African Entrepreneurship Records 2

Chapter 933 French Dominance
As the main participant in this conflict, the United States would certainly not agree to France's mediation, so there was a process in which the ambassadors of France and Spain came together to the first town to negotiate with East Africa.

After a while, Ernst came to the reception room with a smile on his face. Although he had a rough guess in his mind, he still asked Glade and William: "I wonder what the two ambassadors want to see me for?"

"Your Highness Ernst! I'm sure you have heard about what happened the day before yesterday. The American cruiser USS Maine was sunk for unknown reasons. Now the US government has pointed the finger at Spain, so our government hopes that East Africa will play a role with us in this incident to maintain peace and stability in the international order." This is what Grid said.

The Maine Incident, which was the fuse of the Spanish-American War in the previous life, happened exactly as the original historical time did. Of course, on the same day, the intelligence department in East Africa had already transmitted the news back to East Africa, so Ernst not only knew about the Maine Incident, but also did so faster than other foreign countries.

"It's the American warship, right? I also heard that it exploded in Cuba, but I don't know the details. Its original name was the USS Maine." Ernst pretended to be confused even though he knew the truth.

"It's the Maine. The Americans insist that this was done by the Spanish government. Now the relationship between the two countries is very tense, so our country is very worried about the regional peace situation." Glad said.

Currently, the only people in the international community who can speak for Spain are the French, because France is Spain's main creditor. At the same time, due to the history and economic relations between the two countries, the interests are deeply bound together. For example, the Spanish Navy now has many French-made warships in service.

In fact, after the decline of Spain, the era of steel battleships arrived in the 19th century, and the first ironclad ship introduced by Spain was built by France.

After the Franco-Prussian War, Spain was also an important investment area for France's large surplus capital. The same was true for East Africa. Especially after East Africa and France "conceded" each other territory, the economies of the two countries actually became closer. This was all part of the original transaction, so the relationship between East Africa and France was also good. This was also the reason why the French government sent Grade to test East Africa's attitude.

As for the relationship between the Hechingen royal family and the Prussian royal family, it is not worth mentioning at all. After all, the fact that East Africa allied with Austria instead of Prussia, which had a closer relationship with it, is very telling. In the eyes of the French government, this is part of East Africa's policy to maintain national independence.

Especially after the last territorial negotiation between the two countries, the French government has become more certain of its own ideas. Therefore, communication with the international community is still very important and can break some misunderstandings.

At least France has proved that East Africa has its own national interests and is not a yes-man for Germany like the Romanian royal family. This makes it worth France's wooing. After all, if Germany, Austria and East Africa form an alliance, the world pattern will probably change.

This is exactly what East Africa is worried about. If it gets too close to Germany and Austria, it will easily be targeted by the whole world, and two major camps may be formed in an instant.

So after the South African War, East Africa became a "scumbag" who only talked about money and not feelings, and East Africa was not afraid of offending Germany. After all, it was Germany that needed East Africa, not East Africa that needed Germany.

This is also the reason why France has become the third largest creditor country in East Africa. French capital is now also part of the economic introduction of various coastal cities in East Africa.

Of course, East Africa welcomes everyone who comes. Not to mention countries like France, which have a delicate relationship with East Africa, even Britain and Portugal, which fought a life-and-death battle with East Africa last time, are welcomed to invest in East Africa.

So in response to what Glade said, Ernst said: "East Africa and France are important economic partners. The two countries have common interests. However, we are afraid that it is difficult for us to intervene in the Maine incident. We can only express some support to Spain. After all, as a peace-loving country, we in East Africa do not want regional peace and stability to be destroyed."

Glade: "I'm afraid this is not enough. After all, the Maine incident is full of conspiracy..."

William also interrupted, "We in Spain are completely innocent. This was a long-planned incident by the US government..." William, an ambassador of a powerful country, actually ended up in trouble with East Africa. This made Ernst feel a little sad about what he said was a long-planned incident by the US government.

If it was in the previous life, the cause of the explosion of the Maine might be questionable. Now Ernst dares to say with certainty that this is a script "directed and acted" by the United States. After all, Ernst has completely misled history, and the time of the explosion of the Maine can accurately coincide with that of the previous life. This obviously cannot be explained by "accident". Even the time of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 changed significantly due to the influence of East Africa, and the time was advanced. This was already set in the Japanese invasion plan "Tanaka Memorial".

Therefore, according to Japan's national policy, the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 was bound to break out in the order of attacking Korea first and then the Far East. However, a low-probability event like the explosion of the Maine was completely different.

Combined with Ernst's experience in his previous life, he became more certain of his inference. After all, the United States was experienced in this area in its previous life, the most famous of which was the "Iraq" laundry detergent incident.

"Whether it's an accident or a conspiracy, the US government's attitude is unlikely to change. After all, the development of the US Navy over the years shows the ambition of the US government. If a war breaks out between your two countries, you will face the most severe test. Not only Cuba, but also other Spanish colonies and even the Philippines in Asia may be the targets of the Americans."

Ernst's words were a reminder to the Spanish government. As for whether Spain could eventually prevent a sneak attack by the United States on the Philippines, that was not something Ernst considered.

However, William was still moved by Ernst's attitude. At least East Africa was inclined towards Spain in this matter.

This is certain. Not to mention the royal relations between the two countries, just based on the fact that Spain had just sold Mindanao to East Africa, East Africa's attitude towards Spain would not be bad.

Ernst went on to say, "As for the conflict between the United States and the West, our attitude in East Africa is consistent with that of France. Ambassador Glade, I wonder if you in France have any specific plans."

East Africa certainly cannot do a job that offends people. As the second most powerful country in the world and the second most powerful country in Europe, it is naturally best for France to take the lead. East Africa can just stand on the side of France. Even if France wants to help Spain attack the United States, East Africa dares to lend a hand.

Of course, France would never do this. After all, France’s primary concern is Germany. It is impossible for it to completely offend the United States for the sake of Spain.

Therefore, France's last resort is definitely to "muddle through", which is also Spain's only choice. Now, except for France and East Africa, which is "idle" and focused on developing its economy, other countries do not support Spain.

Because of the conflict of interests in the Far East, Britain and Russia adopted a policy of wooing the United States. As a latecomer, Germany hoped that the United States would disrupt the original world colonial system and get a piece of the pie. Not to mention the Austro-Hungarian Empire. If it were the Mediterranean region, they might be able to have a say, but it would be too difficult for the Asia-Pacific and Caribbean regions.

So in this situation, France is Spain's only choice, and East Africa is just a bystander. However, the more France can convince East Africa to support its claims, the greater the room for maneuver will be for France.

Britain and France are unique among the great powers, especially in terms of international influence. If France takes a tough stance, perhaps... it would be impossible to stop the US actions, but it is still possible to help Spain reduce some losses.

(End of this chapter)