MOROCCO.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9181, 2 September 1908, Page 5

MOROCCO.

MULAI HAFID'S LIEUTENANT DEFEATED. Received September 1, 8.15 a.m. MOROCCO, August 31. General Damade, commander of the French troops in Morocco, announces that Mulai Hafid's lieutenant, Clawi, has been defeated by the Shragna tribesmen.

GERMANY AGAIN

A REGRETTABLE STEP,

Received September 2, 12.44 a.m. LONDON, September 1. "The Times'" Tangier correspondent states that on Monday Germany had taken a most regrettable step. Dr Vassel, the German Consul, who?e preparations were conducted with the greatest secrecy, and whose departure had been carefully concealed from the other European representatives by the German legation, left Tangier Fez, presumably in order to resume his post at the Court of Mulai Hafid, whom the Powers have not yet recognised. The aim is clear that the Germans desire to be considered by Mulai Hafid's tribes as the first Power recognising Mulai Hafid. Prince von Buelow at the sime time doubtless desires Germany to be the sole Power having a confidential adviser on Mulai Hafid's side. It is very much doubt?d whether the practical benefit which will accrue from stealing a march will be worth the very juat and very adverse criticism which it will meet with in Europe. The German officials version is that Dr Vassel was sent on the urgent request of German claimants to settle outstanding claims, and the journey had no political object, and can only end in his return. But at this juncture it will not fail to have a political effect in Morocco, whatever Germany's intentions were.

Mr E. Ashmead Bartlett, the special correspondent of the "Morning Post." (London), the first European to reach Fez for almost twelve months, travelled thither dressed as a Moor, and succeeded in reaching the Court of Mulai Hafid, with whom he had an interesting interview. Describing the new Sultan, Mr Ashmead Bartlett says:—Mulai Hafid, which means "the heaven preserved," is a man about 34 or S5 years of age, and he is one of the handsomest of Moor?, and of men I have ever seen. In conversation he remarked, "I am most anxious that Europe should know the truth about myself and my intentions. lam in no sense hostile to foreigners, although, as you will readily under- j stand, I have to move carefully considering the state of public .opinion in Morocco at the present tim 3. I can't understand the attitude of the Powers towards me, and why they continue to recognise my brother as Sultan, when nine-tenths of Morocco has declared in my favour and the coast towns are only prevented from doing so by the presence of the warships, for they fear that the French will bombard thern if they do so. lam prepared to abide by the Act of Algeciras, although the mass of my subjects are violently opposed to it; but I reserve for myself the right to call another conference, when the country has quieted down from the excitement following the dynastic change, to re consider some of its clauses. I wil accept," replied Mulai Hafid, "ful responsibility for all Abdul Aqiz's debts contracted up to the time I was proclaimed Sultan at Fez. I will make provisions suitable to his former rank, out of State funds. I will give a guarantee satisfactory to the Powers that such a sum shall be annually forthcoming."