THE MOROCCAN CRISIS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13418, 4 July 1911, Page 5

THE MOROCCAN CRISIS.

GERMAN INTERVENTION.

SPANISH PRESS VIEWS. Press Association—Telegraph.—Copyright. MADRID, July 3. The newspapers approve of Germany's action being the logical outcome of what they describe as the “Tiuiisification” of Morocco. They justify similarly the Spanish occupation of Alcazir. Germany's intervention is represented as likely to hasten a fresh international solution. Meanwhile Spain will remain neutral, inasmuch as Agadir is outside the Spanish zone. The Diaro, a universal semi-official newspaper, remarks that Germany's action came as a great surprise. The occupation o f Agadir was more prejudicial to Great Britain tiian to any other nation, yet she was not simply beginning » scries of conquests. Her action is legal, and confirms the right and duty of Powers having interests to defend to do so wit bout leaving their protection to the mercy of a French veto. The paper adds; "Germany, nevertheless, does not constitute the only new' factor. Great Britain is another, not less influential and powerful, and it is doubtful if Britain will regard the matter in the same 'ight as Spain. Cxitical days are approaching, and we hope that all concerned will display wisdom and calmness." A GERMAN EXPLANATION. BERLIN, .Inly 3. The Kochinclie, in a leading article, states that the sending of the Panther to Agadir caused a profound impression, but developments in Morocco forced Germany into action. The situation had gradually become chaotic. The Sultan’s authority had gone; confusion in the north led to great excitement in the south, and Franco and Spain were transgressing the Algeeiras Act, they having established stations in tho interior. It was natural that Germany should accede to her subjects’ demand for protection. The step taken was not intended as a counter-stroke to French and Spanish action. Germany did not intend to establish permanently in Agadir, but the protection of her countrymen would not bp withdrawn until order had been restored. The Koelnisebe denies that it is the intention to land troops at Agadir at present, and adds that it is not intended to occupy the hinterland. BERLIN PRESS COMMENTS. BERLIN, July 3 The majority of the papers comment on the intervention favourably. Some speak with enthusiasm. The Rheinische Westfaelisclio exclaims “Hurrah I A lead. We can follow the road the F'renek travelled. If they undertake to establish order in Morocco, so can we.” Tlie paper adds; “The F'rench can still come to an agreement, otherwise the Panther may have the effect of the Ems telegram-" THE TIMES VIEW. An Election Dodge. LONDON. July 3. Tim Times states that while regretting the step taken by Germany, which is calculated to lead to a bad interpretation, it declines to take too seriously the visit of a gunboat to a desolate Moroccan port. The Times suggests that the demonstrataio.i 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 rattling of the sabre beforehand. LONDON CHRONICLE'S FEARS. LONDON, July :j. The Chronicle fears that the intervention will have a disturbing effect ou the international situation, which, except for the internal troubles afflicting Turkey, have long been unruffled. The paper considers that Germany's profuse assurances arc not very convincing. Britain has unreservedly acknowledged 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 partition is impending, but Mulai Halid is still in the saddle. If partition conies, Britain will have something to say. Self-restraint ou all sides is necessary to prevent the situation from developing in an ugly way. Sir E. Grey’s influence will assuredly be extended in favour of a just and pacific settlement.

FRENCH PRESS CRITICISM

PARIS, .Inly 3

Comments iu the Press are temperate. It ia argued that Germany intervened hoping to bold a strong position in the discussion of tile Moroccan question. One journal suggests that Germany is disappointed in France’s pacification of Morocco and .seeks to re-open the. whole mte.sf ion.

The TcmpH criticises the French Government's forbearance regarding Spain’s landing troops and causing the gradual suspicion iu Berlin that France and Spain have a secret understanding and are aiming at the partition of Morocco. The Temps assumes that a French cruiser will proceed to Agadir to safeguard the peace of the interior, also that Spain should bo informed that she has broken her engagements, and that thus France will resume her freedom to conic to an understanding with third parties. The Debate states that the difficulty wilh Germany has reached an acute stage. The writer warns other newspapers of the folly ot provoking Germany to send more ships, and asserts that it is high time to study the whole Moroccan question with coolness and logic. He adds that the system of military expeditions is bound to make trouble with Germany.

A PROTEST. PALMS, July 3. M, Etienne, interviewed, said lie was convinced that France would send an early protest to Berlin, and ho added that Britain would not delay following Fra life’s oxamp'e, if she does not precede her. Agadir, or Santa Cruz, which the Germans are reported to have occupied, is the most southern port of Morocco, 23 miles south-cad of Cape Ghir, on tho Atlantic Ocean. Arzilla, where German troops are said to have been lauded, is also a port cn the Atlantic, northward of Agadir.

UNCONFIRMED REPORTS. Received July 4, 8.55 a.m. LONDON. July 3. The reports from Madrid as to the actual landing of German troops are unconfirmed. THE THREATENED PARTITION. Denounced By British Press. Is Germany After a Naval Base? LONDON, July 3. The Daily News denounces the iniquity of the threatened partition, but declares that it is not Germany, nor even Spain, which has torn the Algeciras Act, but the incredibly short-sighted French aggression, with the occupation of Fez. The News says: Our complaint must particularly be addressed to Britain’s apparent concurrence, and adds that if France, Germany. and Spain have agreed to the partition the worst outcome of the crisis seems to he inevitable. Moreover, wo are likely to be uncompensated losers. The Daily Mail states that Morocco's internal danger is past. The French are shortly retiring to uie coast, and no fresh intervention was needed, least of all at a locality where no European interests are threatened. But Agadir would make an excellent naval base. Is this why Germany has sprung a surprise on Europe? The Standard advocates a fresh, friendlv and conciliatory settlement, adding that if no troops have been landed there is no need for pessimism. A LESSON TO BRITAIN. To Have the Navy Ready. LONDON. July 3. The Morning Dost, in a pessimistic article. although it does not anticipate that the peace of Europe will be disturbed, declares that the Kaiser has not given the orders to the Panther without calculating all the possibilities, and receiving assurance that the navy was ready for any emergency. This fact should be a lesson to ourselves as to the necessity for the reorganisation of the Admiralty for the purpose of qualifying it to give the Government trustworthy strategic advice, and of the Government purpose enabling it to take such advice. GERMANY’S INTERESTS. Received July 4 8.5 a.m. LONDON, July 3. Newspapers recall that during a vigorous campaign in Germany in 1910 on behalf of the brothers Mannesmann. who claimed that they had acquired immense mining concessions in the hinterland of Agadir, it was stated that Germany did not intend to support their claim, inasmuch as the validity of the concession was doubtful. This decision caused much resentment in a portion of the German press. The Koelnische Zeitung’a reference to properly as large as a princinality is interpreted as referring to me Mannesmann case.