In late April 1887, diplomatic tensions were running high between France and Germany, spurred by recent developments in espionage and military posturing. Guillaume Schnaebelé, a French police inspector known for his intelligence work, was apprehended by the Prussian Secret Police. His arrest raised alarm bells in Paris, where officials feared that Schnaebelé's detention could serve as a pretext for military aggression from the German Empire. The nature of his work, often involving sensitive information, heightened the stakes of the situation significantly.

As a week passed without resolution, the possibility of a diplomatic incident leading to war loomed larger. In a decisive move to avert escalating tensions, William I, the German Emperor, ordered Schnaebelé's release. This action was a calculated diplomatic gesture, emphasizing Germany's willingness to maintain peace with France despite the volatile political climate. The restoration of Schnaebelé to freedom was welcomed in both Paris and Berlin, as it signified a commitment to dialogue and conflict resolution over military confrontation.

Schnaebelé's release ultimately paved the way for improved diplomatic relations between the two countries, showcasing the importance of personal diplomacy and direct intervention from high-ranking officials in matters of national security. It underscored the fragile balance of peace that existed in Europe during this era, leading into the decades that would follow with increasing complexities.