The tacit understanding between East Africa and the United States quickly drew the attention of Britain, France, and other countries—or rather, their dissatisfaction. Britain, in particular, could not help feeling suspicious.
Launching coups on the same day and then living in peace with each other—no matter how one looked at it, they had clearly "coordinated in advance." Britain had originally intended to wait and see, but the expected clash between the two countries over Hawaii never materialized, further confirming the suspicions of Britain and France.
"We strongly suspect that East Africa and the United States reached some sort of understanding before the coup. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence? Coups occurred in both countries on the same day. They clearly made thorough plans to carve up the Hawaiian Islands." Wilson, the British Minister to the Kingdom of Hawaii, said to Cabuseel, the French Minister on the islands.
Cabuseel thought the same. He said, "Now that the matter has become a foregone conclusion, we must lodge a protest with the American government and demand that it accommodate the interests of our two countries."
Why not approach East Africa? The reason was simple. East Africa held only Kauai, while the United States held a string of islands. Even if they approached East Africa, East Africa could not possibly surrender Kauai. At least in negotiations with the United States, the other islands could be used as bargaining chips.
Very soon, the American government received inquiries from Britain and France. Japan was in fact equally indignant, but naturally, Japan had yet to earn any standing in international affairs. It was not among the ranks of the great powers and could not, like Britain and France, straightforwardly demand benefits from the United States.
Thus, President Cleveland soon encountered the trouble he had anticipated.