Crisis In Morocco

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 13, 10 July 1911, Page 5

Crisis In Morocco

GERMANY'S VITAL INTEREST. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Berlin, July 7. Die Post declares that Germany's real Bud vital interest in an independent 'Morocco is that Germany should, in the event of war, be able to start a Mahommedan insurrection against France in order to prevent the later employing North African native troops in Europe.

MR. ASQUITH AND FRANCE. Paris, July 7. Mr. Asquith's statement that the British Government would fulfil its treaty obligations to France was warmly welcomed in France. The newspapers generally commend Mr. Asquith's statement as further strengthening the entente. HEATED JOURNALS. - IS MOROCCO WORTH IT? A SPANIARD ACTS. SATIRICAL RUSSIAN VIEW. Received 9, 5.5 p.m. Berlin, July 8.,

The Lokaluzeiger Kreutz Bitting and many other newspapers interpret Mr. Asquith's mention of a new situation in Morocco as implying that it has been created by France and Spain, thus necessitating German intervention. The Berlin Poet says Mr. Asquith politely announces: "Hands off!" Germania remarks that optimists are wrong in supposing that Britain remains neutral or even well disposed towards Germany. All Germany's hopes, declares the journal, are shattered at one blow. Germany, too, must face a new aituation, and it is to be hoped that Hen Kilderienwachter, Minister for Foreign Affairs, will be equal therete. The Tangie* correspondent of the Kolniche Zeitung reports that all the influential people resident at Tangier have addressed a letter to the German Minister, expressing assent and satisfaction should Germany take the Suss region under her protection.

The German cruiser Berlin has replaced the gunboat Panther at Agadir. Paris, July 8.

Germany and France have been intermittently negotiating an agreement giving Germany industrial advantages in connection with the railways in Morocco in return for Germany placing on record a fresh recognition of France's special political interests. As Spain has been ignored, Spain has protested that one railway has traversed her sphere. The hitch is also plainly due to changes in the French Ministry. Germany has now sought to re-open the discussions through the Agadir surprise.

• Vienna, July 8. The Neu Frie Presse declares that the evil done during the last few days is sufficiently grave, and the pacific work of many years is disturbed. Mr. Asquith's speech was a positive proof that the old policy would be continued under King George V. Germany must struggle anew in negotiations against a world of distrust and open and secret foes. "Is Morocco worth these complications!'' asks the paper. Tangier, July 8.

During the absence of the French and British Consuls at Alcazar, Don Silvestre, the Spanish commander, forcibly disarmed the Sultan's troops and seized the barracks and military stores. St. Petersburg, July 8.

Russia, has asked Germany what her real object is in sending a ■warship to Agadir when there is no foreign trade, 110 Germans, and no disorders. Did Germany contemplate landing troops? Russia contends that since Germany is alarmed about the situation it would have been simpler for France, Britain and Russia to each send a warship to help Germany in her self-imposed task.