Chapter 295

Chapter 295: Denial

The smooth transaction between Van der Meer and Uris was facilitated by the favorable trading environment created by the East African government. They established a trade network on the banks of the Limpopo River, next to the East African garrison site, which deterred troublemakers and ensured security.

Tariffs were not imposed since most goods sold in East Africa were locally produced. The absence of taxes encouraged trade along the Limpopo River, even with the Boers and the Portuguese, as part of East Africa's plan to increase the popularity of the Matabele Plateau.

As Van der Meer and Uris were about to leave, Leon, the person in charge of the Bains Ferry trading market, approached them. He suggested that Van der Meer acquire larger ships for more cargo capacity to facilitate trade between East Africa and the Transvaal Republic.

Van der Meer agreed and expressed interest in cattle, sheep, and horses as goods. Leon informed him that Hechingen Bank would soon open a branch in the area, and the East African government would directly purchase livestock.

Van der Meer promised future cooperation and left for Transvaal, leaving Bains Ferry's trading market.

Leon discussed with Uris the possibility of Transvaal Republic's government intentionally limiting the market's success. Uris believed it was too early to draw conclusions, as the market needed time to develop, and Bains Ferry's infrastructure was still incomplete.

Meanwhile, in Mozambique, Governor Kabriel received news that East Africa had requested to borrow a port in Mozambique. He rejected the request without even meeting with East African diplomats, believing that East Africa posed no threat to the Kingdom of Portugal.

Governor Kabriel had recently taken office after the former governor was removed due to corruption and mismanagement. He focused on reorganizing the Mozambican army and improving military capabilities. Caboril personally led the campaign to reconquer the Kingdom of Malawi and successfully placed it under Mozambique's administration.

Caboril believed that the former governor's incompetence allowed East Africa to exploit vulnerabilities. While the former governor had his shortcomings, he had also achieved some practical outcomes, such as weakening the indigenous forces during the Malawi campaign.

This chapter concludes with Caboril acknowledging that the Mozambique army had improved under his leadership but that he had a lot of work ahead.

(Note: This is the end of this chapter.)