THE MOROCCAN QUESTION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 114, 6 July 1911, Page 4

THE MOROCCAN QUESTION.

The town of Agadir is the southernmost seaport of Morocco, at the mouth of the Sus River, twenty-three miles' soutii-east of Capo G-hir. It was once a town of some importance, but a revolt in 1773, which was followed by the rise of Mogaler, a port some miles to the north, has lessened its value, and its present population does not exceed 1-500. Ever since the French force landed, considerable agitation has been noticeable in Germany over the action of the French Government. A section of the Press, especially that which is affiliated to the Pan-Gorman League, called or. the Berlin Government to intervene, on the alleged ground that France’s real intention was to annex Morocco outright, and one important organ of commercial interests in Prussia (the “Wostfalische Zcitung”) demanded that there shall be a partition of the Sultan’s dominions in which Germany should be given the Atlantic coast. It declared that “Germany’s commerce with Morocco was relatively greater already than that of England,” and added, with many details and statistics, that German' trade with that country had

amounted to £BOO,OOO in recent years. Morocco, it declared, was probably the only country in the world where Germany could acquire possessions without war, and dispose of her surplus population to the best advantage. That eminent authority, Piofessor Fischer, of Marburg University, stated in 1003 that in Germany’s interests the maintenance of Morocco’s independence and the opening up of the country were absolutely necessary, and, should obstacles arise, Germany must demand her share in the country which, according to the Pro-, feasor, was admirably adapted for geogi cubical division. Germany must demand the Atlantic portion, El Hour from Rabat, to the south, with the Is us. The “Zeitnng” continues; “‘Mod! the German Empire look or while France seizes the whole conn try ? Shall the French reign in Morocco and slam tiie door on Gorman commerce? Shall wo again see the spectacle of a land closed to ns whore German capital, Gorman intelligence and German settlers have a great and prosperous future, and shall_wo retire before the vanquished of 1870. whose population is at a standstill? France’s claims arc not sufficient- to" warrant per entire nnssession of Morocco. Vvo v ill allow France to have her way in all other parts of.the country, but we demand the foreland as far as the .Atlas for ourselves. The Emperor who took Morocco’s part in 1903 must be the guide thither to-day for the Gorman people if lie does not desire Mr. proud words to ho rediculed by the whole world.”