It is stated on good French authority that the difficulty
with Spain as to Morocco, which at one time seemed likely to interfere with the fulfilment of the Anglo-French Agreement, has been removed. The terms are not yet published ; but according to the Madrid correspondent of the Temps, Tangier and Tetuan will both be declared to be within the Spanish "sphere of influence," which, in fact, will extend from Melilla, to the Sebu. That arrangement, which emphasises the neutralisation of the coast opposite Gibraltar, already secured under the Agreement., is, of course, in full accord- ance with British interests. We want nothing in Morocco except a guarantee that Tangier shall not fall into the hands of a great maritime Power ; and even if France were at war with Great Britain, she could not wish, by dis- turbing the Agreement, to add Spain to the number of her enemies. According to the Temps, there is a clause, called "the fifteen-year clause," about which the Spanish statesmen are suspicious ; but it seems to be only a proviso intended to forbid any alteration of the status quo during that period. There are secret clauses in the Treaty, but the British Government is entirely satisfied.
