African Entrepreneurship Record

Chapter 499: Chapter 177 Diplomacy Suppression

The Central Railway cuts through the Matebel Plateau, hidden in the east African hinterland. Although the Portuguese are aware of the railway’s existence in East Africa, they never imagined it would extend inland.

This brings us to their blind spot, because a railway without passenger and freight flow is unprofitable, and given the population density and economic development level in Africa, the payback period is too long, or rather, no one wants to believe that an African country has such capability.

”Once East Africa is split in half, and Portugal takes the middle territory, we can announce a ceasefire. Based solely on Portugal’s strength, it is still difficult to contend with East Africa.” Clement also understands the principle of moderation, but even this outcome is unacceptable to East Africa.

If East Africa knew the French intentions, they would certainly respond: dreaming, aren’t you? Saying you can divide our land as you like! And it’s the central land of East Africa. Even if speaking of making concessions and reparations, it starts from the borders. Where would you cut from the middle?

Besides, Clement is somewhat wishful in thinking. The French are accustomed to flaunting their power in colonies, considering East Africa as a French colony that’s soft and easy. Fortunately, France is merely playing the role of instigator this time. If they really get involved, East Africa would certainly want to knock out their rotten tooth.

...

Mei Quan Palace.

”Your Majesty, this morning the British diplomat revealed that a war might break out between Portugal and East Africa, advising us not to meddle lightly.”

”Hmm!” Franz said irritably: ”Since when do the British govern over us? They say not to intervene, so we shouldn’t?”

Franz had no knowledge of a possible war between Portugal and East Africa, as East Africa hadn’t mentioned it to him before. The news came from the British, but their attitude annoyed Franz, as both were leaders of world order, and at least Austria-Hungary does not consider itself much inferior to Britain, yet Britain wants to command us!

”Your Majesty, the British actions precisely illustrate their level of concern for Africa, or rather for East Africa. East Africa obviously threatens British interests, prompting them to target East Africa specifically.”

Franz: ”Hmph, do the British think we can command East Africa? Their attitude is simply too arrogant.”

”This is an unavoidable situation. In fact, the British control the Suez Canal and possess a strong naval presence in the Mediterranean, easily severing our connection with East Africa. Our Imperial Navy is inherently insufficient to challenge Britain, so when they tell us not to meddle, there’s indeed little we can do.”

This is why Austria-Hungary does not have strong overseas colonial desires. Although the naval strength isn’t weak, being trapped in the Adriatic Sea, it lacks the ability to protect overseas colonies, making it easy for countries like Britain and France to sever ties.

Of course, Austria-Hungary could adopt a strategy akin to Germany in gathering peripheral territories as colonies, but Austria-Hungary clearly prioritizes cost concerns. The more worthless land acquired, the greater the financial loss, as colonies also incur governance costs. If colonial revenue isn’t high, should the local area be depended on for financial subsidy annually?

The reason East Africa managed to carve out a substantial territory in Africa is through diligence and opportunity, capturing the window period exactly and gradually expanding step by step to this extent. Although East Africa’s efforts have remarkably boosted its homeland economy, there’s always someone eyeing the fruit once it’s ripened.

”The more they say this, the more I want to see the British fail. How do you suggest we support East Africa?” Franz asked.

”Your Majesty, are we really going to offend the British for East Africa?”

”What do you mean offend the British for East Africa? I just can’t swallow this. Should we always do as the British say? We aren’t under their command!”

”However, we indeed have no means to support East Africa. East Africa’s location, no, more precisely, our location is naturally restricted to act only within Europe. East Africa has exceeded the Imperial Army’s reach, and if the British wish, we can’t even deliver a boatful of supplies to East Africa.”

It is hardly feasible for Britain to verbally threaten Austria-Hungary, as both are world powers, with no hierarchical distinction. However, Britain’s strength is undeniably one tier above Austria-Hungary, thus enabling them to threaten Austria-Hungary in the East Africa matter. Why threaten Austria-Hungary? Because of the semi-alliance treaty between East Africa and Austria.

Being a semi-alliance doesn’t equate to a full alliance, yet from an external viewpoint, the symbolic significance is completely different, leading the British to perceive East Africa as Austria-Hungary’s subordinate, naturally trying to first rectify the superior before the subordinate.

Of course, out of ”respect” for Austria-Hungary, the British wouldn’t step in, merely letting Portugal and East Africa challenge each other one-on-one. While appearing fair, England and France favored Portugal secretly. England limited Austria-Hungary from intervening while simultaneously offering substantial military aid to Portugal.

”Moreover, we seemingly have nothing to support East Africa. East Africa’s weapon systems appear more similar to Germany’s, having only artillery akin to ours.”

In military assistance, weaponry is inevitably prioritized, but East Africa clearly has its self-contained weapon supply system, and in other respects, East Africa is self-sufficient. Austria-Hungary truly doesn’t know how to aid East Africa.

Franz had no choice but to personally summon the East African ambassador to Austria-Hungary to inquire about East Africa’s plans: ”The British are preparing to move against you, have you received no information?”

”Your Majesty, we are well aware that England and France intend to use Portugal as a proxy to wage war against East Africa, attempting to weaken us.”

”Does this involve the French as well? And, being aware of the impending war, how can you still sit calmly?” Franz asked the composed East African ambassador.

”Your Majesty, as long as the British do not personally take the field on the African battlefield, East Africa is confident in defeating the Portuguese. Even if the British intervene, we are still confident in confronting them.”

Franz: ”...”

Currently, Franz feels that East Africa and Prussia are cast from the same mold; it seems the Hohenzollern surname is what propels Prussia further down the path of solving problems through force.

Seeing Franz’s skepticism, the East African ambassador explained: ”We have over two hundred thousand well-trained ground forces in East Africa, fully equipped with Mauser’s new rifles, machine guns, and artillery are relatively complete. This military power is undoubtedly number one in Africa, so East Africa does not fear war threats. Strength is the true reason for East Africa’s composure.”

Previously, Egypt was East Africa’s rival, but since the era of Dreyse Rifles, East Africa has, in fact, been the de facto military leader in Africa, especially after overcoming the naval shortcoming, Egypt could no longer compare with East Africa.

Franz: ”Are you sure you didn’t include militia forces, without professional soldiers as a framework, such temporarily cobbled troops are of little use.”

”Please rest assured, Your Majesty, we do not resort to falsehoods. Actually, Grand Duke Ferdinand is well aware of East Africa’s military prowess. If Your Majesty is uncertain, you can send a telegram to inquire.”

Previously, East Africa kept many matters under wraps, but there’s no need now. Once war begins, East Africa’s strength will naturally be revealed, negating the necessity for deliberately concealing it.