M. Delcasse, speaking in the Senate on Friday week, made
a somewhat important statement about Morocco. He denied that France was in any way hostile to the Moorish Govern- ment, though she had recently been compelled to reduce some aggressive tribes to order. , The Sultan was well awaref the friendliness of France, and his special mission to Paris was a proof that he reciprocated-French amity. M. Delcasee admitted, however, that the "mistress of Algeria, which borders- for an immense distance on Morocco, was bound to watch what happens there with a peculiar interest, the legitimacy of which nobody can dispute." The "peculiar. interest "• of a great European State in .a little -semi-barbaric one rapidly develops itself, when circumstances are favourable, into a Protectorate, and it is towards this that the eyes of French statesmen are directed. We do-not see why Great Britain should object, provided that Tetuan and the African -Coast of the Straits are unaffected, or entrusted to Spain as the Power least
likely to use such possessions to close the Mediterranean. We do not want the Hinterland of Morocco, and it is no business of ours to protect the last of the "Barbary Powers" from the ruin brought upon it by savagery and misgovern- ment. It is absurd to keep up a show of jealousy which only makes Frenchmen believe that we are the grand obstacle to their natural expansion.
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