Chapter 620: Step by Step
"Humph, these East Africans are so despicable! Look at this gun, the oil on it is fresh, and the rifling is not worn out. It is obviously a new gun that has never been used. How dare they let those country bumpkins of the White Bandits use it?"
Young Pretorius cursed after seeing the firearms samples sent by Blanca, while the others were intercepted by Blanca and used to expand the troops.
"Mr. President, the East African border guards use Mauser rifles, and this one is obviously the Warndel rifle used by the Austro-Hungarian troops. However, given the relationship between East Africa and Austria-Hungary, it would be extremely easy for East Africa to obtain this type of rifle. It's just that they obviously have concerns about directly intervening in our conflict with the Orangemen, so they did not blatantly provide the Orangemen with their own weapons." Pretorius the Younger's staff analyzed.
"This is obviously a good thing for us. It shows that East Africans are still afraid of Britain. Otherwise, the weapons on the battlefield would probably be East African weapons. Although the quality of East African weapons is slightly worse than that of German weapons, the logistics, cost, spare parts, etc. are much easier than importing from Europe."
"In addition, if East Africa chooses to use Austro-Hungarian weapons to support the Orangemen, there will be an extra procedure. That is, they have to go through East Africa, cross the ocean, then transfer to the land at the port, and finally send it to the inland by rail. This will consume a lot of time, so there will inevitably be problems with supply. As long as we fight fast enough and well enough, the Orangemen's logistics system will definitely have problems."
Young Pretorius was not happy at all. What does it mean to fight fast enough and well enough? The overall performance of the Transvaal Restoration Army certainly does not meet this standard.
He interrupted, "What is the overall battle situation on the front line now? How is the radiation effect of our army's control area?"
"Brandfort to the north of Bloemfontein, Berlin to the northeast, Saunaspos to the east, the banks of the Kafu River to the south, Sot Pond to the northwest, and Bosland to the west have all been captured by us, effectively ensuring our control over Bloemfontein and its strategic security. Now there is no major danger near Bloemfontein." The commander of the Restoration Army, Milaka, reported to Pretorius the Younger.
This result made the Transvaal officials present very satisfied. It meant that a safe zone had been established within a radius of more than 300 kilometers around Bloemfontein. Not to mention the military significance, the fact that their own lives were safe was enough to make people happy.
"In addition to our success in Bloemfontein, we also occupied Bertfontein, Petersburg, Reddersburg and other cities and military fortresses, further compressing the living space of the Orangemen and greatly expanding the living homeland of the Transvaal people..."
"Ahem, General Mi'leka, don't say anything that is not conducive to unity." Little Pretorius interrupted.
Although the Transvaal people really did so, it would be embarrassing for themselves if they pulled off the fig leaf, just like the official definition of the Orange Freedom Resistance Army given by the Transvaal Restoration Army was "White Bandits". They must not make a clear distinction between the Orange people and the Transvaal people, which would be very disadvantageous for winning over those Orange forces who are on the sidelines or in a neutral attitude.
And for Pretorius the Younger personally, he had no prejudice against the Orangemen and even hoped that the two families could be like real brothers, because his father was Pretorius the Elder, a hero recognized by the Boers. His father participated in the establishment of Transvaal and Orange, and it could even be said that he played a leading role.
Unfortunately, now that Pretorius the Younger has sat in this position, he is somewhat helpless. Above him is the British emperor, and below him are a group of old ministers in Transvaal. Both sides are pushing him to lead the Transvaal and the Orange people to split. All Pretorius the Younger can do is to delay this trend as much as possible.
For example, Milica was not interested in uniting the Orangemen, but in victory in the war, which would be very helpful for his personal prestige and would also expand his power in the army.
"Under the guidance of British advisor Charles, we adopted a step-by-step strategy. Through the three-month offensive, we have gained a large base. The 'White Bandits' can no longer pose a serious threat to us. The balance of war has naturally tilted towards us."
After receiving the president's instructions, Midilaika replaced the Orange Freedom Resistance Army with the term White Bandits, although the two are actually the same thing.
"Well, you did a good job. Now we just need to reduce the living space of the 'White Bandits' step by step. The most important thing is to cut off their connection with the East Africans. Only then can this war be truly over." Little Pretorius said.
However, his words left Milaka silent. If it was easy to expand the occupied area of Transvaal step by step, it would be difficult to cut off the connection between East Africa and the Orange people.
So the Mi Laika chose to throw out this difficult question and be frank with the government officials: "It is too difficult to cut off the connection between East Africa and the 'White Bandits'. I am not trying to show off my power, but who among you can solve the fact that the Orange Free State is surrounded by East Africa on three sides?"
East Africa was like a mountain, weighing down on everyone present. If it weren't for the British Cape Town colony behind them, perhaps everyone would have found a way to move south long ago, just like the Boers did when they moved north in the face of the British threat.
Now the people of Transvaal have no choice. It is impossible for them to reconcile with East Africa, and the same goes for East Africa, so they can only choose to serve Britain.
This choice is indeed the best option for the people of Transvaal. At least now everyone is back at the center of political power, even though it was achieved by taking over the magpie's nest.
So when it comes to interests, there are no so-called Boers, there can only be Transvaalers and Orangemen, as for the cause of national restoration.
Some people may still remember their original intention, but more old foxes know that the goal is basically impossible to achieve, unless East Africa suddenly disintegrates, and the probability of this is very small. Even if East Africa disintegrates, the local forces left in East Africa will fill the vacancies, and there will still be no chance for the Transvaal people.
Of course, there is still a chance, that is if the British take action. However, most people are no longer optimistic about the dispute between Britain and East Africa in South Africa.
Britain's global power and presence could easily suppress East Africa, but in this small piece of land in Africa, the British encountered the same dilemma they faced with America in North America.
The British colonies throughout Africa could not shake the foundation of East Africa. Of course, it would be possible if forces like Egypt or the Abyssinian Empire could be supported. These two forces had large enough populations and bordered East Africa.
But it is obviously impossible for Britain to do so. Now Britain controls the Suez Canal and the Red Sea coast, so how could it cause trouble for itself?
Although the existence of East Africa interrupted Britain's strategic deployment plan in Africa, it did not threaten Britain's core interests. One is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the other is Cape Town, both of which are still in the hands of Britain. As for colonizing Africa, it is actually not that important to Britain.
Now Britain is the world's number one colonial power, controlling the vast majority of its prime colonies. Of course, the more colonies the better, and there would not be much regret if it could not get them.
The main reason why Britain is now hostile to East Africa is that East Africa's territory is too large. Land area also represents potential, but no one thinks that East Africa's potential can compare with that of the United States. East Africa is more like an enlarged version of Brazil.
(End of this chapter)
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