Chapter 1071: Chapter 80: The United Kingdom’s Attention

"What exactly is East Africa trying to do?" asked Prime Minister Bannerman of the United Kingdom, highly sensitive to East Africa’s recent active state on the international stage.

Not long ago, the so-called Southern German Kingdom invaded the Komidugu Yobe River Basin in the northwest region of Nigeria.

The United Kingdom attributed this act of war by the Southern German Kingdom to East Africa, after all, the so-called Southern German Kingdom was a "puppet" regime supported by East Africa. Many British viewed the Southern German Kingdom’s wartime actions as a test by East Africa against the United Kingdom.

If one understands these British sentiments, East Africa would undoubtedly plead innocence, as the Southern German Kingdom, although supported by East Africa, did not act entirely with East Africa’s intentions.

Of course, these details are no longer important, as the British only care about the results and process, which is that East Africa’s subordinate invaded the outskirts of the British-protected Nigeria.

However, this is still within the tolerable range for the British, as the Southern German Kingdom has not entered the British-protected territory of Nigeria, and the Southern German Kingdom is not equivalent to East Africa, making it unworthy of British intervention.

Bannerman pointed at the map and said, "Previously, East Africa instructed the Southern German Kingdom to cause small disturbances in Nigeria, which was under our control. But now East Africa clearly shows signs of expanding into the Middle East, having dispatched three diplomatic missions at the end of the year to the Ottoman Empire, Oman, and Persia."

"The timing is quite sensitive, especially as we’ve just reached some agreements with the Russians. East Africa’s meddling could very well destabilize the region once again."

Bannerman does not believe East Africa is aware of the content of the negotiations between the UK and Russia or intends to sabotage their plans. East Africa’s interference is likely just to stake its claim in the region.

"In the aftermath of the South African War, East Africa’s diplomatic activities have been quite inactive and it has rarely appeared on the international stage. Now, after more than a decade, it seems East Africa can no longer resist making waves in the international community."

In reality, events like the Southern German Kingdom invading the Komidugu Yobe River Basin are often barely noted by the British Cabinet.

But the Middle East is different. It’s already a sensitive area where the United Kingdom has important strategic interests, and any force that could potentially impact the local situation naturally draws the British’s attention.

"Your Excellency, the Prime Minister, East Africa has been busy with its national development and construction in recent years, but this doesn’t mean East Africa is uninterested in international affairs. In fact, in recent years, East Africa’s shadow has been present in large-scale wars around the world. While not a leading power, its impact is significant."

"For example, during the Russo-Japanese War, East Africa provided port services to Russia, or offered some assistance to Spain during the Spanish-American War."

"Therefore, East Africa is not as straightforward as it appears. This entry into the Middle East by East Africa can be seen, in my view, as a shift in East Africa’s diplomatic and political strategies."

"From East Africa’s current actions, it’s possible they are launching offensives on two fronts simultaneously—West Africa and the Middle East."

"These two regions are of significant importance to East Africa. If East Africans manage to establish a foothold and expand their influence here, it would be disastrous for the entire world. This evil empire will become, like Tsarist Russia, a major force threatening our British Empire’s hegemony."

Listening to his subordinate’s analysis, Prime Minister Bannerman also became serious. After organizing his thoughts, he said, "Presently, East Africa already possesses substantial influence as a great power, given its territory and population. If they also gain an advantage in West Africa and the Middle East, East Africa would become one of the world’s most powerful countries."

"And if East Africa gains some colonies, they could construct a powerful sphere of influence stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, which would be a disaster for all of Europe."

Minister of Foreign Affairs Williams said, "Your Excellency, the Prime Minister, it’s not to that extent; as you said, if East Africa controlled West Africa and the Middle East, indeed, East Africa could become one of the world’s most powerful nations."

"But can East Africa truly achieve this? Even setting aside other considerations, we alone possess substantial power in these regions to push back East Africa and its lackeys. Our influence in the Middle East and West Africa far exceeds East Africa’s."

"Moreover, in West Africa and the Middle East, the forces are complex, with France, Germany, and the United States possessing colonies in West Africa. The Middle East is similar, and the local powers—the Ottoman Empire, Oman, and Persia—could never fully align with East Africa. We spent centuries subduing these countries, yet they still stand, making it impossible for East Africans to gain significant influence there."

Bannerman: "You have a point, but this thinking is too optimistic. From a geographical standpoint, East Africa holds an advantage over us. They can directly project naval power to influence West Africa or the Middle East, and East Africa itself isn’t a small country; its potential might rival that of the United States. East Africa has developed well over the years; granting them external influence would make them unstoppable."

All industrial nations today maintain relatively stable external markets. The UK and France are envied because of their vast colonies, allowing them to offset their domestic crises during economic downturns by exploiting their colonies and rapidly developing their homeland. This dual effect is irresistible for any nation.

As a latecomer, like Germany and America, East Africa has always lacked a stable and valuable colony, especially ones with significant market size. Germany suffers the most because, due to geographical reasons, its colonial endeavors began late. Take Germany’s largest colony, Cameroon—its population is only a few million, many of whom are primitive people with little purchasing power.

East Africa, however, has a stable market like the Abyssinia Empire, with a population exceeding ten million. Combined with other colonies, East Africa seems much better off than Germany.

The United States, through the Spanish-American War and various political maneuvers, has exerted significant influence across America, holding wealthy Caribbean colonies like Cuba.

East Africa and the United States both have territories far beyond what Germany could compare to. For Germany to advance further, only two paths remain: integrating the markets of Central and Eastern Europe or defeating the UK and France to seize their colonies.

The Central and Eastern European markets are crucial to German industrial development, playing a major role today. But due to Russia’s presence, Germany can only stretch its influence toward the Ottoman Empire.

As for Western Europe, the developed industries there are Germany’s competitors, dominated by the UK and France. To break the status quo in Western Europe, Germany must simultaneously defeat both countries; otherwise, everything remains an illusion.

In summary, all nations are extremely eager for colonies, and East Africa is no exception. The UK government’s intention is to prevent East Africa from gaining any advantage in West Africa and the Middle East.

These regions are critical. If West Africa is annexed by East Africa, it would form a superpower second only to Russia, and the Middle East is even more indispensable for the United Kingdom.

The Middle East essentially serves as a bridge connecting the UK and India. Any person or force threatening India becomes a target for British suppression.

Bannerman said, "From now on, strictly monitor East African government’s political and diplomatic activity in the Middle East. We need to understand their ultimate intentions and take actions accordingly. The Middle East is a crossroads of global traffic, and we absolutely cannot tolerate any power, including the locals, controlling this region aside from the United Kingdom."