[Germany] Phone Call to the Turkish Ambassador for the Iron Ring

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

After some doubts and contemplation, the German Ambassador for the Iron Ring, currently Karl Diercke was delegated by Foreign Minsiter Karsten Jürke to call Hakim Usta to discuss on the Iron Ring, its future, and the potentiality of involvement with current affairs regarding South America. From the privacy of his office, Diercke was given an encrypted line to work with, and waited patiently for Hakim to answer, tapping his finger to a 1-2-3-4 beat for every ring of the phone, having a compulsion to do as such in sheer stress of the task placed onto him.

 

[Retroliser]

Hakim noticed the phone ringing in the privacy of his office at The Munich Residenz, the agreed site for The Iron Ring's member's delegations to congregate. With nothing occurring at that moment, he immediately answered the phone, after ensuring his side of the line had been encrypted for security.

"This is Hakim Usta, how may I help you?"

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

Upon Usta's answer, the man tapped his foot four times, only once, and proceeded to answer, speaking rather quickly, as though he was rushed. In reality, he was simply relieved that Hakim had answered.

"Mr Usta? My name is Karl Diercke. I was assigned by the Foreign Ministry to act as ambassador for the Iron Ring while it is debated whether or not the German Reich will be remaining with the Global Assembly. I wished to speak with you regarding the Iron Ring, and a few protocols for our end, as well as some other concerns, later this afternoon while I start setting my office up at the Munich Residenz, if you have the time."

 

[Retroliser]

"I have plenty of time, sir," He replied passively. "You can visit my office here in The Residenz as soon as you're ready."

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

"Wonderful," the man replied, already delegating secretaries to start packing things up for the drive to Munich from his office in Berlin, "I will meet you outside in...maybe 6 hours or so?" Upon hanging up, he already started placing various items into his car and a moving van, and began to drive to Munich. With some traffic delays, the man finally arrived at the Munich Residenz, stepping out of the car four times before entering the building to look for Hakim.

 

[Retroliser]

The bearded Turk, upon noticing the six hours stated had elapsed, exited his office and ventured downstairs to greet his German counterpart.

"Greetings, Mister Diercke," He stated. "Please, allow me to show you to my office, so we may talk in private."

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

"Of course, danke Herr Usta," Karl enthusiastically stated, directing the movers to start moving items towards his new office, hopefully temporary if the plans for the new building that was going to be built were put underway anytime soon. After follwing Hakim into his office, the man swung the door four times — open-close-open-close — before taking his seat in front of Usta.

"Firstly, I think I should at least ask how you are doing today. I apologize for the delay...traffic wasn't the kindest from Berlin."

 

[Retroliser]

Hakim stared blankly at the German for a moment before replying.

"I am perfectly fine, sir," He said indifferently, while bolting the door to ensure they could speak in private. "I have settled in, and have merely been waiting for my government to pass along instructions, or have my presence requested by a member. Suffice to say, the latter has occurred. What topics do you wish to discuss?"

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

"Well," Karl began, placing both hands on the table, placing 4 taps with his right index finger on it before continuing, "These are some of the protocols that I was envisioning. In particular, I wished to discuss the prospect of a free trade protocol, and the prospect of "Permanent Protocols" that are required by every member to follow, in particular with International Law." Karl's words hung in the air for a moment before he continued, starting off with the last topic.

"I was thinking that we should develop a set of International Laws similar in nature to what the old United Nations did prior to its collapse. And, to uphold such laws, I believe that it should be our duty to have our Heads of State or our Foreign Ministers talk with the Global Assembly prior to if and when we leave it. With the whole business with Brazil, the law is left too open to interpretation, and the court seems to be rather week at enforcing anything of note...I would say that an International Court for the Iron Ring should be expected to be made...either that, or..." he seemed to hang on it for a moment, collecting his thoughts as he tapped his foot on the floor 4 times in an absent-minded manner. "Or...we could set up individual tribunals made up of both civilian and military figures from member countries. One for each member state in a location of their choosing."

 

[Retroliser]

"These are definitely suggestions worth discussing," Hakim remarked, while making a note of them. "As for the concept of 'Permanent Protocols', that is possible by amending the base document itself that forms The Iron Ring. The provisions for amending it were laid down in Article 4, which states: Any amendment to the obligations and text of this document may only occur if all signatories at the time of the amendment being suggested agree unanimously.

I foresaw the possibility that there would be need to create permanent obligations beyond the basic principles of The Iron Ring."

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

"Of course," Karl returned with a grin, "Does that mean that we should at least call our respective Heads of State on that matter then, or could we simply agree here to making such an amendment?"

 

[Retroliser]

"It would be in our best interests to first discuss what you wish to add to the base document," He replied calmly. "This isn't a process that should be performed rashly, especially when The Iron Ring is, at this moment, bilateral in nature. I humbly suggest that we put that particular topic to one side for the moment, and discuss other, less complex, matters first."

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

Karl thought for a moment, scratching his chin as he did before nodding exactly 4 times.

"Of course. We can save this until a time when our Heads of State can discuss it together alongside us. Regardless, I wanted to talk of a free-trade protocol that could be beneficial to other parties. Before I start though, do you have any protocols in mind that you wish to discuss?"

 

[Retroliser]

"At the present time, I have been mulling over some possible ideas regarding military standardisation and so forth, in an attempt to streamline the ability for members to assist others, if they so choose. However, they are purely theoretical.

I assume your suggestion regarding trade is more than just brainstorming?"

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

"Well, it has primarily been brainstorming for the most part. However, one such idea was in regards to the trade of materials themselves. While a free trade protocol would open up trade, I certainly think that unlimited free trade is a bad decision for the participants' local businesses. For example, German and Turkish pharmaceutical businesses colliding and competing with each other for what really amounts to the same product in the countries that produce them." As he explained, Karl tapped the table again an additional 4 times, with 2 second intervals in between each set of taps.

"So, two countries with the same products should not be allowed to stifle their own, local businesses, while still competing to sell their resources to other Iron Ring members who do not produce materials for export. I don't exactly know about this though...the idea seems solid, but saying it aloud, I can't help but feel it sounds a little bit silly..."

 

[Retroliser]

"Not at all. If there is one thing that should be maintained above all else, it's the integrity of our members, including their domestic economy. Why sacrifice the jobs of your citizens for the benefit of foreigners?

It sounds nationalist, but the fact remains that the first duty of elected officials is to serve their citizens."

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

Now with confirmation that the idea seemed rather pleasant, the man took a breath, giving a chuckle.

"So I wasn't simply thinking I had gone mad," Karl jested, rubbing his cheeks twice for each one, almost immediate relief.

"Well, at least we can agree on the free trade protocol being one such item to add to a soon-to-be list? Now...aside from those two topics...there was another one that I wished to discuss...in particular, foreign policy for our nations regarding...recent events." The volume of Karl's tapping increasing as he wracked his mind on the events as of late.

"In particular...South American aggression and French Communism..."

 

[Retroliser]

"At the present time, His Majesty's government in Constantinople does not recognise the communist government in Metropolitan France as legitimate, due to its establishment via violent revolution.

However, we are also deeply troubled by the rumblings in South America. Argentina, an ally that continues to stand by Brazil, has control of the port-city of Alexandria in Egypt.

It is entirely possible that if Turkey were to pledge support to France, which we wish to do, since the government may by illegimate, but it's still the rightful territory of France, Argentina could use Alexandria as a staging area for an amphibious invasion of Turkey."

 

[NagandEmerald]

@Retroliser

Karl thought for a moment, taking in Hakim's statement as he cleared his throat.

"Honestly...as much as I hate to admit it...I think His Imperial & Royal Majesty in Potsdam is actually more scared of South America, a continent across an ocean, than of the French next door; this is a mistake to me. They have become incredibly...difficult, as of late...but France is a difficult matter. The Kaiser wants to tread cautiously, and keep to his idea of communism being a force that could potentially be the end of Germany again, and the Reich Chancellor wants to forge closer ties, and such thinking is driving the government apart on the matter of France...but both are terrified of South American aggression. I expect that the Reichstag will be discussing South America and France at their next plenary session next month, but as of right now, minimalist pressure has been put on the French border, especially regarding the unpleasantness of our diplomats having been arrested in France and released shortly after." Karl's idly tapping hand now moved to his chin, where he began tapping it.

"But...what do you suppose we'll do?"

 

[Retroliser]

"What you decide to do is not my concern, sir. This isn't an event that would permit Germany to trigger Article 2, since it's not you that's been invaded by Brazil, and you've yet to make up your own mind on what to do regarding France.

However, it has been an opportunity for you to discover what Turkey intends to do. Hopefully, that will help The German Government decide on a course of action."