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The scaled-down version of the African railway network plan was ready. Guided by the principle of frugality, except for the central government funding half of the main lines, other branch line constructions would be left to the colonial governments to figure out.
Main lines were a strategic necessity, connecting the colonies into a single entity and increasing their risk resistance. Even in the event of a world war, Austria could retain its hold on the African Continent.
Not to mention, just the gold mines in the South African region alone justified the construction of this railway. Keeping the prying eyes of other nations at bay required real power.
The Portuguese people dared not align with the British, simply because John Bull did not offer enough incentives to make the risk worthwhile. Should significant gold mines be discovered in South Africa, would they still be able to restrain their desires?
