ABSTRACT
In the meantime attempts, were made to strengthen Germany’s maritime-strategic position. Consideration was given to the defense of Heligoland, acquired in 189o, and of the Baltic-North Sea canal, scheduled for completion in 1895, which involved general discussions of coastal defense, cooperation between various navy and army agencies, and examination of the role of the navy in the overall defense effort. In the communications between the Ministry of War and the High Command of the Navy the former showed some reluctance to assume responsibility for the costs involved, in building fortifications for the canal, whereas the naval authorities argued that since the canal would serve military and economic as well as naval interests its defense costs should not be charged to the naval budget. In order to prevent the establishment of an enemy base in the German Bight which would facilitate a close blockade of the German North Sea.
