Emergency

"Does Congo have oil?" Constantine carefully recalled any information about Congo Oil, but it seemed unfamiliar to him.

This left only two possibilities – either there was no oil or it was of poor quality, which would give Congo a less favorable reputation.

As a giant trust company monopolizing the U.S. oil market, Standard Oil, despite leading in petroleum refining and sales, was relatively weak in crude oil extraction, accounting for only 25% of crude oil extraction.

As the head of Standard Oil, it appeared that Rockefeller had decided to focus efforts on crude oil extraction.

"Mr. Rockefeller, I haven't heard any rumors about Congo Oil. If your company is interested, you can investigate the Congo area. I can facilitate cooperation with the employees of the Congo Commission in Africa," Constantine suggested.

"You are very generous, I..."

Just as the two were conversing, Banning hurried over with a strange expression, interrupting their discussion.

Constantine nodded apologetically to Rockefeller and then went to a quiet place with Banning.

"What's the matter, Banning?" Constantine asked, observing the unusual sweat on Banning's forehead.

Banning, usually calm and calculating, had an unexpected lapse today, indicating the importance of the matter.

"Your Excellency the Duke, I just received news from the Greek office in New York that the French and Portuguese have discovered our plan. They have blocked the mouth of the Congo River and will no longer allow ships flying the Congo Commission's gold star blue flag to enter," Banning reported.

"What?" Constantine was surprised by this development.

While Constantine anticipated that the intentions of the Congolese Committee would be understood by the French and Portuguese colonists sooner or later, he didn't expect exposure so soon.

Stanley's numerous commercial strongholds and hundreds of entrusted rule treaties were vulnerable to discovery by the French and Portuguese along the Congo River.

"What's the specific situation?" Constantine inquired hastily.

"Captain Brut's soldiers had an armed confrontation with the French and Portuguese colonial military personnel. The two sides refused to yield and engaged in frequent harassment," Banning explained.

"No major escalation? That's a relief," Constantine said, relieved that the conflict in Africa had not escalated further.

Constantine paced back and forth, contemplating countermeasures for the current situation.

After a while, he turned to Banning and said, "We will act separately. I will stay in the United States awaiting news from the U.S. government, and you will return to Congo immediately."

"You are familiar with the Congo River situation and have been leading the activities of the Congolese Committee. At this critical time, your return to Congo is necessary."

"Don't worry too much. Upon your arrival in Congo, stabilize the team's morale and provide encouragement. The French are rapidly expanding in Africa, but it's unlikely they will respond too aggressively to the Congolese committee. So, there's no need to fear the French," Constantine instructed.

In the early and mid-19th century, European colonial powers focused on colonies that could generate significant profits directly, such as Britain's India and France's Indochina. These regions had mature civilizations and dense populations.

Africa, on the other hand, was considered barren, desolate, and inhospitable to Europeans, except for strategically important locations. It wasn't until the 1880s that technical conditions matured, prompting European countries to enter Africa aggressively.

"Of course, as long as the French don't overstep, tolerate as much as possible," Constantine added.

The strength of each country in the African colonies was relatively weak, limited by poor transportation and communication conditions. The sudden military confrontation in Africa had caught Constantine off guard, but it was still under control.

"As soon as I hear from the Americans, I will return to Europe," Constantine said as Banning rushed off.

Constantine then approached Sanford. "There's an emergency in Africa, Sanford. Can you use your network to expedite the Congo Commission?" he asked.

Although President Chester had mentioned a two-day consideration period, Constantine no longer intended to spend too much time in the United States. Changes in the situation required his prompt return to Europe.

"That can be arranged, but it requires your consent to display some Congolese interests," Sanford stated, seemingly indifferent.

"I've heard there are millions of elephants in the Congo. I can allocate some areas for elephant hunting teams," Constantine suggested.

"No problem. In a country where everything revolves around money, as long as there are interests, privileges can be granted," Sanford reassured.

Constantine frowned, contemplating the current situation. He sighed, acknowledging that a small country like Greece, unable to control the situation, could only decide the next steps by observing further developments.