The fall of Kiaochau is hound to have a vast
effect upon the future of the Far East. Germany no longer has a foot- hold in China, where for years she has been a cause of unrest and anxiety, not only to the Chinese Government, but to all the other Powers. Her prestige is badly damaged, and the Far East is already delivered from the corrosive element of Prussian militarism. The material loss to Germany is, moreover, considerable. It will be remembered that after the Chino-Japanese War Germany persuaded France and Russia to deprive Japan of her harvest of victory. Russia took Port Arthur, and shortly afterwards Germany, using the murder of two German missionaries as a pretext, seized Kiaochau. It was for this purpose that Prince Henry of Prussia made his voyage to the Far East in 1898, and that the "mailed fist" of the Emperor was first advertised to the world. The Times says that as much as £20,000,000 has been spent on Tsingtau, which with its docks and piers exceeds in importance the Russian harbour of Dalny. Six hundred Krupp guns were used for the defences. The trade of Kiaochau (exports and imports) amounted in 1912 to £7,000,000. Japan has thus avenged herself for the callous treatment which she has never forgotten. She will administer Kiaochau till the end of the war, when she will open negotiations for handing it back to China.
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