African Entrepreneurship Record-Chapter 871 - 175: The Sly Brits
The day after the coup.
"Mr. Rog, it's up to you now. We've already taken down the southern islands, and you are the main spokesperson on Kauai."
Rog pretended to be "full of vigor." After all, once the United States ruled Hawaii, his status as an "American" would naturally rise, so no one was surprised to see his attitude.
"Gentlemen, once we control Kauai, I will definitely treat you all well on the island and hope you can come to my estate for a good drink."
Rog's words made the American soldiers present very happy. After all, they were also risking their lives, and among Rog's entourage was only one representative of the American business community, who was also the military commander of this operation.
This "expedition" to Kauai had a total of 108 Americans. With the cooperation of Americans on Kauai, it would be easy for the Governor of Kauai to surrender without resistance.
Hence, under everyone's gaze, a "warship" flying the flag of the Hawaii Republic sailed grandly towards Kauai.
At this time, the Americans were unaware that a coup had also occurred on Kauai on the same day. After all, Kauai was somewhat isolated from the southern islands.
Furthermore, East Africa had already blocked the entire Kauai the day before, prohibiting ships and private vessels from sailing out and reporting to the Americans. American merchants on Kauai were now under East African control.
This was also due to Kauai's relatively low status among the Hawaiian Islands, primarily for economic reasons, so fewer ships and people on the island made it easier to control. In contrast, controlling a port like Pearl Harbor, with its daily incoming and outgoing traffic, would be more challenging.
Of course, the population advantage of East Africans on the island was a major reason. Various East African organizations stationed on the island actively responded during the coup, quickly taking control of essential departments such as the government office, police station, and military.
In reality, the Hawaiian police and military forces on Kauai amounted to only a few dozen people, all concentrated in Lihu'e, and they surrendered as soon as the coup occurred.
Instead, some private armed forces on the island caused East Africa some headaches. In this era, it was common to carry weapons when going out to sea, with even commercial ships equipped with cannons for pirate defense. Therefore, after the coup, the East African government was wary of any disturbances.
However, East Africa's concerns were unnecessary. Although there weren't many East African troops on Kauai, the deep gray uniforms, combined with the menacing faces of the East African Defense Army soldiers, discouraged any challenges from these commercial groups.
Nevertheless, some bold individuals questioned the so-called North Hawaiian Kingdom government supported by East Africa, typically English and French merchants, who relied on their status as citizens of powerful nations to not fear unreasonable actions from East Africans.
"Your Excellency, John Cran, what you're doing is illegal. You must know that the Hawaiian Kingdom is an independent country, and even the United States cannot overthrow its government," protested a British merchant to John Cran.
"Mr. Robert, please remain calm. We in East Africa have no intention of annexing Hawaii, but rather of assisting King Kumari in restoring his family's rule on Kauai. After all, the Hawaiian Kingdom was once composed of several countries, so Kauai's re-independence is entirely reasonable and lawful. East Africa received King Kumari's request and cannot stand idly by."
"Your Excellency, John Cran, such words are mere sophistry. Under the Hawaiian Kingdom's rule, Kauai was peaceful, and it's clear that East Africa is manipulating things. Kumari is merely your puppet," Robert said.
As a British citizen, Robert looked down upon East Africa, especially after British prestige was dented in the last war. As a citizen of the British Empire, he wasn't afraid of what the East African government might do to him, so he confronted John Cran with confidence.
John Cran, without getting angry, replied in a calm tone: "Heh, these are just speculations. Our East African stance toward weaker countries has always been consistent; the people of Kauai could not endure the tyranny of the Hawaiian Kingdom and naturally sought independence. If Mr. Robert is dissatisfied, you're welcome to incite them on the streets to overthrow the legitimate government of the North Hawaiian Kingdom."
John Cran's words sent a chill through Robert. With a bit of disdain, he said: "At this point, stop pretending. So many East Africans suddenly appeared on the island; it must have been premeditated long ago. The island's natives are likely not more numerous than East Africans now."
Previously, Robert thought these yellow-faced East Africans might be Japanese or from the Far East; of course, they could have been Hawaiian natives, with Japanese being the most likely since they lacked braids and had fairer skin than the natives.
However, because these individuals generally spoke Mandarin previously, it seemed natural to assume there were more Chinese and Japanese on the island. This was typical for Hawaii.
Unexpectedly, once the disguise was dropped, these individuals spoke fluent German. Discovering that East Africa had silently immigrated so many people to the island, and likely planned it over many years, indicated that East Africa had long been scheming.
However, when Robert reconsidered, Hawaii was always viewed by Americans as their sphere of influence, and there were more Americans on the islands than any other nationality, so why should he be the one to make the first move? Watching the Americans and East Africa fight it out would be much better!
Robert now regretted it, realizing he shouldn't have rushed to confront John Cran. This should have been left to the Americans.
John Cran, unaware of Robert's change of heart, said: "Let's be upfront, Mr. Robert. You've been in business for many years and are a smart man. I know the establishment of the North Hawaiian Kingdom doesn't align with the interests of some people. But now that the North Hawaiian Kingdom is our East African protectorate, this fact cannot be changed. Even if there's an issue, the Hawaiian Kingdom government should negotiate with us. Of course, a puppet government certainly doesn't qualify."
Regarding John Cran's last statement, Robert only felt it was somewhat "peculiar." What did he mean by a puppet government not qualifying? Wasn't North Hawaiian Kingdom their supported puppet?
Upon further thought, Robert realized John Cran might have been referring to the American government behind the Hawaiian Kingdom. After all, the new King Kalakaua had been pro-American over the years.
Thus, the East African government was expressing dissatisfaction towards the American government. And as soon as Robert thought about the possibility of East Africa and the United States having disputes, possibly even a war, over Hawaiian issues, he found the idea quite appealing.
Suddenly changing his tone, he said: "Mr. John Cran, my earlier words were a bit harsh. After all, I have some business on the island, so I'm concerned about the political changes on Kauai. However, as long as East Africa can ensure our British interests on the island, we have no intention of meddling in its affairs."
Why did he become so agreeable all of a sudden? John Cran wondered, but avoiding this trouble was a good outcome.
"Rest assured, Mr. Robert. We respect the vested interests of various countries on the island. Private property is sacred and inviolable! As long as you comply with the island's laws and regulations, we naturally won't interfere with the normal business activities of the merchants from various countries, and their property will be guaranteed."
Of course, this doesn't include Americans. John Cran silently added, thinking to himself, Americans are masters of "substitution." East Africa will definitely find a way to get the Americans off the island in the future.
With a smile, Robert said: "That would be ideal. I have matters to attend to at home, so I'll take my leave."
Robert was now ready to shift gears, to communicate and, perhaps, stir things up among the Americans on the island. Such tasks were indeed best left to the Americans, given the distance of the United Kingdom from Hawaii. Letting the Americans deal with East Africa seemed most fitting.
