Negotiations With France

In July 1884, amidst mounting disputes over the Congo River Basin, which remained unresolved due to a lack of consensus among countries, Otto von Bismarck took a diplomatic initiative. He appealed to major nations to convene an international conference, aiming to address the prevailing differences and contradictions in African affairs.

Upon receiving this news, Constantine and Schmidt traveled to Paris, the capital of France. They arrived at the Martinon House on Rue Valhene in the 7th arrondissement, the official residence of the French Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Banning headed to Berlin, participating as an observer in formal meetings conducted by the Congolese Commission.

The Martinon House, serving as the Prime Minister's office, became the setting for crucial negotiations. Schmidt negotiated with the guards at the gate, eventually gaining access for Constantine. In the study of the Matillon Palace, they found French Prime Minister Jules Ferry awaiting them.

Jules, donned in a brown suit with a distinctive cerebral demeanor and thick sideburns, engaged in discussions with the two visitors at the reception table. Constantine, getting straight to the point, expressed his purpose: to reach an agreement on the Congo River Basin issue.

Jules responded arrogantly, asserting France's undisputed sovereignty over Equatorial Africa, particularly the Congo River. The historical disputes between French adventurer Brazzaville and Stanley's team were downplayed in Jules's eyes. He believed the Congolese Committee, with limited financial resources, posed no real threat to the powerful French government-backed Brazzaville Adventure Team.

However, Constantine highlighted a critical aspect: Portugal's proposal claiming ownership of the Congo, backed by British support. Jules, momentarily taken aback, faced the prospect of an alliance between two historical rivals.

Constantine urged unity against the Anglo-Portuguese proposition, emphasizing the need to prevent unchecked British influence in Africa. He proposed that the Congolese Commission manage the Congo River Basin, with France having priority rights if the Commission couldn't sustain its financial obligations.

This proposal was not a mere strategy but a sincere move, considering the substantial financial burden involved in acquiring African colonies. Developing overseas colonies in Africa demanded significant expenses, including salaries for adventure team members, logistics, and the construction of vital infrastructure like a railway line for transportation.

Constantine knew that despite the potential mineral wealth in the Congo, generating income to cover costs posed challenges. The plan, therefore, required collaboration with France to ensure the success of the Congolese Commission.

Jules, after initial reluctance, saw the advantages of Constantine's proposal. The ready-made Congolese Committee could develop Congo at a certain scale, avoiding the sacrifice of French lives and providing a buffer period for sensitive operations.

After some deliberation, Jules excused himself to discuss the matter with others. An hour later, he returned with a positive response, agreeing to Constantine's terms. France would have priority to purchase the Congo River Basin if the Congolese Commission could no longer manage it.

With this agreement in place, Constantine signed a historic pact with the French government, expanding the scope of French influence in Africa. The diplomatic maneuver showcased the complexity of colonial negotiations and the strategic thinking of key players in the geopolitical chessboard of the late 19th century.