The German Emperor, QinTian, hosted a grand banquet to welcome the envoys from the Kingdom of Nezhi and the Kingdom of Kuwait, who had traveled from afar. This gesture greatly pleased the members of the delegations, their faces glowing with satisfaction. The entire affair was a celebration where both hosts and guests were in high spirits.
The following day, German Chancellor Bülow and Foreign Minister Wahit conducted negotiations with the representatives of the two nations at the Chancellor's residence. For the sake of confidentiality, only the two nations' foreign ministers, along with Bülow and Wahit, participated in the discussions. To ensure privacy, the delegations were chauffeured directly into the residence, with no one outside knowing who had entered.
"Gentlemen, the Middle East was, until recently, under British control. During their dominion, the British ruthlessly exploited each nation and stoked unrest, all to maintain their control over the region. The people of the Middle East have long lived in torment," Chancellor Bülow remarked.
"Indeed, Your Excellency. The British have long imposed a colonial rule in the Middle East," Ghazi affirmed.
Hamid followed suit, condemning the British for their brutal exploitation in the region, portraying them as irredeemable villains. He expressed his gratitude towards Germany for defeating Britain, thereby liberating the Middle Eastern nations from their suffering.
Both Chancellor Bülow and Foreign Minister Wahit could not help but twitch their lips upon hearing the speeches.
Were not the people of the Middle East supposed to be simple and sincere? Yet, it seems these men are no less cunning and sly.
However, both Bülow and Wahit were seasoned diplomats, and diplomats were never mere simpletons. After all, to protect their nation's interests, it was necessary to speak as the occasion demanded, whether to men or to ghosts.
"The Empire has defeated Britain, and the United Kingdom of England and Wales, which succeeded Britain's core, has signed a peace treaty with the Empire. One of its clauses stipulates that all of Britain's former colonies will now be transferred to the German Empire. I trust you understand the implications of this?" Foreign Minister Wahit inquired.
Ghazi and Hamid nodded. They knew there was no escaping this reality. Germany had made its intentions clear: they had decided to transform the Middle East into their colony.
The German stance weighed heavily on their hearts. As men of the Middle East, they felt helpless in determining the fate of their own region. The great powers from the West had control over their lives and deaths. It was a sad and bitter truth.
"Your Excellency, Chancellor, Your Excellency, Foreign Minister, the Kingdom of Kuwait is willing to become a protectorate of the German Empire!" Hamid declared.
Kuwait, a small nation with a population of only a few million, had barely any territory outside of desert, with only a handful of oases. Its strength was minuscule, and in the face of the German Empire, a world superpower, they had no choice but to comply. Defiance would result in immediate annihilation.
Both Chancellor Bülow and Foreign Minister Wahit nodded in satisfaction.
"Is this the Emir's decision?" Bülow inquired.
"Yes, Your Excellency, the Emir has already decided," Hamid replied. Before their visit to Germany, the Emir of Kuwait and his ministers had already made this decision. They knew the fate of their country. In the face of the German Empire, they had no means to resist. Rather than futile resistance, it was wiser to humbly accept the role of a protectorate. Kuwait, it seemed, was fated to remain a protectorate.
Indeed, Kuwait had only managed to gain its independence through British support, and afterward, it had been a British protectorate. Later, it became a protectorate of the United States.
Kuwait had no alternatives, particularly after the discovery of oil. With its limited power, it could not safeguard its oil reserves. Thus, it was forced to rely on powerful nations to protect its interests.
"Well then, from this moment forth, Kuwait shall be the protectorate of the Empire. His Majesty the Emperor will issue an edict shortly!" Chancellor Bülow stated.
Kuwait had been obedient, granting the Empire a foothold in the Middle East.
"However, I must remind you that as a protectorate of the Empire, Kuwait's internal affairs will be subject to the Empire's guidance. Of course, the Empire generally does not interfere in the internal matters of its protectorates. In foreign policy, you must align with the Empire and never act contrary to its directives. The police system must be trained with the Empire's assistance, and with our aid, you shall also establish a modern military. In the event of war, the protectorate's military must unconditionally obey the Empire's command. Based on Kuwait's population, the Empire will assist in forming an infantry brigade. Moreover, if the Empire deems it necessary, we may station a certain number of troops in Kuwait. Can your country meet these demands?" Foreign Minister Wahit asked.
Hamid froze momentarily, taken aback by the numerous demands that came with becoming a protectorate. If Kuwait agreed, it would essentially lose control of its fate to Germany. Its military and police forces would be under German control. Should the Emirate try to rebel, there would be no need for German troops to suppress them; their own army and police would quash any dissent.
Ghazi too furrowed his brow. Clearly, they found Germany's conditions excessive. When Kuwait was under British protection, Britain had guaranteed their national security. While Britain did interfere in their internal affairs, it never imposed such stringent regulations. It was evident that agreeing to Germany's terms would bind them to these rules.
After a brief pause, Hamid reluctantly nodded. He knew there was no turning back. If Kuwait refused, the Germans would not hesitate to destroy them. The might of the German Empire could easily wipe out their country, leaving them with no means of resistance.
"Your Excellency, Chancellor, Your Excellency, Foreign Minister! The Kingdom of Kuwait agrees to abide by these conditions and shall become the most loyal protectorate of the German Empire!" Hamid declared.
Although he had not consulted the Emir, he was certain that even if the Emir were to know, he would not dare refuse. Kuwait had no power to reject the demands of such a mighty nation.