A New India
Chapter 228 - 228: Conference - II

Prime Minister Rohan allowed the room a moment of quiet, his gaze steady as he scanned the table.

"Prime Minister Eden," Rohan began, his voice calm. "You mentioned earlier the need for guarantees. Let me ask you this: What guarantees does Britain propose to ensure this conflict does not reignite while also respecting Egypt's sovereignty? Words of regret are no longer sufficient."

Eden, who had been sitting with his hands tightly clasped, took a measured breath before responding. "Prime Minister Rohan, the United Kingdom has always been committed to ensuring free trade through the Suez Canal. However, we cannot ignore the economic disruptions caused by its sudden nationalization. If Egypt is willing to provide verifiable guarantees, backed by international oversight then we would consider this a step toward reconciliation."

President Nasser immediately leaned forward, his voice calm but unwavering. "Prime Minister Eden, Egypt has no interest in disrupting global trade. We have said this repeatedly, but your actions have made it clear you do not trust our words. You speak of international oversight as though it is a neutral solution, but we all know what that really means control disguised as cooperation."

"President Nasser," interjected Eisenhower, his tone firm yet diplomatic. "The United States is not here to undermine Egypt's sovereignty. However, the reality is that without some form of transparency, this conflict will continue to sow mistrust. What if, instead of oversight by a single nation or group of nations, we agree to a neutral commission under the United Nations?"

Nasser's eyes narrowed as he considered the suggestion. "A neutral commission, if truly neutral, could be acceptable. But let me be clear such a commission would serve only as an observer, not as a decision-maker. The canal belongs to Egypt, and no external body will dictate how it is managed."

Chairman Mao Zedong, who had been quietly observing, spoke with a deliberate calmness that commanded attention. "President Nasser is correct. Sovereignty cannot be compromised under any circumstances. However, transparency does not inherently threaten sovereignty if it is implemented in good faith. A United Nations commission could provide that transparency if its powers are strictly limited."

Nikita his gaze sharp and his words precise, added, "The Soviet Union supports Egypt's position. Any international commission must operate within clearly defined boundaries. This cannot become a tool for imperialist control."

Prime Minister Jacques Beaumont of France, sensing an opportunity to steer the discussion, leaned in. "If we can agree on a neutral commission, perhaps we can also establish a framework for addressing disputes. Transparency is one thing, but without a process to resolve disagreements, tensions will persist. The United Nations could serve as an arbiter in cases where navigation is disrupted or rights are violated."

Rohan nodded, his mind working quickly to piece together the emerging framework. "A commission to ensure transparency and a neutral arbitration process these could be steps toward rebuilding trust. But let us address the elephant in the room. This cannot only be about guarantees for global trade. There must also be reparations for the damage caused by this conflict."

Eden stiffened visibly. "Reparations, Prime Minister Rohan? Are you suggesting that Britain, France, and Israel should compensate Egypt after everything that has happened? Might I remind you that Egypt's unilateral actions initiated this crisis?"

Nasser's voice rose, a spark of anger flashing in his eyes. "Unilateral actions? It was our land, our canal, and our decision. The only unilateral actions here were your invasions and bombings. Reparations are not just about money, they are about justice."

Eisenhower, sensing the rising tension, raised his hand to intervene. "Gentlemen, let us keep our focus. The United States supports a path toward reconciliation, but reparations must be framed carefully. Instead of compensation for damages, could we not explore collaborative investments in the canal's infrastructure? This would benefit Egypt while also serving the global community."

Rohan seized on the idea. "Collaborative investments could be a productive way forward. Egypt retains control of the canal, but nations that rely heavily on its trade routes contribute to its modernization. This ensures mutual benefit without undermining sovereignty."

Nasser hesitated, then nodded. "If these investments are handled transparently and without conditions, Egypt would consider such an arrangement. But let me be clear this cannot be framed as a favor or charity. It is a shared responsibility."

Ben-Gurion, who had been silent during much of the reparations discussion, now spoke up. "While investments in the canal's infrastructure are valuable, they do not address Israel's core concerns. We need concrete assurances that Egypt will not use the canal as a weapon against us, directly or indirectly."

Nasser's voice was sharp as he responded. "Israel's concerns are a result of its own actions. If Israel respects Egypt's sovereignty and does not provoke conflict, there will be no issues with access to the canal. The problem lies not with Egypt but with your continued aggression."

Rohan quickly stepped in, his tone firm but measured. "This discussion will not devolve into another blame game. Prime Minister Ben-Gurion, if you have specific proposals for ensuring mutual security, now is the time to present them."

Ben-Gurion glanced briefly at Eden and Beaumont before replying. "We propose that any agreement include explicit guarantees of non-aggression between canal-using nations. If Egypt or any other nation disrupts access to the canal for political purposes, there must be consequences, sanctions or arbitration."

Nikita's voice was cold as he replied. "And who enforces these consequences, Prime Minister Ben-Gurion? Western powers? That would be unacceptable. Any enforcement mechanism must be fair and impartial, not a tool for further imperialist intervention."

Mao nodded in agreement, his voice cutting through the room. "The balance of power must not be tipped by any enforcement mechanisms. Sanctions or consequences should be agreed upon collectively, not imposed unilaterally."

Eisenhower leaned back, considering the various perspectives. "A collective approach is reasonable. Perhaps the United Nations Security Council could serve as the arbiter in cases of violations. Any actions taken would require international consensus."

The room fell quiet for a moment as the idea settled.

Rohan, sensing the need to solidify progress, spoke with authority. "It seems we are beginning to find common ground. Egypt retains control of the canal. A United Nations commission ensures transparency. Investments in infrastructure are handled collaboratively, and the Security Council acts as a neutral arbiter in disputes. These are principles we can build upon."

Nasser nodded slowly, though his expression remained guarded. "These principles are acceptable as long as they are implemented in good faith and with respect for Egypt's sovereignty."

Eden, though reluctant, finally said, "The United Kingdom can support this framework, provided that the transparency measures are robust and binding."

Beaumont added, "France agrees as well, though we will need to work out the specifics of the arbitration process."

Ben-Gurion remained cautious. "Israel will require explicit guarantees of non-aggression, but we are open to further discussion."

Bulganin's tone was firm. "The Soviet Union supports this framework but will closely monitor its implementation to ensure fairness."

Mao gave a slight nod. "China agrees in principle but insists that sovereignty remain the guiding principle."

Eisenhower's voice carried a note of optimism. "The United States supports this approach and is willing to facilitate its implementation."

Rohan allowed himself a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Then let us move forward. We still have much to discuss, but today we have taken the first step toward peace."