Daily Kennebec journal., 1905-06-17
Morocco Just Now the
Cause Of Much Anxiety
To France, England and Ger
many, Particularly Latter.
France Waak Control and Germany Does
Il na Reeogli1e nor Right.

Paris, June 1.-THE strained relations
between France and Germany over Mo-
rocco continue to give rise to serious
apprehensions. but while admitting
that there are real differences, the Off
cials protest against this being made
the basis Of exaggerated reports. Such
reports have been circulated for several
days past by a small and uninfluential
section Of the press, notably by the
Patrie and the Presse. One report that
Germany had submitted an ultimatum
brought out a formal denial from the
foreign Office.
Another report in the Patrie is that
Germany has demanded that France
and Great Britain complete guarantee
that the Anglo-French entente Is not In
the nature of an armed alliance against
Germany. The Presse asserts that NJ
Delcasse, the foreign minister, signed
a. secret offensive and defensive alli-
ance with Great Britain. These reports
are dismissed in authoritative quarters
as fanciful enlargements OF the situa-
tion and an editorial in The semi-of-
fetal Temps, tonight, give" warning
against what it terms nervous par
oxysms." At the same TIM the diplo-
matte strain between Franco and Ger
many Is undesirably serious.
The chief cause of this is the inabil-
ity thus far Of either party to propose
a remedy acceptable to the other.
France is tenacious to uphold her pre-
dominant position in Morocco without
subjecting 1t to inspection and revi-
sion by the national congress proposed
by Germany. On the other hand, Ger
many does not recognize French pre-
dominance in Morocco, or the Anglo
French agreement on which this pre-
dominance Is based. Thus Gernary's
issue is equally against Great Britain
and France, although the latter is more
Immediately involved.
One of the chief causes Of the pres
ent apprehension is the possibility in
the prospect of some untOward incident
along the Franco-German frontier,
which for years has been garrisoned by
formidable military forces.
Premier Rouvier announced at a
meeting of the council of ministers
held at the Elysee Palace, at noon, to-
day, that he had definitely decided to
permanently ,etaip the portfolio of
foreign affairs and relinquish that of
finance. A decree nominating NJ. Rou-
Vier minister of foreign affairs will ap-
pear i'm the Journal official, tomorrow.
Later I'm the day it was reported that
NJ. Merlou, at present under secretary
Of finance. would be appointed minister
of flnance.
NJ. Rouviers decision to remain in
the ministry Of foreign affairs was the
result Of earnest requests of President
Loubet and his colleagues, who desired
his strong hand at the Eelm during the
difficult negotiations with Germany
over Morocco The status of the nego-
tiations continues to give the French
officials great solicitude, as no pro-
gress is being made and the parties are
almost at the point Of having reached
n deadlock.
After leaving the Elysee Palace. M.
ROuvier returned to the foreign oHice
where he received DR.. MorOno. the Jap
anese minister, who had requested 4
meeting for the purpose Of delivering
a communica ton doubtless relating to
the coming peace meeting at Wash
tnEtOn.
Later advices show that NJ. Merlou'
appointment as minister of finance Is
regarded as certain.