UNKNOWN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 8, 4 July 1911, Page 5

UNKNOWN.

TO GENERA^^^KINESS. By Gable. —Press Association.—Copyright Madrid, July 2. Official reports state that 500 German troops have been disembarked at Agadir. M. Deselves, Foreign Minister, informed Baron von Schoen, German Ambassador to France, that public opinion would be painfully surprised by Germany's action in Morocco. He regretted that an obstacle had been placed in the way of the friendly relations desired by both countries concerning Morocco. M. Deselves later received 31. Jules Cambon, French Ambassador in Berlin, who was also greatly surprised at Germany's action, describing it as totally unexpected.

The Observer notes that Arzill is within the Spanish sphere, and the occupation of Agadir is a direct challenge to France. Paris, July 2. Within an hour of the semi-official announcement that Franco-Spanish differences, respecting Morocco had been settled, German intervention came like a bolt from the blue. The Koelnische Zeitung, a Cologne paper, states that iarge cultivated tracts in the vicinity of Agadir and far into the hinterland belong to German firms. The property of one alone equals the size of a principality; another firm employs 120, including sixty commercial agents, who are German proteges. German trade in Southern Morocco has lately greatly expanded. The bulk of such goods, though appearing in the statistics as British, are imported and exported by German firms via England. The paper adds that Germany is also considerably interested in mining in the hinterland.

SPANISH VIEWS. SUPPORT GERMAN ACTION. Received 3, 9.40 p.m. Madrid, July 3. The newspapers approve of Germany's action, describing it as the logical outcome of what they describe as the "Tunissification of Morocco." They justify similarly the Spanish occupation of Alcazza. Germany's intervention, the papers represent, will be likely to Hasten a fresh international solution of the Moroccan problem. Meanwhile Spain is neutral, inasmuch as Agadir is outside MJie Spanish zone.

The Diario, a universal semi-official newspaper, remarks that -Germany's action comes as a great surprise. The-oc-cupation of Agadir is more prejudicial to Britain than to any other nation. Yet it was not simply the beginning of a series of conquests. Her action was legal, and confirmed the right and duty of Powers having interests in the country to defend to do so without leaving' the protection to the mercy of the French veto. The paper adds that Germany nevertheless would not constitute the only new factor. Britain was another factor, and one not less influential or powerful. It was doubtful if Britain would regard the matter in the same light as Spain. Critical days were approaching, and the paper concludes by expressing the hope that all concerned ■will display wisdom and calmness. GERMANY'S HANDS FORCED. PROTECTING HER OWN RIGHTS. Received 3, 9.40 p.m. Berlin, July 3.

The Koelnische. in a leading article, states that the sending of the Panther to Agadir has caused a profound' sensation. Morocco forced Germany into action. The situation had gradually become chaotic. The Sultan's authority had gone. The confusion in the north had led to great excitement in the south, while France and Spain were transgressing the Algeeiras Act bv establishing stations in the interior. It was but natural that Germany should accede to her subjects' demand for protective measures. Germany's action, however, was not intended as a counter stroke to the French or Spanish action. Germany did not intend to establish herself permanently at Agadir. but to protect her countrymen, and would not withdraw the vessel until order was restored. The Koelinsche denies that it is Germany's intention to land troops at Agadir at present, and adds that it is not intended to occupy the hinterland.

TEMPERATE FRENCH COMMENTS. FRENCH GOVERXMEXT'S POLICY CRITICISED.' WHAT BRITAIX MAY DO. Received 3, 11.5 p.m. Paris, .Tilly ". The comments of the press are temperate. It is argued that Ormany has intervened, hoping to hold a strong position in the discussion of the Moroccan question.

One journal suggests that Germany is disappointed over trance's pacification policy in Morocco, and seeks to re-open the whole question.

The Temps criticises the French Government's forebearance regarding Spain's landing of troops, causing the gradual suspicion in Berlin that France ■and Spain have a secret understanding aiming at the partition of Morocco. The Temps assumes that the French cruiser lias proceeded to Agadir to safeguard the peace of the interior; also that Spain should he informed that she has broken her engagements. Thus France should resume her freedom and come to an understanding with the third parties. There was likely to be difficulty with Germany. An acute stage in the question had now been reached. The question had resolved itself into a political and not a judicial one. The writer warns other newspapers of the folly of provoking Germany to send

more ships to Morocco, suiting that it is high time to study the whole Moroccan question with coolness and logic. The Temps adds that the system of military expeditions was bound to make trouble with Germany. M. Etienne, a colonial member of the Chamber of Deputies, interviewed, said he was convinced that France would send an early protest to Berlin, and added that Britain would not delay in following France's example, if she did not precede her. M. Caillaux, Premier, has temporarily assumed the portfolio of Foreign Affairs. M. Deselves having accompanied President Fallieres on a visit to Holland. BRITISH PRESS COMMENT. "HURRAH!-A LEAD!" THE TIMES CALM. Received 4, 12.20 a.m. Berlin, July 3. The majority of papers comment on the intervention favorably, and some with enthusiasm. The Rheinisehe Westfnelische exclaims "Hurrah!—A lead! We can follow the road the French travelled. If they can undertake to establish order in Morocco, so can we." The paper adds, "The French can still come to an agreement: otherwise the Panther may have the effect of the Ems telegram.

London, July 3. The Times states that while regretting a step that is calculated to lead to a bad interpretation, declines to take the visit of a gunboat to a desolate Moroccan port too seriously. It suggests the demonstration is intended to divert attention from the general election approaching, and says it is perhaps deemed expedient to appeal to the Chauvinists bv a little gentle rattling of the sabre beforehand. The Chronicle fea.rs the intervention will have a disturbing effect on the international situation, which, except for the internal troubles afflicting Turkey, has long been unruffled. It considers that Germany's profuso assurances are pretence. She has a large commercial stake, and her assurances are not very convincing. Britain unreservedly acknowledges France's predominant interest in Morocco, and Germany has long been itching for a finger in the Moroccan pie. Spain and Germany are acting as though a partition were impending, but Mulai Hafid is still in the saddle, and if partition comes Britain will have something to say. Self-restraint on all sides is necessary to prevent the situation developing in an ugly way. Sir E. Grey's influence will assuredly be extended in favor of a just and pacific settlement.