An interesting sidelight on German foreign policy is furnished by
the Berlin Post. The author of a patriotic historical work, recently published under Imperial patronage, stated that the occupation of Kiao-chau was carried out as the result of a proposal by the well-known missionary, Bishop Anzer. The Emperor thereupon wrote in the margin opposite this statement the following remark :—
• " Wrong. I selected Kiao-chau after I had had Sam-as Bay and Wei-hai-Wei reconnoitred. Both were reported to me as wholly unsuitable. I thereupon took Baron von Eichthofen's book and a map of China, aid after reading his chapter on Shan-tung I decided for the port of Kiao-chau, as Baron von Richthofen's opinion of the Hinterland was so remarkably favourable. Bishop Anzer had nothing to do with the decision." The incident affords an interesting confirmation of the remark.
of Dr. Dernburg, in the current Contemporary, that the Emperor William reserves to himself the chief direction of foreign policy.
