Chapter 359: Don't Leave When You Come!
During Zimbabwe's preparations for war, the Far East Aid Mission arrived in the Kingdom of East Africa, and Constantine met with its members, led by Li Ge and Ander. However, Constantine initially misunderstood their roles, thinking they were doctors, not officials. He made a surprising proposal for them to serve as Far East ambassadors to East Africa, which terrified Li Ge and Ander.
In traditional Far East culture, taking on an official role in another country was seen as dishonorable. They believed they would have no words to face their families and elders back home if they became officials in a foreign land.
Constantine quickly realized his mistake and clarified that he had no intention of appointing them as ambassadors. Instead, he suggested that East Africa negotiate with the Far East government to establish diplomatic relations and send diplomats to East Africa. Whether or not Li Ge and Ander would be involved would depend on their government's decision.
The Kingdom of East Africa was still a relatively unrecognized entity in the international arena. Even though it had established unilateral embassies in some countries, these were not very effective. East Africa was not taken seriously by many nations, including major European powers. Paraguay was one exception, as it sought East Africa's support due to its own precarious situation.
Paraguay had suffered greatly in wars and was concerned about potential annexation by Argentina. East African immigrants in Paraguay had made contact with the Kingdom of East Africa, and Paraguay considered establishing an embassy there. However, the embassy had not yet been completed, and Paraguay had not yet appointed diplomats.
Zanzibar also expressed interest in establishing an embassy in East Africa. However, East Africa saw Zanzibar as a protectorate, and Constantine was reluctant to grant it embassy status. Zanzibar's interests were better represented through other channels.
Constantine's casual decision had unintended consequences for Li Ge and Ander, who were worried about their futures in both the Far East and East Africa. Nevertheless, the Kingdom of East Africa considered them as part of their own, which was a reflection of their loyalty to their monarch and the desire for such loyalty in East African society.
Constantine concluded the meeting by praising the loyalty of Far East officials and expressing his desire to promote the development of East African medical care. He instructed the Ministry of Health to make the Far East doctors feel at home in East Africa and integrate them into the medical community.
The Far East doctors were unaware of the details of this conversation but were now considered part of the East African medical profession, with their families expected to join them in East Africa in the future. Once you came to East Africa, you didn't easily leave.