The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, JULY 25. 1911.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3278, 25 July 1911, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, JULY 25. 1911.

It will be of considerable interest to

watch the attitude of Germany in connection with the position which has arisen as

The Moroccan Difficulty.

regards Moroccan affairs. As our readers are aware, negotiations of a secret nature have for some time been proceeding between Germany and France. They have, it will be recalled, special reference to a proposal for an agreement giving Germany industrial advantages in connection with the railways of Morocco l in return, for Germany’s placing on record a fresh recognition of France’s special political interests. How far these negotiations have been completed has not yet been announced. All along so far there have been witnessed tactics which are peculiar to Germany. But the sympathy of the other Powers interested it is clear is with France. It would seem also that Great Britain at any rate is not prepared to be left out in the cold as regards the settlement of international rights in Morocco. Our readers will remember that in 1904 Britain recognised that France had special interests in Morocco, and agreed to place no obstacle in the way of French intervention to maintain order and secure reform. This convention was undoubtedly a bitter pill for Germany as was evident in 1905, when Ivaiser Wilhelm at Tangier made an important speech, which was plainly an incitement to thei Sultan to defy France. By many political students it was firmly believed at the time that one of Germany’s ends was to secure the removal

from office of,M. Detoe, who ivas then French Minister fonForbign. Affairs. lhat M. Delcasse should again hold an important political position -will not therefore—if such be the case—help to make matters any more easy of solution. The position- may indeed be extreme y delicate in view of an important n r ance which has been made by Mr Dloyc George on behalf of Britain. re vital interests are concerned,” he- said, “Britain should not allow herself to >« treated as if she were of no account m the Cabinet of nations.” That Mr. Lloyd-George's remarks were aimed at Germany is unmistakably plain. . M hat then will be the effect? Ultimately we think Germany, it will be found, will see the wisdom of moderating her plans. With all her famous world policy Germany would never enter into n quarrel with so little support behind her as he has got in this instance.