The San Francisco call., 1905-06-14
WILL FORT|FY
K|A0CHOU BAY
German Government to Pre-
pare for Future Eventual
tiles in the Far East
WARNING TO AMERICA
Powers Activity in Orient
Directs Attention to the
Defenseless Philippines

BERLIN. June 13-An imperial order to
fortify Kiaochau Bay, the German con-
cession in the southern part of Shantung
Peninsula, has been issued. The work
will be done under the supervision OF the
Governor of the protectoraate, Rear Ad-
miral Truppel, and five engineer fortifi-
cation officers detailed for this purpose.
The extent of the fortif1cations and the
amount to be spent on them are Facts
which have not been disclosed, but It is
probable that the work now contemplated
is only the beginning of an extensive
project
The expense of this work will be pro-
vided for this year out of the Kiaochau
budget but the fortifying of the bay
doubtless will be carried forward after
this from successive appropriations to be
asked of the Reichstag.
AS Kiaochau is Germanys only station
in Ear Eastern waters, the Navy Depart
ment has desired, since its acquisition, to
make it secure base for German war
vessels. The foEtifying of Kiaochau at
this time. it is said, need not be construed
as preparing for it's defense against any
particular power, but only as proper
precautionary measure too long neglected.
DIPLOMATS ARE INTERESTED.
WASHINGTON, June. 13.-Berlin ad-
vices announcing that extensive fortifica-
tions are to be erected In Kiaochou Bay
have aroused considerable interest here
and in diplomatic circles have led to spec
ulation about Germany's intentions. In
conversation tonight on this subject
Baron Speck svon Sternberg, the German
ambassador, said:
plans for the defense of Kiaochou har-
Dor, which is Germany's naval base in
the Far East, were drawn UP some time
ago in accordance with Germanys agree
ment with China, which provided for the
fortifying of the harbor. Lack of funds,
however, has made impossible the execu-
ton of the project until now owing to the
great amount of money necessary to
cover the cost of erecting docks, piers
and other landing facilities for trading
vessels and junks. Having provided ex-
cellent facilities for ships of commerce,
attention apparently has now been turned
to the feftifications. 1t is, possible that
certain changes will be made in the plans,
but my idea is that the work will be.
along the line of the original project.
1.-The announcement now that the work
is to be done shows fthatq the necessary
funds have at last been, obtained. The
appropriation will be used in the con-
struction of forts and their equipment
with modern ordinances should say the
defenses would be of the same general
character as those at Hongkong or the
American naval base at Guantanamo. 1t
is, of course, realized that a naval base
not defended is almost a handicap and
whatever plans for the work have been
approved in Berlin are in accordance with
our agreement with China
ADDS WEIGHT TO DEWEY'S WORDS
1t has been reported here for some time
that France contemplated further de-
fenses along the coast line of her Far
Eastern provinces, and news was re-
Gently received that the plans of the
French Admiralty for these fortifications
were becoming more popular in France
since the sweeping victories of Japan in
the present war.
At the Navy Department the news of
GerEanys intentions in regard to Kiao-
chou recalled to the officers the unfortified
condition of the Philippines, a situation
to uhich Admiral Dewey has frequently
called attention, and the hope was ex-
pressed that the action of the German
Government would result in action by
Congress to meet the needs of the Amer
lean naval base at Olongapo, plans for
tile defense of which were prepared long
ago by the general board of the navy, of
which Admiral Dewey is president.