FRANCO-SPANISH AGREEMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2111, 20 June 1907, Page 2

FRANCO-SPANISH AGREEMENT.

United Press Association— Copyright PARIS, June 18. The newspaper Dehats considers the Franco-Spanisli and Anglo-Span-isli agreements are for the Western Mediterranean and part of 4 ho JV" lantic adjacent to the countries concerned, and that the Fraiico-Japan-esc agreement is for the Fai Last Ihe Debats adds: “Nobody but those believing a disturbance of the status quo might benefit themselves could regard the agreement with disfavor. LONDON, June 18.

French and English newspapers unanimously acclaim, the Spanish agreements. Le Matin declares it i now almost impossible for German: to ma'ke war at sea. The Times says our reasons for enetring into the agreement with Spain are manifest. The routes tc India and the Far East in peace or war pass the coasts an hafbors of the waters included in the agreements for hundreds of miles. It is of the higl est moment to us that these coast: and harbors should remain safe anc undisputed in the friendly hands now holding them. AVe could not in oui own interest suffe rthe possessors tc bn molested. Whether by forma! agreements or not we must clear up and proclaim our inevitable policy. Reuter learns that before the text of thr Anglo-Spanish note was published it was thought more courteout to communicate with the othei Powers the terms of the agreement to enable them to see its sole ain. was to consolidate the status quo ir. the Mediterranean, which has always been a common object of all the great Powers having interest in the Mediteiranean.