“His Majesty, while unaffected by public criticism which he regards as exaggerated, considers his most honourable imperial task to consist in securing the stability of the policy of the Empire while adhering to the principle of constitutional responsibility.  The Kaiser accordingly endorses the statements of the Imperial Chancellor in Parliament, and assures Prince von Buelow of his continued confidence.”

After returning to Berlin, Prince Buelow gave in the Reichstag his impatiently awaited account of the result of his mission, and made what defence he could of his imperial master’s action in allowing the famous interview to be published.  Before giving the speech, which was delivered on November 10, 1908, it will be as well to quote the five interpellations introduced in Parliament on the subject, as showing the unanimity of feeling that existed in all parts of the House:—­

1.  By Deputy Bassermann (leader of the National Liberals): 

“Is the Chancellor prepared to take constitutional responsibility for the publication of a series of utterances of his Majesty the Kaiser in the Daily Telegraph and the facts communicated therein?”

2.  By Deputy Dr. Ablass (Progressive Party): 

“Through the publication of utterances of the German Kaiser in the Daily Telegraph, and through the communication of the real facts in the Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung caused by the Chancellor, matters have become known which demonstrate serious short-comings in the treatment of foreign affairs, and are calculated to influence unfavourably the relations of the German Empire to other Powers.  What does the Chancellor propose to do to devise a remedy and to give full effect to the responsibility attributed to him by the Constitution of the German Empire?”

3.  By Deputy Albrecht (Socialist): 

“What is the Chancellor prepared to do to prevent such occurrences as have become known through the Daily Telegraph’s communications regarding acts and utterances of the German Kaiser?”

4.  By Deputy von Norman (Conservative Party): 

     “Is the Chancellor prepared to submit further information
     regarding the circumstances which led to the publication of
     utterances of his Majesty the Kaiser in the English Press?”

5.  By Prince von Hatzfeldt and Freiherr von Gamp (Imperial Party—­Conservative): 

     “Is the Chancellor willing to take precautions that such
     occurrences as that brought to light by the publication in
     the Daily Telegraph shall not recur?”

In reply to the interpellations Prince von Buelow said:—­

“Gentlemen, I shall not apply myself to every point which has just been raised by previous speakers.  I have to consider the effect of my words abroad, and will not add to the great harm already caused by the publication in the Daily Telegraph (hear, hear, on the Left and Socialists).

     “In reply to the interpellations submitted, I have to
     declare as follows:—­