20 JULY 1901, Page 3

We think that Prance must be and ought to be

the rever- sionary heir of Morocco, but the French Foreign Office display in pursuing that legitimate object too much finesse. They discuss with the Moorish Mission the means of prevent- ing raids by the tribesmen on the " marches " of Morocco and Algeria, but they refuse to delimit boundaries once for all. They think, as they are said to have admitted in con- fidential correspondence, that doubtful boundaries always provide a vantage ground for the stronger State. They will find, if we may trust Indian experience, that rigid good faith, which necessarily; includes strict adherence to boundaries, and therefore their definition, will yield them more strength in the shape of general confidence than any success in cunning diplomacy can possibly do. This is especially the case with Orientals, who, though. they think it due to themselves as able men to be adroit tricksters, respect straightforwardness

as a grand, though inconvenient, quality. If they used Western adjectives they would say "it is stupid, but it is kingly."