Monday, Mar. 31, 1924
Le Maroc
Le Marechal Lyautey, since 1912 the French Resident-General in Morocco, is generally considered the most brilliant of France's colonial administrators. His diplomacy in extending French influence among the turbulent Rif tribesmen and at the Court of the Sultan at Rabat, as well as his military achievements in pacifying and extending the area under French control, stands in striking contrast to the British devolution of authority in Egypt and the Spanish military reverses in their own Moroccan war.
It is now suggested to retire Lyautey and allow Albert Sarraut, Minister of the Colonies in the Poincare Cabinet, to succeed the soldier who has done so much to extend the French North African Empire. Marshall Lyautey has announced his intention of not resigning just yet. But politics are politics and something must be done for Sarraut, who has proclaimed his Intention of renouncing Parliamentary life after the next elections. It was reported that M. Sarraut had been offered the post of Governor-General of French Indo-China and of Ambassador at Washington, "both of-which he refused."
Morocco is the only place where M. Sarraut's activities will have free scope. He waits till M. Lyautey ends his colonial career, either of his own free will or by pressure. The French Government has found that, so far, the smallest hint of M. Lyautey's replacement is received with strong protests.