Gran Colombian News, H2/1907

[The Rock Doctor]

24 October 1907:  Cartagena

"Five hundred on number six", President Rey Alizandro said.

"I'll take number three for two hundred", Senora Alizandro said.

The First Couple looked over at their guests.  "I will place two hundred on number seven", Alexandre Jardan stated.  The aide bowed and disappeared from the viewing box to place the bets. 

"Have you been to the track before, Senor Jardan?", Rey asked. 

"I have, but only infrequently", Jardan replied.  "My posting tends to place considerable demand on our weekends - it's rare to have a weekend without a social event of some variety."  He didn't bother to mention that he and Louise had been scheduled for a dinner party with several local mining executives this day; when the President of the largest power in South America sent a personal invitation, one re-arranged one's schedule.

Rey leaned back in his seat, waving abstractly at the track before them.  "They call it the sport of kings, but it can be the sport of presidents also.  The finest horses, produced by generations of careful breeding.  The nimble jockeys, trained to get every last bit of exertion and effort from their steeds.  The cheering throngs in the stands.  My father brought me here when I was just seven.  I've loved it since."

"I came to it much later in life", Jardan responded.  "Not all of my postings were to locations with such facilities.  Our time in Brazil, for instance."

"A shame.  Granted, I don't get out here as much as I'd like, either.  Too much work when one's running a country, as you'll recall.  This business with the Swiss and Dutch, for instance."

"That is a tricky situation", Jardan concurred.  After two hours of watching races with the President, he wondered if they were now at last getting down to business.

"I do appreciate the restraint France is showing thus far - especially in limiting the geographic scope of its...escort duties...to Swiss shipping."

"I will pass that on to Premier Paixhans", Jardan noted.  "Being a civilized nation, Glorious France does not wish to resort to wanton violence every time events are contrary to our interests.  Alternatives can be found.  Your decision to close one side of your nation to each belligerent seems an innovative approach for maintaining trade while keeping them apart."

"I thought so", Rey replied.  Down below, the crews were still working on the track:  the usual October rains had turned the track to mud, and so some maintenance was proving necessary for the safety of horse and rider alike.  "I suppose that it may help the Dutch to a point - it renders Surinam somewhat more secure from Swiss raiders."

"Colonial outposts can be difficult to defend if one has to concentrate one's military weight elsewhere", Jardan observed.  "Even for a nation of our might, it can be a challenge."

"Yes, I've had that thought", Rey said.  "France has several colonies in the region - Haiti, Guyana, and the West Indies islands.  They offer no particularly unique exports to France other than, perhaps, sugar, nor is there a substantial mineral and industrial sector.  Yet France has to maintain a significant armed presence in the region to defend the territories and their two million or so inhabitants.  Expenditures for defence probably equal or exceed the income your government receives from tax and royalties."

He paused, and Jardan decided not to say anything that might distract the President from wherever he was going with this.

"In times of peace, you can purchase commodities such as sugar on the open market.  In times of war, you have to defend a trans-Atlantic shipping route against whatever raiders your foe may deploy", Rey continued.  "I would suggest to you that these colonies are a liability for France, and as a man with many connections to industry, you know that liabilities are discarded whenever possible."

The two men looked at each other for a few seconds.  Jardan finally asked, "Are you suggesting that France discard its Caribbean departments?"

"Not quite.  I'm suggesting France sell them to Gran Colombia.  Now, recognize that I'm not a salesman, so my persuasive techniques aren't very sharp.  Still:  France can continue to import commodities in peace and war because you would import them from us."

"Unless we are at war with you", Jardan gently observed.

"True - but with France no longer a land-owner in the region, the likelyhood of this would be much reduced.  What would we have to fight over?  Furthermore, as our two nations develop deeper economic links and find ways in which to do business, such as those battleships we're buying from you for scrap, it creates greater economic incentive for us to be on good terms in general.  In the long term, you will save money on defence expeditures that more than offset the infrastructure you've installed at Port-au-Prince and Cayenne.  In the short term, you would no doubt find the purchase price very useful in dealing with national spending priorities."

"Noting that I am not negotiating, but merely seeking information to pass along to my government, let me ask a couple of questions", Jardan requested.  "Do you have a proposal in paper?  If so, does it include a proposed financial offer and effective date of sale?"

"I have it in my office", Rey replied.

"Then I will contact my government and determine if they wish to receive the offer."

...and a few days later, a Gran Colombian Ministry of Information official in Paris invites the editor of le Monde out for a working dinner to discuss advertising rates...

[The Rock Doctor]

3 November 1907:  Cartagena

President Alizandro ushered Alexandre Jardan into his office, offering him in turn a cigar, a brandy, and a coffee.  Jardan was content to accept that last offer, and eased into one of the leather armchairs across from the President's desk. 

"I have advised my government of your offer for Haiti, Guyana, and the West Indies", Jardan began.  "Curiously, it seems another party has submitted a higher bid for Haiti."

Alizandro let out an exasperated sigh.  "Let me guess:  the Confederates."

Jardan raised an eyebrow.  "I can neither confirm nor deny that, of course.  But it is certainly a good guess."

The president waved his left hand, the enclosed cigar leaving an arc of wispy smoke curling through the air.  "My foreign minister had been discussing affairs of mutual interest with them.  Haiti came up as a place they'd like to acquire, and my people decided it would be a good idea to tell them about our bid, as a courtesy to them.  Obviously it didn't occur to them that Richmond would go behind our back, did it?"

"Apparently not", Jardan agreed.  "I would suggest that there is some risk in sharing one's foreign policy objectives with potential rivals."

"Good fences make good neigbours, right?  Avoids trouble like we're seeing in the Pacific.  This is the second time we've mentioned our intentions to Richmond and the second time they've balked at them."

"The first being?"

"Liberia", Rey said.  "We had some ideas, mentioned our basic intentions to Richmond as a courtesy considering their historical links with the place, and they objected.  So I backed off; no big deal, right?  Well, my people brought up Haiti and Richmond objected again.  Considering they've not said or done anything about Liberia since that excursion, I wasn't inclined to walk away this time.  So they went behind my back."

Jardan nodded.  "An unfortunate development."

"Gives me a measure of the man in office over there", Alizandro replied. 

"This being the case, I am instructed to ask whether you wish to reconsider a bid for Guyana and the West Indies - with the caveat that there is some resistance within the government to even considering such a bid."

"I'll have my people re-examine the matter and get back to you", Alizandro replied.

[Carthaginian]

*Cartagena, Gran Colombia*

"THEY DID WHAT? WHY WASN'T I INFORMED?" The Ambassador to Gran Colombia thundered to the aide that State had sent him. It wasn't really the boy's fault... he hadn't done anything, but he was the mouthpiece of those who had, and thus bore the wrath of the man who had been wronged.

"Sir, the Department didn't have the time to get a message to you. The Congress acted without informing them, and they then reacted as best they could... that was sending me rather than a telegram."

"Still, I'm made to look like a lier to these men... ruining my reputation and YEARS worth of diplomatic efforts to ensure a stable environment in the Caribbean. I hope to God that the Colombians do not take this as cause for war! They are a proud people- you've seen my wife when she feels she's been the victim of sharp dealing- and that's a damnably likely response.

Send a VERY humble letter requesting an audience with their government... at whatever level might be willing to hear us at this point. I don't care if it's the man who sweeps the floors and empties the spittoons- something MUST be done, and quickly."

[Carthaginian]

From: The Ambassador to the Confederate States of America

I most humbly request an audience with a representative of the Gran Colombian Department of State in order to discuss the incredible turn of events that has recently occurred in the midst of our negotiations. In light of this egregious error and breach of protocol on the part of my Country, I would attempt to avert any further unpleasantness, and if at all possible, to turn what appears disastrous into a situation by which both our nations might find profi

[The Rock Doctor]

"Find a place in my schedule to meet with the Confederate ambassador", Foreign Affairs Minister Eduard Torres instructed his secretary. 

"You're open at three tomorrow, Sir."

"Too soon.  Find something next week, please."

[Carthaginian]

*Cartagena, Gran Colombia*

Letter sent to the French Ambassador in CG from the CSA Ambassador:

"Ambassador Jardan,

I was informed by your office that your Excellency might be able to offer your expertise and assistance in this regrettable situation that has arisen between the Confederate States of America and the Republic of Gran Colombia. My office humbly requests such, in hopes that the participation of yourself and Glorious France might lend to our negotiations a portion of the considerable wisdom and honor commanded by both yourself as a man and Glorious France as a nation.

Please reply at the earliest possible moment, time is of the essence.
Pleas consider me to be,

your MOST humble servant,
Archibald James Bulloch, Amb. Ex. & Plen.

[Carthaginian]

The aide sputtered "Next Thursday? That's OUTRAGEOUS. How can they expect us to conduct business like that, Sir? They may as well have refused to see us at all!"

"In the words of God Almighty, boy, 'Peace... be still.' This is the kind of thing that we tactfully omit in our more successful reports to you gentlemen. When trouble arises, the length of time that they force you to wait is in direct proportion to their level of anger. Since they are telling us to wait a week, they are very angry. We must, MUST, bide and we must bide well. No anger or confrontational displays between any of our staff and any of theirs. Hell, if anyone here passes their most junior JANITOR on the street, I want them to tip their hat and let him have right of way.

Just because Richmond has no scruples, people, doesn't mean that we should not.
Our scruples are the only thing keeping us out of a dozen wars a week."

[The Rock Doctor]

Jeez, even the Swiss have managed to avoid a dozen wars a week - thought not for lack of trying.

[Carthaginian]

This guy is just making the point to his juniors that sometimes, it's the careful words of one man that can save an empire... or doom it.

[The Rock Doctor]

I know - I'm just kidding.  Anyhow...

Next Thursday - say, 12 November 1907

Foreign Affairs Minister Eduard Torres ushered Senor Bulloch into his office. "Coffee?  Brandy?  Cacao?"  The Confederate official opted to stick with coffee, perhaps having heard that Torres had his cacao prepared the old way, with pepper and other spices.

"I do apologize that it took so long to see you", Torres stated as they took two seats at a mahogany table.  "The ongoing war requires a certain amount of my attention, as it no doubt also occupies your people.  So - how may I be of service?"

[The Rock Doctor]

22 November 1907:  Cartagena

"I need to advise the Cabinet of a recent development in our territorial acquisition efforts", Foreign Affairs Minister Torres stated, looking and sounding distinctly uncomfortable.

"The Confederates give up on Haiti?", Ricardo Alizandro asked.

"...No", Torres replied.  "Negotiations continue, with some French facilitation, and it seems the CSA will likely end up with Haiti while we acquire Guyana and the West Indies.  That, however, is not the development in question."

"I wasn't aware we had any other programs in place that would produce a development so soon", President Alizandro remarked.

"Nor was I", Torres said wearily.  "However, it seems some of my officials interpreted their instructions...broadly.  Consequently, we have purchased the Cook Islands from the DKB."

"We what now?", the President exclaimed. 

"We purchased the Cook Islands."

The President stared at his foreign minister.  "I take it that these are somewhere to the west?"

"Loosely speaking, in the northeastern corner of the DKB maritime boundary", Torres said.  "Just south of New Switzerland, and just west of French Polynesia."

"Oh, good.  In the war zone", Ricardo Alizandro noted. 

"...Yes", Torres concurred.

"Probably why they sold it.  Weren't they sniffing around your doors?", Industry Minister de Soto asked.

"They'd been asking about buying our training battleship, which I wasn't going for, but I don't see the connection", Ricardo said.

"Ah.  So - dare I ask - what do we get out of the Cook Islands?", de Soto asked of Torres.

"There are modest exports of pearls, fish, and fruit", Torres replied.  "It will also be positioned to function as a coaling station for our trans-Pacific shipping."

"Is there a port?", Ricardo asked.

"Not that I am aware of", Torres said.  The Defence Minister rolled his eyes.  "A modest port is easy enough to construct", Torres added. 

"Alright, alright", Rey growled.  "Enough.  This whole file is not going particularly well, Eduard.  Sufficed to say one of your officials is about to be deployed to a new and unpleasant posting.  In the meantime, find me a nominee for governor, and get me some options for military garrisons."

[The Rock Doctor]

29 November 1907:  La Prensa Nacional

An Armada task force has set sail for the Republic's latest territorial acquisition, the beautiful Cook Islands in the central Pacific.  The islands were acquired last week from the DKB.

The armored cruiser Campeon led the procession out of Esmeraldas, accompanied by the protected cruiser Guyana, patrol sloops Puerto Berrio and Lerida, tender Malachite, and three chartered steamers bearing a battalion of the V Infantry Corps and the territory's new governor, Arturo Valera.

Valera, former mayor of Quito, told this reporter, "I look forward to this new challenge of bringing this remote island group's native population into the Gran Colombian family.  I am certainly thankful for the opportunity, and will do my best to live up to the expectations of our great President."

Valera took the opportunity to introduce his military commanders, Major Benigno Galtieri and Capitan de Fragata Rafael San Martino.  Galtieri is a combat veteran of the El Dorado campaign, while San Martino has extensive experience in Pacific operations.  San Martino will helm the Cook Patrol Group, consisting of the two aforementioned sloops and tender, plus harbour defences as they are installed.

The Cook Islands are located some 5,400 miles west-southwest of Esmeraldas.  The group's estimated five thousand residents are scattered amongst fifteen islands, the largest of them, Rarotonga, being site of the capital town, Avarua.  The islands are exporters of pearls, produce (copra, citrus, pineapples and yams amongst them), and fish, and there is an expectation that the islands will be developed as a coaling station for our merchantile fleet.

*Edited to add a tender, since there are no port facilities that I know of.

[Desertfox]

Hmm those islands had 'conflicting' claims...

[P3D]

Yes, indeed. And I think tight now is the best time for Switzerland to dispute the claim (as they are the only one to do so).

[The Rock Doctor]

Gran Colombia is not aware of any pre-existing Swiss claim to the Cook Islands, and considers them to be undisputed Gran Colombian territory as a result of the lawful sale by its previous owner, the DKB.  Should the islands not fit into Gran Colombian national interests, a subsequent sale may be entertained - but not to a belligerent involved in the ongoing war in the region.

Note to Mods:

The Gran Colombian squadron is expected to arrive at Rarotonga on approximately 27 December, allowing for one coaling stop along the way (probably French Polynesia).  The squadron will maintain an ample number of Gran Colombian flags aloft, and the ships will be well lit at night - to avoid any unfortunate incidents of mistaken identity.  The ships generally be at a readiness state just below "General Quarters", and live ammunition is aboard all vessels.