From the Personal Diary of Erwin von Kauperke, Prime Minister of Prussia, and later Federal Chancellor of the Kaiserreich
June 7th, 1839 -- News from London created great excitement in the court today. It now seems certain that, unless the Chinese provide some substantial dispensation, the United Kingdom will go to war in Canton (Guangzhou). I discussed with the King today what opportunities this might afford for Prussia. We have been seeking ways to support the textiles industry in Dortmund, which is now turning out garments of the finest order. However, direct access to the silk trade would be of great benefit. Our attempts to smuggle the industry out of China has resulted in nothing more than a lot of dead worms. Apparently, they do not like our climate, and for this reason Europeans are increasingly interested in maintaining links along the Chinese and Cochin coasts.
July 9th, 1839 -- Queen Victoria stood on principle today and declared war upon China. Generally, the turmoil there has been outrageous, but now there is word that British merchants (and very likely Prussian as well) have been the subjects of arson and murder. If they will go, then we are of the opinion that Prussia should go as well. We will assemble three divisions as an expeditionary force to land in the south of China. Our primary goal will be the large island of Hainan, and perhaps some territory on the mainland nearby. From there, we will gauge our prospects and act accordingly. Granted, our army is not as strong as it should be to undertake foreign adventures, and we are watching with no little concern as Piedmont gobbles up parts of Italy. But we foresee no immediate threats to our state other than the slowly strangling financial vice. We feel this may be a worthy remedy for our malaise.
June 7th, 1839 -- News from London created great excitement in the court today. It now seems certain that, unless the Chinese provide some substantial dispensation, the United Kingdom will go to war in Canton (Guangzhou). I discussed with the King today what opportunities this might afford for Prussia. We have been seeking ways to support the textiles industry in Dortmund, which is now turning out garments of the finest order. However, direct access to the silk trade would be of great benefit. Our attempts to smuggle the industry out of China has resulted in nothing more than a lot of dead worms. Apparently, they do not like our climate, and for this reason Europeans are increasingly interested in maintaining links along the Chinese and Cochin coasts.
July 9th, 1839 -- Queen Victoria stood on principle today and declared war upon China. Generally, the turmoil there has been outrageous, but now there is word that British merchants (and very likely Prussian as well) have been the subjects of arson and murder. If they will go, then we are of the opinion that Prussia should go as well. We will assemble three divisions as an expeditionary force to land in the south of China. Our primary goal will be the large island of Hainan, and perhaps some territory on the mainland nearby. From there, we will gauge our prospects and act accordingly. Granted, our army is not as strong as it should be to undertake foreign adventures, and we are watching with no little concern as Piedmont gobbles up parts of Italy. But we foresee no immediate threats to our state other than the slowly strangling financial vice. We feel this may be a worthy remedy for our malaise.
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