MOROCCO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13846, 4 September 1908, Page 5

MOROCCO .

GERMANY'S AUDACITY. < A DISTURBING IMPRESSION. TRESS CONDEMNATION. By Telegraph.— Association—Copyright. London, September 2. The Times, in an article on the Moroccan .question, says that France and Spain, as the mandatories of: Europe, and as the two Powers whose special position in Morocco is explicitly recognised by the Algeciras treaty, are entitled, in ordinary courtesy, to claim a reasonable opportunity to exchange views before proposals are made'by the others. Every circumstance connected with Dr. Vassel's mission, continues the Times, suggests that political, not commercial, considerations are the real reasons for Germany's action, which must create a disturbing impression. The Franch press strongly condemns Germany's action in Morocco. The English newspapers of all shades also disapprove of it. The Daily Chronicle says that Germany's calculated audacity once more shows her resentment to the Anglo-French entente The Westminster Gazette, a proGerman organ, doubts whether there is any present necessity for German intervention in Morocco. FRENCH FORCE ATTACKED. BRUSH WITH THE BERBERS. (Received September 3, 10.45 p.m.) Morocco, September 3. The commander of a large body of Berbers, in the vicinity of Bendanib, recently received presents of a warhorse and tent from Mulai Hand. This body has for the past fortnight been threatening the French, and opened a fight on Tuesday, being repulsed with heavy losses, chiefly from field machine guns. The attack was renewed the same night, with the same result, the French casualties being slight. FRANCE'S POLICY. NOT TO BE MODIFIED. (Received September 4, 12.45 a.m.) Paris, September 3. The Temps, in an article on foreign affairs, says that France will regret that Germany is not of the same mind as the rest of Europe regarding Morocco, but the French policy is not to be modified. AWAITING DEVELOPMENTS (Received September 3, 11 p.m.) London, September 3. Germany's suggestion regarding the recognition of Mulai Hand, as mentioned in the North German Gazette yesterday, has been verbally conveyed to the French Foreign Office. The communication caused considerable surprise. Count de Hatzfeldt Wildenburg, Acting-German Ambassador at Washington, in making a verbal communication, implied that Germany would now await developments. The Paris Temps says, concerning the recognition of Mulai Hafid, that France had lately intimated that an agreement among tha Powers regarding guarantees must be secured for European, interests, and for the maintenance of order. The Journal des Debats says that France and Spain are about to inform the other Powers of the proposals they have determined upon after mature reflection. BRITAIN'S POSITION. (Received September 4, 12.45 a.m.) London, September 3. The Daily Mail says that Britain awaits the decision of France and the other Powers before taking action with respect to Germany's communication. DR. VASSEL'S RETURN. London. September 2. Dr. Vassel, the German Consul, has returned to Tangier from his visit to Fez. (Received .September 3, 10.30 p.m.) London, September 3. The official explanation of Dr. Vassel's visit to Fez was that he went solely to look after his house arid personal interests, and those of his compatriots.