Anglo-French Agreement.

Manawatu Herald, 12 April 1904, Page 2

Anglo-French Agreement.

THE PUBLIC DELIGHTED. The British and Frencli press unanimously applaud ‘he AngloFrench agreement. The public are delighted, and attribute much of its success to King Edward and President Loubet, seconded by M. Delcasse, M. Gambon, and Lord Lansdowne. France renounces her exclusive rights to the French shore, Newfoundland, but retains the right to fish the coast, receiving the additional right to catch lobsters. Restrictions as to supplying British bait to French fisheries are withdrawn. Facilities for drying and cleaning fish ashore continue, but Newfoundland’s jurisdiction is acknowledged. Shipowners and others affected will be compensated. The Senegal-Gambia frontier is modified, giving France access to the navigable portion of the Gambia river at Yarbatenda. Britain cedes France the Loo islands off the Sierra Leone coast, commanding the French port of Konakry. The frontier of Northern Nigeria is modified, giving France straight and easy access to Lake Tchad. The political status of Egypt remains unaltered, France does not ask the limitation of British occupation nor the prevention of the Egyptian Government from disposing of fiscal surpluses already

amounting to £5,600,000. She otherwise abandons her old policy of obstruction. Britain reiterates the neutralisation of the Suez Canal. Britain recognises France’s predominant position in Morocco. France agrees not to fortify the coast opposite Gibraltar. Both agree to an open door for trade in Egypt and Morocco for 30 years at least. Siam’s integrity is guaranteed, British influence being recognised as predominant west of the Minan river, and France’s as paramount east of the river. England recognises France’s tariff in Madagascar, The appointment of a commission to settle land disputes in the New Hebrides is agreed to.