MOROCCO.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1746, 23 August 1905, Page 52

MOROCCO.

CONFLICTING INTERESTS.

FRENCH AND GERMAN RIVALRY. LONDON, August 16.. The German Legation at Fez has informed the French Charge d’Affaires that the contract for Count Tattenbaoh’s loan of a million francs to the Magkzan (Moorish Government) has been signed. According to Reuter’s agent at Tangier, a loan of -ten million francs to the Sultan has been guaranteed by a lien on his property at Mazagan (a seaport on the north-west coast). “The Times” fears that the signing of the loan negotiated by Count Tattenbach (German Charge d’Affaires) must inevitably produce a very bad effect on all classes of French opinion. “Shrewd observers,” adds “The Times,” “have latterly remarked that Germany finding a conference concerning French and German interests in Morocco no longer attractive, might seek means to prevent an assembly. If M. Rouvier judges that that is Germany’s game, he will doubtless strive to frustrate it. Holding Germany at her word, he could compel her to enter into a conference or assume responsibility for suddenly opposing her own scheme for arriving at a settlement. Three Dutch cruisers, homeward bound, called at Tangier. The German Charge d’Affaires —who represents Dutch interests at Morocco —escorted the Dutch admiral on a visit to Mahommed Torres, the Moorish Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, and gave a banquet and reception at the Legation. MOROCCO, August 17.

The Sultan has approved the principle of the loan of a million francs arranged by Count Tattenbach (German Charge d’Affaires), but it still awaits ratification by the Maghzan (Moorish Government). Owing to local disturbances the Moorish authorities brought to Fez, bound in chains, the chief of Gharbi, an Algerian settlement. Count Taillander, French Minister in Morocco, has protested that this is a violation of treaties, and has demanded the release of the chief and payment of an indemnity. The Sultan has categorically refused to comply, claiming jurisdiction over Algerians settled in Morocco.

PARIS, August 18. It is semi-officially stated at Paris that Germany’s spontaneous formal assurances oil several occasions, coupled with France’s sincere desire for a settlement, leave no room to doubt that a speedy and satisfactory solution of matters now in dispute concerning Morocco will be arrived at by the coming conference.