4 OCTOBER 1913, Page 17

M. Barthou, the French Prime Minister, spoke at a luncheon

given in his honour at San Sebastian on the 29th ult., and was received in audience by King Alfonso. While admitting divergence in the past, he spoke hopefully of the future. " We have already reached a rapprochement ; we ought to become united." He could not say what this union, which would definitely bring them together, would be called, but he knew that they were moving towards a more and more cordial and close understanding. According to the special correspondent of the Temps, negotiations with regard to the French communications with Morocco have resulted in a definite agreement, and General Lyautey will discuss the military co-operation of the two countries in Morocco with King Alfonso and the Spanish Ministers during M. Poincare's approaching visit to Madrid. The negotiations dealing with the revision of the customs tariff, M. Barthou pointed out, called for reciprocal concessions, and while France could not sacrifice the important interests of some of her departments, she was ready to give way on some points.