Chapter 1322 - 331: Territorial Exchange

Chapter 1322: Chapter 331: Territorial Exchange

East Africa is exhibiting a more assertive diplomatic stance, not to engage directly, but rather to pressure the United Kingdom into "voluntarily" conceding territories as "compensation" for East Africa’s losses.

This approach will naturally offend the United Kingdom, but today’s East Africa is vastly different from during the South African War; prior to the war, East Africa’s comprehensive national strength was far inferior to that of the United Kingdom.

Now, however, the gap between East Africa and the United Kingdom can be said to be negligible, with East Africa even holding some advantage, showing no fear of Allied reckoning post-war.

...

April 2, 1918.

London.

Recently, Prime Minister David of the United Kingdom has been in high spirits. With the United Kingdom’s wholehearted efforts at diplomacy and persuasion, the United States has finally joined the ranks of the Allies, greatly boosting the Allies’ confidence in securing a victory in the war.

Simultaneously, the United Kingdom has opened multiple new fronts, all yielding positive results, except for the relentless battle for the Dardanelles Strait. Other fronts have seen considerable success.

Prime Minister David, as usual, sat on the sofa reviewing the military situation at the front lines. Compared to the frowning months before, he now appeared somewhat relaxed and self-assured.

At this moment, Minister of Foreign Affairs Belfort hurriedly approached, his face serious as he said to the Prime Minister, "Your Excellency, Prime Minister, we have received some information lately that I believe requires your attention."

Seeing Belfort’s stern expression, David’s heart sank, as clearly such ominous news from his Minister of Foreign Affairs could not bode well.

It’s worth noting that Belfort, like himself, had enjoyed a good mood due to the improving situation, particularly after last year’s approval of the Jewish Palestine state-building initiative in the United Kingdom, leaving Belfort buzzing with delight.

In terms of why the United Kingdom advocated such an initiative, the reasoning was indeed straightforward: to gain support from Jewish forces.

As beneficiaries in the development of capitalism in Europe, Jews wield significant influence across European countries through their powerful economic presence.

Furthermore, the United Kingdom’s success in drawing the United States into the fray owes much to the efforts of American Jews, not to mention the substantial influence of Jews among the Allies—not only East Africa, but other major powers also hold some dependence on Jewish capital.

Belfort’s emphatic support of the Jews, therefore, clearly brought him considerable benefits.

David sat up and asked, "Belfort, what’s happened?"

Belfort replied, "It’s nothing major, but I believe it could affect the British Empire by adding complications to the war, so I’ve come to report to you."

"East African Minister of Foreign Affairs Frier has just inquired with me about the redivision of powers in the Indian Ocean. His attitude and wording this time are notably more severe, making me suspect internal changes within the East African Government, hence my need to consult you."

In diplomacy, no detail is insignificant; even a change in terminology can completely alter the conveyed meaning.

A classic case was before the Franco-Prussian War when Bismarck manipulated the letters of William I, triggering Germany’s last unification war.

Prime Minister David asked furrowing his brow, "What does East Africa intend to do now?"

Belfort responded, "Based on our Foreign Ministry’s assessment, East Africa is evidently dissatisfied with our previous delays; they even specifically mentioned France, clearly expressing discontent over our unfulfilled promises."

Last year, to stabilize East Africa, the UK offered grand promises, led by David, Belfort, and Winston among top UK cabinet members.

Thus, David was naturally well aware of the matter Belfort mentioned, and when it comes to promising the moon, the United Kingdom excelled remarkably. However, East Africa now seeks to forcefully consume this pie.

Prime Minister David said, "Has East Africa taken any concrete actions? How should we respond to the previous proposals? Could failure to fulfill promises lead East Africa to join the Allies?"

He fired off a series of questions, highlighting Prime Minister David’s inner anxiety at the moment.

Belfort helplessly said, "East Africa has not taken any concrete action, but since last year, activities of the East African Navy in the Indian Ocean have intensified, especially in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, evidently serving as a threat from the East African Government."

"Also, regarding last year’s proposal to stabilize East Africa, at that then, we were unsure whether the United States would join us. Now that the United States is with us, I believe our attitude towards East Africa should change."

"After all, we only made implicit suggestions without giving any substantial commitments to East Africa. Nevertheless, we should not completely antagonize East Africa, to prevent them from being enraged and joining the Allies. How to proceed naturally falls to you."

Despite seeming to say everything, Belfort actually said nothing, as David, the Prime Minister, was well aware that pushing East Africa into opposition with the United Kingdom at this time was unwise.

However, if East Africa’s demands were met, responsibility must be assumed, and there might even be repercussions later.

Thus, David did not plan to let Belfort off the hook and said, "What do you think we should do to meet East Africa’s demands while not compromising the Empire’s interests, thereby stabilizing our relationship with East Africa?"

Belfort replied without hesitation, "It depends on East Africa’s actual demands, and how to ensure that after meeting their requirements, they won’t go back on their word and continue supporting Allied activities."

From East Africa’s perspective, their trade with the Allies is naturally "free trade," devoid of any political ties. However, to the Allies, any country trading with the Allies during these special times is tantamount to supporting them, and although most of East Africa’s trade with the Allies has been cut off, it still finds ways to flow to the Allies.

Yet, the British cannot entirely plug these smuggling routes, since even within the Empire, people of vast capabilities abound.

Prime Minister David said, "Since the East Africans have mentioned the redivision of powers in the Indian Ocean, they are clearly interested in the region. What territories do you think we should consider offering to East Africa for negotiation?"

Belfort pondered deeply for a moment, and a light bulb went off: "Your Excellency, Prime Minister, do you recall the territorial transactions between the French and East Africa?"

David nodded with acknowledgment and said, "Of course."

Belfort excitedly continued, "But the French are quite sly, as they included some Indian territories among the colonies they handed over to East Africa."

"Can we use the reasoning of maintaining the safety of India to negotiate a territorial exchange with East Africa, thus meeting their demands by relinquishing some lesser Indian Ocean colonies to East Africa? This way, we can stabilize East Africa and reassure our domestic populace."

If we were to hand over national territory directly to East Africa, that would be tantamount to treason. However, if framed as a territorial exchange, it becomes a standard transaction between two countries, soothing domestic emotions and avoiding opponent’s criticism.

Prime Minister David’s eyes brightened as he said, "Your idea is excellent, for nothing supersedes India’s security. If it’s for maintaining India’s security resulting in territorial exchanges with East Africa, then no one can find fault, and it would smoothly satisfy East Africa’s ambitions temporarily."

India is the core of British colonialism, and the French handing some of their colonies to East Africa is inherently a threat to India.

Even though the risk of controlling India through a few colonial outposts is minimal, the British cannot tolerate any existing risk.

The higher-ups in the British Government, including Prime Minister David, are acutely aware that should East Africa truly invade India, the UK would be powerless to act at this moment.

Therefore, exchanging other colonies for East Africa’s few colonial outposts in India is purely a pretext to persuade domestic citizens.