The International Canal Association

[Bustos]

In an interest to consolidate control of the canals, the Water Highway Committee decided to create the International Canal Association (ICA), beginning with welcoming the Valideen officals of their canals, Liberty and Freedom, to the Allied States Capitol, Bustos City.

[Validus]

To: Bustos
From: President Malcolm

With operations in the G-C, I will not be able to attend in person instead I will be sending my Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ministers, Jarold H. Kindsey and Lisa T. Rice repectivly. They are more then quolified for the job.

Thank you,

Presiden Malcolm

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"Well, we are all set," said the Committee's Chairperson's aide.  The small conference room had the buffet set up with a mini bar in the corner.

"Kinda small, but this is only the beginning.  Once we get into out of the red from the money invested into building the canal, we'll have more fitting accomadations," as Maria Evans looked around the small, but elegant conference room that could seat twenty.

"If I may ask, what do you think the Valideens can offer?  After all, their own neighbors are not very supportive of their canals.  Didnt they even damage one of them?"

"That will be something these...what were their names again?"

The aide looks down at his notepad he always carries in his hand.  "Foreign Affairs Minister Jarold H. Kindsey and International Trade Minister Lisa T. Rice, ma'am."

"Yes, that will be something the Ministers will have to explain.  When are they arriving?"

"Anytime soon."

[Validus]

"This is Valideen Government T-65 Heavy, requestion permission to land, over." the Pilot patiently awaited the reply. "Roger that, coming in slow and stead, over," The plane begain to decend amongst the clouds. "Ladies and Gentlmen this is your Pilot speaking, we will be landing in Bustos in approximetly 5 minutes, I ask that you remain seated. Thank you." The plane came in landing on the designated runway, all the engines were thrown into full reverse and hte breaks applyed. the plane came to taxi speed 2/3rds down the runway. "Ladies and Gentlmen, welcome to Bustos." The airplanes caben erupted in applause, as was the custome on Valideen flights to thank the Pilot for the safe journey.

One the plane taxied off the runway it was met by two cars, both with flashing blue lights. T-65 Heavy followed the vehicles to an isolated area of the runway, were a limo and an offloading ramp were waiting.


**1 Hour Later**

The door to the small confrence room opened, and inwalked the Valideen Ministers.

~Thanato

[Bustos]

Committe Chairperson Maria Evans introduced herself to the two Ministers and asked them feel free to have anything from the buffet and bar.  She engaged in small talk while sampling the buffet with the Ministers to allow them time to relax a bit from their long journey.

"So, I hear you are building canals," she joked to open the discussion of business after sitting down.

[Validus]

"Yes," stated Lisa. "In fact Freedom is near stage one completion. Liberty is going to take a little while longer then planned, but we are taking care of that nucense at the moment." The minister took a sip from the glass of water in her hand.

Minister Kindsey was looking over some papers, "Madam Evans, let me be blunt, your nation controls a massive artery between the two oceans, Validus controls and easier access to the Gulf of China. We are hear to negotiate cheaper passege by the use of the canals."

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"Well, we have something you want.  That much is clear.  However, at the moment we see no reason to give reduced tolls to Valideen  registered commerical or recreational ships.  Everyone pays the same price.  Just as Bustian registered ships that choose to cross your canals.

There is also the hostile state of affairs between Validus and Gallipoli-China.  That cant be good for your canals, especially if Gallipoli-China restricts commerical shipping."

[Validus]

"Trust me the hostilities with the G-C is not that big of a factor on the canals as it may appear."

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"I would hardly call getting a canal fired upon, 'not that big of a factor.'"

[Validus]

"It is a set back to be sure, but it isnt anything like having the entire canal be destroyed." Minister Kindsey took a drink of water. "Freedom is going at full steam and Liberty will just take a little while longer to complete. Now, we control easier access to the Gulf of China, you control easier access to half the world. Shall we get down to buisness?"

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"We may.  What is it that you propose then?

[Validus]

"Well I sugest that we put a reduced cost on shipping for Valideen ships whome travel through your canal. We will do the same to your vessels. Also allow Government controled vessels, including those of the Military, through the Canal."

~Thanato

[Bustos]

Committe Chairperson Maria Evans listened to the Minister and his offer.  She took a second to light a Peace Blunt, a famous cigar in the Allied States that contained pharmacuetical grade marijuana.  She did this more to allow more time for the Minister to add more to the deal from their end.  She was mildly disappointed when they did not.  Are they serious?  She took a puff and exhaled into the air.

"Now allow me to be blunt.  This offer benefits you significantly compared to us.  Our canal is becoming the lifeline of shipping between one side of the world to the other.  Whereas your canals, only offer a shorter route to Gallipoli-China and back.  At least, for our shipping.  With the current state of affairs Gallipoli-China is in, such trading ventures looks slim.

Unless there is something else on the table you are offering, your current deal isn't even benefitial to us at all.  We are looking for access to raw resources.  That would make this deal more equitable."

She took another puff, held it in for a second before remembering...and exhaled the smoke.

"The allowance of military ships however, will not be permissible."

OOC:  I noticed you do not have any resources picked.

[Validus]

OOC: Yes I do look on page 6.

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"If you were to add access to your gold resources along with reduced tolls for all Bustian shipping, we could talk about reduced tolls for Valideen commerical and residential ships through our canal."

OOC:  Whoops.