Despite the formation of the German Empire in 1871, Germany remained, in theory at least, a federation of the larger German kingdoms, each of which could have its own relations with foreign powers. The British Government naturally conducted its business with the German Empire through the Imperial Foreign Office at Berlin, but it nevertheless found it extremely useful to keep a minister at Munich-Stuttgart. It may be remembered that, while this minister had not the rank of an ambassador, his office was not a mere appendage of the Embassy in Berlin, in the manner of consulates of to-day. It had independent and direct contact with the Foreign Office in London. The practice of sending Ambassadors to all nations, large and small, is a relatively recent one, for in the 19th century and early 20th century Ambassadors were appointed only to the capitals of the great Powers.

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