While the Rhineland region was in the midst of a major migration, the London Conference had reached a critical juncture. Between Belgium and the German Federation, the British chose the German Federation, while Belgium opted to align with France.
Strategically speaking, Belgium leaning towards France was an inevitable outcome. The only force on the European Continent that could counterbalance France was Austria, and although the British wielded significant influence, their clout significantly diminished on land.
Given that Belgium was too far from Austria and too close to France, even though they were aware of the French's ambitions to annex them, the Belgian government had no choice but to maintain good diplomatic relations with the French for their own security.
