MOROCCO.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10196, 4 July 1911, Page 1

MOROCCO.

SPANISH APPROVAL OF GERMAN ACTION. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. MADRID, July 3. f The newspapers approve of Germany s action as the logical outcome of what thoy describe as the Tunissification o Morocco. They justify similarly the Spanish occupation of Alcazar. - many's intervention is represent likelv to hasten a fresh international solution. Meanwhile Spam will remain neutral inasmuch as Agadir is oiiiside the Spanish zone. The Diario Unia semi-official newspaper, remarks that Germany's action was a ijreat surprise. The occupation of Anadir is more prejudicial to Britain tlfan to any other nation, yet it does not imply the beginning of a series pi conquests. Germany's action was legal, and confirmed the right and duty of Powers having interests to defend them, and do so without leaving protection to the mercy of the French. The journal adds that Germany nevertheless does not constitute the only new factor. Britain is another not less influential and powerful. It is doubtful whether Britain regards the matter in Ihe same light as Spain. Critical days «re approaching, and it is hoped that all concerned will display wisdom and calmness.

A SEMI-OFFICIAL JUSTIFICATION. BERLIN, July 3. Tli© "Kolnische Zeitung," in a leading article, states that sending the Panther to Agadir caused a profound impression, but developments in Morocco forced Germany into action. The situation had gradually become chaotic. Tho Sultan's authority had gone, and the confusion in the v .rth led to great excitement in the. south. France and Spain, transgressing the Algeciras Act. established stations in the interior., and it was natural that German" should accede to her subjects' demand for protection. The measure was not aimed at Morocco, and was not intended as a counterBtroke to French and Spanish action. Germany did not intend to establish herself permanently at Agadir, but the protection of her countrymen would not De withdrawn until order had been restored. The " Kolnischo Zeitung" denies that there is any intention to land troops at Agadir at present, and adds that it is not intended to occuny the hinterlands.

COMMENTS OF FRENCH NEWSPAPERS. PARIS, July 3. The comments of the Press are temperate. It is argued that Germany intervened hoping to hold a strong position in the discussion of the Moroccan question. One journal suggests that Germany is at France's pacification of Morocco and seeks t-o reopen the whole question. The " Tempscriticises the French Government's forbearance in guarding Spain's landing troops, causing a gradual suspicion in Berlin that France and Spain had a secret understanding aiming at the partition of Morocco. The "Temps" assumes that a French cruiser will proceed to Anadir to safeguard the peace of the interior, also that Spain should be informed that she Had broken her engagements. Thus France would resume freedom to come to an understanding with third parties and debate the difficulty with Germany. The acute stage of the question is political, >not jurisdictial. The writer warns other newspapers of the folly of provoking Germany to send more ships and says that it is high time to study the whole Moroccan question with coolness and logic. • The system of military expeditions was bound to make trouble with Germany. M. Etienne, a colonial member of the Chamber of Deputies, in an interview said he was convinced th'at France would send an early protest to Berlin. He added that Britain would not delay in following France's example, if she did not precede her. 31. Caillaux, the Premier, has temporarily assumed the portfolio of Foreign Affairs, 31. Deselves accompanying President Fallieres on a visit to Holland.

EXULTATION OF THE GERMAN PRESS. . BERLIN, July 3. The majority of the papers comment Bn the intervention favourably some with enthusiasm. The << Rheinische {Westtaebsche exclaims. "Hurrah! A ead! We can follow the road the 'rendi travelled. If they undertake to estaoush order m Morocco, so can we." It adds: The French can still come to an agreement, otherwise the Panther may have the effect of the Ems telegram. .•LONDON NEWSPAPERS ON THE SITUATION. tt m- LONDON, Julv 3. The Times ' states that while repetting a step calculated to lead to a bad interpretation it declines to take the visit of a gunboat to a desolate Moroccan port too seriously. It suggests that the demonstration is intended to divert attention now that a general election is approaching, and perhaps it is deemed expedient to appeal to the Chauvinists by a little gentle rattans of the sabre beforehand. The ' Chronicle " fears that the intervention will have a disturbing effect on the international situation, which, pxcept for the internal troubles afflicting -Turkey, had long been unruffled. It considers that Germany's profuse asl- - and pretence of a large commercial stake are not very convincing. Britain had unreservedly acknowledged francos predominant interest in Morocco, and Germanv had long been ttehmg for a finder m the Moroccan pie Spain and Germany were acting *s though partition were impending, but Mulai Hafid was still in the saddle, ir partition came, Britain would have something to say. Self-restraint on all waa necessary to prevent the Situation developing in ail ugly way. Air Edward Grey's influence would assuredly bo extended in favour of a iust »nd pacific settlement.