Chapter 166: Chapter 148: The Mexican and American Republics

Salado River, Border between the United States of America and the Republic of Mexico
July 25th, 1824

Samuel Kim walked up to the new border between the recently declared Republic of Mexico and the United States. As the first president, he was chosen for this historic meeting between the two nations. At first, he objected and wanted someone else more "diplomatic" to take his place, but President Crockett was rather insistent on his choice. After all, Samuel funded the Mexican revolutionaries for years and it was due to his efforts (and a few other prominent Americans) that Mexico was now free and independent from Spanish rule. Ironically, it was mainly due to Crockett's insistence of maintaining "neutrality" from the federal government (while at the same time, allowing, and almost encouraging, Americans to privately fund revolutionary groups through organizations and "charity" groups) that led to Samuel having a large role in the Mexican Independence War. However, after a short meeting with the president in Columbia, the Korean American relented and accepted the task placed at his feet.

Besides the former president was a group of military officers that were also taking part in the meeting, along with a camera crew that would capture the historic moment. An honor guard of Marines accompanied him through his entire journey to the West, with the Marine Commandant (the son of a Revolutionary War veteran) insistent on the matter. As he walked closer to the Mexican delegation, Samuel gripped the American flag, now with thirty-two stars, in his right hand tightly. He had been in the past for nearly fifty years now, and yet, he was still shocked at all the changes he had managed to create. America was free, bigger than ever. Europe was... a mixed place, but fairly peaceful after the two violent Coalition Wars. Most of the Americas were free, though Spanish forces were still holding out in certain pockets across the two continents. Mexico was not entirely free, as Spanish soldiers still occupied the southern provinces, based around Vera Cruz. But they were almost free and a republic had been declared, which was enough for Crockett to make his move.

Once he reached the meeting site, Samuel firmly placed the American flag on the American side of the border, and a Mexican officer responded similarly on the Mexican side of the border. Men on both sides saluted their counterparts (though, Samuel felt a little out of place in his civilian wear) and watched as the representative of each nation walked to the small tent that was designated as the meeting place. In the background, the tunes of the American National Anthem was played by a small band as the two entered.

"Senor Kim," General Guadalupe Victoria, who was now serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexican President Guererro's Cabinet, stated. He was dressed in civilian wear as well, but even that had a distinct military tone to it, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Likewise," Samuel replied with a firm handshake, "I hope that Mexico is doing well?'

Former General Victoria crossed his arms while maintaining eye contact with the American revolutionary, "As well as it can be. Your support was... very much appreciated by myself and Vincente. Without your help, I'm sure we would still be fighting Monterrey."

"Don't sell yourself short, Minister. It was you and your fellow revolutionaries that won Mexico's independence."

"To an extent," Victoria let out a small laugh, "But your weapons were certainly helpful in breaking the Spanish. Oh, only if you were there yourself. The Spanish forces in Mexico City were terrified when they discovered we had artillery at our disposal..."

"Now I am remembering the events of the American Revolution in my head," Samuel mused.

"I almost forget how long ago the American Revolution was, it seems like it was so recent. Yet, I was born ten years after your nation declared its independence."

"To me, it seems like the Revolution was yesterday."

The Minister of Foreign affairs clapped his hands, "You still look like you are barely fifty, yet you are older than my grandfather!"

"Did he survive the war?"

"Unfortunately no. However, let us not dwell on the past. For now, we must look to the future, for both of our nations."

Samuel leaned forward, "Of course."

"I have received word from your country's president that we would have America's full support. President Crockett was proposing that we establish a fair trade deal with one another to benefit our nations, along with allowing students in Mexico to travel to the United States to learn in American universities. That was already accepted by Vincente just a short while ago."

"Yes, and we offered the same to Gran Colombia and Argentina as well, though not the Federal League."

"Ah yes, the Federal League lap dogs that fought against Argentina. I hoped that the Argentinians would mop them up, but unfortunately, Britain's puppet still stands. Ironic, they overthrew the Spanish to trade themselves to another master."

"There is not much we can do there, but rest assured. The United States will protect its friends. In fact, there is a reason why President Crockett wanted me to meet you in a... dramatic fashion."

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"Is it a secret weapon?"

"Not quite," Samuel answered with a chuckle, "In fact, it's a proposal to create an organization. A joint effort, between Mexico, the United States, and other American nations. Something that would eclipse mere trade deals and treaties."

Victoria waved his hand for the American to continue and he obliged, "The proposed organization would be called the "League of American Nations." It would consist of two parts. The first part would be an economic treaty between the members of the League, in that we would be able to trade with members of the League freely. Additionally, as the biggest and most "stable" nation in the Americas, the United States would help League members financially until they are able to stand on their own two feet."

"I'm sure Vincente would stumble on his own feet to sign such an agreement, even without hearing the second part. After all, half of our country was ruined by the fighting. And Spanish soldiers fight on in Vera Cruz."

"Which leads to the second part of the League's policy: a defensive pact. An attack on one member of the League would be seen as an attack on all the members of the League. Thus, it would deter nations such as Spain and Britain from re-invading the free American nations outright, while at the same time, allowing military cooperation to foster between our countries."

"Does that apply to the situation in the southern parts of Mexico that are being attacked right now?" The Mexican Minister pressed.

"Not entirely, no. But rest assured, President Crockett is applying some very heavy pressure onto the Spanish government to withdraw their troops from Mexico. Provided that your government is willing to let them go free."

"If it's between revenge and independence, I will always take independence."

"A sound choice. And that is the basis of the League."

"Which nations have been interested in this, so far?"

"Haitian President Joseph Bunel has outright stated he would join the League upon its formation. Gran Colombia, under Miranda, has expressed interest as well, along with the Argentinan leader Nicolas Pena has also responded positively. That makes it around four nations, including the United States, so far."

"I am very much inclined to sign it. After all, despite America's expansion into northern New Spain territories, your nation has consistently provided for our revolutionaries and protected us from the worst of Spain's atrocities," Victoria cleared his throat, "But, as always, I will need to speak with Vincente and the rest of the Cabinet. This will probably need the approval of the Chamber of Deputies as well."

"By all means. The exact wording of the treaty for this League needs to be ironed out. President Crockett will provide more details about a Convention for the League in the future."

"Thank you, senor. Everything seems satisfactory then. Just out of curiosity, what are your thoughts on Yucatan and Central America also declaring their independence?"

Samuel thought for a moment before replying, "It is my hope that Mexico allows them to walk free if they choose to do so. After all, I believe it would be a bit... hypocritical if Mexico attempted to exert its force on those two regions in a desire to put them under Mexican rule. After all, you and your revolutionaries fought a war against oppression and tyranny these past years."

"Will they be offered a seat at the League?"

"That is up for those states to decide. But do consider their positions and accept their independence, should they choose to go their own path. After all, I'm sure the Natives in Yucatan were not too pleased of President Guerrero's massacre of the Comanche."

With those parting words, Samuel left the tent and returned to the American side of the border. Now for the last leg of his trip, he was going to visit his home state. Or, his home state in the other history.

California.

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