MOROCCO.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 113, 4 July 1911, Page 5

MOROCCO.

GERMANY'S ACTION. By Electric Telegraph.—-Copyright. * United Press Association. Madrid, July 3. The newspapers approve of Germany’s action, describing it as the logical outcome of what they describe as the “Tunissification of Morocco.” They justify similarly the Spanish occupation of Alcazza. Germany’s intervention. the papers represent, will be likely to hasten a fresh international solution of the Moroccan problem. Meanwhile Spain is neutral, inasmuch as Agadir is outside the Spanish zone. The, Diario, a universal semi-official newspaper, remarks that Germany’s action comes as a great surprise. The occupation of Agadir is more prejudicial to Britain than to any other nation. Yet it was not simply the beginning of a scries of conquests. Her action was legal, and confirmed the right and duty of Powers having interests in the country to defend to do so without leaving the protection to the mercy of the French veto. The paper adds that Germany nevertheless would not constitute the only new factor. Britain was another factor, and one not less influential or powerful. It was doubtful if Britain would regard the matter in the same light as Spain. Critical days were approaching, and the paper concludes by expressing the liopo that all concerned will display wisdom and calmness. Berlin, July 3. The “Koelnische,” in a leading article, states that the sending of the Panther to Agadir has caused a profound sensation. Morocco forced Germany into' action. The situation had gradually become chaotic. The Sultan’s authority had gone. Tim confusion in the north had led to great excitement in the south, while Franco and Spain wore transgr’sring the Algeciras Act by establishing stations in the interior. It was lut natural that Germany should acco !c to her subjects’ demand for protective measures. Germany’s action, however, was intended as a counterstroke to the French or Spanish action. Germany did not intend to establish herself permanently at Agadir, but to protect her countrymen, ana would not withdraw the vessel until order was restored. The “Koelnische’ ’denies that it is Germany's intention to land troops at Agadix at present, and adds that it is not intended to occupy the hinterland. (Received 4, 8.5 a.m.) London, duly 3. Madrid’s reports of the actual landing of troops is unconfirmed. Ihe “jDaily News” denounces the iniquity of the threatened partition, but' declares that it was not Germany, nor even Spain, that had torn the Algeficas- Act, but the incredibly short-sighted French aggression witn the occupation of Fez, The “Nows’ adds ; “Uur complaint must he particularly addressed to Britain’s apparent concurrence. If France, Germany, and Spain have agreed to ,i partition, the -worst outcome of tlucrisis seems inevitable. Moreover, we are likely to be uncompensated losers.’ The “Daily Mail” states that Morocco’s internal dangers is past. The French are shortly retiring to the coast, and no fresh intervention it need, least of all in the locality where no • European interests are threatened ;but Agadir would make an excellent naval base, and in tins connec tion Germany has sprung a surprise on Europe.” The. “Standard” advocates a fresh friendly conciliatory settlement, adding: “If no troops are landed, there is no need for pessimism.” The “Morning Post,” in a pessimis' tic article, declares that although it does not anticipate that the peace of Europe will be disturbed, the Kai ser has not given orders without cal culating all the possibilities and re. ceiving an assurance that the navy i; ready for any emergency. That faci should be a lesson to ourselves if tin necessity for the reorganisation of tlu Admiralty for the purpose of qualifying to give the Government trustworthy strategic advice. „ The newspapers recall that during the vigorous campaign in Germany in 1910 on behalf of the brothers Mannesmann, who claimed they had acquired immense mining concessions it. the hinterland of Agidir, it was stated that Germany did not intend to sup

port their claim, inasmuch as the val idity of the concession was doubtful. . This decision caused much resentmonl in a portion of the German press. The “Koelnische Zeitung’s” refer ence to property as large as a principality is interpreted to mean the Mannesmana case. Paris, July 3. ■ The comments of the press are ternSerate. It is argued that Germ am as intervened, Imping to hold r strong position in the discussion oi the Moroccan question. . One journal suggests that Germany is disappointed over France’s pacifica tion policy in Morocco, and seeks t< re-open the whole question. The Temps criticises the French Go vernment’s forebearanco - regarding Spain’s landing of troops, causing tlm gradual suspicion in Berlin thai France and Spain have a secret un derstanding aiming at the parti tior of Morocco. The Temps assumes thai the French cruiser has proceeded tr Agadir to safeguard the peace of the interior; also that Spain should be informed that she has broken her engagements. Thus Franco should resume her freedom and come to ar understanding with the third parties There was likely to be difficulty witl Germany. An acute stage in the ' question had now been reached. Th< question had resolved itself into : political and not a judical one. The writer warns other newspapers of the folly of provoking Germany to send more shins to Morocco, stating thai it is high time to study the wlioh Moroccan question with coolness and logic. The Temps adds that Die sys tern of military expeditions was bound to make trouble with Germany. M. Etienne, a colonal ndmoer cf the Chamber cl Deputies, interviewed, said he was convinced that I<ranee would send an early protest to Berlin, and added that Britain would not delay in following France’s example, if she did not precede her. M. Caillaux, Premier, has temporarily assumed the portfolio of Foreign Affairs, M. Deselves having accompanied President Fallieres on a visit to Holland. BRITISH PRESS COMMENT. ►. Berlin, July 3. The majority of papers comment or the intervention favourably, and some Avith enthusiasm. The Rheinischf Westfaelische exclaims “Hurrah!— A lead! We can follow the road tin French travelled. If they can an . dertake to establish order in Morocco; so can Ave-.” n>-> paper adds. “The French can still come to an agreement; otherwise the Panthm may have the effect of ilio Ems tele gram.' • London, duly 3. The Timms states that •bile regret ting a slop that is calculate 1 to Toed to a bad interpretat’on, lodines tc take the visit of a gunboat to a do solate Moroccan port too seriously. It

suggests the demonstration is intended to divert attention from the general election approaching, am! say* it is perhaps loenn.d expedient in appeal to the Chiuv hints by a 1 ttm gentle rattling ef tiie sain.'. L> Jcreliai:l The “Chronicle” fears the intervention will have a disturbing effect on the international situation, which, except for the internal troubles afflicting Turkey, has long been unruffled. It considers that Germany’s profuse assurances are pretence. She has a large commercial stake, and her assurances are not very convincing. Britain unreservedly acknowledges France’s predominant interest in Morocco, and Germany has long been itching for a linger in the Moroccan pie. Spain and Germany are acting as though a- partition were impending, but Mulai Halid is still in the siadla, and if partition comes Britain Will have something to say. Sellrestraint on all sides is necessary lo .prevent the situation developing m an ugly way. Sir E. Grey’s influence will assuredly be extend'd in favour of a just and pacific smtlenient.