NEWS OF THE WEEK
ON Friday week in the French Chamber of Deputies M. Delcasse made a defence of his foreign policy for the first time since he was compelled to resign office more than two years ago. It was a most skilful and eloquent review of his conduct, and its effect on the Chamber was only a fore- taste of the deep interest it has caused throughout Europe. M. Delcasse explained how the future of France in the Mediterranean was involved in Morocco. France had given Germany no pretext for interference, as Germany had been treated on the same terms as Russia. Germany was annoyed at seeing France slip away from her hegemony in Europe, and her wrath was really directed against the Entente Cordiale. It was said that a refusal by France to go to the Algeciras Conference would have meant war. M. Delcasse absolutely denied this. The Government which got rid of his services was simply deceived by a campaign of intimidation. No war was ever possible. But as it was, France in consenting to work in Morocco under the surveillance of Europe had abandoned all that was characteristic in her policy. He had voted in favour of the Algeciras Act later, not because he approved of it, but because it was then necessary to support the Government. All the understandings and alliances for which be was responsible between France and other Powers had been pacific in intention and practice. The debate was concluded on Tuesday, when M. Pichon briefly reiterated the policy of the Government, and what amounted to a vote of confidence was carried by the large majority of 436 votes to 51.
