Chapter 217: A Meeting Gone Off Track
December 30, 1869
Maputo
"This information comes from Chairman Yalisi of the Kazembe Chamber of Commerce. The Germans have shown up in the Kazembe Kingdom, and they're stationing troops there. It appears they don't plan to leave," said the Governor of Mozambique.
"Governor, the Germans are rapidly expanding inland in Africa. I think we should contact the Angola colony to work together on curbing Germany's growth."
"Exactly. If the Germans occupy the Kazembe Kingdom, that would cut the land route between us and Angola."
"But Angola might not cooperate with us unless the kingdom itself is persuaded. There's a big problem: how can we get enough troops inland? The British have designs on us. Just this year, Britain moved its army into Delagoa Bay in Mozambique. If not for our powerful artillery, they wouldn't have fled in a panic."
"It's like we're caught between a wolf and a tiger. If Germany is the wolf, then Britain is the tiger. The Germans are constantly fighting, and they've always been strong on land. As for Britain, they could sail warships over and attack our ports."
Unlike East Africa, which had many planned and established inland cities, Mozambique's core lay on its coastal towns and ports. Who posed the bigger threat, Britain or Germany? It's hard to say. Germany threatens them on land—they share a direct border. But these last few years, East Africa has been peaceful along the Rovuma River, and the two colonies have coexisted calmly.
"Gentlemen, the Germans have been developing in Africa too quickly. If we let them continue unchecked, Mozambique will face a huge threat someday. Think about it: the Germans arrived in East Africa just three years ago. They were originally just a tiny speck under the Sultanate of Zanzibar, yet now they've not only destroyed the Sultanate but expanded deep inland. Isn't that frightening?
"Look at this map. Here's the mouth of the Rovuma River, over here is Lake Malawi, and over here is the Kazembe Kingdom. These three points form a line that practically encloses us on three sides. And that line is—well, I needn't say how long it is. This shows the Germans' territory is vast."
"Mr. Kelton, I don't agree with you. The Germans may be advancing inland, but how do they hold onto it? Though Kazembe's capital has been taken, it still has various chieftains and tribes. Back when we tried expanding inland, we ran into fierce native resistance and gave up. So, at most, the Germans might install puppet rulers, which would be decent for them. Also, this line you drew covers an enormous distance.
"If Germany expands into the interior in this shape, actually we should be relieved—it's like a long snake, easy to chop into segments. Look here, the Malawi Kingdom sits in the middle of the Germans' lands. We could strike from there, forcing the Germans to split their forces. Meanwhile, our Mozambique colony has always developed in an orderly fashion, so after so many years it's very stable. The Germans arrived only recently, but they want everything. They probably can't really control the land. If we end up clashing with them, we just have to stir up the local natives in East Africa, and that place will instantly burst into flames."
"Rather than debating the threat from Germany, we should talk about the threat from Britain. The Germans might harm us someday, but the British are already making moves. This year they tested us. If not for our sufficient cannons, they would have succeeded."
"And Britain has the Cape Colony down south. In fact, it's not very far from us—only the Zulu Kingdom lies in between, and they can't serve as much of a buffer. If Britain wanted passage, the Zulu might not refuse. So from both sea and land, Britain can threaten us. They've already begun acting. That's the nation we should guard against most."
"The kingdom on the surface keeps relations with Britain friendly, but once we're in the colonies, it's a big mess. For years, those Brits haven't stopped scheming."
"Yet we can't ignore Germany. At least three western kingdoms border them. We should give them some assistance to hold off East Africa."
"No, we only give help to the Malawi Kingdom. It's our real buffer with East Africa. Those two kingdoms to the south are where we plan to expand someday. If we help them, we're hurting our own prospects."
"Exactly. Krissis, do you ever think before you speak? The Germans can't reach that area, but we've been penetrating it for years. Next time, look at a map before bragging about this so-called 'German threat.' You'll just let everyone see you left your brain at home."
Many in the room burst out laughing, while Krissis, who advocated supporting those western kingdoms, wished he could vanish.
"All right, quiet," said the Governor of Portuguese Mozambique, who had silently listened until now. "I've heard your points. After reflecting carefully, I still think Britain is more dangerous than Germany—mainly because Germany lacks a strong navy. That's where our Portuguese Kingdom actually holds an advantage. In the interior, we lack the means to expand. But we can at least hold talks with the Germans. Meanwhile, we must be cautious of Britain. If we ended up fighting Germany, the Brits would undoubtedly strike us from the sea. So, until East Africa violates our core interests, let's remain calm.
"And besides, these last two years, we haven't learned much about East Africa. We didn't see their army coming in Kazembe until the Kazembe Chamber of Commerce told us. We can use negotiations as an excuse to gather information on East Africa's development and see how strong the Germans really are."
"Governor, if we do negotiate, we must insist on protecting our interests in Kazembe. It'd be best to bring Malawi into it as well. Honestly, I'd prefer the southern part of Malawi to be in our hands."
"Quite right. The Malawi Kingdom belongs in the trash heap of history. We could speak to East Africa about splitting Malawi between us."
Once profit was on the table, everyone shifted their tone. Until a moment ago, they saw East Africa as their worst enemy—now it was a partner in dividing Malawi. And those who had advocated helping Malawi went silent. If East Africa was open to talk, dividing Malawi would be far better than confronting East Africa directly.
Unconsciously, the meeting's focus changed. Instead of talking about threats from East Africa or Britain, they chatted about how to carve up the Malawi Kingdom with East Africa.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Canserbero10