Chapter 801 Congratulations
As for whether East Africa is a German country, many people in Germany and Austria do not agree. After all, East Africa is too complex and it is on the African continent, so it is naturally at the bottom of the contempt chain.
However, after the South African War, East Africa must be a German country. After all, the only one who can defeat the Anglo-Saxon nation is the German nation.
Although the East African ancestry is "impure", the traditional German royal family has strong roots and the dominant position of German culture.
Of course, Ernst’s purpose was just to reap benefits in the name of the German country. After all, this region of Africa is indeed too restrictive and is not conducive to international exchanges in East Africa. In essence, Ernst and the tribal chiefs in Africa There is no fundamental difference.
…
Du Ji Palace.
The former Doge's Palace of Venice, Ernst's father-in-law, Archduke Ferdinand, once had his office here. It was also the meeting place for the negotiations between East Africa and Britain and Portugal.
“Welcome, Count von der Leyen and Viscount Hermann!” Austrian Foreign Minister Count Ellenthal said to the two.
“Hello, my old friend,” said Hermann and Count Ellenthal.
As Minister of Foreign Affairs for East Africa, Hermann often traveled to Austria on business, so he established a good personal friendship with Count Ellenthal.
So he was a little cautious when communicating with these established European nobles. However, Von der Leyen quickly adapted to being in a high position all year round and started communicating with Ellenthal.
“This is Count von der Leyen, our Finance Minister for East Africa.” Hermann introduced to Ellenthal.
Having been around a ruler like Ernst for a long time, von der Leyen is naturally somewhat humble. Of course, the statement that the Kingdom of Portugal is too weak is a bit Versailles.
“Hello, Count von der Leyen, I think this is the first time we have met,” said Count Ellenthal.
In Europe, the finance minister generally holds a high position and is often the best candidate for prime minister. Of course, the same is true for the foreign minister. Many prime ministers are served by the finance minister or the foreign minister. The typical one is Bismarck.
In fact, von der Leyen was still a little uncomfortable communicating with Ellenthal. He was actually a colonial employee who was reused by the royal family of Hechingen before. Being able to become a noble can be said to be a complete surprise.
“Where, we are still far behind in East Africa. The British did not use all their strength this time, otherwise the South African War would have reached a stalemate. In addition, the Kingdom of Portugal was too weak during the South African War, which created opportunities for us.”
“You fought beautifully and neatly in the East African war this time. After the South African war, you will definitely have a place in the future world.” Ellenthal complimented, and of course, this is also true.
“Of course, I haven’t left East Africa since the 1970s, but I still know your name.” von der Leyen said to Ellenthal.
Hermann’s words also confirmed von der Leyen’s status in East Africa. Of course, East Africa has special national conditions and does not have the position of prime minister. Ernst has sole power over the country, so the status of finance minister is not the same as in Europe.
As a diplomat, Ellenthal is very familiar with Portugal's national conditions, but the more he knows about Portugal, the more he understands that this country is strong on the outside and weak on the inside. Portugal's name is just a bluff, and it can only deceive other backward and backward countries in the world. Countries and regions that do not understand the situation in Europe.
“Of course, Portugal is not the focus at all. The British are the highlight of this war. Is it convenient to reveal the current stage of the South African War?” Ellenthal asked. This is not a top-secret incident, so von der Leyen said: "I am not from the military, but I have a general understanding of the current war situation. Our troops have entered the southern part of Cape Town. Now the Cape Colony only has the western part." and a small amount of land and cities in the south are still under British control.”
The western part of Cape Town Colony is a desert area, so it is naturally not a key target of attack in East Africa. As for the southern part of Cape Town, although it is small in area, it is the essence of Cape Town Colony.
“So are you sure that the war will end within a few months?” Ellenthal asked curiously.
“If everything goes well, it should be within two or three months, of course, provided that the UK will no longer increase its troops in South Africa.” Von der Leyen did not say it to death.
However, even if the British army continues to increase its troops, it will not change the overall situation. Cape Town is too far away from the British location, and Cape Town's location is not as easy to support as Canada.
"That's good. What are your psychological expectations for the war this time? Of course, we are on one side. His Majesty the Emperor and Crown Prince Ernst have already reached a consensus on this before."
Franz I had already reconciled with Ernst, so it was a consensus between the two countries that Austria stood on the side of East Africa.
Herman: "Angola and Mozambique must be included in East Africa. After all, we will not give the Portuguese a chance to start a war for the third time. As for the Boer Republic, it should be a difficult point. The British main economic interest in South Africa is the Boer Republic. However, we can make appropriate concessions and continue to allow the British to mine diamond mines in Kimberley."
“What about Cape Town?” Ellenthal asked.
“Haha, old friend, you should know that is the bottom line of the British, they should not give up Cape Town.” Herman said truthfully.
Ellenthal nodded and said: "That's the truth. Cape Town is related to Britain's global strategic security and is an important part of maritime hegemony. The British Royal Navy will definitely not give up this important military channel control point."
The attitude of the Royal Navy is actually the attitude of the British government. After all, the British interests are fought by the Royal Navy. To maintain the advantages of the Royal Navy, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the Royal Navy's overseas bases, and Cape Town is undoubtedly the An important strategic pivot that the Royal Navy will not abandon.
Of course, Cape Town’s current status is no longer comparable to that of the past. With the Suez Canal as an option, Cape Town is destined to be a spare tire.
In fact, as a sea channel, Cape Town corresponds to the Drake Strait at the southern tip of South America. However, Cape Town was the main trade channel of the Eurasian continent at that time, and its economic value is not comparable to that of the Drake Strait.
Even so, the UK still has the Falkland Islands (Fallen Islands) as an important strategic fulcrum to contain the Drake Strait, so the Royal Navy will not give up the more important Cape Town.
The economic value of Cape Town is now weakened, but it is still the fulcrum for Britain to contain East Africa in the future. After all, exchanges and trade between the east and west coasts of East Africa cannot be without Cape Town.
At the same time, as a backup tire, if major changes occur in the Suez Canal or the Red Sea, Cape Town can be immediately reactivated by the United Kingdom.
So Cape Town must be the bottom line for Britain. Of course, if East Africa wants to use force, it can indeed get Cape Town, but it will definitely offend Britain completely.
But East Africa has no idea of fighting to the death with Britain, especially at the end of the 19th century, an era of turbulent international affairs. In addition to Britain, there were many powerful countries in the world.
As the saying goes, when the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman will benefit. This is not the outcome that East Africa wants. As for the South African War, in fact, as long as it does not harm Britain's core interests, the British government can be accountable to the country.
(End of this chapter)