East Africa's calculations did not escape the United States' notice. The two nations began showing off their respective prowess across Latin America, while the Caribbean Sea region became the foremost frontier of their contest.
With the United States' "care," conflicts had already been unceasing throughout the Caribbean Sea region. East Africa's entry only made the local situation suddenly tense, and amid this tension, East Africa focused its arrangements on Venezuela.
Maracaibo.
December 3, 1914.
Not long after the East African Fleet paid a visit to Venezuela, the East African government swiftly made relevant arrangements locally.
Dehr, the manager of the East African Oil Company's Venezuelan branch, was complaining bitterly to consulate personnel.
East Africa had established a consulate solely in Maracaibo City, Venezuela. It was also one of only two diplomatic missions within Venezuela.
Manager Dehr said, "Consul Will, we have already reached an agreement with the local Teres Family and purchased a great deal of land around Lake Maracaibo for an oil refinery. But although the deal has been made, the local gangsters have been making trouble for us."
"They show up to cause trouble whenever our construction sites begin work. We originally promised them some protection money, but they have gone back on their word."
"The obstruction from the local gangs has kept the project from progressing for a long time. This is an enormous loss for us, so we can only come to the consulate for help."
Will asked, "Have you not negotiated with the Maracaibo City Government before?"
Dehr said indignantly, "The Maracaibo City Government is a bunch of wine sacks and rice bags who take money but do no work. Not only have they refused to act, they keep passing the buck among themselves. Otherwise, I would not have come to ask you for help..."