UK Consent

Constantine's resolute affirmation not only reassured Banning but also set into motion a series of strategic considerations. He had earlier tasked Banning with the challenge of finding a viable way to convince countries to permit the Congolese Commission to collect tariffs. While the Congolese Commission was on the verge of gaining management power, the intricacies of convincing nations to endorse tariff collection presented a formidable obstacle.

Originally conceived as an opportunistic maneuver, the acquisition of management rights for Congo by the Congolese Commission had been a collective plan to establish Congo as a buffer zone, averting potential conflicts between central African countries. The French, drawn in by the right of first refusal granted by Constantine, had reluctantly embraced the plan. However, if the British government were to lend its approval, the ensuing protests from Germany and France could escalate significantly.

What made the proposition appealing to participating nations was the assurance that under the management of the Congolese Committee, free trade would prevail. This not only safeguarded countries from hefty upfront investment costs but also promised direct access to a ready-made market. However, the sudden announcement by the Congolese Committee about tariff collection had the potential to sour attitudes towards the plan, as it meant drawing money directly from the pockets of merchants across various countries.

Banning, displaying astuteness, proposed a phased approach to address this challenge. He suggested that the tariff issue should be deferred until after the Congolese Committee had firmly established its management power. This strategic delay aimed to ensure that if countries resisted tariff agreements, the committee would still have control over the region, minimizing the impact on its ability to manage effectively.

As discussions on countermeasures continued between Constantine and Banning, Prime Minister Gladstone re-entered the room. Eagerly awaiting Gladstone's response, Constantine queried the British leader about his stance.

"Today, you are the victor," Gladstone declared, acknowledging the brilliance of Constantine's plan. He marveled at the unexpected success of a privately sponsored organization challenging the French and Portuguese for control over the Congo Valley. Gladstone, known for his wry British humor, commended Constantine for his diplomatic finesse and even humorously suggested that he consider a position in the British Foreign Office.

Upon receiving Gladstone's confirmation of the British government's agreement for the Congolese Committee to manage Congo, Constantine expressed gratitude for the support. He highlighted the mutually beneficial nature of the arrangement, emphasizing that the industry and commerce of all participating nations would gain access to a vast African market. Moreover, Africans would benefit from the acceptance of civilization on a global scale, marking an end to their primitive state of ignorance.

With the affirmative reply secured, Constantine and Banning parted ways. Banning continued his involvement in the ongoing Berlin Conference, engaging in detailed negotiations with representatives from various countries. Meanwhile, Constantine redirected his efforts to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, where he had a scheduled meeting with King Leopold II.

Upon arrival in Brussels, they attended a performance at the prestigious Brussels Theatre. Leopold, more interested in the dancer Cleo than the matters at hand, engaged Constantine in a brief discussion about her talents. The seemingly unrelated conversation took a turn when Leopold cryptically hinted at Constantine's involvement in the Cameron expedition.

Eager to delve into the specifics of the matter, Constantine questioned Leopold's motives for inviting him. Leopold, maintaining an air of mystery, merely stated that Constantine was well aware of his own actions. The reference to the Cameron expedition, which had sought assistance from Constantine to fend off potential challenges in Congo, left him intrigued about Leopold's knowledge of his recent endeavors.