Complex Situation In Africa
Constantine and his squire, Schmidt, hastily bid farewell to Sanford and embarked on their return journey to Europe aboard a cruise line from New York to London.
Feeling perturbed due to the European countries' rivalry over the Congo River, Constantine stood on the ship's side, the cold sea breeze blowing against him as he gazed at the vast ocean, attempting to calm his complex emotions.
Based on information from Greek ambassadors in London, Paris, and Berlin, major countries had shifted their positions regarding the Congo River Basin. The basin, with its intricate network of rivers and ample rainfall, boasted the second-highest water flow globally, trailing only the Amazon River in Brazil.
Tributaries such as the Ubangi, Sanga, Lukuga, Luama, Elila, Ulindi, Lowa, and Kasai Rivers formed a dense and interconnected network, constituting a natural inland waterway shipping network, except for sections blocked by waterfalls.
Situated strategically in the heart of Africa, the Republic of Congo's location held significant importance. Control over this land could provide a substantial advantage in the competition for European colonies, enabling a country to advance from all sides, gradually gaining dominance.
The Congo River Basin bordered French North Africa, French West Africa to the south, British-controlled Sudan, Egypt, Uganda to the northeast, Tanzania to the east, Rhodesia (Zambia and Zimbabwe) and South Africa to the south, and Portuguese-controlled Angola to the southwest.
The strategic significance of its location was evident. While most African colonies established strongholds near coastal ports and deep inland rivers for trade, ownership disputes persisted.
Controlling the mouth of the Congo River became pivotal in the competition for the region. Without it, the Congo would be landlocked, severely limiting its value in terms of resources and business opportunities.
As Constantine faced the sea, he contemplated the decisions and responses of the Congolese Committee. The cruise ship sailed eastward, and after eight days, Constantine and Schmidt arrived in Athens, docking at the port of Piraeus.
In the Tatoi Palace in the north of Athens, King George and Queen Olga welcomed their son Constantine back after his two-year study trip in Germany. Concerned about the challenges faced by the Congo Committee, King George inquired about Constantine's ability to handle the situation.
Constantine reassured his parents, explaining the complexities of the disputes between France, Portugal, and Britain over the Congo. He emphasized that the heightened interest and competition could work in favor of the Congo River Commission.
Queen Olga, however, expressed concern about the ongoing high expenses, questioning the sustainability of such spending by the royal family. Constantine assured her that the situation would soon come to a head, as the parties involved were on the verge of a showdown.
Fast-forwarding to January 1884, Banning, who had returned from southern Africa, reported on the continent's developments to Constantine at the Tatoi Palace. Banning's three-month journey revealed successful efforts in establishing strongholds and a joint protection treaty along the Congo River, cutting off French access from Brazzaville.
Banning also shared news of significant gold deposits discovered in South Africa, specifically in the Transvaal. The influx of people seeking wealth had sparked a frenzy in Western Europe.
Constantine, relieved by the progress in Africa, recognized the legal advantage gained by the Congolese Commission and prepared for diplomatic negotiations. The discovery of gold in South Africa added a new dimension to the region's dynamics, intensifying the rush for riches and migration from Western Europe.