PROBLEM OF TANGIER

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 51, 28 August 1926, Page 9

PROBLEM OF TANGIER

ITS IMPORTANCE TO THE

EMPIRE,

(Australian-New Zealand Cable Assn.) LONDON, 25th August.

Explaining the British official attitude on the Tangier problem, the "Daily Telegraph's" diplomatic correspondent says that it is proposed that France, Spain, and Italy first ondeavour to reach a common denominator in the proposed settlement. If and when an agreement is reached, it would be submitted to the British Government, which would then survey the matter from the British standpoint in consultation with the Imperial Defence Committee, the Admiralty, and the Dominion Governments. The issue, in fact, might be appropriately discussed by the Imperial Conference. It is now recognised that a League of Nations mandate to Spain would be no better safeguard for ttie neutrality of the enclave, and therefore for the freedom of the Straights of Gibraltar, than would be its annexation with paper guarantees. The "Daily Telegraph" declares that Britain must retain her rigbt by treaty and be reckoned among the lawful guardians of Tangier, Neutrality or any other solution would be fraught with peril to the British Navy and inter-Empire communications. There is a suggestion^rom Paris that France might be willing to transfer to Spain her predominant position in the administration of Tangier by allowing a Spaniard to occupy the presidency of tho Committee of Control and anether to fill the position of Administrator now occupied by a Frenchman. In return some modification of the Spanish zone might be considered. Italian claims could be satisfied as under the present regime.