After sending Ferdinand away, Franz summoned his advisers to discuss whether it was necessary to form an alliance with East Africa. To be safe, however, he decided to consult the Austrian government first.
"Why should we ally ourselves with an African country? Are we supposed to let the other countries of the European continent laugh at us? Frankly, even allying with heathens in the Middle East would sound far better than joining hands with an African nation—Egypt excepted," said the Austrian Prime Minister.
"But as far as I know, the Hechingen Royal Family of the Kingdom of East Africa wields considerable influence within the Empire. They control important sectors of the imperial economy, such as railways, steel, grain, and electricity. These are vital to the stability of the kingdom's economy and regime. If we do not choose East Africa, it will inevitably affect our relationship with the Hechingen Royal Family. Moreover, we have tangible interests in East Africa ourselves, so there is a foundation for cooperation," the Finance Minister retorted.
"If the Empire joined forces with East Africa, I believe the Hungarian government would be the first to object!" the Prime Minister said.
Franz agreed. "That is precisely why I called you here. Cooperation with East Africa truly does harm our international reputation. And if we form an alliance with East Africa, will it affect the international situation? Might Britain, France, and the others misjudge us as having designs on Africa and react excessively?"
"Your Majesty, that will certainly happen. Every move the Empire makes is watched by other countries. If we show interest in East Africa, it will likely trigger a chain reaction. The problem is that we neither intend nor are capable of colonizing Africa. That runs completely contrary to our broader direction of taking the European continent