There were many demands, some of them legitimate, which Prussia was prepared to make.
Bismarck attributed great importance to the acquisition of Kiel, because he wanted to found a Prussian navy.

Then he was very anxious to have a canal made across Holstein so that Prussian vessels could reach the North Sea without passing the Sound; and of course he had to consider the military protection on the north.

It would therefore be a condition that, whoever was made Duke, certain military and other privileges should be granted to Prussia.

On this, all through the summer, negotiations were carried on unofficially between the Prince of Augustenburg and the Prussian authorities.

We cannot here discuss them in detail, but the Prince seems to have been quite willing to acquiesce in these naval and military requirements.