New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-07-29
THE PROBLEM OF AFRICA.

THE PROBLEH UT AfhitA'
The problem of Morocco is now mag
nified into a general African problem,
perhaps with decrease Of intensity COM
mensurate with the ipcrease of scope
Germany has not receded from her pre-
tensions at Agadir. But more attention
Is being paid TO what is presumably her
alternative demand in the Congo. There
has been much talk Of compensation
in that region, by which is presumably
meant that if France objects TO letting
Germany take a slice Of Morocco she
must let her have instead a share of the
French Congo and also must cede to her
the contingent or reversionary rights of
France in the Congo State. The grounds
on which Germany makes these very I'M
portant demands have not been fully dis
closed to the world. but they chiefly, If
not wholly, concern France and Germany
excepting in relation TO the Congo
State-and may perhaps be left TO those
powers alone We cannot imagine
Frances surrendering half Of the French
Congo, including its entire seacoast, ex-
cepting for the most convincing reasons.
OF course, it is easy to understand how
greatly Germany would prize an acquisi-
ton which would double the area and
seacoast Of the Cameroons and give her
q colonial abutment directly upon the
Congo State at the north and a long
frontage upon the lower reaches Of the
Congo River.
Dealings between France and Germany
over the French Congo concern those two
powers alone That is made clear by the
! British government, in its declaration
that It would not think Of attempting TO
| interfere in them. What if Germany did
| thus double her coast line on the Gulf
of Guinea? She already has an I'M
portant frontage there so that the in
crease would not essentially alter the
strategic situation. What would become
Of the little Spanish enclave between the
| CameroOns and the French Congo is
problematic, but the problem is for Spain
to solve The bearing Of the negotiations
upon the Congo State is, however, an
other matter. That state was brought
! into being by an international agreement,
aud although since its annexation 10
| Belgium there has been an increasing
| inclination to regard 1t as no longer sub
iect TO international control or super
vision, the powers have never renowned
or III any degree abated their right to a
voice in its affairs. Indeed, this very
| demand OF Germany's for the contingent
rights Of France In the state inevitably
| implies a recognition Of the continued
validity of the original Congo treaty. 1t
would not be illogical, therefore for
those powers TO require consideration in
any arrangement affecting rights to
which they have given title and which
exist solely because Of their having
| done so.
! What is encouraging and even hopeful
in the whole situation is the manner
! in which Germany receives the very posi-.
| tive declaration of British policy. 1t
/ is made quite clear by Mr.. Asquith that
| Great Britain will stand very stily for
| her full treaty rights in Morocco under
]
there shall he no partitioning of that
empire, and that therefore Germany shall
not be permitted to seize Agadic.
/ Whether German possession Of that place
would be an intolerablc menace to Great
Britain may he a debatablc question.
What is certain IS that the AlgeciraS
treaty forbids the parttioning Of Mo-
rocco and that Great Britain as one Of
| the signatorles has a right TO insist upon
I the maintenance of its terms But II
is also made equally clear by Mr. As
/ quth that Great Britain has no thought
! OF meddling elsewhere in Africa, i'm parts
where she has no concern. and thai
| France and Germany may come to any
arrangement over their own territory
! which IS pleasing 10 them. 1t Is that
declaration which allays German irTi-
| tation and causes the German press TO
| take a pacific tone and even to applaud
the British attitude as cOnciliatory
II would be premature to regard the
/ controversy as settled or the situation as
no longer dangerous But at least way
out Of the difficulties seems to be pro-
yiGed. II has been noteworthy that from
the beginning Of the dispute there has
been scarcely hint at suggestion that
it should be settled by arbitration or by
reference TO The Hague. 1t seems TO
have been tacitly recognized that this
was case for settlement either by di-
rect diplomatic negotiations or by appeal
TO arms. But the latest responsible ut.
terances Indicate that direct diplomacy
may be sufficient TO effect a settlement.