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The New Moroccan Protectorate

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 May 2017

Extract

The signing of the Franco-Spanish treaty concerning the Moroccan question on November 27th marks the last stage in the process of establishing a French protectorate in the Shereefian Empire. For years the European Powers have watched the steady decline of the “little Realm of the West,” the continued loss of power and prestige by its sovereigns both in local and in national affairs, and the gradual disruption of the entire state. Ever since 1880, France, the nearest and most interested African neighbor, has been a keen observer of every move of the Sultans; and she has rendered the harassed and incapable rulers every assistance, diplomatic and otherwise, that these sovereigns would accept and the Powers permit. The French have seen from the first that nothing short of an European protectorate would suffice to save the Sultans, to ensure the establishment of an efficient administration, to afford ample security for life and property, and to give peace and prosperity to the long-suffering and oppressed people.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © American Society of International Law 1913

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References

1 Printed in Supplement to this Journal, p. 81.

2 Declarations between France and Great Britain, April 8, 1904, and France and Spain October 3, 1904, Supplement to this Journal, Vol. 1, pp. 6 and 8.

3 General Act of the Conference of Algeciras, April 7, 1906, Supplement, Vol. 1, p. 47.

4 Declaration between Germany and France. February 9, 1909, Supplement, Vol. 6, p. 31.

5 Supplement, Vol. 1, p. 425.

6 See Franco-Spanish note to the Powers, September 14, 1908, and note sent to Mulai Hafid by the Powers, November 18, 1908, Supplement, pp. 101, 103.

7 See final note of recognition of Mulai Hafid, December 17, 1908, Supplement, p. 105.

8 Finally signed in Paris on March 4, 1910; see terms in Documents Diplomatiques, 1910, Affaires du maroc, V, p. 343; Supplement to this Journal, Vol. 6, p. 43. A similiar treaty was concluded between Spain and Morocco on November 16, 1910; see terms in Supplement to this Journal, Vol. 6, p. 54.

9 Documents Diplomatiques, 1912, Affaires du Maroc, Vol. VI, pp. 179, 189-193, 221, 239, 247, 289.

10 Ibid., pp. 181. 219. 235. 261. 288. 303. 342-343.

11 Documents Diplomatiques, 1912, Affaires du Maroc, VI, pp. 349-350.

12 Ibid., 372-374; see also M. Selves’ speech on Dec. 14, in the Chamber of Deputies, London Times for Dec. 15,1911.

13 Documents Diplomatiques, 1912, Affaires du Maroc, VI, pp. 622-635, Supplement tO this Journal, Vol. 6, pp. 4, 62, 111, 113.

14 London Times, Dec. 21, 1911.

15 Ibid., 25 and 27, 1911.

16 London Times, February 12, 1912.

17 She had marked out three zones in Northern Morocco, the Riff and its hinterland with headquarters at Melilla, the district of Tetuan with the harbor of Ceuta, and the Spanish Gharb with the city of Alcazar and port of Larache; and she had spent approximately $40,000,000 since 1900 to secure these holdings.

18 Signed at Madrid on November 27 and approved by the Spanish Cortez on December 17 by 216 votes to 22. Times, December 18 and November 28, 1912; Supplement to this number of the Journal, p. 81.

19 Times for November 27 and 30, 1912; consists of 29 articles and a protocol on the Tangier-Fez railway.

20 It was most fortunate that Senor Canalejas lived until the terms of this treaty were completed. He was assassinated by a fanatical socialist on November 12, 1912, while the agreement was actually concluded on October 25.

21 Supplement, this Journal, Vol. 6, pp. 207-209.

22 Article 35; Supplement to this Journal, V01. 3, p. 24.

23 Such as the Franco-British treaty of 1890 when Great Britain and France recognized each other’s protectorates in Zanzibar and Madagascar, and the Anglo-German treaties of 1890-1893 whereby the protectorates of England and Germany in East Africa were officially established.

24 See summary of his work and report given in the Times for December 6 and November 9, 1912.