[Australia]: National Security Committee of Cabinet Meeting #200401

[Basedcnt]

"Thank you, Secretary Leekpai. New Zealand will accept fianancial reponsability for those wishing to stay in New Zealand, as well as all refugees' housing for up to 3 months. Thai transport aicraft are welcome to use Auckland International to transport refugees."

Owen Bruno ManBear Bossza007

 

[Owen]

"If you don't plan on using any of our ports to support your operations, then where exactly are you going to be taking all of our foreign nationals? Brisbane is the closest major seaport and airport to New Caledonia. It would be logical for those foreign nationals to arrive into Brisbane and fly out of Brisbane Airport back to their home countries or their homes in Australia if they are residents of Australia. This would minimise the time they are stuck onboard a Thai Navy ship and allow for more to be transported in a shorter time frame."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Chuan nodded and replied to his Australian counterpart, "Unfortunately, not all refugees will be Australian, and you've said Australia won't accept any refugees. We need to ensure everyone gets a fair chance. New Zealand is the quickest and most practical option compared to Australia."

Owen​

 

[Basedcnt]

Dep. PM Cullen would glance down at his phone, which had just recieved a message from his aide outside, saying that the Auckland plan had been announced. He would then interrupt with, "Secretary, " and turning to the Australian Prime Minister next to him "Madam Prime Minister, this request goes to both of your nations: we would appreciate it if the Australian and Thai governments would send 200 logistics and health personnel to Auckland to help with the preperations there. Also to the Thai government, you are welcome to send a small Air Force detachment to laison with Auckland International staff, if you intend to conduct air transport operations out of NZAA."

Bossza007 Owen

 

[Owen]

"I think you misunderstand. There is a difference between foreign nationals and refugees. Foreign nationals will be anyone who holds citizenship of another country, including French citizens who reside outside of New Caledonia, and they can come into Australia because they will be able to travel onwards from Australia. Refugees, people who are French citizens normally resident in New Caledonia, will not be permitted to come into Australia because they will not have anywhere to go onwards to unless it is back to New Caledonia. Refugees in this context are ONLY people who are citizens of New Caledonia, not citizens of anywhere else. We still fully recommend Brisbane as the port of operations for foreign nationals so they can quickly get on flights home. Refugees from New Caledonia can go directly to Thailand or New Zealand if both of you are willing to resettle them there."

Bossza007

 

[Basedcnt]

"We also support using Brisbane for foreign nationals, as the reasons you have given plus that the Port of Auckland could be swamped with refugees, depending on how many there are," the Dep. PM would say.

Turning to the Thai Secratary, with a thoughtful expression, he would ask, "How many refugees are you planning to sea-life to Auckland?"

Bossza007 Owen ManBear Bruno

 

[ManBear]

“Under no form of phrasing did I state we would take the unilateral decision to fire upon foreign ships entering into New Caledonian territorial waters. However, as the nation outside of Imperial France that has the ability to dictate ships entering into those territorial waters, we will maintain the right to do so.

As for the breakdown in communication regarding what a foreign national is versus a refugee, I feel is causing a greater cause issue than it needs to be. While I am aware that we were invited to these talks out of respect of our position and that this is an Australian meeting to discuss their reaction to the issue arising in New Caledonia, I must ask for everyone to keep their tempers in check and use their common sense during this discussion. Several members here, including myself do not speak English as our primary language and sometimes it is a tertiary language and not a secondary.

Now to establish a set plan of action for the removal of refugees and foreign nationals from New Caledonia. Thailand will be the primary extractor of these peoples. As they have been given a no hostilities agreement with the Kanak Independence Movement this is the safest option. I am aware I have previously granted Australia rights to extract foreign nationals but with the fluid situation I am hereby revoking that privilege. Australia and Thailand can either regroup and exchange personnel at sea or they can utilize the Port of Brisbane to offload Australian foreign nationals. The American Carrier Strike Group will assist the Polish navy in preventing unwarranted access to the New Caledonia territorial waters which will currently be described as a No-Go Zone for foreign air traffic and sea traffic until the cessation of hostilities on the island. Poland will continue to conduct counter-insurgency operations on the ground and air over New Caledonia until another ceasefire or hostilities cease all together. Poland, as previously agreed upon with Australia will utilize the Brisbane airport to land equipment and personnel until we can secure an airport on the island and then utilize the port of Brisbane to load equipment and personnel onto Polish ships to be transported to New Caledonia.

Is this agreeable with everyone present?”

Owen Bossza007 Odinson basedcnt Bruno

 

[Owen]

"I think you are misunderstanding the "tempers" in this room. Nobodies temper here is out of check. I am having a fruitful discussion with my Thai counterpart about the nuances of this issue, just because I am a woman being firm does not mean that my temper is out of check, thank you very much....

This plan is certainly agreeable to us. Though you only mention Australian foreign nationals. We think that all foreign nationals should be extracted to Brisbane and then flown home to their respective countries from there. The matter of refugees does actually need to come second and only to be resolved after the foreign nationals have been extracted. Our priorities should be on the people who do not actually reside in New Caledonia permanently and therefore do not have the luxury of family or support networks to help them while they are there. Once the foreign nationals are out, then Australia's role will draw down and Thailand, along with Poland and New Zealand can do as they wish for New Caledonian refugees."

ManBear

 

[ManBear]

The Wiceadmiral would turn his direction back towards the Thai delegate. "Minister Chuan, while I am deeply concerned that Thailand is in direct communication with the K-I-M, it is even more troubling that the NIA is operating within New Caledonia when this was to be a completely humanitarian mission. It is our belief that foreign intelligence operatives should hand over whatever information they have on K-I-M to Polish forces before extracting with the rest of the foreign nationals."

The Wiceadmiral would return his attention back to his Australian counterpart. "Ma'am, I never mentioned anyone in specific in regards to tempers. The fact you felt it was directed towards you should be indicative. However, back onto the topic at hand. We here in Poland do not feel refugees should be relegated as a secondary objective for the evacuation and relocation. Both groups of people will undoubtedly find themselves in the crossfire of armed conflict that is characteristic of urban warfare and counter-insurgency operations. If they are fleeing the country then neither group feels they would have the necessary support structure within country to remain safe and healthy. By exchanging Australian foreign nationals to Australian vessels while in transit would limit the chances of refugees seeking asylum within Australia which is counter to the apparent Australian isolationist ideology. But that is once again distracting us from the issue at hand. If you wish for Thai ships to land at Brisbane port to offload foreign nationals and then proceed to New Zealand and Auckland, that would be between yourself and Thailand though we must disagree with this action. What we can assume is a large amount of people seeking refugee status being stuck on in the confined space of a ship during such a long period of time to travel to Brisbane, offload foreign nations and refuel, and then travel to Auckland seems to be unnecessarily stressful for a group of people fleeing a warzone. If you were to put yourself in their shoes, madam, would you wish to be stuck aboard a ship for an extended period of time while you watched other civilians who did not just lose everything they've ever known get to disembark to go home? Being treated as if they are second class citizens by those that rescued them? But this is just our opinion on the matter and will ultimately leave the decision between Australia and Thailand to decide the fate of the refugees and foreign nationals."

Owen Bossza007 basedcnt Odinson

 

[Basedcnt]

"We would prefer if New Zealand citizens are transported directly to Auckland aboard ships of whatever nations are assisting in the New Caledonian refugee sea-lift."

"Madam Prime Minister, would you consider assigning ships to help the refugee see-lift effort after all foreign nationals have been transported to Brisbane?"

"Additionally, I propose that Thai and Australian landing ships transport foreign citizens to Australian ships and refugee seekers to Thai ships. The Australians would then take the nationals to Brisbane, and the Thais would take the refugees to Auckland. This, of course, would require Poland to give permission for Australian ships to get near New Caledonia."

Owen Bossza007 ManBear Bruno

 

[Owen]

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Tony Burke, would speak up.

"Australia does not have isolationist policies, but we do maintain a very strong and robust immigration system. We have avenues for people to seek asylum in Australia, but the process does take time. We would be willing to accept capped numbers of refugees from New Caledonia, but it certainly cannot be unlimited. We do need to consider our economy, our infrastructure and our capacity to house these people. If New Zealand is taking these refugees in, then we will work with New Zealand to process and then hopefully resettle a capped number of these refugees as a part of our annual refugee intake."

The Prime Minister would speak again. "Thank you Tony...

I think an at-sea exchange of Australian nationals would be very risky and pointless. We trust that the Thai Navy will only bring in those foreign nationals into Australia, nevertheless everybody will be processed upon arrival in Brisbane by the Australian Border Force.

Again I think you are confusing what we wish to see happen in Brisbane and what we want to see happen in Auckland. Foreign nationals... for example, Australian, New Zealand, British, American, Portuguese nationals, etc should be taken to Brisbane to then be able to promptly return back to their home countries via airlines departing Brisbane Airport. Refugees.... those who are New Caledonians, can be taken directly to Auckland on board those Thai Navy ships to be processed as refugees by the New Zealand Government. Nobody should be going between Brisbane and Auckland on board a ship because you are either going to directly to one or the other depending on your status. If you are a foreign national, you will be offloaded at Brisbane Port and processed to be able to take a flight out of Brisbane Airport back to your home country. If you are a refugee you will be taken directly to Auckland to be processed by the New Zealand Government. The journey between New Caledonia and Auckland is twice as long as the journey between New Caledonia and Brisbane, therefore for foreign nationals it is preferable they be taken to Brisbane to reduce the time on board a crammed Thai Navy ship. Hope that clarifies.

If the Deputy Prime Minister wishes to see his nationals returned directly to Auckland on board those ships with New Caledonian refugees, that's fine, though the journey would be quicker if Air New Zealand flights took them directly from Brisbane to Auckland. Our navy and air force assets are in Brisbane right now to help, if called upon, with evacuating foreign nationals as a priority from New Caledonia. They can of course help with transporting refugees to Auckland after that mission is complete, but again the movement of our assets to New Caledonian territorial waters would require the permission of the Polish Government which I doubt is going to be granted."

ManBear basedcnt

 

[Bossza007]

Chuan closed his eyes as the debate between the Polish and Australian representatives intensified. He weighed each side’s argument, considering Thailand’s stance on the issue. When a brief silence fell over the room, he seized the moment to speak.

"Thailand will handle the transportation of all refugees and foreign nationals," Chuan began. "We will not segregate people by nationality on different ships. Everyone wishing to leave New Caledonia will be transported to Auckland. We estimate that tens of thousands will be evacuated, most of them New Caledonians with French citizenship. Regarding the NIA, the government will not interfere in its operations. However, our intelligence wing has agreed with the NIA to work with the K-I-M to ensure safe passage for our evacuation."

He paused before continuing, "The Republic Air Force will not participate in this operation as the Republic Government has chosen a different course of action. We will charter planes from our airlines to transport foreign nationals and refugees, which will also support our domestic programs. We aim to ensure the comfort of everyone involved in the process."

Chuan took a breath before concluding, "We are sending landing platform docks and replenishment tankers, totaling about 20 vessels. There will be no need for an armed escort, as we have agreed not to deploy overt military assets in the region. The LPDs are equipped with anti-air missiles and various armaments. This has been acknowledged by our intelligence and likely by the K-I-M."

Owen ManBear basedcnt​

 

[Owen]

"I think the New Zealand Government has made it clear it cannot handle such large volumes of people arriving into Auckland. Tens of thousands..... is a lot. And I suspect my New Zealand counterpart will have a problem with that and Thailand saying that must happen, that it is a decision that Thailand is going to make by itself, is unfair on the New Zealad Government. This is a multinational effort here. Don't get caught up in emotions like "segragation" when what we're talking about is people being categorised into very different categories based on their circumstances or where they need to end up in their final destination, which is how this should be working. If New Zealand handles refugees and Australia handles foreign nationals, then that takes the pressure off one country from handling the burden and that should not be a decision that Thailand makes on its own."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Chuan nodded respectfully before answering. "I apologize if you have not yet caught up with the news, my Australian counterpart. The New Zealand government had prepared refugee sites that could support tens of thousands of people. Thank you"

Owen

 

[Basedcnt]

"As the Secratary has stated, facilities in Auckland can house around a quarter of New Caledonia's population (OOC: assuming same pop as in IRL 2004) if we are given around week to prepare. If the Australian and Thai governments send personnel to assist, it would reduce the time taken - plus any impact upon New Zealanders - , help establish the camps and help process the refugees."

Owen Bossza007

 

[Owen]

"Our position on the matter still remains the same."

The Prime Minister would sit there as a deathly silence took over the room.

"Anyone else got anything to contribute?" She would look around the room at all the other Australian attendees.

"It's looking like Australia's role in this situation is going to be very minor.... which is disappointing given Australia's position and capabilities in the region, as well as our diplomatic prowress through the South Pacific Forum, but unfortunately our hands are tied here by other powers. I hope the other attendees could understand the frustrations. It would be like a situation was evolving in Belarus and Egypt was the only ones in the position to dictate what would happen. Or a situation in Vietnam and Canada was in control." The Prime Minister would say.

 

[Bossza007]

Insider, Chuan was taken aback by the Australian Prime Minister's remark about her frustration with Australia's limited role in the region. As a senior statesman, Chuan couldn't fathom how she had risen to such a prominent position or how she could effectively lead Australia. With no response from any representatives to the Prime Minister's statement, he assumed they shared his confusion. Intrigued, Chuan wondered about the electoral process that had placed her in office. He decided to address her directly.

"Ms. Gillard, while I naturally empathize with my fellow leaders, I'm not sure where your, or Australia's, frustration stems from," Chuan said, his curiosity evident. "It’s unusual for someone in your position to express such sentiments. I thought leaders like us would understand that Poland is spearheading efforts in New Caledonia. Our discussions have already highlighted Australia's diplomatic limitations in this crisis, haven't they?"

He continued, "Furthermore, it's clear that transporting foreign nationals or refugees to Australia isn't feasible if we want to follow humanitarian best practices. Auckland has the infrastructure to support tens of thousands, ensuring smoother, faster, and safer evacuation operations. These are advantages that Australia lacks. As a leader, Ms. Gillard, I thought you would be aware of Australia's limitations.”

After a brief pause, Chuan continued. "Isn't Australia known for its stringent stance on not accepting New Caledonian refugees? As leaders, we understand from our studies in International Relations that such a policy undermines any nation's aspirations to be a regional leader. If Australia truly wants to play a more active role, it needs to take a more compassionate approach to the humanitarian needs arising from this crisis. This reluctance to accept refugees weakens Australia's position."

Owen ​

 

[Owen]

"Unfortunatley Mr. Leekpai, our studies in International Relations also need to be coupled with many different policy areas, including economics. It would be unfeasible for Australia to welcome in unlimited numbers of refugees, especially since, according to the Thai Government, we are facing an economic collapse....." She would smile.

"As the Minister for Immigration has said, we are willing to welcome in a.... compassionate.... number from New Zealand, who have been processed in New Zealand and we will be working with the New Zealand Government directly on that. We certainly also have the infrastructure to support tens of thousands of refugees and foreign nationals but we do not possess the long-term ability to resettle that amount and I suspect New Zealand will also be facing similar issues when looking at refugee resettlement long-term, which is why we are willing to help our allies with that resettlement process.... Mr. Leekpai.

The faster evacuation operation would involve you taking those foreign nationals to Brisbane as it is less than half the travel time to Auckland."

Bossza007

 

[ManBear]

The Polish Deputy Foreign Minister would speak. "Yes, it is very unnerving that Australia is unable to take a more active role in the evacuation of refugees and foreign nationals from New Caledonia. It is certainly unfortunate that Australia's capability to handle refugees and foreign nationals during this humanitarian is not as efficient as New Zealand's and Thailand's, though I am gladdened that the Australian government has finally decided that they will be able to assist a 'compassionate' number of refugees but I am sure that between Thailand and New Zealand they will be able to handle relocation and housing of the refugees without burdening Australia's economy too much. But I feel we are digressing from the agenda at hand, Minister Chuan. The Australian government has dictated that they will not be able to assist as much as they would have liked with the evacuation of foreign nations due to the increased level of hostilities for foreign militaries within New Caledonia.

I feel it is still the wisest course of action to allow Thailand to evacuate the refugees and foreign nations and then work with the Australian and New Zealand governments about where to bring the foreign nationals and refugees. It is certainly unfortunate that my compatriot, Wiceadmiral Gągor, does not wish to place anyone else in harms way during this evacuation attempt with Thailand having received permission from the main aggressors in the campaign to remove foreigners and refugees alike from New Caledonia.

Poland will continue to provide what security we can while we undertake these counterinsurgency operations against K-I-M forces in the region. I Kingdom of Poland would like to personally thank Minister Chuan and Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen for going above and beyond to assist those losing their homes in these troubling times for New Caledonia. I would also like to thank Prime Minister Gillard for setting up this meeting and hosting us so that we may assist these effected peoples better. I was wondering, Prime Minister, is there anyway we can get word on the state of affairs from the perspective of the Australian Consul-General in New Caledonia?"

Owen Bossza007 basedcnt

 

[Bossza007]

Chuan nodded in response to his Australian counterpart before speaking respectfully. "If the Australian economy has indeed collapsed, Ms. Gillard, it poses a significant concern. I doubt the Republic Navy would agree to transport civilians to Australia given its current state. While I've reviewed economic reports beforehand, I must admit Thailand lacks the capacity for an accurate assessment. If anything, we should rely on World Bank statistics." He nodded, then continued.

"As the Polish representatives and I have mentioned, Ms. Gillard, there will be no segregation practiced by the Republic Navy. We anticipate up to 30,000 individuals departing from New Caledonia during our operation week. Most of these evacuees are of European descent and hold French citizenship. However, it's worth noting that the Kanak people, who make up about 45% of the population, seem hesitant to leave their homes, let alone support an extended humanitarian mission." Chuan nodded before digitally addressing his Polish counterpart.

"I also want to express Thailand's sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Poland for representing the humanitarian efforts of the French Empire. Your country has been remarkably objective in these discussions and has helped guide us in the right direction." He paused. "However, given the recent estimates of evacuee numbers, Thailand may need to negotiate directly with the K-I-M for multiple evacuation rounds. This will be managed by the Thai Foreign Ministry. In the worst-case scenario, if the K-I-M only allows for a one-time evacuation, the Republic Navy will need to deploy all nearby vessels to temporarily accommodate as many innocent lives as possible."

Owen ManBear ​