Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-21
MOROCCAN CONFERENCE
A RISING FEELING OF DIsTRUST
Is EVIDENT.

ALGECIRAS. Spain. January 2o-Behind
the screen OF amiabiiity that envelops the
relations of the ENJOYS of the powers TO
the Moroccan conference n rising feeling of
dfstrust Is observable due seemingly TO the
unwillingness of both France and Germany
to define their positions beyond reafsirmIne
now somewhat wearisomely their adher-
ence to the open door. the sovereignty OF
the sultan and the integrity of his terri
tories.
The French delegates in all their conver-
sational "Reminiscences with their oppo-
nents have been unable to learn precisely
what Is the position OF Germany nor ap-
parently have the German REPRESENTATIVES,
oeeI apie TO ascertain the joint Intentions
OF Franco and Great Britain. Extreme eau
tlon ana lack of confidence have begun tn
ues.roy the favorable atmosphere for nego-
ua.ioh which was created by the courtesles
ana assurances of the first days
There is a feeling among the ambassadors
or the less interested powers that trouble
Is in sight The Moroccan delegates havo
ton therefrom.
Inc earnestness of the Moroccan dele-
gates over The urgency. for foreign pre-
ventlon OF the contraband trade i'm arms
arnuses the Morocco specialists in the con-
ference, the son of Mohammed FL
Torres. head Of the Moroccan mission has
grown rich out of the Illicit traffic in arms
and several other persons of the srltans
court are engaged in this business. Snug
gied cartridges said to be sold regli-
iarly along the coast, and cast iron rifles
are specially made for the African trade
at SO a piece.
Opinion on Contraband Matter.
The opinion of those familiar with Mo-
roccan conditions is that il makes little
difference what the powers agree upon re-
garding the contraband arms trade. The
result depends altogether on the manner
which decisions he
are enforced
The committee on contraband of the
Moroccan conference met again today. The
principal points discussed were the uues-
ton of the right of seizure Sy the sultan
or by authorized police, and of the au-
thorfty of vessels carrying contraband to
enter Moroccan harbors. The conference
probably will accept the committees re-
port professionally and lay 1t aside for
final action.
The reform of the finances of Morocco
will next be considered. Thus the con-
ference for some time yet Will dodge the
question of the organization of the Mo-
roccan police, which involves the vital is
sue between France and Germany
The delegates beginning to show
signs of WEAKNESS of the limited diver
sions OF the village. and therefore they
welcome the announcement of bull hight
January %, in which three noted matadors
will participate.
AS Germany and France are both repre-
sented on the committee the agreement Of
France to the draft seems to insure the &C
ceptance of the plan by the conference.
Both sides express outward satisfaction,
the Germans appearing to consider this
another step in deferring Frances exercise
of any special surveillance or authority in
Morocco.
Draft for an Agreement.
The committee examining into the ques-
ton of contraband has completed the draft
of an agreement which will be submitted
to the conference Monday. The agreement.
while temporarily solving this question, APP
pears to be purposely framed to further
defer the main issues between France and
Germany
The draft provides that the various pow
ers pass laws prohibiting their citizens eX-
porting arms to Morocco and the coast
patrol against contraband is restricted to
Morocco's territorial waters. thus avoiding
the search or seizure OF vessels upon the
high seas.
1t is apparent that the theory of the
agreement is that Morocco will administer
the coast patrol. The draft does not state
who will be charged with this duty, and
therefore the delicate Franco-German con-
troversy concerning whether France alone
or all the powers will exercise surveillance
Is deferred until the question of police has
been examined. Copies of the agreement
are being printed for distribution to the
delegates tomorrow preparatory TO discus
sion Monday.