Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1905-04-27
DELCASSE RESIGNS.
French Minister Of Foreign Affairs
Quits the Cabinet
QUESTION OF NEUTRALITY The CAUSE
DiMsaIIaEaction with Morocco Sits
alton May Also Have Influenced
distinguished DiDlomat-A
Washington opinion.


|
Paris, April 22.--After notable ser
vice Of nearly eight years in the d.
vision Of foreign affairs Theophile Del
casse informed President Of the council
Rouvier Of his desire and intention U
resign. This announcement came al
a surprise and shock to M. Delcassei
colleagues OF the cabinet, who imme'
diately took steps to endeavor to secure
reconsideration of his determine
ton. A cabinet conncil was held Friday
afternoon at which M. Rouyier in the
absence Of M. Delcasse, laid the sltua-
ton before the ministers. It was the
unanimous determination Of the coun-
Gil that the interests of the country at
this particular time required that M.
Delcasse retain the portfolio Of foreign
affairs.
The motives leading up to M. Del
casse's sudden determination to re-
tire from the cabinet are primarily at
tributed to internal controversies over
the Moroccan question; and this to
some extent has been accentuate by
similar controversies over French neu-
trality in the far east. The opposition
has been quick to seize upon both ques-
lions and, headed by Socialists and
nationalists have directed their criti-
cisms against M. Delcasse. The So
cialists' criticisms have been particu-
larly vehement during recent days on
the Moroccan question, and this ap-
pears to have finally decided M. Del
casse to surrender the question into
other hands II is felt that his retire.
ment now would be hailed in Germany
as a German triumph and this is one
of the main considerations leading M.
Rouvler to earnestly appeal to M. Del
casse to remain in the foreign office.
The announcement concerning M,
Delcasses intention to resign was but
one Of many incidents In day Of much
anxiety throughout the government
quarters. Following close upon the
heels of the complications with Ger
many over Morocco, the Franco-Japan-
ese incidents suddenly assumed serious
proportions, and unusual energy was
shown in preventing Its embroiling
France in complications in the far
east. In order to secure definite CO.
operation between three departments
Of the government, namely, naval, col
onIni aud fnreinn. a conference was
held Friday aferuoon between leaning
representations of each department.
This brought about a clear understand
ing regarding the measures necessary
for the maintenance Of neutrality OF
Indo-Chiness waters and orders were
sent to Governor-G General Beau to
specifically report the exact location
of the Russian Pacific squadron and
whether 1t had or had not withdrawn
from French waters.
Probably the most significant devel-
opment from the energetic measures
adopted outside the receipt Of dis
patch from Saigon saying that imper-
alive orders had been given for the
disarmament Of the Russian cruiser
Diana, which sought refuge in the har-
Dor Of Saigon eight months ago for
purpose Of repairs. The main portion
Of the Diana's machinery must now be
handed over to the French naval au-
thorities at Saigon.
The anticipated debate in the cham
Der Of deputies Of the question Of neu-
trality was postponed owing to the Del
casse announcement. The only ref
erence- to the subject was the inquiry
by Deputy Deloncle and the brief re-
ply from Premier Rouvier, who said:
Formal, precise and repeated ord
ders have been given our agents in
Indo-C China to assure the absolute neu-
trality Of France In Indo- Chinese
waters. r.
It was stated at the foreign ONCE
late Friday afternoon that no repre-
sensations Of any kind had been pre-
sented by Great Britain concerning
neutrality. At the same time It is
anticipated that some such representa-
tons will be made, The fact that the
British ambassador, Sir Francis Ber-
tie, has given up his eastern holidays
and will return to Paris, after a con-
ference with Foreign Secretary Lands
downe, appears to support this view.
However, the cordial relations existing
between France and Great Britain
would doubtless modify any represen-
tations 80 as to relieve them from SER
ious significance. Anything like an
energetic protest from Great Britain
at this time would deeply wound
France, who relies on the Anglo
French senate as a counterpolse to
Germany's menaces over Morocco.
Washington, April 22.-Diplomats in
close touch with European chancsl-
tories hold the opinion that Morocco.
more than the menace to French neu-
trallty in the far east, is responsible
for the threatened retirement Of NJ.
Delcasse, the French minister Of for
eiRn Affairs.