MILITARY OFFICER’S OPINION.

Southland Times, Issue 19551, 4 May 1905, Page 2

MILITARY OFFICER’S OPINION.

Per United Press Association,

AUCKLAND, May 3

Captain Scott Harden, interviewed, said some years ago Raid McLean told him he could have made Morocco what Kitchener made Egypt but the Homo authorities thwarted him in every way. Time after time he asked the Foreign l Office for British instructors and officers to train the army. Each request was refused until his position became intolerable, and the few British officers in tho Moorish capital had been replaced by Frenchmen, who now hold the posts of trust. Nelson said Tangier was as important to Britain as was Gibraltar. The latter fortress being practically useless to Britain if Tangier were held by another Power. . French domination was all right just now in l view of the rapprochement with France, bat a few years would tell what we hail paid for Egypt. Mi- Scott Harden thinks it possible the next European war will arise from complications in the north of Africa owing to the proximity of Gibraltar. Kaid McLean’s opportunity has gone with his resignation ; France has got the power we refused, and Germany is trying to take it from her. was worth considering whether it was not worth while to stand well in with the Spaniards, who hold Taiifa, strongly fortified islands off Gibraltar.