Chapter 807: The World Where Only Portugal Was Hurt
Even though Aenthal was favoring East Africa, his mouth twitched at von der Leyen's shameless words.
However, if we look at the scale of the war alone, East Africa’s demands are completely reasonable. If the scale of the South African War were placed on the European battlefield, it would also be ranked among the top.
But what is Africa and what is Europe? Allenthal is sure that the losses caused by the South African War are not as great as the losses caused by Austria's war against Venice. After all, Venice itself is a big city in Europe, and even the surrounding economy is not bad. The main battlefield of the South African War is mostly wasteland, forests and grasslands. Even if the war lasts for ten years without entering the core area of East Africa, it will not have much impact on Africa.
However, Aenthal could only say: "Okay, East Africa's request is reasonable, but we will not discuss whether the Portuguese can accept this price. Our focus now should be on the Boer Republic and Cape Town and Natal. Regarding these two areas, Mr. von der Leyen, East Africa should make appropriate concessions to the UK. After all, it is impossible for East Africa to take all the good things."
He deliberately emphasized the word "concession". After all, Salisbury had not said anything just now, which to a certain extent represented Salisbury's attitude.
Von der Leyen said tactfully: "The conflict with the UK is actually just a misunderstanding between the two countries. In fact, historically, there is not much dirt between us and the UK, so we in East Africa are willing to respect the UK, but the premise is that the UK cannot harm our interests."
Count von der Leyen had already taken the initiative to give up the way, and now it was Salisbury's turn to speak.
In fact, when the two men were talking just now, Salisbury had already understood that Portugal's colonies in East Africa were determined to be acquired, and no matter how much Britain did, it would not make the East African government compromise on the issue of annexing Portugal's colonies.
In this case, Britain can no longer use the Portuguese issue as an excuse for East Africa. This will not end the war, and for Britain, continuing the South African War will only result in greater losses.
So Salisbury said: "We in Britain have our own plans for Portugal, but we certainly won't side with the culprit of the South African War."
The statements made by von der Leyen and Salisbury are equivalent to directly pinning the blame for the South African War on Portugal, which was just a sideline. I wonder if the Portuguese would cry their hearts out if they knew about this.
"We are now more concerned about Cape Town and the surrounding areas. Our attitude towards Cape Town and Natal is consistent. They are both sacred and inviolable parts of the British Empire. As for the Boer Republic, we also have important interests there."
Salisbury basically made clear Britain's bottom line, which was the integrity of British territory and the interests of the Boer Republic.
Von der Leyen said at the right time: "We can guarantee the relevant interests of the United Kingdom in Orange, including the property safety of British businessmen in Kimberley, and the right to continue to develop and use the existing developed minerals in Orange, of course, on the premise of complying with our laws."
Salisbury frowned and said, "After all, the Boer Republic is a legitimate regime, so it is best to continue to maintain it."
Von der Leyen smiled and said: "The Boers originally lived around Cape Town. It is good that they have returned to Cape Town now. As for the Boer Republic, it has long existed in name only. In the past few months, except for the rebels and their families who have fled, most of the Boers have automatically obtained East African nationality. We have actually established government agencies in Orange."
"Humph, this is just your one-sided statement. What if I was threatened by you?"
"Of course not. Lord Salisbury, don't worry. Let me explain in detail. Orange's original population was less than 300,000, and some of them have fled to Cape Town. Our East African population, including the Boers captured as prisoners of war, is only about 170,000. Currently, 130,000 of these 170,000 have been assigned to various regions in the country. Even if we want the Boers to return to Orange, it is no longer possible."
Von der Leyen's words were very clear, that is, the Boer Republic was completely dead in name only, and it was impossible for East Africa to get rid of the Boer Republic again.
Von der Leyen went on to say: "The Orange River is the natural border between the two countries. The Orange region should be the natural boundary between East Britain and China. In addition, our country can withdraw its troops to the north of Orange, and the Natal colony can restore the pre-war border between the two countries. Of course, as a gesture of goodwill from East Africa, we can also appropriately reduce our demands for war reparations from Britain."
"Haha, do you really expect the empire to compensate you?" Salisbury said sarcastically.
Von der Leyen's words sounded like giving up to Salisbury. Britain has never compensated a country for war losses.
"We in Britain have also paid a huge price to protect our national interests, including more than 90 million pounds in funding for the navy and army. We have already given face to East Africa by not asking you for war reparations. This does not even include the losses suffered by South African cities such as Durban and East London," said Salisbury.
At this time, Aenthal said: "Regarding the issue of war reparations, I think East Africa can just ask the Portuguese government for it. Of course, the British government should also make certain concessions. I think the two countries should restore the border after a ceasefire, and East Africa can make certain compensation to Britain at the same time."
After summarizing the opinions of both parties, Alenthal proposed a third solution.
Von der Leyen asked at this time: "We pay compensation to the British?"
As the victorious party, East Africa naturally could not understand it. After all, Britain still had more than 60,000 hostages in East Africa's hands, and East Africa was in an advantageous position no matter how you looked at it.
"It's better to show mercy when you can. Britain didn't put much effort into this war, and it has already gained so much land in East Africa. The British government also needs to give an explanation at home, so this is a good way to resolve the war," said Alenthal.
"Of course, this is definitely unfair to East Africa, but I have a perfect plan. I don't know what you think. That is, Portugal's war reparations can be paid by Britain. In this way, Britain can get the money, but it will be borne by the Portuguese government, and East Africa will get land. Both sides can get what they want."
Alenthal completely confused the representatives of East Britain, and then Alenthal explained his ideas in detail.
That is, the winner of the South African War was East Africa, and Portugal had to cede land and pay compensation. The land of Portugal was obtained by East Africa, and the compensation was obtained by Britain. Of course, on the surface, the money was definitely paid to East Africa, but East Africa and Britain signed an agreement privately, in which East Africa did not pay a penny, and Britain could obtain Portugal's debt relationship.
This means that while Portugal's land is taken away by East Africa, its economy is also controlled by Britain. After all, Portugal already owes Britain a lot of debt. If the war reparations are implemented, Portugal will completely become an economic colony of Britain. After all, 40 million pounds plus the previous loan Portugal had from Britain, Portugal will never be able to pay it off in its lifetime.
Of course, overall Britain had both losses and gains. It was certainly a good thing to be able to better control the Portuguese economy, but the spending on the South African War was indeed difficult to recoup. However, after controlling Portugal's domestic economy, Britain had plenty of ways to recover military spending. The debt of war reparations alone could recover half of the money, and with interest it could make even more money.
As for East Africa, it was certainly a huge profit, but Britain could only stop the loss in time. The failure of the South African War meant the loss of the last chance to contain East Africa.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
