M. Goblet's reply to Signor Crispi concluding the Massowah controversy
is very moderate in tone, and shows that the French Minister is not at all anxious to drive matters at present to a quarrel. He certainly seems to show that Signor Crispi is not justified in saying that Italy has repeatedly asserted her " full sovereignty " over Massowah, and points out that on June 30th, 1886, the Green-Book distributed to the Chamber by Count Robilant divided into three categories the territory occupied by Italy on the Red Sea,—territories belonging to her in full sovereignty, territories placed under her protectorate, and territories presided over and administered by Italy,—and characterised Massowah merely as one of the territories presided over and administered by Italy." Further, M. Goblet maintains that even after conquest, a treaty in which
the conquered Power cedes the territory she has lost is needful, before any change of system can ipso facto take place. The Note is intended to close the controversy, and is certainly not aggressive.
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