THE MOROCCO TROUBLE. LONDON, May 2.

Otago Witness, Issue 2669, 10 May 1905, Page 28

THE MOROCCO TROUBLE. LONDON, May 2.

iftlr Lowther, in the course of an interriew at Tangier, said that his mission was not simply a ceremonious one, but inspired t>y the Anglo-French Agreement, and to give mutual diplomatic assistance. He added that .M. Delcasse's proposals to the Sultan of complete conformity to the spirit of the French Agreement would not injure any third) party.

May 4.

The Sultan of Morocco resists M. Taillandier's proposal for a highway between Tangier end Fez. Herr Tattenbach, the German representative, has started for Fez.

May 5.

Herr*"Tattenbach is taking the Sultan of Morocco the Grand) Cross of the Red Eagle.

The Matin's Fez correspondent states that the Sultan, realising the necessity of reform as proposed by M. Taillander, is •willing to accept the joint assistance of the European Powers, but not of France Wone.

An association of German industrialists Js- sending an expedition to Morocco to prepare for German exports. There are indications that Germany's 'Jchief objection to M. Taillander's proposals relates to the appointment of French military instructors. German instructors would secure orders to Germany for war Jnaterial.

It is semi-officially intimated in Paris that Germany intends submitting a proposal after Herr Tattenbach's return with Jt view to securing compensation.

The Standard's Gibraltar correspondent Reports that the French Government; yacht, with civil engineers aboard, has arrived at where the French will construct a harbour. The Sultan's concession has been obtained. *"

AUCKLAND, May 3. Captaia Scott Harden, interviewed. s»-ld:

" Some years ago, when in Morocco, General Sir H. Kaid M'Lean told me that he could have made Morocco what Lord Kitohener had made Egypt, but the Home authorities thwarted him in every way. Time after time ho asked the Foreign Office for British instructors and officers to train the army, but each request was refused, until his position became intolerable and the few British officers in th.9 Moorish capital were replaced by Frenchmen, who now hold all the posts of trust. Nelson, said that Tangier was as important to England as Gibraltar. The fortress is practically useless to England if Tangier is held by another Power. French domination is all right just now in view of the rapprochement with France, but a few years will tell what we have paid for Egypt." Captain Harden thinks it possible" that the next European war will arise from complications in the north of Africa owiag to the proximity of Gibraltar. "General Sir H. Kaid M'Lcan's opportunity to aid Great Britain has gone with hi 3 resignation. France has got a power we refused, and Germany is trying to take it from her. We should, however, consider whether it is not worth while to stand well in with the Spaniards, who hold Telvan and the strongly-fortified islands to the north of Gibraltar."