As time passed, the war developed step by step in an increasingly unfavorable direction for the Russian government. The Port Arthur navy had long been unable to break out of the encirclement, and under such circumstances, Russia began preparing for the worst.
On one hand, the Russian government began readying the Baltic Fleet and putting it on a war footing. On the other, it began lobbying the countries along the route—especially Britain, Germany, France, and East Africa—seeking their support and ensuring that the sea lanes remained open.
February 26, 1894.
Maxim, Russia's Ambassador to East Africa, once again approached the East African government.
"Russia hopes that East Africa will support our country in this round of war by opening either Luanda or Cabinda, the two West Coast ports, as well as East Coast ports capable of providing relevant services. We also hope for services such as rest and resupply for our warships in Pontianak in the Nanyang region and the Southern Ryukyu Islands in the Far East at any time during the war."
East Africa's geographic position and colonial distribution could perfectly resolve the Russian navy's current expeditionary predicament, especially through the Southern Ryukyu Islands and Lanfang Overseas Province.
Once the Russian warship group crossed the Strait of Malacca, Lanfang Overseas Province would be one of the main locations capable of providing services to the Russian Navy in the region, unless countries such as France were willing to do so instead.
The position of the Southern Ryukyu Islands was even more exquisite. With the Far East Empire having clearly declared neutrality, if the Southern Ryukyu Islands could be used by the Russian Navy in the naval battlefield between Japan and Russia, they could absolutely play a major role. Of course, East Africa would certainly never agree to it.
"Ambassador Maxim,