FRANCE AND GERMANY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10302, 6 November 1911, Page 2

FRANCE AND GERMANY.

THE CO'NGO AGREEMENT. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received November (5, 8.5 a.m.) LONDON, November 5. A Paris message says that the black population in the area coded numbers 1,21)0,000. Franco will acquire 14,000 square kilometers, with free transit over the Mackebi River through German territory to Bonne, also enclaves on tho Benuc and Mackebi Rivers and towards tho Logono River, enabling her to establish revictualling posts. Germany, equally with France, iu granted a transit seaboard and a strip 1000 metres wide on the north Liberville. The Press generally is satisfied. Several papers remark that Germany lias rendered an immense service to France by awakening French patriotism. Tho "'Litre Parole" states that tho agreement is monstrous. M. Caillaux has assumed a heavy responsibility. The "Eclair" declares that Germany possesses a trump. card that will make her the first Power in Africa. A Berlin message says that Germany will not object to tho appointment of French representatives of the Maglizon as an intermediary between the other Powers. Franco pledges the equality of all nations in trade and mining Concessions and will not place an export duty on iron ore. Both nations will have unrestricted trade ' transit and railway construction rights on tho Congo. communique respecting the settlement contains a denial that Britain disturbed tho negotiations. Tho " Morgen Post" says that there is a feeling of shamo and deep indignation at the result of four months' negotiations. Tlie " Vorwaert-s " states that the policy of Ho.rr von Kidcrlen-Waecliter and Ilerr von Bethmann Hollway is avisitation from heaven like plague or famine. Horr von Dnnckleman, a distinguished Congo authority, attached to Herr Lindequist's department, will also retire, and Herr Solf, of Samoa, will provisionally succeed Herr Lindequist. PUBLIC OPINION IN GERMANY. Tho German, Government newspapers deplore tho Colonial Office's attempt to impede tho Chancellor's policy as in compatible with the orderly conduot of Imperial affairs. Other papers anticipate tho disclosure of Ministerial differences in the Reichstag and during the elections. They ccntend that a good bargain on paper has been made, while Germany's prestige is damaged.