London, The United Kingdom
“Foreign Secretary, the envoys from the Hanseatic League are here to see you. Shall I send them in?”
“Ah yes, thank you Adam.”
Palmerston smiled warmly as the Hanseatic ambassadors entered the room, “Welcome my good gentlemen. If you would please be seated, refreshments will be provided shortly.”
Three Hanseatic representatives entered the room accordingly, wearing formal attire for the occasion. Taking a seat, the oldest-looking man, Arnold began to speak.
“Greetings, Lord Palmerston, thank you for having us here in London. The British Empire and the Hanseatic Cities have had good ties for many years now, and I’m glad our governments have finally decided to strengthen our trade ties,” He said. He was not too old or feeble, yet had wrinkles upon his Germanic face. Some younger folk from his home Lubeck would even say his choice of attire was out of date.
“Oh, I am happy to oblige ambassador. As trading nations, we have a better understanding of each other’s situations than most, and I am sure that we can draft something that will leave both our parties satisfied.”
A man entered the room with a service of tea and biscuits, “Will the lords take their tea with sugar?”
“Oh we’re no Lords, just simple men from the League. But yes, we would like sugar, and other goodies if you have any,” Peter remarked. Though they restrained it, his fellow representatives cringed lightly at his unprofessionalism. Peter was a chubby figure, and were it not specially made for his body size, his suit’s buttons would’ve fired off like bullets at uncivilized Africans.
“Now, what shall we discuss first? I believe this conference is important for determining the future of both of our nations, and one thing we both share in common is our power in regards to trade. I do believe it would be best for us to relax tariffs, as to increase trade. We shouldn’t regard each other as enemies in the world of trade, after all,” Arnold suggested. As a businessman, of course he was the one to discuss trade.
“Indeed you are correct there ambassador, and I have been authorized to go forth with the relaxation of tariffs on our part if indeed this is reciprocated,” Palmerston took a contemplative sip from his teacup, then continued, “It would be most advantageous for both of our nations for this cooperation to be undertaken. I assume that this will be applicable to all ports that the League maintains, correct?”
“Of course, without a doubt we would want this to work both ways. We are all civilized Europeans here, no need for any unequal treaties against one other,” Arnold joked, before taking a sip of tea.
“How would this affect our overseas possessions? Langsamland and our African colonies are open for trade, but we should ask what your plans are for your own colonies in our relationship,” Erwin asked. He was the most concerned of the colonial empire of the three, hailing from Bremen, the “home” of the Hanseatic colonial endeavors.
Palmerston leaned forward, his expression amiable, “Britain maintains that all territories of the nation are one and the same. Her ports would all be subject to the same relaxations that you would see in the home isles.”
“Understood. Our own colonies are directly administered from Europe, though that may change soon. However, we do know that your possessions on the Indian mainland are run by a company. How would that affect this?” Erwin asked.
“While I can guarantee that Ceylon, which is British territory, will follow our lead, I am afraid that I cannot speak completely freely on the rest of the Carnatic region. It is after all Company territory.”
“That is fair enough, we could perhaps discuss that with the company on a later day. Now, what will the British say in regards to some sort of alliance? Not a fully unconditional one, as to avoid one of us from getting into an undesirable situation. But rather, an official commitment to work together in regards to protecting our colonies and economic interests across the globe, while working to keep the North Sea safe and the South Atlantic clear of those participating in the Transatlantic slave trade. We could also work together in regards to military technology and tactics, if you so please,” Erwin added.
“Britain would respond favorably to a treaty of alliance with the League, with conditions of our own of course. While we will help our friends on the continent we cannot be too caught in the web of German affairs.”
The foreign secretary furrowed his brow in discomfort, “Pardon me ambassadors, but the times do require me to ask a rather awkward question.”
The German representatives looked a bit uncomfortable as well, an “awkward question” from the predominant naval power is always something to be concerned about.
“What would that be….?” Peter asked.
“As you all know, Germany, and much of Europe for that matter, is currently gripped in unrest and revolution. That chaos has lead to the balance being upset, and while I do hope that it is resolved peacefully, there are other elements that may seek to take advantage of this unrest.”
Palmerston met the gaze of each of the ambassadors before continuing, “Gentlemen, I must enquire, should a certain party prove to be… belligerent… would the Hanseatic League stand beside Britain if military confrontation was possible? In this case, the problematic party being the French.”
The three looked surprised at this question. It was something that the leaders of the Hanseatic League had seen coming, though they were surprised the British had brought it up. After loudly whispering for a few moments, they were not used to the act, they assembled their thoughts.
“The German people and the French are at odds, and have been so for a long time. Our worst fear is a second Napoleon, though we find it unlikely one will rise again, France could certainly strike the German Confederation. Even if they do not strike the German land first, to strike them before they strike us would be a good move. While you would need to discuss any war on the continent with our fellow Confederation members, you would have our backing a potential naval war against them,” Erwin said confidently, “that is, provided we get our fair share of the spoils of war. But, that is not something to worry about for now.”
Palmerston smiled with slight amusement, “I was not aware that the League was so keen on war good gentlemen. I would put your minds at ease though, Britain does not intend a preemptive strike on France at this time. Merely we seek to ensure that Britain’s friends are by her side should the worst come to pass. France has already shown a recent want for violence, shown by her adventures in Italy and the Levant, and it is the concern of the British government that this aggressive development in her nature will not abate. We cannot have, as you say, another Napoleon to ravage the continent.”
The foreign minister reclined back into his chair, clasping his hands together, “I would propose that we have a definitive defensive alliance at the least prepared for European affairs. This should certainly stifle France’s confidence at sea, hopefully on the mainland as well I might add.”
“French containment is certainly a good position to take in the world stage. We must remain vigilant and maintain our dominance at sea as to protect our trade interests and our homes. Now, what would you think of influencing areas of the world, especially in the New World, outside of French influence, before they can? Venezuela certainly seems friendly enough to us, and we could also benefit from ties to the newly independent states in the Americas,” Erwin continued. He was getting a bit excited, unlike his counterparts he had an interest in international diplomacy, and liked being part of important negotiations.
“I would say that we should exercise some caution in that venture, gentlemen. While the Americas have much to offer, we must take care not to antagonize the powers there. Fusang and the American Union come to mind. Any direct intervention could cause either of the two to drift towards France, which would compromise our ability to influence the area,” Palmerston paused before continuing, “I would recommend that we wait for the Venezuelans to approach us on their own. If their amiability is to be trusted, I imagine our own cooperation will entice them to the table as well.”
“Historically….we have not seen that as a problem in regards to some of our plans, but admittedly, you have more experience in the New World than we do. We shall consider this policy in the New World, then. If Venezuela approaches us, which we can only hope they do, they would be a valuable ally for making sure our territories there are not preyed upon,” Erwin noted. An idealist and a nationalist, reading of the “David and Goliath” scenarios of Hanseatic history will ignoring their many historic failures made Erwin overconfident in regards to foreign affairs.
“Yes, well we hopefully have enough assets at our disposals to ensure that we are capable of handling that issue on our own as well. Diplomatic capital however, I will grant, should not be overlooked. If Venezuela should seek affiliation and amiability with us, I see no reason why Britain or the League should shy her away”
“That would sound ideal. We’ll wait and see on affairs regarding the Americas, especially Venezuela, but for now, this sounds like it has been all wrapped up. Thank you for having us, Lord Palmerston. We’ll oversee a formalized version of our agreements in a treaty then be on our way,” Erwin said courteously.
“Feel free to linger in London if you wish gentlemen, I am sure the delights of Hamburg, Bremen and Lubeck might wait an extra day or so. In any case, I had promised lunch in my previous missive if I do recall. I have reservations set for us all at an absolutely delightful restaurant on the river. The view of the Thames is spectacular,” Palmerston rose from his seat and extended his hand to each of the ambassadors, “So, shall we?”
The trio lightly laughed.
“We could never say no to the beautiful city of London, the home cities can wait,” Peter responded with haste. His companions didn’t mind, so they let their more politically challenged associate speak for them. With that, they departed for their adventure in London.
Southern Africa
As tensions between Britain and France grew and revolutionary fervor began to spread in Germany, it seemed that many people had forgotten about the world beyond the European continent. The peninsula of peninsulas was the main focus on the many headlines in the newspapers, with strategists and military veterans discussing how an Anglo-French War might play out. Or with people discussing other issues of foreign policy, such as how the sick man of Europe may be put out of his misery soon. Though many nations in Europe had colonies abroad, they were often irrelevant afternotes, strips of territory that were neglected by their overlords. But, the Hanseatic League, much like the British, were pluricontinetalistic, and had an obsession with their small colonial empire and the influence of Western civilization.
Headlines in Hamburg, Lubeck, and Bremen plus many colonial cities spread the announcement that the Hanseatic Missionary Society, which had set up many small forts and churches across southern Africa, would be expanding its influence towards southwestern Africa, around Walvis Bay. The missionary society, currently headed by Adolf Schmitt, prides itself on spreading the Lutheran faith in southern Africa and introducing native Africans to German civilization. They have a decades long history in the region, especially in the Hanseatic colony of Walvis Bay, and have been supported by the government in the hopes that they could be used to influence the tribes surrounding the region.
The missionary society has begun organizing a group of missionaries and survivalists from across civilized southern Africa in order to search for people waiting to hear the lord’s word. Though the team will mostly consist of ethnic Germans from Walvis Bay, the society has asked around for skilled hands in the Cape Colony and Avisia to some success. With this, there will be several Avisians and native Africans with them on their journey. As of now, they’re in the small missionary outpost of Wupperthal, making preparations for their expedition.
