Chapter 418 A knife behind the back

  Chatted privately for a while

   Commissioner Fulham and Colonel Payette reached an agreement that this so-called Queensland should have the strength to expand in Africa, similar to a small third-rate European country like Belgium or the Netherlands, nothing more.

  As the dominion of Australia under the British Empire, this may be a probing balloon released by London, or the so-called Earl of Queensland’s heads-up, in order to win the attention of European powers and increase his own weight to make a rash decision.

  Or simply as they said, it is a logistics supply base for ocean trade routes, but it just happens to be established in a sensitive location.

   anyway

  The mission of the observation team has been completed. They will learn more about the information, social structure, and deployment of troops in all aspects of Xi'an Town, and then provide a detailed report without personal subjective opinions, so as not to affect the decision of the Suez Canal Board of Directors and Paris.

  From a normal situation, this matter should end here.

  After all, the Suez Canal and Djibouti are completely separated by the Red Sea. The distance between the two is 2,200 kilometers, and the French can't reach here no matter how long they are.

  They can express concern, they can express concern, but nothing more.

   Commissioner Fulham has more contact with the upper echelons of politics, as far as he knows;

  So far, France has no plan to colonize the Horn of East Africa. As for the arrogant remarks that put the whole of Africa under the rule of the French tricolor flag, just listen to it as a joke. It is neither realistic nor possible.

  Africa, this vast and primitive land, with the Berlin Conference being prepared as a watershed, in the future, in addition to the footprints of the old colonists such as Britain, France, Portugal and the West, it is bound to usher in more expeditions colonized by powerful countries from outside the region, which will become very lively.

  Faced with this situation, France is not reconciled and has nothing to do.

It is like a dog that guards the house. It treats Africa as its own bag. Hears any wind and grass, he will run out to take a look and bark twice. If there is an outsider invading, he will bully it. I guess it can't be easily intimidated, and it can only be left to him.

  Until the start of the welcome dinner, local officials and the military gathered in Xi'an town. The real boss, Lieutenant Colonel Lei Xiaopeng, did not show up either. It is said that he went on a military mission and needs to be kept secret.

  Well, there is no shortage of wine, women and food at the welcome dinner, which does not affect the carnival of the French navy officers.

  Until the third afternoon

  Lieutenant Colonel Lei Xiaopeng led a team of cavalry to arrive late, and then there was another enthusiastic banquet, with very little information.

  Although the host is a little uncomfortable with his identity, these are all small things. The French were surprised to find that Xi'an is really a good place.

The merchandise here is full of everything, in addition to Australian specialties and European products, there are even silk tea and porcelain from the Far East, all kinds of drinks, and there are unique Arabian girls. It is a paradise for people to linger. .

After traveling at sea for more than 20 days, I felt bad. After arriving in Xi'an, the officers and soldiers on the light cruiser indulged in carnival days and spent almost every franc on their bodies. Only then did they bring large bags and small bags of goods. Leave.

   Colonel Payette had to admit that on the long route from the Suez Canal to India, the town of Xi’an is indeed an excellent logistics supply point.

  He even planned to write a special report after he went back, listing this place as a fixed berthing point between the Indochina Peninsula and Europe for French ships, adding fresh fruits, vegetables and food, and don’t let the boys rest and relax.

at the same time

  What they didn't know was that a fast luxury cruise ship "Golden Age" from Queensland was slowly passing through the Suez Canal.

  In the luxurious cabin on the top floor of the cruise ship

Li Fushou’s slender figure stood on the carpet, looking at the blue Mediterranean sea in the distance through the glass. It was an ocean full of infinite vitality, which nourishes the prosperous marine civilization and nourishes a large number of people fighting the ocean along the coast. The Europa countries are the core area of ​​the world in today's era.

  I would rather own a manor in Europe than own a city in Australia and a country in Africa. This is a common idea among Europeans.

  Going overseas to develop is the down-and-coming nobles, bankrupt businessmen or handicraftsmen, or criminals and poor people who can't mix in the country. Who wants to leave their homes and go overseas if they have the patience?

"Master, can we go to Paris this time?" Nicole came over and stretched out two white and clean arms to gently wrap Li Fushou's waist, and gently put her head on his back, speaking softly. Asked.

"I will go. My people bought a luxurious mansion on the Champs Elysées. After they arrive in Paris, they can live in. We can hold a cocktail party here to entertain guests. You can go to jewelry stores and galleries and take your favorites. Buy it all."

  Li Fushou patted her hand dozingly. Nicole was smart and informed, and would not put everything she wanted on her face like the stupid Fiona, so Li Fushou took her by her side and traveled through Europe.

  The trip was relatively hurried. It originated from a letter from Lord Gulliver, Minister of the Colony. This is a confidential letter on the future of Madagascar. The specifics are not elaborated, but only an interview.

   Even if he didn't say it, Li Fushou could guess something.

  It is now the end of October 1884, and the Berlin Conference of Europe scheduled for November 15th is about to be held. The whole of Europe is now a big diplomatic field. Envoys from various countries are constantly shuttled and carried out high-density diplomatic activities.

  Especially Paris and Berlin are on the cusp of the storm, luxurious dance parties and banquets are almost sleepless all night, extremely luxurious.

  Judge based on current information;

   Britain and France, the two old colonial powers, will be collectively boycotted by European countries and the United States and other participating countries at this Berlin Conference. This has become a common reality that has to be spit out a lot of African interests.

Among them, the King Leopold I of Belgium jumped up and down very hard, the Emperor William I of Germany contributed to the flames, and the Dutch royal family, which was severely suppressed by the British, was suffering from Spain, Norway, Italy, Austria-Hungary, the United States, Greece, Bulgaria, etc. Countries stand in line, and their guns are unanimously aimed at the two old colonial powers of Britain and France.

  If nothing unexpected happens

The demands of King Leopold I of Belgium in the Congo River Basin will be unanimously supported by European countries, except for France, and the United Kingdom is happy to see it, so as to form the "Free State of Congo" belonging to the Kingdom of Belgium, bringing this area to 1.9 million. The vast land of square kilometers was included in the private domain of Leopold I.

  In this big situation

The United Kingdom, which has the most African colonies, will surely become the target of public criticism. It is estimated that it is inevitable to be slobbered. It is also inevitable to fight alone. It is also inevitable to be diplomatically isolated by European countries. After all, it is too unique and arouses public outrage.

Professor Glen Johnson’s actions in Europe have been fruitful. He has reached a transfer agreement with the Kingdom of Portugal and accepted the Guinea region at a price of £75,000. In fact, they are two settlements established by the Portuguese, with a combined population of less than 2500. people.

  Queensland's sudden emergence in the Horn of East Africa occupied the Somalia region, and did not cause a strong reaction from various countries, which gave an inspiration to Lord Gulliver, Minister of the Colony;

  Since this is the case, can this model be promoted in other regions?

  The colonial plan of the British Empire in Africa is the 2c plan. It is hoped to establish colonies from southern Africa in the south, to Egypt in the north, and across Africa from the north to the south.

  In this huge plan, neither Guinea in the corner of West Africa, the barren Somalia in the Horn of East Africa, or Madagascar far from the African continent are not planned.

  Rather than cheap other Europeans, it is better to cheap your own horse Queensland.

  This may be the true thoughts of Lord Gulliver, Minister of the Colony Department, he knows clearly;

  The Earl of Queensland, who is far away in Australia, is an ambitious person with a fascinating interest in the land, and he will definitely get the bait.

  Although Madagascar was not included in the British colonial plan, it did not mean that the British had forgotten the fourth largest island in the world, but they were simply powerless.

   Although the Royal Navy of the British Empire is strong, the army is just like that. Compared with France, the traditional army power in Europe, it is not even weaker.

  Therefore, in the land battle, it is common to eat deflated frequently.

  The British have also taken a look at Madagascar for a long time, but because of various factors and the restraint of France, they have not succeeded, which has become a historical issue.

  As early as the early nineteenth century

  That is when Jiaqing cut off court treacherous ministers and Shenmanmen, Madagascar was already an indigenous kingdom.

  The king of Madagascar, Radama I, fought around and unified the island of Madagascar, which was divided by the princes.

  But in the coastal areas, there are also several strongholds established by the French.

  For example, Fort Dofan, also called Tauranaru, occupied in 1642, is just southeast of Falklands.

  France used Fort Dofan as a springboard to enter the Falkland Islands and eroded Madagascar step by step. This made the United Kingdom envy and hate, and all kinds of saliva flowed, even saying that the interests should be balanced, and France cannot monopolize the Falkland Islands.

  The British provided weapons and ammunition to Madagascar, so that the horse army had the power to prevent the French army from landing on the island and completely occupy the area. Anyway, it was all kinds of drags and knives that made this British guy slippery.

   Madagascar has produced a strong woman, this is Ranavarona I, the queen of Radama I.

  In 1828 AD, after her husband died suddenly, she took the scepter and told the French: As far as the dream is, let the old lady get away!

  Of course, France was very angry about this and sent troops to invade Falklands the following year.

  As a result, he was beaten with a bruised nose and swollen face, which was ordered by King La Navalona I;

   Search for all French missionaries on Falklands, and close all brainwashing schools opened by foreign devils on Falklands. She knew that the enemy's most terrifying weapon was not guns, but ideological indoctrination. With an order, the people of the Falkland Islands were not allowed to believe in European religions, otherwise they were severely punished.

  The harsh attitude towards foreign missionaries also provokes the British.

  Faced with the tough attitude of the Kingdom of Madagascar, before the first Opium War, the British and French allied forces invaded in partnership and tried to blast open the door of the Kingdom of Madagascar.

  It’s the day, and strong ships blasted the Tamatave port in Madagascar. As a result, the Anglo-French coalition forces were caught in the vast ocean of Malaysian people as soon as they landed. After repeated fierce battles, they had to retreat in embarrassment. The plan to colonize Madagascar ended in vain.

It is precisely because of this historical origin that Lord Gulliver, Minister of Colony, thought of using the power of Queenslanders. If the other party is also interested in Madagascar, then the United Kingdom can take advantage of it without a single shot, and Queensland’s territory is equal to that of the United Kingdom. The site is no different.

  If the invasion suffers losses, it is also Mr. Earl of Queensland's business, and London also has no losses.

  If it succeeds, then Mauritius, not far from the UK, can obtain a wealth of indigenous labor, while the French-occupied Reunion Island can only look anxious.

  If you can slap the Frenchman in the back, why not do it?

  (End of this chapter)