The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-09-27
FRANCE READY TO ATTACK.
EXPEDITION FOR CONQUEST or
MOROCCO WILL soon START.
The Avowed Object 10 . Campaign Against
the Berbers-The First Step May he
Armed Intervention, Deemed Neces.
sary % PrecautiOn Against Massacre.


the Berbers-Tne First Step May De
Armed Intervention, Deemed Neces-
sary % PrecautiOn Against Massacre.
Special Cable Despatch to THE SUN.
LONDON, Sept. 2e-In spite Of the point
blank denial OF the French Government, few
people here doubt the truth OF the repeated
assertion Of NJ JauIAs, vice-president OF
the French Chamber Of Deputies. that
France is making ready, or has made
ready, an expedition for the conquest OF
Morocco, as stated in the Paris despatch
to THE Sun on Sept. 49,
1t is hardly likely that the French Gov
eminent will say In 80 many words that
1t proposes to annex Morocco, nor will the
expedition start with any such avowed
object. The French Government at pres
ent declares that preparations are being
made solely with view Of extensive opera
tions against the Berbers in the extreme
southwest of Algeria. but the activity IN the
Mediterranean dock yards and the prepare
tons that are being made by the Governor
General Of Algeria are manifestly due to
something greater than this.
The only point at issue now is when the
scheme for enforcing the French protec-
torate shall be put into effect. 1t may be
carried out at any moment. The French.
at any rate. are all ready If an agreement
with the leading European Powers has
been definitely reached.
England and Spain are the two Powers
most nearly concerned. The former has
undoubtedly given her consent and Spain
70 hor oil
Silvela, the great Spanish Conservative.
resigned the Premiership several months
ago because he was unable to get the large
sums desired by himself and the Minister
OF Marine with which to reorganize the
army and navy and so bid for an alliance
with France, in order primarily to secure
respect for the Spanish claims in Morocco.
His SUCCESSOR Sehor Villaverde, Is en-
tirely engaged in preparing monetary
and financial reforms. and Senior Silvela,
recognizing that his plan Is more hopeless
than ever. this week retired from public
life, avowedly because he failed to secure
to Spain from France her due influence
in the settlement of the Moroccan question
How France will take the first step is a
matter of little import One way is OBJ.
| vious It is evident from the dismissal
of European officers from Fee that the
anti-foreign feeling provoked by the Sui
tan's preference of Western ways has
reached the boiling point, and forcible
Intervention may be deemed necessary
as a precaution against massacre.
Then, too, France may send an expe'
dition, not to conquer Morocco but to assist
G., ho nd
| forward to remain to protect his do.
minions."
| M. DelcassS, the French Minister Of
Foreign Affairs, issued statement to-day
denying that an agreement had been con-
cluded between the Powers on the subject
of Morocco. While the authorized COM
munication to the press says that nc
definite plan has been agreed upon by
Great Britain and France, who have beer
for some time considering the questi on anc
before any decision is taken France de-
sires to obtain from Great Britain recog'
milton OF her predominant rights ir
Morocco" it ia assumed here that an Anglo.
| French arrangement has been made anc
speculation is confined as to what England
has secured in return for her consent.
The Government is urged to secure from
France an agreement to the extension
of her control in Egypt and settlement
of the Newfoundland and Siam questions.
PARIS, Sept. 2s.-The Temps to-day ad'
mits that negotiations are proceeding
bet ween England, France, Spain and Italy
| in regard to Morocco 1t says, however
that it knows that no definite decision
i