THREE WOMEN IN MOROCCO
[To the Editorf S o, -PECTATOR.] SIR,—I have just received a letter from Fez, containing this information : " Yesterday we had a nice little ceremony-when our new Cons ul-General, on his first visit from Rabat, presented to Miss Cooper the Decoration (M.B.E.), which was granted her on the King's birthday ; but which (by His Majesty's wish, we hear) was kept back till the Consul-General could present it to her on His Majesty's behalf."
When I left Morocco in August I remarked that of all the people I had met, it seemed to me that the three most out- standing, both in character and on account of their- services to the country, were all women. These were the Shareefa of Wazan ; Miss Cooper, the Secretary at the British Consulate in Fez ; and Miss S. M. Denison, missionary for many years in. Fez. Political trouble had been brewing in Fez for some time, and it chanced that at the time of my visit there things came to a head, and many men were arrested. Some of these were under British protection, placing the British authorities in a difficult and delicate position. The Consul was away, and Miss Cooper was left in full charge. With the utmost tact and practical good sense she accepted her responsibility, and brought about an amicable adjustment. This she was able to do because already both the native people and the French were fully convinced of her sincerity, good will and ability. I am, therefore, greatly pleased to hear of the recognition from home, and imagine that the M.B.E. has rarely been more appropriately bestowed.
It may be worth while to publish these facts as a footnote to contemporary history.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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