African Entrepreneurship Record-Chapter 819 - 123: A “Small Meeting” for Big Matters

"Today's meeting is adjourned here, I declare the meeting over, and wish everyone a pleasant time in Venice." Count Allen Tal concluded.

Subsequently, everyone began to leave, but the representatives of East England were asked to stay by Allen Tal.

"Please stay, gentlemen. Although nothing conclusive was achieved in the conference, I have a general understanding of both sides. Would you be interested in gathering at my estate tonight?" Allen Tal invited the representatives of East England.

Herman and Von der Leyen had originally planned to inquire Allen Tal about the relevant situations after the meeting. Now that Allen Tal intends to bring the United Kingdom into the discussion, it was clear that Allen Tal had some thoughts.

The two exchanged glances, and after Von der Leyen gave a confirming nod, Herman said, "Of course, it would be an honor."

Salisbury also said, "Sure, out of respect for your invitation, I will attend as well."

Throughout, Allen Tal did not invite the Portuguese or the Boers, as these two were not the main players in the South African war, or rather, their strength did not warrant Allen Tal's attention. If it were the previous century, Allen Tal might have been interested in forming ties, but now Portugal had been stripped of almost everything by East Africa.

Thus, Austria-Hungary held a contemptuous view of Portugal, although Allen Tal, being a diplomat, did not express it, and most of the attendees felt the same.

However, the only solace was that with the United Kingdom also being at a disadvantage in East Africa, Portugal seemed relatively stronger, since the world's leading power, the United Kingdom, could not perpetually find excuses.

Then a few people took a carriage towards Allen Tal's estate on the outskirts of Venice.

At that moment, it was already 11 PM Venice time, and the sky had begun to darken. Many noticed Allen Tal's group leaving alone, including the Portuguese.

This made the Portuguese representative, Gers, feel dissatisfied and nervous, as this wasn't good news. With Portugal being sidestepped, how the United Kingdom would negotiate was uncertain.

The United Kingdom's position in South Africa was quite awkward, and if the British decided to sacrifice Portuguese interests to negotiate with East Africa, it was entirely possible. If that happened, Portugal would be powerless to reverse it.

The likes of Allen Tal, who had already left, had no interest in paying attention to Gers' concerns. This was the plight of a 'weaker nation.' Portugal had solidified its status as a weaker nation after losing twice to East Africa. During the last division of West Africa conference, Portugal was included, but that would be uncertain in the future.

At night, Venice began to enter its nightlife. As one of Europe's once most prosperous cities, despite declining due to war, Venice still retained its charm.

The taverns were filled with noise, where workers just off their night shifts came to drink. Factories operated day and night in every street and alley, with pitch-black and foul-smelling sewage directly discharged into Venice's waterways.

Thanks to the investments from Austria-Hungary, Venice's economy had begun to improve. As an important textile industry center, orders were flowing in continuously, mostly from within Austria-Hungary.

Previously, Venice was merely an economic colony being exploited by Austria-Hungary, but now Austria-Hungary had seemingly changed its policies after regaining Venice.

This was easily understood, as the primary industry of Austria-Hungary was concentrated in the Bohemia region. Given Bohemia's position, it would be understandable if Ernst, as the nation's ruler, was uneasy.

Just like in a previous life when Austria-Hungary was disbanded, over 70% of its military industry and at least 60% of its scale industry were directly integrated with Czechoslovakia, detaching from Austria.

This was also the key reason Ernst concentrated East Africa's industry in the Matabele Province. Central areas always seemed more reassuring, though economically, coastal areas are definitely more cost-effective.

"Count Von der Leyen, Count Herman, and Lord Salisbury, the issue of the South African war is not complex. For all of us, it should be clear now that both countries want a ceasefire. On this basis, why not candidly express your real opinions and talk it out, as there are no outsiders present here — this is not a formal meeting."

Even though Allen Tal spoke this way, the small meeting of the four had already started determining the resolution of the South African situation. If the attendees agreed, the subsequent meetings would merely be formalities.

However, as Allen Tal finished, both sides remained silent, glaring at each other instead, making the atmosphere tense.

It was time for Count Allen Tal to step in again. He said to Count Salisbury, "Lord Salisbury, what are the United Kingdom's bottom lines? Lay them out for the representative of the Heixinggen Kingdom to evaluate — that should be the approach to solving the South African war."

"Hmph!" Salisbury grumpily said, "The United Kingdom's stance is simple. As the losing side of the war, Portugal can compensate East Africa's losses by ceding some territory, but East Africa cannot annex Angola and Mozambique. Additionally, the Boer Republic must be preserved, and the East African Defense Army must withdraw from Cape Town and Natal."

Von der Leyen spoke up, "Your opinion is somewhat naive. We of Heixinggen cannot allow Portugal's colonies to continue existing in southern Africa. Having suffered two losses already, retaining Portuguese colonies might lead to a third war between Portugal and the Kingdom, and such a war would be devastating to the Kingdom."

Von der Leyen's words were impeccable. As the instigator of the two wars, Portugal should at least be responsible for its actions.

However, Allen Tal heard parts where a compromise could be reached: the United Kingdom did not overly value Portugal, while the primary objective of East Africa was acquiring Portuguese colonies, which was their bottom line. Convincing the British to relinquish Portugal could be done by compensating them in other areas.

This can be resolved since the South African war was not strictly about Portugal's two colonies; the British core interests were Cape Town and the Boer Republic.

Had East Africa not achieved military victories in these areas, it might have been challenging. But now, the Boer Republic and Natal have been overrun, and Cape Town is on the brink of collapse.

Allen Tal said, "In that case, Portugal is indeed an unfavorable factor disrupting regional stability, and I agree with Count Von der Leyen's opinion on this."

"Of course..." Allen Tal continued, "It would be unreasonable for Portugal just like that, as they will have to bear a massive war compensation. East Africa surely cannot demand both territory and these astronomical sums from already debt-stricken Portugal."

"Although Portugal's defeat is a foregone conclusion, the territory is rightfully East Africa's. However, East Africa should be lenient when negotiating war compensations and propose reasonable terms according to Portugal's economic capability."

On this point, Von der Leyen said, "For your sake, we can demand less in war compensation, but giving up Angola and Mozambique is absolutely impossible."

"We can forego 8 million British Pounds in war losses, but we cannot go below 40 million. The war expenditures alone have plunged East Africa into long-term economic stagnation, and the losses in national production and army casualties far exceed this figure."