Chapter 402: Compromise
Under the unforgiving sun, the East African Kingdom's military exercises along the Fal River continued with precision and intensity, showcasing the formidable strength and organization of its forces. The sound of artillery fire reverberated through the air as shells were launched toward the designated target point, creating plumes of dust and smoke.
The third brigade, equipped with eleven artillery pieces, was the centerpiece of the demonstration. As the first artillery piece fired, a chain reaction followed, with each subsequent piece unleashing its destructive power on the target. The earth and rocks that had stood over a meter high were reduced to a deep pit, demonstrating the devastating firepower at the disposal of the East African Kingdom.
But the display of military might didn't end with the artillery barrage. The third cavalry company, composed of more than two hundred skilled riders, took the stage. War horses galloped across the open field, their riders expertly handling Dresser carbines. With precision and speed, they loaded their firearms from ammunition carried on horseback, came to an abrupt stop, aimed, and fired simultaneously. It was a testament to their training and discipline.
Following this display of cavalry firepower, each unit of the third brigade engaged in a series of tactical demonstrations. They showcased their ability to advance, retreat, and counterattack, emphasizing their seamless coordination and cooperation among units. The exercise continued for four hours, concluding with the sound of the dinner trumpet as the sun began to set.
On the opposite bank of the Fal River, a diverse group of observers had gathered. British mine owners, Boers, and local natives watched the spectacle unfold with keen interest. For many, it was a striking display of military power, and they couldn't help but acknowledge the well-trained and disciplined nature of the East African Kingdom's forces.
As they observed, discussions and debates erupted among the onlookers. Some expressed concern over the intentions of the East African Kingdom. They speculated whether this display of strength signaled an impending attack on Kimberley or the Cape Colony. Others couldn't help but admire the professionalism of the troops on display.
One observer even humorously suggested that the German-trained troops might be Prussian forces in disguise, participating in a charade to confuse the Boers and Zulu Kingdom. Such was the level of surprise at the military capabilities demonstrated by the East African Kingdom.
However, a pressing question loomed over the spectators: What should be the course of action? There was a recognition that the East African Kingdom posed a formidable challenge. The Cape Colony's military capabilities were limited, and the terrain of the region presented significant challenges to defense.
The geography of the Cape Colony was defined by the imposing Great Escarpment, a two-thousand-kilometer-long cliff that separated the coastal areas from the South African Plateau. This geographical feature posed substantial barriers to troop movement and complicated military strategies. Moreover, the Great Karoo Basin to the north of the Escarpment was an arid region with limited population and agricultural potential.
For the mine owners and capitalists invested in Kimberley, the stakes were high. Kimberley had become a major source of tax revenue for the Cape Colony, and the potential wealth buried underground was immense. However, the limitations of the current population in the Kimberley mining area restricted its full development potential.
Recognizing the need to safeguard their economic interests, the mine owners and capitalists were willing to make substantial financial contributions to ensure the safety of the diamond mining area. Their message to Governor Henry Buckley was clear: protect Kimberley and negotiate with the East African Kingdom to prevent further conflict.
Governor Buckley found himself in a challenging position. He understood the immediate economic interests at stake and the pressure from influential figures in London. However, he also foresaw the potential long-term consequences of allowing the East African Kingdom to establish a foothold in South Africa.
Ultimately, facing the pressure from both sides, Governor Buckley reluctantly initiated negotiations with the East African Kingdom. The resulting agreement was comprehensive. It stipulated that the East African Kingdom would cease all military operations in South Africa and commit to never invading the Cape Colony's territory. The Orange River was established as the agreed-upon boundary between the two entities.
Both sides agreed to withdraw their military forces from the border region, leaving only a limited number of border troops. As a symbolic gesture, the East African Kingdom paid a modest sum of £3,000 as compensation for the Republic of Grigualand, which was transferred to the Cape Colony.
The residents of Grigualand were relocated to the Cape Colony, providing much-needed labor for the Kimberley mining area.
With this agreement in place, tensions in South Africa began to ease. The East African Kingdom solidified its position in the region, while the Cape Colony preserved its immediate economic interests. However, Governor Buckley couldn't help but ponder the potential long-term consequences of these decisions, fearing that the seeds planted today might bear bitter fruit in the future.
(End of this chapter)