The Rise of Australasia

As Australasia and the major powers of Europe had already established diplomatic relations, it was just a matter of meeting with their Foreign Affairs Ministers to send notifications.

Amongst these European powers, Australasia focused on inviting the UK and Germany, who had huge influence in the international community, and Russia, with whom Australasia had a very good relationship.

The responses from the Powers were swift, with Russia responding on September 30th, expressing its willingness to participate in the mediation as a neutral country, in order to bring peace to Australasia and Portugal.

Next came Germany and the UK, who also agreed to participate in the mediation. The Germans were not involved in the war and it was happening far away from Germany.

Participation in this mediation had actually been agreed to by William II out of respect for Arthur.

Finally, we come to the UK. The UK did have a minor involvement in this war, as the main battlefield between Portugal and Australasia was Portuguese India, near an important area of the British Empire.

With its strong influence in India and Southeast Asia, the British Empire was both most suited and high-ranking enough to participate in this mediation.

After Britain, Germany, and Russia agreed to mediate, whether or not the other Powers participated actually mattered little.

These three countries alone could easily crush Portugal in any region – it was not for the Portuguese to decide to participate in the mediation.

On October 1, 1907, the Government of Australasia officially sent out an announcement in the name of the national government, openly inviting Britain, Germany, and Russia to mediate in this war.

This war’s current advantage lay with Australasia. That Australasia was actively seeking mediation surprised Europeans.

In response, the Australasian Government provided what seemed a reasonable explanation: all Australasian citizens and the government aspired to peace, and were not willing to bring about disaster for the World.

In reality, Australasia had already gained the benefits it desired and there was no need to continue the fighting.

Soon, the three countries publicly responded to Australasia’s request, announcing they would participate as neutrals in the mediation, striving to bring peace to both parties in the war.

On October 2, the three countries invited the Australasian and Portuguese governments to peace talks. The venue chosen was London, not only one of the most developed cities in the world at the time, but also the capital of the profound British Empire.

The invitation from the three countries left the Portuguese government in a dilemma.

The development of the war to date had completely taken the Portuguese government by surprise. Even based on current trends, the possibility of Portugal winning had greatly decreased.

This was a reputation war for Portugal, if they won, their government and the royal family would gain significant public prestige, which would further consolidate their rule, and stabilize the situation.

It is one thing if they genuinely lost. They could excuse themselves with an argument of having fought to protect their national interest, but were overwhelmed by the enemy’s strength.

However, if they went to peace talks without a decisive war outcome and ended up abandoning the fishermen they had promised to protect, it would probably dissipate the massive popularity that the Portuguese government and Carlos I had gained before the war.

Considering the situation in Portugal, this could even overthrow the Kingdom’s rule.

In a haze of worry and under Carlos I’s direction, the Portuguese government chose to remain silent.

For Britain, Germany, and Russia, this silence was infuriating. After all, these three countries were recognized as Powers and Britain and Germany were currently the world’s superpowers.

Having solemnly declared to the world that they wished to mediate in this war, and then being ignored by Portugal, felt like a personal affront.

The day after Portugal chose to remain silent, a British government official openly appeared to claim that in consideration of the dreadful impression made by Portugal in this war, the British government would reconsider its relationship with the Portuguese government.

Though he did not specify how, the veiled threat was clear to everyone.

It did not stop there, Germany also declared its stance that day.

The Germans were less diplomatic. A high-ranking German official openly expressed support for Australasia’s efforts for peace and urged the Portuguese government to participate in the peace talks promptly, to create a peaceful environment for the people of both nations.

As for Russia, it didn’t even need to express its stand. In fact, Russia openly expressed its consideration to organize a global voyage for its navy, the planned route covering the war zone between Portugal and Australasia.

Consecutive statements from the three countries put the Portuguese government under increased pressure.

Although, the growing disapproval from the people over the war losses exacerbated Portugal’s internal and external crisis.

On October 3rd, after discussions that lasted a full day and night, Carlos I reluctantly conceded, announcing that Portugal agreed to conduct peace talks with Australasia.

On October 11, 1907, upon Arthur’s orders, David, the royal supervisor of European affairs, and Henry Cania, the Australasian ambassador to the British Empire, formed the Australasian delegation for the peace talks.

The negotiating parties were Foreign Secretary Herbert Simon of the Portuguese government, Supervisor David, and Ambassador Henry. The British Empire, the German Empire, and the Russian Empire acted as neutral countries to oversee the fairness of the talks and ensure the smooth progress of the contract.

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