FRANCE AND MOROCCO.

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 March 1907, Page 3

FRANCE AND MOROCCO.

STRINGENT STEPS TO BE TAKEN [Press Association—Copyright.] PARIS, March 27. M. Pichon (Minister of Foreign Affairs), in a resolute speech in the Chamber of Deputies, enumerated the French grievances in Morocco. The Minister stated that two French customs officials were murdered on the frontier in February, 1906, and only one criminal" was surrendered. The murderers of M. Charbonniers were known to the authorities, yet the latter refused to arrest them, and impolitely refused France’s claims. The situation had become intolerable after tiie murder of Dr Maiichamps, and France was determined to oblige the Sultan to observe law and order so far as France was concerned. France’s demands, added M. _ Pichon, included the dismissal and imprisonment of the Governor of Marakesh. The Minister showed that France’s action was strictly limited, and he strongly deprecated any mutual hostility expressive of competition among Europeans in Morocco. He hoped that there would be a. wholesome truce. M. Ribot supported and the Chamber unanimously voted its confidence in the Government. The indications are that Ujba will be occupied without resistance. MOROCCO, March 27. Ujba has been occupied by the French troops. The natives are much concerned at the step taken by France to obtain redress.