Imperial Lifeblood
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This whole region was a political minefield, as I did not need Sir Douglas to tell me. The Transvaal Republic effectively ceded from the British Empire many decades ago, and relationships between the republican Boers and her Majesty's government had been frosty ever since. An actual outbreak of war had, miraculously, been avoided on several occasions, although there is even now periodic diplomatic sabre-rattling. Despite the existence of prodigious quantities of gold in the region, the world powers have seemingly been content to leave the rustic Boers to their own devices, at least until the discovery of coal and, more importantly, the opening of a large-scale mining operation. Of course, there were many other complications, including the fact that the Transvaal Republic is landlocked, with no sea access or even navigable rivers to make exports easier. The closest usable port was Maputo Bay, run by the Portuguese, with whom neither the Boers nor the British had particularly cordial relationships. Still, there was now a railway line from the bay to the Transvaal, notionally controlled by the Boers although the Portuguese were prone to argue that point. "So, we will need to talk to the Transvaalers and the Portuguese?" I suggested, "Offer to pay the Boers a fair price for their coal, and for rail transport to the coast and similarly pay the Portuguese for the use of their harbours and port facilities. Then ship it a few thousand miles north to port Mombasa, or further afield as needed." Sir Douglas looked at me strangely again, as if I was a talking dog. "Yes, dear lady, just so," he said eventually, "Of course there are some nuances, and other trade arrangements to discuss as well. But the Transvaalers have agreed to host a three-way conference in Pretoria which we and the Portuguese will join, I hope." "So there will be an official diplomatic mission?" I asked. "Yes, of course," sighed Sir Douglas, "Led by a junior Foreign Office Minister, Sir Richard Talkney. Sir Richard was appointed directly by the Foreign Secretary Lord Falkirk himself, and naturally he will have a substantial retinue." "Naturally. Do we even have an embassy in Pretoria?" I asked curiously. "Until recently, there was only a small-scale diplomatic mission, barely a proper embassy. But Her Majesty's Government has been building a more modern facility, I am told, and it should be completed by the time we arrive." My own experiences of building and decorating and furnishing a large house suggested that such things always take longer than one thinks, but I kept my own council on this occasion. "Will you, Sir Douglas, be joining this vital mission?" I asked, although I suspected I already knew the answer. The man puffed out his chest like a prize pigeon. "I shall," he replied with evident pride, "The Foreign Office has specifically requested my presence." I nodded encouragingly, although it was unclear what specific virtues he might bring to the party. "I can comprehend the importance of this mission, at least a little," I said with polite modesty, "But, Sir Douglas, why do you want me to accompany this expedition? I'm not a diplomat; I have no experience of international trade, or politics, or business of any kind." Sir Douglas replied spread his hands wide. "You are famous, Miss Robinson," he said, "You have wide social connections here and through much of East Africa and news of your charitable works have, to my certain knowledge, travelled to both Maputo Bay and Pretoria. You would be an asset to the proceedings, I am sure." He paused, then went on, "As a favour to Her Majesty's Government, would you consent to accommodating Sir Richard and his party in your own home. Your house is a secure location suitable for such important personages. Just for two nights, before we set off?" I smiled graciously. "This is all very flattering," I replied, "And of course I must accept. I shall make arrangements forthwith." A further thought occurred to me. "How are we going to get to the Transvaal?" I asked, "It is thousands of miles away." "By airship, of course," Sir Douglas replied, evidently very pleased with himself, "Her Majesty has consented to allow the use of the Royal Airship, Britannia."
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Part 1