INTERESTS IN AFRICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3368, 7 November 1911, Page 5

INTERESTS IN AFRICA.

GERMANY SECURES TRUMP CARD. TO MAKE HER FIRST POWER. (United Press Association —Copyright.) PARIS, Nov. 5. The black population area ceded is 1,200,000 square kilometres, and France acquires 14,000 square kilometres, with free transit of Macebire river, through German territory. Benue also enclaves on the Benue and Macebire rivers, and towards Logone river, enabling France to establish re victualling posts. Germany, equally with France is granted transit along a seaboard strip of 1000 metres wide north of Libreville. The press generally is satisfied. Several papers remark that Germany has rendered immense service in awakening French patriotism. The “Libre Parole” states that the agreement is a monstrous one, and M. Caillaux (the Premier) had assumed a heavy responsibility. Te “Eclair” declares that Germany possesses the trump card to make her the first power in Africa. BERLIN, Nov/ 5. Germany does not object to the appointment of a French representative as an intermediary between other Powers. France pledges equality to all nations in trade and mining concessions, and will not place an export duty on iron ore. Both nations have unrestricted trade and transit, and railway construction rights in the Congo. Germany’s communique respecting the settlement contains a denial that Great Britain disturbed the negotiations.

Tlio “Morgen Post” says: “A feeling of shame and deep indignation is the result of four months of negotiations.”

The “Vorwaerts” (Socialist) states that the policy of Herr Ivederlin Waehter and Herr Von Hollweg is a visitation from heaven, like plague or famine. Herr von Dunckleman, a distinguished Congo authority, has been attached to Herr von Lindequist’s department (colonies.) Dr. Solf, of Samoa., provisionally succeeds Her Von Lindequist. BERLIN, Nov. 5. Government organs deplore the Colonial Office’s attemp to impede the Chancellor’s policy, as incompatible with the orderly conduct of Imperial a hail's. Other papers anticipate a disclosure of Ministerial differences in the Reichstag and during the elections. They contend that a good bargain lias been made on paper, while Germany’s prestige is damaged.