11 MAY 1912, Page 1

Baron Marschall von I3ieberatein, lately German Am- bassador at Constantinople,

has been appointed to London. The announcement has created extraordinary interest, as Baron Marschall, as he is usually called, ie the most conspicuous figure in the German 'Diplomatic Service, and it is felt that in some new sense the German Govern- ment wishes to pay particular attention to Anglo-German relations. Although this may be true of German in- tentions we need not forget that one reason why Baron Marschall is leaving Constantinople is that it would not be very easy for him to remain there. He performed the remarkable diplomatic feat of being equally the friend of the old Turkish rivime under Abdul Hassid and of the Young Turks. Through his chancellery issued the assurances that Germany was the protector of Turkey and the natural champion of the Moslem world. But now Italy, the ally of the champion, is doing her best to make Turkey bite the dust, while Germany is compelled to look on speechless. The awk- wardness of this situation can no doubt best be glossed over by a change of diplomatic personalities at Constantinople.