After the senior figures in Mostar City jointly discussed preparations for war, putting the plan into action was not difficult. Although this was Austro-Hungarian Empire territory, the Neretva River downstream valley region had practically been infiltrated by East Africa until it was riddled with holes.
From the regional government to the courts, customs, military, and other vital institutions, large numbers of East Africans could be found everywhere. East Africa also controlled the local economic lifeline. It could be said that those attending this meeting constituted the shadow government of the Neretva River downstream valley region—the Second Government.
Thus, beginning in 1911, with the support of this shadow government, East Africa began systematically transporting weapons, grain, and other war supplies into the Neretva River downstream valley region. At the farms and factories controlled by Hechingen, it also carried out propaganda and military training among the locals.
Mostar City Textile Factory.
The head of the propaganda department, Laitard, was giving the textile workers at the factory a safety education class. However, what he spoke about today was somewhat different.
Standing before the workers, Laitard said, "Today, we will not discuss ordinary safety education. Instead, we will discuss how to protect our homeland in a state of war. Europe, especially the Balkan Peninsula where we are located, is a global hotspot for conflict. Extreme nationalist elements frequently carry out terrorist activities across the Balkan Peninsula, including sabotage and assassinations. This is something we must remain vigilant against, and the workers of our factory must resist such ideas."
"Mr. Laitard, those ethnic extremists are too far removed from us. We are only insignificant workers. How could we possibly run into such trouble?" a worker questioned.
"No, the truth is precisely the opposite," Laitard said. "This is closely tied to our lives and work.