The situation in Morocco is not improving. Last week the
French Minister, acting under orders from Paris, postponed indefinitely the French Mission to Fez, and recalled the Consul and all French subjects from that city. Last Saturday the British Consul and all British subjects left. This looks like an approaching rupture of diplomatic relations, more especially since the Sultan does not seem to be acting in a fit of caprice, but under the influence of a strong reactionary movement in the capital. It is reported that a powerful deputation of Moorish citizens, fearing French designs on their country, demanded from the Sultan the expulsion of the French Consul and the cessation of all relations with France, and that the movement is anti-French, and not necessarily anti-European. Meanwhile, at Tangier it is said that the extortions of the Governors are driving the inhabitants to seek the protection of Raisuli, who in effect now rules, and rules tolerably well, a large district adjoining the city. There seems no solution of the crisis, rave a French military or naval demonstration, which may have the effect of bringing Abd-ul- Aziz to listen to reason, and thereafter some form of army of occupation to continue the lesson. As France is the guarantor to Europe of the peace of the country, she must, if necessary, fulfil her duty by force.
Previous page
