Code Word: Paternity: A Presidential Thriller by Doug Norton

Author:Doug Norton [Norton, Doug]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781457515552
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing
Published: 2012-11-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 30

“Mr. President, we need Japan’s support, and we won’t get it unless you make that commitment!” said Battista, her eyes muted by the video screen but compelling nonetheless.

Silence.

Guarini stepped into his role as defuser-in-chief. “Anne, what, specifically, do we need from Japan?”

“A lot! Cutting off funds to Kim’s regime from the significant Korean population in Japan; supporting the blockade; continuing use of our navy and air force bases in Japan, which Kim will undoubtedly threaten to attack. Next there’s supporting us at this summit and in the UN, and then supporting nonproliferation itself.

“The Japanese could have a nuclear capability in two-three years, wouldn’t you agree, Aaron?”

The director of national intelligence nodded. “That’s a fair estimate. A nuclear Japan would be a huge shock to China, one that would surely drive them into increasing their nuclear forces.”

Silence reigned again. Guarini, reading his boss, said, “OK, food for thought. What about Russia and China, Anne?”

“The Russians, ah, the Russians!” Battista threw up her hands. “They’re the wild card. They’re less affected than the other three; the Russians live in the neighborhood, but not on the same block. Volkov is still angry about America’s part in the dissolution of the Soviet Union. So, I think he’s looking for an opportunity to make you squirm, Mr. President. He probably also sees a chance to get something big in return for Russia’s support. With each of the other four we have sticks to work with; with the Russians, only carrots.”

“Well, Anne, you and John better work on finding us some sticks!” said Martin, pointing at each. “And China? Anne, what do you and Ambassador Caulfield think?”

“China will push for the status quo, but President Ming knows we have to do something. Foreign Minister Jia told Barton and me that he fears catastrophic consequences if we attack North Korea. He said under some circumstances, like invasion, China would be compelled to assist Kim. And he said that a nuclear attack on North Korea would be quote unacceptable unquote. But, he implied that a conventional bombing campaign would not necessarily trigger their military intervention. One way to read those comments is that they describe the sticks we have to work with.”

Battista brushed her hair back and tucked it behind her ears. “As for carrots, I’m sure President Ming will have a list. One could be the withdrawal of our support for independent Taiwan so that they can take control of it as they did Hong Kong. Another might be establishing a preferred status for Chinese investments in U.S. Treasuries.”

“Do you think Ming will threaten to dump their holdings, or to refuse to buy more?” said Griffith.

“Well, Mr. Vice President,” said Barton Caulfield, “that’s certainly a possibility, but the GOC didn’t buy Treasuries to do us a favor. They did it because it was a sound investment. They’ve got a lot riding on our recovery—our success in preventing other attacks and our economic health. They stand to lose not only those billions in Treasuries but also a crucial export market.

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