Coalition and Workers' Council General Agreement

[Zimmerwald]

The reconstituted Parliament of Gallipoli-China, housed for the moment in Tekirdag, was in a state of uproar.  The topic: the new Workers' Council in the east.  The debate: what to do about it.

The Speaker, a man named bin-Sultan, a member of the Liberal party, had taken the floor.  He looked exasperated; he was red in the face from trying to make himself heard over the hubbub.  "We must gain legitimacy as soon as possible.  This Council of theirs has declared themselves a successor government, when we ourselves constitute the one legitimate body of the people."

"And what do you propose," sneered Akbar al-Sistani, leader of the Democrats.  His was a relatively new party, and had never controlled a Government.  It had been organized to combat the Nationalist party, since the Liberals were widely percieved as toadies to the nationalists.

"We must be recognized internationally!" thundered bin-Sultan.  "With outside aid, we can crush this opposition.  you've seen how well it worked for the Communists."

"Yes, and they've had, what, two nations helping them?  Nobody else responded.  I tell you you are deluded."

bin-Sultan spluttered as al-Sistani continued.

"We mustn't forget that there's another group out there that also claims to be a legitimate government; the fascists to our west.  We can't ignore them.  We have no army of our own, and at least the Communists have the support of the people.  We must make entreaties."

"Obscene nonsense!" said bin-Sultan, who had finally found his voice.  "Better to ally with the Nationalists than with the revolutionists."

"And now we see your true colors!  The Nationalists have, by resolution of this Parliament, been declared Traitors to the Nation.  And now you wish to ally with them?  I propose a vote of no confidence in the Speaker, and call for a new election, among ourselves, for the Speakership."

A voice rang out "I second."

[Zimmerwald]

al-Sistani was pleased; the vote had gone well.  bin-Sultan was removed from the Speakership, and by some chance, he had been chosen as his replacement, even though his party was smaller than the Liberals.

Immediately he had set upon his new initiative; to enlist the support of the Communists for the Coalition government, and perhaps to appropriate their strength.

To: the Workers' Council of Gallipoli-China
From: Akbar al-Sistani, Speaker, Parliament of Gallipoli-China

I believe we, the anti-Fascist forces who have wrested control from our enemies, have much to discuss.  Furthermore, I believe we have much common ground, and I would like to see it come to the fore, instead of seeing our nation divided.  To that end, I would like to propose a meeting between myself, and some dignitary you appoint, in the old capitol of the PIUC.  I await your prompt response.

[Zimmerwald]

"What do you think of this, Aram?"

"Just this; al-Sistani's weak, and he knows it.  The old State has deserted him, and the people and only the people are sovereign in Gallipoli-China.  He wants this strength for himself, and he imagines that we will submit to him."

"And will we?"

"I think the question is, Viktor, will you?"

"What?"

"Well, you're going to the PIUC.  We'll play his game for our own purposes; we'll appropriate his legal strength, and thwart his dreams of appropriating our practical strength."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because al-Sistani made one very stupid mistake.  He called this meeting in the PIUC, which is effectively under our complete control.  Practically, East Gallipoli would be so too, but for the resistance of the Coalition government.  It's your job to get him to subordinate himself to us."

[Zimmerwald]

al-Sistani had finally managed to get to the meeting place inside the PIUC.  He was seething; the Valideens had been extremely reluctant to let him pass, and his temper had been stretched almost to the breaking point.  Compounding his annoyance, there was another man already in the room.

"How come the Valideens let you in quickly?" he said icily.

"They didn't," replied the man, shuffling his papers.  "I just came about four hours early.  You didn't get the notice of the quarantine?"

"I guess not," said al-Sistani resignedly.  "We've gotten off on the wrong foot.  My name's Akbar al-Sistani, but you probably know that."

"Yes, it was on your communique.  I'm Viktor Debs."  The two shook hands, and sat down on opposite sides of the table.

"Shall we begin?"

[Zimmerwald]

"Yes, we shall," said al-Sistani.  "Now, the situation now is basically a de facto partition of the country, and nobody wants that.  We each claim to be legitimate, and to have the right to rule as we choose.  I propose that we unite."

"How?"

"Well, I'll propose a bill in the Parliament recognizing the National Workers' Council as a second house of a bicameral legislature.  Your party would have a monopoly on power in that chamber, and would be allowed to run candidates for the Parliament.  However it would not be allowed to participate in any government."

"I see.  And this would be a permanent system?"

"I hope so."

"And each chamber would have equal authority to propose laws?"

"Yes.  Though to pass, both chambers would have to actually agree on the law."

"Fine.  I accept this deal."  Aram'll be happy with this.  They assume our cooperation, but we can use this to deadlock the national government, and to rule directly through the local Workers' Councils.  We are, after all, the only authority in the provinces.

"In return, you'll help bring down the fascists as soon as possible?"

"Of course."