15 DECEMBER 1906, Page 2

The plot thickens in Morocco. The Sultan, through one of

his Ministers, has announced to the Diplomatic Corps that he is sending troops to restore order in Tangier and remove every cause of complaint. This is obviously aimed at Raisuli, who is well able to look after himself. The Times corre- spondent on Thursday published a statement from him which defines the policy of this brigand-turned-gendarme. He denies that he is fostering any anti-European agitation, his name being used in this connexion without his consent. Provided Europeans will not interfere with the internal affairs of Morocco, he is content to live at peace with them. But he announces that he will resist the coming troops unless they place themselves under his orders, since the Sultan has given him the district to govern. Then follows much Oriental boasting about his power ; but the conclusion shows that he realises the precariousness of his position, for he announces that he will guarantee to the European representatives the peaceful introduction of all the proposed reforms if they will obtain from the Sultan a guarantee for his own security. Clearly the impudence of Raisuli is tempered with a whole- some caution.