[ROI]: Message to the United Kingdom

[HeadlessSeeker]

Republic of Ireland
Encrypted and Classified​

To: Lawrence Adams, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
From: Brian Cowen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Ireland
CC:

Dia duit Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Lawrence Adams,

I write to you to start our relations off on a good foot and encourage good relations both diplomatic and economic between our two nations. Being direct neighbors this is only natural and it is my hopes that you feel the same way. If possible I think we should schedule a meeting to take place at your office. This being one I can either attend or send an ambassador on Irelands behalf. I think that the establishment of a trade agreement would be wise and could be a topic for discussion at said meeting.

Best Regards,
Brian Cowen
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Ireland

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

To: Brian Cowen, Minister of Foreign Affairs HeadlessSeeker
Cc: lawrence.adams@parliament.uk
Subject: Bilateral Relations

Thank you for contacting the Foreign Office. At the moment the Secretary is away on business but I'd be happy to arrange a meeting with myself to discuss your email further.
Is there a best date and time for yourself? I'd be happy to invite you to my office in London.

Kind Regards,
Taylor Heart

First Secretary

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Republic of Ireland
Encrypted and Classified
​

To: Taylor Heart, First Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Jamie
From: Dick Roche, Minister of State for European Affairs, Republic of Ireland
CC:

Thank you for returning our email. Unfortunately at the moment the Minister of Foreign Affairs is away for the time being. How does tomorrow Monday at noon sound? If he is not available still I can attend in his place and we can discuss bilateral relations between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. We can arrive via the ferry to Holyhead and drive to London from there. Would you be able to provide an escort upon our arrival?

Regards,
Dick Roche
Minister of State for European Affairs
Republic of Ireland

 

[Jamie]

GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

To: Brian Cowen, Minister of Foreign Affairs HeadlessSeeker
Cc: lawrence.adams@parliament.uk
Subject: Re: Bilateral Relations

Apologies for the delay in a response. Due to timings, we would be able to do tomorrow instead, if suited for your calendar. We would be able to provide an escort in the form of the Diplomatic Protection Group to my office where we can discuss more.

Kind Regards,
Taylor Heart

First Secretary

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Republic of Ireland
Encrypted and Classified
​

To: Lawrence Adams, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Jamie
From: Dick Roche, Minister of State for European Affairs, Republic of Ireland
CC:

Tommarow works for my schedule. I will depart tommarow morning and arrive via the ferry still.

Regards,
Dick Roche
Minister of State for European Affairs
Republic of Ireland

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private

Mr. Dick Roche and appointed Ambassador Edward J. Barrington would enter a car at the Department of Foreign affairs in Dublin and then drive to where the Ferry was currently waiting in Dublin's ports. Driving onto the ferry and with the proper paperwork in hand and being the first onto it their vehicle would be secured and readied very quickly. After a bit of this the Ferry would Depart for Holyhead, though before that the British government would be informed of their departure and estimated arrival time.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Waiting on the opposite side of the ferry sat two SUVs. All black in nature but manned by members of the Diplomatic Protection Group who had been given the luxurious job as Uber Drivers, before the estimated arrival time. Sitting patiently, they weren't waiting long before their guests had arrived. The security officer introduced himself before discussing the route they would take and a safety briefing before setting off. It was a six hour trip and three breaks scheduled in at different intervals for security reasons. Eventually, they'd arrive at the office of the First Secretary who would be stood to welcome them in. Waiting for his guests to exit the vehicle, he'd be prepared to extend his hand and his best "Welcome to London" pitch, which would be quickly followed by "I hope you had a nice drive? I'm sure next time you'll prefer to fly here."

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private

"Very pleasant drive actually. When I get the chance I'll have to thank our escort for tolerating it." he said with a small smile. "But yes, I think next time I'll fly. We are working on getting a air fleet for such visits." they added as they shook one another's hands and all that. "But yes, thank you for the warm welcome." he said as the two of them would take a seat after exchanging greetings. "So, we have much to discuss. Shall we start with the subject of trade or perhaps current events?"

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Great to hear." responded the First Secretary "Drink?" he asked, pouring himself a cup of tea as his guests took their seats inside. "I think current events are more, uhm, substantial.
Naturally, another new French president. No surprise there. It's almost a common theme.
I don't think much more has happened -- exciting stuff anyway.
Given your governments new tenure in Ireland, I'd like to know more about your own foreign policies and what you're seeking in terms of relations with the UK, however?"

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private

Mr. Dick Roche and Ambassador Edward J. Barrington would both accept a cup of tea saying their thanks for the drink.
"The situation with France is a little concerning. Given what we know about Rassemblement National it may make Ireland's efforts in fostering positive and closer relations in Europe a somewhat more difficult task. We are making efforts to build good solid relations with France regardless of this, though our efforts are acquiring Dassault Rafale's for our Air Corps have fallen through." Mr. Dick Roche would say.

"There is the situation in Haiti which we are looking into working with the United States on. Its a bad situation there and our hopes are to send a peace keeping mission to Haiti with the assistance of the United States navy or airforce to render aid. Does the United Kingdom have plans to join a joint peace keeping mission?" Ambassador Edward J. Barrington said.

"As for our foreign policies and what we hope to accomplish... We are looking to encourage foreign investment in Ireland, as well as invest in other European nations. Buying shares of ports to help strengthen our connections with other European nations. We also seek to greatly expand on trade. Overall, we want to build a positive relationship with the European community. Much the same with the UK, we want to build close and positive relations with the UK. One thing we would like to pursue outside of the prior things we mentioned in general is the building of highspeed rail between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Specifically a high speed rail line connecting Belfast to Dublin which would be a part of a greater rail line that would connect Cork, Dublin, and Belfast." Mr. Dick Roche would say.

 

[Jamie]

The First Secretary nodded "I'm sorry to hear the prospect of the Dassault Rafale hasn't come into fruition. May I ask why? Is it something the French Government did not seek to export? I'm not certain as to your desired procurement but the United Kingdom is able to offer the Tornado or Harrier, but perhaps not entirely suitable substitutes. In the meantime, until procurement could be achieved or if you'd prefer a longer-term arrangement, I could discuss with the Ministry of Defence whether the Royal Air Force could provide air policing to Ireland. This would be covered by Tornado ADV F3 and in the next few months, Eurofighter Typhoons.

We've not been approached or requested assistance in Haiti and don't want to overstep. I don't think peacekeeping is the right word as much as Humanitarian Aid but I understand. I'm happy to discuss the prospect of joint infrastructure projects, such as the high speed rail you mentioned. It would certainly bring Northern Ireland and Ireland closer together." There was a lot of caution in bringing Ireland and Northern Ireland together, after all, avoiding a repeat of The Troubles is the key. From a government perspective, making sure there isn't a mandate or calls for Northern Ireland to leave the UK is of vital importance too.

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[HeadlessSeeker]

Private

"They deliberated on the matter for some time, so we are to assume there was some internal debate on the matter. This is speculation of course. The final decision came after we made a very large offer on our part. Regardless, the reason given was that they did not wish to export the aircraft at this time. Though as for our reason for wishing to acquire it. The matter has to do with our pursuit of a small yet very elite Air Corps. Something that is capable, but small enough that our economy can sustain. Outside of the defense of our airspace our hope is to have an air corps capable of being used in peace keeping missions sanctioned by the GA or requested. Now, your offer to have the Royal Airforce provide air policing is a intriguing one. It would of course be a little controversial, but at the same time, mutually beneficial. We can create an agreement where the Royal Airforce is able to intercept aircraft and police in the Shannon FIR and Republic of Ireland Airspace. Meaning that the UK would be able to say intercept aircraft that may enter UK airspace before they have a chance to enter. I think this is is a good solution to the problem at hand." Mr. Dick Roche would say as Ambassador Edward J. Barrington nodded in agreement.

"I can agree with that, and once an agreement is written up we can bring it to the Minister of Foreign affairs for review and ratification. As for your other offer, I do believe we are interested. It will require some discussion, and the Air Corps is keen on a demonstration. But we are interested in both the Tornado and Harrier, though in addition to this there was previously some internal discussion on approaching the UK in regards to the Hawk 200." Ambassador Edward J. Barrington said.

"I am glad to hear that you are interested in a joint discussion on high speed rail. More then bringing us closer together it would be economically beneficial interconnecting the island in such a fashion. Eventually we can include stops in other areas which will connect the poorer places of Ireland and Northern Ireland to the centers of growth. Making jobs more accessible and travel easier. In addition to this we can perhaps increase capacity for ferries between the two islands. Though, a more major thing we could do down the line is the digging of a train tunnel in the same fashion as the channel tunnel."
Mr. Dick Roche would say.

"In regards to the Haiti situation we use the word peace keeping loosely, as you are quiet right. It is more humanitarian then anything. Another field of our interest which relates to our desire to participate in peace keeping missions is to participate in humanitarian missions." The ambassador would say.

Jamie

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private

"How about we focus in on your offer. We can go into detail on the other matters. As I said, it is highly intriguing and while it may cause a little bit of stir in Ireland I think the benefits outweigh any negatives. But, you mentioned that you will need to speak with your Ministry of Defence. Do you think that this is something they would actually be willing to do?"

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"I can't see any objections, the Royal Air Force currently have an overseas facility in Denmark as we provide support to them in the form of an AWACS Squadron due to the Danish Airforce lacking their own assets. This serves as mutually beneficial as it provides an operating base for the Royal Air Force, and assets to the Danish Air Force. Whether the UK heads or supports Ireland with air-to-air policing, the benefit we would receive is an extended reach for air policing operations. E.g. any aircraft that may pose a threat to the UK and were passing over Ireland could be an interest for national security -- from the MODs point of view that is. Whereas you would benefit from that added security.

I can speak to my contacts at the Ministry of Defence but is an agreement something you'd like to make a draft for? If not, I can get a draft together but I'd need a little more detail. Specifically around long-term plans, for example, how long would this agreement be in force before a review takes place or before you would want the Irish Air Corps to handle air to air policing. Or... would you be seeking a permanent arrangement and a joint air policing agreement between the RAF and Irish Air Corp perhaps? Do you have anything like this in mind? We could, as an example, do a 1 year contract where we would then review; either renewing or suspending based on the situation at the time."

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[HeadlessSeeker]

"I think a solution that would benefit us both is if we both have a hand in the writing of the document. That will show the joint nature of it, and make the cooperation apparent."

"I think that we should seek a permanent solution as you mentioned. Because, as was brought up, this agreement would allow you to also address threats to UK airspace before they reach you. A permanent solution would make the question of what to do an easy answer without any second guessing. Then, as Ireland becomes more and more capable of policing our airspace, this does not end the agreement, but enhances it with cooperation."

"Regardless, I do think a one year testing period is a good idea. It would help expose any glaring flaws present in an agreement. However, I think the contract should default to a permanent agreement with an option to withdraw if no objections are raised."

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Understandable, we can set it to a permanent fixture but perhaps an annual, or bi-annual review to discuss said cooperation and how it can advance, or change based on the demands at the time. Whichever would be best suited for yourselves? Additionally, from a Royal Air Force point of view this is currently managed by Tornado ADV F3s but despite my original message, there are delays in bringing the Typhoon into service but this transition will occur -- just slower. Now, the RAF operate quick reaction alert from RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth - so from Scotland and the east of England.

They would deploy from either base depending on the location but we have two Tornados on stand-by, armed, twenty-four seven as part of this mission. The difference this agreement would cover is that these would be authorized to enter Irish airspace and carry out that same mission.

The main point to capture here is that in the unfortunate event of the aircraft needing to shoot down another, what process do you have to authorize this? As an example, if the RAF needed to shoot down a civilian airliner due to it been piloted by a terrorist, only the Prime Minister ... unless unavailable for which it would go to the next senior member of the cabinet, would be able to authorize such action. If this scenario happened in your airspace, what can or can't the RAF do and what policy should they follow?"

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Private

"I believe a annual review would do well. We can of course always have non scheduled meetings should something urgent come up. So yes, annual suits us well.

As for what the Royal Airforce can and cannot do... using the situation you put forward the answer would have to be this. Of the situation is urgent, as the situation you put forward suggests, then there should be a clause that means you only need to give us warning about such a shoot down and communicate it with us. That way we can coordinate easier in the aftermath and have first responders on scene if the debris hits anything or anyone.

This air policing agreement should be as unhindering and cooperative as possible to make it to where the RAF can effectively police Irish airspace. Though I can imagine situations where permission would need to be granted. Such as if the shootdown may be at risk of causing damage to innocent life."

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Certainly, ad hoc meetings can take place depending on any urgent changes to our circumstances. To summarize the draft agreement so far:

- An annual meeting will take place to review the agreement, any changes or developments that could impact operations.
- The Royal Air Force will provide Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) coverage extending into Irish Airspace, in support of the Irish Air Corp where applicable.
- The Royal Air Force QRA aircraft including Tanker and AWACs are permitted to fly over Irish Airspace with standard Air Traffic Regulation.
- Any action required by the Royal Air Force will be relayed to the Irish Government.

From an organisational point of view, if either party or both parties were to seek to terminate the agreement, we would ask that it be included in the agreement that six-months notice must be given.

Due to the preparation required from a RAF perspective, the earliest we could enact on such agreement would be from May 2002 onwards with our first annual meeting in May 2003.

If you're happy with these concessions, I can put a draft together to present to you here. Is there anything else you'd like to consider or add to this brief?"

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