[War] Canada: Commitment

[Dylan de Valk]

'Commitment'
Prime Minister James McColl
Minister of National Defence John Ansdale
Minister of Foreign Affairs Julia Bachman
Canada

The PMO:

Bachman grinned, "Well they certainly got back to us fast.  We haven't even
contacted them regarding the subs, and already they're paranoid."

"Julia, you have to remember it's their business to know everything nearly
instantly.  Anything less would make them seem... less capable?"  That was
Ansdale, he grinned too.

"At any rate, I suppose we should get back them.  John, you should really
get back to Abbot as soon as you can."  "Mmmm, true Julia, true.  Alright,
I'll go do that now."

After Ansdale cleared out, McColl and Bachman started discussing the public
reaction.  "They reacted no differently than we expected.  This is obviously
creating controversy."

"Like you said, we never expected anything less."  She smiled, "Did you read
the Globe and the National Post?  Two completely different articles.  The
Globe wasn't really sure what to think, they just sort of laid out what John
announced.  The National Post though warmly endorsed our initiative."

"But I think overall the Americans like the idea.  It's about time we pulled
up our socks and got down to business.  We did know though that they
wouldn't be too happy about the new rifle project.  I think we should invite
their cooperation and input, because they do have a lot of experience
designing weaponry after all."

"Yea I agree Julia.  They would be hopefully somewhat appeased by that.  We
could just offer them a stake in the project, that way they could decide
which they like better when its all said and done."

"You're right, we could.  But would they take it, and they would probably
just go and take over the project anyways.  We should proceed cautiously on
that note."

"Mmhmm.  Well I suppose you have some work to do, I won't keep you."

"Alright, thank you sir."  "No problemo, oh, and by the way, lend me your
Globe once you're done, mine didn't come today."

A half hour later, Ansdale was in his office reading over Abbot's
correspondence.

--------

From: John Ansdale, MND Canada
To: Iulius Abbot, SECDEF USA
Regarding your Previous Correspondence.

Mr Secretary,

Please allow to me extend my warmest greetings.  I know that we have not
corresponded much in the last few months of my term, so let us rectify this
beginning now.

We are, of course, aware of the United States' concern over our rifle
project, and we didn't enter into it lightly.  At this time, we view it as
within our interests to design our own rifle, that we may incorporate
changes as we see necessary without needing to cater to other nations'
needs.  However, that being said, we do invite the cooperation of the United
States to our project in an observer and possibly technical sense if you so
desire.  We are aware that the US has much more experience in weaponry
design than we do.

As to the nuclear submarine issue, let me assure you that Canada remains as
committed as ever to North American defense.  That is why we propose to
acquire the Virginia class.  Because the Chinese, and to a lesser extent the
Russians, have in recent years increased their submarine activity, we have
realized that Canada needs its own boats too, to the mutual benefit of the
United States and our own nation.  We do understand that your government may
be leery, and are fully willing to accept the $170 million increase per
boat.  We are also willing to work with the US to alleviate any concerns you
may have over this issue.

If your government authorizes the sale, we most definetly will *NOT* be
equipping them with nuclear deterrent.  We are also fully prepared to accept
that you may not be willing to authorize such a sale, and we wish that this
does not affect the current working relationship our two governments have.
Please let me know of any changes.

My highest regards,

John Ansdale
Minister for National Defence

----------

Actions:
1: reassure the US of Canada's good intentions regarding the rifle project
2: reassure the US of Canada's good intentions regarding the nuclear subs
3: invite the US to participate in the rifle project in a limited capacity
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://esteroic.com/pipermail/war_esteroic.com/attachments/20080407/96530520/attachment.html