Note 1223 — Chapter XVIII

Cf. Stuart, French Foreign Policy from Fashoda to Serajevo, pp. 221 ff.; Tardieu, La France et les alliances, pp. 239 ff. Schoen reported that his French colleague, Bompard, had expressed his opinion as follows: “What has resulted . . . . from the Conference of Algeciras? First, a welding together of France and England which the former did not at all wish in this measure. Then an almost complete isolation of Germany and probably no small amount of ill-humor among all the Powers, who saw themselves compelled to take an open stand on questions in which they really had little interest. Finally, apparent discord between Russia and Germany. True, the Conference has left behind neither victor nor vanquished; Germany has achieved internationalization; France, a certain recognition of her special position. But the existing sources of friction do not appear to have been destroyed, but rather new ones to have been created. . . . . The Conference, together with its previous history, has left in the French nation a certain mistrust which may not disappear quickly and which will for years stand in the way of a genuine friendly rapprochement, which is desired on both sides and which was so near” (Schoen to Bülow, April 7, 1906, G.P., XXI, 341, No. 7144).