MOROCCO.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 215, 4 September 1908, Page 2

MOROCCO.

GERMAN YS ACTION CRITICISED. London, September 2. The Times, in the course of an article on Germany's action in Morocco, states: -Either step standing alone would have given a shock to public feeling; Coming together, the disturbing nujircssioii they must create will be culmutative. France and Spain, aa the mandatories of Europe and as the two Powers whose special position iu Morocco is explicitly recugarsed by t<iic Act of Algeciras, are entitled in ordinary courtesy to claim reasonable opportunity to exchange views before making proposals to others. Every circumstance connected with Herr Vossel's mission suggests that political, not commercial, considerations are the real reasons lor Germany's action." The French press strongly condemns the action of Germany in stealing a march on the other Powers in Morocco by making the first recognition of Mulai Hafid as Sultan. English newspapers of all shades also disapprove Germany's conduct. The Chronicle says Germany's calcu-

lated audacity once more shows her resentment to the Anglo-French entente. The Westminster Gazette, a proGerman organ, doubts whether there is any present necessity for German intervention in Morocco.

HERE VASSEL RETURNS. Morocco, September 2. Herr Vassel, ulie German Minister, has returned from his visit to Mulai Hand at Fez. GERMAN ACTION OFFICIALLY EXPLAINED. GERMANY NOW AWAITING DEVELOPMENTS. THE RECOGNITION OF THE NEW SULTAN. FRANCE AND SPAIN'S PROPOSALS,

Received 3, 10.30 p.m. London, September 3, Dr. Vessel's return is oificially explaned. He went to Fez solely to look uftcr his house and personal interests and those of his compatriots at Gcv-' many's suggestion. The recognition mentioned in the North German Gazette was verbally conveyed to the Fremiti Foreign Office. The coinnninieauon caused considerable surprise in tiie -Ministry. The Minister for Foreign All'airS acknowledged it with the remark that tlic step was unusual, and, in the circumstances, inexplicable. The verbal communication implied that Germany would now await developments. The Temps says lliat concerning the recognition of Mulai Hafid, France lately intimated that the agreement among the Powers regarding the guarantees which must be secured for European interests in Morocco is as necessary as the guarantees themselves. The agreement solely desires the mamteuance of order. The Debnta says tJiat France and Spain were about to inform the other Powers of the proposals they have determined upon after mature rellection.

FRENCH REGRET. Received 3, 11 p.m. Paris, September 3. ■ The Temps, in an article on foreign affairs, says that France will regret that Germany has not the same mmd as the rest of Europe regarding Morocco, but French policy would not lie modified, BRITAIN SUSPENDING ACTION. Received 3, 11 p.m. London, September 3. The Daily Mail says that Britain awaits the decision Of -France and others before taking action in regard to Germany's communication. PORMJIDABLE~ONSLAUGHT ON FRENCH FORCES. TRIBESMEN LOSE HEAVILY. Received 3, 10.45 p.m. Morocco, September 3. The commander of a large body of Beriiers in the vicinity of Bendanib recently received presents of a war horse and a tent from Mulai Hand. Tnis* body during the past fortnight has been threatening the French. A formidable onslaught on their part opened a fight on Tuesday. They were repulsed with heavy losses, chiefly from field machine guns. The attack at Bendanib was renewed the same night, wMi the same result. The French casualties are slight.