STEALING A MARCH.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 291, 2 September 1908, Page 7

STEALING A MARCH.

GERMANY'S LATEST. SHE RECOGNISES MULAI HAFID. BRITISH COMMENTS. (BT TELEGRAPH—rEESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Rec. September 2, 0.44 a.m.) London, September 1. The Tangier correspondent of "Tho Times," writing on Monday, states: —"Germany has taken a most regrcttablo step. Dr. Vassel, German Consul, whoso preparations were conducted with tho greatest secrecy, and whoso departure was carefully concealed from the other European Powers' representatives by the German Legation, has left Tangier for Fez, presumably in order to resume his post at tho Court of Mulai Hafid, whom tho Powers have not yet recognised. "The aim is clear. Tho Germans desire to be considered by 'Mulai Hafid and the tribes supporting him as the first Power recognising Mulai Hafid. Prince Bulow (German Chancellor) at tho same time doubtless desires that Germany should he the sole Power having a confidential adviser at Mulai Hafid's side. It is very much doubted whether the practical bonefit which will accrue for thus stealing a march will be worth the very just and .very adverse criticism which this policy will meet with in Europe. "Tho German official version is that Dr. Vassel was sent, at the urgent request of German claimants, to settle outstanding claims, and that the journey has no political object, and can only end in Dr. Vassel's return, but at this juncture the step will not fail to havo a political effect in Morocco, whatever Germany's intentions may be." FURTHER FIGHTING. Morocco, August 31. General Damade, commander of the Fronch troops in Morocco, announces that Mulai Hafid's lieutenant, Clawi, has been defeated by the Sraghna tribesmen.

A HINT FROM THE GERMAN LEGATION. When the chances of Mulai Ha fid, the Sultan's half-brother and rival, winning the throne of Morocco were still in the balance, ho sent a deputation to Europe, and was it is alleged, seoretly encouraged by Germany. From time to timo the Gorman attitude has been keenly criticised in Britain and Prance, it being alleged that Germany would be willing to regain through Mulai Hnfid something of what slie lost at Algeciras. In Juno last Taies Tazi, brother of the Sultan Abdul Aziz's Minister of Finance, went over absolutely to Mulai Hafid, stating that ho had received a letter from the German Legation at Tangier to the effect that when Mulai Hafid entered Fez ho would be recognised as Sultan by Germany, and that the other Powers would soon follow her example.. In Juno tho Sraglma and other tribes fought a series of engagements in the neighbourhood of Marralcesh against Mulai Hafid's troops, and it was reported that the latter were defeated.