Chapter 400

Chapter 400: Non-aggression Pact

Amid the wait to send a message to London, East Africa was far from idle. Their focus shifted to the consolidation of their newly acquired territories in South Africa. Ernst, the ruler of East Africa, recognized the importance of securing their gains and establishing stability in the region.

Ernst gathered his advisors to strategize: "Our first and foremost priority is to stabilize the situation in the Orange Free State. We must prevent any unrealistic ambitions from taking root there. Following this war, the Orange Free State stands as the most potent power in South Africa after Cape Town. To ensure our safety, we should dispatch negotiators to define boundaries and convey our goodwill towards the Orange Free State."

However, the situation surrounding Grigualand remained rather complex. Ernst sought counsel on how to approach this matter: "Regarding Grigualand, we should emphasize its relatively low strategic value to us. We must tread carefully to avoid agitating the British. We won't consider withdrawing from Grigualand, but we can enhance our military presence near Kimberley to apply subtle pressure on Cape Town. This approach may incentivize them to seek compromise."

One of Ernst's advisors voiced concerns about potential backlash from the British, but Ernst remained resolute: "We should not be overly concerned about British reactions. They lack the capability to harm our interests significantly. Our immediate focus is not on expanding further but rather on solidifying our current territorial gains. We'll await the dust to settle before contemplating further maneuvers."

Ernst acknowledged the danger of overreaching, recognizing that their ambitious goals could potentially lead to disaster. The vast expanse of South Africa and the logistical challenges posed by its size were concerns, but there was a silver lining. The ongoing repair of the telegraph lines in Zimbabwe promised to enhance communication and command within the region.

Meanwhile, in Bloemfontein, the government of the Orange Free State had initially contemplated sending military aid to Transvaal. However, the rapid and overwhelming victories achieved by East Africa in South Africa forced a change of heart. The Orange Free State initiated an emergency mobilization but refrained from direct involvement.

In this context, Sweet, a special envoy from East Africa, arrived in Bloemfontein to engage with President Brand. Brand was naturally curious about East Africa's motives in South Africa.

Sweet candidly explained: "Our primary concern centers on the British threat. We are not actively considering the actions of other forces in South Africa, including the Orange Free State. Nevertheless, no nation can simply overlook provocations, such as the Transvaal Republic's support for indigenous forces in rebellion against us."

The conversation soon shifted to the possibility of a non-aggression treaty between East Africa and the Orange Free State. Brand, however, remained skeptical about East Africa's true intentions.

Sweet offered reassurance: "We have no genuine interest in the Orange Free State. Rather, we view your nation as a buffer state to safeguard our interests against potential Cape Colony aggression. As long as you remain independent and do not surrender to Cape Town, we harbor no hostile intentions."

Brand expressed his concerns about East Africa's ulterior motives. Sweet cited the transfer of Boer refugees into the Orange Free State as evidence that East Africa had no real interest in the region. He argued that the refugees' presence in the Orange Free State would strengthen their position against East Africa.

Sweet further emphasized the military superiority of East Africa and reiterated their lack of interest in the Orange Free State, casting it purely as a buffer state that held nothing of value to them.

In the end, Brand agreed to sign a "Mutual Non-Aggression Treaty" with East Africa, binding both parties for a period of thirty years. The treaty's primary aim was to guarantee the Orange Free State's independent status and maintain impartiality between East Africa and the Cape Colony.

(End of this chapter)