Dismantling the Native Tribes

Marquess Wellesley smiled calmly. "Well, that is very much in keeping with Ottoman habits."

Lord Talmos said anxiously, "But, my lord, your North African strategy calls for a pincer attack on Tunisia. If the Ottomans do nothing..."

The British Minister of Foreign Affairs nodded. "Not just them. The Moroccans will most likely sit back and watch as well, since they can receive our aid either way."

"How can that be allowed?!"

Marquess Wellesley gestured for him to remain calm. "We still have that Benjiul fellow. Oh, he is a Pasha now.

"You need only give him the word, and he will be delighted to go plunder Tunisia."

Benjiul had only succeeded in staging his coup with substantial British assistance. That included money, weapons, and British personnel.

Now, at least thirty percent of Benjiul's inner circle consisted of Tripoli officers backed by the British. They could exert enormous influence over his decisions.

At the same time, plundering Tunisia was politically correct among the Ottomans-it was a "rebel province" that had openly betrayed the Sultan and had to be severely punished-so the soldiers under Benjiul could hardly object either. In truth, they were usually quite willing to do anything that could make them rich.

Marquess Wellesley continued, "If the French do nothing about it, the Algerians will also be encouraged to plunder Tunisia from the west. After all, they used to do that often."

Lord Talmos understood at once. "If the French attack the Tripoli army, the Moroccans will have to launch a diversionary attack on Tunisia under their agreement with us. Benjiul will only need to retreat to Tripoli and hold the city."

Listening to the sound of the heavy sails unfurling overhead, Marquess Wellesley walked over to the porthole and watched the seawater slowly recede behind them. "I actually hope