the beginnings of ottoman-german partnership - Bilkent University

Germany and the Ottoman Empire assumed a cordial character. The official and
semi-official visits and meetings between the two countries progressed in pace. 94 In
June 1911, the Ottoman counselor in London, Cevat Bey, and the German counselor,
Kühlmann, met to discuss the Baghdad Railroad and the Moroccan crisis, and
exchanged views. 95 In September 1911, “the Sultan has conferred high decorations
on Herr Von Bethmann-Hollweg, the German Chancellor, and the German Ministers
for War, Marine and Foreign Affairs, the Chief of the General Staff, and on other
high personages”, when they visited Turkey. Even the British newspapers such as
The Advocate of India said “the moment is opportune for Germany to give
expression to her friendship by supporting Turkey, not merely in economic
transactions, but also in certain pending political questions.” 96 However, the Italian
declaration of the occupation of Tripoli formed a setback in Ottoman-German
relations.
In September 1911, Italy invaded Tripoli. Trusting the improving relations
with Germany, Turkey asked for German support. However, Germany did not want
to jeopardize the international balance of power. Additionally, Germany did not want
to lose Italy as an ally. Germany had an understanding attitude for the Ottoman cries,
and many Germans thought that the loss of Tripoli would put Turkey in a very
difficult situation. The only effort by the Germans came from Baron Marschall who
recommended that the Ottomans put armed resistance in Tripoli. Actually, rather
than being optimistic, he thought that the loss of Tripoli would encourage the British
to annex Iraq, and it would be a real menace to the German influence in the Near
94
Hüseyin Cahit Yalçın, Siyasal Anılar, (İstanbul: Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür Yayınları, 1976), pp.
165-166.
95
BOA, HR. SYS., Dosya: 110, Gömlek: 14.
96
BOA, HR. SYS., Dosya: 22, Gömlek: 54.
49