War Palace and Knee Pillow, Austria’s Destiny

"Where is the Slave Castle?" Friedrich had a certain knowledge of the major ports around the world, and even had defense maps of the major ports.

"Bagamoyo," the adjutant replied.

If the other party is talking about the Port of Bagamoyo, he will definitely react immediately. It is the second largest port in East Africa after Mombasa (located in Kenya and was once a Portuguese colony. After changing hands several times, it is now in the hands of the Omanis. ).

But the name Prisoner's Castle was more popular among businessmen.

"Isn't that a free trade port between the Portuguese and the Dutch?" Friedrich asked a little strangely. After all, the Portuguese and the British wear the same pants.

Moreover, the so-called free trade port is a mixed bag of dragons and snakes, with multiple forces entangled in it. Coupled with the slave trade center, taking it down will definitely arouse the dissatisfaction of the great powers.

"Yes." The adjutant replied affirmatively.

"Let him go!"

"yes!"

Friedrich and Franz had seen too many clowns like this together. They always thought that they were the chosen one and wanted nothing but nothing, and they did not weigh their own weight.

"Wait!" Franz stopped the adjutant at this time.

"Franz, you don't really plan to attack Bagamoyo Port! If you want to engage in slave trade, it is the largest slave trade center in East Africa. But if you just want a colony, there is really no need.

Now the expansion of the Austrian Empire has reached its limit, and the government has no money to invest in development. I know you are rich, but Bagamoyo is too far away from the Austrian mainland and difficult to rule. "

Friedrich knew very well that he would not touch his nephew, whether he was selling slaves or selling drugs. Therefore, Friedrich kept warning his officers along the way not to touch slaves and illegal goods to avoid getting into trouble.

Tanzania has strong indigenous alliances in the interior and also faces threats from the Saiyid dynasty of Oman to the north.

At this time, the interior of Tanzania was still blank to Europeans, but the Portuguese had indeed been besieged by tens of thousands of indigenous people here, so it was generally believed that there was a powerful empire or tribal alliance within it.

"Uncle Friedrich, Bagamoyo is the second largest port in East Africa after Mombasa. If it can be captured, it will be very beneficial to the empire's future expansion.

And I think the benefits far outweigh the costs. After all, Mombasa is already in the Arab sphere of influence. If we let the passing businessmen choose, I think they would definitely be more willing to do business with us. "

"Okay! The adjutant asked the guy to come up and said we wanted to see him."

Friedrich certainly hoped that the Austrian Empire would have an important supply point in East Africa, not to mention that since Franz took the initiative, he would definitely have a way to solve the problem.

In fact, since the British announced a complete ban on the African slave trade, Tanzania's status plummeted, and it was not until 1886 that it became a German colony.

On the contrary, Kenya in the north was favored by the British because of its excellent ports, and they continued to invest in it. Even today, it is still one of the largest ports in East Africa.

Franz, a later generation, naturally understood the importance of colonies, and Austria did need a supply station in East Africa. After all, this was still the age of the ocean.

Of course, in the long run, if Austria can take the lead in completing its expedition to the Congo, it is entirely possible to establish a huge colony across Africa. There will be massive opportunities and challenges, of course, this is just a later story.

From the current point of view, as long as it does not cause too bad international impact, the early deployment in Tanzania is definitely a sure-profit deal.

At this time, the Dutch businessman had already arrived on the deck after a simple search. He was a little surprised at first when he saw Franz and Friedrich, but he still took off his hat and saluted respectfully.

"Hello, gentlemen. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Benny Erbin. I was a slave trader."

"Once?" This aroused Friedrich's curiosity. In fact, it is not difficult to understand. The slave trade in Africa was banned, and slave traders naturally lost their jobs.

"I'm unemployed," Benny Urbin said with a self-deprecating laugh.

"Then why do you think you can be the governor of Bagamoyo? It does not belong to the Austrian Empire, but is a free trade port." Franz asked with interest, and he specifically emphasized the free trade port. word.

The so-called free trade ports at this time are similar to the free cities in history. They are geographical units that have a seemingly independent status and are actually protected by a certain country or controlled by an organization.

"I can help you legally obtain the rights to the coast near Bagamoyo." Benny Erbin said very confidently.

Friedrich immediately became interested and was interrupted by Franz just as he was about to speak.

"Then why don't you go find someone else."

What Franz said was very hurtful, but when it comes to national interests, I have to ask more questions. Moreover, there are at least four to five countries that have the ability to operate Bagamoyo, including in fact their home country, the Netherlands, which has to be suspicious.

"They don't believe me," Benny Erbin replied helplessly.

"Then why do you think we will believe you? Mr. Benny." Franz's tone was calm.

"Here is a letter of authorization and a request for help from the seven major tribes in the coastal areas of Tanzania: Sangu, Bena, Hehe, Ngoni, Chaga, Pal, Chigua, and the Weijin Kingdom."

"Can I take a look?" Franz was curious. He had never heard of an indigenous kingdom doing this.

But when Franz saw the letter, he was not so indifferent. Friedrich was curious about Franz's expression, so he came over.

"Isn't that Dutch?" Friedrich blurted out.

"Can the fakery be more professional? You should at least let an African ghostwrite it, so that the credibility can be higher." Friedrich swore that this was the stupidest liar he had ever seen.

“It’s Dutch, yes, but it’s the only language that all Tanzanian chiefs can understand. I promise to God that everything I say is true.

The Arab army had already reached the vicinity of Bagamoyo, and the Portuguese fled the city after plundering all the valuables in the city. "

Benny Erbin looked confident, but Friedrich still didn't believe his words, and if the Arab army really reached the vicinity of Bagamoyo, it would prove that the city had changed hands.

It is obviously not a wise move to start a war with the Said Dynasty of Oman. If the British get involved again, I am afraid that the Austrian Empire will not be able to survive this time.

"It is impossible for the Austrian Empire to take a trip into these troubled waters. Do you think war is child's play?"

Franz couldn't tell whether the matter was true or false, but even if it was true, if the Austrian Empire seized an East African port at the cost of war with the Oman Empire, the price would still be too high.

"We fight the war, what do you think?" Benny Erbin showed his last trump card.