Chapter 401: Rejection
On July 22, 1872, in London, British Prime Minister Gladstone was enjoying a period of relative comfort. His administration had overseen several successful reforms, including national education reform, civil service reform, and military modernization. The international situation was also in favor of the British Empire, with France entangled in the Franco-Prussian War and no other major powers posing a significant threat.
However, his contentment was disrupted when an urgent letter from the Cape Colony arrived at his office. Surprised by the urgent nature of the message, Gladstone's curiosity was piqued. He began to read the contents of the letter, seeking to understand the gravity of the situation in Cape Town.
The letter mentioned the Kingdom of East Africa, which immediately triggered Gladstone's memory. He recalled that Prince Constantine of Prussia had made headlines by becoming a king in Africa, which had been a subject of amusement in the newspapers. However, he had not considered this fledgling African kingdom as a significant player on the global stage.
Gladstone was puzzled by the urgency of the situation and questioned why Cape Town was so alarmed. In his view, the 50,000 troops in East Africa should not pose a substantial threat. His skepticism stemmed from his belief that these troops were likely composed of native Africans, a common practice in many colonial territories.
However, his secretary reminded him that Prince Constantine of Prussia had become King in East Africa, shedding light on the situation. It became evident that Gladstone had underestimated the developments in East Africa, considering them unworthy of concern.
Gladstone expressed his frustration, questioning why Cape Town, a significant colonial power within the British Empire, was so alarmed by the Kingdom of East Africa. He found it embarrassing for Cape Town to seek assistance against what he perceived as a small African nation. In his eyes, it was inconceivable that even the indigenous population could pose a threat.
The secretary concurred with Gladstone's assessment, believing that Cape Town should address the matter without external assistance. In their view, the British Empire's military might was unparalleled, and there was no reason for concern.
Gladstone issued a firm directive: "Let Cape Town resolve this issue independently. It is embarrassing for them to fear even a minor African nation. If such a trivial matter is beyond their capabilities, then I would be ashamed to request aid from Bismarck. We shall not entertain such requests in the future unless the Germans themselves attack Cape Town. I refuse to believe that they would stoop so low as to threaten the indigenous population. If that were the case, it would be a source of shame for the British Empire."
Gladstone's decision was grounded in a belief in the British Empire's invincibility, particularly in the face of regional conflicts. He saw no reason for the British Empire to intervene in what he perceived as a minor dispute, especially against a backdrop of worldwide dominance.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, Ernst, the ruler of the East African Kingdom, recognized the need to address a different neighbor: Portugal. The recent consolidation of East African power in South Africa had made Mozambique, a Portuguese colony, nervous.
Ernst considered this a prime opportunity to visit Portugal and demonstrate the East African Kingdom's strength and intentions. The East African Kingdom had effectively neutralized all opposing forces in South Africa, especially the Orange Free State, which now served as a strong buffer.
Felix, who had successfully pacified the Zulu Kingdom, was chosen to lead a delegation to Portugal. Ernst believed that their presence and a show of force could shake the confidence of the Portuguese authorities in Mozambique.
Mozambique had its concerns about East Africa, primarily focused on the security of its capital, Maputo Bay, and the potential threat from the East African Kingdom. South Africa was a contested arena, and both sides were wary of one another.
Felix was instructed to take a small delegation to Portugal, consisting of a dozen individuals. The Portuguese were apprehensive, given the recent actions of the East African Kingdom, and were likely to be rattled by any show of force.
Ernst hoped that this diplomatic mission would serve as a reminder to Portugal of East Africa's growing influence in the region and help establish peaceful relations.
(End of this chapter)