NEWS OF THE WE EK.
MELE French Government, after long forbearance, have
decided to protect their citizens in Morocco, and a French force has been ordered to occupy Oujda, near the Algerian frontier. The incident which provoked this decision was the murder of Dr. Mauchamp, who was employed by the French government, at Marakesh. On Tuesday week Dr. Mauchamp placed a pole above his house to assist a survey which was being made by a French scientific mission. The natives, supposing it to be for wireless telegraphy, which they mistrust and fear, shouted in front of the house, and when Dr. Mauchamp came down he was stoned and stabbed to death. The same afternoon the crowd attacked. the British Consular Agency, and the inmates were obliged to fire. On Tuesday the French Government announced their plan of action, and received the consent of the Chamber without a division. They demand the punishment of the murderers of M. Char- bonnier, who was killed nine months ago, and a Dr. Maucbamp ; the trial at Tangier of the Governor of Marakesb ; and the settlement of all claims arising out of recent attacks on French subjects. Oujda will be held till these demands are satisfied. We deal with the matter elsewhere, and will only say here that France has a perfectly clear right to take the action she proposes, and we are glad to note that all the Powers of Europe agree in this opinion.
