GERMAN LAND GRAB.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1235, 18 September 1911, Page 5

GERMAN LAND GRAB.

THE LATEST RUMOUR.

SPANISH COLONIES TO BE HANDED

WAR OFFICE PRECAUTIONS,

By Telegraph—Proas Association— Copyright (Rec. Sopteuiber 18, 0.50 a.m.) Paris, September 17, It is rumoured that Germany is likely to reccive'Spanish .Guinea and the Island of Fernando Po as the price of the recognition of certain Spanish claims in Northern Morocco.

Spanish Guinea has an area of about 12,000 square inilcs-a littlo larger than the Wellington provincial district—and a population of 200,000. Tlio island of Fernando Po has an area of 814 square miles and a population of 23,8i-i. Th,o Spanish territory of the Rio Muni, on tlio Gulf of Guinea, extends from tho Muni to the Campo River and the German Kamerun, its eastern boundary being on the meridian of 11 degrees 20 minutes E. of Greenwich. The coast region is low and marshy, and contains vast forests. The vegetation is luxuriant ond > at places along the coast there are Spnnislii French, and English factories. But there are no harbours, and tho rivers are all inaccessible to vessels. Tho population comprises about 300 Europeans. There are Catholic and American Presbyterian missions at ivork among the natives. Spain has givon to Franco tho right of preemption in cases of the 6ale of any of these African colonies or tho adjacent islands.

GERMAN REPLY DELAYED,

EESERVISTS DISBANDING.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. September 18, 0.50 &.m.)

Berlin, September 17.

Herr von Kidcrlcn-VTacchter, the German Minister for Foreign Affairs, has informed M. Jules Cambon, the French Ambassador at Berlin, that ho will bo unable to communicate Germany's views on the latest Moioccau proposal until Monday.

The German naval and military reservists will disband as usual after the

manoeuvres.

AGREEMENT ON MANY POINTS,

REPORT FROM BERLIN. (Rec. September 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, September IG. Reuter's Berlin correspondent reports that it is stated in official circles that the French reply to the German proposals regarding the Moroccan crisis is thoroughly satisfactory, and that an agreement has been reached on the majority of the outstanding points.

WAR OFFICE PRECAUTIONS,

OFFICERS' LEAVE STOPPED.

• (Rec, September 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, September 16. Tho newspapers givo details of some of tho preparations which Lord Haldanc, Secrotary of State for War, is making for tho suspension of officers' leave abroad, and the increased purchase of horses.

GERMAN PURCHASE OF COAL

A CARDIFF RUMOUR. (Rec. September 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, September IG. It is Tumoured at Cardiff that German agents have purchased 50,000 tons of steam coal.

PROTECTING THE MOORS.

SOCIALIST LEADER SARCASTIC,

Berlini September 15.

Herr Bobol, the Socialist leader, speaking at tlio Socialist Congress, criticised the Kaiser's visit to Tangier as encouraging tho belief hold by tlio Mohammedans that they could count on Germany for protection. "The Mohammedans," ho added, "have had tho same experience as tho Boers had in tho matter of Kruger's telegram."

I GERMAN BANKS IN WAR-TIME,

WITHDRAWALS TO BE STOPPED,

(Bee. September 17, 5.5 p.m.)

London, September 16.

Sir F. Oppenheimer, British ConsulGeneral at Frankfort, in his annual report emphasises the serious risks which have been incurred by tho German banks in financing industries on their present largo scale.

He adds that the GoTernment has a scheme ready whereby all withdrawals of defiosits from tho banks will be legally stopped on an outbreak of hostilities, the Government holding itself responsible for one year's interest