England and France.

Manawatu Herald, 27 October 1898, Page 2

England and France.

, « Renter's Cairo correspondent says that the Anglo-French situation does not justify anxiety at present. A meeting of the British Cabinet hag been oonveened for this week. The Russian presß urges tbat France is entitled to an outlet on the Nile. A French yellow book of a voluminous character has been issued dealing with the France British conMention regarding Fashoda and the Upper Nile. France contends that M. Liotard was commissioned in 1893 to occupy the French regions in the Übangi district under Franco-Congolese conventions. Major (then Captain) Marohand, before Sir Edward Grey's warning, had been ordered to secure occupation under Liotard. When Egypt was abandoned in 1884 the Congo State annexed Labo, Great Britain conquered a portion of Equatoria, France having equivalent rights. Captain Marohand rescued Fashoda from the bands of the Dervishes before the fall of Khar tonm. Baron de Counsel, the late French Minister, on October sth told Lord Salisbury of France's recognition of Egypt's claims on the Upper Nile, and that he contemplated making an' inquiry into England's status. He held that Great Britain had no j anfcbority, and that the suzarain wia ! the Sultan. On October 12th Baron de Courcel informed Lord Salisbury that the presence of Captain Marchand at | Fashoda was as compatible with j Egypt's claims to that region as the presence of the British force. Lord Salisbury replied that a mixed occupation of Bahr el-Ghazal was inadequate, and they must withdraw to the watershed line of Bahr-el-Ghazal. Baron de Courcel then stated such a delimitation was physically difficult. Lord Salisbury inquired as to the alternative proposals. Baron de Oourcel claimed that it was necessary to have an outlet from the French Congo to Bahr-el-Ghazal Valley, and that the delimitation should ba between Lake Tchad and the Nile. Tbe British demand for the evacuation of Fashoda is not discussed, whioh is regarded as tantamount to an ultimatum. Lard Salisbury is consulting his colleagues on tbe situation. The English press states that the issue of the yellow book increases the gravity of the situation, and makes threats regarding Major Marohand's removal unless the French give an early and clear reply.