The Central Railway ran through the Matabele Plateau, hidden away in East Africa's rear. Though the Portuguese knew that East Africa had railways, they never imagined East Africa would extend them into the interior.
This touched upon another of their blind spots. A railway without passenger or freight traffic lost money, and given Africa's population density and level of economic development, the payback period would be far too long. Or rather, no one was willing to believe that an African country possessed such strength.
"Once we cut East Africa in two at the waist and Portugal takes the central portion of its territory, we can declare a ceasefire. Portugal alone will still find it difficult to contend with East Africa." Clement understood the wisdom of stopping while ahead, but even such an outcome was unacceptable to East Africa.
If East Africa had known what the French were thinking, it would surely have answered, Dream on! You think you can divide up our territory just because you say so? And it was the central portion of East Africa's territory, at that. Even if land were ceded and reparations paid, it would start from the edges. Who had ever seen a country sliced clean through the middle with one stroke?
Moreover, Clement was being somewhat wishful. The French had grown accustomed to swaggering through their colonies, thinking East Africa was also a soft persimmon like the French colonies. Fortunately, France was merely playing the role of a petty man whispering slander this time. If it truly joined in, East Africa would definitely smash a mouthful of its rotten teeth.
Schönbrunn Palace.
"Your Majesty, this morning British diplomats informed us that war would break out between Portugal and East Africa, and told us not to interfere lightly."
"Hmm!" Franz said angrily. "Since