Kingdoms Associated Press - London, England



This is a multi-part series with points of view from all sides. As discussed in the prior edition: England Withdraws from French Alliance, we have asked multiple people for their side of the story. Unfortunately, the King of England, Rowan did not reply, and the Royal Embassy Chancellor of England, Ysabelle declined for her viewpoint to be given at this time. The Monarch of France Azharr, the Grand Ambassador of France Dorrante, England's ambassador to France Sebastian and Princess of Wales Llyres have agreed to answer questions.

Today we will ask England's Ambassador of France, Sebastian, some questions about this issue.
✍️ KAP How has this decision impacted your ability to maintain diplomatic relations with France?
Sebastian
France understood that firstly, I wasn't aware of the upcoming treaty withdrawal. France hasn't purely and simply left the meeting room and kept trying to find out why and how England wanted to overturn the 1462 alliance treaty. So, for now the French embassy hasn't changed yet her way to work with us/me.

✍️ KAP Do you believe this decision was a strategic move or an impulsive one? Why? What advice would you give the king and English politicians moving forward to repair the damage caused?

Sebastian
I can't judge nor think for the King. My only thought is that regarding the impossibly to provide a clear, detailed and full list of grievances until recently, I think that some things were made with hast. To repair the damages caused, England will have to understand that the foreign delegates asked for details and/or proofs seven times, and still haven't received them as today the 12th December.

✍️ KAP Did you have any forewarning of the treaty’s withdrawal, and were you involved in discussions leading up to it?

Sebastian
I didn't as I wasn't involved in the discussions that leaded to overturn the treaty.

✍️ KAP How did you first learn about the revocation of the treaty, and what was your immediate reaction?

Sebastian
I learnt at the same time as the French and the others attending the meeting, in the embassy, when the King pronounced the end of it. Despite what was announced by King Rowan, and as you can see it as the French leaked the records of the meeting, I was there in the room. I remained silent, as well as I was remaining silent since the Chancellor of England accused me of working for the French.

✍️ KAP How has this decision impacted your work as an ambassador in France?

Sebastian
French were surprised, which is understandable, and needed a bit of time to think of how to react. Then normal relationship with my counterparts came back.

✍️ KAP What challenges have you faced in trying to maintain diplomatic channels amidst this upheaval?

Sebastian
Trust. The French were really surprised of the way the meeting was taking. They initially asked for this meeting during the regency of Prince Itamar to discuss the situation in Ireland we proposed with Chancellor Aiwendill to propose a meeting to renew the alliance treaty. Then the meeting became, as you can see in the leaked records, a treaties review, to finally end by an alliance withdrawal. This all needed some work to reassure them and to make them understand that it wasn't the end of all relationships and that by the way, I wasn't aware of the wish to cancel the alliance.

✍️ KAP Do you see any opportunities for England and France to rebuild their alliance under new terms?

Sebastian
Yes. It may need to work in a different way, not just dropping documents for reviews, but yes it's possible.

✍️ KAP How has this decision affected your role as England's ambassador in Paris? Have you faced significant backlash?

Sebastian
My work wasn't affected honestly. I by the way endured no backlash. As you may have read it, I endured the shame to be accused by my Chancellor and my king, and defended by the French in the way I worked with them for the English Embassy. So in truth, backlash came from England.

✍️ KAP Were you consulted or given advance notice before the treaty was broken?

Sebastian
Not at all. As said, I learnt it in live in the meeting room.

✍️ KAP What is the current sentiment in France toward England, and how do you plan to navigate the diplomatic landscape moving forward?

Sebastian
They still are respectful and trustful toward England. But, In these days of suspicion and doubt, I fear that they see us having sold the Alliance treaty to a hidden reason. I can't tell if it's justified.

✍️ KAP What would you suggest as steps to rebuild trust between England and France?

Sebastian
If there truly is less trust, then I guess that it'll need to, firstly, the war between Ireland and France to end, secondly to a change of leadership. I don't believe that it'll be possible to keep working in the way we currently are. Perpetual reviews of documents aren't a way to attend a discussion taking place in the middle of the biggest war of the century, even less when the person who gives the documents is unable to justify the accusations launched at the foreigners counterparts. So, it'll need time, and new people, from the Embassies to the two Crowns.

---

I would like to thank Sebastian for his duty as Ambassador,and for giving KAP his opinion. Our next interview will be with Princess of Wales, Llyres.

---

Kallist0
England KAP
Editor-in-Chief
Interviewees' opinions are those submitted in response to the questions asked of them and do not reflect the views of KAP or the reporter.
The International KAP offices is the place to find the right to respond to any KAP article and for the International rules of KAP.