We are vaguely aware of the Libertonians actions but have not been paying a great deal of attention, there are far more pressing matters such as Kusari. Although it is no secret that we have not thought too highly of Liberty their recent behaviour seems....uncharacteristic and out of place for a House that has supposedly been our ally for many centuries. It is entirely likely that they wish to keep us dependent on them, or perhaps their government is run by fools, who knows.
Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Whitehall
To: William Steiner
From: Elizabeth Hall, Steiner & Hall Ltd.
Dear William,
You must know that I invested great effort into the Harris Treaty with Liberty when I was prime minister. It saddens me to see how mistreated it has been recently. If it is abolished, then Bretonia is bound for another economic crisis and that will doubtlessly cause the popularity of the current cabinet to plummet. I would like to know what exactly has led to this turn of events, because I think that reverting to status quo would be most suitable for Bretonia. If we have the intelligence, then I am sure that House Steiner can use its influence for lobbying to restore the treaty. Yet, if the worst comes to be and the cabinet faces significant popular pressure, we can use the opportunity to get back into power. I would still prefer to have the treaty reinstated without social tumult, but in the end we could be forced to radical action. What do you think?
Representative of House Steiner
Steiner & Hall Ltd. CEO
Subject of the Kingdom of Bretonia
The Libertonians are, like any respectable Government, self interested. Unfortunately that comes at our expense, if they wish to revoke the Harris treaty that is their prerogative. With that being said you are correct, the economic fallout would be nothing short of disastrous, which is probably why they seem to be so intent on ending the treaty. An economically weakened Bretonia would result in Libertonian companies entering to take advantage of otherwise already dominated markets. Interspace commerce in particular would have a role to play in that if they don't already.
In the meantime, our Government is looking for investors almost anywhere they can find them and seems to be intent on rebuilding a military fleet capable of going to war, with whom I am uncertain. It would not surprise me in the least to find out that the levels of corruption within the Government and Military are quite high, although none of us are in a position to know with any certainty.
Therefore I believe our only realistic option is to wait, the social turmoil will provide you an opportunity to regain your seat, Edmund has taken his in the House of Lords already. With that being said, you would do well to look at Rheinland for any significant investment in Sprague, you may wish to contact Kruger on that note. I can have something arranged.
Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Whitehall
To: William Steiner
From: Elizabeth Hall, Steiner & Hall Ltd.
Dear William,
Corruption is not only present on our side and it can be exploited. Do we know who is leading the negotiations on the Liberty side and how corrupt they are?
Representative of House Steiner
Steiner & Hall Ltd. CEO
Subject of the Kingdom of Bretonia
I'm not well acquainted with Nigel Hammond, although I suspect he has been given the impossible task of re-negotiating that treaty. If you want the source of corruption, look at the Prime Minister. I believe you would have more knowledge about the current PM than we will. However, we probably should not be discussing such matters over the communication network. I would rather Victor not find out just yet.
I have organized a shuttle to pick you up from Sprauge and bring you here. I apologize for the short notice, but it seems if we are intent on having this discussion, we should not delay.