The contest with the British Government over the details naturally had to be handled by professional teams. Ernst could not reach some sort of deal with Britain based on his personal likes and dislikes, and since East African economy was involved, the reshaping of the diplomatic landscape had to be approached with caution.
Of course, British Ambassador Russell thought the same way. Although he had promised Ernst certain broad conditions, the London government would make the final decision. He too had to prepare for the negotiations ahead.
With each harboring ulterior motives, the two hurriedly concluded this meeting. Ernst convened government officials for a conference, while Russell had to return and report to London.
Inside the conference room.
Ernst shared the details of his conversation with Russell with the government officials.
"Britain really does intend to exchange certain interests with us this time. What are your views on the British Government's proposal?" Ernst asked.
Svit was the first to speak. "Britain's demands are nothing more than restricting the expansion of our navy. From this, it is clear that Britain is now facing tremendous pressure at sea. But we certainly cannot restrict the development of our own navy. After all, while every other country in the world is engaged in a naval arms race, if we were to go against the current, the final result would inevitably leave us at a disadvantage in international competition."
Military power was the foundation of East Africa's independence, while the East African Navy had already endured a long period of suppression. It had fallen far behind the other world powers in scale, now lagging well behind Britain, the United States, Germany, and France. Even Japan, that East Asian minor country in the eyes of the East African government, had a navy that surpassed East