Palau Island was what had been the Republic of Palau in the previous life, located between the Philippines and the United States' Guam base.
After the end of the First World War in the previous life, Palau Island fell into Japan's hands because of Germany's defeat. But this time, Japan clearly would not get to pick up that bargain.
After taking over Palau Island from Germany, East Africa attached considerable importance to it. The island primarily served as a maritime bridge between East Africa's Mindanao colony and its New Guinea colony, with no other large islands within several thousand kilometers of the surrounding waters.
At the same time, the island was also the final backup route for East Africa to reach the Far East. However, aside from military use, East Africa likely had few ships that would choose to reach the Far East by this route.
Keppel said, "Although the many strategic locations East Africa wants this time may seem important, to our country they are rather like chicken ribs—tasteless to eat, yet a pity to throw away."
"After all, the Netherlands has declined to a certain extent. We have no need to consider global strategy, so selling these islands to East Africa is not impossible."
Pointing at the map, he said, "For a small country like ours, our fate is at any moment in the hands of great powers such as Britain, France, Germany, and East Africa."
"If we truly offend any one of them, then even if we occupy these strategic locations, they can easily sever our ties with the colonies, or cut off our trade routes."
Keppel was not exaggerating in the slightest. Britain, France, and Germany stood right beside the Netherlands, and the Netherlands simply could not decide its own fate. Otherwise, it would not have