THE TUNISIAN DIFFICULTY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 345, 16 May 1881, Page 2

THE TUNISIAN DIFFICULTY.

Excitement in Europe. (by cable.) Paris, May 13. Telegrams have been received from Tunis announcing that a settlement of the Franco-Tunisian difficulty has been brought about. On the arrival of the French troops outside the city of Tun's, the Bey despatched envoys to negotiate with the French commander, who demanded as an ultimatum that the Bey should give substantial guaranlees|that perfect order would be maintained on the frontier, and that he should agree to receive a French resident at the capital. These conditions were ultimately accepted, and were embodied in a treaty of peace, which has since been signed, between the French commander and an envoy of the Bey. In consequence of the settlement arrived at, the French troops will not now enter the city. London, May 13. It has transpired that the treaty which was signed yesterday by the Bey of Tunis and the commander of the French forces in that country will virtually annul the autonomy of the Tuinisian States, and reduce the Bey to the position of a vassal of France By the terms of the treaty the Bey has agreed to place the complete conlro of the finances of his kingdom in the hands of a Commission appointed by the French Government, and to accept the dictation of France with regard to his foreign policy and relations. The right of despatching troops to any part of the Tunisian territory is also secured to France by the compact. London, May 14. The news of the Treaty signed between France and the Bey of Tunis has caused considerable astonishment throughoutt Europe. Home, May 13. The news of the surrender of the Bey, and the terms of the treaty which has been agreed to by him, has caused great excitement throughout Italy. Indignation is generally expressed at the action of France, and it is expected that diplomatic representations will at once be made to the French Government with regard to the position of the Bey and the autonomy of the Tunisian people as affected by the treaty.