3-078-266 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Map showing the position of Heligoland, 1890. 'The projected ship-canal, which is to traverse Holstein from west to east, connecting the North Sea with the Baltic at Kiel...must be nearly opposite [this tiny islet...an] isolated piece of rock and sand...We cannot wonder, therefore, that all loyal and patriotic Germans are gratified by the prospect of owning this island, which has...a real, practical, and substantial value to Germany...Although it is quite inconceivable that, in the hands of Great Britain, it should ever be used as a base of attack on Germany by a British naval force - war between us and that nation being the most impossible political contingency - our probable neutrality...in any future war between France and Germany might enable a French fleet, certainly against our will, to approach perilously near to the outlets of German commerce, to carry on blockading operations, and to intercept the German naval communications...The objections to this cession of what is practically worthless to England, in exchange for most valuable consideration in Africa, do not rest upon any cherished historical associations...Annexation to Germany will probably enrich the island by large Government and private expenditure'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.