MOROCCAN AFFAIRS

Otago Witness, Issue 2665, 12 April 1905, Page 27

MOROCCAN AFFAIRS

THE KAISER'S SPEECH.

THE ATTITUDE OF GERMANY.

LONDON, April 4. The Kaiser's warning against reforms in Morocco has caused amazement in Vienna, where the visit is interpreted as an attempt, albeit, an unsuccessful one, to drive a wedge between France and Britain with a view to ulterior German designs. The newspaper Russ, which is often inspired by Count Lamsdorff, declar.es that the visit is calculated to entail political consequences of the greatest importance, possibly a regrouping of the western European Powers.

The Times learns that St. Petersburg diplomatists interpret the visit of the Kaiser to mean that he was displeased with the Czar not heeding the recent peace counsels from Berlin ; hence the rumours of floating a Japanese loan in Berlin, and) the subsequent affront upon Russia's ally, the unexpected result whereof may be to precipitate France into Great Britain's

The Tim.es says that since the telegram sent to Mr Kruger prior to the Boer war no action of the Kaiser has been so sensational as his- visit". Fortunately, M. Delcasse's statesmanship and his countrymen's temper are proof against a provocation that has been so exaggerated as to palpably overshoot the mark.

The Daily Telegraph reports that KingEdward will not break his journey at Paris on. his way south.

April 5.

A friend and confident of Count yon Bulow informed a French Berlin correspondent that France could, if Trilling, approach Germany regarding Morocco. It would be much better to come to terms with Germany than put too much confidence in Britain.

'lhe. Times' Paris correspondent says that after the Tangier performance a Franco-German rapprochement is more distant than ever.

April 9.

It is reported in Tangier that a German mission is proceeding to Fez with a draft treaty of commerce.

PARIS, April 4. The Journal Ofiiciel declares that the

Kaiser before landing at Tangier received the text of the speech which the uncle of the Sultan proposed to make, embodying the Sultan's thanks for the Kaiser's support in a moment of difficult negotiations with France, and that the Kaiser resented) this interpretation of his intentions ; hence he visited the German Legation only.

April 5

The French newspapers declare that the Kaiser is angry because he is unable to keep Great Britain and France apart, and that he is in a state of querulous antagonism. They add that although there is no present Anglo-French alliance it would be easy of realisation.

The Standard's Berlin correspondent says that Germany is seeking to draw M. Delcasse into negotiations, and tliat her alternative will be to negotiate with Morocco direct.

The Moorish Government has bought in Germany 12 lighters and two tugs for the improvement of the lighterage service in Tangier.

April 6.

The German press recommends an International Conference, similar to that held in Madrid in 1880, to settle the Moroccan question.

The Norddeutsche Zeitung declares that the claim of France to act as a European mandatory is inadmissible. Germany did not give a mandate.

April 9

The Temps quotes documents relating to the Madrid Conference of 1880 showing that Germany declared that she had no interests in Morocco, and supported France.

M. Delcasse, speaking in the Chamber of Deputies, said that the application ot the Morocco agreement in nowise diminished the general European approval given originally to France to persevere in thetask of strengthening the Sultan's precarious authority. France was willing to remove any misunderstanding if it existed.