TANGIER PROBLEM

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1926, Page 2

TANGIER PROBLEM

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association." LONDON, Aug. 23. The Daily News in a leading article says: “The magic word Tangier has awakened the British Government to the dangers besetting the League of Nations’ forthcoming task. The original Continental idea was to bribe or bully Germany into giving Spain a permanent' scat. This trailing, Spain tried diplomatic blackmail, in demanding teat Tangier should become an integral part of the Spanish-zone, thereby rendering Gibraltar comparatively useless as a strategic guardian of the eastern sea routes. Britain’s original view that Tangier and the League Council seats were in no way connected should be maintained. AVe hope there is no truth in an assiduous rumour that Sir Austen Chamberlain lias offered Spain n compromise, whereby, after Germany's election, Spain will be presented with Tangier under tlio guise of a mandate. Apart from the dangerous possibilities of such a precedent, such as implying' the right of Italy to claim a mandate over Abyssinia., il Sir Austen Chamberlain is drawn into secret discussion, lie will again land in a hopeless muddle. It might be supposed, after his iormer devastating experience that he would have avoided mischievous diplomatic whisperings. The first object of honest statesmanship is the election of Germany to the League Council. There is no need to fear imaginary difficulties. All Sir Austen Chamberlain will need to do is to vote with the majority. The effort should not severely strain the intelligence of the statesman who was created a Knight of the Garter for doing litle more than that rat Locarno.’’ LONDON PRESS COMMENTS. LONDON, Aug. 24. The question of Tangier continues in the forefront. According to the “Daily Telegraph’s” information, Spain proposes a thirteen to fifteen years’ mandate from the League. This suggestion is linked directly with Spain’s claim for a permanent- sunt on the Council. In an editorial, the paper emphasises that long and complicated negotiation will he necessary if the present regime is to undergo revision. The Government will certainly oppose anV linking up of the two issues. Mr Archibald Hurd writes:—‘ft is inconceivable that the peoplcs_of Austailia and New Zealand and of the Government of India will remain unmoved by any development, which in any circumstances, will affect the freedom of movement of British ships, whether of war of commerce, in the Alediterannean. Gibraltar is tile halfway house to Malta, which as a result of the redistribution of British naval power since the war, lias become the base of our principal squadrons.” SPAIN’S ATTITUDE. (Received this day at S a.m.) MADRID, August 24. The Foreign Minister, Yauguas, announced he Will not attend the forthcoming League meeting at Geneva.