The Algeciras Conference has been busy all the week in
dealing with matters which are either not controversial, or are opposed only by the Moroccan delegates. The main question has been that of financial reform, and the Committee appointed to deal with it are prepared to advocate certain taxes on European residents and Consular proteges, as well as on Moorish subjects. They have resisted, however, the Moorish proposal to increase largely the Custom dues, and to raise a special tax on industries, as involving an unfair levy on foreign enterprise. Though considerable progress has been made with certain questions, it seems to be felt generally that the labours of the Conference are somewhat unreal, since the vital problems—administrative and police reform—are still undecided. So far Germany has come to no private under- standing with France, as was hoped would be the case, and the Times correspondent thinks that the crucial questions will be left till the end of the sittings. It is possible that this is the wisest course, since, with a large amount of details amicably settled behind them, the delegates will be less likely-to end with a rupture. On the other hand, there is also the danger that the Conference may rise without a definite decision on the real questions at issue. It would have done much good work, but at the same time it would have left its main task unaccomplished. We sincerely hope that France will resist any proposal to introduce an ineffective internationalism into Moroccan reforms, for we cannot believe that Germany is prepared to risk war over a scheme which is administratively indefensible.
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