The Franco-German conversations about Morocco are at a standstill, but
important discussions have taken place in Paris, and it is believed that a definite proposal will be agreed upon by the French Cabinet, and will be presented by the French Ambassador in Berlin when the conversations are resumed next week. It is rumoured that France will ask for a protectorate of Morocco on terms, and, of course, if this should be so, she would be willing to pay a proper price for the consent of Germany. Nothing would appeal to Frenchmen more than a full and free opportunity to complete the great work they have already done in North Africa, and Europe —not to say Morocco herself—would benefit if order were guaranteed in Morocco - by the Power best able to enforce it. But it would be necessary that Germany, in return for acceptable concessions, should make the bargain so explicit that there would be no possibility of re-opening the question in a moment of dis- pleasure and pique. The granting of a "copyhold " lease of Morocco under which France would be called upon to pay heriots, forfeits, and fines to Germany at any moment would not be a settlement at all. We sincerely hope that next week a solution, whatever it may be, may be brought in sight. The danger of delay is always that countries may drift into an impasse which they never would have reached by design. If Germany should be reasonable, next week a solution will be highly probable. If not, France may be assured of whatever support we can give her against unfair treatment.
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