Chapter 221: Chapter 209: "Pocket" Plan
"Your Highness, the East African army has been integrated, and I believe we should annex the South next year."
Felix placed his teacup in the middle of the map, on the northern position of the upper Zambezi River.
"There’s no rush for this matter, since the year doesn’t have many months left. I think we should first make an agreement with Mwesili to have him relinquish the land east of the Luapula River. This way, East Africa can completely control all territories east of the upper Congo River. As for the south, we’ll have to wait at least until next year!" suggested Sivert.
Prince Constantine seemed not to hear the two men’s conversation. He bent down, examining the map closely, and suddenly frowned.
He pressed his thumb on the location marked as Malawi Kingdom on the map and said, "Why hasn’t this Malawi Kingdom been taken over? It seems wedged between Lake Upper Malawi and Eastern Katanga, and the land is quite extensive, much like the state of Prussian territories being divided by small countries before the Prussia and Austria war."
Since arriving in East Africa, Prince Constantine has broadened his perspective; the former North German states have now become little countries in his eyes, with any land less than a hundred thousand square kilometers not gaining his interest.
"Your Highness, this Malawi Kingdom was specifically instructed by His Highness the Prince not to be moved hastily. Look, to its southeast lies the Portuguese’s Mozambique, so its position is considered a buffer zone."
"This certainly benefits those natives too much. The country doesn’t look small on the map; I reckon we could make considerations for the north. Even if the southern land remains, it would still be sufficient as a buffer zone."
"You needn’t worry about this, Your Highness. Actually, this map is already quite outdated. Since East Africa began its expansion in the Tanganyika region, we have been gradually consuming this country’s land. During the development of Kalonga City in the Upper Malawi Lake district, we have interacted with tribal communities affiliated with this kingdom. Up to now, its northern part is already under our control, so there’s no need for concern."
"That reassures me. Mainly, these lands in East Africa look like a long snake on the map. If someone leveraged this protrusion for a surprise attack on the land corridor between Soron Lake (Lake Tanganyika) and Lake Malawi, it would cut East African territories in half."
Prince Constantine analyzed from a geopolitical standpoint, and as for who might launch an attack on East Africa from here? Well, it varies from person to person.
"Your Highness, when assessing the surrounding situation in East Africa, it’s better to use the sand table; it’s more intuitive."
"Sand table?"
"It’s promoted by His Highness the Prince, but it’s only implemented within East Africa’s central government and military to constantly record the territorial changes in East Africa and the geography and topography of Africa."
"Why didn’t you mention it to me before?"
"Mainly because the sand table is quite large, and the East African central government office has a room specially for it, with the rest being in military camps. Since the palace was newly built, it didn’t have one."
"Remember to prepare one for me after you return, to be placed right in the center of the conference hall."
"Yes, Your Highness!" replied Sivert.
"Alright, let’s continue discussing the East African expansion plan. Although this map is simple, it will suffice for now!"
Sivert and Felix remained silent, attentively listening to Prince Constantine’s words.
"By the way, what was the proposal of trading with Mwesili you mentioned earlier?"
Sivert said, "I was responsible for this matter earlier; Mwesili is the former lord of the Eastern Katanga region, originally the King of Yake Kingdom.
We acquired this land peacefully through negotiation, hence Mwesili’s regime wasn’t eradicated, and he now rules in the Luba Kingdom.
Luba Kingdom is an ancient African state. Historical records show its population during its peak reached over a million, with territories extending to Lake Tanganyika; by the 19th century, the country was fragmented.
Mwesili rose from a small chieftainship that splintered from it. Aside from Mwesili, East Africa has interactions with the Luba Kingdom too.
The part of the land we occupy from the northwest Mitumba Mountains to the Luapula River is from its fragmented tribal lands.
The Luba Kingdom’s main territory is west of the Luapula River, with the eastern part bordering us, where Mwesili is currently located.
Before your arrival in East Africa, His Highness the Prince’s plan was to take the Luapula River as the boundary, with everything east of it belonging to East Africa, thus gaining control of all territories east of the upper Congo River.
Therefore, our trade content with Mwesili is having him cross the Luapula River to continue ruling in the eastern part of the Luba Kingdom, and we would receive the land east of the Luapula River."
"So, this is the area along the riverbank! Doesn’t seem too large; indeed, it can be taken this year," said Prince Constantine. "By the way, Felix, what did you mean by taking the South earlier?"
"Your Highness, what I meant by the South actually refers to the southwest, exactly the region where I placed the cup earlier, primarily north of the Zambia River. You see, the upstream region of the Zambia River is very close to the Luapula River, just forming a large circle between the two rivers. My idea is to annex the land within this circle," Felix replied.
Felix’s proposal indeed fits his hawkish persona, as this circle practically encompasses most areas of Zambia and Katanga.
From the map alone, this land could almost match Tanzania’s area, directly bordering Zimbabwe in the south with river boundaries.
"What’s the story with this region?" asked Prince Constantine.
Felix responded, "Because its shape resembles a pocket, I call it the ’Pocket’ plan. This region is bordered by the Congo River and Zambezi River at the base, featuring a tropical savanna climate; especially, as you move south, the rainfall diminishes, making marches less difficult. Most importantly, similar to the former Tanganyika region, the southern part consists only of tribes without any official states, making it ideal for our soldiers’ operations."
(Picture)
"Isn’t there also the Kazembe Kingdom!" Sivert interjected.
"Kazembe Kingdom is no concern; they are too close to us. We could eliminate them in our first move south," Felix said.
"Could this provoke dissatisfaction from the Portuguese?" Sivert asked with slight unease.
"Though Kazembe has some Portuguese merchants, it’s not a Portuguese colony or influence area, so I see no issue," Felix said.
"Well said, I agree with this plan!" Prince Constantine stated, "First come, first served; after all, the Portuguese aren’t the rulers here. Maintaining the Malawi Kingdom is enough face-saving for them, and Mozambique alone isn’t the entire Portuguese Kingdom. If they want to protest, let them protest!"