GERMANY AND MOROCCO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13846, 4 September 1908, Page 4

GERMANY AND MOROCCO.

i It is not surprising that the German | Kaiser was emphatic, when speaking at Strasburg, upon the guarantee for peace to be found in the sea and land force's of Germany. He assured his audience and the world at large that there was no menace to any Power in Germany's warlike readiness, but it is hardly to be supposed that France will see the situation in that light. . v For the German intrigue in Morocco, where the Kaiser has constituted himself the champion of Mulai Ha fid, is a distinct attack upon the position fif France and Spain, who were explicitly recognised by the European Powers, at the Algeciras Conference, as the special representatives of Europe in Morocco. It will be recalled that Germany at that time attempted to bully France in the matter of Morocco, after havingforced the resignation of M. Deleas.se, the great Foreign Minister of France, of whom it was feared by the peaceful French that his policy might bring them into conflict with Germany. Germany had no legitimate claims in Morocco, while France, whose Algerian frontier was perpetually disturbed by Moroccan anarchy, had dominating claims. Yet Germany, aiming at territorial aggrandisement and commercial preferences,' interfered to such an extent that only the definite pledge of the British Government to support France if she were attacked is said to have prevented the Kaiser from carrying his interference to the extent of war. Foiled by the Algeciras Conference, at which even his ally, Italy, was against him, the 'Kaiser reluctantly submitted, but he has again displayed his determination to allow no consideration to interfere with his schemes. Germany will support Mulai Hafid or any other successful pretender, if thereby she can belittle French influence and authority, and obtain the reciprocating favour of a Moroccan "ruler. She compels France to submit to any insult or ignominy by the presence upon the French frontier of those powerful German armies which the Kaiser declared at Strasburg to be guarantors of peace. i f