Chapter 399

Chapter 399: Still Have to Invite Dad

A series of wars initiated by the East African Kingdom in South Africa had a significant impact on the Cape Town Colony from May to July. Due to communication delays, Cape Town received news of these events more than ten days later. It was only in July that they learned about the destruction of Basutoland and the Zulu Kingdom.

Inside the Cape Colonial Parliament:

Speaker Ang Olson addressed the assembly, informing them of the recent developments in South Africa. He mentioned that remnants of the Zulu Kingdom had sought refuge in Natal Colony, claiming their king had been killed, and their nation was defeated. Additionally, the Germans had attacked Basutoland and captured its capital, Maseru. Many Basutoran people were forced to flee south.

Ang Olson continued by discussing the proposal to establish a responsible cabinet in Cape Town, but the assembly voted unanimously against it, given the dire situation caused by the East African Kingdom's invasion.

Governor Henry Buckley then took the floor to provide more information about the East African Kingdom's actions in South Africa. He highlighted the East African Kingdom's swift and aggressive expansion, including the occupation of the Transvaal Republic, Grigualand, Swaziland, the Zulu Kingdom, and Basutoland. The MPs were shocked by the speed of these conquests.

Buckley acknowledged the lack of prior information about the East African Kingdom, expressing regret that their intelligence had been insufficient. He traced the origin of the East African Kingdom back to the former East African colony established by the Germans in the Tanganyika region. The East African Kingdom had also expanded by taking over part of the Sultanate of Zanzibar's territory.

Members of parliament raised concerns about the East African Kingdom's military strength, its potential ambitions for the Cape Colony, and how to respond if an attack occurred.

Buckley estimated the East African Kingdom's forces in South Africa to be between 30,000 and 50,000 troops. This revelation shocked the MPs, as the local population of Cape Town was far smaller in comparison.

One MP questioned why the East African Kingdom had appeared in South Africa so suddenly and why Cape Town had not been adequately informed about it. Another pointed out that they were learning about the situation from the Portuguese, which was embarrassing.

Buckley explained that the Germans had launched an aggressive campaign to expand their territory, resulting in the rapid conquest of several sovereign states in South Africa. He emphasized the need for vigilance and urged MPs not to panic but to be cautious of the East African Kingdom's potential ambitions.

He also mentioned the Republic of Grigoria's uncertain status and the proximity of the Kimberley masonry mines, which could pose a threat. However, he assured the assembly that the British Empire was powerful and could protect its interests.

The MPs expressed frustration over their limited means to counter the Germans and the insufficient military resources. They also questioned the allocation of taxes. Buckley mentioned the shortage of troops and suggested that mercenaries might be needed to bolster the defense.

In the end, the discussion didn't lead to a clear solution, and it was apparent that Cape Town would need to seek assistance from London to address the threat posed by the East African Kingdom.

(End of this chapter)