MOROCCAN AFFAIRS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13250, 5 April 1905, Page 5

MOROCCAN AFFAIRS.

THE KAISER'S VISIT,

Press Association—By Telegraph-Copyright, PARIS. April 3.

(Received April 1. at 7.45 a.m.) The Temps asks the reason of Hermanns proceedings in Morocco, which third parties term unfriendly, and which France is entitled to consifcr surprising. BERLIN, April 3.

(Received April 4, at 7.45 a.m.)

The. Norddeutsche Zeitung says that the position is that Germany and, France are negotiating in Fez respecting their interests in Morocco with the Government of a State which is independent according to international law.

LONDON. April 3.

(Received April 4, at 9.55 a.m.)

'J'li? Radical newspapers express .1 general fear that, the Kaiser'." visit will give rise to vain expectations among fauatical Mohammedans.

PARIS. April 4,

(Received' April 4, at 10.38 p.m.)

M. JJclcasw, Minister of Foreign Affairs, replying privately to a Conservative deputy with regard to German aims in Morocco, said he knew but one official declaration— Count von liulow's in flic Reichstag. Tk' newspaper reports of the Kaiser's remarks wera unconfirmed officially. The Temps declares that it is useless to deny that a disobliging intention towards Franco is evidenced in tlw Tangier utter-' nnces advising Morocco to take advantage of his independence and only proesed with reforms with much caution. This is the greatest length the Kaiser could go in the direction of being disagreeable without an open breach with France. It adds that French engagements guarantee Germany commercial equality. The misunderstanding is not of (France's seeking, and ought not to modify her programme. ST! PirmisßUßG, April 4. (Keccived April 5, at 0.10 a.m.) ■ Russian newspapers consider the Kaiser is seeking to establish a sort of protectorate over the Mussulmans in Morocco, instancing his previous action in Constantinople. They predict an eventual conflict with Britain.

THE KAISER'S SPEECH.

LONDON, April 4. (Received April 5, at 0.10 a.m.)

The Times' Tangier correspondent affirms that the following is the correct version of Hie Kaiser's conversations with the Sultan's representatives:—He was determined to maintain absolute equality for German economic and commercial rights, audi not allow any power to obtain preferential advantages. The Sultan was the free sovereign of a. free country. Germany would never idlow any Power lo act as intermediary. The present lime was unsuitable for reforms 011 European lines. Ail reforms should be founded oh Islamic law and traditions. What Morocco required was only peace and quiet. He would Until means later for giving his opinion on questions in detail. He added that he had made his views clear in a. conversation with tlia French Charge D'Aifaires.

The Times' Berlin correspondent slates that, according to the press, German intervention in Morocco is duo. to the fact thai she felt sljj? was being ignored and neglected. The visit is based- on the calculation that France is isolated owing to Russia's collapse and Britain's abdication of Iter claims in Morocco; but King Enward's visit lo Marseilles next Friday to join the Queen 011 a Mediterranean cruise and the approaching exchange of the visits of the French and British navies is duly noted as signs of Anglo-French friendship. If. is reported that Germany will willingly agree to concessions if allowed to obtain the cession of Nagador to herself ['/ Mogador, or Stiirtt, a seaport on tlie west coast].