New-York tribune., 1905-04-09
THE KAISER'S COUP.
Calls a Halt to France IN Morocco
PoSOer of Holy Synod in Russia.

experience and profound knowledge of diplo- |
macy and foreign affairs declared in one of |
those odd bursts of confidence which used to be
denounced by his foes as blazing indiscre-
tiOns." that the question which would bring on !
the long expected and much dreaded outbreak
of war between the great powers would be in |
connection neither with China, yet with |
Egypt, nor the Balkans, yet Asia Manor
but Morocco. OF far graver import than the |
much discussed Eastern question was the Moor |
ish peril and it is no secret that several times
in the last fifteen twenty years certain of the
European governments. notably France and
England, have been on the verge of war about
Morocco. The last crisis of this kind happened
between four and five years ago, when Great
Britain threatened to occupy Tangier in the
event of France seizing Taflet, which commands
all the great trade and caravan routes of the
Moorish empire. About eighteen months ago
England abandoned this position with regard to
Morocco, and by means of treaty recognized
Frances claims to play predominant role IN
the Moorish empire, in return for the withdrawal
OF Gallo opposition to Great Britain's control Of
Egypt The convention in question covered
number of other points at issue between the two
nations and put an end to many differences that
had stood in the way of a friendly understand
ing. But the principal feature Of the treaty
that in return for Frances recognition of
Englands supremacy on the banks of the Nile
England acknowledged the right of France, not
merely to exercise predominant role in Mo-
rocco, but eventually TO absorb IT into her great
African colonial empire, Great Britain merely
stipulating that for term of thirty years her
trade should enjoy the same advantages in Mo
rocco that it possesses to-day.
The announcement that an agreement of this
kind had been concluded took everybody by
surprise For while there may have been sus-
nj hat NJ
were in progress between the two powers it
was assumed that they related merely to the
settlement Of disputes in connection with
Newfoundland the west coast of Africa and
Siam No one outside the Cabinets. the Foreign
Ministers and the executives of the two nations
concerned had the slightest idea that England
abandoning to France that Moorish en-
pire to preserve the integrity of which she had
been read 20 to war with her only three
years pre- it, >. For once In a way foreign
statesmen and rulers were caught mapping. and
proof was afforded. if proof were needed, that
the secrets of Downing Street and of the Quai
d'Orsai better kept than the public might
be led to believe from the fanciful stories of
the exploits of secret agents and international
spies which find so ready acceptance by the
press. Not even Russia had been permitted to
obtain an inkling of what going on, despite
her alliance with France, and the resentment at
ST petersburg was consequently great. No
where. however. did the news excite more dis
gust than at Berlin where not only the Ger
man Ambassadors in London and Paris, but like
wise Count Bilow himself, as the Minister
of State responsible for the foreign relations of
the empire, in for much abuse, it being
asserted that they had permitted themselves to
be hoodwinked and had been guilty of neglect
In course Of time Spain, which had always
looked upon the hinterland Of her settlements
the Moorish coast destined to replace her
lost colonies, induced by France to give
her approval to the treaty by means of an
agreement. the terms of which have not yet
been disclosed, but which manifestly satis-
factory to the government at Madrid, since King
Alfonso is to be the guest Of the French nation
at Paris a few weeks hence Thereupon the
AnglO-Frenoh treaty was communicated to the
foreign - ~0nts a matter of courtesy.
Some Of Of Germany in particular,
abstaineo me from according anything
tina, acknowledgment, declining
to express g.. opinion about the matter and it
was assumed that they had all resigned them
selves. perhaps with i'll grace and manifest
reluctance. to the fait accompli This assump-
ton has proved wrong. at any rate in the case
Of the Kaiser. With far more political sagacity
and prescience. and likewise with more pa
tience than he is generally supposed to possess
lie determined to bide his time before taking
up any position in this Moorish question. AL