Chapter 395: Playing Rogue
Among the Boer republics, only the Orange Free State had relatively abundant finances, despite losing the majority of the Kimberley diamond mine to the British. Grigualand, on the other hand, was rich in resources but largely undeveloped due to its harsh climate and sparse population. Its economic prospects were limited.
A few days later, Merk annexed Grigualand's territory into the Kingdom of East Africa under the noses of the British and Grigualand's leaders. This left the British administrators in Grigualand bewildered, as the East African Army's swift move caught them off guard.
Johnson, the top administrator of the British Cape Colony in Grigualand, confronted Merkel about this aggressive action. He questioned whether the East African Kingdom wanted to challenge the British Empire's authority.
Merk tried to maintain a diplomatic tone, apologizing but firmly stating that the East African Kingdom would not withdraw its troops from Grigualand. He suggested that only the central government could make such a decision.
Johnson felt insulted but also recognized the strength of the East African Kingdom. He understood that the Cape Colony lacked the military capability to retake Grigualand. Still, he warned Merk not to challenge the British Empire.
Merk didn't directly answer Johnson's challenge but explained that he needed to consult with the central government before any troop withdrawal could be considered.
In reality, Merk had other plans. He wanted to keep East Africa in control of Grigualand's territory by implementing administrative measures such as abolishing slavery, imposing heavy taxes, and encouraging Grigualand's residents to move voluntarily to the Orange Free State. This tactic aimed to drive away the Griguarans and eventually claim the territory for East Africa.
Merk believed that East Africa had the upper hand in this situation. He was confident in East Africa's strength, its ability to be self-sufficient, and its limited opposition in sub-Saharan Africa.
To Merk, the British Empire was unlikely to escalate the situation over Grigualand, considering East Africa's independence and self-reliance. The East African Kingdom was no longer reliant on external supplies and had the means to defend itself.
Johnson, though perturbed, began to realize the gravity of the situation. He pondered the overall strength of the East African Kingdom and decided he needed to report the matter to Cape Town and London. However, for the time being, he had to leave Grigualand.
(End of this chapter)