A STOLEN MARCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13844, 2 September 1908, Page 7

A STOLEN MARCH.

GERMANS IN MOROCCO. ] i CONSUL'S SUDDEN MOVE. VISIT TO NEW SULTAN. ~ SECRET ARRANGEMENTS. By Telegraph Press Association.—Copyright. (Received September 2, 12.44 a.m.) " London, September 1. The Tangier correspondent of the Times states that Germany has taken a most regrettable step in connection with the present situation in Morocco. Dr. Vassel, the German Consul, whose preparations were conducted 1 with the greatest secrecy, and whose ' departure was carefully concealed ; from other European representatives ' by the German Legation, left T&n- ---' gier on Monday for Fez, presumably in order resume his post at the Court of Mulai Hafid, whom the ! - Powers have not yet recognised. " The aim is clear," adds the correspondent. " Germany desires to be, / considered 1 by Mulai Hafid's tribes as the first Power recognising him as Sultan. Prince von BulOw, the German Chancellor, at the same time doubtless desires that Germany ' shall be the sole Power having a ' confidential adviser on Mulai Hafid's 1 side." '/ ' It is very much doubted whether the , practical benefit which will accrue from stealing a march on the other Powers will be worth very much, and very adverse criticism has been met with in Europe. The version of German officials is 1 that Dr. Vassel was sent to Fez at * the urgent request of German claim--1 ants to settle outstanding claims, ' and that the journey has no political " object, and can only end in his return. At this juncture, however, the in- > cident cannot fail to have a political effect in Morocco, whatever Germany's intentions.