1960, Douala - Duchy of West Afrika
As Duke Hurst waited for his opposite to arrive from Rhodesia and also Algeria - he couldn't help but marvel at the change that had happened to the (German) West Afrikan Duchy. How twenty-eight years ago this place here - had been the site of numerous battles. Nowadays it has been developed rather nicely into a beauty - a town, that seemed plucked straight from either Bavaria or Berlin itself.
Many new buildings - built along the context of Historicism. Combining works of art from numerous great architects of the times and having added some more. Such happened, when you had a population from many different backgrounds. Like, in Nigeria - the old Telegraph Station had been turned into a War Museum - with many old guns, historical images and uniforms about the Kamerun Campaign and of the West Afrikan Civil War hanging within its halls. In addition, outside the War Museum stood an old statue - namely a marble statue of an Askari with a flag of the West Afrikan Duchy within its hand. A similar Museum had been constructed in Douala - although it wasn't as huge as the one in Port Hancourt.
Plus, it was one of the few places - which was commonly visited by people of both black and white heritage. As namely Douala, namely the city was mostly a white-majority location - one of the few places in West Afrika to be so. The latter part of the Duchy was dominated by the local population.
Ruling such a great state had been a challenge - but so far the Duke of West Afrika had managed. Starting out had been hard, as well as keeping the Duchy in the stable and prosperous state that it was. Once the initial system had been established to prevent conflict between the factions of Nigeria and Kamerun - did the Duchy started to develop into something resembling a nation.
He had made some tough choices - as always, namely Northern Nigeria had been 'returned' to the old Islamic states that had once occupied the region but had been destroyed by the British. Namely, he hadn't neither the manpower, loyalty nor will to attempt to subjugate them under the Duchy' rule. As such, he namely 'helped restore the legitimate states destroyed by British aggression'. Removing a head-ache from his lap and gaining a slightly 'grateful' ally.
Although with the discovery of many sources of mineral wealth - gold, iron, coal, rare metals, oil and gas - most such economic problems had a route to prosperity. All it required was getting one' hands dirty and starting to work on it. As such, Duke Hurst had spared no expense or rather - used the wealth smarter than most men in his position of power would have.
He had turned, what could be excused as 'infrastructure' in the colony into something productive. Namely the coastal regions were filled with theaters, museums, restaurants, summer homes and mansions of various shape and size. Also most importantly as well - beer halls. With some local-made brew, but mostly imported straight from the homeland - despite the cost of such a task. The coastal regions of West Afrika was his Neues Deutschland.
That in mind - Duke Hurst spared no expense, in turning it into an image - that would make even the Kaiser feel at home. Although, that didn't mean that the locals hadn't grown in prosperity. Namely the people of Duala and Yoruba had grown immensly. Many of their tribesmen had once been some of the Duke' most loyal Askari soldiers. In time - he had also awarded such individuals with the opportunity of becoming gentry - nobility of the lands and all the title and land ownerships that it granted.
Nowadays, the Duchy looked much different - the coast was dominated by the white minority, heavily cultured, wealthy and full of architecture. More in-land was the urban areas - whom were rather well-off as well - their quality of life, approaching that of the average Europeans in Germany or Spain - those places were usually dominated by the Yorubans or Dualas. The majority still lived in the rural countryside.
Namely, working away in the mines, farmlands or oil wells - their lives weren't as good, although they weren't as bad as when the British ruled. The rural areas had their own chiefs or councils, posessing autonomy from the state and lived as did their ancestors centuries ago. Governmental oversight was rare here - beyond the clerks, managers and truck drivers, whom managed the regional mining industry and also addressed any article of aid or complaint that the locals had to the government.
All in all - the Duchy was a marvel of German ingenuity - blacks and whites co-exisiting in 'relative' harmony and possessing a level of stability and prosperity that few states in the region had. Soon enough, the Duke was soon alerted by his Secretary - of his appointments. As thus, dressing into his best uniform - and soon making way to the main hall. As his opposite - would soon arrive in the Royal Palace of the Duchy. Namely a Palace - that had been built from the ground-up in the style of Neo-Baroque.
---
He did not have long to wait for his guest, the womans office was only a couple of blocks from his Palace in a small but tasteful baroque Mansion the Rhodesians has purchased twenty years before. It was the first foreign embassy to be opened in the city and relations between the two countries were close.
Helen Zille had been born, raised, and educated in Rhodesia. She had raised her family in the Duchy in fact, all four of he children had born and raised in Harcourt itself. Her eldest daughter was about to graduate high school and would be returning to Rhodesia in a month where she was to study at the University of Rhodsia.
Zille's car drew up in front of the Palace, the big Rolls Royce Engine giving way to a throaty grumble as she stepped out. Two SAS men had been assigned as escorts and they moved to flank her as she began her walk up the Palace steps. She was by no means a big woman, just over 5'8 with short red hair, green eyes, and a friendly smile that hid the steel in her soul. Her husband was a German Industrialist who had helped tame Kamerun. He had been killed four years earlier in one of the first automobile accidents in the Dutchy. She had inherited most of his wealth and his lands back in Germany. She had never been to Germany and she would never go. Her son, when he was of age, would inherit and he was welcome to it.
The Palace guards, big sons of German stock, were broader in the shoulders than her SAS escorts. They snapped a salute as she approached and she replied with a short nod and a smile as she swept into the Palace.
Inside the Palace, there were numerous servants and other staff mingling about as usual - among them were men and women of both white and black heritage. A young, black woman - wearing a modest dress soon bowed and showed them forward to the Main Hall.
As expected - it looked and smelled of a German Lord in here. If there was one thing, that could be said about the Duke - he was educated, smart, open-minded and a rather heavy-loyalist. In the early years - the Duke didn't want to do anything with Rhodesia, still assuming them as British puppets. Although, after several face-to-face meetings - things changed around rather quickly.
Nowadays, both the Duchy and Rhodesia trade rather openly - it was that secret dealing, of keeping like-minded allies close. Both Rhodesia and West Afrika were two sides of the same coin - as while Rhodesia kept a policy of segregation, then the Duchy kept a policy of privileged integration. But soon enough, their Guide opened the doors to a grand hall - decorated with various statues of eagles or rather the Imperial Eagle. In addition, it housed rather large-sized portraits of the five Kaisers of the German Empire. A special spot was also reserved for Otto von Bismarck as well - a bit gold-trimmed and better kept than the others.
A few Royal Guards were in the area - most of them white males of German heritage, but also a few black men as well. These likely were the famed Askari - or rather sons and grandsons of such. Soon enough, the main host arrived - namely Herzog Jaegar Hurst von Deutsche Westafrika.
The man was wearing a dress uniform, reserved for commissoned officers - a rather older variant of the Imperial German Army one as it was. Namely thirty years old, yet still looking as it was freshly made.
"Welcome, my guests. Frau Zille, an honor to see you again," spoke the Duke, approaching the woman, giving a respectful bow and shake of her hand.
"Thank you, your grace." She replied with a bow before shaking his hand. Her escort had stayed by the door, they had no fears of an attack here. Both spoke German and one shared a small joke with a German guardsman.
Helen loved German architecture but she had always noticed that the Germans thoughts they "were" Africa, whereas the Rhodesians "were of" Africa. Symantics maybe but it was a interesting distinction.
"I have to say your Grace, I am most intrigued by mention of a railway. It has been tried before and failed."
"Indeed, please have a seat," spoke Duke Hurst, offering the woman a seat - before taking a seat opposite of her. Namely it seemed, to be British tea served - a secret luxury that the Duke was famous for. Plus, he had a personal butler straight from England - whom brewed this just right - as British gentry drank in London.
Two cups had been prepared, as the Duke took a sip and soon started talking. "That may be the case - but this time, it is different," he spoke - soon showing the Ambassador a newspaper article. Namely detailing the rising tensions in the Congo.
"I have had people investigate this, and what they say - seems to be true. Congo is another colony that is wanting to achieve self-rulership. Although, they want neither Belgian or...interestingly, their own rule..." he explained. Namely the newspaper spoke of - Congo nationalists fighting against secessionist forces, and the usual white and black violence.
"This might be our chance...to help and be rewarded for our generosity," he spoke. As namely, Congo was lacking direction - as many factions couldn't seem to be agreeing on anything - as while Belgium was helping Katanga and South Kasai with their secession movement. Any ruler could see the opportunity in this.
Helen leaned back in her chair to sip the tea. It was delicious and rare here in the Duchy. Normally she had to bring it back from Rhodesia if she wanted any, they still maintained lively trade relations with the old country.
"Rhodesian foreign policy has always been to stay out of our neighbours business. We have worked hard to keep from interfering with anyting that goes on beyond out borders." She took another sip of the scalding tea and thought for a moment. "There is a chance the Rhodesian Volunteers could be sent if you needed fire power but they are completely detached from the Rhodesian Government. Did you have any specific plans yet?"
"I don't mean having direct military interference. Too messy and too de-stabilizing. The years have showed me the best kind of rulership - is a firm but gentle one," he spoke, managing to drink the tea without much issue. It tasted better than the sludge they had during the Great War, in the trenches and colder too.
"I meant in political and economic support. It is evident, the Congo nationalists haven't had much hand in nation-building. Plus Belgium doesn't seem very interested in helping them either. My idea is to offer to send some of our people to help the nationalists..." he stated.
Helen winced at the suggestion. Rhodesia had manahed a delicate balancing game when it came to getting involved with its neighbours. The Bush War had been against rebel factions, the war in Mozambique had been against Portgual, and, with another war looming, it would look bad for Rhodesia to abandon its policy of "Self defence". It was part of the reason the military was labelled a Security Force. Less threatening, even if they had all the latest things that went bang.
"Rhodesia is unlikely to send in any perssonel your Grace. For the same reasons I just mentioned. We won't commit weapons either. If you want weapons or "people", you will need to go above my head. Now money, that Rhodesia can do, clandestinely of course."
"What? Belgium is actively helping Katanga and South Kasai seceed. I assume, they didn't just send flowers and letters of 'good health'," humored Duke Hurst. "No, no. I am not planning on getting involved militarily. I advice, sending in, some advisors. To get the nationalists on their feet. If we succeed, then we gain a new ally. If we fail - then we can one-up on the Belgians - on how we helped slowly developing nation, while they turned their back on it."
"Either way, we'd win public support among the local populace," he stated.
"Rhodesia has no desire to be "one up" on Belgium." Helen replied. You could sure take the German out of the Empire, but you couldn't take the Empire out of the German. "Though your point is taken. The Congo is hardly what I would call well developed, as you indicate, we only need to get the Nationalists into a position where they can control the ports and railway."
"Indeed. It isn't something we have to commit entire resources for - a little bit of help can go a long way," spoke Hurst. "West Afrika is the prime image of that. An army of six-thousand men, changed the course of history..."
"How about we agree to send, a couple of advisors - both from Rhodesia and the Duchy? To probe and get a reading on what the situation is?" he offered as a compromise. He didn't want to alienate Rhodesia over the Belgians. It wouldn't hurt - if they went to take a peek at what was going on directly in the Congo' political hierarchy.
Helen, still sitting back in her chair, steepled her fingers as she thought. The Rhodesian Government might agree to a few "observers" at first. There was no harm in that. Rhodesia did have business interests in the Congo after all, though she doubted the locals knew that. To them, any white man was a Belgian. She leaned forward.
"Okay, your grace." I think I may be able to secure a small group of Rhodesian's to assist. It so happens our security forces have been looking for a man who was fleeing west from Rhodesia and is expected to arrive in the Congo. I am sure we could have some agents enter the region under the guise of Police Detectives who can look around while they try to find this man."
"I have also the perfect man to be send as an Observer. Have you heard of Oberstleutant Amadou Bankole von Douala?" he asked - the first name itself revealed a man of African heritage. As no white man, would carry such a name - perhaps a Frenchman, but one'd find the Duke dancing on the Royal Palace before promoting a Frenchman that high into a position of military authority.
"A rather educated Askari - intelligent and very patriotic," explained. "He might be the perfect man - to head this group."
"Head this group?" Helen asked the question as her eyes narrowed. "Your grace, Rhodesia will never allow the Dutchy to run any sort of clandestine operation with our men on board. That's kind of, how shall I say, our thing?"
"Oh...nonono. My mistake. I meant, that we have a joint-observer team. I assume, we wouldn't want to step on eachothers toes while we deal with our business with the Congo nationalists," he explained.
Namely, the Duke was honestly - up for having the Oberstleutant - as managing the staff between each other. Making sure the Rhodesia and the Duchy wouldn't start infighting - while they tried to gauge the ideals of the Congo nationalists.
The Duke seemed more open for an open, talkative and...manipulative role with the Congo nationals. While the Rhodesians were all cloak-and-daggers.
"Ah, I see. Well I am sure we can work something out. How many agents do you propose? We do actually have a criminal to hunt so I think we can safetly insert three of our own to poke around. The Belgians have allowed us to pursue criminals into their territory before.
"I am thinking of having Herr Bankole, a maximum of three Askari guards, about ten members of staff and...yes...Herr Erwin Theissig," he explained. Namely Herr Theissing was a rather well-educated political historian and a Professor at the Royal Douala Academy. If there was anybody in the Duchy whom could make hair or tails - about starting up a political system, it was him.
"I think that would work well." She stood. "I will of course have to check with my superiors but I don't see any problems. I will be in contact, your grace." Helen bowed, shook the Duke' hand, and turned for the door.
Soon eough Duke Hurst finished talking and discussing with his counterpart from Rhodesia - the man was soon informed, that the Ambassador from Algeria had arrived as well.
Outside, the Algerian Delegation soon saw the Royal Palace. Namely a master-piece of Neo-Baroque architecture. Although they might not know, what it might be made or why so. To them, it might remind them of some of the buildings in France.
Nevertheless - it wasn't overly empowering, and looked almost the size as some of the other, buildings and mansions that they passed on here. Despite the open flaunting of wealth - it seemed that the Duchy, was still better developed than some areas of Africa. That would likely be expected - as the Europeans, liked to live in luxury.
Soon enough, an Afrikan man came out to meet them - their guide as it was. While the Palace Guards, all white - bulky and tough looking Germans, gave them the eye and let them move on. It had the usual servants, appearance and items - that might've been found in the house of the elite class once ago in Algeria. They as well, soon arrived in the Main Hall - which had five pictures of various white males. Namely - if one knew their history, it would be the portraits of the five Kaisers of Germany. While the sixth portrait in the center of the Hall would be of Otto von Bismarck.
'These Germans sure like their homeland' Ana walked through the hall trying not to stare at the beauty of the place. Her companion Zaidi stared straight ahead and followed the man who had guided them.
Soon enough - they spotted their host. Namely Duke Hurst - a rather burly looking German, whom despite living in luxury, dressed modestly. Namely he wore the uniform of an Imperial Army Officer. Although the uniform was likely thirty years old - but still in pristine condition. With the Duke was also a man dressed in more - as one might say, poor clothing. Although Ana would soon realize by his posture and appearance - that it was a clergyman from the Fula people. It seemed that the Duke had prepared for this meeting well - and had asked for the service of an Islamic cleric.
"As-salamu alaykum," spoke Duke Hurst, welcoming Ana and her entourage in the traditional way. His Arabic was heavily broken, but one could understand the meaning.
Ana smiled politely at the attempt of a warm greeting but she shouldn't have expected any less from such a learned man. "Guten tag, Herzog Hurst,
waʿalaykumu as-salām." she replied. She extended her hand, acknowledging that the monarch waited for her to do so before extending his own hand. A handshake was important in Algeria, where one was cementing a relationship with the other person and showing concern for the other. In this situation, it signified the relationship between two countries and the start of a, hopefully, cordial and friendly alliance. At least, that's what she and the government back home hoped for.
They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. It was all standard affair and Zaidi seemed to appreciate the Duke's warm gesture. They followed the Duke to a long table in the middle of the Great Hall. She sat down first before anyone even touched a chair. It showed how much the Duke knew about Algerian culture, women were highly respected and put in a high pedestal within their culture. It was pleasant to be greeted as if they were at home, dealing with native politicians. The monarch sat opposite while Zaidi chose to stand close to her. It was only customary and there was an abnormal amount of those menacing guards in the room. A show of power, something she could respect.
After a moment of silence, Ana decided to start. "I must say Herzog Hurst, your Royal Palace is something to behold. The city of Douala is beautiful and the Palace blends in with the glory of this city." It was important in Algerian customs that one keep face and be mindful about keeping the other person's honour. It wouldn't do to simply jump into the politics.
"Thank you, Frau Ana Rachelle Dupond," he replied, as well as Ana sitting - the black Muslim also sat with them. The man' face was bearded and old - although he did carry the air of wisdom with him. It had been spoken how the Duke had namely in essence 'freed Northern Nigeria from the brutality of the British yoke'.
There had been also rumours how the Fulani people - and a successor of the Sokoto Caliphate had been allowed to be formed. It either spoke of the Duke' rather friendly terms with those of the Faith of Islam. Or rather - a politically minded individual, whom allowed a likely unwilling and un-controllable faction to simply leave and establish a nation on their own. In a region, that might have been hard to control anyway.
Although, how the Duke sat - was mostly that of calm and respect. It might have been a combination of both. Allowing a region to form into its own state - without trying to contain the headache of having Islam in a mostly Christian-dominated region. Still, the Duke showed an open-mindedness that was rarely found in some other European figureheads - and at least made a show of respect, to honor their customs.
Either way - it meant, that establishing trade agreements with the Duchy might be a bit easier than expected. Provided the 'Islamic Advisor' to the Duke didn't take any offense to her religion' belief. Although, from what she might remember the Fulani people were mostly pastoralists. So as long as, it wouldn't turn to a talk of the various sects and beliefs they'd be fine.
"Do what to I owe the honor of your visit?" he asked, slowly getting down to the business at hand. Germans were known for their punctuality at least.
The ambassador minced her words for a second, thinking carefully. "The people of Algeria wanted to extend a friendly hand towards their neighbours and we were obliged to listen. The Duchy, although only a decade older than ourselves, has prospered under your rule Herzog Hurst." She didn't add her own feelings about the people of German West Afrika having only one ruler for over two decades. It was unusual and frowned upon within the Algerian democracy but she was more open to other country's governments compared to the normal Algerian.
"The government of Algeria want to form a defensive alliance between our two strong countries. We wish for friendly relations with our brothers in Africa as for too long, we Algerians have been isolation." This was, for the most part, very true of the current Algerian foreign relations.
Which was almost nonexistent in Africa. They had extensive trade agreements with their neighbours and some countries across the Mediterranean but had little to do with their southern neighbours outside of the Arab world. That's what made this position so exciting, to extend a hand of friendship to a country dissimilar to their own. One could point out the monarchiacal government and frown upon it but it was better to be making friends than enemies. Especially with the situation back home which the Duke would perhaps be aware of. "Would the Duchy of German West Afrika agree to such an alliance, Herzog Hurst?"
"Of course," replied Duke Hurst - in a rather jovial tone at that. "Although, some certain agreements might need to be hashed out in more detail."
It seemed that the Duke had likely heard of their situation - but as it was, if Ana knew correctly. The Duke was also an avid loyalist - something she might respect as well. Despite having ruled for two decades - the Duke had remained a loyal servant of his homeland. There might not be any newspaper article of the Duke being anything but that.
It contrasted rather differently - from the educated gentry, whom spoke with an air finess and respect - yet didn't assume that his way of thinking was superior to her own. Some might call the Duchy a class/tribal based Apartheid - but it was leaps better than what was happening in South Africa.
"To go into details - what agreements do you have in mind?" he asked, also listening to some words from the Fulani cleric, nodding then returning to face Ana.
Ana took a small breath to collect herself and continued. "As you would know, my homeland is not the most hospitable of places. We struggle, for the lack of a better word, to keep our nation's food up to a nominal level." Here came the difficult part of this meeting. The Duchy and Algeria had similar resources with oil being the main export of both economies. This was a somewhat difficult agreement to pitch. "We would be honoured to receive grain, crops and other varieties of food in exchange for anything Algeria can offer your fair country. We have similar exports, as you would already be aware of, so we will offer anything you would to find of value, to an extent of course. My word is an extension of the President's."
The Duke of West Afrika went silent at that request, as he soon turned into the image of a thinking scholar. His finger rubbing his mustache as he thought and thought about the situation before he spoke up.
"Tell me this. Your trade is mostly in petroleum exports. I assume you trade with the European powers? Is the German Empire one of them?" he asked, pulling likely a wild request that not even Ana might have expected.
The ambassador stopped herself from raising an eyebrow. Indeed, it was a strange request. "Yes of course, we trade with many European powers including the German Empire. The Mediterranean teems with Algerian cargo ships." She was slightly worried. She was unsure of what the Duchy was going to request after such an unexpected inquiry and she was already on the edge of her seat due to how delicate the situation already was.
The Duke smiled then in reply - as he soon leaned forward and explained his request. Namely he wanted the Algerians to lower their price on the petroleum that they sold to the German Empire. In exchange, the Duke was up and willing to selling food to the Algerians - at BELOW the current market-value.
It might be almost typical and humorous. Leave it to the Duke - to pull a national request from his pocket. All the Algerians needed to do, was sell petroleum cheaper only to the Germans - while being able to buy cheap food from the Duchy. As the Duke explained the balance in detail - even Ana could understand, that the deficit was rather minimal - favoring the Duchy. Which could easily be balanced-out, by adding a few cents to the oil they sold to the other European powers.
"Forgive an old man, for being slightly sentimental. But I have plans on visiting my homeland this year - and I have thought about, what kind of gift should I bring..." he explained, his reason.
She couldn't resist it and raised an eyebrow. This was indeed a very strange, if endearing, request. Cheaping up the oil they sent for cheaper food which their people needed? This was almost suspiciously easier than she expected but she was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. But she was also willing to sweeten the deal, eager to please and ready to make friends. "Herzog Hurst, that is a wonderful offer. If we were to lower the price of natural gas for the German Empire in exchange for cross training between our two militaries, would this sweeten the deal even further?"
It was a step closer towards establishing a military alliance with the Duchy and such a show of force might scare the Tradies and Old Republican forces. They would become less bold in their attacks if Algeria was so openly allying with another powerful African country. It was the perfect opportunity to hit two birds with one stone. She would gladly sacrifice possibly looking weak to stop the dishonourable bastards.
"Of course Frau Ana. This would be most splendid agreement," replied Duke Hurst, with more excitement than he'd normally show. Likely cause, the Algerians were fighting the French - and likely because, as a German - he disliked the French with a passion, that might rival her own.
"I might even have a Platoon or even Company to send to aid you against the Old Republicans," he explained. A many German veteran or sons of those - whom wouldn't mind the opportunity for a second swing at the old remnants, that had plagued the Kaiser for decades. "Then it is settled then. I shall have my Secretary start preparing up some agreements."
He then went ahead and got some tea - namely British tea, from the to toast with. Despite the fact that alcohol would be more appropriate - although, as likely respecting her culture and deciding not to go with alcohol, that she might not be allowed to drink. As he present one warm cup to her and one for himself.
"That would be most appreciated Herzog Hurst." Ana took the cup in her hands and took a sip. She could always appreciate a nice cup of tea.
---
They exchanged more pleasantries and discussed the future between their two countries. Eventually, the ambassador and her "secretary" had to politely excuse themselves from his presence. The ride back to the embassy felt nice, the talks ended way better than she expected. She glanced at her companion with a small smile on her face.
"It went better than you expected, didn't it Zaidi?" she asked, reverting to more familiar Arabic.
The man just nodded mutely, as if deep in thought. She just rolled her eyes and as the cab went to a stop, left in silence.
"Stubborn men." She muttered, leaving him behind to go to her quarters.
"Zaidi" watched the ambassador leave him alone in the embassy, leaving to her quarters. He sat down on his desk and waited in eerie silence. The telephone rang on his desk and he picked up.
"The talks went better than expected sir." He replied to the muted voice on the phone using a far deeper voice.
"The new ambassador seems... inexperienced in dealing with monarchs but she coped. She is definitely more open minded than the Old Guard we had to put down. Today was successful but we will need to prepare men for military exercises with foreign troops. The ambassador sweetened the deal beyond parameters but it ends up as our win." There were a few more words exchanged between the two mysterious figures onthe phone before it was put down. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He hoped that he wouldn't need to clean house in the Duchy again. Ana Rochelle Dupond was quite a formidable, loyal woman.
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