Omaha daily bee., 1911-07-29
Provisioning Forts on Eastern From
tier Gives Rise to Apprehension.
TRYING DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS
France and Germany Will Attempt to
Agree Without Aid of Britain.
ALGECIRAs ACT IS OBSOLETE
British Government Takes View That
it IL Piece of Patchwork that
should BE Succeeded by
Lasting Settlement.

vailed at the capital today, though 1t was
admitted that the negotiations with Ger
many regarding the Moroccan affair re-
1 main difficult. The statement by Premier
Asquith in the British House of Commons
yesterday and Premier Caillaux's advice
to the French TO keep cool and be prudent
relieved the tension at a moment when
relief was most needed and the discreet
military preparations of the government
were giving rise to the apprehension that
war was not impossible.
These preparations included orders to
| the cavalry to be ready for the field at the
first signal the heavy provisioning of the
! forts on the eastern frontier by special sup
ply trains run out of Paris at night and
/ the mastering of all regiments to their full
quota.
| 1t is understood that Baron Kiderlin-
Waechter the German foreign secretary
who is conducting the negotiations with
Jules Cambon, the French AMBASSADOR at
I Berlin, has modified his original pro-
gram and is now asking for part instead
of the whole coast of French Congo, but
at the same time naming other conditions
which France would find difficulty in ac-
cepting. Nevertheless, there is strong
feeling that a solution will be found.
quith's speech as clarifying the solution
and Fastening a settlement. The Figaro
understands that Emperor William told a
personal friend that the Moroccan question
could be settled amicably with France.
France VIII ReOrgani1e Army.
RAMBOUILLET, France, July 2S.-At the
conclusion of the cabinet meeting today,
when President Fallieres presided, two Of
ba firgt
was that Foreign Secretary DE Selves, in
explaining to his colleagues the external
political situation, had said that the pour
parlers between France and Germany were
proceeding normally.
The second announcement was that the
cabinet had decided on the reorganization
of the army, which represents "the crown
ing OF the military work pursued by the
republic for the last forty years"
One occasion for the reorganization is
the resignation of General V. Michel as
commander-in-ch chief because of differences
with his colleagues over the program of
national defense. The superior council of
! war, composed of generals of the army,
continues, but the vice presidency, which
was held by Michel. will be abolished. A
chiefship Of the general staff, carrying
practically the supreme command in time
Of war, Is created instead and General j.
], c. Joffre will be appointed to the latter
post.
The superior council of national defense
which is presided over by the premier and
composed of most OF the ministers, remains
with the addition of a permanent bureau
of study composed of three officers, one
from each of the departments Of war,
marine and colonies.
Many other changes have been decided
upon, all designed to make sure sys-
tematic machine capable OF instant and
effective action in time of war.
VIII Negotiate Directly.
BERLIN, July 2S.-It is believed in Off
cial circles that France and Germany will
be able to unite the African knot by direct
negotiations and without opening the doors
| to the participation of Great Britain and
the other powers. Rosy optimism, how
| ever, is not manifested. Chancellor Won
Bethmann- Hollweg and, probably. Foreign
Secretary Baron Kiderlin- -Waechter leave
today to Join Emperor William, who will
arrive tonight at Swinemunde from his
cruise in northern waters.
Definite predictions would be misplaced
until after this meeting. The foreign office
was fully prepared for Premier Asquith's S
| statement anu now COnIHInb Inat IL naQ
earlier assurances that Great Britain would
not intervene 50 long as Germany and
France were trying to settle the matter
directly, and also that Chancellor Lloyd
Georges speech was not meant as a vSto
OF Franco German arrangement on the
basis OF a French Congo understanding
as section of the British press has inti-
mated.
Definite Agreement Wanted.
LONDON, July 2S.-The Moroccan situa-
! tion seemed less sultry today and 1t was
gradually conceded that Premier Asquith's 3
! statement had helped to clear the air and
TO that extent to ease the tension.
Il is the hope OF the British government
I that the Algeciras act now having been
shown TO be more diplomatic patchwork
some more lasting settlement will be ef-
fected which will tranquilize the European
situation as well as the Moroccan diff
Guilty
Mr.. Asquith's announcement that Great
Britain has not the least disposition to
obstruct a anco-German agreement in
West Africa, 1t is hoped by the officials
the British government is pursuing policy
OF endeavor to thwart Germany's desire
for territorial expansion.
1t is considered hopeful sign that King
George is making definite arrangements to
attend the Cowes regatta tomorrow, while
the members Of the cabinet are preparing
TO leave town for the weekend.