Grand Tour to Orient

[Hadash]

January 4, 1780

John Montagu paciently observed the waving arms of Europe and Asia while the ship was approaching to the coast. As his own father did fifty years ago, he was about to meet the exotic realms of the Ottoman Empire - although in a less enjoyable setting, as he was doing so representing the Anglo-Frankish Commonwealth.

His political career, supported by the influence of his family (as his father was a member of the Commonwealth Council, retiring only in 1776) seemed ascending, elected to the General Assembly for first time at age 26, but it rather became stagnant after the death of Lord Protector Henry Fox, and specially since Lord Protector August FitzRoy appointed General William John Kerr as Lieutenant-governor of the Region of London - a position Montagu himself was rumoured as main candidate.

As bored as disappointed, Montagu did not hesitate when he was proposed to accept leading a delegation to the Ottoman Empire, although it was not clear which could be expected of that declining empire, and how this travel was supposed to improve his own personal interests.

[Flo]

April 10, 1780

Hassan stood at the end of the dock as he watched the vessel approach. Atop it's mainmast was a standard. On it's face were quarters. In two were three gold lions on a field of red -- the royal crest of England. In the other two was a smattering of flowers, lillies specifically, on a field of blue -- the royal crest of France. The diplomats from Paris had arrived.

Hassan had been assigned to him by the Grand Vizier, with specific instructions from the Sultan himself. Their visit was of the utmost importance, though Hassan was not fully aware of it. He only knew to guide them and ensure they met with the Grand Vizier and furthermore assist them in any capacity he could.

A eunuch, Hassan had served the Ottoman Sultunate his entire life. He was an old man now which was likely why he was trusted with this important job.

As the boat got ever closer, and finally came to a halt alongside the dock, Hassan greeted them in his best impression of the French language. It was a bit clumsy, but acceptable.

He was to take them immedietely to the Grand Vizier, as soon as they had settled.

[Hadash]

John Montagu was received in the same port by Jean-François Rousseau, an Anglo-Frankish diplomat born in Persia, and who was expected to serve as Montagu's both advisor and translator, as Rousseau was fluent in Persian, Arabic, and Turkish (and besides French, a language Montagu himself didn't feel entirely comfortable, as he rather spoke English and the common Anglo-Frankish, the sociolect combining English and French spoken in Caen, the seat of the General Assembly.

Rousseau had previously defended Anglo-Frankish interests in the region as part in minor diplomatic missions, and even being a mediator in Ottoman-Persian negotiations, but he was distrusted by many in Istambul, as many Ottoman seemed to feel that Rousseau was serving Persian interests in the Empire.

"We will likely be received by the Grand Vizier", Rousseau told Montagu.

"Then, our business will start", he added.

[Flo]

The Grand Vizier, Mehmed Kasha, received the Anglois delegation in his main office in Topkapi Palace. Kasha had been Grand Vizier for only three years, but had already made a name for himself as a sort of hard-liner, particularly when dealing with Insurgents and challenges to the state.

"Welcome to Istanbul. I trust your journey was good?"

"Your arrival has been met with much anticipation." This is true, but only in part. The arrival of the westerners had been more a cause of consternation than excitement among the statesmen of the Empire, though it was a particular grievence for the religious authorities, who saw it as an encroachment on Islam itself.

"We have much to discuss. The Sultan, may he live forever, has desires for the Empire to become a modern nation. Our military is dated, our generals use old tactics. Our economy is sluggish, and technology has passed us by. We wish to rectify this post-haste."

"What does Caen desire in return, for such assistance?"

[Hadash]

"Your Excellency", John Montagu told the Grand Vizier, "the Anglo-Frankish Commonwealth is certainly interested to increase trade with the Ottoman Empire, so I am certain that will considerably improve your economy".

"I can imagine the Commonwealth has much to offer your empire in those other fields in your efforts to modernize your nation", Montagu continued. "However, the question is what the Ottoman Empire may be able to offer the Anglo-Frankish Commonwealth".

"Not that we would doubt it may have something to offer, of course not", Montagu added, "but we are interested to hear it from your perspective, Your Excellency".

[Flo]

"Naturally. This is of the utmost importance to the Sultan, I assure you. While I cannot in good conscience fully speak for the Sultan, I can say that the Empire's generosity will be well known. If you provide what we request, we can assure you that England and France will be satisfied with what the Empire offers in return, namely, fleet basing rights in the City of Worlds Desire, access to our military should England and France come under attack and the transfer of some territories along the Mediterranean, should they be desired by your government."

"The Empire lavishes on those who meet its needs."

[Hadash]

Even Jean-François Rousseau couldn't believe the Grand Vizier was so receptive toward the negotiations.

"I am glad about the chances of an increasing cooperation between your Empire and the Commonwealth", John Montagu said. "But before we enter in further details, Your Excellency must understand that we should proceed with care and prudence".

"The Commonwealth has no desire of territorial expansion in the Mediterranean", John Montagu continued, "besire those aimed to protect our commercial interests regarding the region and the world. If I can be sincere, we have no wish to be involved in any kind of religious dispute or conflict. We rather recognize your Empire as an important source of stability in the region, and we hope cooperation between our government will have a positive outcome for both of us".

"Right now, however", Montagu added, "it is limited what we could offer you, as we wish to be prudent until our relations and common projects are further strengthened, as you may understand. If combined with strength and determination, prudence can be a good foreign policy. Meanwhile, we are willing to help you in some of the issues that you already mentioned. The Anglo-Frankish Orient Company, as you may know, one of the most prosperous companies in the global trade, wishes to expand its offices to your capital, if it could have your protection, and surely they would able to offer advice in some of your reforms in case that was possible".

"On the military issue", he continued, "we could send you military advisors and technical assistance, besides providing your forces with new material, in case you needed, while we increase our cooperation. It may not be much, but I hope it will be helpful enough. Of course, while we keep discussing how deep our relations may become in the future, we hope you could keep some discretion about this. Let's say that it will start as a commercial relation for now, as we wouldn't like to bring too much attention, at least for now".