An alternative would be to tell them we're afraid of giving them lit and republic pre-requisites because we need to get mechanized infantry before Chamnix gets sipahis.
SABER is moving fast! They have sent the techs in-game, so we will
have to decide what to do.
This may not be the right thread to discuss it, but we really need an answer from FREE before the game gets back to us. I think we need to make it clear to them that they need to get off their lazy behinds and do something. So I would send FREE a letter with the following ingredients (nicely phrased of course, but with a sense of urgency):
Concerning the immediate trade with SABER:
1) SABER is moving faster than we expected and has offered the small trade deal (WC+WH for IW+CB) in-game, without our explicit consent, but they could have misunderstood our delay tactics. Next turn we
have to accept or decline it.
2) We are inclined to accept and will share the techs freely with FREE, free of charge.
3) We need an answer from FREE concerning this deal before the turn gets back to us. We will not ask for an extension, it will look too suspicious. (Chamnix asked for an extension last turn and has been playing slow for a couple of turns, so everybody will know we've met.) If we don't get an answer, we will decide as we think best.
4) We haven't really committed to anything, but of course SABER will not like a rebuttal. If FREE refuses, but at the same time signs our treaty, then we will go along, but we will be forced to explain to SABER why we refuse. (Read: we want FREE to commit to the treaty before we get into trouble with SABER, and even then we are not going to take the blame alone.)
Concerning the longer run:
5) For the moment we are acting as if the MAAP treaty has been signed and agreed, but of course it has not been signed by FREE. In the meantime, SABER is proposing a more encompassing research deal now. Here too, we have reached a decision point.
6) We want to know FREE's decision on our treaty within X days (X=3 maybe). Otherwise we will have to conclude they are not interested and we feel free to ignore the treaty and do as we please.
7) We also need to know FREE's position on further cooperation with SABER.