TANGIER PROBLEM

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1926, Page 2

TANGIER PROBLEM

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.;

BRITISH ANXIETY. LONDON. Aug. 26. In explaining the liritisiL attitude towards the Tangier problem, the “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says': “It is proposed that France, Spain and Italy shall first- endeavour to roach a common denominator in the proposed settlement. If, and when an agreement is reached, it would be submitted to the British Government. which would then survey the matter from the British standpoint in consultation with the Imperial Defence Committee, the Admiralty and the Dominion Governments. The issue, in fact, might be appropriately discussed at the Imperial Conference. It is now recognised that a League mandate to Spain would bo no better safeguard for neutrality of the Tangier enclave, and therefore, for the freedom of the Straits of Gibraltar. -than would its annexation with paper guarantees.” The “Daily Telegraph” says that Britain must retain her right by treaty to be reckoned among tlie guardians of Tangier’s neutrality. Any other solution would be fraught with peril to the British Navy and to inter-Empire communications. There is a suggestion from Paris that France might be willing to transfer to Britain her predominant situation in the administration of Tangier by allowing a Spaniard to occupy the Presidency of the Commttee of Control and another to fill the position of Administrator, now occupied l>y a Frenchman, in return for some modification of the Spanish zone, while it is considered that the Italian claims could be satisfied as under the present regime.” ROME, Aug. 2.5. According to tlie newspapers, the Spanish Government has presented to the Italian Foreign Ministry a note on the Tangier question. It is reported that this has been clone at tlie suggestion of Signor Mussolini that the problems' of Tangier and Geneva require greater precision and definiteness.