly imminent changes to policy and the growth of German presence globally.

I have forwarded a memorandum to the Ambassador for Sweden to Germany to make contact with Minister Otto Schily in order to arrange a meeting, its fundamentally important that we address these matters as a priority to prevent confusion in the future! I very much look forward to meeting you myself imminently, perhaps we can arrange a meal?

Regards,
Margot Wallström
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Sweden

Dutchy

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CONFIDENTIAL
Crown Copyright © Kingdom of Sweden
All information is subject to the Swedish Document Classification and Security Act 1995​

 

[Dutchy]

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Recipient: Margot Wallström, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Sweden (Connor)
Cc:
Subject: Bilateral Relations & Treaties
Classification: SECURE

Secretary Wallström,

We shall do our absolute best to preserve and protect German and European values on the international stage. Your Ambassador to Germany is welcome to the office of the Federal Minister of the Interior at their earliest convinience. I too hope that we may one day meet, perhaps during a high-level meeting between our heads of government, but that is a discussion best left for the future.

I wish you all the best.

Yours Sincerely,

Bodo Hombach
Federal Minister for Special Affairs & Head of the Chancellery

 

[Connor]

Following discussion with the German Federal Minister for Special Affairs and Head of the Chancellery, a memorandum is sent to the Ambassador for Sweden to Germany Per Anders Thöresson to attend and meet with Minister Otto Schily to discuss matters of great importance between the two great nations. Germany and Sweden have a historically close bond and the agreements made with the former government are of great importance to the continuation of the Sweden-Germany relationship.

Within a couple of days a short email is sent to Minister Otto Schily to arrange a meeting and upon a suitable time being agreed between both parties the Ambassador would make his way to the German government offices by use of local taxi, once arrived he would walk into the building dressed to impress in a black suit, a stunning blue tie, a Swedish flag lapel pin and a black leather briefcase emblazoned with the Swedish coat of arms. The Ambassador would make his way to reception and speak to the receptionists to inform them of his arrival.

"Good Morning, I'm Swedish Ambassador Per Anders Thöresson here to see Federal Minister Otto Schily?"

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

Upon entering the building the Ambassador would pass through a security checkpoint, consisting of an metal detector and x-ray machine. Since the Ambassador had diplomatic immunity, the security staff would ask whether he was willing to have his briefcase subject to the machine. In the event the Ambassador declined he would be asked whether he was carrying any weapons in his briefcase. In the likely event of the Ambassador answering with a no he would be let through and directed towards the reception desk located in the centre of the entrance hall.

As the Ambassador walked up the receptionist looked up from her screen and responded, "Good Morning Mr Ambassador," having earlier gone through the agenda of the day to note all the important meeting she was aware of his appointment. She would proceed to kindly ask for his identification so that she could verify his identity and log his presence into the system. Once this simple procedure was completed and aide would be called down to escort the Ambassador to the office of the Federal Minister.

The aide led the Ambassador through the building, engaging in some small talk along the way. Upon arriving at the office the aide left the Ambassador with the secretary who immediately rose from her seat to open the door and gestured for the Ambassador to enter. Inside the office the Ambassador sat behind a large desk, he looked up as the doors opened and slowly rose from his seat and walked around his desk. He strode towards the Ambassador while extending his hand, "Mr Ambassador, it is a please to welcome you here today. How are you on this fine morning?" As he gestured the Ambassador to take a seat on one of the two sofas located on the left side of the office he asked "Would you care for any refreshments? A cup of coffee perhaps?"

Connor

 

[Connor]

The Ambassador, not one to oppose to stringent security checks, would be more than willing to subject himself to the x-ray machine as well as the suitcase he was carrying with him. The scanner would not detect any weaponry however undoubtedly the various metallic objects in his person including his belt buckle, pens and buttons would trigger the machine - upon doing so he'd happily display these items to the security staff on site before continuing through to the entrance hall and smile as the receptionist respond to his introduction. From within his jacket he would withdraw his passport and identification card, presenting both of which to her.

Once the aide whisked him away to the Federal Minister he would walk closely behind the aides stride, adjusting his suit as to make a good impression before returning the greeting "Federal Minister, please, feel free to call me Per. It is a great privilege to prepresent Sweden in your office. I have to say I feel good this morning, I am excited to see where this meeting puts our interests and I'm excited to rebuild the Swedish-German bond." The Ambassador would graciously take a seat and place the suitcase beside the chair he'd chosen, leaning back in the chair and unbuttoning his suit jacket so it fell more attractively in the chair.

"I would love a coffee with milk and two sugars please. I have to ask Federal Minister, how have you found adopting this office? I can only imagine you have a lot on your plate?"

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

The Federal Minister seated himself across from the Ambassador, "Alright Per, you may of course call me Otto." The secretary took the coffee preference from the Ambassador before walking out and closing the door behind her.

"It's definitely the biggest office I've ever had the luxury of having," the Minister would say with a chuckle. "The work has been managble for the moment, with our main focus going towards planning reforms and expansions of our various special law enforcement agencies, as they need to be prepared to meet new and emerging threats. Furthermore, I have of course also been preoccupied with analysing the various treaties the previous government signed with the Kingdom of Sweden. Before we proceed with our discussion on the topic of treaties, may I ask how you are finding your post here in Berlin? Have you been stationed here long?."

As the Federal Minister finished speaking the secretary entered the room with two cups of coffee, she placed the Ambassador's in front of him on the coffee table which separated the two men, she then shuffled over to the Federal Minister and placed his cup down on the table. She then proceeded to back out of the room, once again closing the doors behind her to ensure that the discussions remained private.

Connor

 

[Connor]

The Swedish Ambassador would smile, struggling to come to terms with calling the Federal Minister by his first name, but nonetheless consciously making the effort to match the gratuities offered by the Germans.

"I can imagine it's been an interesting introduction for you and your work sounds intriguing, I have always found myself interested in law enforcement and the intricacies of jurisdiction, justice and reform. I have to say my position as Ambassador for Sweden to Germany has been one of the highlights of my career, I have a beautiful life here in Germany and I have the privilege of waking up every day to such a tranquil country, despite the booming voice from the Department of Foreign Affairs back home that prevents me spending all day every day in a museum somewhere that is...! But yes, it was mentioned to me by Secretary Wallström that the treaties signed by your former government were likely to be a subject of conversation..."

He would pause as the secretary enters the room with the drinks - the coffee was undoubtedly perfect but either way the Ambassador wasn't about to show himself up by complaining about the refreshments offered on the very first meeting, whether it was manners or the oddities of social normalities remains unsaid.

"I'm sure it's no surprise to you Ministe-... Otto... that Stockholm is eager to ensure that these treaties, in some capacity, can be discussed rather than just nullified following the introduction of your government. They have served the Swedish-German relationship well and some of which remain in a complicated state given the full intricacies have not been met. I suppose I'll ask you outright to start, what's the view of you and your government?"

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"I am glad to hear that you are enjoying your posting here. In terms of the treaties, this government has no interest in immediately nullyfing any documents which were legally entered in upon by the previous administration. Our main priority at the moment is to see how to best cooperate to allow the continuation of those treaties. I'll start with the Domestic Production Rights Agreement, we have no concern with the continued Swedish production of the vessel, as we believe that your operation of the vessel is only an asset to our shared defence interests. However, we do feel that the risk assestment, listed in Chapter 2 Article 2, infringes upon the Federal Republics right to decide who can and cannot come into the possession of our military equipment. I therefore would like to ask of you, upon the conlcusion of this meeting, to relay our concerns to the appropriate Ministry so that we may schedule in a meeting which could specifically discuss this issue with our interest being the termination of clauses limiting the independence of this government."

"Moving on to the Leasehold of Land Agreement, I was hoping that you may be able to inform me about the desired use of the land. I am aware that it is inteded to be utilised for military nature, is Sweden looking at expanding its radar network?"

Connor

 

[Connor]

"I understand the concern of your government when reading through the risk assessment and I must stress that this arrangement was made when the relationship between our nations was in a much different position - we have no intention to malnourish German defence trade but much rather seek to ensure that the national security of our own nation is preserved especially given the intensely advanced characteristics of the Sachsen-Class Frigate which has seen deployment in Europe and into Asia already despite it's relatively short career with the Swedish Royal Navy. Whilst I am more than happy to take this to the Ministry of Defence, I have been doing this job for some many years and I can predict their answer already - how can we be reassured that this piece of equipment is not going to end up in the hands of our enemies to see our own technology used against us?"

"Ah yes, I had great involvement in the Leasehold of Land Agreement, it's a very unique agreement. Whilst, as you can expect, I am limited as to what I can disclose in respect to the Swedish radar network however the land leased in Görlitz and Scheibenhardt are important and do serve the Swedish Armed Forces in a number of different capacities... the specifics? I'd be unable to disclose - primarily and simply because I just don't have access to that kind of information given that it is a matter of national security. I am curious though, what perks your interest in these installations and why does the radar network interest you specifically?"

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"I understand that the relationship between the Kingdom of Sweden and the previous administration was well-developed, and I can assure you Per that we seek a to renew that bond between our nations and governments. We of course respect your government's stance on protecting its national security, I hope that that respect goes both ways. I ask you place yourself in my government's shoes and ask yourself how your government would interpret the barring of the sale of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen by the Federal Republic. I believe that this line of thought takes us down a path of trust, just as I don't expect your government to supply advanced armaments to adverseries of Germany, we have no interest in arming the enemies of Sweden. Our interest are aligned well enough that I don't forsee this becoming an issue for the short-term. In the longer term, my government would be interested in negotiation a bilateral, or multilateral agreement on the European level, which creates a list of adverserial nations which are subjected to an arms embargo. It is however crucial that this agreement allows all parties to have an equal say in the matter, and that no nation can unilaterally make decisions on behalf of the other."

"Our issue with the Leasehold is the lack of knowledge, we cannot return to the Bundestag and report that we have no idea what activities are being carried out on German territory which had been leased our to a foreign power. We would therefore like to cooperate with your government to see how we can best assist you with protecting your interests. I bring up the radar network as it is the most logical assumption for the use of the land, as we hope that your government isn't using the land for weapons caches or other illicit activities. Furthermore, we are extremely interested in creating a close bond between the Bundeswehr and the Swedish Armed Forces, which could include a joint early warning network and ADIZ. In the event that you cannot share certain details with me for security reasons or the lack of knowledge, perhaps you could request your Ministry of Defence to reach out to the German Embassy in Stockholm, we could send a military attaché to meet with a member of your Ministry of Defence."

Connor

 

[Connor]

"Oh without a doubt Minister..." he cringes internally having missed the chance to use his first name yet again but continues with confidence in his voice "I can absolutely see where your reservations lie and quite frankly the way you have worded it makes it sound grossly unfair which is why I must assure you that this agreement was made in a 'different world' so to speak. The arrangements were not forced upon your former government, they agreed with our risk assessment and signed the agreement willingly. I must stress that we have no intention for bad blood and I will certainly raise your concerns to the relevant office. National security has always been a complicated issue and one that's extremely difficult to control in a modern, thriving market gripped by military hardware sales. I presume, from your implications, that there is some intention for sale of military equipment to the market? As formally done by your previous government?"

"I am sure the Department of Defence would be eager to work closely with the Bundeswehr and I can assure you that the Kingdom of Sweden works in line with the charters of the Global Assembly and the bilateral agreement in place; with that said the operations inside the leasehold is within the confines of Swedish law which I can probably assume isn't too far astray of your own laws when it comes to illicit military practices, given that we're both majorly economically developed countries. I think the presentation n of a military attaché would be beneficial in the development of any further agreements on the matter... I understand the land was leased for the purpose of military operations and is afforded the necessary privileges and restrictions under German law and we have continued to make every effort to ensure we comply with the expectations of your government as a foreign operator within your borders. Again, I will raise the matter to the Department of Defence; I'm treading a dangerous line with the disclosure of sensitive information as it is already.

Do you have any indication that Sweden is operating unlawfully in any capacity within Germany?"

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"My government fully comprehends that the previous government signed this agreement with good intentions, however this administration believes that it is in the best interest of the German nations that these decisions are not made unilaterally, especially since the agreement lacks any mechanisms for termination by the German government. As of this moment there is no intention for the mass sale of military equipment, though we of course remain open to bilateral negotiations with close partners. We are seeking to bring forward legislation which expands the role of the Bundestag in regards to national export controls and we would not be against the implementation of international export controls on a European level."

"I am glad to hear that future cooperation between our armed forces is something we are both eager to see happen. I of course have no indication of any unlawful activity by Sweden on German soil and I apologise if I suggested anything of the sort, I was merely using the example as a form of illustration in order to explain how worrying the lack of information can be. Post-war Germany has been host to numerous occupation forces and we do not strive to return to a situation where the activities of those forces cannot be regurally reviewed by the Ministry of Defence. I fully understand your limitations on the distribution of sensitive information, therefore I suggest we end the discussions on these topics here and seek to arrange a meeting in Stockholm where the relevant individuals can meet."

"Moving on from the treaties, my government is interested to hear Sweden's position on the Nordic Council. We've always admired the organisation, and are proud to have been members of it in the past."

Connor

 

[Connor]

"I understand and I have to stress my position as an Ambassador is to present the Swedish foreign policy to you for interpretation. Interpretation is a key word in my job description because there is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to politics and I'm sure you know as well as I do that the copy and paste foreign policy that Stockholm would love to have in effect is easier said than done. I guess what I'm getting at is that I don't disagree with what you're saying, I just need to massage the information into an agenda I can take home to central government for review. I have no doubt that, in whatever capacity, we will work alongside one another for many years to come.

Ah, yes, the Nordic Council is the baby of Sweden. A modern alliance, with modern agenda, promoting the ethics and values of modern democratic society worldwide. The alliance has already seen great use in the Crisis in Bangladesh and the European Economic Collapse in-which the council was fundamental in arranging essential support to signatory states - in the last few years we have seen the distribution of over seven billion dollars in tax-free donations to signatory states under the Infrastructure Mitigation Programme, seeing to the development of domestic infrastructure and promoting central government investment at the same time, as well as the National Security Investment Initiative, which saw to the investment into the Armed Forces, intelligence services and state security services. The council is a hub of localised association which the Global Assembly simply cannot provide. It's the first of it's kind. It was a great success seeing our outreach cross the map to Asia.

We very much intend to continue our investment into our close allies and develop the council into promoting a militarised cooperation arrangement, legal support as well as sector-specific regulation. I am encouraged to see your mention of avoid unilateral decision making... the Nordic Council has been developed step-by-step on a multilateral level, even down to the naming of the standing committees. All of it - decided by the entirety of the council.

Do you have any interest in returning to your former membership status within the council?"

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"Let's pause the discussions on the treaties, once you get the opportunity to relay these discussions back to your government, please have them get back to either myself or our Embassy in Stockholm."

"This government is a firm supporter of the ideals of the Nordic Council, it is impressive how much the organisation has managed to achieve in such a short time. We would of course be interested in returning to the Council, however there is something which my government hopes to be able to discuss with a relevant authority. Namely, it is this government's opinion that the Nordic Council has prospered under Swedish leadership, though we feel that the Council has always been limited in membership. At this stage this government is looking into options for the establishment of a similar organisation on a European level, through which various European states can pool their knowledge, resources, and ambitions together for the prosperity of the continent. We say that we would prefer to see the creation of an organisation, rather than the expansion of the Nordic Council, because we feel that it is in the best interest of Sweden, Germany and the world that the Council remains an independent organisation so that it can continue to chart its own course, without the bureaucratic constraints which come with the increase of member states."

"I understand that this is only a brief summary of our prospective foreign policy, but I would appreciate it if our thoughts could be relayed, and perhaps a letter could be sent in reply detailing your government's position on the matter of the creation of a European level international organisation. Further talks could then be scheduled in the event your government is willing to discuss this matter further"

Connor

 

[Connor]

"The Nordic Council certainly has prospered under Swedish leadership and to this day it continues to thrive despite a very densely contested political-alliance global arena. We're in a unique decade where it appears governments worldwide are primarily choosing to remain impartial and neutral rather than showing their support for the ideals, values and ethics of modern democracy. It may sound like a perfect world... with everyone being neutral? Quite the opposite. It makes the globe highly unpredictable and incredibly dangerous - one minute you could be best friends with your closest neighbours and the slightest incentive from the other side could sway their opinion against you. Unfortunately money talks, and the council has been involved in situations were fundamentally money has been the reason smaller, less economically developed countries, have fallen into war as a result. I strongly believe that the Nordic Council has achieved the almost unachievable with our strong close-knit alliance making real positive change worldwide; not just militarily but chance for the people.

I hold reservations about a larger, regional powerhouse for that reason... we simply cannot be assured that those within any kind of union or council can be trusted, can be regulated, can be unified in their approach to complex developing situations. Although, I am open to the idea and would be interested to see what kind of response you receive from the continent. But I have to ask... how will it differ from what the Global Assembly already provides?

Nonetheless, I will make note of this to the Department of Foreign Affairs who are probably better suited into running the relevant meetings as to whether Sweden could see itself apart of a larger network of nations.

I suppose this links in somewhat to what I wanted to ask you. I take it the formation of a network of nations within our continent is high on your foreign policy agenda? Do you see this taking centre stage as a trophy of your administrations success?"

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"I understand your reservations, which is exactly why this government would prefer to see any European organisation run parallel to the Nordic Council rather than replacing it or having the Nordic Council expand into a European wide organisation. Our proposal for the creation of a European Community is to ensure institutional cooperation, as we see it as preferable to a difficult web of bilateral, trilateral and multilateral treaties. As an example, such an organisation could foster cooperation through the creation of a European Space Agency, to ensure that Europe's presence and interests in space is not threatened by other powers. Furthermore, to return to the topic of military equipment, a European Defence Agency could see the creation of a Common Export Policy, which would ensure that state-of-the-art military equipment does not fall into the hands of adversaries. Furhtermore, the creation of a European Development & Investment Bank could see the creation of a large fund in order to finance projects of importance to Europe and ensure we avoid a 2nd economic crisis."

"To repeat, we prefer insitutional cooperation for the exact facts you have mentioned. Neutrality increases the risk of diverging interests, and we feel that European interests can best be promoted through the creation of a European intergovernmental organisation."

"European cooperation been an important factor in our foreign policy, and that will never change. Our interests are to see Europe stable and prosper, as a prosperous Europe will translate into a prosperous Germany. We see the creation of an organisation as essential to such stability and prosperity, it is something that no nation should treat as a trophy to either ensure their electoral victory or use for prestige."

"I would like to propose that I have the Minister of State for Europe contact a relevant member within your Department of Foreign Affairs in order to schedule a conversation on the topic of both European cooperation and our membership to the Nordic Council."

Connor

 

[Connor]

"I understand and I can see how your ideals translate into the revision of policies and treaties already in place between our nations. When push comes to shove Sweden will always pursue the most beneficial route, as any self-respecting nation would do, so should we see interest and success in a common European domain then perhaps we could envision ourselves partaking in such an organisation not only for the betterment of Sweden but also that of the continent. After all, as the saying goes, you should never... on your own doorstep. I see problems with a large fund, particularly because these schemes often target the economically successful and do not benefit them. But again, these are things that can be discussed, adapted and changed to ensure they are fair.

Do you see Germany taking up a position as a full member in the Nordic Council? Historically the position held by any former government has been offered back upon return to the council should it be accepted. It would be beneficial for me to have some form of idea of what your intentions are before I contact the Department of Foreign Affairs."

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"The Federal Republic would be seeking to attain full membership in the Nordic Council. May I enquire, if you are aware, about which positions the previous administration held within the Council?"

"We believe that cooperation in European 'domain' is essential for the prosperity of the continent, through cooperation trust will grow and with that trust we can create a stable continent. I believe it would be best to leave the details of any organisation, institutions and agencies for another time. While I understand your hesitation regarding any financial cooperation, we believe that only through cooperation and investment on the European level can we prevent another economic crisis."

The Minister's secretary knocked on the door and entered the room, with her long strides she headed directly for the Minister and whispered into his ear. Once she had passed on the message she took a step back while the Minister's gaze returned to the Ambassador. "Per, I have just been informed that the situation in Russia seems to be destabilising. I feel it is crucial that a line of communication between our governments is opened on this subject. Since we have just discussed a range of issues I would like to suggest that we end this meeting here so that you can relay all the information back to Stockholm."

The Minister rose from his seat, "My secretary will escort you back to the reception. I would like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, there is much left to discuss between our governments. I look forward to hearing reports that lines of communications have been opened between the relevant authorities and individuals." As the Minister walked the ambassador to the door where the secretary was waiting he offered him a handshake, "Take care and I hope that we get the chance to see each other again soon."

The secretary would proceed to escort the Ambassador out of the building, meanwhile the Minister took his place behind his desk to write a quick report on the meeting which would be forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the rest of the cabinet.

Connor

 

[Connor]

The Ambassador has a sip of coffee and ponders for a moment as to whether he'd risk what felt like a quiet fart brewing; after all farting in the office of a German cabinet member was quiet an accolade but grossly inappropriate, not to mention the risk of the Minister catching a whiff of what could be considered a chemical weapon. Sweden still hasn't signed the Global Assembly's SToP Registry so it definitely wasn't worth the risk of an international disaster!

"Ah, Russia, what a surprise. I dream of the day the name Russia doesn't come up in conversation with foreign diplomats!" he chuckled briefly "Nonetheless I agree, I think we've broken the ice and certainly come to a point where I should defer further conversation onto the relevant departments; I'll be sure to pass on what we've discussed." Per takes hold of the Ministers hand a shakes it firmly, re-buttoning his suit jacket as he stands up, not forgetting to take his briefcase out with him. "Minister, the pleasure is all mine, I look forward to hearing from you again soon."

The Ambassador follows the secretary out of the building where he would again catch a local taxi and return to his office.

Dutchy