| Message: |
Hello Fernando
This is a most interesting and intriguing postcard. It seems to me that the straight line cut-off to the left of the Yokohama postmark might indicate that some kind of label may have originally been affixed to explain the reason why the two Japanese stamps were added. If they were to account for additional postage or a special fee due there is no evidence that this was actually collected from the sender or addressee.Thus, I'm guessing here, there may have been some sort of paid arrangement between Germany and Japan in respect of the unusual status of Kiautschou, either relating to the UPU acceptance of their stamps/postal stationery, or to pay for the internal routing in Japan to Yokohama for mail to destinations such as those in South America.
I note in the Michel Kiautschou section there is a reference to a book by Michael Jäschke-Lantelne "Deutsche Kolonien und Auslandpostämter, Dienstzweige und Portotarife, Briefpost sowie Paketpost" which may well provide an explanation.
If you do eventually find out I'd like to know!
Best wishes
Giles |
