The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Hamid, swiftly agreed to the terms set by Germany and subsequently signed his name on the following documents. From this moment on, it could be said that the Kingdom of Kuwait had become a protectorate of the German Empire.
Although this inevitably meant that Kuwait would lose much of its autonomy, even to the point where, should Germany wish to undermine the Emir of Kuwait, the Kingdom would be powerless. After all, the nation's military and police forces were now under German control. Should Germany desire it, they could even station troops within Kuwait. In such a case, the Emir of Kuwait would be reduced to nothing more than a puppet ruler.
Of course, the Kuwaitis could still hope that Germany would refrain from interfering in their domestic affairs. If that were the case, they would at least retain some semblance of domestic power—though not much. At least, they would not be entirely powerless.
With Kuwait now firmly under the protection of the German Empire, the focus shifted to the Kingdom of Nejd. Both the Empire's Chancellor Bilo and Foreign Minister Wahit turned their attention toward the Nejd Foreign Minister, Ghazi. Instantly, Ghazi felt the weight of immense pressure. He understood that, with Kuwait having already capitulated, the Germans would be even more insistent with Nejd.
"Minister Ghazi, what of the Kingdom of Nejd? Have you reached a decision?" Minister Wahit inquired.
Ghazi gritted his teeth and responded, "Minister Wahit, if the Kingdom of Nejd agrees to become your protectorate, we are willing to align our foreign policy with the German Empire. Our army will follow the Empire's command should war break out, and our police forces can undergo German training. However, we insist that control over our military and police remain in our hands."
Clearly, the Kingdom of Nejd was unwilling to relinquish its foundational military power to the Germans. Despite its modest population of a few hundred thousand, Nejd was the strongest state on the Arabian Peninsula. Moreover, it was still in the process of expansion, seeking to overthrow the Rashid family and conquer the Kingdom of Hasa. In such times, control over the military was vital. Furthermore, Nejd had no desire to place its fate entirely in German hands.
Kuwait had been too weak to resist, forced to bow to German demands. But Nejd was different; it was already the dominant power on the Arabian Peninsula, and it had its own ambitions.
Both Chancellor Bilo and Foreign Minister Wahit exchanged a glance, their brows furrowing in response to Ghazi's words.
"Minister Ghazi, the conditions for becoming a protectorate of the Empire are set in stone and cannot be altered," Bilo replied. "Your country must choose between becoming a protectorate of the Empire or refusing. Once a protectorate, the Empire generally does not interfere in the internal affairs of its protectorates, so you need not worry about that."
"Minister Wahit, is there truly no other option?" Ghazi asked with a pained expression. He knew that if Nejd refused, war was inevitable. The German forces were advancing in Egypt, and the British troops stationed there were no match for the Germans. Once the Germans had secured Egypt, they would swiftly march into the Arabian Peninsula. The Nejd army would be no match for the German military. Even though they were more familiar with the terrain and climate of the region, the gap in equipment and combat effectiveness was not something easily overcome.
Wahit shook his head. "Once the Empire's decision is made, it cannot be undone."
"Minister Ghazi, you need not worry about Germany taking control of Nejd's military. It is unnecessary," Bilo added. "Given Nejd's population, the Empire will only assist in establishing three infantry divisions, totaling a mere fifty thousand men. Such a small force is insignificant to the Empire. Unless your country harbors rebellious intentions, there is no reason to worry."
"Chancellor Bilo, if Nejd agrees to become a protectorate of the German Empire, we will never rebel," Ghazi quickly assured them.
To rebel after becoming a protectorate would be tantamount to courting death. Germany's military might could easily crush them.
"Then, what is there to fear?" Bilo asked.
Ghazi hesitated before responding, "Chancellor, the Kingdom of Nejd still has an unfulfilled aspiration. We must ensure control over our military forces."
"Our king is determined to defeat the Rashid family and annex the Kingdom of Hasa. War may erupt at any time. In such a case, we must maintain control over our military forces. Once we have vanquished the Rashid family and absorbed Hasa, we will be willing to entrust our military to Germany for reorganization. What do you think, Chancellor?"
Ghazi's reasoning was half truth and half deceit. While it was true that Nejd desired to defeat the Rashid family and control Hasa, the suggestion to delay handing over military control was a mere pretext.
Chancellor Bilo was no fool. Once Nejd annexed Hasa, it would dominate the entire Arabian Peninsula, becoming even stronger. At that point, controlling them would be far more difficult.
"Minister Ghazi, we understand the enmity between your country and the Rashid family. If Nejd becomes a protectorate of the German Empire, we will assist you in dealing with the Rashid family and the Kingdom of Hasa," Bilo said with a smile.
However, Bilo's smile only served to chill Ghazi's heart. He understood the underlying message: Nejd could become a protectorate of the German Empire, and similarly, Hasa could be made a protectorate as well. If Nejd refused, and Hasa became a German protectorate, the German military would help Hasa destroy Nejd. Though Hasa was weaker, with German assistance, their defeat would be assured.
Ghazi realized that this was nothing short of a threat from the German Empire. Yet, faced with such a threat, Nejd had no means of resistance. It seemed that submission was their only option.