The International Canal Association

[Validus]

"Possible. We do have a considerable amount of gold in our land. How much of a discount would you be willing to place on our comercial shipping?"

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"With the influx of gold, reduction could go as low as, oh say, 40% less?  Assuming you match that for Bustian shipping as well."

[Validus]

"Seems possible. But how much gold are we talking about because we are not going to put all our eggs in one basket."

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"We will keep track of all Valideen shippping passing through.  We would expect to recieve 20% of the undiscounted toll total in gold.  Since Valideen shippping will only be paying 60% of the undiscounted toll, including the gold, your country would only pay 80% of the actual toll in the end."

[Validus]

"So what you are saying, is that we will pay you in gold, well 20% of it. And we will still end up paying 80% of the toll? Im sorry if I missunderstood but that is what I am hearing."

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"Perhaps on paper..."  Maria begun to write on a piece of paper.  After a few minutes, she handed it over to the Minister."

Simple numbers to makes things easy.

Total toll charges for the year from Valideen ships:  NS$100, undiscounted.

Vaildeen ships pay:  NS$60 (40% discount)

Gold expected from Validus:  N$20 (20% of total toll charges)

Total payment (shipping and gold):  NS$80 (80% of undiscounted total toll)

"I hope this clears it up.  Your commerce department will gain much favor by your shipping industries for creating a deal with us.  For by this deal, they only have to pay 60% of the price.  This allowance will come from your nation providing 20% of the price in gold."

[Validus]

"So its a 20% discount. Instead of 40%."

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"It is still a 40% discount to your shipping companies.  It will be your government making up half of it.  Oh, are your shipping companies nationalized?"

[Validus]

"We have a crown coperation which does government shipping, and we rent space on the vessels to companies, however there are five privately owned shipping companis who have ships registered and fly the Valideen Flag."

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"Well then those five will be getting the 40% discount, and your governement shipping will end up with a 20% discount in the end.

In the Allied States, everything is privatized.  I, sometimes, forget that when dealing with governments.  Well that is my counter-offer."

[Validus]

"We in validus would be willing to have your shipping companies pay 75% of the original tax, that will be implemented once the canals open. Is this acceptable?"

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"We are willing to accept the terms."

[Validus]

"Well then, shall we sit down and hammer out the more finite details?" gestured Minister Rice towards the table.

~Thanato

[Bustos]

"Lets do it."

[Validus]

"Ok, would you allow government vessels threw the Canal?"

~Thanato