African Entrepreneurship Record-Chapter 820 - 124: The Only One Hurt is Portugal

Regarding Von der Leyen's shameless remarks, even Allen Tal twitched a little in favor of East Africa.

However, if we just look at the scale of the war, East Africa's demands are quite reasonable. If the scale of the South African War were compared to a European battlefield, it would still rank among the top conflicts.

But Africa is not Europe. Allen Tal is certain that the losses caused by the South African War are not as great as those caused by Austria's war against Venice, given that Venice itself is a major city in Europe with a robust surrounding economy. In contrast, most of the main battlefield of the South African War consisted of wastelands, forests, and grasslands. Even if the war lasted ten years without reaching East Africa's core regions, it wouldn't have much of an impact on Africa.

Nevertheless, Allen Tal could only say, "Fine, East Africa's demands are quite reasonable. However, whether the Portuguese can accept this price is not our current focus. Our key discussion now should be about the Boer Republic and the issues of Cape Town and Natal. Regarding these two regions, Mr. Von der Leyen, East Africa should make some concessions to the United Kingdom. After all, it's impossible for East Africa to have all the advantages."

He deliberately emphasized the word "concessions," considering that Salisbury hadn't spoken yet, which to some extent represented his attitude.

Von der Leyen adeptly responded, "The conflict with Britain is, in fact, a misunderstanding between our two countries. Historically, there hasn't been much animosity between us and Britain, so we in East Africa are willing to respect Britain, provided that Britain doesn't harm our interests."

Count Von der Leyen had already offered a way out, and it was now Salisbury's turn to speak.

In fact, during the conversation between the two, Salisbury had already realized that East Africa was determined to acquire the Portuguese colony, and there was no way the United Kingdom could persuade the East African Government to compromise on this issue.

Given this, the Portuguese issue could no longer be used to stall East Africa. Continuing the South African War would only lead to greater losses for Britain.

Therefore, Salisbury said, "Regarding the Portuguese issue, we in the United Kingdom have our own plans. However, we certainly won't shield the true culprits of the South African War."

Von der Leyen and Salisbury's words effectively pinned the blame for the South African War on the uninvolved Portuguese. One wonders if the Portuguese, upon hearing this, might faint from frustration.

"What we are more concerned about now is Cape Town and the surrounding areas. Our stance regarding Cape Town and Natal is unwavering; they are sacred and inviolable parts of the British Empire. As for the Boer Republic, we have significant interests there."

Salisbury essentially clarified the British bottom line, which was the integrity of British territories and the interests in the Boer Republic.

Von der Leyen aptly said, "We can guarantee the relevant interests of the United Kingdom within Orange, including the safety of British merchants' properties such as Kimberley, as well as the continued development and utilization rights of existing developed mines in Orange, of course, provided that they comply with our country's laws."

Salisbury frowned and said, "After all, the Boer Republic is a legitimate regime, so maintaining its status quo is the best choice."

In response, Von der Leyen smiled and said, "The Boers originally lived around Cape Town, and now it's quite good for them to return to Cape Town. As for the Boer Republic, it has long been a nominal entity. In the past few months, apart from the fleeing rebels and their families, most of the Boers have automatically acquired East African citizenship, and we have effectively established governmental institutions in Orange."

"Hmph, that's just your one-sided statement; what if they were coerced by you?"

"Of course not, Mr. Salisbury, please don't be hasty. Allow me to explain in detail: Orange's original population was less than a mere 300,000, and some have already fled into Cape Town. We in East Africa, including the captured Boers, amount to just around 170,000. Of these 170,000, 130,000 have already been resettled across various regions within our country. Even if we wanted the Boers to return to Orange, it would be impossible now."

Von der Leyen made it clear that the Boer Republic was effectively defunct, and it was impossible for East Africa to relinquish it.

Von der Leyen continued, "The Orange River is a natural boundary between our two countries. The Orange region should serve as a natural divide between East England and us. Additionally, our country can withdraw its army to the north of Orange, and the Natal colony can return to the pre-war borders of the two countries. Of course, as a gesture of goodwill from East Africa, we can also moderately reduce our war reparations demands on the United Kingdom."

"Ha, do you really expect the Empire to compensate you?" Salisbury mocked.

To Salisbury, Von der Leyen's words sounded like giving up since Britain had never compensated any country for war damages.

"We in the United Kingdom have paid a great price to protect our national interests, including spending over 90 million British Pounds on naval and army expenses. The fact that we're not demanding war reparations from you is already being considerate to East Africa, not to mention the losses suffered by South African cities like Durban and East London." Salisbury said.

At this point, Allen Tal spoke, "As for the issue of war reparations, I suggest East Africa demands them from the Portuguese government. Of course, the British government should also make certain concessions. I think after the two countries make peace, borders should be restored, and East Africa should provide some compensation to Britain."

After summarizing both sides' opinions, Allen Tal presented a third option.

At this moment, Von der Leyen asked, "We compensate the British?"

As the victorious side, East Africa naturally couldn't understand, especially with over 60,000 British hostages in East African hands, making East Africa appear to be in a favorable position.

"To let things go when it's possible, Britain didn't even exert its full strength in this war, and East Africa has already gained so much land. The British government also needs to answer to its people; therefore, this is a good way to resolve the war," said Allen Tal.

"Of course, this would be quite unfair to East Africa. However, I have a perfect solution that I'd like you to consider: the Portuguese war reparations could be completely covered by Britain. In this way, Britain gets the money, but it's borne by the Portuguese government, while East Africa receives the land. Both sides get what they want."

Allen Tal thoroughly confused the representatives of East England and Britain, then proceeded to elaborate on his idea.

That being, East Africa emerged as the victor of the South African War, and Portugal would have to cede territory and pay reparations. The land would go to East Africa, while the reparations would be received by Britain. Publicly, this sum would appear to be compensation for East Africa, but privately, East Africa and Britain would sign an agreement where East Africa wouldn't pay a cent, and Britain would secure the Portuguese debt.

This arrangement effectively allowed East Africa to claim Portuguese land, while Britain's control over the Portuguese economy would deepen. Portugal, already heavily indebted to Britain, would effectively become an economic colony of Britain once the war reparations were assigned, due to the 40 million British Pounds and previous loans from Britain—debts that Portugal would likely never manage to repay.

Overall, although Britain had both gains and losses, gaining tighter control over the Portuguese economy was certainly beneficial. However, the expenditures from the South African War were still difficult to recuperate, but after seizing control of the Portuguese economy, Britain had ample opportunities to recoup military expenses. The war reparations debt alone could cover half of it, and the interest could earn even more.

As for East Africa, it undoubtedly profited greatly, while Britain could only cut its losses promptly. The defeat in the South African War signified the loss of Britain's final opportunity to contain East Africa.