I've read that the scramble for Africa was in part an attempt by Bismark to focus territorial aggression of European countries off-continent. Were tensions that high, such as to the degree of pre WW I, or was that just Bismark's attempt to distract European powers while he consolidated his German Empire?
That was Empire building/holding period of Euro history. It was all about being the most powerful. Diplomatic relations would depend on what nations where talking. Some where friends and some where not to pleased with the others. Is there any nation you have in mind that would like to know about?