[Sweden]: Call to Portugal

[Connor]

Government of Sweden
Löfven Administration

Security Classification: TOP SECRET
Document Classification and Security Act 1995​

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A telephone call is made to the Portguese Foreign Affairs Ministry, or equivalent government department, by the Under Secretary of Antarctic Affairs for International Affairs, Marion Matsson.
This telephone call is made in line with the Swedish Document Classification and Security Act 1995, which also covers telephonic communication, causing a 'TOP SECRET' encryption level to be appended.

Strix

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Crown Copyright © Kingdom of Sweden
All information is subject to the Swedish Document Classification and Security Act 1995​

 

[Strix]

A receptionist would answer the call. Being that the call seems to be coming from out of state, the line would be encrypted in order to maintain privacy. It was roughly noon in Lisbon, and apart from the tedious bureaucracy the Ministry had to work on every day, nothing seems to be out of the ordinary. The receptionist, a young man roughly 24, had just eaten lunch and was finishing up his coffee when the phone rang.

"You have reached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal... How may I be of service?"

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Connor

 

[Connor]

Under Secretary Matsson leans back in her leather chair, the Swedish and Antarctic flags draped behind her on tall polished brass flagpoles; expecting the receptionist she speaks clearly, with an obvious Swedish accent but remains professional.

"Good Afternoon, I am Under Secretary of Antarctic Affairs for International Affairs, Marion Matsson, from the Swedish government. I was wondering if the Minister was available to speak to please?"

Strix

 

[Strix]

"Under... Secretary... Matsson..."

The receptionist would murmur, writing the caller's name on a notepad nearby. After a few seconds, the receptionist would reply to the secretary, seemingly finished with what he was doing. Another colleague would sit nearby, tending to their own work with a series of callers.

"The Minister is indeed available right now, I'll redirect this line to her in a moment... Oh, and as a government official, you can also call her directly, I'll forward the Minister's number to your agency soon. Thank you, and have a good day."

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​

The line would be redirected to the phone within the Minister's office. While signing documents in her free time, there wasn't really a lot going on. The phone would ring and she would pick up soon after. She would twirl her pen as she looks outside her window. As with all calls to the Minister, the line would remain encrypted.

"You have reached the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, how may I help you?"

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Connor

 

[Connor]

The Secretary nods as she audibly hears the receptionist mumble through her name and title, an occasional "Mhmnmm..." slips her lips as she waits to discover if she will reach the Minister this afternoon.
"Thank you for your help!" she cries out, hoping to catch the receptionist before the call is diverted, the slipping swiftly back to her professional tone.

"Minister, an absolute pleasure to reach you at such short notice, I am Under Secretary Marion Matsson from the Swedish Government. I know this came out the blue but I have not long gotten off the phone from your counterparts in Brazil and was eager to 'follow the food-chain' as such as introduce myself to you. Would you be free to speak right now?"

Strix

 

[Strix]

"The pleasure is all mine, Under Secretary. It's certainly an honor to be speaking with our Scandinavian accomplices. I'm certainly free at the moment, and I'm wondering what this call is for? To hear that you have just been speaking with the Brazilians, I would assume that it is a pressing matter. Nonetheless, I am happy to help you with what you need."

She would hold her phone using her shoulder as she flips through a couple more pages on her desk. After a few readings on some documents, she would give all her attention to the call.

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Connor

 

[Connor]

"Well it will be of no surprise to you that I am calling about the rise in conflict over Antarctica, Sweden has lawfully maintained sovereignty without challenge since 1995 and it is only now we are seeing conflict in the form of the Argentine and Australian deployment. I'm curious as to your immediate thoughts about the region before I develop any further into the subject?"

She too would flip open the notepad before her and begin to make handwritten notes throughout the call, they would purely be for her own memorandum. The call was encrypted and made in complete privacy.

Strix

 

[Strix]

"I see..."

She would pause for a moment, trying to collect her thoughts before confidently replying. While the current Government's stance of the matter is highly divided, she already had an idea of what Portugal can actively disclose at the moment. An official response from the convenes of the Royal Assembly has yet to be uncovered. Nonetheless, she would attempt her best at conveying what Portugal thinks on the matter without tarnishing it with her own biases.

"Well, for starters, I do think that it would be for the best interest of all parties to settle things peacefully. Undoubtedly all sides have issued their end on what makes their claim the 'most legitimate' and I couldn't help but think it's better if we settle this through meaningful discourse. Petty warfare over something that could be talked about is a great disgrace to the world, and it is my duty to prevent such things from happening as Foreign Minister."

"Portugal's official say at the matter is undisclosed, as debates are currently erupting on what 'side' to support on if that even matters. Although, I can state that Portugal would most likely follow the footsteps of her Ally in times like these. I do not know whatever Brazil has spoken to you, but I do hope it's positive. Personally, and I'm going off the record here, I think that while countries such as Australia and Argentina do make their points on claiming parts of the continent on the basis of history, it's on their 'fault' if you can say, that they haven't done anything to uphold these claims. Claims do get weaker over time, and without proper action, it could be hearsay tomorrow!"

She would audibly chuckle while awaitng a reply from the Swedish Under Secretary. She would look across the room, reflecting on the matter at hand.

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Connor

 

[Connor]

"I do appreciate your honesty, Minister, I have grown concerned over the international perception that Sweden is the aggressor in this conflict which is simply not the case. We have been open for discussions with nationals worldwide about the use and right to claim territory within the borders of Antarctica and have successfully started negotiations with a number of nations - Australia and Argentina are manipulating the world into thinking that we are hostile. This is not correct. We used law enforcement capabilities in order to detain personnel whom, at that time, had illegally entered Antarctica which is legally under Swedish rule. This is no different to the same occurring anywhere else on the globe!"

A brief pause, she takes a quick sip of water.

"Naturally I understand you're not going to undermine an ally, that goes without saying and I'm not calling you to fracture relationship, I was curious how Sweden can work alongside Portugal and Brazil in order to make this situation mutually beneficial to secure your support in this matter? Is there any specifically that draws your concern?"

Joining in the chuckle, she too does the same, smiling brightly at the other end of the phone as she appreciates the Ministers personable persona.

Strix

 

[Strix]

"Let me think about it for a moment... Ah, yes. I was doing some reading on the current Antarctic Crisis, and I found some interesting points to talk about. I don't think Portugal really has a say on the matter, due to how far Antarctica is to the homeland. I do know, however, that certain people in the scientific community, especially our Science Minister is eager to start expanding our research capabilities. She has begun drafting plans for a Portuguese-led research mission in Antarctica, although due to recent news, had to put it on hiatus for now. From what I've heard from her, it would be appreciated if Sweden would allow Portuguese Scientists to start planning and conducting research on the area.

What I can only suggest for now regarding securing Portugal and Brazil's trust, is that perhaps you could arrange that Sweden might recognize Brazil's claim on the continent. Now-"

She would smile before continuing, clearly baffled on what she just had said. She would ready her nearby mug of tea as she puts down her pen and leans back on her office chair. The issue on whoever owns the continent was certainly out of Portuguese hands, as the only interest Portugal has on the landmass is the prospect of research. But due to the proximity of Brazil to the issue, and seeing that one of its neighbors are actively competing with Sweden, Portugal would most likely rally behind their closest ally, in order to uphold their values and duties.

"I do know I am basically contradicting myself with what I said about claims, but from an objective standpoint, I do think that this would be the 'optimal' move in securing Brazil and Portugal's trust, based on what I've heard on recent Royal Assembly meetings. I cannot guarantee this to work, however, but by doing this I am certain that this would ease up the tense situation in the Royal Assembly. Perhaps by then, Portugal can decide on what to say on the matter.

Despite my views on the matter, whatever Brazil says can and will influence what Portugal would do, and I cannot change that. Sweden might be a valuable ally to Portugal, but we Portuguese do stick together as a family. Due to the proximity of Brazil to Argentina, I am afraid that they would support the Argentinians in their demands. Perhaps during the summit, we can come to an agreement that would be beneficial to all parties involved, including the consideration that Sweden has invested heavily in claiming the continent.

Again, all I could say that might win you the support of Portugal is through reasonable and respectful discussion in the incoming Antarctic Summit. Whatever happens, and even if Brazil, and consequently Portugal, does not recognize the Swedish claim on the whole continent, please do know that Portugal is more than willing to cooperate with Sweden as much as possible."

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Connor

 

[Connor]

"I am open to the idea of not only recognising a Brazilian domestic claim within Swedish Antarctica but also with the ensuring Portuguese scientists have the opportunity to conduct their research in the region - I am greatly disturbed by the news that the conflict in the region is now negatively effecting the development of essential scientific research. Again, I have absolutely no qualms about you ensuring your protection of your alliances, frankly I would do exactly the same with the Nordic Council, you are bound to put your neighbours before your bilateral relation; that's a given.

The situation in Antarctica is a complex one and one not only challenging the ideology of this whole 'claims that aren't claims' mantra, but also the wipe-out of that establishment for governance. Swedish law in the region not only allows us to protect the sites of specific scientific interest but also ensures that we do not see the continent covered in abandoned ageing technology that's too expensive to move away from the continent, litter, dereliction and irreversible ecological damage.

We are eager to get into the Global Assembly Antarctic Summit however we have been consistent with out approach, peaceful, it will be difficult to show the blatent disregard for peace by Australia and Argentina, especially when your ally is a geographic neighbour and bound to oversee some of the negatives in order to seek peace locally. I would really appreciate it Minister if you were able to discuss this matter with Brazil and if we were able to strike a deal bilaterally that could see the support of LOFS in this matter."

Strix