[Netherlands] Diplomatic Note to the United Kingdom

[Dutchy]

GOVERNMENT OF THE NETHERLANDS​

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS​

PRIVATE​

Lawrence Adams
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
(Jamie)

Your Excellency,

I have the honour to reffirm the strong bonds that exist between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

I write to you today to express my sincere appreciation for the remarkable diplomatic relationship between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. This enduring bond of friendship and collaboration has played a in the past played a pivotal role in fostering mutual understanding, promoting trade and cultural exchange, and advancing shared goals. It is my desire to re-establish the historic partnership between our nations that has served as a beacon of cooperation and has been instrumental in shaping the course of history.

As we continue to navigate a complex and ever-changing global landscape, it is my sincere hope that the diplomatic ties between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom will continue to flourish, laying the foundation for even greater cooperation and shared successes in the years to come.

Therefore, it is my hope that we may be able to schedule a meeting between ourselves to discuss a range of topics to re-establish the partnership between our nations. Should you agree, I shall have the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reach out to your department to discuss the preliminary details.

I avail myself of the opportunity to assure Your Excellency of my highest consideration.

Yours sincerely,
Bernard Bot
Minister of Foreign Affairs

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DIGITAL DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE​

 

[Jamie]

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Security Classification: SECRET

To: Bernard Bot Dutchy
Cc:
Subject: Re: Bilateral Relations

Good Afternoon,

Thank you for your email and continued investment in the relationship between the United Kingdom and Kingdom of the Netherlands, it's something we greatly support and are more than happy to discuss ways to promote this further, increasing cooperation and embarking on joint ventures where possible. In recent years, Europe has become an unfortunate frontline for conflict and tension with the most recent threat to peace focused around the US and Spain.

European countries working closer together, more than before, is vital to promote peace within the region and the ties shared between the Netherlands and UK should be seen by others as a role-model.

I would be happy to host, or attend a meeting between our Foreign Ministries based on your availability from June and beyond. Arranging an agenda would be beneficial.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Kindest Regards,
Lawrence

Lawrence Adams | Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs |

 

[Dutchy]

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of the Netherlands​

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Recipient: Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign Office, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland (Jamie)
Cc:
Subject: Bilateral Relations
Attachment:
Classification: CONFIDENTIAL

Dear Permanent Under-Secretary,

I have the distinct honor to acknowledge receipt of the esteemed Secretary of State's response. The Minister, having received this communication, eagerly anticipates advancing the necessary preparations for the forthcoming bilateral talks. In this regard, I have been entrusted with the responsibility to initiate the process.

Allow me to express my sincere hope that, through our collaborative efforts, we will successfully orchestrate the planning of the aforementioned talks. To this end, I kindly request your attention to threekey aspects: the location, the timing and the agenda of the talks.

In light of our esteemed relationship, I would like to inquire whether the United Kingdom would graciously consider extending an invitation to the Minister to convene these discussions in London. Given the Minister's current schedule, which affords flexibility, we aspire to conduct the talks at the earliest possible convenience, taking into account the Foreign Secretary's availability.

Your prompt response and guidance regarding the proposed location and an appropriate time frame for these talks would be greatly appreciated. This will allow us to promptly initiate the necessary arrangements, ensuring a productive and meaningful exchange.

In terms of the agenda, we would like to add the following points which I can expand upon should you so wish:

• Bilateral cooperation
• Economic development
• Humanitarian assistance
• Energy security
• Security cooperation

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours Sincerely,

Nazim De Snaijer
Secretary General

 

[Jamie]

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Security Classification: SECRET

To: Nazim De Snaijer Dutchy
Cc: Lawrence Adams, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
Subject: Re: Bilateral Relations

Good Afternoon,

Following internal dialogue, I am happy to extend an invitation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and any required support staff to London on the 15th June 2002 at the Foreign Office.

The agenda provided is sufficient with areas we are able to develop on during the talks, to re-iterate, the areas of discussion are as follows:

• Bilateral cooperation
• Economic development
• Humanitarian assistance
• Energy security
• Security cooperation

If you could please confirm whether this date is acceptable inline with your schedules. If you have any questions in the meantime, please let me know.

Kindest Regards,

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office |

 

[Dutchy]

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of the Netherlands​

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Recipient: Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign Office, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland (Jamie)
Cc:
Subject: Bilateral Relations
Attachment:
Classification: CONFIDENTIAL

Dear Permanent Under-Secretary,

The Minister is greatful for the invitation. He looks forward to meeting you in the United Kingdom shortly.

Until then I wish the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office all the best.

Yours Sincerely,

Nazim De Snaijer
Secretary General

 

[Dutchy]

Bernard Bot, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, upon receiving confirmation of the meeting with the British Foreign Minister would begin his preparations. He had his staff collect a series of documents which he believed may be pertinent to the planned discussions. Once collected the Minister would have his chaffuer drive him home so he could quickle pack a suitcase with some clothes and items for his stay in the UK.

Once prepared the Minister would be driven to Rotterdam The Hague Airport, where his aides would be waiting with the documents alongside a Royal Netherlands Air Force Gulfstream G550. The jet would have already gone through all the maintenance checks and was fully fuelled and stocked for the short hop to the United Kingdom. Upon the Minister and his staff being seated on the plane the crew would go through all the checklists and prepare for takeoff.

The flight crew would safely take off from Rotterdam The Hague and make contact with Amsterdam FIR as they followed the route of their submitted flight plan. Upon nearing British airspace they would be instructed to contact London FIR and would follow all the standard protocols.

The flight would follow instructions from ATC as it continued its way to its designated airport. The aircraft would then safely land and taxi to its assigned gate where the crew would allow for disembarkation. The Minister would make his way down the stairs to greet any waiting British official.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Access to the UK for the Dutch flight was rather routine, no additional challenge and air traffic controllers ensured that any communications to the aircraft were in benefit of arriving as soon as possible. There had already been some posts on amateur aviation websites with radar images of a Dutch Air Force Gulfstream heading to the UK for a foreign affairs visit. Assigned to Stanstead Airport, the UK Government had arranged for transport from the Diplomatic Protection Group in the form of black SUVs with marked DPG escort on each side of the convoy.

At the bottom of the stairs waited an aide of Lawrence Adams who was quick to introduce himself before providing a briefing on their journey and any security policies that the police would be following throughout their visit in the event of any threats. Once all was happy and any questions answered, the guests were invited into the vehicle(s) that then departed for central London.

Eventually arriving at King Charles Street in London, Bernard was taken through the reception and straight through to an office marked as 'Lawrence Adams' on the door who stood up inside, approaching him and extending his hand "Lawrence Adams" he introduced, smiling "Pleasure to meet you."

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

The Minister would step forward to greet the waiting aide and engage in some small talk as the luggage of himself and his staff were unloaded. The Dutch delegation would all follow the direction of their British hosts and step into the waiting convoy of vehicles which would safely bring them to their destination.

Upon their arrival at the Foreign Office the delegation would all follow the aide through the building. Stopping outside the office of the Foreign Minister, Bernard Bot would signal for his aides to wait outside until he might need them. Before entering the office he would straighten his tie and take a deep breath. Entering through the old wooden door he would see his counterpart before him and would greet the extended hand. "Bernard Bot, the pleasure is all mine."

The Minister would wait to be invited to take a seat before doing so. "I would like to thank you for taking the time to meet me today, considering the numerous crises going on across the globe I am eager to make the best use of our time. I believe our offices had already developed an agenda, would it be wise to begin there?"

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"It's a pleasure to meet you" responded Lawrence, indicating to the seat at the opposite side of the desk before proceeding to sit himself down. He was particularly busy at the moment as the hopeful to replace Andrew Evans in the next election and was certainly making use of his time to prepare for future relations with countries, especially with the friends he's made and continues to make as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. "That sounds like a plan, the first I have on the agenda is ..." a short pause happened, moving his notes around "Bilateral Cooperation. I suppose this covers quite a wide variety but as I'm sure you know, the geography, culture and values that the Netherlands has, is something we share.

Government through government we've always sought positive relations and it's something we want to continue but develop further. I know there had been discussions of a European Union of sorts which I could certainly look to back but I think there's a great benefit in one-to-one agreements that focus on more specifics, specifics that work for both involved. I imagine this is something you're in support of given the agenda derived from your office?" Lawrence smiled, before adding.

The other agendas include Economic Development, Humanitarian Assistance, Energy Security and Security Cooperation itself. I figure all of these can quite often fall under the Bilaterial Cooperation umbrella."

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"I have heard that you will be the lead candidate for your party heading into the next election. Should you manage to achieve electoral success then we are already looking forward to continue to develop the relationship between our two nations and our two governments," Bernard Bot would say with a warm smile as he took his seat across from the Foreign Secretary.

"You are correct, we opted for broad agenda topics as I believe there is much to discuss during these preliminary talks. My hope is that we can walk away from today's meeting with a clear vision on how we can proceed on topics of mutually beneficial cooperation. I am not here to take up much of our precious time discussing the specific nuances of agreements as I believe that is best left up to our respective staff. I hope that today we can achieve a clear vision for a future partnership."

"Under the topic of bilateral cooperation I was hoping to discuss how we can improve the communication between our two countries. As only through dialogue will we be able to achieve a long-term strategic partnership. Therefore, we are eager to strenthen the bonds between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and believe that this can best be achieved through regular contact. Consequently, I would like to introduce the following proposal, namely the scheduling of an Annual Foreign Ministers Meeting alongside an Annual Leaders Summit between our Prime Ministers, which could be expanded in the future to an Anglo-Dutch Ministerial Council which brings together our various Ministers as well to finalise agreements which cover various policy areas. These elements could be formalised through a Treaty of Friendship which seeks to structurally improve the relationship between our two states."

"I have not had a draft prepared as of yet, however, should there be no objection to this notion then I would be happy to have my department prepare one in the coming weeks."

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Lawrence nodded "I'm in a fortunate position to have garnered quite a lot of support to lead the Conservatives, but I have some big shoes to fill. Andrew Evans has held office for what feels like a lifetime but has had plenty of support, with little contest. Since his announcement of standing down, all political parties seem to be mustering for what they believe is the best time to get votes. Nonetheless, we'll definitely do what we can!" he concluded with a short chuckle "With or without the role, I'd be looking to explore relations deeper between the UK and Netherlands as I think the partnership we've had before, and could have, is of great value to both our countries."

He paused, allowing his Dutch counterpart to continue talking on the topics brought between them today. "Communication is key and it's something I am in huge support of, the idea of an Anglo-Dutch council would be very welcomed and as you rightly said yourself, regular contact would strengthen the bond. It would allow us to coordinate better and quicker than the more ... drawn out versions of negotiating. Based on the proposal, perhaps this could serve as the first of hopefully many, Annual Foreign Minister Meetings. If such meetings were to occur, I think the elements to focus on to maintain their validity would be to make sure they're structured. E.g., have a purpose, a set agenda. This would prevent any time been wasted or if it's something that could be handled, or needed to be handled, by other departments.

Secondly, would be a set date of the year. Rather than been rather ad-hoc, organising it in advance I think would allow consistency. The same time of year, every year, with agendas put forward in the months leading up too it. Providing the agendas were acceptable and of value, then it could go ahead. There's no objection from me, that's for sure."

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"I am rather pleased to hear that you share my enthuasiasm for this proposal. I shall direct my staff to write up a draft agreement on this matter and have it forwarded to your office for review. It shall most likely draw inspiration from the Élysée Treaty which resulted in a remarkable shift in Franco-German relations following the Second World War. While we are thankfully not in a position of emnity between our two governments, I believe such a treaty of friendship will certainly foster and improve the relationship between our two great countries."

"As you say, these meetings should indeed be structured in a manner of a set schedule and agenda. My proposal would be to hold the Leaders Summit in the summer, perhaps June or July, and the Foreign Ministers Meeting in the winter, perhaps January to herald the beginning of a new year."

"I'm glad we could come to an agreement on this matter so swiftly. That is all I had in regards to bilateral cooperation at this moment, because as you mentioned earlier that topic does come back in the rest of the agenda. I would therefore be happy to move on to the agenda item of economic development unless you have anything else to add in regards to bilateral cooperation."

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"That would be perfect, I'll wait to hear back on the draft agreement and will be sure to provide any feedback as soon as my office receives it. I very much look forward to seeing it and hope it provides a huge step forward for cooperation between the UK and Netherlands, something that would only be encouraged through the regular meetings. We are also in agreement with the time-frames of a Leaders and Foreign Ministers meeting. Taking this specific meeting into account, I presume the next attendance would be in June or July next year and from there, another Foreign Minister meeting in the winter months of next year?

Aside from that, I have nothing else to raise in relation to bilateral cooperation and we will wait to hear back from you with a draft. The next topic I believe was ..." a short pause took place whilst Lawrence refreshed himself on the agendas "Economic Development" he continued "Our close proximity means that each of our economies, impacts the other. I know the discussion of a European Union would have focused on the Economics within Europe, do you have anything specific in mind for this specifically between the UK and NL?"

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"Certainly, I will direct my staff to begin work on such a document immediately following this meeting and will send it to your office for review as soon as possible. In terms of the first official meeting pursuant to this treaty, that would all depend on when the treaty is signed. We may consider holding off on the signing until next summer when our leaders can come together, sign the treaty and subsequently hold the first summit. However, we could also sign the treaty with less pomp and pageantry at an earlier date to allow the clauses to go into effect earlier, but have an 'unofficial' ceremony at the first leaders summit. Regardless of when the treaty and structured meetings go into effect, I would still like to inquire into the possibility to organise a subsequent meeting between ourselves this December."

"Yes, economic development is a topic we believe is especially interesting between our two countries. While the EU has the potential to provide the strong economic ties we desire, we believe that it is not something that can be achieved in the short term. Consequently, our focus at the moment would be to work on the bilateral ties between our nations."

"We have historically maintained deep partnerships which have mutually benefited our economies. Companies such as Shell and Unilever both hold Anglo-Dutch corporate structures. This is something we wish to promote, perhaps through the establishment of a Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce to assist the establishment of Anglo-Dutch corporations and to promote business ties between our nations. Additionally, such a council may act as an incubator for new start up companies, supporting them with both knowledge and funds."

"While economic development can go much deeper, we believe that by taking small, carefully thought out steps, rather than large leaps, we can create strong economic bonds between our nations."

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Next year would for signing may be the better option, it would provide ample time for a draft to be written and perhaps shared with my office to offer feedback, but come next year, the incoming government could then carry on with the discussions next summer which could mark a 'new start'... so to speak. If you would prefer to sign it before the election with, 'less pomp' as you say, we could comply but I would certainly want all the pomp." he paused with a gentle chuckle.

"Taking small steps towards economic development is by far the preferred option, over time it'll create strong bonds as you mentioned but quick, progressive steps in economic terms never ends well. Starting, or re-starting specifically the Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce would certainly be a positive step forward that could develop further. We would be able to open NBCC UK in London, if you were happy to proceed with the opening of NBCC Netherlands - both of which would be able to support the businesses that tie our countries together. It's likely I would be able to arrange for significant funding for next years budget into the council to give it a head start.

Speaking of economic development, the Netherlands is considered the Gateway to Europe for those in the UK with three major ferry routes in place; this offers a substantial number of around 28 sailings a week between the UK and Holland. Although likely needing to be looked into further to consider the benefits, especially with the ferry companies and whether there is interest, what would your thoughts be on aiming to establish a fourth ferry route? We would need to compile the statistics for whether it has financial viability for both our governments but I thought I'd ask the question to gauge your interest first."

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"Then we can agree upon a signing ceremony for such a treaty next summer. Perhaps until then we may find more areas of cooperation to include in said treaty. However, I wouldn't want anything to remain stagnate until then. So perhaps we could aim to sign a Memorandum of Understanding covering the topics of the concept treaty this winter so that our aspirations can still be documented on paper."

"I am glad to hear you are on board with the idea of the establishment of the NBCC. However, specific discussions do fall slightly outside my area of expertise. Though perhaps we could discuss some key areas of interest for the NBCC to focus on. Ideally it would be a place to centralise information on how to conduct joint business and trade between our nations. Though, as you mention, it could also be an opportunity to support the establishment of new joint Dutch-British companies through startup subsidies and loans. An ideal example would be your suggestion of the establishment of additional ferry routes. We would certainly be on board to increase the economic ties between our countries through such an expansion and I am certain that the relevant agencies can overcome any red-tape to support this idea. This may also be an opportunity for the NBCC to support such a joint corporation in taking on the task should the existing ferry companies lack interest in taking on the task. Though I imagine that is something we will discover at a later stage."

"Speaking of the ferry routes, it may also be worth examining whether we can re-establish the ability of establishing passport control in each other's countries in order to improve the efficiency of the ferry routes. I would like to hear your position on this as it could be perceived as a breach of sovereignty, however we believe it would improve the routes to have all passport checks done in the departure port and those taking the ferry can simply disembark upon arrival with minimal time loss. This should also make the ferry routes more efficient and able to run more often throughout the day."

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Great, I'll pencil in a reminder to discuss a signing ceremony for summer next year, that's not to say it remains stagnant as I'm sure we could work and cooperate on specific areas in the interim. We'd be open to signing a Memorandum of Understanding, is something you're able to draft and we can get that signed sooner rather than later? I'll mark down the signing for July time initially and we can set a proper date closer to the time.

Perhaps for the NBCC, we can schedule in a meeting between the relevant persons who would be able to manage the UK and NL branches? I would be happy to leave that in their capable hands to determine the plan of action, deciding on how to record and maintain information and the initiatives it could offer. I'm sure we would both be involved in the outcome but delegation is key, after all." he chuckled before continuing

"Passport controls are a very touchy situation, truth be told, I couldn't really give you an answer yet as it may change in next years election. Perhaps, during the next wave of discussions surrounding the cooperation treaty, passports and generally, travel between the UK and Netherlands ought to be discussed then. It would be with a new government and as you know yourself, a lot could happen as a result. Personally, it's something I could back but with stringent controls in place, I do agree on the efficiency it would offer and financially, it makes sense but it would be good to discuss all elements of what it would entail and work from there."

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

"July sounds like the perfect time. I shall pass along the date to the Secretary Generals of both my own and the Prime Minister's ministries. Additionally, I shall have a draft sent to your office as soon as possible."

"I believe it would be best to include the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate into such talks. Perhaps talks could be held at the level of the Director General, thus allowing technical experts to handle the specific details before they are sent for approval at the ministerial level. I could ask the Ministry of Economic Affairs to reach out to its counter-part in the UK once you have had the chance to update them on these talks."

"I would be happy to push back any detailed talks on passport control, though I am happy to have touched base and confirmed mutual interest in the proposal. I would just like to re-iterate that we are not seeking to diminish the stringency of the controls or breach any sovereignty, merely that checks are done at ports of departure rather than arrival, thus improving ease of travel and hopefully the popularity of the routes. Despite the longer travel times, the Netherlands may be able to rival France as the route into Europe for many Britons."

"I would like to touch upon the topic of energy security, as it is slightly intertwined with our mutual economic development. A topic I would specifically like to touch upon, though will require further talks with the relevant economic ministries is the topic of the North Sea. Our respective EEZs border in this area which has huge energy potential through the construction of offshore wind farms. While the construction of those would be a matter for private industry, we do believe that connecting our grids is a national matter. Through a connection in the North Sea we may be able to intertwine our energy markets and be able to support each other in emergencies or crisis."

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Fantastic, I will keep my eyes open for the draft and get any feedback sent to you soonest." paused Lawrence "I'll be able to refer talks regarding the NBCC to Her Majesty's Treasury. They'll be able to assign the appropriate person to join the talks and represent the UK throughout. I will get that ball rolling straight after this meeting." he concluded confidently, taking a moment to have a sip of water before taking a physical note of the passport controls discussion, something to record for future discussions with the Dutch Government. These talks, regardless of the incoming government, would be shared with the next Prime Minister in the hopes of promoting cooperation further.

"I might need a bit more clarification in what you consider, connecting our energy markets. Just to elaborate on what I believe you are proposing... and I'm probably oversimplifying it but... any operations in the north sea that relate to the generation of energy would be shared between the UK and the Netherlands? For example, a wind farm would be connected to deliver energy to the UK and NL?"

Dutchy