Franz: "So, East Africa believes that by relying on your own strength alone, you can deal with Portugal, and even Britain and France behind her?"
The number of troops did not represent combat strength, especially in this era. The records of those populous powers—the Ottoman Empire, the Far East, and India—showed that human-wave tactics were not necessarily effective anymore. Of course, Prussia had also proven with facts that piling up troop numbers still had some use, but only on the premise that they were modernized forces.
"Your Majesty, in short, Portugal is certainly no match for East Africa. Naturally, we also hope that the Austro-Hungarian Empire can offer us some diplomatic support," the East African Ambassador said.
"And how do you want us to support you diplomatically?"
"We hope your country can exert a certain degree of pressure on Britain and France through diplomatic channels. The war can be fought, but they cannot dispatch their navies to support the Portuguese. If Britain and France do so, we will also take countermeasures."
That piqued Franz's interest. "You intend to counter two world-class great powers? What bargaining chips do you have in hand?"
The East African Ambassador said, "The British and French colonies at the Strait of Mandeb, Britain's Cape Colony, and France's colony in Madagascar—all three lie beside the Kingdom of East Africa. At any time, we have the ability to enter those three regions and make Britain and France suffer tremendous losses."
Franz's eyelids twitched wildly. Somewhat agitated, he said, "If you do that, I believe Britain and France will go mad. They will probably fight you to the death."
If East Africa's plan succeeded, it could instantly sever the connection between Europe and Asia. Unless Britain and France took the long way around through North America or traveled along