Independent States Allied Forces | Trade Route Security

The Secretary General would be present already, while the Portuguese Reps would start to arrive form their offices.

The US Ambassador to ISAF would arrive at the meeting.

"Greetings, thank you all for your attendance.

I'd like to begin by congratulating my Honourable Friend of the Portuguese Republic on his successful election campaign and entering office as Secretary General. I am positive that the alliance will continue to be great under his overall watch.

I have requested the attendance of you all to discuss, as per the agenda, the security of trade routes. Trade is becoming of more value, with recorded trades already taking place with Britain, Portugal and the Netherlands and I am sure the United States will be following. However, there is one question that surrounds trade which has either never been asked, and we're unaware of any other country doing it at this time -- security. I would like to see the Independent States be at the forefront of technology, security and cooperation and with that in mind, security of our trade routes. Trade routes will effect us all, and we need to ensure their protection from piracy and terrorism, but to a much broader horizon, the possibility of conventional threats as they will routinely be targeted in any conflict.

Therefore, I would like to have an open discussion about these routes. Whilst trade routes come in air, sea and ground. Air is covered by the Air Defence Initative and general terrorism laws, with Quick Reaction Alerts always present. Trade via trains and other ground systems are easily managed by local police, and are not easily targeted. However, approximately 70% of the planet is water, which is the biggest door for trade which means maritime security is essential. I would like to hear your thoughts and ideas for enhancing security. Personally, we'd like to look to having permanent deployments at strategic points which correlates with our trade routes, perhaps having a frigate of sorts permanently deployed, one from each ISAF Member. Of course that's just one idea, and having set areas each of us protect. What are your thoughts regarding Maritime Trade and Security?"

"We would like to join in on congratulating Mister Barroso on his election, it was well deserved.." She would pause for a moment, before continuing. "This is interesting. Trade has become such a valuable commodity and yet, we see no protection. What is to stop pirates in Somalia hijacking vessel after vessel of petroleum oil needed in Western countries so that we may survive. It should be one of our top priorities that making sure our trade goes smoothly"

The Secretary General would thank the congratulating representatives.

Meanwhile the Portuguese Rep would answer.

"We were already creating a Security Force for our own Trade Convoys, especially around more dangerous areas, we view corvettes as the best cost effective vessels to protect our Merchant Ships. I do believe that it should also be a ISAF Top Priority to help secure these areas, probably in a monthly basis rotating between our member states navies. It would also serve as a move to establish ISAF more in the global scale. Prepahs establishing Trade Defense Treaties with nation in those areas, to also safe guard their trade links."

"I am glad we are all in agreement regarding the importance of security for our trade routes. Our next step would be establishing the parameters. I'd like to propose that our trade-sensative oceans be managed by an individual ISAF Country. For example, we have an ISAF Member who has a permanant presence in:

The Mediterranean Sea
Indian Ocean, based at Diego Garcia
Atlantic Ocean
Pacific Ocean

Each of us would take position in an ocean, and have a vessel stationed there to respond to any security threats to our trade routes. This could be a rotational tasking so perhaps if we had a set deployment of a year, after that year, we'd swap which ocean is our responsibility."

"I too am pleased to see we all see that it is important to protect our trade routes from hostile elements. Assigning each nation a specific ocean can improve efficiency as the fleets have operated and trained together previously under their own national flag. I hope each task force will be allowed to port in any of our ports in the region."

"Furthermore I would like to raise the issue of leadership for future task forces. Mr Secretary General we see it essential that an Allied Military Commander is appointed to handle the day-to-day administration of all ISAF task forces. As we seek to increase our global presence, I do not believe this position can remain vacant. I hope you are willing to organise elections for this position soon."

"I presume the Secretary General will provide us with an answer on that shortly. In terms of the trade route, are we all in agreement that each member state will be responsible for one ocean?:

The Mediterranean Sea
Indian Ocean, based at Diego Garcia
Atlantic Ocean
Pacific Ocean

If so, we can arrange for it to become an official group and perhaps get our vessels deployed?"

"I would much prefer than two nations together take two oceans in order to increase cooperation between each other, so Netherlands and Portugal could take the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, while the England and the US would take the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. As to grow a better military cooperation between each other."

The SecGen would also speak.

"Yes I do believe that would be a good scenario, and ISAF would obviously pay for the costs of such operations, however I would recommend to use only the necessary, I do not believe a aircraft carrier would be needed to patrol these waters." He would chuckle "Perhaps 2 Frigates or the equivalent could be put forwards by all nations, which would make a sizeable force to completely secure the area."

"Agreed.. no need for a huge fleet in such a patrol and security operation" the British Delegates eyes pondered to the US Representatives briefly... "We have no issue with two nations conducting these patrols together. If all is in agreement then?"

The SecGen would resign due to a illness involving a life threatening disease. He would give wishes of good luck to the next SecGen.

"Well, that took an unexpected turn.." spoke the once-nominee for the ISAF Secretary General position. "With the instant dismissal of the Portuguese Delegate, would both the US and Netherlands be happy with myself taking the Secretary General role given no other nominations were put forth? Or would you like this to turn to another election? I am happy with either decision but we need to ensure that the alliance progresses and doesn't come to a halt."

"The Netherlands is willing to hand the position to the former British candidate" the Dutch representative would say.

"Perfect.
To wrap things up, and with the exclusion of the Portuguese Government, we'd propose the following:

The Mediterranean Sea - Netherlands
Atlantic Ocean - United Kingdom (We already have assets stationed here)
Pacific Ocean - United States

and the Indian Ocean, based at Diego Garcia, would be a joint coordination given it's an ISAF-controlled station.
If in agreement, we'd like you to begin your security deployment for trade routes with immediate effect."

@Dutchy
@John

"We would be happy to permit Dutch Naval Vessels to use Gibraltar, and, or, the SBA of Cyprus for resupplying as needed. Is the US happy with their area of patrol?" @John