Chapter 397: Prussia Is Playing a Big Game
The speed of human migration, particularly under the influence of East Africa's aggressive immigration policies, was faster than Henry Buckley could have imagined. He speculated on the existence of a north-south river that facilitated rapid expansion, given his limited understanding of East Africa's population. However, his estimation was far from reality.
What Henry Buckley couldn't comprehend was the East African Kingdom's unique approach to immigration. East Africa had been actively importing populations from Europe and the Far East, operating at a loss to achieve its demographic goals. This strategy, led entirely by the government, was unlike any in the Western world.
Henry Buckley also questioned whether the Cape Colony could amass tens of thousands of troops with its limited population. He didn't consider the fact that most East African immigrants were single adult males, making them excellent soldiers. Moreover, the East African Kingdom had access to a steady supply of recruits from German regions, bolstering its military strength.
Discussions among his subordinates led to the suggestion of stopping the East African Kingdom's expansion. However, Henry Buckley dismissed the idea, pointing out that the Germans in the East African Kingdom had likely recruited many professional soldiers who retired from Prussia, enabling them to form a regular army resembling Prussia's.
He further suspected that this entire endeavor might be orchestrated by Prussia itself. Henry Buckley speculated that the East African Kingdom's colonization efforts were initiated when William I and Bismarck came to power in Germany. This raised the possibility that East Africa was a chess piece laid out by Prussia in Africa years ago.
Henry Buckley emphasized that Prussia had relied on force to rapidly establish itself in Africa, and attempting to fight a war against them would be foolish. He believed that the East African Kingdom was part of a grand plan set in motion by Prussia, involving the establishment of German influence and colonies in Africa.
The implications of such a strategy were significant. Henry Buckley felt that it was crucial to contact London and investigate whether Prussia was using the East African Kingdom as a means to expand its influence in Africa. If true, it could have far-reaching consequences for the British Empire.
Henry Buckley's focus shifted from the East African Kingdom to Prussia itself. He was determined to protect British interests and confront Prussia if necessary.
Meanwhile, Johnson, who had been in Grigualand, returned to Cape Town to report the annexation of Grigualand by the East African Kingdom to Henry Buckley. This news infuriated Henry Buckley, who considered it a direct provocation to the British Empire.
Henry Buckley decided to report the situation to London immediately and demanded that Prussia abandon its provocative behavior, withdraw from Grigualand and other areas, and provide compensation for British losses. The annexation of Grigualand was a significant blow to his political achievements, and he was not willing to let it go unchallenged.
Henry Buckley's anger was fueled by the fact that Grigualand was part of the Cape Colony, British territory, and such a loss had never occurred in British history. He was determined to involve London in resolving this matter, given the East African Kingdom's German support and military strength, which made it a formidable adversary.
(End of this chapter)