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[b]March 20th, 1950
East Berlin, German Democratic Republic[/b]

Much to the delight of Pieck all trade deals with Cuba were about to be finalized. Their demands were simple really: supply weapons and Cuba would give resources back in return. Of course much of that was bound to be luxury goods unavailable throughout Europe so anything that Cuba had to offer was beneficial. Naturally, while Pieck himself prepared for the arrival of the Cuban dignitaries he also worked on relaying messages out to the Republic's various armament factories. Orders. Orders to switch production over to light weaponry that would sooner or later end up on Cuban shores. The heavier weaponry was a request specifically directed at the Soviet Union. 

[quote]From: Wilhelm Pieck
To: Joseph Stalin

We have not corresponded in awhile, but the Cuban revolution has recently come to our attention. I have corresponded with Fidel Castro personally and he has stated their abundance of outdated military equipment. This puts them at an incredible risk in the event of an American imperialist invasion. This is something that all members of the Bloc need to prevent from happening. With that said, I ask that along with our shipments of light arms, that you send shipments of heavy arms. It has been proven many times over that there's nothing greater than Soviet armoury and perhaps those in Washington need to be reminded of that once again. 

In solidarity, Wilhelm Pieck[/quote] 

While the issue of Cuba was seemingly resolved, Pieck knew there was much more on his plate. Still NVA troops remained stationed at the East Berlin borders. The constant presence of troops had initially been alarming for citizens, but over time Pieck and others could see them growing accustomed to it. Perhaps they even thought that any day the inevitable assault would come from NATO, but still West Berlin didn't stir. It was only a matter of time until Pieck was forced to give the orders to attack or withdraw. Full-scale war was the last action he wanted to take, however. He could only hope that sooner or later those in the West would make correspondence. Berlin was, after all, a German city, not American, British, or French. 

Despite the Berlin crisis, Pieck turned his eyes towards the far east. China. They too were in the midst of their own war, one that certainly Mao was close to winning. In such a case they were bound to be a valuable ally, but it was a war Pieck didn't want involvement in. He knew that such a proactive stance would be dangerous for the state still struggling to get back on its feet. He certainly couldn't overlook the fact that China was also so vast there wasn't much a country of 18 million could even provide them. Still, Mao's victory would only ensure a massive shift in the world's balance of power. Pieck knew that China had potential to be a powerful ally, assuming Mao carried the same kind of willpower as the Soviets did. 

[quote]From: Wilhelm Pieck
To: Mao Zedong 

I would like to send my personal well wishes to you and your revolutionary ambitions. It's for far too long that Asia has been crushed under the yolk of Western Imperialism. It pleases me that somebody has taken a stand against it and joined in the fight to liberate the proletariat. There is not much we can offer you at this time in terms of trade, but once the people's victory is assured then perhaps there will be room for negotiation. Until then, continue the good fight! 

In solidarity, Wilhelm Pieck[/quote]